easily be confuted or auoided which at the first dash bewray all their counsaile but they which agree with vs in many points may easily deceiue simple mindes by their subtile secrecie while they bolster out their poisonfull doctrine by some conformitie c. The 17. meditation They shall prosper that loue thee They which doe but beare good will vnto Sion shall prosper their louing affection to Gods house shall not be forgotten 1. So the Lord by Isaak saith to Iacob They shall be cursed that curse thee and blessed are they that blesse thee Gen. 27. 29. Likewise the Prophet Dauid saith The Lord is with them that vphold my soule Psal. 54. 4. Our Sauiour promiseth that he which giueth but a cuppe of cold water to any of his little ones in the name of a disciple should not loose his reward Math. 10. 42. 2. Thus Laban was prospered for Iacobs sake Gen. 30. 27. because he succoured and entertained him in his house The Lord blessed Obed-Edom and all his house because of the arke 2. Sam. 6. 11. he receiued it into his house and had a loue and respect vnto it therefore the Lord shewed him fauour againe Thus god deliuered Ebedmelech the Moore because he releeued and fauoured the prophet Ieremie cap. 39. 18. Ierem. And contrariwse they are accursed that doe hate the church of God What gained Ismael by mocking of Isaack he was cast out of his fathers house Gen. 21. 9. 10. Or what did it profit Abimelech to slaie his brethren the sonnes of noble Ierubball was he not himselfe slaine his braine pan broken with a peece of a milstone and after thrust thorough by his page Iudg. 9. 52. 53. And Saul had good experience what it is to persecute the innocents and to hate Gods seruants he put the priests to death and caused Doeg in one day to kill of them 85. persons he chased Dauid from place to place what was the issue hereof he himselfe was ouercome in battell and desperately died vpon his owne sword 1. Sam. 31. 4. 3. Like as then the Prophet saith in thy light shall we see light Psal. 36. 9. as a man by beholding the light is himselfe lightened so they which loue the light of Gods trueth shining in his Church shall themselues find light and comfort by it The Lord is said to turne the bed of the mercifull man in his sickenesse Psal. 41. 3. that as the turning and beating of the ficke mans couch doeth yeild more ease and pleasant rest to the sicke and weary bones so the Lord doth minister spirituall comfort and refreshing to the soule of that man that hath beene a comfort vnto others In this respect it is said in the Canticles Thy name is as an ointment poured out therefore the virgins loue thee Cant. 1. 2. that like as they which are neere vnto a precious ointment powred out though they were not annointed with it yet they are filled with the fauour of it So they which loue Christs Church where this oyntment is powred out shall haue the pleasant sauour and smell thereof in their welfare and prosperitie they shall prosper that loue thee 4. For the loue that is shewed to any of Christs members Christ accepteth as bestowed vpon himselfe In as much as he did it to one of the least of these ye did it vnto me Math. 25. 45. And therefore Christ wil recompence the loue of such they shall prosper themselues and be blessed in it 5. First according to this rule They shall prosper that loue thee it were good for vs to measure the current of many accidents in the world there shall we see the miserable ende and vnprosperous successe of such as were enemies to Gods Church and the happie estate and blessed progresse of such as were friends and louers of it What hath beene the ende of those treacherous practisers against the Lords annointed our late Soueraigne and of those haters of religion I meane Babington Ballard Arden Sommeruile Sherwin Parrie Lopez Squire with the rest they brought themselues to a shamefull but well deserued death and haue left behind them a perpetuall note of infamie howsoeuer the Pope hath canonized thē for martyrs of his Church Fit saints for such a chappell and worthie inhabitants of the Popes heauen But God shall prosper the faithfull endeauours of his seruants the teares which they shed in their praiers for Gods Church shall be put into the Lords bottles Psal. 56. 8. They shall eate the bread in the sweate of their browes they shall be partakers of the comfort and prosperitie of CHRISTS Church for the which they haue trauailed And now I trust is the time that it shall be saide to all that loue the Gospel They shall prosper that loue thee The Gospel hath by Gods goodnes prospered and flourished aboue these 40. yeares and now by Gods goodnes is like to prosper still God shall blesse both Prince and people as he hath done alreadie in great measure God hath brought a prosperous king to a prosperous nation His Maiestie the Lord hath aboundantly honoured in one day aduancing him to the princely regiment of an honourable nation to the loue heartie desire of his subiects to a countrey professing religion to the treasures of a rich prince God hath giuen him Salomons portion honour wealth wisdome God we trust shall giue his Maiestie grace and strength with al his power to honour him againe that we may say with the prophet Because the king trusted in the Lord and in the mercie of the most high he shall not slide thine hand shall find out all thine enemies and thy right hand them that hate thee Psal. 21. 7 8. But they that loue him shall be as the Sunne that riseth in his might Iud. 5. 31. Secondly seeing they prosper that loue and beare affection to Ierusalem let men learne to shewe good will vnto Christs Church though as yet they be no ripe schollers themselues in Christs schoole though they be not growne to perfection let them expresse a good affectiō A good will and inclination where strength yet faileth is accepted and a readie disposition is not reiected though thou be not yet of the Saints yet loue the Saints If thou likest and louest that thou wouldest be thou maist be that hereafter which yet thou art not The little birde before shee flieth flittereth with her wings in the nest the child creepeth before he goeth So religion beginneth with affection and deuotion proceedeth from desire A man must first loue that he would be before he cā be that which he loueth It is a good signe when a man affecteth that which he expecteth and doth fauour that which he would more fully sauour He that loueth Sion shall prosper he that loueth vertue shall encrease and prosper in it The day of small things shall not be despised Zachar. 4. 10. neither shall the smoking flaxe be quenched Math. 12. 20. but the smoake shall bring forth fire
