loc To keepe this holy fire alive in thy breast consider three things 1 the motives to perswade the soule to rest wholly upon God and set her delight in him 2 The meanes whereby God becomes the soules whole contentment 3 the markes and rules of triall whereby she may know she is not deceived in her choice The perswading motives are foure The first is the consideration of the infinite love of God declared and revealed unto us For God so loved the world that he gave his onely begotten Sonne that whosoever beleeveth in him should not perish but have everlasting life Ioh. 3.16 The gradation makes this affection singular (u) Eia fratres Deus voluit esse filius hominis homines esse voluit filios deit ipse descendit propter nos nos ascendimus propter ipsum haec spes est cateris quod propterea ille descendit ascendit ut in illo cum illo unum essent quiper illum â—scensuri essent S. Aug. tract 12. in Iohan. Idcirco Deus mundum dilexit amore inenarrabili inaestimabili mundum inquam qui totus in malo jacet 1. Joh. 5.19 ne quis de mundo aut in mundo de Dei desperare ausit gratia idcirco filium Dei non adoptivum sed suum sed unigemtum dedit pro omnibus ut omnibus salus offerretur ideo non misit filium ut judicaret mundum meritisque afficeret supplicijs sed ut servaret S. Hilar. lib. 6. de trinit The all-sufficient God loved where he found cause of hatred the world an enemie no friend he so loved that he gave his gift was a Sonne his owne Sonne not one adopted his onely begotten Sonne not one of many not for himselfe but to purchase thee eternall life To requite which love what recompence doth the Lord require at thy hands but thy love to him in heaven and thy affection on earth What soule can be so steely as not embrace and kisse that hand which hath care for nothing in heaven but thy salvation and for nothing on earth but thy comfort content satisfaction (x) Sic Deum loquentem inducit Euthimius in loc Margaritum quippe est sermo Dei ex omni parte forari potest S. Hieron ep 22. And when the Sonne of God ascended hee had so perfected our Redemption that there was nothing left for him to do more either in heaven or earth nor for us but to welcome his mercie and congratulate his victorie with faith reciprocall love and obedience (y) Arnob. in loc Si affixus serpens ligno filijs Israel contulit sanitatem quanto magis salutem praestat populis dominus in patibulo crucifixus si figura tantum profait quantum profuisse eredimus veritatem S Amb. ser 55. Fide hujus verbi non virtute imaginis servabantur non enim in serpente sed in Domini imperiâ—salus continebatur Epiphan haer 37. The Sunne lends the light by day the Moone her borrowed beames by night the earth beares the fruit the sea brings the fish the heavens drop her honey dewes the cloudes shade thee in the heate the birds make thee musicke and all creatures serve thee with lectures of love instruct thee to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart with all thy soule and with all thy might (z) In causa justitia omnes anum debemus virgo vidua nupta summus medius imus gradus aequaliter jubentur implere pracepta S. Hieron tom 9. ep 1. Stude quaeso quotidie creatoris tui verba meditare discecor Dei in verbis Dei ut ad aeterna suspicias nam tanto erit requies tua major in coelis quanto jam in terris ab amore conditoris tui requies nulla fuerit Greg. Moral Diliges Deum ex toto corde i. e. toto intellectu tota voluntate ex omni memoria Deum esse diligendum S. Aug. tom 10. ser de tempore 53. Quia Deus rebus omnibus major melior invenitur plus omnibus diligendus est ut colatur S Aug. in Psal 77. Deut. 6.5 where God layes claime to all he leaves for the creature nothing at all Wherefore remember the loving kindnesse of the Lord and the praises of the Lord according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us and the great goodnesse towards the house of Israel which hee hath bestowed on them according to his mercies and according to the multitude of his loving kindnesses Esay 63.7 The second is the meditation as well of thy misery as of the necessity to be at one with God without whose favour were thy bones full of marrow thy barnes of wheate thy banquetting house of mirth thy bed of rest thy house of children thy name of honour yet thy condition is fearefull and more despicable then the silly being of the bruit beast (a) Crucior in haec flamma Luc. 16. Non enim nullâ— sed sempâ—ternamors erit quando nec vivere anima poterit Deum nec habendo nec doloribus corporis carere moriendo prima mors animam nolentem pellit de corpore secunda mors animam nolentem tenet in corpore S. Aug. civ lib. 21. cap. 3. Mirabile est enim dolere in ignibus tamen vivere sed mirabilius vivere in ignibus nec dolere idem eoâ— cap. 2. and of all creatures thou art most miserable 1. Cor. 15.19 An east winde brought the locusts into Egypt a west winde tooke them away and cast them into the red sea (b) Exod. 10.13.19 Locusta quasi tota vena est ideò infatiabilu quamdiu vivit semper â—surit Joel 2.25 from whence they were not recall'd nor shall be charged for devouring fruitfull Egypt but man is borne to serve his God raised to a stewardship renders an account of his actions at his death (c) Puto per hoc genus plagae significat homines qui cum neque seipsos ordinate regere potuerunt neque Dei regis patienter moderamina pertulere Origen in Exod. 10.13 Prov. 30.27 and reapes a proportionable recompence in so much as thrice happie are they that kisse the Sonne (d) Ne quando irascatur dominus cum dubitatione positum est non secundum visionem propheta cui certum est sed secundum eos ipsos qui monentur quia cum dubitatione solent cogitare iram dei quibus not aperte revelatur S. Aug. in loc are one with the father have the spirit for their pledge of mercie and put their trust in him Psalm 2.12 Thy misery cals upon thee to make God thy felicitie the mercie of God invites thee with proffer of balme to heale thy infirmity and the consistorie of heaven sits to eye and observe the bent of thy affections (e) Deus ipse omnium rector Dominus cum omni angelorum militia certamen tuum spectat tibique contra diabolum dimicanti parat aeternitatis coronam coeleste praemium incitamentum
