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
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
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
reperitur S. Aug. Tom. 2. ep 121. cap. 2. But whosoeuer seekes for God shall finde him (a) Omne opus leue fieri solet cum eius pretium cogitatur spes praemij solatium est laboris S. Hier. tom 9. ep 1. ω and with him light in Goshen and bread in Iosephs Granarie when others hunger and perish in eternall-nights of darkenesse Reason 4 4 Finally the sweete relish the soule hath of Gods goodnesse in Christ makes her mount upon the wings of love soare higher then the moone build her nest in the skies overlooke all things below to embrace and enioy him whose habitation is in the highest heavens This pure affection was euer the crowne and honour of the Saints Enoch walked with God (b) Gen. 5.22 not with men because on earth he found no such companion no such communion as with God Abraham forsooke Countrey (c) Gen. 12.1 Hebr. 11.18.19 kinred friends and his only childe the childe of promise in his assurance to regaine them all and whatsoeuer els his soule desired with a thousand fold advantage in God his father and friend T' was this made S. Paul account all things dung and drosse in comparison of Christ (d) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Philip. 3.8 Moses to preferr the afflictions of the Church to the courtly pleasures of Egypt (e) Hebr. 11.26 the reproach of Christ to the honours of Pharoh This mov'd those Canonized-Pilgrims (f) Hebr. 11.36 contentedly to wander up and downe meanely clad poorely fed persecuted by Monarkes (g) Non in hoc mundo non timere non dolere non laborare non periclitari impossibile est S. Aug. Tom. 2. ep 82. scorned by Pezants (h) Lingua maledica sanctos carpere solita est in solatium delinquendi S. Hier. ep 27. Tantorum odia insectationemquè pertulerit quantos vitae suae dissimilitudine castigarit Castigare enim alium videtur qui ab eius coÌ„versatione dissentit Nam quae maior iniusto iniuria esse potest quam vitae iustitiae S. Hier. Tom. 9. ep 5. vnworthily handled of all tho the world was not worthy of them because God was their treasure who had provided better things for them In aword (i) Vniversa exequi sui est tituli voluminis haec sufficiant pauca de plurimis S. Hier. ep 22. cap. 4. this made all those vessels of Election whose names are written in the booke of life to long only after the Lord of life making him unto themselves in the Church Militant as he wil be to them with others in the Church Triumphant all in all (k) 1. Cor. 15.28 In Eden a tree of life (l) Gen. 3.24 in a deluge an arke (m) Gen. 7.1 in the desert a brazen Serpent (n) Numb 21.9 in hunger Mannah (o) Exod. 16.15 in thirst water (p) Exod. 17 6. from the rocke in danger Zoar in persecution a Caue in povertie riches in death life our Temple Sunne Moone day our all For as light is to be prefered to darkenesse (q) Greg. Nissen Tom. 2. Tract in Ps cap. 6. libertie to the loathsome dungeon so God of whose fulnesse we receive to all things in Heaven and earth Vse 1 Having I hope caused the scales of ignorance to fall from your eyes enlightned your understanding I may now conceive the better hope to worke upon your affections and prevaile with you to embrace this truth in the power thereof craving entertainement in the conscionable application T' is but a little text yet like the smallest graine of mustard seede (r) Luke 13.19 spreads it selfe into many branches or like Elias cloud but a hands breadth (Å¿) 1. Kings 18.44 yet overspread the heavens and refreshed the earth with store of Raine and like that little stone (t) Dan. 2.34 it serves first to breake in peeces that Golden-Image of the heathen gods (u) R. David instituit comparationem Reges aliorum populorum adorant solem aliaque astra ego te solum non posui tibisocium nec coelo nec terra Per terram in telâ—igit quatuor clementa alia corpora ex iliis constantia i. e. mundum inferiorem sunt enim ait qui adorant aquas aerem terram Barth Coppen in loc Lor. in loc Tecum socium noÌ„ volui in terra ut doceat se noÌ„ deflexisse ad peregrinos Deos religiones Genebrard in loc Non enim pereunt nisi hi qui longe se faciunt à Deo conservatore suo ipse non perdet nisi illos qui fornicantur ab illo i. e. quorum anima ducit DeuÌ„ aut alterum à veritatis coniugio se falsitate coÌ„miscet Arnob in loc Bibl. Patrum tom 5. pars 3 pag. 267. Erant qui coelestes Deos adorarent cum illos summo loco ponerent terrestres etiam quasi secundi ordinis colerent ego vero inquit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Theodor. in loc whom blinded Pagans and Idolatrous infidels ignorant of the true God made to themselves adoring Many Gods and many Lords (x) 1. Cor 8 4 5. some the chiefe and others of inferior ranke (y) 1 King 20.13 whom they placed some in Heaven (z) Ier. 44.18 others in Earth against the expresse practice of David and letter of the text I am the Lord thy God thou shalt have no other gods before me Exod. 20.3 Every Pagan cloathed with humanitie acknowledges a Deitie (a) Nulla gens est neque tam immansueta neque tam sera que non etiamsi ignoret qualem habere Deum deceat tamen habendum sciat Cicero lib. 1. de Leg. 54. Each page in Natures booke reveales God in Capitall letters (b) Anton. Eremita ob librorum penuriam à Philosopho quodam reprehensus respondebat Liber meus O Philosophe est 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in eis cum mihi visum est oracula Dei legere licet Niceph lib. 11. cap. 43. