A Man in Christ, Text 2

A Man in Christ · Text 2

p. 1MEDITATIONS From the CREATVRES.

PSAL. 8. 3.

When I behold thine Heavens even the workes of thy fingers, the Moone and the Starres which thou hast ordained: What is man (say I) that thou art mindefull of him? and the sonne of man that thou visitest him? &c.

COnsidering with my selfe of the benefit of Meditation, together with the p. 4difficulty of it, which hath almost worne it out of use amongst Christians; I thought fit to afford a little helpe, to lead up carefull Christians into this mount of Meditation: in which mount God will bee seene. And who seeth the clogge of earth pressing downe his soule, and needeth not this pulley to fetch it up againe? And, who is sensible of legions of noysome lusts, that take up the heart as their proper habitation, and desireth not better guests? Who can discerne the darkenesse of his minde, and not open his windowes, and hereby let in some light into his darke house? Now as the Lord himselfe, his Word and Decrees, are the principall object of ordinarie Meditation: so are his workes; and execution of his decrees a fit object for extraordinary. Whereby wee have not onelyonly a p. 5sensuall use of the Creatures, as the bruit beast: but a spirituall; and profit not onelyonly our bodies, but our soules by them. Wherefore else did the Lord create them? not, as hee might, all in a moment, or in a day, but in sixe dayes: but that we might orderly meditate of them, even in particular, and gaine by them some sound knowledge, which might reflect upon the will and understanding. Wherefore hath his wisedome afforded such variety and plenty of them? but that we should be alwaies stored with matter of fruitfull Meditation, and never be without the object or matter of our owne good. And what else is the cause that many are so fruitlesse and barren in their course, and such wasters of precious time? but that they never intended to carry their mindes along in such profitable Meditations: which, where they p. 4duplicate page p. 5duplicate page p. 4duplicate page p. 5duplicate page p. 4duplicate page p. 5duplicate page p. 6dwell, suffer not a man to be idle or unprofitable in the workes of the Lord. For, whereas a good man may bee cast into such circumstances, as hee cannot alway be in good actions: yet were it hard, if hee might not bee alwaies in some good Meditation, wherein to improve his time. But to the words.

This Psalme is inscribed to him that excelleth on Gittith: so also are 81. and 89. Psalmes. Some thinke

1. Because David compounded it in Gath, in his banishment.

2. Some, from a musicall instrument so called, because either invented or most used in Gath.

3. Some, from a kinde of melodious Verse, or Song.

4. But I thinke, it respecteth the time when this and those songs used to bee sung, namely, p. 7at the time Haggittith, that is, of winepresses or vintage: Which feast was solemnely celebrated by the Israelites, in which feast, they especially praysed the name of God, for the great and manifold benefits conferred upon men. Which is the substance of this Psalme: wherein the Prophet extolleth the Majesty of God.

1. By contemplating the workes of nature, in the world, to the fifth verse.

2. By considering his worke of grace in gathering him a Church, from the miserable masse of mankinde. These two are the great workes, wherein the Lords greatnesse shineth out: The Creation and Redemption; the one written in the volume of the Creatures, the other in the volume of the Scriptures. In this Verse

1. Hee acknowledgeth himselfe p. 8occupied in contemplation of the heavens and stars. Looketh on them not with the eyes of the body onelyonly, but with the eye of faith.

2. That hee is led to God by them: For,

1. Hee saith not the heavens, but thine heavens: that is,

1. Of which thou art Maker.

2. Of which thou art the owner, possessor, and indweller, Psalms 89. 12. [Thine are the heavens, and thine is the earth.] Gen. 14. 19. He is possessor of heaven and earth.

2. Hee addeth, the worke of thy fingers: hands and fingers are ascribed to God metaphorically. And here the heavens are called not the workes of his hands, but of his fingers: to note his singular industry, his exquisite workemanship and art, and p. 9also his speciall love and care over these workes.

3. The Moone and Starres thou hast established, that is, thou hast assigned every one their place, and confirmed them by a perpetuall law, written in their nature, and set them sure & firme bounds which they cannot passe.

3. In this contemplation hee casteth his eye upon himselfe, to cast himselfe low before God. When I consider both the greatnesse of the workeman, and the largenesse of the worke, and for whom they were framed; then in sense of my basenesse, thinke I, [Lord what is man, or the Son of man as thou visitest him? &c.] Not, what is Adam, which were no great matter of pride: but what is Enosh? fraile, mortall, infirme and miserable man, now after his fall, that hee should enjoy such a workemanship. From hence in generall observe.

p. 10Obser. That the voyce of the creatures is not to bee banished out of the Church.

Reason 1. If all Scriptures bee profitable to teach and improve, then those that teach divine things from naturall.

Reason 2. The Profits and Apostles, and Christ himselfe were most in this kinde of instruction, by Parables and Similitudes; therefore Ministers and Pastors may doe the like.

Objection. The Creatures onelyonly conceive; they convert not.

Sol. Must no doctrine of conviction bee heard in the Church? the frivolous conceit of Antinomists is, Away with the Law, let it bee buried with Moses, and let no man know where, after men are once come to Christ. But though wee have a superiour doctrine and helpe in the Church, must we therefore refuse this?

Object. The Heathens had this p. 11knowledge, and it is fitter for them.

Sol. Must not wee know God in his workes, because the Heathens did? Nay, if they by his workes came to know the invisible things of God, may not wee much more, who by faith know, that the world was made by the Word of God? Heb. 11. 2.

2. Did not the Philosophers discourse of God, Iustice, Vertue, the chiefe good, all moralitie, all civill and oeconomicall duties? must a Christian bee therefore locked up from them?

3. David was able to distinguish betweene things handled, and the manner of handling, between the same object, and differing considerations of them. So Christians consider the same heavens, earth, &c. but spiritually and supernaturally: as …: to magnifie the Creator: 2. to excite our faith and confidence: p. 123. to humble our selves.

Ob. Wee must desire to know and preach nothing but Christ, & him crucified: therefore away with all the Law, and all the preparatives to Christ; away with all rules and directions of the Law, when men are come to Christ.

Sol. Surely, these men must blot out a great deale of Scripture; as, all the creation, all the Law and explication of it, all the history, all the parables and similitudes, all that part of Scripture of the booke of Iob, of Psalmes, of Prophets, wherein Gods Majesty is exalted in the creatures; or put in some more to it, to prohibit us the use, and shew us the exposition of them.

Vse. As the Prophet here looketh fruitfully on the Heavens, the Sun, Moone, & Starres: so must wee. So did hee also in Psalme 19. and, There is no language, tongue, or speech, where p. 13their sound is not heard. Wee will not discourse of this voice, as if wee were in the Schoole of Plato, or Aristotle, or Tully de natura deorum: but as in the Schoole of Christ, taught by the Scriptures, and the spirit speaking in them. For,

1. Hath not the Lord in wisedome made them all?

2. Hath not hee furnished us with reason and discourse to draw out some straines of that excellent wisedome by them, and from them?

3. Shall Philosophers, Physicians, Naturalists, and Heathens learne many good lessons from them? and onelyonly shall not Christians.

4. Have wee beene set to this Schoole ever since wee were of yeares of discretion, and have taken out no lessons of wisedom, out of this great Booke? Or shall wee still looke upon these p. 14things as on faire papers that have no letters? or as illitterated men looke upon written papers? but not able to reade a word?

Know then that we may learne somewhat.

1. From all the Creatures in generall.

2. From every Creature in particular.

The voce of the Creatures in The voice of the creatures in generall. I.generall, is seene in these seven particulars.

All of them teach us to bewaile our rebellion against God, which all of them reproove. For they all stand in their kinde and station, in which God set them at first: The Sunne rejoyceth to runne his course; the Sea keepeth his bounds and bankes miraculously by the law of his Creation; the Earth stands upon his foundation: the Heavens keepe their motion; the Waters ebbe and flow; the very Cocke p. 15croweth and keepeth his appointed watch. Yea, all of them, further than mans sinne hath disordered them, keepe the Law of their Creation: But no man doth so; they have all strayed away from God. Man hath fallen from his station, hath stopped in all his supernaturall motion: Nay, a man regenerate, as great a Disciple as Peter, sleepeth and snorteth in grievous sinnes, and cannot watch one houre with his Lord.

All of them teach us obedience II.and service unto God. Because,

1. All they serve the Lord by a perpetuall Law: the Heavens declare the glory of God, the earth sheweth his handy worke; the Windes and Seas obey him; fire, snow, haile, vapours, stormy winds fulfill his word. Psal. 148. 8. Frogs, grassehoppers, lice, come by armies at p. 16his Word: nay, they will runne from themselves, and cease to bee themselves in obedience to him. The fire shall not burne if hee say the word: the fluid Sea shall bee a solid wall and pavement: the River Iordan shall runne backe: nay, the Sun shall stand still, and goe backe ten degrees if hee will appoint him: Fire will descend, iron swimme, water ascend upward. Now, shall the senselesse creatures have eares to heare their Creator, and man be deafe? Shall his Word binde them, and not us reasonable creatures to whom it is given?

