Good Thoughts in Worse Times, Chapter 23 – Chapter 59

Good Thoughts in Worse Times · Chapter 23 – Chapter 59

p. 55III. Store no Sore.

IOb had a custome to offer burnt offerings according to the number of his Sonnes, for **Iob. 1.5.Job 1:5he said, It may be that my Sonnes in their feasting hav… sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. It may be, not it must be, he was not certaine but suspected it. But now; what if his Sonnes had not sinned? was Iob's labour lost, and his Sacrifice of none effect? Oh no! only their property was altered; p. 56In case his Sonnes were found f…ulty, h…s Sacrifices for them were propitiatorie, & through Christ obtained their pardon: In case they were innocent his offerings were Eucharisticall, returning thankes to Gods restraining grace, for keeping his Sonnes from such sinnes, which otherwise they would have committed.

I see in all doubtfull matters of Devotion, it is wisest to be on the sures… side, better both lock, and bolt, and barre it, then leave the least doore of danger open. Hast p. 57thou done what is disputable whether it be well done? Is it a measuring cast whether it be lawfull or no? So that thy conscience may seeme in a manner to stand Neuter, Su… a conditional pardon out of the court of heaven, the rather because our selfe-love is more prone to flatter, then our godly jealousie to suspect our selves without a cause, with such humilit… heaven is well pleased. For suppose thy selfe over-cautious needing no forgivenesse in that particular, God will interpret the pardon thou p. 58prayest for to be the praises presented unto him.

IIII. Line on Line.

MOses in Gods name did counsell Joshua, Deutronomie 31. 23. Be strong, and of a good courage, for thou shalt bring the children of Israel int… the land which I sware to them. God immediately did command him, Josh. 1. 6. Be strong and of a good courage, and againe v. 7. OnelyOnly be thou strong and very couragious; and againe v. 9. Have I no… p. 59commanded thee? be strong and of a good courage, be not affraid, neither be not dismaid, Lastly the Rubenites, and Gadites heartily desired him, v. 18. OnelyOnly be strong and of a good courage.

Was Joshua a dunce or a coward? did his witt or his valour want an edge? that the same precept must so often be press'd upon him, no doubt neither but God saw it needfull, that … should have courage of Proofe, who was to encounter both the froward Iew, and the fierce Canaanite.

p. 60Though metal on metal, colour on colour be falfe Heraldry, **Esa. 28.10.Isa 28:10line on line, precept on precept, is true divinity.

Be not therefore offended ô my soule, if the same Doctrine be often delivered unto thee by different Preachers: If the same precept (like the **Gen. 3.24.Gen 3:24sword in Paradise, which turned every way) doth hunt and haunt thee, tracing thee which way soever thou turnest rather conclude that thou art deeply concerned in the practice thereof which God hath thought fit should be so frequently p. 61inculcated into thee.

V. O the Depth.

HAd I beheld Sodome in the beauty thereof and had the Angel told me, that the same should be suddainly destroyed, by a mercilesse Element, I should certainly have concluded that Sodome should have been drownd led thereunto by these considerations.

1. It was situated in the Plaine of I…rdan, a flat, low, level Country.

2. It was well watered p. 62**Gen. 3. 10.Gen 3:10every where, and where alwayes there is water enough there may sometimes be too much.

3. Iordan had a quality in the first monethmonth to overflow **Chr. 12. 15.all his bankes.

But no dropp of moisture is spilt on Sodom, it is burnt to Ashes. How wide are our conjectures, when they guesse at Gods judgements? How farre are his wayes abo…e our apprehensions? Especially when wicked men with the Sodomites wander in strange sinnes out of the Rode of common corruption, God meets them with strange punishments, p. 63out of the reach of common conception, not coming within the compasse of a rationall suspition.

VI. Selfe, Selfe-hurter.

VVHen God at the first day of judgment, arraigned Eve, she transferred her fault on the **Gen. 3. 13.Gen 3:13Serpent which beguiled her. This was one of the first fruits of our depraved nature. But ever after regenerate men in Scripture making the confession of their sinnes, p. 64(whereof many precedents) cast all the fault on themselves alone, yea David when he numbred the People, though it be express'd that **1 Chro. 21.1.1 Chr 21:1Satan prov…ked him thereunto, and though David pr…bably might be sensible of his temptation, yet he never accused the Devil, but derived all the guilt on himselfe **1 Chro. 21.17.1 Chr 21:17I, it is that have sinned, good reason for Satan hath no impu sive power, he may strike fire, till he be w…ary, (if his Mal…ce c…n be weary) except mans corruption bri…g …he …nder, the match, cannot be p. 65lighted Away then with that Plea of Course. THE DEUILL OWED ME ASHAME Owe thee he might, but pay thee he could not, unlesse thou wer't as willing to take his Black money, as he to tender it.