and bringeth forth such fruits Beside there are others which offend against this rule who though they shewe not themselues as enemies to their countrey as the former in seeking the hurt thereof yet they faile in their dutie toward their countrey because they procure not the good thereof Such are they which seeke to inrich themselues though it be to the vndoing of a whole countrey as inclosers of commons engrossers of commodities to raise them to a higher price purchassers of monopolies and priuiledged sales and aduantages all which doe tend to the priuate gaine of a few but the hinderance of many and losse to the common-wealth Such the wise man speaketh of He that withdraweth corne the people shall curse him c. Prou. 11. 26. which is true also of all other commodities that whosoeuer shall drawe any common profit from the people be it in corne merchandize commons or such like Gods curse and the peoples shall light vpon him And of this sort I feare me there are many in the world that respect more their own then the common-wealth nay looke but into the state of euery towne how few shall you finde that are deuoted to the good of the township but addicted wholly to themselues you shall see many that are readie to eate vp and deuoure their neighbours by vndermining and ouertaking them by hard and vncharitable bargaines like to the raine that sweepeth away their food Prou. 28. 3. for such sweep away a poore mans crops and corne as if it should be lost by raging and vnseasonable weather like as hastie raines doe wash and carrie away the tilth of the land so such cormorants ouerdripping their poore neighbours will not suffer them to thriue or grow by them It is a great infamie to Christians that these times wil not affoard such good common-weale men as were many among the Pagans It is written of Pompeius the great that while Rome suffered a great dearth he hauing prouided great store of corne abroad and shipped the same while the marriners were afraid to set forward because of the suddaine tempest he himselfe was the first that entered vsing these couragious wordes It is necessarie for vs to saile but not so necessarie to liue he preferred the releife of many before the saftie of one Lastly howe much are we bound to giue thankes vnto God who hath giuen vs a prince to gouerne vs who may and doeth say with the prophet here for my brethren and neighbours sake I will wish thee prosperitie Whose Maiestie though in his regall authoritie our Soueraigne lord and King yet in respect of his consanguinitie our brother borne of English parentage and we his louing neighbours before in countrey language religion and now his dutifull subiects Now England shall be to his Highnes as Scotland and Scotland as England Such a prince as vnto whome I am perswaded the Church and Commonwealth are as deare as his life who herein may be compared to Dauid who was readie as Ambrose rehearseth Seipsum pro populo offerre morti cum ferienti angelo occurrebat c. meritò ergo expetitus est ab vniuersis c. To offer himselfe for the people meeting the Angel in the way that stroke the people c. therefore he was worthely desired of all And as he againe saith Charitas nunquam cadit ideo Dauid nunquaÌ„ recidit quia charus fuit omnibus c. Loue neuer falleth away therefore Dauid could not fall who was beloued of and deare vnto all So I trust our vertuous Dauid shall neuer fall beeing beloued of his people and much more deare vnto God who graunt vnto his Maiestie an happie godly and peaceable raigne ouer vs. The 20. meditation v. 9. Because of the house of the Lord our God I will procure thy wealth This beeing the greatest motiue that drew from Dauid this great affection is reserued for the last place his naturall loue vnto Israel as his countrey and kinred was very great but his desire vnto it as Gods Church and because of the Lords presence amongst theÌ„ was much more spirituall loue then is to be preferred before naturall but where there is a concurrence and connexion of both the flame is encreased There can be then no greater bond then religion no greater loue then for Christs cause 1. Therefore the prophet Dauid saith els where He hath exalted the borne of his people which is a praise for all his Saints euen for the children of Israel a people neare vnto him Psal. 148. 14. The righteous doe reioyce and praise God when the Lord exalteth his Church and prospereth it and strengtheneth the horne thereof against their enemies And this is set downe as a sure marke to know a faithfull man by He honoureth them that feare the Lord Psa. 15. 4. According to this rule the Apostle saith While we haue time let vs doe good to all men but specially to them which are of the houshold of faith Gal. 6. 10. That like as God is the Sauiour of all meÌ„ specially of those which beleeue 1. Tim. 4. 10. so we should make the same difference preferring those in our loue which are most beloued of god 2. Thus the prophet Dauid professeth his loue to the people of God Mine eyes shall be to the faithfull of the land Psal. 101. 6. yea he saith that all his delight is in the Saints of the earth Psal. 16. 3. Such was his zeale to the house of God that he would choose rather to be a doore-keeper there then to dwell or to raigne as king among the wicked Psal. 84. 10. Thus also the people of God doe testifie their affection to the Church they well preferre Ierusalem before their chiefe ioy Psal. 137. 6. 3. For he that loueth God must needs also loue Gods house the place where he dwelleth he cannot but loue Gods image which most of all appeareth in the faithful and righteous For Christs cause therefore his Church is beloued Whatsoeuer is done vnto the members therof he doth acknowledge it as done to himselfe Mat. â—5 45. A man caÌ„not be the bridegroomes friend and hate the bride which is new Ierusalem the holy city and Church of god 4. The loue of Christ and his Church should be remembred more then wine Cant. 1. 3. that is to be preferred before all other pleasures of loue The faithfull say I am sicke of this loue Cant. 2. 5. This loue hath no measure it exceedeth all bounds this loue is as strong as death Cant. 8. 6. nay it is stronger then death for it remaineth after death loue neuer falleth away much water cannot quench this loue afflictionâ— cannot ouercome it thy seruants delight in the stones thereof and haue pitie on the dust thereof namely of Sion Psal. 102. 14. Euen Gods Church when it is in the greatest affliction is louely though shee be blacke because the funne of affliction hath looked vpon her yet is shee comely though for the
