of life and eminency of learning of whom I would speake more but that I will not offend his humility and modesty I say the Authour himselfe who hath a commanding power in me did request me to undertake this taske and I am glad if my Pensill hath in some measure taken out to the life so curious a Prototype howsoever Courtious and Christian Reader I have resolved to venture upon thy favourable acceptance and to desire thee to interpret this interpretation to the best in hope of which I remaine Thine to my power Harb Grimeston THE WONDERS OF THE LOAD-STONE CHAP. I. Concerning the use of the Load-stone unknowne in former ages discovered in these latter times THe Learned and unlearned have seene the Load-stone and tooke it into their hands many ages agoe yea as I may say from the very beginning of the world the vulgar and meaner sort of people perceived not without amazement the Vertue which it hath to draw Iron unto it and lift it up Arist. lib. 1. de anima Thales Scaliger Gilâ—eâ—tus Flinius Claudtanus Oâ—pheus â— Lucretius The Philosophers disputed subtily about the forme thereof and vehemently contended among themselves about this whether it had a Soule or no Both Historians and Poets have proclaimed the mysticall and wonderfull nature the secret and hidden qualities thereof yet mingling truth with falshood and adding to their discourses diverse vaine sigments of their owne so that of one and the same stone Ludovic Vives in Augustinum de Civitate Dei through errors they made two of a contrary nature one they called Theamedes from the Southerne point another Maâ—nes from the Northerne but I pray to whaâ— good end or purpose when in the meane time they were utterly ignorant of its turning toward the Pole of its use in Navigation and the Art of Dyalling they not so much as dreaming darkly of these things Surely the Lord of Nature would have so many acute and Divine wits of Philosophers and Theologues not to finde out as yet such an excellent invention and so it lay hid altogether in the secret bosome of natures Majesty and that for five thousand yeares and more untill at length after the exhibiting of Christ to the world in the yeare of our Lord one thousand three hundred or thereabouts Almighty God of his goodnesse taking compassion uopn Man-kind did make Mortall men happie declaring unto them by Goias Melphitanus the most usefull and beneficiall Instrument of the Mariners compasse by the helpe and benefit of which wee doe now discover many remote lands that were unknown heretofore and so procure all kindes of Merchants wares Wherefore that which is commonly spoken of Aristotles Booke of Physicks wee may more justly applie to the Load-stone 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that made publike it was and yet not made known because that men did not yet understand the secrets thereof Looke in what manner the Lord of the world to whom belongs the earth Ps. 124.1 the fullnes therof did give the Load-stone unto the world in the very same maÌ„ner did he give the world it selfe and all worldly things to such as are great and worldly people Heaven indeed he hath reserved for himself for his elect both Angels men but the earth he hath given to the children of men in generall Concerning possessions Titles Lawyers plead in their Courts as Divines dispute in their Scholes concerning the right and Lordship thereof whether unregenerate persons since Adams fall have any right to these earthly things as also whether this Right be grounded upon Grace or Nature whether it holds good in Gods Law Court or only in mans Let these controversies bee at an end for me Let the ungodly if God so please hold and enjoy their large patrimonies let worldlings keep to themselves their vaine worldly wealth so that this bee out of all doubt and question that the saving and profitable use of such things pertaines onely to them that are good in the eyes of the Lord who by Christ have recovered that which was lost and forfeited by sinne And this I suppose to have beene the Apostles meaning in that briefe Epitome of our Magna Charta 1 Cor. 3. 21 22 23. the large charter of Christians where he doth accurately and particularly rehearse that ample and royall priviledge of the faithfull excluding all Infidels or unbelievers All things are yours whether Paul or Apollo or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come All I say are yours yours onely as touching the true spirituall and Heavenly use of the same and yee are Christs and Christ is Gods So then this good blessing and gift of GOD is proper onely to those that are good which gift the royall Preacher doth praise so much Eccl. â— 19 and 2.24 26 and doth also make opposite to it vanity disease disquietnesse vexation of spirit and that toylsome occupation of gathering and heaping up riches which he notes to be the portion of sinners impos'd as a punishment upon them by God of which he doth else-where complaine Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a foole Seeing he hath no heart or mind that is to say to receiv'e any profit thereby or to make any good use of it Wherefore have wretched Euclio's or Misers the Usurie of much Money and the right use but of little Wherefore is unmeasurable Wealth confer'd on the Covetous which are as greedy as TANTALUS is said to have beene they being such sparing Distributers of it and doe abstaine from their Wealth as if that it were sacred and forbidden to bee touched So likewise wherefore have the Prodigall and wastfull spenders of their Substance such plentifull meanes which they to the destruction of their bodies and Soules doe abuse and consume in Gaming and Riotous living Wherefore have wicked men such excellent endowments inriching their mindes quick understandings stedfast memories happy and fine wits wherby they doe service to Satan and their own lusts which S. Augustine did so lamentably bewaile in his Scholer Licentius a learned and Noble young-man Wherefore hath God infus'd into their hearts the habits of graces wherefore hath hee with a Liberall hand committed these heavenly talents unto their trust if they shall be wrapt up in Napkins and being wrapt up be hid and perish unlesse that over and above he shall adde unto these another Grace whereby they may stirre up these graces received and set them forth to be seene of others and exercise themselves in them to the glory of God the giver of all grace and to the profit of their friends and neighbours Vile latens virtus quid enim submersa tenebris Proderit obscuro veluti sine remige puppis Vel Lyra quae reticet vel qui non tenditur arcus The vertue that lyes hid is poore and vile In darkenesse drown'd what profits it the while A ship without a guide to th' Sea that 's
