Two Sermons Preached at Northampton, Sermon 1

Two Sermons Preached at Northampton · Sermon 1

p. 1AN ASSISE SERMON.

PROV. 29.2.

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoyce: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourne.

EVen as the Sunne in the Spring, by his beames and influence, doth revive and quicken with new beauty of life, as it were, things here below; makes the face of the earth to flourish a fresh and smile; the birds to fill the ayre with much melodious sweetnesse, and so proportionably all other treatures in their severall kindes, lying within the Sphere of his springing warmth, to enlarge themselves into exultations and mirth, so a good man graced with Authority, doth marvellously refresh all gracious hearts.

But as a bitter tempestuous storme, doth with its unresistable impetuousnesse and violence, beat downe, and teare, deface, and bruise: So a Sh…b…a, p. 2or Haman, unworthily mounted on horse-backe, and haled by the cords of corruption, against the haire into some high place, undoes all by his domineering; fastens the bloody fangs of cruelty and hate upon the face of the fairest vertues; and, which is an inexpiable villany, makes the hearts of honest men to bleed. And, that which is an equall mischiefe, sets the sonnes of Belial on foot; and causes good fellowes (as they call them,) I meane brethren in iniquity, Ale-houses hunters, drunkards, and such refuse and riffe raffe of the Devil, to lift up their heads.

It is incredible to consider what a deale of hurt is done, and mischiefe many times wrought insensibly and unobservedly; when a wicked wit and wide conscience welds the sword of Authority. For it is easie to a man so mounted, by Legall sleights, and pretence of deeper reach to compasse his owne ends, either for promotion of iniquity, or oppression of innocency. For the latter; there is some truth in that Hyperbolicall speech of a great Moralist. Let any man present me, saith hee, with the most excellent and blamelesse action, I will oppose it with so vicious and bad intentions, all which shall carry a face of likelihood. What may he do then, who besides the habituall malice of his owne heart, and wit at will, hath power & a pretended mystery of government, to plague a man with in this kind? Especially sith he knowes himselfe backt with that principle in pollicy. It is not safe so to reverse transactions of State, though tainted perhaps with some manifest impressions of miscarriage p. 3& errour. Woe therefore to those empoysoned stirrops, by which so many such servants rise aloft and climbe so high; I meane bribery, simony, flattery, temporizing, base insinuations, and such vile meanes. But I hope this Gangreu of going into Offices, Benefices, and high roomes by corruption, is not unhappily crept into this famous and florishing State; which if it should, it will eate so farre into the hearts and sinewes of the State, that no wit of man can foresee, into what basenesse and degenerations this noble Kingdome would fall in the next age: It would be the cause that many vines, olive-trees, and sigtrees should wither away in obscurity, and brambles brave it abroad in the world, wallow and tumble themselves in the pleasures, splendour, and glory of the times. But let such alone, this is their day: When they have blustered a while like mighty and boisterous winds, they breath out into naught. Their breath is in their nostrils, stop but their nose, and they are dead. Their big words are but as a vaine foame, &c. If they be not humbled in their place, and repent, and turne the edge of their sword the right way, there is a day comming upon them, wherein they shall eate the fruit of their owne way, and be filled with their owne devices.

I have intimated now upon purpose, which way I would goe upon this latter part of the verse: When the wicked beare rule the people mourne: Because I shall not bee able at this time to reach it with a full discourse, I returne to the p. 4first branch, wherein I will rest.

When the righteous are in Authority, the people rejoyce. In these words we may behold Magistracy, Authority, Soveraignty, like a precious Diamond set in gold, I meane resting upon a righteous man, sparkling out, as its proper effect, amiable, noble and sweetest affection, that ever seaz'd upon the heart of man, joy, contentment, a pleasant sweetnesse of mind. Marke therefore three points in the proposition, First, Authority, secondly, its proper subject, A righteous man, thirdly, rejoycing, its native and kindly effect.

Soveraignety is sacred in it selfe; Authority even abstracted, is orient and illustrious. A ray, and representation of that great Majesty above.

It also ennobles the subject that receives it, with a remarkable splendour, and a kind of divine character. I have said you are Gods, Psal. 28.6. That is,See Sclater, pag. 8. first, by Analogy, secondly, Deputation, thirdly, Participation. For you well know that besides that Imperiall Majesty, which is originally and individually inherent in the person of a Monarchicall Soveraigne, there are also by derivation, or deputation, some markes and impressions of that princely endowment stampt, and shining in the face and presence of every subordinate Magistrate, which makes them venerable, especially those who give life and vigour, to the execution of their places, with the noblenesse of a free spirit, and clearenesse of a good conscience.

Lastly, it shining in it proper subject, a rightteous p. 5man, the true Sunne of Soveraignety, it dispels sadnes of heart, in which all objects of lightsomenesse are drowned. The spirit of a man is broken, as Salomon saith, Prov. 15.13. As the beauty of a Pearle is dissolved in vineger, and begets joy in a world of people, which is one of the richest and royall donation, which this wide world can afford, nay and that which makes the effect more excellent, this affection of joy is by warrantable propriety, and true interest, onelyonly peculiar and proper to honest and holy hearts. This jewell is onelyonly for such gracious and golden Cabinets. No wicked or unregenerate man hath any true cause at all to rejoyce, laugh, or be merry. I will make it plaine in a word, even to the scorner. Suppose a great man convicted and condemned for treason, going towards the place of execution, a mile off; and let there a table be furnished all along with variety of dainties, let him tread upon violets, and roses, cloth of Arras, cloth of gold, or what you will; all the way, let him be attended on both sides with most exquisite musicke, and honourable entertainments; doe you thinke all this will make him laugh heartily, carrying this in his heart, that he must loose his head at the miles end? I trow not. As farre lesse true cause hast thou to laugh, whosoever thou art, that goest on impenitently in thy sinnes, in swearing, drunkennesse, bribery, coveteousnesse, pride, scorning godlinesse, or any other way of death, as a temporall death is easier then endlesse torments, for he is but going to loose his p. 6head, and thou art going towards hell.

Now then I collect in the first place this Doctrine.

Doct.Doctr. Government is a goodly thing.

I conclude it thus out of the Text by good consequence. Whatsoever is illustrious in it selfe, ennobles the subject wherin it resides, and is attended with such an excellent effect, is a noble, glorious and goodly thing.See Rawleigh pag. 151. But Soveraignty, or Authority, exercised (for so we find it in the Text, and therefore I call it government) is such and so, therefore it is a goodly thing: my Doctrine is the conclusion of a Categoricall Syllogisme, wherein something in the Text is the medium; therefore soundly collected.