VII. God, behold a Troope commeth.

THe **2 Sam 1.2 Sam 1Amalakite who brought the Tidings to David began with Truth, rightly reporting the overthrow of the Israelites, Cheaters must p. 66get some Credit, before they can cozen, and all Falsehood, if not founded in some Truth, would not bee fixed in any Beliefe. But proceeding he told six lyes successively.

1. That Saul called him.

2. That he came at his call.

3. That Saul demanded who he was.

4. That hee return'd his Answer.

5. That Saul commanded him to kill him,

6. That he kill'd him accordingly.

p. 67A wilfull Falsehood told, is a Cripple not able to stand by it selfe, without some to support it, it is easie to tell a lye, hard to tell but a lie.

Lord, If Ibe so unhappie to relate a Falshood; give me to recall it or repent of it. It is said of the Pismires, that to prevent the Growing (and so the corrupting) of that Corne which they hoord up, for their Winter provision, they bite off both the ends thereof, wherein the generating Power of the Graine doth confist. When I have committed a sinne, O let me so order p. 68it, that I may destroy the Procreation thereof, and I, by a true sorrow, condemne it to a bles…ed Barrennesse.

VIII. Out meanes in Miracles.

VVHen the Angell brought * Saint Peter out of Prison, the Iron gate opened of it's owne accord. But comming to the House of Mary the Mother of John, Marke was faigne to stand before the Doore, and knock. When Iron gave Obedience, how p. 69can Wood make opposition?

The Answer easie. There was no man to open the Iron-Gate, but a Portresse was provided of Course to unlock the doore, God would not therefore shew his Finger, where men's hands were appointed to do the worke. Heaven will not Super-institute a miracle, w…ere ordinary meanes we …formerly in peacea… possession. But if they … depart or resigne (… confessing … …ufficiency) there … succeed in their vacancy.

p. 70Lord, if onelyonly Wooden obstacles (such as can be removed by might of man) hindred our hope of peace, the Arme of flesh might relieve us. …ut alasse they are Iron Obstructions, as come not within human power or policy to take a way. No proud flesh shall therefore presumptuously pretend to any part of the praise, but ascribe it soly to thy selfe, if now thou shouldest be pleased after seaven yeares hard Apprentiship in civill War…es, miraculously to burn our Indentures, and restore us to our former liberty.

p. 71IX. Military Mourning.

SOme may wonder at the strang incoherence in the Words and Acti…ns. 2 S…m. 1. 17.

And David Lamented, with this Lamentation, …ver Saul, and over Jona…han his Sonne. Also hee …ad them teach the children of Judah the use of … Bow.

But the Connexion Is excellent. For that is the most Souldier-like-Sor…ow, which in middest of griefe can give Order, for p. 72Revenge, on such as have slaine …heir Friends.

Our generall Fast was first appointed to … the Massacre of our …ethren in Ireland. But it is in vaine, to have a Finger in the Eye, if we… have not also a Sword … the other hand; Such tam… lamenting of lost friends… is but lost lamentation… We must bend our Bow… in the Camp, as well as ou… knees in the Churches, an… second our posture of Piety with martiall provision….

p. 73X. No stoole of wickednesse.

SOme times I have disputed with my selfe, which of the two were most guilty. David wh… said in hast all men are **Psal. 116 11.Ps 116:11lyars, or that wicked man who **Psal. 50. 20.Ps 50:20sat and spake against his Brother, and slandered his owne Mothers Sonne.

David seemes the greater offender; for Mankind might have an action of defamation against him, yea, he might justly be challenged for giving p. 74all men the lye. But marke David was in hast, he spake it in Transitu, when he was passing, or rather posting by, or if you please, not David, but Davids Haste rashly vented the words. Wheras the other Sate, a sad solemne, serious, premeditate, deliberate posture, his malice had a full blow with a steddy hand, a… the credit of his Brother. Not to say that SATE carries with it the countenance of a Iudiciall proceeding, as if he made … Session or Bench-business… thereof, as well condemnning as accusing unjustly.

p. 75Lord, pardon my cursory, and preserve me from sedentary sinnes. If in haste or heate of passion I wrong any, give me at leisure to aske thee and them forgivenesse. But O let me not sit by it, …tudiously to plot, or … mischiefe to any out of malice prepense. To …hed bloud, in coole …loud, is bloud with a witnesse.

XI. By Degrees.

…Ee by what staires wicked **2 Kings. 16.2 Kgs 16Ahaz, did p. 76climb up to the heigth of prophanesse.

First he **Verse 10saw an Idolatrous Altar at Damascus. Our eyes when gazing on sinfull Objects are out of their calling and Gods keeping.