2. They all serve us on condition that wee serve him; and willingly are ruled by us, no further than wee are ruled by him; and therefore we are called the Lords hosts, souldiers, and armies, both to defend us in his service, and to force into ranke the rebellious and disobedient.

p. 173. Their service of us, is not a motive onelyonly, but a measure of our service of him. For,

1. They serve us onelyonly; so we ought him onelyonly as our Lord.

2. Alwaies, night and day they never cease; so should wee serve the Lord.

3. They serve us freely without hope of reward; not forced, but most willingly by naturall instruction: so ought our obedience to our God, to bee free and cheerefull.

4. They serve us with their best and sweetest gifts: the Sunne with comfort, influence of heate and light: the trees with their sweetest and ripest fruite, the beasts with their sweete, fat fleece, and sweetest life. So ought we the Lord with our best parts, affections, strength, indeavours, and whatsoever we have, being his, of him, and from him.

5. They serve us to the wasting p. 18of themselves, and losse of their beeing. We ought also to serve our God, though to the losse of our selves, our dearest thinges and lives. Here are laymens bookes enough; every creature in his eye, hand, or use, readeth this lesson to him; I serve thee my Lord, serve thou thy Lord.

All of them are the Lords professours, teaching us the invisible III.things of God. Rom. 1. 20.

1. His Eternity; for as they could not make themselves, so their maker must needes bee before the things made; and consequently he must be eternall.

2. His Wisedome shineth in the exquisite, and artificiall cunning, in the frame of the smallest creature: As of the Bees or Ant. Consider the beauty, order of them all; and therein doth his wisedome shine: as also in the variety and distinction of them. p. 19So in the excellent order and subordination of them one to the service of another. So that an heathen might say, In wisedome hee made them all: and shall bee condemned, for not seeing the wisedome and art of the workeman.

3. His power; must not hee bee Almightie, that makes all things of nothing; that hangeth the huge vastnesse of the earth as a ball without any pillar to support it; that can bound the sea with his word onelyonly; that can sustaine such a masse of creatures?

4. His bountifulnesse and goodnesse. In his endowments of every creature in this kinde: In his large provision for them in their severall necessities: In making them all so good in themselves, and for our good and benefit. All of them call on us to taste and see how good God p. 20is in himselfe, who is so good in these: how good unto us hee will bee in his Pallace, who is so good to us in our prison. Here bee millions of Ministers and Apostles sent by GOD into the world, to preach unto men the inexhaust treasures of their Lords goodnesse, wisedome, and power.

All of them teach us to depend IV.upon him, as they doe for their being and well-being, for their motion or station. Psal. 145. 15. [The eyes of all things waite on thee, and thou givest them food in due season:] and Psal. 147. …. [The young Ravens cry to him for food, and hee feedeth them.] So should wee much more, not onelyonly cast our care on him, and expect all our good from him; which is to knocke at the right doore, and to goe to the fountaine: but also receive all, as from his hand, not shifting for our p. 21selves by unlawfull meanes, and taking our estate at the hand of the Devill, in lying, deceiving, usury, &c. and to returne all in a sober, moderate, and sanctified use unto him againe: for how unkindly did the Lord take it at Israels hands, that they should take his wooll, and flaxe, and oyle, and bestow it on Baals service? Hos. 2. 8. Thinke now with our selves how disdainefully wee should heare; The Oxe and Asse know their feeder, but wee doe not ours.

All of them teach us to love him, and returne all fruits of love to him; because

1. They are all fruits of his love, his love-tokens to us.

2. God loveth us better than all them, whom hee made their Lords; and should not wee love him better than all creatures?

3. All threaten us failing in our love, for that turneth them p. 22against us, and they become revengers of his quarrell: the sun will burne up our fruites, or deny his comfort and shine: the clouds will drowne our fruits, the aire pinch them, and punish us.

4. Shall every creature, of which I am Lord, yeeld me fruit; my cattell, my trees, my ground? and shall my love bee fruitlesse unto my Lord?

All of them teach us unitie, VI.love and peace one with another: all of them doe conspire in unity, and harmony among themselves, for the good of the whole: they preferre the good of the universall before the particular good of themselves. Fire will descend, water will ascend, and all to hinder a rupture and vacuum or emptinesse in nature.

They all have their severall contrary qualities and motions, but trouble not one another. The fire doth warme the aire; the p. 23aire preserveth the water; the water moysteneth, and maketh the earth fruitfull: one element is a good neighbour to another, though never so contrary in qualities. They have all their severall degrees and differences; some high, some low, some light, some darke. The sunne excelleth all the starres in splendour; the starres, one differ from another in glory: Gold excels amongst mettals. In the sensible creatures, the heart and vitals are most noble; yet nature hath so sowdred them together, as there is no disdaine, no contention; but superiour creatures are bound to the inferiours, and communicate themselves in governing; the inferiour communicate in obeying. Nay, they all conspire to set forward mans happinesse and welfare. So ought we to preferre the publike, before the private good of our selves; and bee helpefull p. 24to one another in our severall wayes. Also in our severall degrees of superiority, and inferiority, bee beneficiall, and communicative of our gifts and services. All must conspite and consent to set forward the good of every man, and helpe up his happinesse, heavenly and earthly.

All of them teach us to grow weary of our present fervitude of VII.sinne, and waite for our promised deliverance, Rom. 8. 22. For if they shall sigh under our burthens, shall not we our selves? shall wee bee more senselesse of our misery, than they bee of it? shall we goe on in sinne, which is so burthensome and dangerous? Aske the beasts, and they will tell thee, sinne is an intolerable burthen; and takest thou pleasure in sinne? Seest thou not the beasts wanting reason, saving themselves from danger, as they may? Balaams Asse will shun and p. 23not goe forward against a drawn sword; and shall we against the sword of the Lords hand drawne out against sinne?

Thus the creation of the world is a Scripture of God, and the Mundi creatio, Scriptura Dei Clemens.voyce of God in all the Creatures, and by them all speaketh unto us alwaies, and every where. The whole world is his booke: so many pages, as there are severall creatures; no page is empty, but full of lines; every qualitie of the creature, is a severall letter of these lines, and no letter without a part of Gods wisedom in it. Thus of the creatures voice in generall.

Now come we to shew the voce of God in the particular creatures, which are so infinite in number, so divers in qualities, as this discourse would swell to How to meditate of the creatures. Instance shewed.an exceeding great volume: Therefore I will onelyonly instance in some few particular creatures, which our Prophet here p. 24specifies in this Psalme, as the heavens, the sun, the moone, and starres, &c. Holding these instances sufficient samplers, whereby wee may patterne out our meditations; and as occasion shall serve, sucke out the sweet even out of every creature, as shall be obvious: dealing as Geographers, who being to contract the great world in a little sheete, for great rivers, they draw small lines, and for great citties, onelyonly a period.

The first particular creature 1. In the heavens.that the Prophet mentioneth as the subject of his meditation, is the heavens and firmament. In which, consider

How the heavens and firmament 1have a voyce to declare the glory of God, is plaine: Neither is there any speech or language where this voyce is not heard, Psal. 19, 3. Let us see what lessons the Spirit will speake to us in them.

p. 251. The height of the heavens 1. Their height.above the earth, sheweth the infinite height and honour of him, whose standing house is above all aspectable heavens. How great is himselfe that thus stretcheth the heavens with his span? Isay 40, 5.

2. This may put us in minde of the infinite mercy and goodnesse of God. So David in Psal. 103. 3. [How much higher the heavens are above the earth, so great is his goodnes to them that feare him.

3. This mindeth us of the majesty of God. Kings have their Palaces to shew their majesty and glory in: now heaven above is the pavillion of the Lord, Psal. 104. [His throne and seate is in heaven.]

2. The matter of them is so 2. Their matter.pure, subtile, and excellent, as mans wit cannot reach: all this preacheth the purity and divinity of the workeman.

p. 262 This may remember us how pure that heart and mansion must be, wherein the Lord will dwell; our hearts are Gods heaven upon earth.

3 By this wee may remember, Revel. 21. 27. No impure thing shall enter therein; nothing that worketh abominations or lyes. How ought we to study for purity and holinesse, to fit our selves for what God hath prepared for us?

3 The forme of the heavens being round and circular, this 3. Their forme.may minde us of,

1 The infinitenesse of the Maker: a circle is an infinite figure.

2 The perfection of God; a circle being the most perfect and capacious figure. Hence is said, [In my Fathers house are many mansions,] John 14. 2.

3 As the circle of the heavens is equally distant from the point and center of the earth; it may p. 27minde us that heaven is equally distant to all beleevers; and in every Nation, hee that feareth Acts 10.Acts 10God, and worketh righteousnesse shall be accepted.

4 The firmenesse and constancie 4. Their firmenesseof it, preach the truth and unchangeablenesse of him, whose onelyonly word is the pillars on which this great frame leaneth, and though the mountaines are called the pillars of heaven, Iob 26. 11. and 2. Sam. 21. 8. because they so appeare to be, yet indeed, his word, power, and truth, are the pillars. This may undershore the faith of the Saints. Doth his truth uphold the great frame of the heavens, and will hee not uphold thee?