I proceed to the reasons.

See Whites Sermon at Pauls Crosse. pag. 18.First reason; It receives the prime honour, and excellency from GODs owne institution. By me Kingsraigne, and Princes decree Iustice; By me Princes rule, and Nobles, even all the Iudges of the earth. Pro. 8.15, 16. There is no power but of GOD. The powers that be are ordained of GOD, Rom. 13.1.

**See Moulins book of Faith, pag. 557, 558. See him also upon Psa. 124. pag. 709.Ps 124So that it is GODs royall, and goodly creature. And if it were visible to our bodily eyes, it would farre out shine the fairest, and most glistering Imperiall Crowne, that ever sate upon any Caesars head. It is so soveraigne, and certainly from GOD, that in case of Antinomy, that is, when Authority countermands where GOD hath commanded; we must refuse the will, but still reverence the power of a lawfull Magistrate.

p. 7If the sword of Soveraignety, the exercise, and execution of power be bent against GOD, we must lay hold upon the Apostles Principle: Whether it be right in the sight of GOD to obey you rather then GOD judge yee. And good reason, GOD is a Creator, man a creature, and in his hands are onelyonly life and death; but in GODs, heaven and hell.

Between the Creatour and creature, there is no proportion, no comparison. Philosophy tells us, that betweene something and nothing, there is an infinit distance, the two ends, (if I might speake of infinite things,) of which immeasurable distance can never be brought together, but by an infinite being. Nothing can produce something of nothing, but an Almighty nature. And therefore as there is an infinite distance betweene something and nothing, so there must also needs be an immeasurable disproportion betweene the Creating power, and that something created of nothing. And so by consequence the excellency, power, bindingnesse and soveraignety of the Creatours Law must needs surpasse and transcend above all degrees of comparison, and measure of proportion that of the creatures.

You that are conversant in all parts of divine 2learning, and all those that are employed in the incomparable worke of the Ministery, ought to endeavour thereafter. For Ministers had never more need of learning then at this day; considering with what variety and strength, the truth of GOD is opposed on all sides, by Atheisme, by p. 8Popery, that Hydra of all heresies, and other brainelesse exorbitancies about matters of Religion. I say those that looke into Casuists and Schoole Divines, know how many degrees and kinds of lawes they make. First, There is the Law Eternall, resident in the pure, glorious, infinite mind of GOD, which is that order which GOD before all ages hath set downe with himselfe, for himselfe to doe all things by. 2. Then the Law of Nature, 3. Then the Law of Nations, Fourthly, then Humane Lawes. The first, is the cleare fountaine of all excellencies, order, and equity, as pure as GOD himselfe: these last passing thorow the polluted channell of mans braine, are capable of muddinesse, imperfection, and infirmity. Who doubts then, but when we spy these last muddy streames to crosse the current of the divine Law, we must have recourse unto the wellhead.

3Divine Lawes do bind the conscience primarily, as they say, properly, and by themselves. GOD is the LORD of the conscience, and onelyonly able to damne and save the soule, for the breaking or keeping of his Lawes; and therefore he alone hath an absolute and soveraigne power to binde the conscience. If humane Lawes, even that are just, doe any way, it is by the power and precept of divine Law. See Rom. 13.1. &c. I meane meerely humane. For that is false which Bellarmine hath De laicis, Cap. 11. Par. 5. that every just Civill Law, is either a conclusion or determination of the divine Morall Law. Iunius as all p. 9along in his Animadversions, so here, he hath also nobly conquered and confounded him. And therefore as we would preferre the keeping of a good conscience, before the sleeping in a whole skin, and the feare of him, which can destroy bondy and soule in hell fire, before him that can onelyonly kill the body, let us cleave unto the commandements of GOD, against the contradictions of the whole world.

Yet notwithstanding the mis imployment, and the errour in the exercise of it, Authority is still venerable in the originall, and to be reputed GODs creature; else had Daniel never spoken thus to Nabuchadnezzar, an ungodly King and scourge of Nations.Dan. 2.37.Dan 2:37 Thou (O King) art a King of Kings, for the GOD of heaven hath given thee a Kingdome, power, and strength, and glory.

And hence it is also,De Civitate Deili. 5.6, 21. that Austin, that renowned Father tells us. Hee that gave Soveraignety to Augustus, gave it also to Nero. Hee that gave it to the Vespasians, father and sonne, sweetest Emperours, gave it also to Domitian that bloody monster. In a word (saith he) hee that gave it to Christian Constantine, gave it also to Iulian the Apostata. That infinite wisedome of GOD, which hath distinguished his Angels by degrees; which hath given greater and lesse light and beauty to heavenly bodyes, which hath made difference betweene beasts and birds, created the Eagle and the Flye, the Cedar and the shrub, and among stones, given the fairest tincture to the Ruby, and the quickest light to the Diamond, hath also ordained p. 10Kings, Dukes or Leaders of the people, Magistrates, Iudges, and other degrees amongst men.

Reason 2.Secondly, Government is the prop and pillar of all States and Kingdomes, the cement and soule of humane affaires, the life of society and order, the very vitall spirit whereby so many millions of men, doe breath the life of comfort and peace; and the whole nature of things subsist. Let the heart in a man surcease from the exercise of its principality & prime motion, and the wholebody would presently grow pale, bloudles and livelesse. If that glorious Giant in the sky, should retire his light into himselfe, and through a languishing faintnesse stay his course, and the Moone should wander from her beaten way, whom GOD hath appointed rulers over day and night; the times and seasons of the yeare would blend themselves, by dis-ordered and confused mixture. This goodly frame of the world would dissolve, and fall into confusion and darknesse. Proportionably, take Soveraignety from the face of the earth, and you turne it into a Cockpit. Men would become cut-throats and Canibals one unto another. Murder, adulteries, incests, rapes, roberies, perjuries, witchcrafts, blasphemies, all kinds of villanies, outrages and savage cruelty, would overflow all Countries. We should have a very hell upon earth, and the face of it covered with blood, as it was once with water.