onely externall warres are like for euer to cease betweene these two nations but one vniforme religion shall hereafter containe them in perfect loue and vnitie that neither the Church of Scotland shall be iealous of the English Church as inclining in some things to poperie nor the English suspect the other as affecting a popular paritie but as louing sisters fellow tribes shall hold one worshippe of God and go vp to Ierusalem togither 11. Dauid expelled the Iebusites not admitting contrarie religion in Hierusalem And it is no doubt but that God will so direct our Dauids heart that religion shall be sincerely professed among vs without any mixture or toleration as his Maiestie most godly professeth thus Is there not nowe a sincere profession of the truth among vs in this Isle oppugned by the nations about haters of the holy word and doe we not also as Israel professe one onely God ruled by his pure word onel yon the other part are they not as Philistims adorers of legions of gods and ruled by the foolish traditions of men And again in another place We must feare to fall from the trueth reuealed and professed by vs that we may be free from the like punishment c. 12. Dauid reformed many things that were amisse in Israel he appointed the Leuites their courses and seruices that were farre out of order Our zealous Dauid hath giuen vs great hope of the like who in his princely treatise Queene Elizabeth then liuing thus writeth I doubt nothing yea in her name I dare promise by the by-past experience of her happie gouernment that no good subiect shall be more carefull to enforme her of any corruptions stollen into her state then shee shall be zealous for the discharge of her conscience and honour to see the same purged and restored to the auntient integritie and further during her time becomes me least of any to meddle in it c That which his Maiestie promised in behalfe of our late Soueraigne God shall direct his wisdome to performe by himselfe the dealing wherin before as it pleased his princely modestie to call medling so nowe the whole managing thereof of right appertaineth vnto him 13. In Dauids time there was both publikely and priuately a free entercourse of religion the praises of God were in euery mans mouth The tribes went vp to praise the name of the Lord. Their seruice was not mute and dumbe but the temple did ring and sound againe of Gods praises And thankes be to God that the Church of England is not forced to hang their instruments of praise vpon the willowes with the Israelites in Babylon and to intermit the comfortable exercise of thankesgiuing as it hath happened in some changes but that we haue as great cause as much libertie as euer to sound out Gods praises that we may say with the prophet thē was our mouth filled with laughter and our tongue with ioy 14. Then were the thrones set for iudgment and it is Gods mercie that hath not giuen vs ouer to the cruell desire of our enemies that the course of iustice is not interrupted but the lawe and seates of iudgment open for euery man whose heart do not his Maiesties princely speeches reuiue thus writing to his noble sonne Preasse to drawe all your lawes and processes to be as short and as plaine as you can c. wearie not to heare the complaints of the oppressed aut ne rex sis 15. Euen the thrones of Dauid God gaue Israel no stranger to raigne ouer them but one of their owne kinred And the Lord hath raised vnto vs a Soueraigne descended of Dauids stocke of the royall blood of the kings of this land a prince of the same language of the Island of the English royall blood yea of the same religion who as he is no forrainer so giueth counsell to his princely heire To haue ordinarie councels and iustice seates in euery kingdome of their owne countrimen 16. Dauid would haue euery one pray for the peace of Ierusalem and not to disturb it So whereas the peace of our Church hath beene hindred by the opposition of strange and newe doctrines our hope is that our Dauid will restore the peace of the Church and bring vs to one vniforme doctrine whose princely aduice is That if any doe vrge to imbrace their owne fantasies in the place of Gods word c. acknowledge them for vaine men c grauely and with authoritie redact them into order againe 17. Peace be within thy walls The people vnder Dauid were freed from the feare of the enemie they needed not to set watchmen vpon their towers and garrisons vpon their walls So we trust to haue peace abroad with other nations who if they will be wonne with kindnesse we haue a prince that will vse all other princes as brethren honestly and kindly and will striue with euery one of them in curtesie and thankefulnesse But if they be readie to offend our nation we haue a couragious defender that will reuenge and free his subiects from al forraine iniuries done vnto them 18. In Dauids time plentie and peace was within their pallaces and houses and now we trust that euen our children shall haue cause to blesse this day wherby they may obtaine godly education not distracted from their parents by iniquitie of the times which was feared and might haue iustly befallen vs that we may say as it is in the Psalme Our sonnes shall grow vp as plāts and our daughters as the polished corners of the temple Psal. 144. 12. 19. Dauid wisheth all good to Israel because they were his brethren and neigbours God hath sent vs a louing prince Who as our naturall father and kinde master thinketh his greatest contentment standeth in his subiects prosperitie and his greatest suretie in hauing their hearts 20. Dauid cheifly because of Gods house procureth the peace of Hierusalem Such is the zeale and affection of our Dauid to Gods house who holdeth that the cheife vertue which should be in a Christian prince namely feruencie and constant zeale to promoote the glorie of God that hath honoured him And concerning the Ministers of the Church his Maiestie saith Loue no mā more then a good pastor reuerence and obey them as the heralds of the most high God These singular mercies extented to the Church of England I haue dispersedly handled in this treatise that the consideration thereof may prouoke vs to thankefulnesse And in trueth not only these but many other blessings with a full horne the Lord at this present some in possession some in expectation some in acte some in hope hath powred vpon vs so that the Church may say with Dauid O Lord my God thou hast made thy wonderfull workes so many that none can count in order thy thoughts towards vs I would declare and speake of them but they