Secondly he lik'd it. There is a secred Fascination in superstition, and our soules soone bewitched, with the gawdinesse of false service from the simplicity o… Gods worship.

Thirdly he made th… like to it. And herein * Ver 11.Vriah the Priest (Patr… and Chaplaine well me… was the Midwife to del… p. 77ver the Mother-Altar of Damascus of a Babe, like unto it, at Hierusale….

Fourthly He **Ver. 13.sacrificed on it. What else could be expected, but that when he had tuned this new instrument of Idolatry, he would play upon it.

Fifthly, he commanded the **Ver. 15.People to doe the like. Not content to confine it to his personall impiety.

Lastly, he removed Gods Altar away. That venerable Altar, by divine appointment peaceably possess'd of the place, for 200. yeares and upwards, must now be violentlyejected p. 78by a usurping Vpstart.

No man can be starke naught at once. Let us stop the progresse of sin in our Soule at the first Stage, for the further it goes, the faster it will increase

XII. The best Bedmaker.

VVHen a good man is ill at ease, God promiseth to make all his **Psal. 41.3.Ps 41:3Bed in his sicknesse. Pillow, Bolster, Head, feet, sides, all his bed. Surely that God who made him, p. 79knowes so well his measure and temper, as to make his bed to please him. Herein his Art is excellent, not sitting the Bed to the person, but the person to the Bed, insusing patience into him.

But O how shall God make my Bed, who have no bed of mine owne to make? Thou foole, hee can make thy not having a bed, to be a bed unto thee. when Jacob slept on the **…en. 28.12.ground who would not have had his hard lodging, therewithall to have his heavēly dreame? Yea the poore woman in Jersey, **Fox Martir 3. volum.which in the p. 80reigne of Queen Mary, was delivered of a child, as she was to be burnt at the Stake, may be said to be brought to bed in the fire. Why not? If Gods justice threatned to cast **Rev. 2.22.Rev 2:22Jezabel into a Bed of fire, why might not his mercy make, the very flames a soft bed to that his patient Martyr.

XIII. When begun, ended.

THe Scripture giveth us a very short account of some Battailes, as if they were flightes p. 81without sights, and the Armies parted as soone as met. as Gen 14. 10. 1 Sam. 31.1 2 Cro. 25. 22.

Some will say the spirit gives in onelyonly the summe of the successe, without any particular passages in acheiving it. But there is more in it, that so little is said of the fight. For sometime the Question of the Victory, is not disputed at all, but the bare propounding decides it. The stand of Pikes, oftimes no stand, & the footemen so fitly called as making more use of their feet then their hands. And when God p. 82sends a qualme of feare over the souldiers hearts, it is not all the skill and valour of their commanders, can give them a cordiall.

Our late Warre hath given us some instances hereof. Yet let not men tax their Armyes for cowardise, it being probable, that the badnesse of such as staid at home of their respective sides, had such influence on those in field, that Souldiers hearts might be feare-broken, by the score of their sinnes, who were no Souldiers.

p. 83XIIII. Too late, Too late.

THe Elder Brother laid a **I uke 15. 14.sharpe and true charge against his Brother prodigal, for his riot and luxury. This nothing affected his Father, the mirth, meat, musick at the feast, was notwithstanding no whit abated. Why so? Because the elder Brother was the younger in this respect, & came too late. The other had got the speed of him, having first accused p. 84himselfe, (9 verses before) and already obtained his pardon.

Satan, (to give him his due) is my Brother, and my elder by creation. Sure I am, hee will be my greivous accuser. I will endeavour to prevent him, first condemning my selfe to God my Father. So shall I have an Act of indempnity before he can enter his action against mee.

p. 85XV. Lawfull Stealth.

I find two (husband and wife) both stealing, and but one of them guilty of felony. And Rachel **Gen. 31. 19.Gen 31:19had stolne the Images that were her Fathers, and Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian. In the former a complication of Theft lying, sacriledge, and Idolatry; In the latter no sin at all. For what our conscience tels us is lawfull, and our discretion, dangerous, it is both conscience p. 86and discretion to doe it with all possible secrecy. It was as lawfull for Jacob in that case privately to steale away, as it is for that man, who findes the Sun-shine too hot for him, to walke in the shade.

God keep us from the guilt of Rachels stealth. But for Jacobs stealing away, one may confess the fact, but deny the fault therein. Some are said to have gotten their life for a prey if any, In that sense, have preyed on, (or if you will) plundered their own liberty, stealing away from the place, where p. 87they conceived their selves in danger, none can justly condemne them.

XVI. Text improved.

I Heard a Preacher take for his Text, Am I not thy Asse, **Num. 2.2.30.Num 2:2Num 2:30upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day, was I ever wont to doe so unto thee? I wondred what he would make thereof, fearing hee would starve his Auditors for want of matter. But hence he observed.