Reason 3.Thirdly, It giveth opportunity by GODs blessing, for the free exercise, and full improvement p. 11of all humane abilities, to their utmost worth and excellency. Trades, traffike, lawes, learning, wisdome, valour, policies of State, religion; all Arts and excellencies thrive and flourish with much happinesse and successe, under the wings and warmth of a godly government. Some shadowes of these notable and worthy effects appeared, even in the Heathenish State; as in that of the Romanes; to what a matchlesse noone tide of earthly glory and greatnesse; to what an incredible and uncomparable height of humane felicity did that people aspire, by managing their mysteries of State, and guiding the raines of their commanding power, by a faire, ingenious and noble hand, and that out of the meere illuminations of reason, and principles of naturall policy? But I must tell you by the way, they were notably assisted in this Imperiall rise, by their strict and severe lawes, against those two grand impoysoners of the strongest,See Godwin de Ro. Leg. pag. 161. and most flourishing States, first, Bribery, secondly, basenesse in comming to high roomes. They had many lawes De ambitu, & de pecunijs repetundis. If a Senatour were found to have used unlawfull meanes for the attaining of any Office, he was to suffer ten yeares banishment, and so proportionably of bribery. No Kingdome under heaven harbouring these two cutthroates, can stand long without basenesse or ruine.

If Government then hath such power, and workes such wonders in Pagan Kingdomes, what heavens upon earth, what worlds of happinesse, p. 12by GODs mercy, may be comfortably expected, when it is seasoned and sinewed with the truth of Religion and power of Christianity, which is the chiefest top and well-spring of all true virtues, even as GOD is of all good things. For all other ornaments and excellencies of Nature, Art, Pollicy, are as but a dead and livelesse carkasse, except they be animated and quickned with the true feare of GOD, and religious forwardnesse for his glory. Nay, a gracelesse Magistrate is a grievous plague, for when he followes the publique administration of Iustice, onelyonly as a trade, with unquenchable, and unconscionable thirst of gaine, and attaining his owne ends, being not in heart perswaded that Iustice is GODs owne worke, and himselfe his Agent in this businesse; the sentence of right, GODs owne verdict, and himselfe his Minister to deliver it. Formalities of Iustice doe but serve to smoother right, and that which was necessarily ordained for the common good, is through shamefull abuse, made the cause of common misery, which is too manifest by too many wofull experiences.

See Bacons aduancement. pag. 3….But now for instance of those happy fruits and excellencies, springing by GODs blessing out of Government, sanctified by the effectuall and powerfull Majesty of true Religion. I will goe no further then our owne State, since that peerelesse Princesse Queene Elizabeth, of sweetest and dearest memory, the happiest instrument of GODs glory of her sexe, since the most blessed Virgine: I say since she rose into the Imperiall throne, what p. 13a deale of glory and light, admiration and honour, what miracles of unparalled deliverances and preservations, have crowned this famous Iland. To say nothing of temporall felicities, for which purpose instance might be given in some of all professions and stations: as for depth, and variety of learning, gravity and unswendnesse upon Seates of Iustice; height of military valour, largest comprehensions of State-wisedome, excellency in all other kindes of worth, as admirable and renowned, as ever trod upon English mould. OnelyOnly take an estimate, and scantling of spirituall happinesse, more properly incident to religious governments, by that speech of a great man in our State,2. lib. pag. 116. of advancement of learning to the King. If the choise and best, saith he, of those observations upon Texts of Scripture, which have beene made dispersedly in Sermons within this your Majesties Iland of great Britaine, by the space of these forty yeares and more, had beene set downe in a continuance, it had beene the best worke in Divinity, which had beene written since the Apostles time. And thence conclude that happy consequent, the crowne and excellency of all trully worthy States. How many blessed soules have beene sent to heaven, and what a number of crowned Saints have beene created by such a conscionable ministry in all that time, and of both temporall and spirituall felicity, from King Iames his noble pen: Greater blessings of GOD, saith he, greater outward peace and plenty, greater inward peace with spirituall and celestiall treasures, were never heaped upon my grea Britaine, then have beene since my greate Britaine beame, p. 14great in the greatest and chiefest respect of all; to wit since my great Britaine hath shaken off the Popes yoke, Against Person. pag. 282.&c. You see in short what a goodly thing Government is. Now let us come to the Vses of this Doctrine; and in the first place it serves for confuration.

Vse 1.First, Confutation and confusion of all opposites to government, especially the underminers and under▪prizers of Regall Authority, the fountaine of subordinate and inferiour Magistracy.

Now to nullifie the nothingnesse of the phranticke bedlam Anabaptists Arguments, (they are fitter to be out of the number of men, and driven out of the border of humane nature, then to be disputed with) for abolishing Magistracy, under, I know not, what Christian perfection, as a transient Mosaicall ceremony, would not be worth the while▪ I rather choose at this time to deale with the Papist, a more subtile and plausible adversary in the point, and in that regard more pestilent.

And here in the first place, let me point you to the fountaine of those Popish fulminations and fire workes,See S…late… Assize Sermon pag. 30. which have most unworthily beaten upon, and blasted the Imperiall and Regall Throne of Christendome: and the first mover, as it were, of that bloody Sphere,See Bellarmine lib. …. de… cap 1 &c. … art. Prae…e…ea Prin…ipatus … ris institut usest …b hominibus, est q de jure gentium. which the man of sinne hath turned upon the face of Europe, and torne and rent it in a rufull maner. It is this.

That the power of Kings, Princes and Magistrates, is not ordained by the divine Law of p. 15GOD, but an humane ordinance. This teacheth Bellarmine.

And they all hand over head,And in his booke against Barkly, Arnoux upon the 30. Article of the French Confession calls: the power of Magistrates, an humane law. Greg de Valendisp. 1.….10. de infidelitate p. 8. art. Si autem. Namut rectè ratiocinatur hic D▪ Thomas jus Dominij vet prelatoinis introductiiest jure humano gentium. Bell. lib. 1. de Clericis. cap. 28. art. ad confirmationem. draw this cunning and cut-throate conclusion, for so it proves in the consequents out of the empoysoned fountaine of **In his 22.…. 10. art. 1. Dominium & prelatio sunt introductae… …urchumano & ….12. art. 2. Dominiū introduc…um de jure gentium, quodest est ius humanum.Aquinas.

Their reasons for this point are as weake as water, and flie but with one wing.

Those of best shew are these, which I refute in a word.

First, He that was first King in the world, to wit Nimrod, made himselfe King by force, not by the ordinance of GOD. Ergo, &c.

So. The Antecedent is false; before Nimrod, fathers and heads of families were Kings, Priests, and soveraigne Princes of their families. For after the floud men lived five or six hundred yeares. Then it was an easie matter for a man to see fifty, yea a hundred thousand persons of his posterity, over whom he exercised paternall power, and by consequence, soveraigne power; then when there was no other forme of a Realme upon the earth; to which children, their servants being added, one family alone made a great Common-wealth. Likewise in Abrahams time, when mans life was much shortened: he was called by the Hethites, a mighty Prince, Gen. 23.6. and he tooke out of his family 318. Souldiers to the warre, Gen. 14.14.