sent A Herpe not sounding or a bow unbent What profit these A. Gell. Pâ—uâ— Man is like Iron saith one if you use it it will be bright if you doe not it will be rustie and corrupt 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it is not the having but the using of Bookes is the meanes to get learning saith Plutarch so may one say of riches Quo mihi divitias queis non concedituruti Horat. Vel mihi da clavem vel mihi tolle seram Anon. What good have I of goods not us'd I say Give me the Key or take the Lock away CHAP. II. Concerning divers uses of the Loadstone and which is the most excellent AS there is a manifold multifarious use to â—e made of all things in generall so of every thing in particular and a great deale of profit that commeth thereby Yet for the most part that is the least use to be esteemed of to be reckoned in the last and lowest place which is obvious to the eyes of the behoulders at the very first sight is presently discovered and doth as it were of its owne accord offer it selfe to be discerned The next and middlemost is that which is perceived by him that lookes into things more fully who layeth the object naked before his eyes and uncovers it as if a man should unbarke a Tree The best and most excellent use which should be of highest esteeme is that which is made manifest with labour by him that doth consideratively weigh all businesses and piercing through the very marrow of the matter brings all things to examination deliberately yet frequently when hee hath taken great paines in his Study after that hee hath beaten his Deske and bitten his nayles Pers. as he saith after that he hath powred forth his prayers to the God of heaven and hath laboriously spent much time in searching the gold Mines of Nature Now that I may give light to what I have said by example children and women even by the secret instinct of Nature doe use hearbes for to smell to and to looke upon The Apothecaries by the helpe of Art and experience doe use the same for the nourishment of bodyes and for cure of diseases Divines having the Spirit of God for their guide and Christ for their Teacher who described Gods providence in a lively manner by the example of Lilies I say Divines make use of them to informe mens understandings and to instruct them in heavenly things this very thing is more clearely seene in the holy Scripture whereof although there be but one sense yet hath it a threefold use the first is literall which is apparent in the outside of the History the second Tropologicall which serves for information of manners the third Anagogicall which doth elevate the mind to spirituall and heavenly things but above all this is most clearely seene in the Loadstone the lesse considerable use of it is knowne to common people of the meanest capacity It was first found out by one Nicander a Heardsman of Magnesia Pline when as he fed his Cattle he observed that the point of his Pastorall staffe and the Hobnailes of his shoes did stick in a peece of ground where Loadstones were so that he could hardly get off but that use is of great account and more excellent whilst by the helpe and direction thereof they understand to motions and progresse of starres they measure the precious minuts of time they direct the course of ships and arrive at the Havens where they would be Further the use that is most excellent of all other is that which God willing I shall recommend in that which followeth to Christians and especially to Divines unto whom it is given of God for to know and perceive the mysteries of the Kingdome of heaven and this I trust I shall doe by raising and stirring up their soules to a more manifest knowledge of Christ and to a sweeter meditation of his Divine grace through the pleasing Contemplation of this marvelous Stone and by an explication of the hidden properties and operations of it which I hope shall not be unacceptable Surely this is the principall and chiefest end of the creatures that they should be as ladders and wings wherewith our sou'es going up and flying above the thickets and dung-hils of this world may ascend up to heaven more easily and come with speed to God their Creator and indeed God hath engraven some excellency upon things that are of the meanest esteeme some greatnesse on things that are reputed least and some visible foot-steps of his invisible wisedome and power on things that are supposed most obscure he hath imprinted in the Loadstone I dare boldly say a lively representation of himselfe a remarkeable demonstration of his power a cleare character of his grace Pliâ— Nature hath beene no where more laborious then in the Loadstone said that undefatigable Searcher of the Nature of things and most diligent discoverer of Antiquity Either he would have said or else should have said besides that nature hath beene no where more miraculous and munificent no where more mysticall and ingenious â—o not in Pearles precious stones in whose candour and splendour natures Deiâ—y