because of your bodies as your soules are holy because of the spirit that dwelleth in you your bodies holy because of your soules so this house is holy because of your bodies Secondly all profanation of Gods house is forbidden or turning of it to any secular vses Our Sauiour would not suffer them to carrie a vessell through the Temple nor to buie and sell but ouerthrew the tables of the money changers Math. 11. 15 16. Hereof it is that diuerse abuses of places consecrate to religious vses haue beene by diuers wholesome Canons restrained that law-daies should not be kept in Churches Concil Aretalens sub Carol. c. 22. that feasts be not made there Trullan c. 74. that no man bring in beasts or cattell ibid. c. 88. that no dancing there be vsed songs or enterludes Bracarens 3. c. 2. All which and such like corrupt vsages are great profanations of Gods house which is appointed for praier and other holy exercises Thirdly if the Church be Gods house it ought euen in respect of outward comelines and decencie to be reuerently kept Men should not be curious in adorning their owne houses and dissolute in maintaining the house of God This was the reproofe of the Israelites in Haggai his time because they themselues dwelled in sieled houses and suffered the temple to lie wast Hagg. 1. 4. And verily where people are slouthfull in this busines to beautifie and repaire the publike places of religion it sheweth that they much regard not the exercises of that holy habitation Lastly as it is Gods house so we should come reuerently to it as into Gods presence as Iacob resolueth himselfe How fâ—arefull is this place this is none other but Gods house Gen. 28. 17. Gods palace is much vnlike Ahashuerosh court Mordecai could not enter there because he was cloathed with sackcloath a mourning garment Esth. 4. 2. but he is soonest admitted into Gods court that commeth with true sorrow and contrition Men vse to come trembling vnto the princes Maiestie and with reuerence enter into the court Gods house in like manner is his pallace and therfore in time past we shall finde that the Church was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a basilike or princes house It is the mansion of the great King and therefore we should not come with secure hearts and profane affections as the manner of some is but with reuerence and feare as into the presence of the highest Maiestie And herein we haue the exaÌ„ple of our princely Ecclesiastes that both in practise and precept goeth before vs in this dutie of reuerence toward God thus moouing aduising his princely sonne But in your praier to God speake with all reuerence for if a subiect will not speake but reuerently to a king much lesse should any flesh presume to talke with God as a companion Howe much are we bound vnto God that in his mercy hath sent vs a king truely touched with the deuout sense of religion who what he prescribeth to others doeth first practise in his royall person and as the Prophet saith is as an he-goate before the flocke Iere. 50. 8. that is most forward of the rest To conclude this place Bernard well saith Terribilis plane locus quem fideles viri inhabitant quem angeli sancti frequentant quem sua quoque praesentia dominus ipse dignatur worthie of all reuerence which faithfull men inhabite angels frequent where God himselfe is present The presence of Christs Church requireth reuerence but of angels more of God himselfe most of all The 7. meditation v. 2. Our feete shall stand in thy gates That is whereas the Arke before was flitting from one place to another not onely in the wildernes vnder Moses where the Arke was remooued as the campe pitched their tents but afterwarde also it often changed place from Shiloh to Ebenezer from Ebenezer to Ashdod from thence to Gath from Gath to Ekron froÌ„ thence to the house of Obedâ—Edom and so to Ierusalem now the Church of God reioyceth that the Arke was setled and brought to his resting place This then is the ioy of the Church when religion is setled and established and brought to perfection when the people are resolued in their conscience of the truth and stand confidently with their feete in Gods house 1. Thus the Lord promised concerning Sion The Lord hath chosen Sion and loued to dwell in it this is my rest for euer here will I dwell for I haue a delight therein Psal. 132. 13. Now in Dauids time and not before the place was elected and appointed where the solemne exercise of religion should be practised 2. Thus Salomon builded God an house whereas he dwelt in tents before that the Arke should be no more transported out of his place and herein Salomon was a figure of Christ in whome the promises of God are Yea and Amen 2. Cor. 1. 20. Who hath giuen vs an euerlasting testament a kingdome which cannot be shaken Hebr. 12. 28. who is the true Messiah neither are we to looke for any other Math. 11. 3. 3. Like as then when Samuel went to annoint Dauid first Eliab then Abinadab then Shammah and the rest of the brethren came in order before Samuel but none of them was chosen at the last Dauid was sent for and he was the man 1. Sam. 16. So after many prophets and many professions in the world at the length commeth Christ and he is annointed king for euer And as when Elias was in the caue a mightie winde was sent of God then an earthquake then a fire but God was in none of them but at the last he spake in a soft and still voice So Christ came not though many signes and wonders went before till he himselfe spake with a soft and still voice in the forme and shape of a man 4. For the Apostle saith Iesus Christ yesterday and to day and the same for euer Heb. 13. 8. therefore as Christ is alwaies the same so the faith and religion of Christ is constant and immutable And as the Apostle inferreth hereupon in the same place Be not carried about with diuers and strange doctrines v. 9. so should we be resolued and setled in religion 5. Wherefore euery man may consider how much bound we are to praise God which hath in his mercie raised vs vp a Dauid after Samuel to bring home the arke of God and to establish and settle religion which was feared of many and wished of some to be flitting at the next change The Pope and his adherents would draw the English people as Ieroboam called the Israelites to Dan and Bethel to the Romane religion but I trust our feete shall stand still at home in the gates of Ierusalem Let men therefore be constant in faith not be carried away with euery wind of doctrine as the Apostle saith Eph. 4. 14. nor halt betweene two opinions as some like Ianus bifrons looking both