Againe, how could mankind be maintained, and the world stand for 1656. yeares, without Soveraignty and Authority of the Magistrate?

p. 16Then to the consequent I say thus much if a strange Prince should invade a Kingdome; they doe well to defend themselves, and if the usurper be slaine, he is justly punished, but if he conquer, and the ancient professours be quite extinguished, and then the whole State concurre upon him, and sweare fidelity to the new King, then we must thinke that GOD hath established such a Prince in that Kingdome. Then I say that the people ought to yeeld to the will of GOD, who for the sinnes of Kings and of their people, transposeth Kingdomes, and disposeth of the issues of warre.

Object. 2.Secondly, But Saint Peter calls obedience to Kings, an humane ordinance, 1 Pet. 2.13. Ergo, &c.

Sol.Sol. It is so called not in respect of …he substance of government and institution, and Causaliter (as the Schooles speake,) but in respect of, first, the subject wherein it is seated, secondly, or the object whereupon it is seated, thirdly, to the end to which it is directed, or, fourthly, the severall formes or meanes by which it is attained.

The question is not, by what meanes, whether by hereditary succession, or election, or any other humane forme, a Prince comes into his Kingdome, but whether by the ordinance of GOD we ought to obey him, when he is established. I hope the Pope is hoisted into his chaire of pestilence, by the election of the Cardinals or worse meanes,See Azorius 2. col. pag. 1551 and yet that hinders not our adversaries from holding it a divine ordinance.

Object. 3.Thirdly, Yea but there is no expresse commandement set downe by GOD to obey Henry or p. 17Lewis, or Iames, or Charles, or to acknowledge this or that man, more then another to be King.

Sol. Most besotted and infatuated Sophistry!

By the same reason Bellarmine is not bound to be an honest man, because there is no particular and expresse commandement in GODs Booke, that R. B. ought to be an honest man.

Neither is there any speciall charge from GOD, that Bellarmine must obey Paul the 8. Saint, yet I hope he holds himselfe subject unto him, by the Law of GOD, though no expresse word faith, this or that King rules by me, yet know therefore, that that Scripture which faith By me Kings raigne, saith also, by me King Iames raignes, that precept which bids us honour the King, 1 Pet. 2.17. Binds us also to honour King Iames. For generall rules in GODs Booke, whether about precepts, prohibitions, or promises, bind and belong to particular persons without naming them, and particulars are necessarily, and personally conteined in the universals.

First, Now this false foundation being thus laid in the disgrace and abasement of secular Soveraignty, as they call it, marke the progresse and bloody gradation.

Secondly, Hence they have proceeded and dared to rob, and bereave Imperiall thrones, and the crowned Majesty of Kings of that native reverence, due attributions and obligations of State, which divine ordinance, and purest times appropriated unto them.

Thirdly, They have beene heartned to flye p. 18even in the face of Majesty, and with unhallowed hands to decrowne the Princely heads of the LORDS annointed. That great Abaddon in this streine of rage and pride,See hist. of the Councell of Trent. p. 314. hath set his foot upon the very necke of Emperours, and spurned off their Crownes with his shooe.

Fourthly, Lastly, they are hardned (prodigious and execrable villany!) even to kill, and cut the throats of Kings; upon this bloody staire they now stand; having lately revealed it in the royall blood of the two last Henries of France.

I have discovered, and already done with the foundation which they have laid for a Babell of confusion and blood.

Now for their second affront upon Soveraignty, see a selected Catalogue of unworthy and base aspersions cast upon Kings Crownes by Cardinall Bellarmine, Pag. 131and purposely collected by his Majesty, towards the latter end of his most Royall Apology.

Let me also here in a world tell you, how that late famous Casuist Azorius, P. 2. Inst. Mor. lib. 10 in his treatise, de Imperatore Romanorum.hath handled the Emperour in this kind.

This fellow teaches, that the jurisdiction and power of the Emperour,Ibid. cap. 2. pag. 1551. sect. propterhec. Et hec sentencia. Et propter hec jura & decreta. hath its being, existence and dependance, (they are his owne words,) from the Pope of Rome. And upon this occasion tell us de facto, how many Emperours the Pope hath deposed. **Sect. hec sententia. Ibid pa. 1155. sect. adea vero omnia.That the Pope is he who first gives right and power to the Electors to choose him, and then himselfe annoints, consecrates, and crownes him so elected.

p. 19That the Emperour is but the Popes minister,Cap. 3. sect. Quinto quaeritur. elected by him for the defence of the Church. So that in another place, he saith, the Pope, if it pleased him, might create two Emperours in the Church equall in power;Pag. 2. lib. 3. ca. 29 pag. 475 sect. Deindeobjicies. one to governe in the East part of the Church, the other in the West. And therefore having proposed this question: Whether the power of the Emperour be from GOD, the Bishop of Rome, or the people: he concludes. But certainely, saith he, by the common consent,Ibid cap. 2. of most of the Doctors of the Law,Ibid. sect. Propter. especially Pontificall, it is the received opinions, that the Iurisdiction and power of the Emperour depends immediatly upon the Bishop of Rome, and how proves he that, thinke you? even thus.

It was said to Peter (sayes he) Feed my sheep; not these or other, but absolutely and simply, my sheepe, and therefore all: but the Emperour is a Sheepe, Ergo, &c. And in the same place, he makes also Kings and Princes amongst the number of sheepe; and by consequent concludes their subjection to the triple Crowne.

Now these are strange passages against the Emperour, considering that **Dalingron p. 27. Ad sinem.Guicciardine the Popes creature in his Digression, now effaced out of the Originall by the Inquisition

Tells us, that aforetimes, the election of the Pope did not stand good without the confirmation of the Emperour, nay, saies he, the Popes in all their Bulls, priviledges and Grants, expressed the date, in these formall words, (such an one our Lord the Emperour raigning.)

p. 20Neither hinders it, saith he, that thou say, The Empire hath his being from the Romish Bishop, in respect of those things onelyonly which are Spirituall: For it is contrary; the Bishop of Rome hath received the keyes of both Kingdomes, both terrene and celestiall; and it is conformable to the Popes owne words, Sixtus the fifth, I meane in his Bull against Henry the third of France. For he there affirmes, that he hath obtained supreme power over all the Kings & Princes of the whole earth, and all people, and Countries, and Nations given him; not by humane but divine Institution.See Barclay de potestlate Papae cap. 13 pa 101. & cap 3 p 31. See Barclay de potestate Papae, cap. 1 pag. 6, 7. They are the words of the Bull. And to the Doctrine of Thomas Bozius, one of the most execrable flatterers, that ever the Pope had: who teaceth, Omnem vim Regiam, &c.