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Theodoret. Graec. affection curat ser 3. Inter omnes omnium gentium sententia constat omnibus enim innatum est in animo quasi insculptum esse Deos Quales sint varium est esse nemo negat Cicero de Natura Deorum lib. 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Iustin Martyr de Ethnicis The heavens declare the glorie of God and the firmament sheweth his handie worke Psalm 19.1 But seeing that when they knew God they glorified him not as God neither were thankfull but became vaine in their imaginations and their foolish heart was darkened professing themselves to be wise they became fooles and changed the glorie of the uncorruptible God into an Image made like to corruptible man and to birds and fourefooted beasts and creeping things Rom. 1.19 20 21 22 23. In the heavens they worshipped the intelligences or movers of the orbes (c) Marlorat in 1. Cor. 8.5 Sol famulus hominis est Luna ancilla
doubts solving of questions the Iewes customarily resorted unto their Prophets (d) Stella in Luke 18.24 Saul seeking his fathers asses repaired to Samuel the Seer (e) 1 Sam. 9.9 David desirous to build the Lords house conferres of the intention with the Prophet Nathan (f) 2 Sam. 7.2 Abijah being very sicke Ieroboam sends to the Prophet Ahijah (g) 1 King 14.2 and this young man ignorant of the way to heaven resorts unto Christ that great Prophet to unburden his minde (h) Matt. 19 16. This yonker as S. Matthew cals him (i) Mat. 19.20 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being a yong gallant newly come to his lands (k) Luke 18.18 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nam celebratiores inter Iudaeos familiae suos habuerunt 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 primores Chymnit Har. cap. 131. in loc as S. Luke stiles him having beene in Christs companie at the confirmation of the children (l) Matt. 19.13 14 15. hearing of so sweete a promise made unto them as the kingdome of heaven which is not once expressely mentioned in the old Testament (m) Et mihi in Euangelio promittuntur regna coelorum quae instrumentum vetus omnino non nominat S. Hieron ep 129. Dardano Primus Baptista Iohannes regnum coelorum praedicat ut pracursor domini hoc privilegio honoretur idem in Mat. 3.1 Quantum in corde meo est legens legem prophetas psalterium nunquam regnum coelorum audivi nisi in evangelio Chrysost seing Christ leaving the place he being loath to lose so faire an opportunity he came running unto him in haste kneeled downe to him in humble reverence and asked him good Master what shall I doe that I may inherit eternall life (n) Marke 10.17 A question meete for such a Doctor and favours more of a minde desirous to learne the way then to trie his Tutors skill in cases of conscience (o) Nec voto discentis sed tentamis interroget S. Hieron in loc Matt. Non tentandi ut legis peritus Lucae decimo versu 25. sed discendi animo Tossanus in loc Mat. 19. omnes ferè neoterici Versuta interrogatio arguta responsio Tentator enim princeps ille S. Ambros in Luke 18. Habendi cupidum non negaverim subdolum autem simulatorem nunquam dixerim quia non debemus quod incertum est ac maxime in criminibus quasi certum asserere Chrysost in loc Mat. The Lord that hee might discover unto himselfe the deceitfulnesse of his owne heart and unto the whole company and Colledge of Disciples the deceitfulnesse of riches exhorts him to the contempt of the world by two forcible arguments the love of perfection and the gaine of eternall happinesse (p) Amore perfectionis praemio terrore ipsa divitum vita miserrima Ferus in loc Matt. If thou wilt be perfect goe and sell all that thou hast and give to the poore and thou shalt have treasure in heaven Luke 18.22 but marke the sequell The sound of these words sell all and give away to the poore no sooner came to his eare but presently his heart was wounded with the dart of sorrow which at the very instant shewed it selfe not onely in his face but in his feete also for he went away sorrowfull at that saying verse 23. No doubt as the manner of his comming bred in the standers by an expectatiō of the event so