16.3 To give them the heart and hand of fellowship because of their adoption and sanctification whereby the favour of God hath wonderfully enobled them is a noble part and a noble love To love persons beloved of God both satisfieth others and assures our owne soules that wee belong to God and truly love God Every one that loveth him that begate (a) Statim fidei conjungit dilectionem quia sine dilectione fides inanis est Christiani hominis sine dilectione fides daemonis Habet confessionem fidei in timore poenae non in amore coronae S. Aug. in loc tract 10. tom 9. loveth him also that is begotten of him 1. Iohn 5.1 Hee that honoureth Our father which is in heaven loveth our fellow brethren which are on earth (b) Nunquid propter humanam speciem quam notissimam habemus eo quod credimus eum hominem fuisse Non utique amamus animum justum S. Aug. tom 3. de trinit lib. 8. cap. 6. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another Ioh. 13.35 The true lovers knot in the Primitive Church (c) Dilectionis operatio notam nobis murit penes quosdam vide inquiunt ut invicem se diligant ipsi enim invicem ederunt pro alterutro mori sint parati ipsi enim ad occidendum alterutrum paratiores erunt Sed quod fratres nos vocamus non alias opinor infamant quam quod apud ipsos omne sanguinis nomen de affectatione simulatum est Tertull. Apolog. adversus Gentes cap. 39. was such a badge of Christianity as drew both approbation and admiration from the very Gentiles and Pagans who shewed one another with astonishment Behold how the Christians love one another They fell not out by the way they liv'd together lov'd together and were ready to die one for another They acknowledged every Christian for their brother or sister every Saint for a cittizen of the heavenly Hierusalem (d) Jnvenisti Christianum invenisti civem Hierusalem invenisti civem angelorum invenisti in via suspirantem peregrinum adjunge te illi comes tuus est curre cum illo si tamen tu hoc es S. Aug. tractat 10. in 1. ep John de cap. 5. a companion of Angels a fellow member a co-heire a pilgrim on earth and embraced them with such cordiall affections and courteous behaviour as suted with the entertainment of strangers which shold ever be most sincere favourable and friendly was any lost they sought him out was any fallen into some sin (e) Lege Euseb lib. 3. histor cap. 20. exemplum dilectionis erga juvinem perditum Ex Clemente Alexandrino Nicephorum Ecclesiast Histor lib. 2. cap. 42. S. Chrysost hom ad Theodorum lapsum thy endevoured his reformation was any poore they administred to his necessities was any weake they did strengthen him was any troubled in minde they comforted him was any sicke they visited him was any under persecution they encouraged him to endure for the name of Christ and hee that was able no (f) Etiam pauper dives est respice non tam arcam ejus inanem quam conscientiam Deo plenam Si charitas habet feris facultatem de illa dat Si non invenit foris quod det dat benevolentiam praestat consilium si potest praestat auxilium si potest Si nec consilio juvare potest juvat voto precibus su is precibus plus impetrat quam multi qui dant panem aut pecuniam Habet ergo semper unde det qui plenum pectus habet Charitatis S. Aug. in Psal 37. wayes to be beneficiall became a liberall contributer of his love and faithfull prayer for the good of the whole Church It was not their habit nor their society 't was not their feasting and talking together declared them to be Christians (g) Charitatem autem sinceram declarat non communio mensae non breve colloquium non verborum adulatio sed studium sedutitas in considerando quid proximo conducat ut erigatur quicecidit porrigatur lapso manus c. S. Chrysost but these Christian offices and mutuall love one to another This is that which also assures our soules that our names are written in the booke of life because wee love those who walke in the way to life (h) Nam qui diligit Deum non cum potest contemnere praecipientem ut diligat proxi mum qui sanctè ac spiritualiter diligit proximum quid in eo diligit nisi Deum S. Aug. tom 9. tract in Iohn 65. Wee know that wee have passed from death unto life because (i) Qui diligit filios Dei filium Dei diligit qui diligit filium Dei diligit dei filios Quos filios dei membra filij dei diligendo fit ipse membrum fit per dilectionem in compage corporis Christi erit unus Christus amans scipsum S. Aug. in loc wee love the brethren 1 Iohn 3.14 No man can love the member but he must also love the head and none can love the head but by reflection of the beames of Gods first love unto himselfe which shining upon him kindles a fire of brotherly love in his heart No man can love a good man but a good man (k) Quod si nemo novit quod sit justus nisi