1. The siliest and simplest p. 88being wronged, may justly speake in their own… defence.

2. Worst men, have … good Title to their own… Goods. Balaam a Sorcerer yet the Asse confesseth twise he was his.

3. They who have done many good offices, and faile in one, are often not onelyonly unrewarded for former service, but punished for that one offence.

4. When the creatures formerly officious to serve us, start from their wonted obedience (as the Earth to become barren and Aire pestilential) man ought to reflect on his owne sinne as p. 89the sole cause thereof.

How fruitfull are the seeming Barren places of Scripture. Bad Plow-men, which make Balkes of such Ground. Wheresoever the surface of Gods Word doth not laugh and Sing with Corne, there the heart thereof within is merry with Mines, affording, wherenot plaine matter, hidden mysteries.

XVII. The Royall bearing.

GOd is said to have brougth the Israelites p. 90out of Aegypt an **Exod. 19 4.Exod 19:4Aeagles-wings. Now Eagles, when removing their Young-ones, have a different posture from other Foule, proper to themselves (fit it is that there should be a distinction betwixt Soveraigne and Subjects) carrying their prey in their Talons, but young ones on their backs, so interposing their whole bodyes betwixt them and harme. The Old Eagles body, is the young Eagles-sheild, and must be shott through, before her young ones can be hurt.

Thus God, in saving p. 91the Iewes, put himselfe betwixt them and danger. Surely God so loving under the law, is no lesse gracious in the Gospell: Our soules are better secured, not onelyonly above his Wings, but in his body; your life is hid **Colos. 3. 3.Col 3:3with Christ in God. No feare then of harme, God first must be pierced, before wee can be prejudiced.

XVIII. None to him.

IT is said of our Saviour, his Fan **Mat. 3. 12.Matt 3:12is in his hand. p. 92How well it fits him, and he it? could Satans clutches snatch the Fan, what worke would he make? He would Fan, as he doth **I …ke 22. 31.winnow, in a tempest, yea, in a Whirle-winde, and blow the best away. Had man the Fan in his hand especially in these distracted times, out goes for Chaffe, all oposite to the opinions of his party Seeming sanctity wil carry it away from such who with true, (bu… weak grace,) have ill natures and eminent corruptions.

There is a kind of darnell, called Lolium Murinum p. 93because so counterfeiting Corne, that even the Mice themselves, (experience should make them good Tasters,) are sometimes deceived therwith. Hypocrites in like manner so act holinesse, that they passe for Saints before men, whose censures often barne up the chaffe, and burne up the graine.

Well then! Christ for my share. Good luck have hee with his honour. The Fan is in so good a hand, it cannot be mended. OnelyOnly his hand, who knowes hearts is proper for that employment.

p. 94XX. Humility:

IT is a strange passage, Rev. 7.13, 14. And one of the Elders answered saying unto mee, what are these who are arrayed in white robes, and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said unto me, these are they who have come out of great Tribulation, &c.

How comes the Elder when asking a question to be said to answer? On good reasō: for his Quaere in effect, was a resolution, p. 95He ask't St. Iohn, not because he thought he could, but knew he could not answer. That Johns ingenuous confession of his ignorance might invite the Elder to inform him.

As his Question is called an answer, so Gods Comm…nds are Grants. When he enjoynes us, Repent, Believe, it is onelyonly to draw from us a free acknowledgment of our impotency to performe his commands. This confession being made by us, what he enjoynes he will enable us to doe. Mans p. 96owning his weaknesse, is the onelyonly Stock for God thereon to graft the grace of his assistance.

MEDITATIONS on the TIMES.

I. Name-Generall.

HEber had a Sonne borne in the dayes when the **Gen. 10 25.Gen 10:25Earth was divided. Conceive we it just after the Confusion of Tongues, when p. 98Mankind was parcelled out into severall Colonies. Wherefore Heber to perpetuate the memorie of so famous an accident, hapning at the birth of his Sonne, called him Peleg, which in the Hebrew tongue signifieth Partition or Division.

We live in a Land and Age of dissention. Counties, Cities, Townes, Villages, Families, all divided in opinions, in affections. Each man almost divided from himselfe, with feares and distractions. Of all the children, borne in England p. 99within this last five yeares and brought to the Font, (or if that displeas, to the Bason) to be baptized, every Male may be called Peleg, and Female, Palgah in the sad Memoriall of the time of their Nativity.

II. Wofull Wealth.

BArbarous is the custome of some English People on the Sea side, to prey on the goods of poore shipwrack't Merchants. But more divelish in their designe, who p. 100make false fires, to undirect Sea-men in a Tempest, that thereby from the right Road, they may be misled into danger and destruction.