bring the Lords annointed to Ierusalem as all the tribes of Israel came vnto Dauid and said we are thy bones and thy flesh with one consent annointed him king 2. Sam. 8. 1. And as Israel and Iuda did contend which should be most forward in restoring Dauid 2. Sam. 19. 43. So men of all sorts haue striued who might shewe most ioy and greatest dutie to our Soueraigne What troubles haue men feared at the next change who can be ignorant many wishing they might not liue to see those daies some looking as it were a squint two waies to be readie for all accidents some as it hath beene credibly reported disposing their lands to feoffes to the vse of their heires fearing the troubles of these daies But God hath put away all feare and turned all to good and wrought mens hearts as waxe to a loyall agreement that neuer any prince entred more quietly in this land then our nowe Soueraigne Lord whose happie yeares and godly raigne God in his mercie long continue This is the Lords doing as the Prophet saith and it is marueilous in our eies Psal. 128. 23. Secondly let vs acknowledge another great benefit that the Lord hath now bestowed vpon this famous Island of Brittannie neuer could it be said as at this time that we are now indeed this whole Island compact togither into one kingdome sometime England onely was deuided into an heptarchie that is into seauen kingdomes for the space of 300. yeares togither and more from ann 456. to the raigne of king Egbright ann 802. Then England beeing reduced to one Monarchie yet the countrie of Wales remained a seuerall kingdome vntill Edward the 1. ann 1279. who subdued Lewline king of Wales and made his eldest sonne Edward prince of that countrie But all this while England and Scotland remained two distinct kingdomes which a long time one offended another with most cruell and fierce warres now are they by Gods prouidence conioyned and made one kingdome This according of these two kingdomes was diuers times attempted before the which better to effect diuers kings of England gaue their daughters in marriage to the kings of Scots as King Iohn his daughter Elianor Edward the 2. Ioane his daughter Henrie the 7. Margaret his eldest daughter of whome is lawefully descended our dread Soueraigne king Iames the true and lawfull possessor of both kingdomes after this king Henrie intended a marriage betweene his sonne prince Edward and Marie queene of Scots But none of these deuises tooke place that this worke might not seeme by mans counsell to be compassed but by gods prouidence onely to be effected So that we may now say of this Isle as Dauid here of IerusaleÌ„ it is a kingdome compacted togither in it selfe Thirdly let vs all learne nowe to loue as brethren that neighbours should liue peaceably and louingly togither not one to be readie to offend and grieue another but as we see in great citties the houses to be one ioyned to another and to be compacted togither so that there might be as neere a coniunction in mens hearts and affections While men are in wrath and at variance their praiers are hindred their mind disquieted Gods worship neglected some are wronged others prouoked Howe should the child looke vpon his father wheÌ„ he hateth his brother how should we thinke to be forgiuen of God when we seeke reuenge one against another how can any man in wrath or enuie say the Lords praier as Hierome saith animo discrepante cum verbis oratione dissidente cum factis Our minde dissenting from our words and our words varying from our deeds The 11. meditation Whereunto the tribes euen the tribes of the Lord goe vp King Dauids especiall care was to reduce the people of God to one vniforme worship that euery man should not be permitted to deuise a religion to himselfe but that all should goe vp to Hierusalem to worship God there So this care doeth principally belong vnto Princes to see all false worshippes abolished and the true seruice of God established 1. This then is rendred as a reason how it came to passe that Micah set vp Seraphim in his house and consecrated a new kind of priesthood There was in those daies no king in Israel but euery man did that which was good in his owne eiâ—s Iudg. 17. 6. A vertuous king then is a most excellent meanes to drawe the people distracted in opinions and sectes to one true worship of God they that liue in one kingdome should haue one Christendome be all of one faith and religion as they obey one king in earth so they should adore one God in heauen and as they are subiect to one lawe for ciuill administration so they should walke after one rule concerning their Christian profession as Moses saith One law shall be to him that is borne in the land and to the stranger that dwelleth among you Exod. 12. 49. 2. As Dauid expelled the Iebusites which hindred the peace of Ierusalem hauing there inhabited aboue 300. yeares since the first conquest of Canaan Iud. 1. 21. and tooke away their blinde and lame idols 2. Sam. 5. 8. So Caleb had long before driuen the Anakims cruell and prophane gyants out of Hebron Iosua 14. 12 Ezra also caused the strange women to be put away which were married to diuers of Israel and corrupted both their faith language Ezra 10. 18. Nehem. 13. 24. Nehemiah likewise banished the irreligious merchants of Tyrus that would haue vttered their wares vpon the Lords day Nehem. 13. 21. 3. This may seeme to be the meaning of that lawe whereby the Israelites were forbidden to sow their vineyard with diuerse seedes or to plowe with an oxe and an asse togither Deut. 22. 9 10. So the mixture of diuers religions and the cohabiting of diuers worshippers cannot be good As Zerubbabel and Ioshua would not suffer the enemies of the people of God to build the temple with them who thereunto offered their sacrifice deceitfully it is not for you but for vs say they to build an house to the Lord. Ezra 4. 3. So it is not fit that a contrarie religion should be admitted 4. The Lord saith by his prophet my glory will I not giue to another Isay 42. 8. The Lord will not deuide stakes he will be God alone as Eliah saith If the Lord be God follow him but if Baal be he goe after him 1. King 18. 21. But where diuers different professions are admitted God must be dishonoured who can not by contrary sects be truely serued 5. First then we may acknowledge an other great mercie toward our nation that whereas in other countries diuers professions of religion are suffered some runne to Dan some to Bethel some to Shiloh some one way some another All the tribes of Israel with vs are called vp to Hierusalem the holy profession of the gospell of Christ hath these many yeares flourished in these two famous kingdomes