this unexpected and strange departure of his begot admiration He who came to know findes knowledge a burden in the very first lesson hee who drew their eyes unto him drawes them after him he who seems ambitious of heaven now leaves it behinde him being proffer'd hee who came with joy returnes with sorrow whose by-your-leave was civill his farewell unmannerly he slunke away as repenting his presence and loath to be seene he had a prize in his hand but the foole had no heart (q) Prov. 17.16 In dimidio laudabilis adolescens in dimidio vituperabilis S Origen in loc Matt. Dilexit eum Christus Marc. 10.21 Ob pietatis studium animi integritatem quod ipsum videret bonae indolis esse civiliter benè moratum per omnia liberaliter educatum Esay 42.3 Chymn in loc Matt. to get wisedome That one thing wanting in him (r) Marke 10.21 declared plainly that all things were wanting in him saving wealth notwithstanding his bragge of universall obedience to all the commandements (ſ) Obse vandum non esse additamentum legis sed probationem latentis in juvene 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quam certum est pugnare cum lege Tossan in loc Matt. Juvenis iste insolens fuit rursum moestus est factus Hilar. in Matt. Canor 19. Puto enim quod se arrogantius quam verius servasse respondeat S. Aug. tom 2. ep 89. quaest 4. Hoc mandato docuit Christus tantum ipsum à perfectione legis abesse ut ne primum quidem decalogi praeceptum quod Dei amorem rebus facultatibus praefert universis probe unquam observarit neque concupiscentijs adhuc renunciarit affectibusque legi divinae adversantibus Pelargus in Matt. 19. All these have I kept from my youth hee talkes of his keeping all Christ preacheth a sermon of forsaking all or else hee cannot be his Disciple Luke 14.33 And this was it which grieved him grieved him so farre as hee was for the time distracted with sorrow forgetting Christ himselfe Heaven and whatsoever appertained either to piety or humanity which Melancholicke fit the Evangelists set out to life (t) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mat. 19.22 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Marke 10.22 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Luke 18.23 Nam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 derivatur ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 odio prosequor Matt. 16.3 tribuitur coelo quando tempestatem minatur 70. usi sunt Lucae vocabulo de Coino qui indignabatur 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gen. 4.6 ut quid succensa est ira tibi Matthaeus animi aegritudinem denot Chym. in loc saying he was sorrowfull sad grieved yea very sorrowfull as if they wanted language to expresse his indignation arising from his griefe menacing a Tempest against Christ his torment and vexation of spirit his fretting and chafing mind viewable in his dogged countenance which he cast to the ground when he went away as Murtherous Caine did resolving revenge upon his righteous brother Abel And the cause of all this passion was he was rich and was unwilling to leave his possessions for heaven (u) Notum est illud Ciceronis Avaritiam non solum Spartam serdidisse offic lib. 2. As he turn'd his backe on Christ Christ turned his face to his disciples and looking round about to eye the observance men made of this passage and to gaine attention to his ensuing instruction hee breakes out into admiration verily I say unto you how hardly shall a rich man enter into the
aternum Quod enim justi ex iniquis erimus sani ex infirmis vivi ex mortuis immortales ex mortalibus beati ex miseris misericordia ejus est hoc autem quod ita erimus in aeternum erit ergo in aeternum misericordia ejus S. Aug in loc the Soule becomes so enamoured (*) Deum diligere nullus modus nulla mensura est nisi haec sola ut ei totum exhibeas quantum habes idem eod Modus diligendi deum est sine modo diligere Si quis unquam est qui fideli hoc amore verbi dei arsit aliquaendo qui electi jaculi ejus dulce vulnus plagamque accipit qui scientiae ejus amabili confixus est telo divinis eum desiderijs nocturnisque suspiret aliud quid loqui non possit audire aliud nolit cogitare aliud nesciat desiderare praeter ipsum aut cupere aliud vel sperare non libâ—at dicat vulneratae charitatis ego sum S. Hier. ib. of him that she is sicke of love and needs Flaggons of wine to give her comfort (f) Cant. 2.5 ad hanc domum vini Ecclesia vel anima vnaquaeque desiderat intrare dogmatibus sapientia mysterijque scientia epularum velut suavitate vini latitia perfrui S. Hier. Hom. 3. in loc None are out of love with God but such as know him not aliens from the Common-wealth of Israel and strangers from the Covenants of promise (g) Ephes 2.12 For as the Queene of Sheba when shee had seene Salomons wisedome and the house that he had built and the meate of his table the sitting of his Servants the attendants of his Ministers and their apparell and his Cup-bearers and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the Lord fell into admiration insomuch as for joy love and delightfull content there was no more spirit in her (h) 1. Kin. 10.4.5 Nescio autem si ita ineptam putemus fuisse reginam quae ob hoc venerat à finibus terrae ut miretur cibos Sed mihi videtur miratam esse cibos doctrinae ejus vinum dogmatum quae ab co per divinam sapientiâ—m praedicabantur S. Hieron Homil. 