England hath been toss'd with an Hirricano of a civill Warre. Some men are said to have gotten great wealth thereby. But it is an ill leap when men grow rich per saltum, taking their rise from the miseries of a Land, to which their owne sinnes have contributed their share. Those are farre worse, (and may not such be found?) who by cunning p. 101insinuations, and false glosings, have in these dangerous dayes trained and betrayed simple men into mischeife.

Can their pelfe prosper? not got by valour or industry, but deceit; surely it cannot be wholsome, when every morsell of their meate is Mummie, (good Physick but bad food) made of the corps of mens estates. Nor will it prove happy, it being to be feared, that such who have been enriched with other men's Ruines, will be ruined by their own riches. p. 102The child of Ten yeares, is old enough to remember the beginning of such men's Wealth, and the man of threescore and ten is young enough to see the ending thereof.

III. A new Plot.

VVHen Herod had beheaded Iohn the Baptist, some might expect that his Disciples would have done some great matter, in revenge of their Masters Death. But see how they behave themselves. And his p. 103**Marti 14 12.Disciples came and tooke up the body and buried it, and went and told Iesus. And was this all? and what was all this? Alasse poore men! It was some solace to their sorrowfull Soules, that they might lament their losse to a fast friend, who though for the present unable to helpe, was willing to pitty them.

Hast thou thy body unjustly imprisoned, or thy goods violently detained, or thy credit causelesly defamed? I have a designe whereby thou shalt revenge thy selfe, even goe and tell p. 104IESUS. Make to him a plaine and true report of the manner and measure of thy sufferings, Especially there being a great difference betwixt IESVS then clouded in the flesh, and IESVS now shining in glory, having now as much pitty and more power to redresse thy greivances. I know it is counted but a cowardly Trick, for Boyes when beaten but by their equals, to cry that they'l tell their Father. But during the present necessitie, it is both the best wisedome and valour, even to complaine p. 105to thy Father in Heaven, who will take thy case into his serious consideration.

IIII. Providence.

MArvelous is Gods goodnesse, in preserving the young Ostridges. For the old one, leaveth her **Iob. 39. 14.Job 39:14Egges in the earth, and warmeth them in the dust, forgetting that the foot may crush them, or that the wild Beast may breake them. But Divine providence so disposeth it, that the bare Nest p. 106hatcheth the Egges, and the warm'th of the sandy Ground discloseth them.

Many Parents (which otherwise would have been loving Pelicans) are by these unnaturall Warres, forced to be Ostridges to their own children, leaving them to the Narrow mercy of the wide world. I am confident that these Orphanes (So may I call them whilst their Parents are a live) shall be comfortably provided for. when worthy Master Samuel Herne famous for his living, preaching, and writing lay on his death p. 107Bed, (rich onelyonly in goodnesse and children) his Wife made much womanish lamentation, what should hereafter become of her little ones, Peace (sweet heart said hee) that God who feedeth the **Psal. 147 9.Ps 147:9Ravens will not starve the Hernes. A speech censured as light by some, observed by others as propheticall, as indeed it came to passe, that they were well disposed of. Despaire not therefore O thou Parent of Gods blessing for having many of his blessings, a numerous off-spring. But depend on his providence p. 108for their maintenance: finde thou but faith to believe it, he will finde meanes to effect it.

V. Coles **Pro. 25. 22.Prov 25:22for Fagot.

IN the dayes of King Edward the sixth when Bonner was kept in Prison, reverend Ridley having his Bishoprick of London would never goe to Dinner at Fulham without the company of Bonners **Fox Mar…yrolog. 3. Volum. p. 432.Mother and Sister; The former alwayes sitting in a chaire, at the upper end of the p. 109Table, these Guests, were as constant as Bread and Salt at the board, no meale could be made without them.

O the meeknesse, and mildnesse of such men as must make Martyres! Active charity alwayes goes along with passive obedience.

How many Ministers Wives & childrē, now adayes are outed of house and home ready to be starved, How few are invited to their Tables, who hold the sequestrations of their Husbands or Fathers benefices? Yea many of them are so farr p. 110from being bountifull, that they are not just, denying or detaining from those poore soules that pittance, which the Parliament hath alotted for their maintenance.

VI. Fugitives over taken.

THe City of Geneva is seated in the Marches of severall Dominions, France, Savoy, Switzerland; Now it is a Fundamentall Law in that signiory, to give free accesse to all Offenders, yet so as to punish their p. 111Offence, according to the custome of that place wherein the fault was committed. This necessary severity doth sweep their state from being the sink of Sinners, the Rendevouz of Rogues, and Head-Quarters of all Malefactors, which otherwise would fly thither in hope of Indempnity. Herein I highly aprove the Discipline of Geneva.