VponUpon this point and principle, Alexander the sixth gave the West-Indies to the Spaniards, and the East-Indies, to the Portugals, placing the meridian which passeth by the Azores for their limits.

See Moulins book of Faith pag. 544 out of Barclaius loco citato col. 2. lib. 2 pag. 670.And upon the same ground Pius the fifth deprived Queene Elizabeth of England, of her Kingdome, and gave it to Philip the second of Spaine, as Azorius tells us.

But of all in this point, for a true Iesuiticall straine, Father Binet shall take it to him, for sayes he, (marke it well.)

It were better that all Kings were killed, then to reveale a confession: and he takes his ground from that rotten foundation, so derogatory to Kingly power, refuted before. Because, saith he, the power p. 21of Kings is ordained by humane lawes, but Confession by divine law. You have it in Causaubons Epistle to Fronte Ducaus the Iesuite. Now here is a sweet piece of worke;Eudaemon in Apol. Garnetti. ca. 13: & Suarez tracta, de panit. speakes to the same purpose. See Moulins booke of Faith, p. 547. It were better that all the Kings in Christendome had their throats cut, then that a knavish secret, or a traiterous plot of a Faux, or Ravillacke confessed to a Sodomiticall shaveling, should be disclosed? Here is a true brat of the bloody whore, a fellow of the right Ignatian stampe.

Thirdly, 3Now the third violence and villany they offer to Kingly power, and Princely Thrones, is the decrowning and dethroning of Majesty.

And to this end the Pope doth pestilently abuse that noble and glorious Engine of the Church, Excommunication, which in it native vse, ought to be discharged upon the hairy pate of every wretch, that goes on rebelliously in his sinne, and hates to be reformed; upon the Drunkard, Whore-master, Swearer, Usurer, Bribetaker, and fellowes of such infamous ranke, and victoriously to beate downe the Bulwarks of the Devill. But he now makes it serve his turne, to tumble down into the dust the Imperiall Crownes of Orthodox Princes. Whereupon his Majesty tells them,Pag. 177. in his Royall Answer to Cardinall Person, That the sacred heads of Kings, are more churlishly, uncivilly, and rigorously handled, then the common hoods of the meanest churles.

For excommunication should vexe none in his temporall State. That spirituall sword, (say our p. 22Divines) deprives of spirituall rights, that concerne the Kingdome of heaven, deprives none of his civill rights, which he hath as a member of civill societie.

See Sclaters Assize Sermon pag. 27. Tilen Synt p. 2. p. 287 art. 26And that learned and famous Spalatensis, a man throughly verst in Popish Doctrine, sayes; For civill and humane commerce, no excommunication can hinder it; and our Ecclesiasticall Constitutions runne in the same straine. The excommunicated person shall not be excluded from civill negotiations,See Resor Leg. Ecclesiast de excommunicatione, cap. 10. fol. 82. and usuall businesse, by which things necessary to humane life are supplyed.

Now, shall not a private person be hurt in his outward estate by excommunication, and shall a King loose all? Here is a pure Popish mercy indeed.

I need not trouble you with any Popish Authors for proofe of the point: this traiterous tenent of deposing Princes, is every-where current in their Schooles: they are so farre from being ashamed of it, that every shaveling insults in the Catalogue of dejected Crownes: the Popes practise must now prove the principle, and his fact, his right.

To this very purpose Azorius tell us p. 2. Inst. mor. lib. 10. cap. 2. Sect. Hac sententia.] That Gregory the seventh deposed from the Empire, Henry the fourth. Alexander the third, Frederick the first. Innocent the third, Otho the fifth. Innocent the fourth, Frederick the second. Clement the sixth, **I have corrected Azor. by Bellarm. See in the same sence Gregorius de Val lom 3. lisput. 1 q. 12. pa. 2. Sect. Quinto prohatus. And Bel. lib 5. de Rom. Pont. 6.8.Lewis the fourth.

I will onelyonly here justifie that which a little before p. 23I said of Aquinas, where I called him the fountaine of much Popery and rebellion; I say againe of rebellion also. For all the Schoole spiders,See advancement of learning, fol. 18. (their workes are like spiders-webs; they also sucke, feede upon and vomit venome,) have sucked a great deale of poison in this point, from his position 22. q. 12. art. 2. which is this.

As soone as a Prince is denounced excommunicate, for Apostasie, ipso facto, his subjects are freed from his Soveraignty, and absolved from the Oath of alleageance, by which they were bound unto him.

Now his Schollers Bannes, and Valentia tells us,See Blackwels examination pag. 3, 4. that not onelyonly totall Apostasie, but partiall also, as heresie, is here meant; so that any Protestant Prince in their interpretation is here concluded.**Whatsoever Gregory pretē deth to the cō trary, professing here that he treads in the steps of the Saints & his holy predecessors, yet it is true that Sigibert saith, that this was the first Pope that ever presumed to depose any Emperour. This Pope excommunicated Henry the 4. Anno 1076. See Field li. 5. pa 348. K. Iam. Ans. to Card. Person

But marke, I pray you, the sinew of this mans Assertion. He first brings against himselfe the authority of Ambrose, telling us, that Christian Souldiers obeyed even Iulian the Apostate: he might have added also an excellent speech of Austin to the same purpose in Psal. 124. quoted by me before; He alledges other good reasons besides; but when he comes to resolve and define, he overthrowes all with a Sed contra Gregorius septimus.] Gregory the seventh is of another mind: and he quotes him out of the puddle of the Popish Canon-law, Decret. Par. 2. cap. 15. q. 6. cap. Nos Sanctorum.]

And who I pray you, was this Gregory the seventh? it was Hildebrand, the scourge of Emperours, the fire-brand of warre, the scorne of his p. 24age. So that a base Pope, being a party, and in his owne cause, setting his foot upon the necke of Henry the fourth, must contervaile and overweigh the authority of GODs Word, two of the worthiest Fathers, that ever former times enjoyed, Reason, Conscience, Nature, grounds of common sence, every thing, any thing; for he is a Pope forsooth, and therefore an infallible Vicar upon earth.