2 This assureth us heaven is a safe place to treasure in, no thiefe nor robber can spoile or deprive us of what we lay there: therefore the Latins hence call it firmamentum. Christ exhorteth us to treasure up in heaven, Mat. 6.

p. 285. The admirable rapt and 5. Their motion.swift motion: and revolution in 24. houres, which our conceits cannot follow; leadeth us to the mighty power of the first mover, who is far more swift and ready to helpe us in our needes: It guideth us also to that hand that ordereth the falling and moving of the sparrowes, of our haires; and in whom we live and move.

2. It teacheth us to be as ready and constant in our motions, and duties, as they who never stand still, but are in perpetuall swift motion and execution of his will.

6. What a number of gracious meditations doe the heavens affoord 6. Meditations from them as they are still in our eye.a heart that doth desire to be fruitfull? I see every where the heavens, Oh that is the place whither Christ ascended, and where he is, which must containe him till his second comming. And shall not my desires bee there?

p. 292. It is a place from whence I expect a Saviour, and shall not my conversation be there where Christ is? Col. 3.

3. It is my owne countrey: there is my fathers house, my kindred, my home and inheritance, my brothers and sisters, my elder brother, shall not I then esteeme my selfe a stranger here and hasten thither?

4. It is the most goodly creature, and yet reserved for the fire of the great day, for mans sinne: should not I herein behold Gods infinite hatred of sin, who will set his owne house on fire for it? should not I hate and tremble at sinne? And seeing all this goodly frame shall be dissolved, What manner of men ought we to be in all manner of conversation? 2 Pet. 3. 11. How richly might wee furnish our mindes with matter of fruitfull meditations, should wee thus looke on the heavens? Thus cannot the p. 30Heavens, nor never did.

In the Heavens, behold the light, the first creature that God II. The light.made, his first word was, fiat lux: that is, let there be light. As a man that builds a house, hee first considereth how hee may let light into it; without which it were but a dungeon, and cave of darkenesse; and so had the whole world bin a Chaos and confused heape without the light from heaven. As no quality of bodies doth more resemble Divinity, than the light; so nothing in the world of naturall things, more aptly preacheth unto us the nature of God, who pleaseth to call himselfe light: dwelling in light in accessable, yea being himselfe that essentiall, infinite, uncreated light, wherein is no darkenesse at all.

1 Doe I see the light, the nature of which no man can perfectly attaine? Iob 38. 19. Tell me (saith God) if thou knowest p. 31this; Where is the way where light dwelleth? Doth not this carry my mind to God himselfe, that eternall and infinite light, whose infinite nature none could ever comprehend?

2 Doe I see that God made not the light for himselfe; for he being light it selfe, needed it not; but for me amongst others: how can I but admire his care and goodnesse? how can I choose but gather what light and comfort is in himselfe, who hath put so much in the creature? and rise by it to his Divinity, who (as light) so communicateth himselfe, that no man the lesse, because another more?

3 Doe I see the light made so pure, faire, cleare, and perfect, as nothing can pollute it? if it looketh into all filthinesse, it contracts none. How can I but herein see an excellent resemblance of Gods infinite purity and perfection of his essence, in his eternall p. 32love, in whom is no darkenesse, to whom nothing is more contrary then darkenesse? and though he behold all darkenesse and order all confusion, yet in his divine understanding, is not any obscurity or dimnesse.

4. Doe I see the light freely and perpetually communicating it selfe, and diffusing it selfe to all men. I cannot but see GOD himselfe, alwayes abundantly communicating himselfe with all men, either by the light of nature which is the chiefe ornament of a man, or by the light of grace, which is the chiefe beauty of a Christian, or by the light of glory: which is the chiefe and highest pitch of an happy and glorified man. Iohn. 1. 9.

5. Doe I see the light alway like it selfe, never communicating with darkenesse, but fighting against darkenesse, and irreconcilably resisting it? Even so may I conceive God to be one, and p. 33alwayes the same, and ever like himselfe, in his nature, words, and actions: never favouring, but fighting against darkenesse, and works of darkenesse, sins and corruptions, which are as clouds, sometime getting betweene the light and us, and hindering the comforts of his beames from us.

6. Doe I see light driving away darkenesse; distinguishing things that were involued in darknesse; producing things out of darkenesse and secrecy? How can I but contemplate, that God, that eternall light, will one day discover all things that are in darkenesse, and bring all secret workes, words, or thoughts, and set them in a cleare light: Nothing is so secret which shall not be revealed; and God and his truth shall at last prevaile against all errour, powers, and wicked opposites set against it. Besides, light leadeth mee to Christ the light of the world: But of that p. 34more conveniently in handling the great light, the Sun.

7 How can I behold so noble a creature without some use concerning my selfe?

1 Doe I see a man cannot see light without light? and can I know God without Gods teaching?

2 I see the more light the Creature hath, the more excellent, profitable, and usefull it is: the Starres more excellent than stones for their light, the Sunne than the Starres: Of stones, the more light and shining, the more price and value, and vertue are they of. So should I thinke of my selfe, the more light of God and grace I can get, sure the more worthy I am; and of others, as they excell in knowledge and grace so should I thinke of them, as of stars which differ in glory according to the proportion of their light.

3 I see the greater light obscure p. 35the lesse: and it is absurd to light a candle to the Sunne. Why then should I sticke unto worldly wisedome, worldly comforts, earthly contentments, which are as candles to the Sun: the great light of the day, of heavenly wisedome, spirituall comforts, durable contentments?

4 I see the light bringeth comfort and refreshing, draweth all eyes unto it, all Creatures follow it, but hatefull Bats and Owles, &c. When I have slept all night, the light wakeneth mee, raiseth me to the actions of the day. Oh what joy bringeth it to the soule, when God sheweth himselfe lightsome to it? should not his glorious light be the sweetest object of the eye of my soule? Why should not this light awaken my soule, and raise mee from the sleepe of sin and lusts?

If light goe away, darkenesse succeedeth, in darkenesse none p. 36can see the way before him. O therefore why should not I lay fast hold of the Lord, who is my light, and walke in his light, by which alone I can hold the plaine and direct way to eternall life and light?

5. I see the light in an instant presenting it self, as the lightning is suddenly dispersed from one side of heaven to another. If I be in darkenesse and desertion, the Lord, my light, can and will suddenly present himselfe with joy and comfort to my soule.

6 Was I darkenesse? now I am light in the Lord, that is, enlightned by the Word of truth. 2. Enlightening others by holy instruction and conversation. Thus we must be wary and walke as in the light.

In the Heavens consider wee III. The light bodies.all the light bodies. as the

1. Sunne,

2. Moone,

3. Starres.

p. 37These rightly considered will bring much light to the eyes of the minde: and though we have in the Church a superiour meanes by the voyce of the Scriptures; yet wee may not despise the day breake, because the noone is brighter.

Quest. But why doth the Prophet here not mention the Sun, but the Moone and Starres?

Ans. When a man beholdeth the Moone and Stars, the Sun is absent, as in the night. It seemes it was his manner to walke forth in the night season, to behold and contemplate the Lords greatnesse and goodnesse, in these servants of the night: and wee should finde some times of the night not unfruitfully spent, if wee would take up this practice. But if the glory of God shine so much in these obscure lights: and if David could so teach, and admonish his heart by them: how much more by the brightnesse p. 38of the Sunne? And if David by day looke upon the Heavens, as Psalme 19. 1. he can say, The Heavens declare the glory of God, because in them hee hath set a Tabernacle for the Sunne, which commeth forth as a bridegroome out of his chamber, arraied with nuptiall and glorious garments, turning all eyes towards him; and as a Gyant strong and speedy to make a swift and long course, such as even our thoughts want wings to follow.

1 When I behold the Sunne in his wounderfull magnitude, 1. His magnitudebeing an hundred sixty and sixe times (at least) bigger than all the vast body of the earth; how can I choose but be ledde unto the Lord? and say, Great is the Lord, great is his power, and there is no end of his goodnesse. For, how much greater is the Creator of the Sun and Heavens, than the things created.

p. 392 When I behold the pulchritude 2. His brightnesseand brightnesse of the Sunne, which is such as blindeth and destroyeth my sight, as too weake to behold it; what infinite light and brightnesse must I conceive in the Father of lights; in that bright and eternall Sunne, who never setteth, in whom is no shadow of change? who can but here admire at the majesty of the Creatour?

3 When I behold the Sun ever 3. His motion.in his motion, never standing still but by miracle, never slacking his motion, but alwayes keeping the same pace; should not I learne to be constant in my motion, never to be idle, or make stop in my course or duty?

2 When I see that God himselfe and his Word is as the soule and spring of the Suns motion; hee commandeth him to come forth as a Gyant to run his race; hee can stop him in his race, and by a word command him to p. 40stand still, or runne backe: I must learne hereby to be sure, that Gods Word, as a soule, giveth life to my actions, my motions, and courses: I must move where his word bids mee, I must stand, and be every thing at his word.

3 When I see the Sun in his motion keepe his bounds and zodiacke, never going without his owne line, but precisely keeping his course, and not so much as slugging therein, must not I learne hence to containe my selfe within the bounds of my calling, and his command?