If we should live to see Churches of severall Governments permitted in England, it is more then probable that many Offenders, not out of p. 112conscience, but to escape Censures, would fly from one Congregation to another, What **1 Sam. 25. 10.1 Sam 25:10Nabal said snllenly and spightfully, one may sadly foresee, & fore-say of this Land, many servants now adayes will breake every man from his Master; many guilty persons abandoning that Discipline under which they were bred and brought up, will shift and shelter themselves under some new Model of Government. Well were it then if every man, before he be admitted a Member of a new Congregation, p. 113doe therein first, make satisfaction for such scandalous sinnes, whereof he stands justly charged in that Church which he deserted. This would conduce to the advanceing of vertue and the retrenching of notorious licentiousnesse.

VII Both and Neither.

A City was built in Germany upon the River Weser, by Charles the Emperour, & Vuidekind, First Christian-Duke of Saxony; and because p. 114both contributed to the Structure thereof, it was called **Mun…ers cosmog. li. 3. cap. 45c.MYNETHYNE, (at this day, by corrupt pronunciation Mindin) to shew the joynt-interest both had in the place.

Send Lord, in thy due time, such a Peace in this Land, as Prince and People may share therein; that the Soveraigne might have what hee justly calls myne, his lawfull Prerogative, and leave to the Subjects their Propriety. Such may be truely termed an Accommodation which is ad commmodum utrius que p. 115for the benefit of both parties concerned therein.

VIII. Fed with Fasting.

THe Salmon may passe for the Ridle of the River. The oldest fisherman never as yet met with any meate in the maw thereof, thereby to advantage his conjecture on what Bil of fare that fish feedeth. It eats not flys with the Pearch, nor swollowes wormes with the Roach, nor suckt dew with the Oisters, nor devoureth his fellow p. 116fishes with the Pike, what hath it in the water, but the water? yet Salmons grow great, and very fat in their season.

How doe many (exiles in their owne country) subsist now adayes of nothing, and wandering in a wildernesse of want (except they have Manna miraculously from Heaven) they have no meate on earth from their owne meanes. At what Ordinary or rather Extraordinary do they diet? that for all this have cheerefull faces, light hearts, and merry countenances. Surely some secret p. 117comfort supports their soules. Such never desire, but to make one meale all the days of their lives, on the **Pro. 15. 15.Prov 15:15continuall Feast of a good conscience. The Fattest Capons yeild but sad Merry-thoughts to the greedy Glutton, in comparison of those delightfull dainties which this Dish dayly affords such, as feed upon it.

p. 118IX. Bare in fat Pasture.

FOrresters have informed mee, that Outlodging Deere are seldom seen to be so fat as tl ose as keep themselves within the Parke. Whereof they assigne this Reason that those Straglers (though they have more ground to range over, more Grasse and Graine to take their repast upon, yet they) are in constant feare as if conscious, that they are Trespassers, being out of the Protection, p. 119because out of the Pale of the Parke. This makes their Eyes and Eares alwayes to stand Sentinells for their mouthes, least the Master of the ground pursue them for the dammage done unto him.

Are there any which unjustly possesse the Houses of others? Surely such can never with quiet and comfort enjoy either their places or themselves. Thy alwayes listen to the least Noise of Newes, suspecting the Right owner should be reestated, whose restitution of necessity inferres the others Ejection, Lord p. 120that though my meanes be never so small, grant they may be my meanes, not wrongfully detained from others, having a truer Title unto them.

X. Much good doe you.

ONe **Plutarch moralls.Nicias a Philosopher having his shooes stollen from him, may they (said he) fit his feet that tooke them away. A wish at the first view very harmelesse, but there was that in it, which poysoned his charity into a malicious revenge. p. 121For he himselfe had hurl'd or crooked feet, so that in effect he wish'd the Theefe to be lame.

Whosoever hath plundred mee of my Bookes and Papers, I freely forgive him; and desire that he may fully understand & make good use thereof, wishing him more joy of them, then he hath right to them. Nor is there any Snake, under my Herbes, nor have I (as Nicias) any Reservation, or latent Sense to my selfe, but from my heart doe desire, that to all purposes and intents my Bookes may be beneficiall p. 122unto him. OnelyOnly requesting him, that one passage in his (lately my) Bible [namely Eph 4. 28.] may be taken into his serious consideration.

XI. The use of the Alphabet.

THere was not long since a devout, but ignorant Papist dwelling in Spaine. He perceived a necessity of his owne private Prayers to God, besides the Pater Nosters, Ave Maries, &c. used of course in the Romish Church. But so simple p. 123was he, that how to pray hee knew not. OnelyOnly every morning humbly, bending his knees, and lifting up his Eyes, and hands to Heaven, he would deliberately repeate the Alphabet. And now (said he) O good God put these letters together to spell syllables, to spell words, to make such sense, as may bee most to thy glory, and my good.