lyeth hid after a sort which shines and glistereth in the sutty colour and blackenesse in this Stone Many makes Idols of those Gemmes by loving them too much and so they are Teachers of Vanities and Lyes as the Prophet speakes but this stone though dumb is a master to teach us boâ—h verity and vertue in many particulars CHAP. III. Of the benefit we have by the use of the Loadstone that shewes us the North and a comparison of it with Christ. BEfore that the vertue of the Loadstone that sheweth the North was revealed unto Mariners it cannot be spoken with what uncertaine wandrings men were driven about following doubtfull conjectures how they did indirectly floate here and there rather then sayle the right way indeed when the weather was faire when either the Sunne or starres gave their light they crept about the coasts of the earth sometimes by the helpe of lights set in high places for their direction sometimes by the helpe of Towers and Trees not farre from the shoare yet not without incredible anxiety of mind and great danger of shipwrack but if the heavens were cloudy if the starres and Sunne were withdrawne out of sight and especially a tempest drawing on they knew not whether to tune themselves or whither to goe with what joy then shall we thinke that they were fil'd in every part with what gladnesse may we suppose that they did triumph when first this Magneticke Neptune became the guide of their way which shewing unto them the path they should trace through quicke-sands and rockes they might discerne and distinguish even in the darkest night and most cloudy skie the severall angles of the North and the South the East and the West and might most certainely judge in what coasts of the
vulgar sort With that an unreasonable love of Gold and Silver doe men burne And how much are precious stones esteemed with Princes and great ones Gemmes and Peares in what honour and estimation are they held For they have their Splendour as the rest of the Mettals whereby they may allure the eyes of beholders and bewitch their minds Iron in the meane time because it hath noe bright Colour and is of little estimation is disregarded by all in comparison of all other Metalls and is every where sold for litle it is troden in every place almost under feet and hath but the lowest place and rank amongst all those Metalls all which notwithstanding the Load-stoâ—e altogether despising and counting as nothing the other Mettals which are so bright and excellent in their owne nature hath made choise of the Iron above them all which it drawes unto it with a violent and greedy affection which it imbraceth with a strait bond of love whose company and union it onely desires of whose friendship and neighbour-hood it is wondrously glad of whose fellow-ship and service it doth perpetually make use and as counting it an honour would be term'd by the name of Siderites which is deriv'd from the Iron You which admire this excellent sympathie cast your eyes upon the love of God towards man and upon our Election the Angels that fell likewise if they be compared to us poore men what wonderfully glorious creatures are they what noble Spirits whose knowledge how many degrees goes it beyond our blindnesse whose power â—ow faâ—re doth it exceed our weakenes whose honour dignity how much doth it surpasse our obscurity and meannes But Christ our Lord did not take on him the nature of thâ—se but passing by them as they lay in the Lake of sulphure prison of hell Hee elected us poore vvormes even dust and ashes Hâ—e lov'd us vvretched creatures He vvas made oâ— a vvoman bone of our bone flesh of our flesh Hee carryed up the humanâ— nature above the Cherubins Seraphins and made it to sit in the heavenly places to be adored of Angels and Archangels Hee hath adopted us and made us the sonnes of God that we should be â—eires yea coheires vvith him Hee hath made us partakers of the Divine Nature of grace and glorie Who would not here crie out vvith Saint Chrysostome 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. Behold the love of our Lord toward mankind doe not thinke this to be a thing of small moment or value it being indeed a thing to be wondred at and full of astonish And I taking this often into my consideration doâ— conceive and imagine great mâ—tters as touching mankind Doe you also my brethren see your calling how that not many vvise and mighty according to the flesh 1 Cor. 1.26 not many sprung of illustrious Progeny but God hath chosen the base and foolish things of the world that he might confound the wise CHAP. X. Of the Loadstones indifferency and of a Christians not respecting of persons BEhold â—urther the indifferency and the not respecting of persons vvhich may be seene both in the Lâ—adstone and every true Christian for the Loadstone doth acknowledge and draw Iron unto it as well vvhen it is shut up in a vvooden chest as in a golden casket in a leaden sheath as in a silken scabberd It is the Iron onâ—ly which it respects it regards not the ornament and cloathing of Iron whatsoever it be It is the Iron that it seekes that it imbraceth not the golden trappings or gilding with vvhich it is covered about wherefore brethren let us be ashamed to have the Faith of our Lord Jesus Christ the Lord of glory with respect of persons so that if one come into your company having a gold ring or gorgeous attire and there come in a poore man in vile â—ayment and ye have respect to him that weareth the gay cloathing and shall say to him sit thou here in a good place and say to the poore stand thou there or sit here under my footstoole are ye not become Judges that determine perversly are ye not partiall in your selves are ye not become Judges of evill thoughts and make a wrongfull difference Hath not God chosen the poore of this world that they might be rich in faith and heires of the Kingdome