4 When I see the Sun in all his motions carry heate, light, comfort, and direction, and is the chiefe ornament of this inferiour world; and that he goeth no where but the world is better for him: should not I in all my course, strive to be profitable? and by the light of my conversation be comforting, directing, and shining to others in good p. 41workes? And when I see the Sun impart his light, and shine unpartially on good and bad, I must learne to doe good to all, good, bad, friends, enemies, envying my light to none, no more than the Sun doth his to any.

4 Doe I see the Sun set every 4. His s…tting.day, and rise every day? Salomon would have me see therein, my owne misery and vanity. Eccles. 1. 4. Thus hath the Sunne continued his course for many generations: But I rise but once, and have but one day of naturall life allotted me: and if my selfe and others once set, and the night of my life be come, there is no more returning to this life.

5 I see this glorious sun sometime clouded, sometime eclipsed: 5. His eclypse.and this calleth on me to see the eclypse of heavenly light in my selfe: my sin hath reached unto heaven, and often inverteth even the order of nature in obscuring light bodies: for light p. 42bodies not to shine, is besides their nature: As in the death of Christ, God would let the world see her sinne, in crucifying the Sonne of God. Never see the Sunne hide his comfortable presence, but confesse thou deservest never to see it any more.

6 I see sometime the Sunne by his extreame heate, scorch 6 His burning heate.and burne up the plants and fruits of the earth. Herein our Lord in the Parable, hath directed mans eyes to behold the persecution and affliction of the Church, which often scorcheth the greennesse of grace, and maketh many professors wither and fall away, Cant. 1. 5. I am blacke, for the Sunne hath looked on mee: and indeed,

1 The Sunne doth not more ordinarily or daily arise, than persecution daily waiteth on the Word.

2 As the Sun-beames diffuse and disperse themselves into every p. 43place; and no man can hide himselfe from the heate of the Sunne, Psalme 19. 3. So doe the beames of this Sunne of persecution, dart into every place where the Sunne of grace shineth in the Church. No godly man can hide himselfe from the heate of this Sunne, but one time or other it will finde him out.

3 The Sunne hath not more beames to scorch, and dry up the moysture of the earth, than Sathan and the wicked world have to dry up the moysture of grace, where it is not sound; sometimes by armies of inward and spirituall temptations, sometimes by open tyranny and hostility. That is not a true marke of a true Church, which Bellarmine designeth, outward splendor and prosperity, but the Crosse and 7. His resemblance to Christ the Son of righteousnesse.Persecution.

7 But above all other, the sweetest use of the Sunne is to see in it Iesus Christ the Sonne p. 44of righteousnesse, Mal. 4. 2. Rev. 1. 12. For,

1. As there is but one Sunne in the heavens, so but one Sonne of righteousnesse, the onelyonly begotten Son of God, Ioh. 1. 14. and as this Sunne is not onelyonly light, but the fountaine of light, and in it selfe a body of most surpassing and shining light: So Iesus Christ is light in his essence; an heavenly light as the Sunne, a light that none can reach or attaine, the light of the world; as the Sunne is a light in whom is no darkenesse: so his face shineth as the brightest Sunne, Rev. 1. 16. and as in the middest of Planets, inlighteneth those that are about him.

2. I see of all creatures, the Sunne most admirable, all the world admireth it. A great part doe idolatrously adore it. And the whole Church must admire her Sunne; yea, let all the Angels of heaven adore him, as tenne p. 45thousand times passing the Sunne of the world. For

1. That is but a meere creature, though very glorious: but this is the mighty God, the maker of that.

2 That serveth the outward man in things of this life. But this the inward man in things spirituall and eternall.

3 That riseth and shineth on good and bad: but this onelyonly on the good, onelyonly on his Ierusalem, Esay 60. 1.

4 That rising, obscureth the starres, but this inlighteneth all beleevers, who by his presence shine as lights in the worlds darknesse.

5 That may be eclypsed and darkened, and though it rise every day, it every day setteth: but this Sunne of the Church being eternall, shall never lose or lessen his shine and glory; and once risen, shall never set more, Esay 60. 20.

p. 463. I admire the sunne for his purity and piercing nature; the sun is foreign, of many eyes, who disperseth from himselfe on all sides, infinite beames of light, as so many eyes on every creature: and none can hide it selfe from this great eye of the world: and so pure, that looking on all filthinesse, contracteth none. But how much more am I to admire the surpassing purity of Christ, whose most piercing eye none can avoyde: for all things are naked to him, with whom we have to deale: and so pure is this son, that though hee was borne of sinners, lived and conversed with sinners, yea, died with and for sinners, and as a sinner, yet no man could justly accuse him of sin, but hee remained in his nature and life purer than the sun in his strength. And must not the Saints imitate this their Son, though they live amongst sinners, and see much foule behaviour p. 47amongst men? yet to keepe themselves pure in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.

4. I behold the Sunne, a most powerfull creature; for though his body be in heaven, yet his comfortable beames reach to the extreame parts of the earth. May I not now behold Iesus Christ being in heaven bodily, and ascended thither in that his flesh; yet by his spirit, grace, and power, present with his Church, in all parts of the world unto the end? Mat. 28. 10. And as the Sun rising, commeth forth as a Gyant to run his course, and maketh such haste in his way, as no created force can hinder him: So this powerfull Sonne of his Church, maketh haste in his way to her; all created power of men and Angels, cannot hinder him. [Hee skippeth over mountaines Cant 2. 8.Song 2:8and hils in his haste unto her.]

5, What comfort have we by p. 48the sunne; and shall we not have the same in Christ?

1. Doth the sun drive away the darkenesse of the night? and doth not Christ the thicke mists of sinnes, the darkenesse of ignorance, errour, wrath, damnation, and of hell it selfe? But for the sun of the world, were a perpetuall night; much more by the absence of this sunne of righteousnesse, were it so in the Church.

2. Doth the sun by his beames give direction for this naturall life? &c. So doth Iesus Christ by his beames of wisedome and grace, directing us, worke in us spirituall and heavenly life. What can a man doe commendably without the Sunne? So what is that wee can doe, that can be acceptable without Christ?

3. Is the sun under God, the life, quickner, and comforter of the world, otherwise dead? and see …e not Christ quickning al the p. 49elect, dead in sins and trespasses, warming them with beames of his love, which as sunne-beames, doe reflect backe on himselfe?

4 Doth the Sun make and preserve the seasons of the yeare, Summer, Winter, Spring, Autumne? See Iesus Christ, having all seasons in his hand; the seedtime of grace here, that harvest of glory hereafter. Hee appointeth the summer and prosperity of his Church, and changeth it into a sharpe winter of adversity. All vicissitudes and changes of the Church, are appointed by his wisedome, Daniel 2. 21. Whence wee may learne a number of duties. As;

1. Doe all creatures rejoyce in the Sun, but hatefull Bats and Owles? doe they follow the Sun, thrive and prosper in the sunne, turne after the sun, as Mari-gold, Dazy, Turnesole? &c. Should not new creatures draw neere and follow this Sun to prosper it it? p. 50Doe we open our windowes and doores to take in the beames of the Sun, and not open the doores of our hearts for the Word, that the beames from Christ may inlighten and warme us?

2. When the Sun riseth, men goe forth to labour. When Christ our Sonne is risen, and present in his offers and ordinances, wee must worke and walke before the night come.

3 Men in the Sun walke uprightly: in a misty night to stumble and fall, is more hurt than shame; but to fall at noone, is headdinesse or distemper. So to sinne against such a light, in the sun-shine of the Gospel, is farre more shamefull, than in the night.

4. See wee men in the Sun doe decent things? ashamed of things unseemely or unlawfull, because all eyes are on them, and themselves are in the light? Should not this teach Christians p. 51to walke in their sunne? Let the theefe cover himselfe with darknesse: the adulterer watch for the twilight: Papists, Atheists, &c. persevere to do shamefull things without blushing. Let our Sun make us ashamed of uncomely or unconscionable things. Let not men see us runne naked in the sun-shine.

5. Wee see the greater light drownes the lesse, and the Sunne obscures all other lights: and if men have the Sun, they care but little for the Moone. Let it teach the soule cloathed with Iesus Christ the Son, to tread the Moon under feete, Revel. 12 1. that is, things earthly and mutable: shall not the Sunne-shine darken the Moone? Zucheus, so soone as he got Christ into his heart, presently giveth halfe his goods to the poore, and with the other halfe makes restitution. But men that admire the Moone, are surely in the night still. If the p. 52Sunne appeareth, the Moone disappeareth.

Now come we to consider the Moone, that other eye of the The Moon.world, and Queene of heaven. Grace will draw much light to our soules out of this.

The consideration thereof will leade us to see our owne impurity; 1for though in it there be brightnesse, clearenesse, &c. yet all is darkenesse compared with the Sunne. So whatsoever excellency there is in us it is meere darkenesse in respect of Christ, the fountaine of all excellencies. This use Iob made thereof, Chap. 25. 4, 5. The moone and stars are not pure in his sight, how much lesse man, a worme? &c.

In beholding the Moone, I 11. The Moon resembleth the Churcham taught to consider the image, of the Church on earth, Cant. 6. 10. [Who is faire as the moone.]