1. in Cant. Canticorum Nec regni ejus sublimitate sed mentis luce commota est S. Aug. Tom. 10. de tempore Ser. 35. so when in the Chrystall-glasse of the Word we see our owne miserie and at the same instant finde Gods left hand under our head and his right hand embracing and supporting us (i) Cant. 2.6 Descriptio est quidem amatorij dramatis sponsae festinantis ad concubitum sponsi Longitudo vitae in dextera ejus in sinistra vero ejus divitiae gloria Pro. 3.16 illa pars verbi dei quae ante assumptionem carnis in dispensationibus peracta est dextra potest videri haec vero quae per incarnationem sinistra appellari S. Hieron in loc Hom. 3. Per dextram Christi sempiternitas per sinistram ejus humanitas signif Dextra ejus amplecti est illa cognoscere de illis instrui quaeante hujus quoq per incarnationem gesta dispensationis tempus in arcanis habentur reconditis Laeva vero ubi vulnera nostra curavit peccata nostra portavit factus est enim pro nobis peccatum maledictum idem loc citat Anima sic affecta ad â—sculum intellectuale suspirat Cant. 1.1 ut jam terrenis affectibus mitigata omnibus quae de mundo sunt cogitationibus desiderijsque sopitis in solius Christi delectetur â—sculo quiescat amplexu S. Aug. Tom. 4. lib. de Amicitia cap. 6. Append. The promise of mercy and pardon in Gods right hand Heaven in his left Christ Iesus courting his fathers subjects but with better affection then once Absolon courted Davids the Spirit of Christ Cloathing us with puritie Angels triumphing at our Reconciliation Mansions and Crownes prepared for us our Soules are wounded with one of his eyes (k) Cant. 5 9. and so farre elevated with unspeakable delights that they choose God before all and despise whatsoever stands in Competition with Christ The more the heart dives into the cleare Fountaines of the Word the more it 's enflam'd and thirsts after Christ the water of life The more acquaintance thou hast with the Word of God the more thou wilt dayly hunger after acquaintance with God himselfe (l) Iob. 22.21 and long to taste how sweet he is above all Creatures in Heaven and Earth 2. The second meanes if examples can perswade is the patterne of the Saints who like innocent Doves take (m) Mat. 10.16 their flight from the highest pinacle of worldly prosperity unto the windowes of Heaven as to their repose and Nests (n) Esay 60.8 Those who have conquered enemies gotten riches (o) Jlle namque cum adhuc esset in carne Zachaeum divitem in regnum coelorum misit multos postea divites impertito Spiritu Sanctos fecit hujus saeculi contemptores sinita divitiarum cupiditate ditiores St. August Tom. 2. Epist 121. cap. 1. Dabo illis solatium verum pacem super pacem Jer. 14.13 sine quo solatio quaecunque sunt terrena solatia magis in eis desolatio quam consolatio reperitur ibid. cap. 2. Divitiae quippe atque fastigia dignitatum caeteraque quibus se foelices esse putant mortales verae illius faelicitatis expertes quid afferunt consolationis cum sit eis indigere quam eminere praestantius quae plus excruciant adepta timore amissionis quam concupita adeptionis ardore Talibus enim bonis non fiunt homines boni sed aliunde boni facti bene utendo faciunt ut ista sint bona ibid. wonne renowne obtained Crownes governed Kingdomes have in the end unladen their vessels and divested themselves of all to have communion and fellowship with God Wealthy Zachaeus (p) Luk. 19.8 gave halfe his goods to the poore as a free donation to welcome Christ and made a fourefold restitution to give satisfaction where his finger had searched or his tongue lashed by oppression or false accusation Rich Abraham with contempt of his Coine purchased a place of rest (q) Gen. 23.16 St. Hieron Tom. 9. Ep. 3. where hee buried his dead in assured hope of resurrection to an incorruptible Crowne Iob was not dismayed with losse of all (r) Fit pauper ex divite tot orbitatibus vulneratur quot successionibus gloriabatur O virum naturam saeculi respuenter in valle lachrymarum turrim occupat gloriarum S. Hieron Tom. 9. Ep. 20. but made his Patience proclaime that his joyes and chiefe contentments were above upon that God who hath power to give and take at his pleasure who is better then all Saint Paul that vessell of Election whose blindnesse gave sight to the whole world (Å¿) Pauli caecitas totius orbis illuminatio effecta est S. Chrysost Tom.