qui justus est nemo diligat iustum unquam nisi justus S. Aug. de trinit lib. 8. cap. 6. How doth hee love his soule that defiles it and pollutes it and how can hee love his religious brother that renounceth both religion and his owne soule (l) Si autem nondum nosti diligere te timeo ne decipias proximum tuum sicut te Si enim anas iniquitatem non diligis te S. Aug. tom 10 ser 43. de verbis dom Because there is none equall with God there can be no patterne how to love God (m) Ecce quod discitur in domo disciplinae diligere deum diligere proximum deum tanquam deum proximum sicut teipsum Non enim invenu parem deo ut possit dici tibi dilige deum sicut diligis illum c. S. Aug. tom 9. de disciplina Christiana cap. 3. the measure of loving him must be without measure with all our heart soule and strength not only as our selves but more then our selves above all wee have (n) Plus quam tua tuos te S. Bern. in Cant. ser 75. but the love of our neighbour is pattern'd by the copie of self-selfe-love thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy selfe How great the love of God is unto such as love him and one another how large a Portion is prepared for them in Heaven appeares by that abundance of Temporall blessings he showers downe upon them that hate him his and one another (o) Lege S. Aug. ep 87. Felicitati Rustico When
Matt. 12.39 As of all sinnes Adultery is one of the greatest so of all vices Avarice is one of the foulest Adultery dishonors the whole Sacred Trinity The blessed Father whose covenant is broken (r) Prov. 2.17 and forgotten the blessed Sonne whose members are rent from him to be made the members of Harlots (Å¿) 1 Cor. 6.16 the blessed Spirit whose Temple is defiled (t) 1 Cor. 6.19 God is angrie with other sinnes but the adulterer the soule of the Lord abhors Prover 22.14 for other sinnes the just judge of heaven hath powred downe smaller judgements but upon this wickednesse hee showred downe the most terrible and greatest For the sinne of adultery the world was drowned (u) Gen. 16.2 Sodome and Gomorrahfir'd with brimstone from heaven where naturally no brimstone breeds (x) Ezek. 16.50 Canaan spewed out her inhabitants (y) Levit. 18.28 The plague in one day devoured twenty foure thousand Israelites (z) Numb 25.9 The Iewes were captivated (a) Ier. 5.7 8 9. and seeing among men this sinne is not either knowne or else favoured * Psal 50.18 Nonne portionem tuam cum illo qui fecit laudando posuisti hoc est enim concurrere cum fure quia etsi non facis laudas quod fit astipulator et facti quoniam laudatur peccator in desiderijs animae suae S. Aug. in loc Psal Quod citò se non emandaverint eis fructâ—osa poenitentia non subvenerit sic subito de hac lucerapti fuerint aterna illos flamma sine ullo remedio cruciabit S. Aug. tom 10. de Tempore ser 243. Si enim fidem haberent utique Deo crederent venturum judicium cum tremoâ—e metuerent probaturaenim quia hominibus credunt Deâ— non credunt ut publice ubi homines vident adulteria timeant secrete ubi Deus videt omnino non timeant idem â—oc ciâ— Lege Gregorij Richteri axiomatum historicorum partem 2 axiom 177. quomodo adulteros judicat Deus and smothered the Lord hath reserved the sharpe sentence against it to his owne tribunall whoremongers and adulterers (b) Non sane ideo malum est adulterium quia vetatur lege sed ideo vetatur lege quia malum est S. Aug. tom 1. de lib. arbit lib. 1. cap. 3. Caput mulieris vir ubi se agnoscant duces illas autem comites habere ideo cavendum est viro illac ire vivendo qua timet ne uxor sequatur imitando S. Au. tom 6. de adulterinis conjugijs lib. 2. cap. 8. God will judge Heb. 13.4 Nor is the adulterie of the Soule either lesse foule or fearefull in the strict account of god which being betrothed unto God in an everlasting covenant of righteousnesse (c) Hosea 2.19 espoused unto one husband to be presented as a chast virgin to Christ (d) 2 Cor. 11.2 shall play fast and loose with her bridegrome and embrace the stinking rotten corps of this present evill world (e) Gal. 1.4 Hee that weds a virgin honourable by birth of feature beautifull of person comely richly attyr'd with faire fortunes endowed will not allow her to turne adulteresse (f) Ego eum perijsse duco cui quidem perijt pudor Plaut in Bacch Periêre mores jus decus pietas fides qui redire nescit cum perij pudor Senec. in Agam. Nescit vincere vitia corporis virtutis cingulum qui deponit Chrysolog ser 22. how much lesse can the Lord of heaven endure the covetous filthinesse of thy soule which hee betrothed after he saved from perishing free'd from bondage washt from filthinesse covered thy nakednes beautified thy uncomelines enriched thy poverty brought thee to honour to enjoy (g) Ezek. 16.4 to 16. thee himselfe Christ Iesus was crucified for us that wee might be crucified unto the world and the world unto us Gal. 6.14 But hee that with Demas (h) 2 Tim. 4.10 embraceth the present world hath committed spirituall adultery a wound and dishonour hath hee got and his reproach shall not be wiped away Prov. 6.33 the covetous soule in making gold her hope and saying to fine gold Thou art my confidence in rejoycing because her wealth was great (i) Florere potest ad tempus iniquitas permanere non potest S. Aug. in Psal 52.10 and her hand had gotten much hath committed adultery to be punished by the Iudge and hath denyed her husband the God that is above (k) O lucra damnosa linvenis pecuniam perdis justitaÌ„ ille non quaerat rapere quod non habet