me Ier. 30. 21. The same Zorobabel when as strangers the aduersaries of Iuda and Beniamin offered their seruice to build the temple he refused their helpe saying It is not for you but for vs to build an house vnto our God Ezra 4. 3. This was a double blessing that both God gaue them a ruler of their owne kinred and such an one as was zealous to build the Lords house 3. Such gouernours the prophet compareth to nailes whereupon hang the vessels and other instruments Isa. 22. 23. and they are as pillars that beare vp the kingdome Psal. 75. 3. and as the staffe whereupon a man leaneth Ier. 48. 17. So is a mercifull and righteous prince vpon whome the glorie and safetie of the kingdome dependeth 4. And great cause the people haue to ioy in a good Prince because the whole realme receiueth a blessing because of him as the wise man saith By a man of vnderstanding and wisdome a land endureth long Prou. 28. 2. And a Prince borne of the kings seede and of the royall blood must needes be more kind and naturall to his people then a stranger Such an one was Eliakim as a father of the inhabitants of Ierusalem Isa. 22. 21. 5. First then if the thrones of Dauid must be set for iudgement and all causes there tried then it followeth that Dauid must not be excluded from the cognizance and iudgement of causes Ecclesiasticall and so was it practised in his raigne For Dauid distributed vnto the Leuites their offices and appointed the courses of the priests the sonnes of Aaron 1. Chron. 23. 24. The chiefe gouernment both in Ecclesiasticall and Ciuill cause belonged vnto Dauids throne From whence it is necessarily inferred that euery king ought to be chiefe in all causes within his kingdome and that what forraine potentate soeuer entermedleth he is to be held an vsurper so that by the word of God the Pope is no more to meddle with the managing of Ecclesiasticall causes within the realme then the king of Spaine is to deale with temporall The prince then is both to prescribe lawes according to the word of God euen in matters Ecclesiasticall and to see them executed though not in his owne person and to punish transgressions for as the Apostle saith He beareth not the sword for naught for he is the minister of God to take vengeance on him that doth euill Rom. 13. 4. It belongeth then to the Prince to correct all sorts of offendours whether Ciuill or Ecclesiasticall persons for the Apostles words are generall none that doth euill is exempted frō the Princes sword And that it is gods ordinance to stirre vp the hearts of princes to reforme religion and Ecclesiasticall abuses and not to leaue it wholly to the disposition of the cleargie it is euident by the experience of al ages wherein the greatest reformations haue beene wrought by kings not by priests As in Iuda the godly kings Asa Iehosaphat Hezekiah Iosias were the greatest purgers and reformers of the Church most zealous for Gods house so were Zerubbabel and Nehemiah after the returne from captiuitie the one for the building of the temple the other for repairing the cittie most forward Whereas the Priests were often found vnfaithfull and very backeward in the Lords worke such was Vriah the high Priest in the daies of Ahaz that consented to his idolatrie 2. King 16. 16. When Ezra returned from Babel the priests were the hindmost for whome he staied three daies Ezra 8. 15. They more forward then any to marrie strange wiues contrarie to the law Ezra 10. 18. One of the high priests sonnes was confederate with Samballat an enemie to Ierusalem Nehem. 13. 29. And diuerse there were beside of the priests that hindred reformation against whome Nehemiah praieth Remember them O lord that defile the priesthood The whole burthē of redressing the corruptiōs of the church as concerning the keeping of the sabboth the putting away of strange wiues such like lay vpon Nehemiah cap. 13. 19. 23. Likewise in our Sauiour Christ time none were greater adversaries to the gospel then the high priests Annas and Caiphas and Ananias to S. Paul Act. 23. 1. And of late times who more hindred reformation in the Church of England then the Pope and his papal brood When had England receiued the gospel if God had not stirred vp the heart of the Prince to embrace the trueth Is it like that the pope and his papall Hierarchie would euer set their mindes to reforme the Church abroad when they suffer such abomination at home Paulus the third made some semblance and shew of reformation when he set certaine Cardinals aworke as Contarenus Sadoletus Polus with others to certifie him of the abuses of the Church which they did accordingly but no reredresse or amendment followed But God would haue this worke to be vndertaken by his annointed to whome it belongeth receiuing their direction from the word of God as thereto he stirred vp the heart of king Henrie the 8. that beganne king Edward followed Queene Elizabeth happely proceeded and what is yet wanting either in Church or common-wealth we trust that by the hands of our dread Soueraigne that nowe is it may in good time be perfected accomplished that as the Prophet saith of Zorobabel he shall bring forth the head stone thereof that is finish Gods worke that the whole Church of God with ioyfull acclamations and shoutings shall crie Grace grace vnto it Zach. 4. 7. Secondly here is the great ioy comfort of the English nation that there wanteth not a man of the house of Dauid to sit vpon the throne that God hath giuen vs a king of our own kindred and nation of the familie of Dauid of the noble race of the kings of this land not a stranger or forrainer borne of English blood and parentage brought vp in the same Island neither by sea nor moūtains discrimined eiusdem labii of the same speech and language and which is the cheifest of all of the same faith and religion God graunt vnto his Maiestie Dauids spirit that he may be after Gods own heart and as the Scripture saith of Iehosophat that he may walke in the first wayes of his father Dauid 2. Chron. 17. 3. And we trust that God hath sent vnto vs a Dauid indeede to whome these princely qualities of Dauid doe agree as Ambrose well describeth humilis spiritu sedulus corde facilis affatu c. fortis in praelio mansuetus in imperio c. meritò ergo expetitus est ab vniuerso populo vt omnes ad eum venirent dicentes ecce nos ossa tua c. Hūble in spirit diligent in heart affable in speech valiant in battell mercifull in gouernment therefore he was worthely desired of all that came vnto him saying We are thy bones c. The 16. meditation Ver. 6. Pray for the peace of Hierusalem Now beginneth the second part of this Psalme wherein the prophet