man his sword by his side went in and out from gate to gate thorow the Campe and slew every man his brother every man his companion and every man his neighbor (g) Exod 32.27 Quia melius est paucorum supplicio universos eximi quam in omnes vindicari S. Ambr. So every Christian must with the Sword of the word and Spirit murther and cut the throat of every one of his corruptions how neare or deare soever they seeme unto him Outward profession (h) Non in carne palam sed in occulto cordis Jadaei esse debemus non litera sed spiritu S. Hieron Tom. 9. Ep. 20. of religion is not sufficient to Salvation without this inward circumcision Christ healed the Lepers and the Sicke of severall infirmities yet commanded them silence he did things worthy of praise in private yet would not be praised in publike (i) Mira ratio non vult praedicari quod gaudet intelligi agnosci amat odit ostendi si mysterium obtectae circumcisionis exercens Nam mavult se inventum esse quam proditum ut virtus sua illum non favor manifestaret alienus idem ibid. such must his members be better then they appeare to bee the inside of mortification be every whit as good or better then the outside of profession Abrahams circumcision of the fore-skin of his flesh (k) Abraham designat in carne quod exeâ—cebat in mente non per hoc signum exprimens carnis sed signum fidei ibid. Gen. 17.24 was an outward manifestation of inward amputation of his inbred Corruptions that cleaved so fast unto him Heb. 12.1 Hee that offered up his Sonne a lively Sacrifice unto God (l) Lucratur orbitatem dum parricidium meditatur cum unico non parcit in terris stellas pro filijs annumerare jubetur in coelis Carnalisque despector naturae in natura siderum collocatur humani contemptor seminis pater vocatur astrorum Gen. 22.10 ibid. teacheth us to Crucifie our Sins to enjoy the favour of God That Great Baptist in making the wildernesse his pulpit teacheth as well by conversation (m) Multa à prophetis denunciata populo ab ipsis prophetis sunt primum effecta Vadit nudus Propheta in se quod alij vaticinabatur oflendit videt vulgus non audit in Esaiae corpore quae sibi erant ventura cognoscit sit fignum de vate in libero adhuc populo amaritudinem sensit propheta captivi Esay 20.3 St. Hieron Mat. 3.5 as Doctrine all his Auditors that desire to embrace Christ to flye from the vanities of this world by leaving the great Cities the Theaters of wickednesse He preached not in the Temples not in the streets in the Cities in the high-wayes where he should have met with multitudes but in the wildernesse to call and cry them out of Hierusalem invite out from their pleasures and profits to repent of their sins and bee washed from their iniquities And as the wise men forsooke Herods favour and opened and forsooke their owne treasures to present the Heyre of the world (n) Mat. 2.11 Magi suis se affectibus circumcidere cum thesaâ—ris suis id est secrâ—tis mentium patefactis animorum motus mactavere pro munere eosque morbos per quos aliquid aut cupimus aut metuimus aut dolemus velut ante pietatis aram miserecordiae altare foderunt ut uelin auro avaritia vel in Thure idololatria vel in Myrrha fieret domino subjecta mortalitas S. Hieron loc cit so to become a present acceptable to the Lord wee must renounce our selves and whatsoever wherein flesh and blood treasures up the most contentment This is a hard saying saith flesh and blood to draw blood from the very heart True but the love of Christ will make that facile to the Spirit which is fierce and fearfull to the flesh (o) Cultello itaque petrino corporis nostri circumcidenda est natura Petra autem Christus est cujus cultellus amor est quo crescente in nobis saeculidesideria decrescent quem qui amaverit dicit patri non novi te nec dicet iam cuius circumcisa est natura patrem praeter cum qui est in coelis se habere Hieron eod And how much better is it to lanch the impostumated flesh open a veine to take away corrupted blood and cut off a member Gangreen'd to goe to heaven then to die remedilesse and eternally bee tormented (p) Mat. 5.29 Nor is the Service of Christ so burdensome to a Sonne as the service of Sin is heavy and grievous to the