In these distracted times, I know… what generalls to pray for. Gods glory, Truth and Peace, his Majesties honour, Priviledges of Parliament, liberty of Subjects, p. 124&c. But when I des…nd to particulars, whē, how, by whom I should desire these things to be effected I may fall to that poorepious mans. A. B. C. D. E. &c.

XII. The good effect of a bad cause.

GOd in the Leviticall Law, gave this reward, to the woman causelesly suspected of her Iealous husband, that the bitter water, which she was to drinke in the Priests presence, should p. 125not onelyonly doe her no harme, but also procure her children, **Numb. 5.28.Num 5:28if barren before. that water (drunk by her to quench the fire of her husbands jealousie,) proved like the Spaw unto her, so famous for causing fruitfulness. Thus her innocence was not onelyonly cleared, but crowned.

His gracious Majesty hath been suspected to be Popishly inclined. A suspition like those mushroomes, which Pliny **Nat. hist. lib. 19 ch. 2.recounts amongst the miracles in nature, because growing without a Roote. Well he hath passed his p. 126purgation, a bitter Mornings-Draught, hath he taken downe for many yeares together.

See the operation thereof; his constancy in the Protestant Religion, hath not onelyonly been assured to such who unjustly were jealous of him, but also by Gods blessing, he dayly growes greater, in men's hearts, pregnant with the love and affection of his subjects.

p. 127XIII. The child man.

Iohn Gerson the pious and learned Chancelour of Paris, beholding and bemoaning the generall corruption of his Age, in doctrine and manners, was wont to get a **In his life juxta finem.Quire of little children about him, and to intreate them to pray to God in this behalfe. Supposing their prayers, least defiled with sinne, and most acceptable to heaven.

Men now adayes are so infected with … alice, p. 128that little children are the best chaplaines to pray for their Parents. But O where shall such be found, not resenting of the faultes and factions of their Fathers? Gersons plot will not take effect. I will try another way.

I will make my addresse to the Holy child Jesus, So is he stiled **Act. 4. 27.Acts 4:27even when glorified in Heaven; not because he is still under Age (like Popish Pictures, placeing him in his Mothers armes and keeping him in his constant infancy) but because with the strength p. 129and perfection of a man he hath the Innocence and humility of a child Him onelywill I employ to interceed for me.

XIIII. Worse, before better.

STrange was the behaviour of our Saviour, towards his beloved Lazarus, **John 11 6.John 11:6informed by a messenger of his sicknesse he aboade two dayes still in the place where I was. Why so slow? bad sending him, or to him, on a dying mans errands. But the cause was, because p. 130Lazarus was not bad enough for Christ to cure, intending not to recover him from sicknesse, but revive him from Death, to make the glory of the miracle greater.

England doth lie desperately sick, of a violent disease in the Bowels thereof. Many messengers we dispatch (monthly fasts, weekly Sermons, daily Prayers) to informe God of our sad condition. He still stayes in the same place, yea, which is worse, seemes to go backward, for every day lesse likely-hood, lesse hope of helpe. May not this bee p. 131the reason that our Land must yet bee reduced to more extremity, that God may have the higher honour of our Deliverance.

XV. All sinne, all suffer.

THE Mariners that guided the ship in the Tempest, Acts 27.32. had a designe for their owne safety with the ruine of the rest; intending (under pretence of casting out an Anchor) to escape in a Bo…te, by themselves. But the Soldiers p. 132prevented their purpose, and cut off the cord of the Boate, and let it fall into the Sea. One and all: all sinck, or all save. Herein their Martiall Law did a piece of exemplary Justice.

Doe any intend willingly (without speciall cause) to leave the Land, so to avoid that misery which their sinnes with others have drawne upon it; might I advise them, better mourne in, then move out of Sad Zion. Hang out the **Jo…h. 2.Scarlet lace at the casement, (eyes made red withsorrow for sinne) but slide p. 133not downe out of the window without better warrant. But if they be disposed to depart, and leave their native Soyle, let them take heede their Fly-boate meets not with such Souldiers as will send them back, with shame and sorrow, into the Ship againe.

XVI. Eate worthily.

SAul being in full pursuite of the flying Philistines made a Law, that no Israelite should **Sam. 14.24.eat untill evening. But it was the judgement of Jonathan p. 134that the Army if permitted to eate had done greater execution on their Enemies. For time so lost was gained being layed out in the necessary refection of their bodyes.

Yea marke the issue of their long fasting. The People at night coming with ravenous Appetites did eat the fles… with the **Vers. 32.bloud, to the provoaking of Gods anger.