which he hath promised to them that love him wherefore beholding rather and considering this difference and not respecting of persons both in the Lord and in the Load-stone be sure to follow both and preferre before the worldly wise and wealthy such Christians as are counted ignoble idiots poore and such as are despised of the great ones of this world choose them onely for your companions your friends and yoake fellowes in the Lord love them and hold friendship with them upon earth with vvhom ye are to live everlastingly in heaven for this is wel-pleasing and acceptable to the Lord our God with whom there is neither male nor female neither Barbarian nor Grecian but a new creature in Christ is all in all CHAP. XI That the Loadstone drawes a greatâ— and heavier weight then Jet HEE that once saw a Loadstone vvith admiration drawing to it not onely small remnants and pieces of iron but also taking up easily and lifting up from the ground a great and weighty burthen thereof as for example an Anchour weighing twenty pounds with what contempt will hee behold Jet or Amber drawing strawes unto them or little motes and that after they have beene heated by much rubbing As great yea a farre greater difference is to be seene betweene the soules of wise men and fooles of holy and carnall men whereof these onely care for and meditate upon these things which are of great moment that pertaine to the Kingdome of God and their everlasting salvation but these seeke after the vanities and trisles of this world Surely there is no lesse difference betweene them then there is betweene Merchants that buy wares of great value and triâ—â—e-selling Pedlers which carry about gewgawes Pinnes and Rattles for children to play withall Then there is betweene Spiders that catch Flies and Eagles that pursue after Hares and Heron then there is betweene fowlers that shoote at Pigeons and children that follow after Butterflies CHAP. XII Of that cleannesse which the Loadstone and the Spirit of Christ require in their objectâ— HOwever the Loadstone hath a desire and inclination to iron yet will it not draw it unlesse it be cleane and pollished and it vvonderfully loves and affects cleannesse but hates and loathes filthinesse very much vvhereupon it comes to passe that if you doe apply it to the rusty side of an Anchour or that which is besprinkled with dust either it will not at all put forth and exercise upon it the vertue thereof or very unwillingly and weakely but if you apply the same Loadstone to a cleane and well polished side it will greedily draw it with all the power it hath and will
a continued course to the end of the World and surely with lesse labour not onely by imposition of hands but also by the shadow of a Body passing by and by the Handkerchiefes of the absent Saul falling by the way into the company of Prophets was toucht a little for a while with a Propheticall Spirit But Elisha adhering diligently and inseparably to the side of Elias untill his ascent was replenished with a more plentifull abundance of the Spirit even to a miracle Those suddaine prayers also which we call Ejaculations never returne from heaven unheard but draw downe from thence some small portion of grace at the least But if one with Moses and Elias should for many daies together watch and continue all night in fastings and prayer he should be moistned and refreshed with a more copious measure of grace as it were with a great shower CHAP. VII Of the Loadstones attractive Vertue and of Christ his draâ—ing of the Wisemen Math. 2. ADmirable truly is the Nature of some created things Vide Boskhierum conc 6. but the power of the creator is allwaies greater especially in that Stone quem nomine Graii Dixerunt Magneta Aonius Palearius Lib. 3. Lapis miâ—o attrahit usu Quocunque objicitur ferum tactumque quod illo est Ducit et hoc itidem veluti Magnesia Causes The Stone which Magnes Greeks doe call A Stone most wondrous above all Which Iron drawes and that is much This Iron drawes other with a touch As Loadstones doe But is not Christ more to be admired then any Loadstone whatsoever who can deny it for the Loadstone onely drawes unto it one thing and that plac't over against it Now Christ drawes all things aswell those that are farre distant as those which are neere at hand things that have life and things without life things endued with reason and things voyd of reason the Loâ—dstone onely drawes Iron Amber draweth strawes onely unto it What doth not Christ draw whom doth he not draw unto himselfe All things were made by him all things moving in a circle or compâ—sse as streames to their fountaines returne unto him He is the Alpha or the beginning producing He is the Omega or the end reducing all things to himselfe When I shall be lifted up from the Earth Iâ— 12. I will draw all things unto me So said he long agoe speaking pâ—rtly of his reproachfull exaltation upon the Crosse pâ—rtly of his triumphant ascending to heaven when he was lifted up and layd on the Crosse He drew the Thiefe that was next unto â—iâ— and hanging as it were in a Ballance hard by him aâ—though he was heavy laden with a Talent and huge burthen of sinne Acts. 9. He drew the Centurion at the same time and some others who having scene so many demonstrative Miracles at his death did give Testimony of an admired râ—pentance when they returned into the City He drew to himselfe the Apostles that forsooke him and especial Peter When hâ— was exalted by his ascent into the Heavens what thing or whom that were capable did he not draw to himselfe Hee drew Saul when he was cast downe from his horse speaking to him from Heaven presently after the Pentecost He drew oâ—e while foure thousand another while six thousand At another time he drew some others that ioyn'd themselves to the Apostles And lastly having left Ierusalem he drew the whole Western