Sinner the transgressor hath more torture and vexation (q) Et qui voluptates corporis virtutum amore contempsimus rursum amore vitiorum tormenta suscipimus atque ita malis nostris cedimus ut ea nec putemus posse deponi Res difficiles laboris plenas securus aggredior faciliora non posse fieri credo Libenter fugio quod delectat nolo vitaere quod cruciat S. Hieron Tom. 9. Ep. 1. in a day whiles he moyles in Sathans Brick-kills then the Saint all the dayes of his life in the Service of his God and one day in Gods Court yeelds him more sound joy and delight then a thousand yeeres afford unto the worker of iniquitie And if the very shadow of Mortification receives a temporary recompence (r) Multi huius virtutis umbram veritatem eius sequuntur pauci perfacile est enim aliquam vestem habere conteâ—ptam salutare submissius manus genua deosculari inclinato in terram capite oculisque deiectis humilitatem mansuetudinem polliâ—eri lonta voâ—â— tenuique sermones infringere Suspirare prebrius ad omne verbum peccatorem miserum so clamare si vel levi sermone offensus sit continuà attollere supercilium levare cervicem delicatum illum oris Sermonem sonum insano repente clamore mutare St. Hieron Tom. 9. Ep. 1. how great shall the reward of true selfe-denyall be The excellencie and greatnesse of the wages will fully reward the difficultie of the worke remember that he who loveth Father or mother more then Christ is not worthy of Christ and hee that loveth Sonne or daughter more then him is not worthy of him Mat. 10.37 Seeing God requires nothing at thy hands save thy Coate of corruption let him have thy cloake of hypocrisie also (Å¿) Mat. 5.40 seeing the Law requires thy obedience for a mile let the bond of love constraine thee to goe with him twaine Leave all thy selfe for his love who gave himselfe for thee (t) Remittite pallium tunicam detrabenti Pecunia corum cum ipsis sit in interitum qui Christo pecuniam praetulerunt Exeuntes semel de Sodom cuncta relinquamus incendijs S. Hieron ibid. Ep. 3. and with Levi observe his Word keepe his Covenant know not thy owne children nor acknowledge thy brethren
say to thy Father and mother I have not seene you (u) Deut. 33.9 Nemo sit qui prohibeat non Mater non soror non cognata non germanicus dominus te necessarium habet quot voluerunt impedire timeant flagella Pharaonis qui populum dei ad colendum eum noluit demittere S. Hieron Tom. 1. Ep. 22. What father have I in Heaven but thee and I desire none in earth besides thee 4. Nor may I forget the sweet benefit of sanctified afflictions drawing (x) A terro in coelum fit patiens postea experimentalis Theologus hinc spes huic coelum ipsum Scultetus in lec the Saints to make God their All in heaven and earth Asaph signifies a Congregation a heape of sorrowes (y) Bellarm. in loc and his peculiar straine is to treat of the Sorrowes and calamities of the Church (z) Hoc habuit peculiare ut de rebus â—ristib meditaretur ecclesiae Vnde hic tertius Psalmorum liber continet ferè perpetuas querimonias Genebrard in loc The indurance whereof and his share therein had wrought his patient minde to that resolution that howsoever the affaires of the Church went were it prosperitie or miserie (a) Res prospera donum est consolantis res autem adversa donum est admonentis dei St. Aug. Tom. 2. Ep. 87. hee was contented nothing should remove him from his God Davids afflictions were a burning furnace to purifie his affections and make them adhere (b) Psal 119.97 71. more to the Law-giver and the Law Whilest Moab was at ease and was not powred from vessell to vessell nor carried into captivitie he setled on his lees his taste remained in him and his sent was not changed (c) Ier. 48.11 Nunc experimentum de te sumit dominus quomodo se diligas Magna est afflictio fateor ego verum magna est etiam patientibus à domino reposita merces S. Basil Tom. 3. Ep. 8. his vessels must bee broken his bottles emptied before he come to any perfection or sweetnes Lessons hardly learn'd are long kept in memory when once learnd And as the flowers (d) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 herba sic dicta quod vento flante aperiatur lege Dioscorid li. 2. cap. 207. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which open with the winter winde are very beautifull and pleasant so that love of God which kindles through the extremity of afflictions as it s hardly come by so it flames long and as the beames of it are beautifull so no waters can quench it but it remaines as strong as death (e) Multo quaesita auro gemma maiori solicitudine possidetur generaliter grandicura magna quaequae servantur S. Heiron Tom. 9. Ep. 1. Cant. 8.6 The eare never is more open to heare God speake unto the soule (f) Iob. 33.14.15 16 17 18. Psal 85.8 Nor the eye more open'd to see the goodnesse of God (g) Psal 124.1.2 3. Acts 9.18 nor the tongue more ready to crie unto God (h) Psal 66.13 14. nor the hand more open and stretched out to embrace the Lord (i) Acts 2.37 nor the heart more thorowly in love with God then in the time of some affliction (k) 2. Cron. 33.12 The more the Camomile is trod upon and cloves beaten in the morter the sweeter they smell and the more a blessed rod smites the backs of the righteous (l) Tempora mutata video Creator temporum non mutatur si praeterita sic sunt nobis narrata futura talia praenunciata in medio praesentium quare laboramus S. Aug. in Psal 44.1 2 17 18. Incipit beatitudo iudicio divino ubi aerum na aestimatur humano S. Ambros they become like the incense a sweet smelling Sacrifice in the nostrils of the Lord. All this is come upon us yet have wee not forgotten thee neither have wee dealt falsly in thy covenant Psal 44.17 18 19. The fifth and last meanes is fervent prayer unto God This is the Catholike medicine for all maladies the meanes sanctified by the Lord to obtaine all blessings of the Lord himselfe (m) Quotidie lachrymae quotidie gemitus cum in Eremo constitutus essem ille igitur ego qui ob gebennae metum tali me carcere ipse damnaveram scorpionum tantum socius ferarum saepe choris intereram puellarum Pallebant ora ieiunijs mens desiderijs aestuabat in frigido corpore ante hominem sua iam carne praemortuum sola libidinum incendia bulliebant itaque omni auxilio destitutus ad Jesu iacebam pedes rigabam lachrimis crine tergebam repugnantem carnem hebdomadarum in edia subingabam St. Hieron Tom. 1. Ep. 22. Hee that becomes a suter unto the Almighty that the Scepter of Christ may rule in his heart and that his soule may be even ravished and filled with the love of God in and above all shall speede if so be his supplication be faithfull humble and fervent Hee never replies with It is not mine to give (n) Math. 20.22 23. Non est meum dare vobis i. e. sic superbè petentibus insolenter elate de carnis tumore non spiritus lenitate Nam ego qui nunc resisto vobis humilibus dare gratiam consuevi St. Hieron Tom. 9. Ep. 20. unlesse we aske we know not what or otherwise then we ought Three graces must ever attend our prayers to make them prevalent faith wings them and gives them life hope pitcheth them at heaven's gate and charity presents them at the throne of grace (o) In ipsa ergo fide spe charitate continuato desiderio semper oramus S. Aug. Tom. 2. ep 121. Probae cap. 8. It is not many words (p) Neque enim ut nonnulli putant hoc est orare in multiloquio si diutius oretur aliud est sermo multus aliud diâ—turnus affectus ibid. cap. 10. nor eloquent phrases that do prevaile but deepe sighs (q) Rom. 8.26 Nam pierumque hoc negotium plus gemitibus quam sermonibus agitatur plus fletu quam affatu idem a broken heart great groanes strong faith a lively hope and love unfained that speed These may find some resemblance in that of the Evangelist If a sonne shall aske bread of any of you that is a father will hee give him a stone or if he aske a fish will hee for a fish give him a serpent or if hee shall aske an egge will hee offer him a scorpion Luke 11.11 faith is as the fish hope as the egge love as the bread (r) Fides significetur in pisce vel propter aquam baptismi vel quod in hujus seeculi fluctibus integra est spes in ovo quia vita pulli nonduÌ„ est sed futura est nec jam videtis sed adhuc speratur Charitas in pane major enim herum charitas in cibis utique vincit caetera panis utilitas
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