1 As the Moone borroweth all her light from the Sun, whereby shee shineth: so doth the Church p. 53receive all her endowments from Christ the Son of righteousnesse, and fountaine of light, in whom they are originally. Hence Christ is called the light, Ioh. 1. that is, that very light and true light; the Church being onelyonly a witnesse of this light in him, as the moone is of the Sunne. This consideration may teach us two things.

1. It may humble us, in that all the light wee have, it is but borrowed: wee of our selves are but darkenesse. What have wee which we have not received?

2. It teacheth us to depend so farre on the light of the Church, as wee are sure she borroweth her light of Christ. Therefore to give the Church authority over the Scriptures, is as if one should send the Sun to Gal. 1▪ 4.Gal 1:4the Moone for light; therefore the voice of the Church is not the formall object of faith.

2. The Moone somewhat doth resemble the Sunne in her light, p. 54motion, figure, and influence, and vertue over hearbes, and plants, &c. The Moone also is led by the Sunne, shee followeth his circle. So every member of Christ should stand in conformity to the Sonne of God; wee should be fruitfull and profitable in our motions, and follow the examples of Christ, who is gone before us.

3. As there is in the Moone many changes eclypses, sometime Ecclesia sua habet tempora, viz persecutionis, pacis, &c. Amb Hex. lib. 4 cap. 2darke, sometime light; never looking on inferiour bodies, with one face: Constant in nothing but inconstancy. So the Church on earth is oft changed, sometime seeming more glorious, sometimes lesse: and the Son of righteousnesse, Iesus Christ is farther or nearer unto it in his gracious presence and spirit. This meditation, Saint Ambrose did much ruminate.

4. As the Moone when shee appeareth not unto us, but is in p. 55darkenesse, hath both light in Ecclesia videtur at luna deficere, sed non deficit: obumbrari potest, deficere non potest. Orbis lunae integer manet cum totus non ful get, &c.her selfe, and light and beauty from the Sunne: So the Church may be obscured, and disappeare to our sight; but at the same time it hath not onelyonly a being, but a communion, and enlightening from Christ her Sun; Christ is as a faithfull and skilfull pilote, the Church as a ship, the world as the Sea; and Christ hath promised not to leave his Church in this dangerous Sea, but to bring her to the haven safe. Saint Ambrose followeth this meditation thus. The moone may have a diminution of her light, but not of her body: the Orbe of the Moone is whole, though the shine be but in one quarter: So it is also with the Church.

In the Moone I am taught to III. The moone resembleth this world in.set a resemblance of this world and earthly things, Revelat. 12. 1. there the Moone is taken for earthly, wordly things.

1. In respect of inferiority, p. 561 Inferi… riti….the Moone is the lowest of all celestiall bodies. So the world, and externall blessings of it, are the least and lowest of all; and there is no comparison betweene heavenly and earthly things: So ought wee to esteeme of the things of this world, and give them the lowest place in our affections. Hence the woman, that is, the Church, Revel. 12. 1. when she was cloathed with the Sunne, that is, when shee had Christ his righteousnesse applyed unto her by faith; shee trod the Moone under her feete; that is, she held all sublunary things, worldly, earthly things, base and low in her affections.

2. In respect of mutability and 2. Mutability.change: if shee increase now, straight shee doth decrease as fast: if she be now in the full, she is presently in the waine, shee is never seene two nights with one face: even so is the fraile estate and inconstant condition of all p. 57sublunary things. Now, to day full and increased in wealth, honour, pleasure; to morrow in the waine, and no appearance of it: to day flourishing in health, strength, to morrow faded and fallen. Are not all worldly things of as round a figure as the moone, unstable and unconstant? 1 Iohn 2. 17. [The world passeth away and the lusts of it:] so doth the lustre of it, and whatsoever is desirable in it.

3. In respect of her obscurity 3. Obscuritic.and spots: for the moone in her chiefe brightnesse is clouded and speckled with blacke spots, a darkenesse within her selfe obscureth her: so are all worldly things: the greatest wealth in the world is spotted with many wants, cares, feares; the highest glory with sadde adversity, and some sense of misery. The most choice and delicate pleasures are but bitter-sweete, motheaten, and very alluring baites, p. 56duplicate page p. 57duplicate page p. 58covering mortall hookes: here is no light without some darknesse.

4. In respect of her end and use. For by Gods ordinance the Vse 4.Moone is set to governe the night, as the Sun to rule the day: So the profits and pleasures, and earthly comforts, serve onelyonly for our use and benefit while we are in the night of this world, and vaile of darkenesse compassed and clouded with vailes of sin and calamities, the fruits thereof.

5. The Sunne rising, I see the Moone disappeare, and there is 5. Disappearing.no neede of her shine: so when the blessed Son of righteousnesse shall rise in the glory upon us, and wee shall walke in that blessed and celestiall light, there is no more need of earthly comforts, that blessed Sonne shall drowne and swallow up all the lights of these candles, and of the Moone it selfe. As that holy woman and martyr going to her death said, I am now going p. 59to a place where money beareth no mastery, Rev. 21. 23. that City hath no neede of the worlds Sun nor Moone; for the glory of God and the Lambe are the light of it.

Now wee proceed to the Of the starres.Starres of the firmament, the handmaides of the Queene of heaven, who in their nature call us all to the knowledge of God. And by the teaching of grace, they all may be as the starre that led the wise men to Christ. In them let us consider,

The unconceiveable magnitude of them, the swiftnesse of their motion, their secret, but admirable efficacie and influence; and all this to be put forth or restrained at the Lords pleasure, must needs argue him to be wise of heart, and strong of power, Iob 9. Verses 4, 7, 9, 10. to order so great things, and unsearchable, yea, marvelous things without number. Adde hereunto p. 60the multitude of them, which thou canst not number: the force and power of them, as mighty armies, for the execution of the Lords justice and merciemercy, which thou canst not reach All this leadeth us into the sense of our owne imperfection in knowledge to apprehend his perfections, that calleth them all by their names. And hence we are called both to acknowledge the power of him that made Pleiades and Orion, Amos 5. 8. as also to praise his goodnesse, that made the great lights; the Sun to governe Psa. 136. 8Ps 136:8the day, the Moone and Starres to rule the night.

This might stirre up our faith concerning the multitudes of beleevers in the Kingdome of Christ, which shall be as the starres of the firmament, Genes. 22. 17.

This consideration the Lord useth as an argument to confirme the faith of his Church, Ierem. p. 6133. 22. Therefore is the Lord worthy of praise, Psal. 136. 7.

The stars keepe their courses, II.and motions, and orbes constantly, and unweariably: they suffer no eclypses in themselves as the greater lights doe: they never deny their light unto others. By which both our faith may be strengthened, and our duty directed. The former the Lord urgeth to confirme our faith in the stability, and truth of his promises, Ier. 31. 35. If the courses of the moone and starres can be broken, then may the seed of Israel cease. The latter directeth us,

1. To stand in our owne orbes with constancy, doing our owne duty as fixed starres, Iude 13. not as the shooting or wandring starres, that is, unconstant and unstable men, carried about with every winde of temptation, doctrin, lust: But we must hold on anweariably in doing our duty.

p. 622. To shine in grace without eclypses, so farre as is possible.

3. To deny to none our helpe and light that stand in need.

We see one starre differ from III.another in magnitude, claritie, glory and motion: yet one hindereth not another, one envieth not at another. Which noteth

1. The divers degrees of grace here. For the Saints have diversity of gifts, which maketh them as stars, divers in their use and shining, site and magnitude: yet must not be adverse, not envious, not in pride advance our selves above others; the stars doe not so. The stars have each one their glory: but none of them from themselves. And what hast thou which thou hast not received?

2. The divers degrees of glory hereafter, proved by the Apostle, 1 Cor. 15. 41. What a sweet elevation of the soule were it, in beholding the starres, to put p. 63our selves in minde of that heavenly glory, wherewith we shall be cloathed? as the Scripture doth, Dan. 12. 3. They that turne many to righteousnes shall shine as the starres.

Wee see the stars shine brightest IV.in darkest nights, to teach and excite us in darkest nights of triall, afflictions, and dangers, most to manifest our light of faith, patience, fortitude, and graces. Where should fortitude demonstrate it selfe, but in the field and combate? Where doe spices send forth their odoriferous smels, but in the mortar under the pestle?

In every starre we must labour to see Iesus Christ, who calleth V.himselfe

1. The morning starre, Revel. Christ the morning starre.2. 28. And the bright morning starre, Rev. 21. 16. He that overcommeth, I will give him the morning starre, that is, I will communicate my selfe wholly unto p. 64him, and make him conformable unto me im my glory: Alwayes the proportion of head and members observed.

The morning starre is the most bright and shining of all the starres in heaven: see in it the most excellent light, and celestiall glory of Christ, wherein the Lord Iesus excelleth all men and Angels, as farre as the morning starre, all the starres of heaven.

The morning starre communicateth all his light to the world. In this see Christ communicating to the world of beleevers all light of Grace and Glory.

The morning starre dispelleth the nights darkenesse, Hence conceive Christ that day starre rising in our hearts, 2 Pet. 1. 19. who by the light of his Propheticall and Apostolicall Word, his Spirit accompanying the same, dispelleth the darkenesse of ignorance and errors, wherein we were wrapped in the night p. 65of sinne, and unregenerate estate.