one like the tents of Kedar which are mooueable and flitting as the Church is tossed too and fro with affliction yet for the other shee is beautifull and pretious as the curtaines of Salomon Cant. 1. 4. 5. First then vnto the naturall loue of our countrey this must be added as a more worthie affection that our hearts be towarde it because it is the Church of God that euery man should procure as much as in him lieth not onely the temporall welfare therof as it is the common-wealth but to wish the spirituall health and growth as it is Gods house As he is an enemie to his countrey which hindreth the externall state and condition so he is no friend to the Church that furthereth not the internall perfection Ministers are to informe and Magistrates to reforme the Church The one negligent to instruct the other remisse to correct are not well-wishers to Gods house This then may be an admonition to all slouthfull and idle pastours that are slacke in the Lords busines and as euill and vnfaithfull stewards giue not meate in due season to their Lords seruants Such are they which want abilitie and cannot teach or want will and are idle and doe it not or are couetous and heape many Churches and dignities and are carelesse to teach feeding themselues rather then the people of God how can these say because of the house of God I will procure thy wealth nay they esteeme not Gods house neither duly regard the price of soules taking vpon them some that which they cannot at all discharge some more then they can compasse some that whereunto they haue no desire The first are dumbâ— dogges that can not barke the second greedie dogges that can neuer haue enough the third sleepie dogges that he and delight in sleeping as the prophet compareth the watchmen and shepheards of Israel The first then should be supplied the second moderated the third awaked All of them are conuinced to beare small loue to the Church of Christ. Our Sauiour saith to Peter If thou louest me feede my sheepe he therefore that carefully feedeth not the flocke of Christ is found to be cold in his loue to Christ. The Pharisies refused no paines but compassed sea and land to make one Proselyte of their religion Math. 23. 15. in like manner the Pharisaicall brood of popish Iudasites and Seminaries in these daies doe trauell by sea and land to seduce simple soules and peruert them to their superstition Then what a shame is it that the Ministers of the Gospel should giue themselues to a drousie sleepe as though the spirit of slumber had ouertaken them and not to be as carefull to defend Christs sheepe as they are to offend them to reduce them vnto God whome they haue seduced and to keepe them in the way whome the other seeke to driue out of the way Further what a great treasure had Israel of Dauid that was thus affected to Gods house for whose sake he thus heartily praieth for peace and promiseth to procure it I trust that God hath raised vp another Dauid to his Israel of England whose princely heart nothing can more surely knit vnto his kingdom then because Gods house is amongst vs. He commeth not to a nation of a diuerse religion in substance though differing in some ceremonies with or without the which religion neither standeth nor falleth Which diuersitie of religion betweene Prince and people hath at other times and otherwhere caused great trouble sometime to the Prince where the kingdome could not be receiued vnlesse the religion professed were admitted as of late in France sometime to the people when a religion is by force imposed which is of fewe desired as well appeared in the change of religion in England at Queene Maries entraÌ„ce Now both these occasions of trouble and tumult are remooued neither the king required to chaunge his profession nor the people enforced to leaue their religion but as we wish vnto the one which we doubt not of princely constancie and perseuerance so to the other Christian loyaltie and obedience God hath sent vs a Prince that loueth Gods Church that wisheth no longer to liue then he may be a protectour of the faith who counteth it one of his fairest stiles to be called a louing nourish father to his Church 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 43. one that frequenteth the exercises of religion fostereth the faithfull Ministers thereof affecteth all the true professours of it who misliketh and condemneth enmitie in nobles prophanenes in Courtiers papall pride in Church gouernours negligence in Pastours loosenesse of life in Christians coldnes of religion in Protestants How much are we bound vnto the Lord that hath raised vp such a prince vnder whome religion is like to prosper and Christs Church to flourish who will heare the complaints of the poore and not despise the groanes of the heauie hearted nor deferre the desire of the godly according to the petition of the Church vnder Dauid Let the king heare vs when we call of whose princely loue and fauour euery honest and sincere heart may say as one saith in cuius charitatem facise me totum proijcio fatigatum scandalis saculi deuÌ„ quippe illie esse sentio in quem me sâ—curus proijcio in quo securus requiesco Vpon whose loue I doe repose my selfe beeing wearied with the offâ—nces of the world for God is there present vpon whome I wholly relie and in him securely rest God giue vs grace that as Samuel saith We may so feare the Lord and serue him and not disobey the word of the Lord that both we and the king that raigneth ouer vs may follow the Lord our God that is he may remaine with vs for euer that God may conduct vs in this life in all happines and prosperitie and we and our king may follow him to euerlasting felicitie Amen FINIS Errata Pag. 3. l. 9. for law read loue p. 5. l. 5. for people read prophet p. 6. l. 29. for Retraveling read Estraveling p. 10. l. 4. read 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 p. 10. l. 18. for found read find p. 12. l. 4. next this read neither p. 12. l. 16. for Atamoth read Alamoth p. 16. l. 11. for whole read while p. 20. l. 16. for Gaxe read Gaye p. 29. l. 2. for that there read there p. 31. l. 26. read 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 p. 37. l. 27. for Revatane read Eâ—vatane p. 61. l. 2. for offring read offence p. 64. l. 4. for imitated read initiated p. 72. l. 18. for with the read of the. p. 78. l. 26. for reports read reporters p. 88. l. 1. read to remember once p. 92. read in the preface to the answer of the Apologicall epistle these wordes must be placed in the margin as it was not in the copie which by great ouersight were set in the booke p. 109. for to the read the. Zachar. 4. 10. Zachar. 4. 7. Psal. 45. 1. Iustiniâ—n cod lib. 3.