4Fourthly, At length, in the fourth place, they are arrived at the very height of that prodigious and transcendent rage, that makes it very probable, that the Pope is that purple whore arrayed in scarlet colour, Rev. 17.4. and drunken with blood, ver. 6. And it is more then a miracle, that Christian Kings suffer that bloody beast to sit so long upon the seven hills: they are now come, I say, first, to the killing of Kings, secondly, to teach the killing of Kings, thirdly, to defend the killing of Kings: For that last starting hole, and evasion of Cardinall Peronius, See the Kings answer to Person, p. 212, 213. and 126. See also Mouline booke of Faith, p. 548.and other Iesuites is ridiculous. That they kill not Kings in Esse: but first they un-king a King, and then kill a King, when he is not a King but a private person; upon this very point King Iames breakes out most justly out of a Royall indignation of his noble spirit, O hell-hounds,Pag. 127. O diabolicall wretches, O infernall monsters!

And tells them, that in comparison of their religion and holinesse, all the impiety that ever was practised among the Infidels, and all the barbarous cruelty that ever was perpetrated among the p. 25Cannibals, may passe hence-forth in the Christian world, for pure clemency and humanity.

It is not enough for that man of sinne, and stigmaticall strumpet, to be drunke with the blood, (for she is said, Rev. 17.4. and 6. both to bearrayed in scarlet, and to be drunke with blood) of the deare and precious soules of many thousands of her owne children, who being by her conceived, and brought forth in spirituall adultery, and after nurst up, and nuzled in ignorance and superstition, have lived and dyed in Popish darknesse. But she is also thicke-cloathed with the crimson and crying blood of infinite Martyrs of Iesus; nay, and now in her dotage, being growne a deformed Hag, and left by most of her lovers, she labours to repaire the decayednesse and ruine of her painted beauty with the richnesse of attyre, so that she is not now content onelyonly with garments of baser and inferiour dye, but of late, is new clad, even with a robe of blood Royall, deepely, and double▪dyed in the sacred blood of Kings.

In displaying this whore in her bloody colours, I might tell you of those Seas of blood, which she hath furiously spilt in her drunken humour, and powred upon the face of Europe, almost all in our remembrance.

I might, I say, enlarge those points, but I will at this time onelyonly hold me to the present, and deliver my selfe in a word.

In the first place that they kill Kings; it is cleare in the eye of all Christendome: I will goe no further p. 26then the presentage, and the fresh bleeding memory of such dolefull acts. Two of the last Kings of France, Henry the third and the fourth, fell from their Imperiall Thrones by the bloody knives of two Popish villaines.

See Moulins book of Faith, pa. 544, 545. Kings Answer to Perron, pag. 284. & pa. 4.Sixtus the fifth excommunicated and deposed Henry the third, and then Iames Clement Iacobin committed that horrible Parricide upon his Royall person.

Ravillacke was the other Assasin, who rendred this reason for his monstrous and horrible attempt, That King Henry had a designe to warre with GOD, because he had a designe to take armes against his Holinesse, who is God.

Now besides how greatly did they thirst after the virgin blood of the late Princely Elizabeth, with a prodigious variety of murderous complotments: had not the silver line of her much honoured life, beene hid in the endlesse maze of GODs bottomelesse mercy, those bloody Romish hunters, had many and many a time laid her honour in the dust.

Nay, but for a miracle of the same infinite mercy, they had torne King Iames in pieces, his noble Queene, the Royall limbes of those two sweet and orient Princes, and that princely starre that now shines so faire in Bohemia, by their powder-mine.

There was no want at all of Popish malice, purpose, utmost endeavour, to have spilt all this Royall blood, as water upon the ground, and therefore, I also take all these noble Princes, p. 27as direct and proper Instances for Popish Kingkilling.

Yea,Object. but those (may some say) were but onelyonly some discontented persons, which out of some desperate pang acted these bloody Assasinates, Profession it selfe, and Popish religion is not to be charged with such exorbitant out-rages.

Nay,Sol. but they have mard all for that; and left no roome for any such reply.

2. And therefore I must tell you in the second place, that their learnedest Professours and greatest Doctors, blurre their bookes with these bloody lines, and teach this most abhorred Trade of King-killing,See the Kings Answer to Perron pag. 5. and Moulins book of Faith p. 546. and murdering Princes.

Bellarmine, Becanus, Suarez, Eudaemon, Ioannes, with other like monsters, &c. are such bloody Doctors of the scarlet Whore.

But above all, me-thinks **Francis de Verona in his Apology for Iohn Chastell.Francis de Verrona, and Mariana;**Mariana de Rege & Regis Institutione, li. 1. cap 6. are the most mercilesse Masters of this execrable Art, as I shall shew you in another Treatise.

Yea, but yet for all this, these are but private Doctors, and may erre.

3. Well therefore,Object. in the third place, (for I charged them with that also,) I must tell you, that King-killing is approved and applauded by their transcendent Doctour, which is virtually and eminently all the Popish Doctours in the world, ever assisted with the unfallible spirit of deceiving, and being deceived, the Pope himselfe, Sixtus the fifth, gave thankes unto God in open Consistory, for the horrible assasinate perpetrated p. 28by Iames Clement, upon Henry the third of France.

Object.But was not that Oration published by the Protestants, purposely to cast such a bloody aspersion upon his holinesse.

I tell you no, it was put out by the Papists, and printed at Paris,See Moulins of Faith 546. See the Popes approbation of King-killing further proved by K. Iames in his Answer to Person, pag. 122, 123. by Nicholas Nivelle, and Rollin Thierry, with approbation of their Doctors, Boucher, de Creil, and Ancelin, and doe you thinke he would not have approved Faux his fireworke, if it had blowne up the Parliament? if not why suffers he Garnet and Oldcorne, powder-miners, both by bookes and pictures saleable under his nose in Rome, to be enrolled in the Canon of holy Martyrs? but the old Fox is wily enough, not so directly, and heartily, to commend a mischiefe untill it be done.

The Powder-plot was of the nature of those Acts, Quae nunquam laudantur nisi per-acta: as Tacitus speakes. You see then at length, by what degrees these Romish Locusts are fallen soule upon Government, upon all Imperiall, Regall & Princely power. So that at this day, to the inexpiable shame and dis honour of the whole Christian world, they teach, act, and approve, the bloody killing of crowned Potentates.

Which things sith they are thus; you are an honourable, wise and worthy Auditory; I say no more but this. Me-thinkes it is an astonishment beyond the comprehensions of nature, reason, Religion, Policies of State, that such an intollerable generation, so odious, both to heaven and earth, for abominable Idolatry, so visibly infamous p. 29both to this and the other world, with many capitall characters of blood, so endlesse and implacable in their ragefull designements against the crowned Majesty of the Kings Throne, so prodigious in their plots, that they have cast an inexpiable and everlasting aspersion upon the innocency of Christian Religion, such furious Assasins and Incendiaries, for murdering of Princes, butcheries of people, and fiering of States: so inraged, even like Woolves in the evening to swallow us up quicke if the time did serve; I say, that such, in so Orthodox a Church and noble a State, should by allowance, toleration, connivence, or remissenesse, be suffered to receive increasement and multiplication, both in number and insolency, to the great dis-honour of GOD Almighty, the continuall vexation of GODs Children and good subjects, and the most certaine hazzard of the whole Estate, and the peaceable succession of the Kings posterity.