The morning starre is anteambulo Solis, and fitly said to be the Suns harbenger, and fore-runner of perfect day: Conceive Christ our morning Star, not onelyonly dispelling and dispersing with the beames of his light, the darkenesse of this present life, which is a night in comparison: But is a pledge of our perfect day, and future glory, who in the morning of our common resurrection will shew himselfe to all his Saints in surpassing Glory and Majesty, above the perfect light of a thousand Sunnes. Thus wee see the use of the Starres in their naturall use excellent and usefull: but in spirituall and supernaturall farre more to the Christian and Beleever.

2. Behold Christ termed the Christ the starre of Iacob.starre of Iacob, Num. 24. 17. Here observe.

1. The originall of a starre is from heaven, not earth: I must p. 66conceive of Christ otherwise than of other men, which have their originall on earth. But he is the Lord from heaven, as God he is from heaven.

2. Yet a starre of Jacob. As a man of the posterity of Iacob: so I must conceive him both God and man.

3. This starre first riseth in the horizon of Iudea, and Ierusalem, see Psal. 60. 1. and carrieth his light round about to all nations, as the starres.

4. The use of this starre, is to be a load-starre to helpe us to our haven, that as Marriners on the Sea behold the Pole-star to saile safely, and avoid rockes and shelves: So must wee on the Sea of this world looke at this starre, and feare no shipwracke.

Now come we to consider the Of the clouds.inferiour heavens, and in these consider the

Clouds,

Aire,

Windes.

p. 67The Clouds have a voice to teach us, not onelyonly that mighty voice of thunder, which made Cloudes lead us to God.proud Pharaoh confesse his owne wickednesse, and begge prayers, as Exodus 9. 21. but also a silent voice, every of them being as that pillar of the cloud, which was a signe of Gods presence amongst his people, as Exod. 13. 21. yea, every cloud herein like the cloud of the Tabernacle, whereof is said, the glory of God appeared in the cloud, Exodus 16. 10. I may say as Iob 37. 14. Hearken and give heede to these wondrous workes of God.

Who is the Father of rame, Iob 38. 28. that is, besides the Lord? what power is there that bindes the waters in the thicke clouds, so that the cloud breaketh not? Iob 26. 29. And if thou dost know who it is that maketh the clouds to labour to water the earth, and who it is that p. 68turneth them about by his government to doe whatsoever hee commands them on the world for punishment or merciemercy? yet dost thou know how God disposeth them? The varietie of them, the wondrous workes of him that is perfect in knowledge? Iob 37. from verse 11. to 17.

Canst thou tell how the bottles of heaven are filled? how they being of infinite weight and magnitude, are hung as in a ballance in the soft aire, without any other, stay than his Word? How the windowes of Heaven be open to raine downe fatnesse and plenty? Psal. 65. 12. Surely in these things the Lord left not himselfe without witnesse amongst the Gentiles in giving them raine and fruitfull seasons, Act. 14. 17. and much lesse among us in the Church, to whom by the teaching of grace they proelaime his wisedome, power, p. 69justice, mercy, as also his glory and majesty, who rideth on the clouds as on a horse, and turneth them what way soever he pleaseth.

As they leade us to God, so II.they serve to afford us many excellent meditations.

1 Doe I see the raine fall from the clouds to water the earth, and returneth not in vaine? Isa. 55. 10. I must see the worke of the word preached upon my earthly heart, for the moystening, softening, and changing of my heart; for preparing it to fruitfulnesse: and preserving it in fruitfulnesse, for it shall never be in vaine, but doth the worke for which it is sent. Never was a greater plague in Israel, than when for three yeares and a halfe it rained not on the earth in Ababs time: a greater plague cannot be in this life, than when the raine falleth not to the moystening the furrowes of our hearts.

p. 702. Doe I see the clouds to be as a shadow, and cover against the heate, parching and burning of the Sun: I must herein behold the Lords protection, as a covering cloud, or shadow, saving his Saints from the sunne of affliction and persecution; which will burne up those that are not defended, Psal. 91. 1. They shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Here is another manner of shadow than Iona'hs gourd. I will run under this shadow, (saith David, Psal. 121. 6.) and the sunne shall not smite me by day.

3. Doe I see the raine-bow in the clouds? I must meditate of Gods faithfulnesse, who hath set it as a signe of mercy and patience: yea, I may carry my mind beyond the temporall; and conceive of Gods everlasting mercy in Christ, in whom I come to the throne of grace, which is described to have a raine-bow p. 73round about it, Rev. 4. 3.

4. When I see the cloud disperse it selfe upon all grounds, and raines fall on good and bad; I must learne to distill my goodnesse to all in generall; good and bad, friends and enemies. And so show my selfe a childe of my heavenly Father, who letteth his raine fall on the just and unjust, Mat. 5. 45.

5. When I see the dewes of Dewes resemble Christ.small raines, which is the joy and life of flowers; I must in them beheld Iesus Christ, who compareth himselfe unto dew, Hosea 14. 5. I will be a dew to Israel: the dew presenteth it selfe in faire weather: so Christ is 1neare, when Gods face and favour is calme and pacified.

The dew refresheth and reviveth 2withering medowes: so Christ by his grace, refresheth and quickneth drie and dead hearts, remitting sinnes, and infusing p. 70duplicate page p. 73duplicate page p. 70duplicate page p. 73duplicate page p. 74moysture of grace and holinesse, to make them fruitfull in all good workes.

The dewes temper and allay 3great heate and parching of the sunne: so doth Christ coole the burning heate of his Fathers wrath; and quencheth the fiery darts of the devill, cooleth the heate of persecution; and all, that wee may become and continue fruitfull. Without these dewes from heaven, is no expectation 4of fruits in earth, and without Christ and his grace, we can doe nothing at all.

6. I see a morning dew and suddaine raine soone dryed up: I must looke to the soundnesse of my grace, faith, and comfort, that it bee not as an hasty raine, or an heritage hastily gotten: that it bee not as the righteousnesse of Ephraim. Hos. 6. 4. as a morning dew, by sun-rising suddenly vanished and gone, when p. 75is most neede of it. Hence learne to strive against hypocrisie.

7. In beholding the clouds, what a profitable meditation were it to consider them as the glorious charriot of Christ, wherin hee ascended to heaven, and was taken up in the cloude from the sight of his Disciples, Acts 1. 9. And wherein hee shall descend in great glory and majesty to judge the quicke and dead, Matth. 26. 64. As also how serviceable the cloudes shall be unto us, as unto our head; when in the last day we shall be taken up into the clouds to meete the Lord in the ayre, and so shall bee ever with him, 1 Thes. 4. 17.

Now come wee to the ayre, Of the ayre.which is not in vaine, but may also leade us to God; for it hath expresse impressions of his fingers. For,

It truely and really subsisteth, I. Leading to God many wayes.though it bee not seene: so hath p. 76also the Lord the maker thereof, a reall but invisible existence.

It leadeth us by the hand, to the ubiquitie of GOD; for it is every where, and in every open place and secret, in townes and fields, and widest deserts; it is in the bowels of the earth, in the bottome of the Sea, within us, without us. Euen so must I conceive God present, at and in all places, immediately compassing me every where as the ayre. Nay, hath place in my heart and minde, that as surely as I continually draw the ayre into my body, heart, and braines: so is the Lord much more present within mee. This will not let me shut him up in heaven, whose essence is not more there, than in this inferiour world; though his glory and Majesty shine clearer there. Neither to thinke him far absent, nor by walls, doores, windowes, closets or chambers, kept p. 77from seeing or knowing my waies, no more than ayre: but I shall continually stand in awe, and feare to offend him.

I see the ayre, the preserver of my life, that without it, I cannot III.continue any whit, but presently perish, so as wee may say of it truly, as the Apostle of God himselfe: In it under God wee live, move, and have our beeing, Acts 17. 28.

The ayre of it selfe is darke, IV.but yet admitteth the sun-beames to penetrate it, and lighten it. So must I, a Chaos of darkenesse in my selfe by nature, become a receptacle of light, and receive the beames of grace, from the sunne of grace and righteousnesse.

As no creature wanteth a Of the Windes.voyce to teach man; so no man ought to be ashamed to learne, by whatsoever God will teach him: Amongst the rest, there is not almost any naturall thing which p. 78poynteth us out to more spirituall use, nor affordeth more sweete matter of divine Meditation than the words, which both leade us unto God, and into our selves, both for humiliation and direction.

It hath an apt resemblance and image of God in it.I.

1. In the subtilenesse and invisibilitie of the nature of it. No Windes resemble God.man ever saw the winde: thou canst notisee it, saith Christ; the way of the winde is not known: so no man saw God at any time, and his waies are unsearchable, and past finding out. The swiftnesse of the windes may note Gods omni-presence, who is saide to ride on the wings of the winde.

2. In powerfull motion and efficacy of it, which no man can hinder or resist. For this invisible creature, hath a mighty force in tearing, rending, driving p. 79afore it whatsoever standeth in the way; trees, houses, nay, the raging seas, the ponderous clouds, yea, the rockes and mountaines, and is able to shake the very foundations of the earth: And who seeth not here a lively resemblance of the omnipotent power of God, whose mighty arme worketh so unresistably in all the things of nature, yea, of grace, rending the hard rockes of our hearts, and casting downe lofty mountaines, exalted against grace? Who art thou that canst resist the Spirit in man?