Many English people having conquered some stes…ly lusts which fight against their soules, were still chasing them, in hope finally to subdue them. p. 135Was it a pious or politique designe to forbid such the r…ceiving of the Sacrament; their spirituall food?

I will not positively conclude that such if suffere… to strengthen themselves with that heavenly repast, had thereby been enabled more effectually to cut downe their corruptions. OnelyOnly two things I will desire.

First that such Jonathans, who by breaking this custome have found benefit to thēselves, may not be condemned by others. 2^ly I shal pray that two hungry yeares make p. 136not the third a glutton. That Communicants, two twelve moneths together forbidden the Lords Supper, come not, (when admitted thereunto) with better stomach then heart, more greedinesse then preparation.

XVII. Devotions Duplicat.

VVHen the Iewish Sabbath in the Primitive times, was newly changed into the Christians-Lords. day, many devout people, twisted both together in their p. 137Observation, abstaining from servile-Workes, and keeping both Saturday and Sunday wholy for holy Employments.

During these Civill Warres, Wednesday and Fryday Fasts have been appointed by Different Authorities. What harme had it been, if they had been both generally observed.

But alas! When two Messengers being sent together on the same Errand fall out and fight by the way, will not the worke be worse done then if none were employed? In such a Paire of fasts it is p. 138to be feared that the divisions of our Affections rather would increase then abate Gods Anger against us.

Two Negatives make an Affirmative. Dayes of humiliations are appointed for men to deny themselves, and their sinfull Lusts. But doe not our two Fasts more Peremptorily affirme and avouch our mutuall malice and hatred? God forgive us, we have cause enough to keepe ten but not care enough to keepe one monethly day of huiliation.

p. 139XVIII. Law to themselves.

SOme 60. yeares since in the Vniversity of Cambridge it was solemnly debated betwixt the H…ads, to debarre young Schollers of that liberty allowed them in Christmas, as inconsistent with the discipline of Students. But some grave Governours maintained the good use thereof, because thereby in twelve dayes they more discover the dispositions …of Schollers then in twe ve moneths p. 140before. That a vigilant vertue indeed, which would be earely up at prayers and Study, when all Authority to punish lay a sleepe.

Vice these late yeares hath kept open house in England. Welcome all commers without any examination. No Penance for the Adulterer, stocks for the drunkard, Whip for the petty Larciner, Brand for the Felon, Gallowes for the Murderer.

God all this time us tries as he did **Cro. 2. 32.31.Hezekiah, that he might know all that is in our hearts, Such as now p. 141are chast, sober, just, true, shew themselves acted with a higher Principle of Piety, then the …are a voyding of Punishment.

XX. The new disease.

THere is a desease of Infants (and an In…ant-disease, having …carcely as yet gotten a proper name in Latin) cal…ed the Ricketts. Wherein the Head waxeth too great, whil'st the Legges, and lower parts waine too Little. Awoman in p. 142the West hath happily healed many, by Cauterizing the Veine behind the Eare. How proper the Remedy for the Malady I engage not, experience oftimes out-doing Art, whil'st wee behold the Cure easily effected, and the naturall cause thereof hardly assigned.

Have not many now adaies the same sicknesse in their Soules? their Heads swelling to a vast proportion, and they wōderfully inabled with knowledge to discourse. But alasse how little their Leggs? Poore their Practise, and lazy their Walking p. 143in a godly conversation. Shall I say that such may be cured by searing the Veine in their Head, not to hurt their hearing, but hinder the (itching) of their eares.

Indeed his Tongue deserves to be burnt, that tlekes of searing the eares of others; For faith commeth by hearing. But I would have men not heare fewer Sermons, but heare more in hearing fewer Sermons. Lesse Preaching better heard, (Reader lay the Emphasis, not on the word Lesse, but on the Word better) would make a wiser and p. 144stronger Christian, digesting the Word from his head into his heart to practice it in his Conversation.

p. 133MEDITATIONS on all kind of PRAYERS.

1. Newly awaked.

BY the Leviticall Law, the firstling of every cleane Creature which opened the **E…od. 34. 19.Matrix was holy to God. By the morall Analogy thereof, this first glance of mine Eyes, is p. 134due to him. By the custome of this Kingdome, there accreweth to the Land-Lord a fine and Herriot from his Tenant, taking a further Estate in his Lease. I hold from God this clay Cottage of my Body; (An homely Tenement, but may I in some measure be assured of a better before outed of this.) Now being raised from last nights sleepe I may seeme to renue a life. What shall I pay to my Land-Lord? even the best quick creature which is to be found on my Barren Copy-hold namely the calves of my p. 135lips, praising him for his Protection over mee. More he doth not aske, lesse I cannot give, yea such is his goodnesse and my weaknesse, that before I can give him thankes, he giveth me to be thankfull.