iste non opponat cor in eo quod habet Divitiae sâ—â—fluant noli de te praesumere noli ibi te figere certe vel hoc time divitiae si fluant idem loc cit Iob. 31.24.28 This be spoken of the nature of avarice Secondly it is the bitter fruit of covetousnesse which purgeth out of the soule the love of God Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemie of God Iam. 4.4 Love not the world neither the things that are in the world if any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him 1. Ioh. 2.15 No man can serve two masters yee cannot serve God and Mammon Matt. 6.24 (l) Nemo potest dominis aequè servire duobus unius aut odijs cedil vel cedit amori Juvencus Qui enim divitijs servit ejus servitium Deus non recipit Euseb Emissen De duobus interse contrarijs vel contraria praecipientibus dominis intelli itur ut monuerunt Chrysost Theophilactus Imperat aut servit collecta pecunia cuique reponat igitur in coelo divitias suas qui Deo familiariter servire desiderat Euseb Emiss Looke how much thou inclinest to the world so much thou declinest from God The antipathy betwixt God and the world is greater then the distance (m) Psal 103.11 betwixt heaven and earth for what fellowship hath righteousnesse with unrighteousnesse and what communion hath light with darkenesse 2. Cor. 6.14 The Lord is so farre from acquainting himselfe with the world and worldlings as he will not so much as shew himselfe unto them (n) Admirationis vox illa Judae potius quam formidinis timoris cumtanta salvatoris gratia admiratur non extendi ad universum mundum eam sed ad paucos duntaxat in mundo Pelarg. in loc Magna quaestio magnaeque quaestionis nobilissima selutio ideo inquit mundo hoc est mundi amatoribus me non manifesto qui me non diligunt meis autem meipsum manifestare deleam ut cognita sapientia sint sapientes cognita iustitia sint iusti cognita veritate sint veraces vita cognita in aeternum vivant Emyssemus in loc Ioh. 14.22 they may see Christ with externall eyes but not with the internall with temporall not with eternall The Sonne of righteousnesse shall put himselfe under a bushell and
victoriae facit Huic spectaculo vide quem animum quam debeas afferre virtutem certaminis magnitudinem de expectantium dignitate metire S. Hieron tom 9. ep 1. and to crowne thy happy choice and love of him who loved us first Nor is the third consideration lesse forcible drawne from the survey of Gods ineffable excellencie and all sufficiencie to relieve us in all conditions and yeeld the soule in every estate a plenary contentment The round world can never fill mans triangular heart with solid contentation (f) Quando enim veluit habere gaudia de se invenit planctum in se totum gaudium nostrum Deus est qui vult securus gaudere inillo gaudeat qui non potest perire Aut argentum perit aut tu nemoscit quid prius verum illud constat quia utrumque periâ—urum est quid prius incertum est Nam nec homo hic potest manere semper sic aurum sic vestis sic domus sic pecunia sic lata praedia sic lux ista Noli ergo velle gaudere in istis sed gaude in illa luce quae non habet occasum quam non praecedit hesternus dies nec sequitur crastinus S. Aug. in Psal 84. tom 8. as one corner fills another empties it selfe of its former delight but the heire of heaveÌ„ is like the ayre which fils all things it findes emptie replenisheth every heart emptied of the love of the world and opened to welcome the king of glory In want his clemencie is wealth in woe thy weale in sorrow consolation (g) Osiander in loc in hunger hee is meate in thirst drinke in sicknesse physicke in all things all so that he wants nothing with God who delights in nothing but God but hee who enjoyes not the all-sufficient God what helper sufficient can hee finde in his labours what sufficient defence in dangers what counsell in his doubts what comforter in his sorrowes what refuge sufficient in his temptations to (h) Quem habent in laboribus adjutorem Sclinepius in loc verum gaudium non est doterra sed de coelo Et revera illud verum solum est gaudium quod non de creatura sed de creatore concipitur quod cum possederis nemo tollat a te Cui comparata omnis aliunde jocunditas moeror est omnis suavitas dolorâ— est omne dulce amarum est omne decorum foedum omne denique quod cunque delectare possit aliud molestum S. Bern. ep 114. yeeld him shelter and deliverance enquire of the creatures where contentment dwels and where the soule may lodge her wearied limbes in some bed of rest They will all answere with joint consent repose is not in us They send every pilgrim every passenger unto the Lord. The sea saith I am but the Lords great fish pond to furnish thy table on fasting dayes the earth saith I am his footestoole or at most the garden of God (i) Amos 9.6 watered to yeeld thee a posie of flowers the winds say we are the breath of his nostrils the clouds say wee are his chariots the fire saith I am his furnace to perfect and purge his metals the starres wee are his torchlight the heaven saith I am his throne the angels say we are his messengers the creatures say they are but provision for the men of Gods houshold so that nor any thing in heaven nor earth dare assume to it selfe the Lords prerogative (k) Pulchrum coelum pulchra terra sed pulchrior qui fecit illa S. Aug. Cateris rebus occupari potest repleri non potest Ber. Fecisti nos Domine propter te inquietum est cor nostrum donec reqâ—iescat in te S. Aug. sufficiency to settle and content the soule of man (l) Modica