part of the World Oh the wonderfull power of the Crosse Oh unspeakable glory of the Passion in which there is both the Tribunall of the Lord and the Iudgment of the World and the power of him that was Crucified most evidently to be seene Thou Oh Lord hast drawne all things unto thee and when thou did'st stretch out thy hands all the day to a people not beleeving but contradicting thee then the whole World besides was sensible of thy praise-worthy Maiesty Thou didst Oh Lord draw all things unto thee when in abomination of the Iewish wickednesse the Elements unanimously pronounct one and the same sentence against them when the lights of Heaven were darkned when the day was turn'd into night when the Earth also was shaken with unusuall quakings and when every Creature denied the use of it selfe to the ungodly Oh Lord thou diddest draw all things unto thee that what was covered in the Temple of Iudea in shadowed significations the devotion of all Nations in every place might celebrate in a plenary and plaine Sacrament for now the order of the Levites is more glorious and Sacred The annoynting of Priests makes up one Kingdom of every Nation As the winde Caecias drawes to it the Clouds Sâ— Christ drew the people unto him Somtimes one Nation somtimes another For as this winde alone which is called Caeciâ—s whereof Plinie writes that it bloâ—es betweene the South and the East contrary to the Nature of other Northerne winds drives not away but rather drawes the Clouds unto it So Christ from every quarter and every way doeth call leade and draw all unto him I will draw all things unto my selfe saith he and not onely so but every thing that comes unto mâ—e I will not cast forth Our Saviour was glorious indeed by the conversion of so many and by drawing such a multitude of people unto him but at this time by his drawing of the Wisemen and their adoring of him He is become more glorious then himselfe at other times Oh my good Iesu draw me also unto thy selfe Convert me and I shall be Converted otherwise no man comes unto thee unles thou and the Father draw him The drawing of the Wisemen is more excellent then the rest in regard of the Scituation or place where Christ was and of his age when he drew them unto him and in respect of the Maiesty Dignity and multitude of those that were drawne First this drawing of the Wisemen is more excellent in regard of the Scituation or place where Christ was for indeed upon the Crosse he drew but one one that was neere him one that hang'd by him one almost fastened to his side sixt together with him But now in his very Cradle He drew the Wisemen and in them whole Nations dwelling almost in the extreame parts of the East He drew them by one Starre as it were with some trifle to play withall as if they had beene inticed to come as Children are by those things wherein they delight After his ascention into heaven what wonder that from the Throne of his glory and the Right-hand of his Father he drew so many and draweth to this day But now that he should draw from the Stable how full of astonishment is it Secondly this drawing of the Wisemen is more excellent in respect of his Age At another time when he was come to Maturity and convenient age He drew to him Fishermen But now being but an Infant and as it were but of one day upon the Earth He drew unto him Priests Philosophers and
Kings This was foretold long agoe Esay 8 4. that before the Child should know his Father or Mother the riches of Damascus and the spoyle of Samaria should be taken away before the King of Assyria As when Hercules being in his Cradle kil'd as they say two Serpents he was paradventure a more glorious Conqueror then he was when being come to riper yeares he vanquisht in the Nemaean Forrest a Lyon of huge bignesse Or when in Erimanthus a Mountaine of Arcadia he tooke a live a terrible Boare that wasted that Border So Christ was more illustrious when he drew to him Kings to adore him at his Cradle where he was yet a little Child Then when raining in Heaven He drew first such as Paul and afterward such as Constantine was Thirdly this drawing of the Wisemen is more excellent in respect of his Maiesty He drew other persons when he had shewed many Miracles and was still adding to the number of them as the Earthquake the Rending of Rocks Darknesse throughout the whole World c. Now He hath done a most wondrous work being but an Infant very tender and not able to indure any hardinesse crying as yet in his Cradle and should not have been known unlesse the Angells had made him manifest to the Sheepheards the Starr to the Gentiles and his crying to Strangers behold here those Peeres and great Kings of Persia which otherwise would not confesse themselves to be men are constrained to stand before him in a Stable as it were in a Court They are forc'd to appeare as upon a day appointed by the Summons of a Star as it were an Apparitor that they should as it were pleade their cause and become Suppliants in a black mourning habit He drawes he constraines them whether they will or no O Loadstone O thou that drawest I confesse thou art at this day truly to be admired Fourthly The drawing of the Wisemen was more excellent in respect of their dignity that were drawne at another time he drew but one Thiefe or a murderer the Centurion and some few others Then after that the common people promiscuously But now he drawes persons of the highest quality Philosophers and Kings of the East they were none of the lowest ranke they were at least the Embassadors of Kings or Kings in their Embassadors if so be we believe not that they were Kings in their owne persons Fiftly the drawing of the Wisemen was more excellent in respect of the multitude that was drawne together with them at other times he drew but a few one or two this day tomorow a thousand But now out of his very Cradle he drew three