And the more strange it is for these three reasons.

First, What conceit doe you thinke out of the congruity of Popish principles, is it likely they hold of this forbearance, and what thankes doe they returne to the State? undoubtedly, to thinke that it is infatuated for their sakes, and that the hands of Iustice are manacled by GODs overruling providence; that it cannot be executed so fully and freely, upon such a loving, holy, and unbloody generation.

Secondly, They daily doe their utmost at p. 30home, & a broade, to crosse King Iames his princely Admonition unto them, in his first speech in the Parliament; wherein he admonished the Papists that, they would not so farre presume upon his lenity, as thereupon to thinke it lawfull for them, to increase their number & strength in his Kingdome, whereby if not in his time, yet at least in time of his Posterity, they might be in hope to erect their religion againe.

Thirdly, If the day should come they have so long looked for, (but I hope in the LORD, all their eyes shall drop out of their holes with confusion and rottennesse, before they see that day.) They would questionlesse lay hold upon Veronensis woolvish and bloody **If publicke meanes be wā ting of making away hereticks by the ordinary Magistrate, he gives allowance & leave to every private man to murder the hereticke as he meetes him, Franciscas de Verone. Constantinus in Apology for Iohn Chastell. History of the Counsell of Trent p. …48.conclusion; especially being animated thereunto by the example of the Massacre: Resolution of Pope Vrbane, Cau. 23.9. 5. Can. Excommunicatorum.] We esteeme them, (saith he,) not to be murtherers, who being possessed with zeale of their mother, the Catholique Church, against those that are excommunicated, shall happen to kill any of them: and by the edge of their owne Popish blood thirstinesse, really eneagerd, by fained conceits of their pretended persecution. Decree of the Parliament of Paris: That it should be lawfull to slay all the Hugonots; which by publicke order was read every Sunday in every Parish. And therefore to tell you in one word, the end why at this time I have stood so long upon this point. It is to aske you this question, at close, whether it be not now true and honourable mercy, (for GOD forbid, that I should perswade any p. 31cruell thing,) nay, and the contrary, extreme cruelty to the State, to execute exactly, just and holy lawes upon such a generation: and let every one be judge that heares me this day, if he be not a party in that bloody faction, or hanker that way. And yet one word more, and I have done. I know Parsons in his miserable shifting booke about Equivocation, against Doctour Morton.

Cardinall Perronius, Beltarmine in his Apology against the Kings Monitory Preface,See the Kings Answer, p. 273. See Eliensis his answer to it pag. 299. and others upon whose foreheads the whore of Rome hath stamped her marke of Popish impudency; charge the Protestants, and Reformed Churches, with these bloody passages: but in so doing, they deale with us as an impudent strumpet with an honest woman;See how we are cleared, Anticoton pa 63. Answer to certaine scandalous papers pault. and as Verres dealt with Tully; Verres himselfe was a very notorious theese, and knew that Tully had much against him in that kind; and therefore, he very knavishly and impudently calls Tully, a true man, and that noble Oratour theese first:Eliensis in his answer to Bell. Apolog. p. 299. Answer to Perron pag. 279. It is just so in this case.

But above all, heare King Iames in the point: we glory, (and well we may,) that our Religion affords no rules of rebellion; nor allowes and grants any dipensation to subjects for the oath of their Alleageance; and that, none of our Churches give entertainement unto such monstrous, and abominable principles of disloyalty.

And as concerning Iunius Brutus, Ibid. pa. 277.whom they object: his Majesty answers: That he is an Author unknowne, and perhaps of purpose patched up by some Romanist, with a tricke of wily deceit, p. 32to draw the reformed Religion into hatred with Christian Princes.

If we were in the same predicament with the Papists this way: how comes it to passe; that our English Popelings have made so many bloody assaults against the sacred persons of Queene Elizabeth and King Iames; and the Protestants of France having farre better opportunity, and more power, have never stird rebelliously against their Kings:Kings Answer to Perron pag. …73. of whom King Iames thus speakes: I could never yet learne by any good and true intelligence, that in France those of the Religion tooke armes at any time against their King, much lesse then, offered they, to butcher or blow him up with gun-powder.

I have thus farre discovered in the first Use the most pestilent opposites and cut-throates of Government and Kingly Majesty, at this day in Christendome. I now come to a second Use.

Vse 2.If Government be such a goodly thing, as hath beene proved before; then all that heare me this day, and every mothers child in this Land, I say, we are all bound to blesse GOD upon our knees, and to put it as a sweet perfume into our daily sacrifice of thankesgiving, for being bred & brought up under so blessed and happy a Government, in the Sun-shine of the Gospell, and under the wings of IEHOVAH.

What staid or restrained the Omnipotent arme of GOD, from creating any of us, and planting us upon earth, in the unhappy dayes of Queene Mary, when we might either have beene damned or burned, or in the bloody times of Lancaster, p. 33and Yorke; or when the mists of Popery, and insolent domineering of that man of sinne, enthrald under the most grievous yoke of miserable bondage, both the Crowne and consciences of this Kingdome: or under some Pagan, Turkish, or Tyrannicall Government, or neighbouring Popish Country; or (which also had not beene so comfortable,) in the persecuted, or Schismaticall parts of the Church? it was nothing but GODs owne meere mercy, respiting and remitting our being upon earth, to better and more blessed times and place: It was that and that alone, which ordered and appointed our lot of living here, in that golden knot of time, as it were, and the very Diamond of the ring, of that happier revolution, since CHRISTS dayes, I meane in the most orient and comfortable breaking out of GODs holy truth, from under the cloudes of Antichristian darkenesse: and in this little nooke of the world, where the Gospell shines with such glory, truth and peace, and under the kindly warmth and influence of two the most gloriousQueene Elizabeth. King Iames. Starres that ever moved, or gaue light in Englands Hemisphere.