transitoria terrena sunt quae despicis maxima aeterna coelestia sunt quae appetis plus dicam verum dicà m Tenebras deseris lucem ingrederis de profundo fluctuum emergis ad portum de misera servitute in felicem libertatem respiras de morte denique transis ad vitam S. Ber. ep 114. which leaving the creature to embrace the Creator riseth againe from death to life This all-sufficiencie of God as it stands in relation to the soule of man is couched in that emphaticall asseveration Thou art the strength of my heart and my Portion for ever (m) Psal 73.26 Etenim hareditas mea praclara est non omnibus sed videntibus in quibus quia ego sum mihi est S. Aug. in Psal 16.5 God is the portion of his Saints five wayes 1 As children receive portions by their parents free love and great liberality not their proper merit so the interest they have in the Lord springs not from their desert but his free grace mercy in Iesus Christ (n) Quid dicturi sumus ei qui primo gratis nos facit Merita nostra fecisse ut nobis illa salus perpetua mitteretur à Domino Absit Si merita nostra aliquid facerent ad damnationem nostram veniret Non venit ille ad inspectionem meritorum sed ad remissionem peccatorum Non fuisti factus et quid Deo dedisti Malus fuisti liberatus es quid Deo dedesti quid non ab eo gratis accepisti merito igitur gratia nominatur quia gratis datur Exigitur ergo â—â—te ut tu gratis cum colâ—â— non quia dat temporalia sed quia praestat aeterna S. Aug. in Psal 43. he found out Adam in paradise Abraham in the wildernesse the child cast out in her blood and the hopelesse Paralyticke at the poole of Bethesda before hee found him in Bethel the house of God (o) Iohn 5.14 2 As the heire hath the best proprietie title unto his inheritance so the Saints the most right to Christ God is their portion and they are Gods portion for the Lords portion is his people Iacob is the lot of his inheritance Deut. 32.9 My chiefe treasure Exod. 19.5 though all the earth be mine Hee saith unto the wicked Lo-ammi for ye are not my People and I will not be your God Hos 1.9 3 In respect of fertility fruitfulnesse For as he gave the Hebrewes store of all things (p) Deut. 8.7 11.10 as well for Charitie their honour and dignitie delicacie and conveniencie as for necessitie houses to dwell in wine to glad the heart oyle to cheare and cleare the countenance milke to nourish them honey to delight them wells to wash in valleyes for Corne mountains for brasse yron and stone So God is a Rich and large portion unto every beleeving Soule which enjoyes him And as a mans Portion findes his house person necessaries even so the Lord maintaines his and procures them all things that they want nothing that is good The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my Cup thou maintainest my lot Psal 16.5 6.
runne (o) 1. Sam. 3.9 with this resolution Speake Lord for thy servant heareth and with king David when the Lord shall speake unto us saying Seeke ye my face our hearts may echo thy face Lord will wee seeke (p) Psal 27.8 Lucem istam quaerunt oculi carnis lucem illam quaerunt oculi cordis finivit omnes cupiditates remansit illi una quam petit vultum tuum domine requiram Quicquid mihi vult dare dominus meus auferat totum se mihi det quicquid mihi praeter illum est dulce non est S. Aug. in loc Thirdly patience hath her perfect worke in him Whatsoever the all-guiding hand of heaven casts upon his person familie friends or condition he endeavours to sit downe in the dust content (q) Virum humilem patientia ostendit injuriae S. Hier. ep 1. to 9. Cuivis dolori remedium est patientia una est una est animi virtus quae nos ex hujus vitae turbinibus quasi de pelago eruens in portum tranquillitatis inducat S. Hieron tom 9. ep 6. Non enim est arbor solida nec robusta nisi quae assidui turbinis incursione slipitibus concussis huc atque illuc inclinata tentatur ipsis vexationibus constringitur premitur fixisque radicibus certius firmatur roboratur ita nos mordacibus flagellis malorum frequentium munimur extensi corrigimur verberati constringimur caesi caremusque squaloribus dum longis casibus ventilamur idem ibid. Ab ipso vere est patientia vera patientia sancta patientia religiosa patientia recta patientia Christiana Patientia donum dei est S. Aug. tom 10. Serm. 8. dominic post Ascension Behold Davids affection the practicke part Behold my son which came forth of my bowels seeketh my life how much more now may this Benjamite do it Let him alone and let him curse for the Lord hath bidden him 2. Sam. 16.11 Base Shemei stones a most noble Prince this dog snarles hurles also at all his servants this cursed wretch curseth the Lords annointed in the presence of his men of warre hee scornfully reproacheth him yea hee that received life from his loines now seeketh viper-like his honour crowne and life These sorrowes yea farre lesse then these will trie a good mans patience yet seing he espied thorow this obscure cloud a beame of Gods loving correction he stayed the hands of Abishai armed with courage to revenge with Let him alone this comes from the Lord upon the same foundation another great Prophet reared up his lordly Palace of patience Woe is mee for my hurt my wound is grievous but I said Truly this is a griefe and I must beare it (r) Quam facile toleratur quaelibet adversitas temporalis ut aeterna poena vitetur aeterna requies compareur si Christi sarcina angusta est paucis eligentibus facilis tamen omnibus diligentibus S. Aug. tom 10. serm 