tit 4. leg 28. Cant. 1. 3. Isa. 22. 21. Isa. 58. â—1 1. Sam. 1. Luk. 2. 36. Foâ— p. 507. col 1. Foâ—â— 10 â— Prefacâ— to the Reader in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. Sam. 14. 2. Sam. 20. 2. King 4. Prov. 31. 29. vers â—â— The particular blessings in Israel vnder Dauid in England like to be vnder his Maiestie The vniting of two kingdomes Continuance oâ— religion A iudicial and learned prince Epist. 25. ad Gratian. Free accesse to Gods house Mutuall confeâ—â—â—e The example of the Prince Religion sâ—â—led Meditat. vpon the 20. of the Reuelat p. 3. art 8. Encrease of wealth The generall coÌ„sent and desire of all Vniformitie in religion Religion sincere without mixture Meditat vpon â—5 of the 1. of Chron in the applicaâ— Meditat vpon 20. of the reuelat 3. p. art 1. Reformation of things amisse Preface to the Reader 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Praising of God Psal. 12â— v. 2. Seates of iustice â—4 benefit p. 9â— 92. A prince no straÌ„ger 15. Benefit pag. 55. Consent in doctrine Pag. 10. l. 1. Externall peace p. 56. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 p. 55. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 18. benefit domesticall peace and plentie A louing prince p. 25. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Loue of Gods Church Meditat. in 15. 1. Chro. part 2. p. 43. p. 20. Psal. 40. 5. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 p 89. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Medita in Chro. applicat The prince keeper of both tables 1. Cor. 6. 20. Ambrose epist. 2â— Euery mans duty prescribed in the kings booke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Meditat. in 20. Reuelat 3. par â—â—rt 7. Eccles. 12. 9. The comfort contentment of all sorts in his Maiesties godly resolution Lib. 1. de Virgini Prefation ad 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thanksgiuing the incense of Christians The vniting of these two kingdomes 1. Benefit Lanquet 2. Benefit Continuance of religion Psal. 133. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3. Benefit when God sendeth a learned and verâ—uous prince Thus seeme the Septuagint to thinke translating 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 degrees or ascending places Why they are called psalmes of degrees The scriptureâ— whereunto profitable How one scripture is said to be more excellent then another August epist. 3. ad 〈◊〉 The particular application of Scripture De Ecclesiast dogmatio c. 56. The ioy of christian assembliâ—â— 4. Benefit freâ— accesie to Godâ— house Euseb. l. 8. c. 6. Fox p. 952. col â— Hiero ad Gerontiaâ— in Psal. 66. Serm. 14. in Cantic 〈◊〉 Psal. 49. Fox p. 818. anno 1511. Fox p. 897. Fox p. 904. The 5. benefit godly confereÌ„câ— Epist. 70. Holines not 〈◊〉 be ascribed to the place it sâ—lfe De dâ—dicat eccles serm 1. Houses of praier not to be profaned Arelatens sub Carol. c. 22. Laodican 28. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The 6. benefit the example of a godly king 1. Sam. 5. v. 1. 8. 10. 1. Sam. 6. 14. 1. Sam 7. 1. 2. Sam. 6 10. and 12. The fiâ—th of Châ—ist not flitting or changeable 1. King 19. The 7. benefit the setling of religion Lib 1. de spirit cap. 2â— Ruine of cities for sinne Epist. 91. Of the wars for recouering the holy land so superstitiously called Deterr promisâ— Ad Paulin. Româ— neuer had such promises as Hierusalem Hier. ad Eustach Ad Paulinum Epist. 92. Cambden de comit Heâ—tford ad Gerontiam Hieron ibid. Cant. 8. 9. The 8. benefit enlarging of citties buildings Calamities vpon citties by winds and earthquakes Socrat. l. 1. 7. Zozomen lib. â— cap. 15. Euagr. l. 2. c. 1â— Senec. epist. 91. Stowe â—â—â—esto be obserued in building of houses The danger of discord The 9. benefit the generall consent and desire of all in receiuing his Maiestie Fox p. 101. p. 135. Fox p. 3â—5 Stowe Lanquet The 10. benefit the wonderfull conioyning of both kingdomes The 11. benefit sinceritie in religion An admonitioâ— to recusants 1. Sam. 4 4. Aduise giuen to schismatikes Epist. 82. The testimonie and cognizance of the old church of Israel Rom. 9. 4. The word and sacraments essentiall notes of the Church Of the discipline oâ— the Church In the commination The 12. benefit reformation of things amisse In Psal. 98. in fine Churches appointed for praier Bâ—llar lib. â—â— de â—uk sanct c. 4. Churches not ordained nâ—w for sacrifice Abuses in popish seruice Decr. par 1. dist 42. c. 7. Synod Mogâ—â— c. 40. The 13. benefit publike and priuate entercourse of religion Lib. confess 10. c. 33. 〈…〉 No man must come emptie into Gods house Augustin in Psal. 65. The 14. benefit â—â—â—â—tion of iustice 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Repliâ— fol. 52. pag. 1. Manifestat fol. 52. pag. 1. Manifestat fol. 98. pag. 1. Deliuerance froÌ„ forraine dangers in Psal. 85. The Princes power in causes Ecclesiasticall The negligence and slouthfulnes of priests in the returne from captiuitie The 15. benefit a prince no stranger or forrainer Ambr. lib. 2. offic cap. 7. Against selfe-loue in praier Selfe-loue New doctrine a disturbing of the Church Strange and vnsound positions maintained by some in the Church of England The 16. benefit consent of doctrine Ambrose prolog de fid orthodox The vnhappie ende of the haters of Christs Church The 17. benefit prosperitie The desire and loue of vertue a good steppe to obtaine it Homil. 15. Ceasing of waâ—â— Iustice and truth the causes of pâ—ace The 18 benefit externall peace ann 132â— ann 1168. Lanquet ann 1383. Lanquet Contentions vsâ—all betweene nations professing poperie Bernard epist. 1â—7 Religion taketh â—ot away natural affection Loue to our coâ—trey naturall Heathen louers of their countrey Plutarch Faâ—all â—8 Against enclosures and monopolies 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The â—9 benefit a 〈…〉 Lib. 2. de offic c. 7. Ioy for the welfâ—re of Christs Church Revel 21. 2. Ministers who carelesse of Christs church Who be the dumbe gâ—eâ— sâ—eepie dogg â—0 Benefit care of the Church of Christ. August Hierâ—â—