3. In the freedome of his motion, the winde bloweth where it listeth, Iohn 3. 7. No man can make the winde blow, nor leave blowing, but it mooveth it selfe, and resteth freely. And herein should wee cast our eyes on the Lords free working, as in all the workes of nature, so of p. 80grace. He will have mercy where hee will; and harden whom hee will. He will send the windes of his grace, and they shall heare the sound of it in this region, not in that; in this congregation, not in another; yea, this heart in the same congregation shall have the sound, and not another. Hee will blow a stronger gale, a fuller blast, a greater measure of grace on some, than on another. Hee may doe with his owne as hee will. And all things worke the same spirit to every one severally, as hee will, 1. Cor. 12. 11.

4. In the secrecy of his working of mighty worke: the winds are invisible, but worke wonders in every place open and secret; but in a most still and silent manner: for thou knowest not whence it commeth, or whether it goeth. Whereby the Lord leadeth us to the secret worke of the spirit in p. 81our conversion. As the subtile Motum scimus, motum nescimus.winde pierceth by the tenuity of his substance into every cranney, and no man can keepe it out: so doth the Spirit of God blow into the very secrets of thy very conscience. The woman at the Well wondered how this winde could so pierce her, which brought a sound of all that ever shee did. Who is acquainted with the worke of grace in himselfe, and hath not woundred after how unspeakeable a manner this winde hath blowne upon him?

1. What a still voyce he heard behinde him, directing him, and perswading him to the good way. But stronger than all power of man or Angels, and still followed with inward motion, to provoke him further.

2. How after a secret and unknowne manner, these gracious windes have dissolved the clouds p. 82of iniquitie, and watered the earth of his heart with raines of repentance, and godly sorrow; and ever since have kept his heart softened and humble.

3. He knoweth not how; but these blessed windes have dispersed the noysome vapours and corruptions of his heart: scattered the clouds of ignorance, errour, infidelity, doubts, feares, and cleared the heavens to him; that now he chearefully beholdeth the sun-shine of Gods favour in Christ, and walketh in the light and comfort of it; and see…h nothing. Why? but he heareth a still voyce and sound of this winde, the testimony of the Spirit, witnessing the pardon of his sinnes, and his assurance of acceptance and reconciliation.

4. Hee findeth a secret voyce and sound of the winde making requests in him, with sighes p. 83which cannot be expressed. This secret breath and inspiration of the Spirit, giveth him breath, and maketh him frequent and fervent in prayers; to which hee was as heavie as a Beare to the stake.

5. He findeth the sound of this winde, not onelyonly as the voice behinde him, but feeleth the power of it as a strong blast behinde him, to drive him forward in the waies of God. And whereas before hee was as the shippe that lay wind-bound: now having a faire gale of winde, he is as a shippe under saile, that goeth as swift as an arrow: Hee can comfortably pray, reade, heare, meditate, admonish, watch as an active man in godlinesse: As a bird flying with the winde, flyeth swifter. In all these things wee may and must admire the greatnesse of God, who hath laid up the windes in his treasury, p. 84and rideth upon the wings of the wind, Psal. 140. 3. & made them the wheeles of his chariot.

The consideration of the windes, leades us into our selves; II. Windes leade us into our selves.and that,

1. For humiliation: For who knoweth the nature of the wind, the place of the winde, the way of the winde? He would have us humble, not onelyonly by the ignorance of minde in divine things, but even in naturall.

2. See in the winde our owne vanity. Lord what is man? Iob 7. 7. Remember that my life is but a winde.

1. Inconstant as the winde, a short puffe which none can lay faster hold on, that on the winde: all humane things are as light as the winde.

2. Suddenly past away from us: even sometime so soone as it commeth.

p. 853. It returneth not againe, no more than the winde, Psal. 78. 39. Hee remembred, they were as winde passed, not returning againe.

2. For instruction: shall so fierce a creature bee at a becke, and shall not I?

1. I see this mighty creature obedient and subject to GOD, Mat. 8. 26. Who is this to whom windes and seas obey? doe they testifie to Christ that hee is the Sonne of God, and shall not I heare his Word, and acknowledge him my Lord and my God?

2. When I see a boysterous winde, and tempest arise, and carry away light things; as feathers, straw, chaffe: I must take notice of the miserable estate of wicked men, on whom destruction and feare shall come as a whirle-winde, Prov. 1. 27. They p. 86shall be driven away as chaffe and feathers in the winde, Psal. 1. Job 21. 18. The wicked shall bee as stubble before the winde, and as chaffe which the storme carrieth away. This was Ieremies meditation, Chap. 18. 17.

3. When I see or heare great windes doe great harmes, to blow downe houses over mens heads, unroote oakes, and strong trees: I must now looke to my foundation and rooting in grace, be sure I bee founded on a rocke, that when raines fall, windes blow, and stormes beate against my house, it may stand, Matth 7. 27. If wee builde our walls with untempered morter, it shall fall; a great shower shall come, and hailestones shall cause it to fall; and a stormie winde shall breake it, Ezek. …3. 11, 12.

4. When I see reedes and rushes tossed and shaken with every winde, I must looke to my p. 87stablishing in the doctrine and profession of godlinesse, that I bee not carried about with every winde of libertine doctrine, every puffe of temptation, every frivolous humane invention, every frowne of superiours, every threatning of the times, every crosse occasion, as a man unstable in the grounds of received truth. Iohn Baptist was not as a reede shaken with the winde; as many unsetled heads, carried into all novelties, conceits, and opinions, that no gid die conceit can bee broached, but shall finde favourers and admirers of things in true judgement to be explored: but labour for soundnesse within. Wee have seene many faire Apples and Peares hanging on a tree lovely in sun-shine, which in the next whistling winde quite fall off, because they were rotten or unsound at the core. Wee are yet in some calme, but the storme p. 88riseth suddenly, wee know not how soone wee shall bee shaken, many prognosticks of foule and stormie weather are upon us. Let us bee wise and settle our selves in sinceritie of heart, and sounde love of the truth, which shall hold us on our foundation, when others shall bee overturned.

Thus the Prophet, having sufficiently by the eyes of his minde, drawne much matter of meditation from the heavens; he casteth downe his eyes on the earth, in the last verse of this Psalme, and with admiration, saith, O Lord, how wonderfull is thy name in all the earth! Noting, that not onelyonly the heavens, but also the earth, being rightly considered, may offer unto us abundant matter of divine meditation. Seeing then the whole hosts of heaven and earth are before thee, complaine not thou wantest p. 89matter whereon to meditate. Come then, and see what great The Earthworks the Lord hath done in the earth, and hearken what a loud voice it hath to leade us unto God and our selves. See Iob 12. 7.

Consider what barres, or engines, what mighty foundations I.uphold the massie substance of the whole earth and sea, that the infinite weight should not fall through the soft, thin, and compassing ayre, where no man can make a feather hang without some stay. This was Iobs meditation, which ledde him to the infinite power of GOD, who hangeth the earth upon nothing, Iob 26. 7. The whole frame of the heavens hath no other collumes than the ayre, the ayre leaneth on the earth, the earth hangeth on nothing but the mightie and powerfull Word of God.

From the unmoveable strength p. 90and stability of the earth, whose foundation cannot be shaken: we may fruitfully meditate of the stable and undoubted truth, and certainty of the Word of the Lord, both in his promises, and menaces: Isay 48. 13. My hand hath laid the foundation of the earth: Therefore heare, O Iacob, he will doe his will in thee, O Babel, &c. Psalme 125. 1, 2. They that trust in the Lord shall bee as Mount Sion, and stand for ever. As the hils compasse Ierusalem, so doth the Lord his people.

From the earth which is full III.of the goodnesse of the Lord, Psalme 33.

1. Wee behold the riches of God, whose footstoole it is.

2 The bountifulnesse of God, who hath given it to the sons of men, Psalme 115. 16. and made it our table, prepared and furnished with all dainty foode; our house in which wee dwell, and a p. 91kinde and liberall mother affording us all her riches and store at all times.

3. The providence of God, who cloatheth the grasse, and decketh the earth: and will hee not much more them that feare him? Mat. 6.

4. The justice of God in the barrennesse of the earth; A fruit of our fall and sin, and a just curse of the barrennesse of our owne hearts: A fruitfull land hee turneth to barrennesse for the sinnes of the inhabitants.

From the earth wee may raise IV.sundry instructions concerning our selves:

1. Matter of humility: It being our common Mother whence we come, and whether we must returne. Dust thou art, and to dust thou shalt returne.

The same in the fading of flowers, withering of grasse, and the mowing it downe, put p. 92David in minde of the fading prosperity, and unavoydable mortalitie of men, Psal. 90. 6, 7. Our matter is not iron, steele, &c. but grasse. All flesh is grasse. This sense of our mortalitie should quicken the care of immortalitie.