9. de verbis dom Ier. 10.19 A borrowed expression (ſ) Proculdubio ad imitationem Davidis Zehneri compend Theolog. titulo de patient from a greater Seer hath God forgotten to be gratious hath hee in anger shut up his tender mercies (t) Facilius ille iram quam misericordiam continebit S. Aug. in loc And I said this is mine infirmity but I will remember the yeares (u) Annorum aeternorum memor fui Numquid anni in quibus sumus aeterni sunt Nam de toto anno quid praesens tenes quicquid de illo praeteritum est jam non est quicquid de illo futurum est non dum est idem ibid. of the right hand of the most high Psal 77.9 10. If wee suffer for him with him and from him for a moment as its a signe we love him so it s a seale we shall live and reign with him for ever Though thou be cast upon the left hand for a day or a yeare comfort thy soule with the remembrance of those joyes and yeares to be enjoyed at his right hand when dayes and yeares are no more Fourthly Hee contemnes a vile person but honoureth and loveth them that feare the Lord (x) Est enim glorificacare aliquem habere eum in pretio delectari illius commercio tueri illius existimationem succurrere in necessitatibus constituto quae omnia sine periculo vix possunt fieri in hoc faculo Muscul in Psal 15. Non vulgaris virtus est honore prosequi homines pios justos Nam cum saepe sunt quasi mundi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saepe fit ut qui sunt illis amici passim mundiodia in sese excitent Calv. in loc Psal 4.15 This is the new commandement to be observed by persons renewed (y) Iohn 13.34 Novum est vel 1 quia novis in novo statu collocatis est impositum 2 Quia novissimè post alia omnia à Christo fideliter inculcatum 3. Vel ob qualitatem dilectionis sicut nos dilexit 4. Vel ob vitae novitatem vel propter effectum quia per dilexionem exuitur vetus induitur novus homo S. Aug. in Iohn tract 65. to love one another A new commandement I give unto you that yee love one another as I have loved you that ye also love one another Iohn 13.34 To love one another is common but to love one another as Christ loved us is rare but marvellous The bond of love among men is naturall (z) Diligunt invicem mariti uxores parentes filij quaecunque alia inter se homines necessitudo humana devinxerit ut taceamus de dilectione culpabili atque damnabili qua diligunt invicem adulteri adultera scortatatores meretrices quoscunque alios non humana necessitudo sed humanae vitae noxia turpitudo conjungit Sedinvicem diligere est non sicut se diligunt qui corrumpunt nec sicut se diligunt homines quoniam homines sunt sed quoniam Dij sunt filij altissimi omnes ut sint filio ejus unico fratres ea dilectione invicem diligentes qua ipse dilexit eos S. Aug. Tract 65. in Iohn Sed nec sic quidem ab homine homo diligendus est ut diliguntur carnales fratres vel filij vel conjuges vel quicunque cognati aut affines aut cives Nam ista dilectio temporalis est S. Aug. tom 1. retract lib. cap. 13. the father loveth the child the husband his wife yea too often unnaturall and abominable when Simeon and Levi become brethren in evill their impietie is the ground-worke of their Society and the life of their love but the bond of love among Christian men is spirituall They love one another not because they are men but because good men Gods men godly men This is the excellencie of true love to delight in the Saints as they are Saints for the excellencie of their graces wherewith they are beautified in the kingdome of grace Psal
S. Iohn the Euangelist was growne so old and feeble at Ephesus that he was carried in the armes of his Disciples and hearers to the Church and Pulpit severall dayes one after another hee preached neither longer nor other Sermon but this Little Children love one another (p) Beatus Joannes Euangelista cum Ephesi moraretur usque ad ultimam senectutem vix inter discipulorum manus ad Ecclesiam deferretur nec posset in plura verba vocem contexere nihil aliud per singulas solcbat proferre collectas nisi hoc filioli diligite alterutrum Tandem discipuli fratres qui aderant toodio affecti quod eadem semper audirent dixerunt Magister quare semper hoc loqueris qui respondit dignam Ioanne sententiam quia praceptum domini est Et si totum fiat sufficit S. Hieron Commentar in cap. 6. ad Galatas 1. Iohn 4.7 they wondring thereat wearied with the often repetition of the selfe-same Doctrine desired him to unfold the reason of his frequent inculcation WhoÌ„ he thus satisfied The law of love is from the Son of love which if we thorowly observe we have kept the whole Law of God (q) Non veni legem solvere sed implere Mat. 5.17 quia erat ablaturus timerem carnalem spiritalem autem charitatem daturus qua sola lex impleri potest S. Aug. tom 4. Exp. epist ad Galatas Where this Pure love is what can be wanting and where it wants what love of God can there be (r) Vbi charitas est quid est quod possit deesse Vbi autem non est quid est quod possit prodesse S. August tractat in John 83. Behold let us love one another for love is of God and every one that loveth borne of God and knoweth God He that loveth not knoweth not God for God is love 1. Iohn 4.7 8. Vse 8. Nor may I forget in the conclusion of this Text the very maine scope of text and Psalme which were written for the singular consolation (Å¿) Versus hic omnium 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Coppen in loc Doctrina huius Psalmi nostro saeculo necessaria Gualter in loc of all such as depend wholly