Kingdoms together of the Chaldaeans Arabians and Sabaeans Nam totus componitur Orbis Regis ad exemplum For the whole world is ordered As by the Ruler it is led The common people with equall paces for the most part follow their Kings Whether they be converted averted or perverted what manner of Child think yee shall this be Assuredly Assuredly there is more then Solomon here They came indeed from Sheba to Solomon and brought him gifts but when he was something aged and such a one as was well spoken of for the Fame of his Wisedome But it was a woman that came although a Queene and one of the Sibills in the opinion of some yet a woman But now when Christ was but a Little Child lying hid in a Stable and compassed about with Straw in the midst of two beasts very Famous men Kings and Chiefe Rulers of sacred things and Philosophers came with hast from the furthest parts of the East as it is probable that they might know him This Child is not onely greater then Solomoâ— but now he is greater then himselfe That is greater in Glory being but a Child then when he was come to mans estate a Child he was and tooke our infirmities upon him not through any weaknesse in him or necessity but onely according to his owne pleasure and voluntarie dispensation For he did all things both in Heaven and Earth whatsoever he would Psalme and whensoever he pleased So then O Lord thou haste drawne all things unto thee The whole East with the Kings thereof Yea all Nations â—in these three men Hom. 7 in Math. whom Saint Chrysostome calls the Progenitous of the Church whom wee also not amisse as I suppose doe terme the first fruits of the Gentiles or the seed or the first branches and flowers of the Church among the heathen CHAP. VIII Of the Load-stones attractive Vertue compared with the power of Ministers and Preachers in converting Soules unto Christ. IF a free choise in asking whatsoever he pleased were granted to any Christian especially to a Minister of Gods word as it was granted heretofore unto Solomon when he had offered a Thousand burnt offerings in Gibeon What thinke you ought to be principall and chiefest of his desires but that he should receive from God a large portion of that attractive and Load-stone-like Vertue which in times past he imparted to Peter and Paul and to the rest of the Apostles whom he made Fishers of men by whose helpe he drew to him the world converted it For what can be more acceptable to an Emperour then that he should save many Citizens and bring many enemies into Captivity What is more acceptable to a Fisher-man then that he should draw from the Sea to the shoare and include in his Net a great Multitude of Fishes There is a common report and opinion which is strongly maintained amonst the Vulgar concerning the Fatt of an Osprey that there is such vertue in it that all the Fishes in a Poole will Swimme to it and turne their bellies upwards And as it were halfe a sleepe will suffer themselves to be easily taken and handled which if it were true how diligently would Fishers inquire for it and at how great a price would they purchase it But Christ is not onely able but also useth to furnish his Ministers with that power to endue them with that drawing vertue whereby they may bring backe to him his wandring Sheepe that they may gaine straying Soules and save themselves and those that hear them That they may keepe the Flock committed unto them in the Faith and Sheep-fould of Christ. Which gift to whomsoever it is granted what greater thing should they desire for themselves Or what may they better emulate in others or what may they better envy others CHAP. IX Concerning the Load-stones neglecting of Silver Gold but uniting Iron unto it selfe compared with Christ passing by the Angels as not regarding them but electing men GOld and Silver what are they else but the Monarchs of this Sublunary world commanding the rest of all the Mettalls after the fashion of King and Queene whose companions and Peeres are those Stones which are called precious Brasse and Tynne are of an inferiour Ranke as it were of the order of Knight-hood But Lead and Iron are the meere
and vices Only this is that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the boÌ„d of perfection which kep those first Apostles and Christians of that truly golden age in unitie among themselves when all beleevers abiding in the same place had all things common they sold their possessions and substance and imparted to everie one as hee had need continuing daily in the Temple with one accord breaking bread from house to house eating their meat with gladnesse and singlenesse of heart praising God and giving thanks before all the people Doubtlesse this Loadstone like chaine of charitie purchased them favour among the Gentiles and daily drew brethren Tertull. in Apoluget and adjoyned new Converts unto them which agreement of theirs the verie Pagans beholding cried out See how the Christians love one another see how they are ready to dye one for another This is that celestiall and spirituall bond of charitie which so straightly bound that Royall and Noble couple of friends I meane David and Ionathan whereof the one loved the other to the death with a love greater than that of Women he lov'd him more than himselfe nay more than his â—ereditary Kingdome The life of those two no age among the Ethnicks ever knew no Philosophy ever bred the like in comparison of whose friendship that of Scipio and Laelius of Pylades and Oresies and other couples of the like condition what doth it deserve to be tearmed but a shadowy carkasse and counterfeit semblance of a true and vehement love Chap. 18. That the Loadstone and our Saviour Christ effect more by an Instrument than by their owne immediate vertue THe Loadstone as it is an exceeding marvellous so is it in a speciall manner a mysticall Stone no lesse famous