What beasts are they then, that daily doe their utmost to bereave and rob us, both of GODs blessing, and this warme Sunne: and hale downe all they can with strong cart-ropes of iniquity, the vengeance of GOD upon the face of this noble and famous Kingdome? and such are all the wicked amongst us, and those that hate to be reformed; Ale-house-hunters, pot-companions, p. 34good-fellowes drunkards, are the most pestilent, and cursed canker-wormes, that gnaw at the very-heart, and sinew of the glory and strength of the State. And like audacious and outragious Giants even wrastle with heaven; and by powring in of strong drinke, labour might and maine, to pull downe the full viols of GODs fiercest wrathSee Isa. 28.1, 2, 3.Isa 28:1Isa 28:2Isa 28:3 upon our heads. And therefore if there be any Iustice of Peace, which is a secret supporter of any rotten Ale-house, he is a great plague to the place where he dwells, whether it be Towne or City.

The cruell Usurer is the cut-throate of the Country where he kennels. See what a deale of compassionlesse miseries and confusion, a company of such caterpillers brought upon the infant Replantation of the new returned Iewes, Neh. 5. 2, 7. The swearer, and tearer of GODs glorious Name by his blasphemous breath, gives wings to the flying booke of GODs curse,Zach. 5.2, 3.Zech 5:2Zech 5:3 and is able to blast the beauty of the most fruitfull Land, and flourishing prosperity, Because of swearing, faith Ier. cap. 13.10. The Land mourneth, the pleasant places of the wildernesse are dried up.

See Nah. 13.17, 18.The prophaner also of GODs holy and glorious Sabbath, is an incendiary; If you will not hearken to me, saith GOD, Ier. 17.27. to hallow the Sabath day, then will I kindle a fire in the gates of Ierusalem, and it shall devoure the Palaces thereof, and it shall not be quenched. Blessed be GOD therefore, that hath put yet into the heart of my Lords the Iudges, to be such an honorable president to the whole Country, of forbearing the Sabbath. I am p. 35perswaded they may justly make men of inferiour ranke fouly ashamed.

Ignorant, dissolute, and disordered Ministers, cause GOD to cry aloud for the destroyer, All ye beasts of the field, saith GOD, Isa. 56.9. come to devoure, yea all ye beasts in the forrest, his watch-men are blinde.

The Bribe-taker, or man of gifts, (as he is called originally in the fourth verse of this present Chapter,) shakes the very Pillars, and master Timber of the Kingdome: but he that receives gifts overthrowes it; ordinarily, basenesse in comming to high places, and bribery, are sworne brethren.

Neither must you conceive, as father Austin excellently admonisheth in Psal 25. pag. 144. That onelyonly money, gold and silver, or presents, as they call them, are bribes; but the guilt of bribery also may be justly imputed, even to any exorbitant affection, which swayes a man aside, from the impartiall execution of Iustice: as love, feare, hatred, &c. desire of praise, and applause, for that is Austins instance in the fore cited place: For example, the party hath great, and many friends, & therfore if thou leane a little that way, thou shalt be honoured with many thankefull acknowledgements, and flattering entertainements: or on the other side, the party is poore, and if thou be impartiall, it will lightheavy on his side; and then the Country will be ready to censure thee, as no friend to the poore.

Now in these cases, if for such respects, thou p. 36encline either to the right hand, or to the left hand; thou pervertest Iustice, and justly encurres the censure of a corrupt Iudge.

For heare GODs charge in the case, Levit. 19.15. Ye shall not doe unjustly in Iudgement: Thou shalt not savour the person of the poore, nor honour the person of the mighty: but thou shalt judge thy neighbour justly.

Pilate perhaps could wash his hands of bribes, but not of CHRISTs blood. That cry of the Iewes, if thou let this man goe, thou art not Caesars friend; striking cold unto his heart, and swaying him awry, was equivalent to a bribe, and shall cause him to be condemned, not onelyonly as a cruell, but also as a corrupt Iudge. The Iudges of Israell who sentenced Naboth to death, were not corrupted with downe right bribes, for any thing we know, but there was something equivalent: Izabel ruled the roast at the Court, and was potent either to advance, or deject them, which brought them to the bent of her bloody mandate, and Naboths blood upon their owne heads.

Mockers and misusers of the faithfull Ministers, (you would little thinke it) draw GODs flaming wrath upon a people without remedy, see 2 Cro. 36.16.

Spirituall cowards, and those who having given their names to Religion, are fallen away from their first love, are the speciall men to remoove our Candle sticke,See Rev. … 5.Rev 5 and put out the glory of Israel.

Scornefull persecutors of GODs people, as p. 37though they were the very filth of the world, and the of▪scouring of all things, the plagues of the times, and the troublers of Israel, whereas in truth the world is not worthy of them, they are the very chariot and horse-men of Israel; they are the onelyonly jewels, starres, Sunnes, Saints, Angels of the earth: for their sakes, and safety alone, the Sun holds out his glorious unwearied course; the earth springs, and is over-spred with such beauty and sweetnesse; the ayre inspires her lively and refreshing breath; that great and restlesse body of the Sea, keeps within her bounds; States and Kingdomes turne not into confusions of blood, in a word, the world stands. If their number were once made up, this goodly frame would flame about our eares. I speake not for any whited Tombes, supercilious Pharisies; but I say, such are very pestilent instruments to betray and expose a Kingdome to the ambitious rage of forraine Nations, and fury of their enemies, whether they vexe and persecute GODs people by fire, faggot, sword, power, purse, pollicy in their hearts and affections, by their tongues, nay, brow-beating, a contracted fore-head, a soure coutenance, and fleering face, and other scornfull gestures,See Ezech. 2….6, 7.Ezek 2:6Ezek 2:7 are persecutions in GODs interpretation, and shall be paid home proportionably. The mercilesse incloser, besides beating the poore to pieces, and grinding their faces, plucking off their skins from of them, their flesh from off their bones, breaking their bones, and chopping them in pieces, as for the Pot, as it is, p. 38Mica. 3.2, 3. He also robs the King of his honour, and the State of its strength, For in the multitude of people is the Kings honour, but in the want of people is the destruction of the Prince, Pro. 14.28.

But above all the shedder of blood, fetch the very live▪ blood out of the heart of the State, and doth impresse such a bloody staine upon the face of the Kingdome, that cannot be raz'd out, but by his blood that shed it. For blood, saith GOD himselfe, it defiles the Land, and the Land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it, Numb. 35.33.

For your sakes my honourable Lords, have I purposely instanced in some of the common, and crying sinnes of the Country, hoping in the LORD, you will helpe us all you can. But know also, that all sorts of sinners, and haters to be reformed, are the Devils cursed Enginers, to undermine, and ruine the State; and inkindlers of that fiery indignation in the bosome of GOD, which if it once begin, will burne unto the bottome of hell, Hos. 4.1.

FINIS.