upon God embrace him above all things in Heaven earth For as none among the righteous is free from the temptation and vexation (t) Pertinet hic Psalmus ad Pusillanimes ad illos praesertim qui in populo Dei magis pij in Deum magis religiosi fuerunt Euthym. in loc Hic Psalmus omni timenti deum diligenter observandus est nullus enim ab hac tentatione est alienus quam hic descriptam vides est enim zelus contra prosperitatem impiorum Sed hic zelus error est stultitia Sanctorum Pomeranus in loc to see the godly perplexed and the wicked exalted and flourish so they may challenge their share in this Consolation When God trieth the chaffe from the corne the rust from the metall (u) Bishop Hooper Martyr sic hunc loc exponit and hypocrisie from truth men must not leave off a godly Conversation though the best bee punished and the worst scape quit but in such perillous times this and the like Psalmes are to bee read (x) Psal 37. Miartur muÌ„dus mirantur ipsi sanctissimi viri qui in mundo sunt de mundo non sunt nutantque quandoque animo dubitanâ— Fo. lengius in loc as consolations for the godly that we may abide the hammer if we suffer not all our Religion is not worth a hawe This Emphaticall verse then is a breath of comfort and joy unto all that are distressed in body or mind (y) Praeterea in omnibus calamitatibus inque ipso mortis limine ultimo agone illud cum Asapho subinde repetamus Si corporis mei vires deficiant Si cordis vigor exhaustus fuerit si omnia quae in hoc mundo sunt relinquenda fuerint satis mihi est Si te unicum Jesum Christum salvatorem meum in corde habeo Gesnerus in loc If the Lord of Heaven be thy All and thou abide stedfast in his love be of good cheare thou hast enough a crowne of Comfort belongs unto thee (z) Summa efficacissima consolatio est dei praesentiam clementem voluntatem monstrari in aerumnis in summa nulla est major consolatio nulla major foelicitas nulla praesentior salus quam Deum habere praesentem Heshusius in loc into what misery soever providence-divine hath cast thee 'T will expell thy sorrow mitigate thy griefe ease thy paine with a cheerfull heart to repeate these words whom have I in heaven but thee and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee (a) Homo timens deum intelligens judicium dei adversus peccatum pluris facit blandum propitium Dei conspectum quam omnium impiorum opes honores idem eod O the sweetnesse of the words how doe they delight the eye heart and eare of them that ponder them (b) Praeclara excellentia admodum verba adeoque digna quae summa diligentia religione pietate zelo ponderentur Fabr. in loc how joyfully could I spend my dayes and whole life upon them yea my soule desires to eate and digest them yea to be transformed into the comfort of them what comfort joy or happinesse is wanting to that man who hath learned and in practice retaines the vigour juice and power (c) Nihil habebat David super terram habebat sed non concupiscebat tecum cum deo habebat non sine deo deo non conjungebat Musculus in loc Heus tu lector foris nil vides ingredere invaenies domum ditissimam plus habes quam titulus tibi promittat Luther lectori in Psal of them Being tossed upon the billowes of discontent in the fore-part of the Psalme he arrives safely in the harbour of Comfort (d) Sic qui per Psalmi decursum quasi insipiens loqui visus fuerat sapientissima conclusione Psalmum finit ut vix inveniatur Psalmus alius qui tam ardenti charitatis flamma abrumpitur magis quam finitur Titelmanus in loc Incredibili ejus amore exardescens emittit has voces Antonius Flaminius in loc in this conclusion shewing how it comprehends in it all kindes of Consolation Hoe neither rejoyced much in any prosperitie lent unto him nor feared any adversity that could befall him so long as hee might enjoy the all-comforting presence and favor of his God (e) Quid praeter te ac sine teâ—prae te plus quam te Lotinus in loc Why should we so much please our selves in prosperitie seeing the very reprobates (f) Jn terra quid voluiâ—ate quod habent impij mali scelerati pecuniam argenium aurum gemmas familias hoc habent multa faminae multi viri turpes Petrus de Harentals in loc prosper Why
gratias agamus ib. of surviving Friends Which hungry time (k) Imagines ingeniorum vera sunt aeterna monumenta St. Hieron 141 Exegi monumentum aere perennius regalique situ pyramidum altius quod non imber edax non Aquilo impotens possit diruere aut innumerabilis Annorum series fuga temporum Horat. lib. 3. carm ed. 30. that hath morseld many generations and yet gapes for more shall not be able hastily to seize on digest or murther as Caine his Brother and hide it in the Ground (l) Ex 360. statuis quae Demetrio Phalareo erectae erant omnes excepta una populi furore aut ruptae aut summersae aut venditae quod cum ille audisset at virtutem inquit cujus gratia illas erexerant minime everterunt Marianus in Schol. in St. Hieron Ep. 141. ex Plutarch Laertio FINIS A Prayer of Mr Fawcitt mentioned Page 123. * O Blessed Lord God what am I or what was my fathers house that thou shouldest continue unto me so many blessings of this life both for the soule and body in such a bountifull and liberall manner It is thy mercifull goodnesse without any desert in mee Who desire with all humble thankefulnesse as to take notice of thy great goodnesse unto mee in giving mee a liberall childs portion so to acknowledge my selfe unworthy the least of all thy mercies For Lord thou knowest I was borne in sinne