2. Heavenly-mindednes. Seeing the earth is but a pricke or a point in comparison of heaven, and so should it be unto us: who would lose an infinite for a finite, a thing of nothing? See we not the earth hiding the wealth of it within the bowels, all the rich mettals, minerals, and costly stones? And why conceive not we hence their nature? Her selfe would cover these from our eyes, that we should not set our hearts on them, nor they hinder us from better things.

3. Love and labour after Gods Word. I see what paines men will take to digge and fetch out p. 93metals, as silver, gold, &c. why should not I digge deepe for wisedome, and esteeme Gods Word as gold tryed by the fire, worth much paines and labour? Prov. 2. 4.

4. I see the earth receiving seede, returne abundant fruit, according to the cost and paines of him that manureth it. Oh where is the thankefull returne of fruits of grace, which I should bring unto God for his cost, and manuring of mee? Every good heart and good ground must doe so, Matth. 13. 8. Every faithfull soule, as a fat soyle, must bee in some proportion answerable to the meanes, lest beeing often watered, and remaining fruitlesse, we be neere a curse, &c. Heb. 6. 7.

We come now to particulars. Of trees and plants.Looke upon the Plants and Trees.

1. And put thy selfe in mind, p. 94to become a tree of righteousnesse, the planting of the Lord.

2. Thou seest the Tree stand firme upon his rootes against windes and tempests: see thou be firmely rooted on Christ, lest the blast of persecution shake thee.

3. Thou seest the Tree well planted not onelyonly greene, but fruitfull. Art not thou as a tree planted by the rivers of waters, in Gods garden and orchard of grace? Hath not hee warmed thy heart with his Sunne of grace? and watered thy soyle with fruitfull showers? Doest thou now, not onelyonly become truely regenerate, moystened with the Spirit of grace, to make thee flourish and looke greene; but also bringest pleasant fruits unto the Lord? else looke for the axe to hew thee downe, and cast thee into the fire.

p. 954. I see a good Tree bringeth not fruits onelyonly, but good fruits, and an evill Tree bringeth forth no good fruit: No man gathereth grapes on thistles. By my fruits must I bee knowne. A good and a bad Tree may bring forth leaves, and armes, and greenesse alike: so good and bad have many externall things alike in common, as wealth, name, beauty; yea, hearing, speaking, profession. But good fruits from good juyce and sap, are proper to good and living rootes: I must examine the goodnesse of my fruites.

5. I see fruitfull Trees the more laden, the more they encline and bow themselves downe neare the ground, offering their fruite to every gatherer: So must I, the more fruitfull in grace, bee the more humble, and free, and beneficiall to every p. 96one that can gather any thing from me.

6. What particular can I behold, and not gather some spirituall fruit? See I a Palme Tree? It is an image of a just man thriving by afflictions: The more weight the more growing, Psalme 92. 13. Looke I upon a Vine? Christ compareth himselfe to a Vine, Iohn 15. and the faithfull to the Branches set into him. How many Meditations may one draw hence? Nay, the very Thornes and Briars teach us to beware of earthly and choaking cares, Luke 8. 14. and pleasures which choake the Word, that the seede of God cannot thrive in their hearts; besides the sight of our sinne, in the abundance of them.

Aske the beasts, and every one of Of the Beasts.them will teach thee something, Iob 12. 7. All the beasts on a thousand p. 97hils are the Lords, Psal 50.

In the Lyon, behold the Lyon of the tribe of Iudah, who foyled the roaring Lyon.

In a Lambe, see the Lambe of God that taketh away the sinnes of the world.

In a Sheepe, note the wandring disposition, Isay 53. 6. And the duty to heare the voyce of Christ the Shepheard, and follow him, Ioh. 10.

In a Goate, a stinking creature, see the image of a reprobate, who shall bee set on the left hand, Mat. 25. 33.

In the Oxe and Asse, to know our Master that feedeth us, Isay. 1.

In the Horse and Mule, indocible creatures, who cannot bee taught by rules, but by over-ruling and bridling; see our untaught and refractarie nature: therefore let us not bee like them, Psal. 32. 9.

p. 98In the little Emmet, see what providence and diligence thou art to use; while time lasteth to lay up for time to come. Avoide lazinesse, and idlenesse, and know thy season, Prov. 6. 6.

In the contemptible Worme, trodden under foote: Consider the humility of Christ, who was as a worme and no man, Psal. 22. Let the same minde bee in you. Thus shall wee use them as their Lords, when wee see the Lord in them. And while we cannot bee beyond them in strength of body, quicknesse of senses, and swiftnesse of foote; wee shall be beyond them in discourse of minde, and in divine and spirituall contemplation.

Looke on the Birds upon and Of the Birds.about the earth, and consider from them all:

1. The providence of GOD; they reape not, nor spin, and yet are fed: a Sparrow falleth not to p. 99the ground, without his will, Matth. 6. 26. [Are not we better than they?]

2. In the Dove wee have a lesson of patience, meekenesse, innocency, simplicity, without wrath or revenge Matth. 10. 16. David mourned for sinne, like a Dove.

3. The Turtle, Crane, and Swallow, teach us wisedome to know our seasons, Ier. 8. 7. Let us learne to know the day of our visitation.

4. The Eagle, to flye unto Christ where ever he be, in earth or heaven, Mat. 24. 28.

5. The Henne brooding her chickings, puts us in minde of Gods mercy, in gathering us, and stretching the wing of his mercy over us, Matthew 23. 27. Wee have no safety but under him; wee lye open to prey and spoyle without him.

6. The Raven of the valley p. 100must put children in minde of their dutie towards their Parents, least they picke out their eyes, Prov. 30. 17.

7. The nests of birds must put us in minde of our Saviours poverty, Matth 8. 20. If we want such conveniences, wee must bee content as he was.

8. The taking of silly birds in a net or snare, must put us in minde, to beware of hasting to sinne, which is as if a bird should hasten unto the snare, Prov. 7. 23.

Looke upon the sea and fishes, and behold the wonders of God in the deepes.

1. Who is it, who calmeth the sea by his power, and by his Of the Sea and Fishesunderstanding smiteth the pride of it? who measureth the face of the waters with a compasse? Iob 26. 10, 11. and keepeth it from flowing over the earth?

2. The sea is like unto God, an inexhaust fountaine; for when p. 101so many flouds and rivers are run out, as so many thousand millions of creatures enjoy: it is not diminished, but remaineth in the same fulnesse: for this is the river of God that is full of waters; Psal. 65. So the Lord is a sea of grace: the more he giveth, himselfe hath never the lesse.

3. I see all rivers runne into the sea, and pay a tribute to that whence they doe receive: So, as all is from God, all must returne to him by way of thankfulnes.

4. I see the sea obey his maker, keepe his bounds and banks; I must feare God, shew my obedience, stand in my vocation, Ier. 5. 22.

5 I see in the sea a mappe of the misery of mans life; it floweth and ebbeth: seldome is the sea quiet, but after a little calme, a tempest riseth suddenly. So I must looke for stormes upon this sea of so troublesome a world.

p. 1026. In the Sea are innumerable creatures, small and great: there walke the shipps, there play the Leviathans; some of which have beene found sixe hundred foote long, and three hundred and sixtie foote broade all which sheweth the power, wisedome, and providence of God: for all these doe waite on thee O Lord, Psal. 104. 25.

7. In the Fishes, it will not bee fruitlesse to consider what miracles God hath wrought by them. Ionah saved by a fish: two fishes multiplyed by Christ, to feede five thousand men, besides women and children: how Christ made himselfe known by a great draught of fishes, Mat. 17. 27.

8. When I see fishes caught in a net, or hooke unawares: Consider the folly of men taken by baites of pleasure; and thinke no more of their time, but are taken, as fishes, in an evill net, Eccles. 9 12.

p. 1039. When I see a Fisher cast in his nets to catch fish, I may enter into a large field of the net of the Gospel, cast into the sea, Matth. 13. 47. and of Ministers the fishers of men, Matth 4. 19. and of the pulling men out of the sea of the world, by the power and preaching of the Gospel; as is shewed in that Propheticall vision of Ezekiel 17. 9, 10.

Thus have wee shewed how all earthly things may minister heavenly meditations to heavenly mindes. How a good man will and may easily fall out of earthly talke into heavenly for when hee mindeth heaven, and the carnall man earth; both are in their elements. The fire of the one, namely the spirituall man, heaveth him vpward, and the earth of the other presseth him downe, and burieth him alive

Wee have seene by the former discourse, that no man wanteth p. 104Preachers to helpe him towards Vox Dei est in om nibus, per ominia, de omnibus, & ad omnia, loquens nobiscum semper & ubique.GOD. Every Creature may be a Preacher to him, in whom the spirit first inwardly preacheth: & wee may take notice how barren & fruitles our mindes are, & how frothie our speeches by our owne defects. God is not wanting to us neither in his Word, nor in his Works, neither in the Scriptures, nor in the creatures; but is stil teaching, counselling, admonishing and justly condemning those that in both remaine untaught. Wee will conclude the Treatise with the words of Iob; Behold these Iob 26. 14.Job 26:14are a part of his waies, but how little a portion heare we of him? and who can understand his fearefull power?

FINIS.

End of the text · Thomas Taylor, A Man in Christ (1629)