for secret wayes of working than for mighty workes that though it bee the fountaine and principall seat of attractive and elevating vertue yet doth it as it were on set purpose transferre all the honour of it upon the Iron for this very Stone being destitute of company and by it selfe drawes little or nothing but armed with Iron will lift up a huge weight of Iron I my selfe have seene a Loadstone which being unarmed would scarce take up sâ—aven Ounces but cover'd or capt with Iron as the rudâ— of speech use to say it lifâ—â—d up strongly and easily two and twenty pounds râ—sembling God in this who is natures principall workman and the first mover of all things who although he be the Father of light yet he illuminates this visible world by the Sun himselfe being invisible in the heavens and which is our blindnesse and madnesse not worshipped and praised of many He doth also redeeme save and judge men by the Son of man he doth delegate or commit unto him a power to supply his roome both in heaven and earth whose God-head and Majesty lay hid in the vaile of his flesh as a light in a darke Lanthorne insomuch that he was not made manifest but to his owne people and but to few of them and that by miracles who now also hiding himselfe in the Heavens using the Ministâ—ry of men as the Loadstone the help of Iron cals drawes and converts men unto him by a fit Instrument of the same kind taking his Ministers into fellowship of honour with him He that receiveth you saith he receiveth me nay he passeâ— hover and commits a more ample power to thâ—m He that believes in me shall doe greater workes than I have done We doe not reade of Christ that he converted so many as a hundred at one Sermon But it is expressed of Peter Act. 2. That he converted three thousand which love of his towards man doth in a manner surpasse all his miracles As it is the greatest Art of Arts and Artists to conceale their Art and skill so it is the principall praise and vertue of a good man to derive praise unto others himselfe being concealed Neither is there any thing wherein men may come neerer to God than this Let men admire and praise in Ioah some one thing some another among all his honourable Arts I never thought that heroicall or noble demonstration or proof of his vertue to be the principall that he both would and could transfer upon the head of David the glory and Crowne of a Victory purchast by his owne valour for the rest of his deeds he overcame others in this himselfe which was farre more honourable than if he had triumphed a hundred â—imes over Rabba and the Ammonites Chap. 19. That the Loadstone drawes ten times more weight by two points or Caps than by so many severall points by themselves NOw will I put you in mind by the way and that not unseasonably that the Loadstone doth transfuse the force and vertue thereof into the Medium or Instrument that it imparts but a small portion of it to one Cap or polar point by it selfe but a large and ample vertue to two joyn'd together Of which when I tooke experiment and made triall in a strong stone and applyed the iron to one of the points it took up two or three pounds and that very hardly But when I had applyed the iron to both together it lifted up two and twentie pounds without any difficultie so that the saying of Salomon is not only true Eccles. 4 9. Two are better than one for it they lye together they sooner have heat if they fall the one will lift up his fellow But also that common saying understood of them that have least knowledge That forces united will become the stronger For who doth not see acknowledge that forces by such union are twice the stronger but that they should be ten times stronger this is both rare and singular and to be seene only in these experiments of the Loadstone That it is no wonder as Origen observes on the first of Genesis that God made most things double and joyned them together by two and two as when it is recorded in the sacred Histories That God created together the Heaven and the Earth the Sun and the Moone the Man and the Woman and that Christ sent his Disciples not one by one but two and two That as one foot or one hand helps another so they should yeild to one another mutuall helpe that their forces and purposes being joyned together they might couragiously and prosperously draw living stones unto Christ and build upon him Chap. 20. That those Instruments are more prevalent and can doe more which stick closely than those which stick loosely to Christ or the Loadstone I Doe not thinke it fit to passe over in silence the great difference that is betweene that armour and furniture which is tied negligently to the Magnetick poles or points of the Loadstone and that which is tied to the same more fitly and closely For if there be but the least gap or space betweene them it is endued with much lesse vertue and drawes the burden more unsuccessively weakly and sluggishly neither will it lift up half
the Loadstone not regarding the most excellent of these 3 Iron toâ—punc Mars ♂ 4 Gold to the Sun ☉ and universally neglecting other materiall substances 5 Brasse to Venus ♀ doth draw onely iron unto it in whose friendship as it were and serviceable company to attend upon it 6 Quicke silver to Mercury ☿ it doth much delight such is the condition of Bookes 7 Silver to the Moone ☽ of which though there be an innumerable company that abound everywhere yet every one hath its Magneticke Genius Clemens Alex. p. 176. Edit Grotii fitted to the disposition of the Reader whereby it doth allure unto it the eyes and hearts of many and being allured doth in a manner bewitch them neither doth every ones affection or phantasie draw him with lesse force then the Loadstone doth Iron If thou beest a Philosopher the woÌ„ders of the Loadstone then which there is nothing found more pleasant or excellent in the whole Theater