and conceived in iniquity and according to my polluted birth so have I lived sinning against thy divine Majestie Not onely in the time of ignorance for thou wouldest in mercy have passed by that but in the receit of all thy goodnesse since I was called to the profession of thy name and made acquainted with thy good will and word I have more grievously sinned against thee In regard whereof I am not worthy to lift up mine eyes towards heaven the least of my sinnes being sufficient to cast me downe to hell if thou should enter into judgement with me In the remembrance whereof I desire to be humbled before thee And am sory from the bottome of my heart and soule that ever I did offend so good gratious mercifull and loving a God that hath preserved and kept me all the dayes of my life and not long since delivered me from going downe to the grave Good father of heaven I beseech thee for the Lord Iesus sake in whom thou art well peased to pardon and forgive all my sins and foolish behaviour against thy blessed majestie which is past and enable me for the time to come to walke before thee as becomes thy child servant That I may mortifie sinne dayly and bring it into a consumption in me and thy blessed spirit may ever rule and Lord it in me Fill me with all wisedome and understanding that I may labour by all meanes to be fruitfull in all good workes and please thee in all things That it may be alwayes my chiefe care to grow and increase in the favour and knowledge of thee and thy blessed Son my alone Saviour and redeemer the Lord Iesus and thy blessed spirit my comforter whom rightly to know and beleeve faithfully is eternall life Helpe hereunto good father from whom comes the will and deed And strengthen me unto all godly patience and long sufferance with cheerefulnesse giving alwayes thankes unto thee O father of heaven who hast alwayes assisted helped and comforted mee in all thy loving chastisements afflictions necessities and troubles of this life O my soule praise thou the Lord for he hath done great things for thee Thou hast of thy unspeakable goodnesse bestowed upon me a liberall portion of the outward things of this life increasing my store but all these things had been nothing if thou hadst not also given me the testimony of thy love in Iesus Christ sent into the world to redeeme my poore soule Grant Lord I may not set my heart upon these temporall mercies but make them unto me pledges of thy love and favour in Christ grant me the assistance of thy good spirit to direct mee in the conscionable use of them to thy glory make them as meanes furtherances for the doing of thy will that whatsoever I enjoy in this life I may employ to the advancement of thy praise and the good of them among whom I live As thou hast added to my outward estate so Lord increase thy graces in my soule without which my comfort in them will vanish all things comming alike to all men the difference being in the holy use of all thy mercies Wherefore make them so many bonds to lead mee to repentance and to take all opportunities whereby I may expresse how I prize that love of thine shewed unto me unto thy children as their necessities do require whilest I live before I go hence and be seene no more Loving thee for thy goodnesse and doing good to thy saints and servants for thy sake Lord what shall I render unto thee for all these great and unspeakeable blessings O that I could praise thee as I ought Lord helpe me to awaken and stirre up my dead drowsie and deceitfull heart awake my lute my harpe my glory my soule and all that is within me to praise and magnifie thy holy name I will praise the Lord whilest I have any being for his gratious favours towards mee Which I beg at thy most mercifull hands to continue unto mee even unto the end of my life And when thy pleasure shall be to take me from this world and the miseries thereof grant me to enjoy with thee O blessed father and thee O blessed Saviour and thy blessed Spirit that everlasting inheritance which thou hast laid up in heaven for mee and all them that love thee in truth of heart And seing next under thy Majesty the Majesty of Charles our most religious and dread Soveraigne is the channell and fountaine of all the happy peace plenty prosperitie wee enjoy together with the most peaceable pure and plentifull preaching of thy sacred word Lord powre upon him in the most abundant measure all spirituall eternall and temporall mercies that hee may be blessed in his person in our gratious Queene Mary and his most royall issue and this Church and Common wealth in him her and them so long as the Sunne and Moone endures All which blessing vouchsafe to grant for the Lord Iesus sake to whom with thy selfe and holy spirit be given of me all honour praise and glory now and for ever world without end In whose words and perfect platforme of prayer I humbly recommend my suits unto thee O father saying Our Father c. FINIS Menda Preli precariò emendanda Faults made faultlesse Page Line for Reade 8 26 here is There is nothing 9 1 Siloam Siloam 11 11 Nor doth it Reason 2. Nor doth it 28 10 twice have heard twice have I heard 50 16 ballance for ballance For 58 6 but it is but is 60 18 Christ Chest 80 15 exchange admit exchange Admit 93 25 tale taile 111 13 thousand thousands Margine Pag. Litera Lege 2 g mundi 6 e hominum liver 14 g Nam 21 b dijs suit fecit ibid. 59 c non 84 o Sancto 90 u germanus 99 ◠illi terrena 108 k miratur 117 x aeterna mutaret 119 r non lactescere