of nature will draw thee hither If thou beest a Christian Christ will draw thee hither as also his graces engraven in a lively manner upon the Loadstone by the finger of God If thou beest a Divine many places of Scripture seemingly repugnant that are briefly illustrated will draw thee hither as also those knotty School doubts which are resolved by the way If thou beest a Poet this whole Booke is a kind of Poem If a Rhetorician here thou hast a continued Allegorie and Philosophy besides wayting upon Divinity yeelding light unto it one while as it becommeth an humble hand-maid another while as a modest Gentleman Vsher in which particular I have followed Dion not the Historian but that Orator which was most deare unto Trajan and for his eloquence surnamed Chrysostome or goldenmouth I have also imitated the skill of Husbandmen who graffe fruitfull branches of a good kind upon wild plants that of barren and bitter they may become fruitfull and sweet Here thou hast a Chria or an exercise of Rhethoricke most effectuall to teach move and delight which had his name imposed from the use and profit thereof Now this Chria as Vosius Leopard â—nd others describe it is not a painted or feigned but a lively Embleme where either the person is resembled to the thing or somewhat is done and plaâ—'t before the eyes of the body which may more speedily penetrate the sharpe sight of the mind more strongly move the affections and more faithfully sticke to the memory which kind of cunning or artificiall skill the Prophets both of the Old and New Testament have often used whereby they might more deepely imprint their Propecies in the eyes of their Auditors So Agabus held it not sufficient to foretell the bonds of Paul but he bound himselfe also with Pauls Girdle nor did the Lord Iesus â—old it sufficient to be the â—â—aâ—her and pattern of humility but he plac't also a little Infant in the midst of the Apostles in a most high place whereby he migâ—t point out unto them that he should be the greatest among them which endeavoured to be the least moreover at the last hee himselfe also being clothed afâ—er the fashion of a servant did wash tâ—eir feet with â—ater and â—â—ped them with a linnen cloth that he might herby leave this vertue which is necessary for all though least acceptable most chiâ—fâ—y recommended to all his servants for though the eares are rightly tearmed by Fabulists the senses of Minerva or of wisedome or instruction yet doe those things moâ—e slowly stirre up the mind which come to be knowne by theâ—r windings and turnings then those which doe presently incurre to it by the windowes of the eyes whereâ—ore in briefe thou art to be intreated at the very first to procure unto thy selfe a stone which is of great vertue or to goe unto some one that hath such a stone in his possession whereby thou maiest be both a diligent spectator and also a benevolent Reader Vnlesse thou be both both of us shall be frustrated of our ends thou of thy profit and pleasure in reading I of my scope and labour in writing for here are divers experiments of which if thou beest not an Eye witnesse they shall not loose onely all their grace but also thy beliefe and their end But if thou professest thy selfe among Criticks such as are curious about matter and manner of stile I would have thâ—e consider that one thing of Plinie that it is not lawfull to gaâ—nish a Diamond The Loadstone is of the like condition not onely for hardnesse as very scarcely admitting a penne of steele as also for the innate vertue which refuseth and disdaines all borrowed ornaments To conclude whosoever thou art whom either the noveltie or utility of the subject shall draw hither if thou receive the least delight or profit this shall be to him a sufficient reward for his labour who never presumed to expect for himselfe or his meditations any better lot or lucke then happeneth to the Loadstone that it should be of great use but of little esteeme and reputation with many nor did he for any other respect then somewhat to please thee and much to profit thee endeavour according to his abilitie at spare houres to mingle Divine things with Philosophicall Morall with Divine and profitable with pleasant And this he was desirous to let thee understand Who is Thine in the Lord Iesus who is all Loadstone and the most excellent S. W TO THE READER Christian Reader THe Scripture discommends that servant who hid his Talent and exercised it not aend indeed our time being but short yet precious must not be negligently let slip we are not onely borne for our selves every man must labour to doe some good to the Country and Common-wealth wherein he lives We must be accomptable for our times of leasure when we are freed from other more serious affaires Tam otii quam negotii ratio habenda est Therefore in the late long vacation I was willing to imploy my selfe about the translation of this following Discourse which I thought fit and worthy to be presented to the viâ—wes of our English subjects having already received a gracious approbation from his Royall Majestie And further I was induc't to undertake this worke that the divine apâ—lications contâ—ined therein might be known to all as well as to Schollers the meaner sort having more need of sensible Hâ—eroglyphiks and exemplary helps to accomplish their salvations then the wise and great Rabbies againe I had an ayme herein that ignorant Mariners who have onely gained a piece of the use of the Loadstone by a practicall observation that they might sâ—yle in safety might now by the knowledgâ— of this booke when they looke on their Compasse find out a way by applying to their owne hearts the admirable contemplations contained therein to steere tâ—eir owne soules to the haven of heaven as well as their shippes to the harbour Besides the Authour whom I doe highly honour for his integrity