Mixed Contemplations in Better Times, Part 2
Mixt Contemplations On these Times.
I. All afore.
A Deare Friend of mine (now I hope with God) was much troubled with an impertinent and importunate fellow, desirous to tel him his fortune. For things to come (said my friend) I desire not to know them, but am contented to attend Divine Providence: Tell me if you can, some remarkable passages of my life past. But the Cunning Man was nothing for the Preter-Tense (where his falshood might be discovered) but all for the Future, counting himself therin without the reach of confutation.
There are in our age a Generation of People, who are the best of Prophets ▪ and worst of Historians; Daniel and the Revelation are as easie to them as the Ten Commandments, and the Lords Prayer: They pretend exactly to know the time of Christs actuall Reign on Earth, of the Ruine of the Romish Anti-Christ, yea, of the day of judgment it self.
But these Oracles are struck quite dumbe, if demanded any thing, concerning the time past; About the coming of the Children of Israel out of Egypt and Babylon, the originall increase and Ruine of the 4. Monarchies; Of these and the like they can give no more account, then the Child in the Cradle. They are all for things to come, but have gotten (through a great Cold of Ignorance) such a CREEKE in their Neck, they cannot look backward on what was behind them.
II. True Text. False Gloss.
A Husband-man Anabaptistically inclined in a pleasant humour, came to his Minister, and told him with much chearfulnesse, that this very Seeds-time the words of the Apostle 1 Cor. 9.10. were fulfilled, that he that ploweth may plow in hope.
Being desired further to explaine himself; I meane (said he) we husbandmen now plow in hope, that a harvest we shall never pay Tithes, but be eased from that Antichristian yoke for the time to come. It seemeth, he had received such intelligence from some of his own party, who reported, what they desired.
He might plow in hope to reach his nine parts, but in dispaire to have the tenth, especially since God hath blessed us with so wise a Parliament, consisting, not only of Men chosen, but of Persons truely the Choice of the Nation, who will be (as if not more) tender of the Churches right then their own interest. They have read▪ how Pharaoh King of Egypt, Gen. 47.22. would in no case alienate the Lands of the Priests. The very Gypsies, who generally have no good name, (condemned for crafty Cheaters and Cozeners) were conscientiously precise in this particular, and they would not take away, what was given to their God in his Ministers.
III. Foul-mouth Stopt.
AMbitious Absalom endeavoured to bring a scandal on his Fathers Government, complaining `the Petitioners, who repaired to his Court for Justice, were slighted and neglected [2 Sam. 15.3.] See thy matters are good and right, but there is no man deputed of the King to hear hee.
But we know the English Proverb; Ill will, never speaketh well. Let us do that justice to David, yea, to our own judgements, not to beleive a gracelesse Son, and Subject, against a gracious Father and Soveraigne,
Some male-contents, (Ismaels, whose Swords are against every one,) seek to bring a false report on the Parliament as if the Clergie must expect no favour not to say Iustice, from them, because there are none in the House elected and deputed, either to speak for them, or hear them speak for themselves.
Time was (say they) when the Clergie was represented in the House of Lords by two Arch-Bishops, and four and twenty Bishops. Time was, when the Clergie had their own Convocation, granting Subsidies for them, so that their purses were onelyonly opened by the hands of their own Proxies, but now though our matters be good and right▪ there is no man deputed to hear us.
I am and ever will be deaf, to such false and scandalous suggestions, if there be four hundred and odd (because variously reckoned up) in the House of Parliament, I am confident we Clergiemen have four hundred and odd Advocates for us therein. What Civill Christian would not plead for a Dumb man? Seeing the Clergie hath lately lost their voice, they so long had in Parliaments; Honour, and Honesty will ingage those pious persons therein to plead for our just concernments.
IV. Atoms at last.
I Meet not either in sacred or profane writ with so terrible a Rout, as Saul gave unto the host of the Ammonites, under Nahash their King, 1 Sam. 11.11. And it came to passe, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together. And yet we have daily experience of greater scatterings and dissipations of men in their opinions.
Suppose ten men out of pretended purity, but real pride and peevishnesse, make a wilful seperation from the Church of England, possibly they may continue some competent time in tolerable unity together.
Afterwards upon a new discovery of a higher and holier way of Divine service, these ten will split asunder into five and five, and the purer moyetie divide from the other, as more drossie and feculent.
Then the five in process of time upon the like occasion of clearer Illumination, will cleave themselvs into three and two.
Some short time after, the three will crumble into two and one, and the two part into one and one, till they come into the condition of the Ammonites, so scattered that two of them were not left together.
I am sad, that I may add with too much truth, that one man will at last be divided in himself, distracted often in his judgment betwixt many opinions, that, what is reported of Tostatus lying on his death-bed, In multitudine controversiarum non habuit, quod crederet; amongst the multitude of perswasions, through which he had passed, he knoweth not where to cast Anchor and fix himself at the last.
V. An ill Match.
DIvine Providence is remarkable in ordering, that a Fog and a Tempest never did, nor can, meet together in nature. For as soon as a Fogg is fixed, the Tempest is allaid; and as soon, as a Tempest doth arise, the Fogg is dispersed. This is a great mercy, for, otherwise such small vessels, as boats and barges, which want the conduct of the Card and Compass, would irrecoverably be lost.
How sad then is the condition of many Sectaries in our age; which in the same instant have a Fogg of ignorance in their judgments, and a Tempest of violence in their affections, being too blind to go right, and yet too active to stand still.
VI. Down, yet Up.
HYPOCRIT, in the native Etymologie of the word, as it is used by ancient Greek-Authors signifieth, such a one, qui alienae personae in Comoedia aut Tragoedia est effector et repraesentator, who in Comedy or Tragedy doth feigne and represent the person of another; In plaine English, Hypocrite is neither more nor less then a Stage-player.
We all know that Stage-players som years since were put down by publick Authority, and though something may be said for them, more may be brought against them, who are rather in an Employment then a Vocation.
But let me safely utter my too just fears, I suspect the fire was quenched in the chimney, and in an other respect scattered about the house. Never more stange Stage-Players then now, who weare the vizards of Piety and holiness, that under that covert they may more securely commit sacriledge, oppression, and what not?
In the days of Queen Elizabeth, a person of Honor or worship, would as patiently have digested the LYE, as to have bin told, that they did weare false Pendents, or any counterfeit Pearl or Iewels about them, so usual in our age, yet would it were the worst peece of Hypocrisie in fashion. Oh, let us all labor for integrity of heart, and either appear what we are, or be what we appear.
VII. Caleb, all heart.
I Was lately satisfied, in what I heard of before, by the confession of an excellent Artist (the most skilful in any kinde are most willing to acknowledge their ignorance) that the mystery of Aneiling of glass, that is, baking it so, that the colour may go clean thorow it, is now by some casualty quite lost in England, if not in Europe.
Break a peece of Red glass, painted some four hundred years since▪ and it will be found as red in the middle, as in the out sides, the colour is not onelyonly on it, but in it and thorow it.
Whereas now all Art can perform, is onelyonly to fix the Red on one side of the glass, and that oft time so faint and fading, that within few years, it falleth of, and looketh pyebald to the eye.
I suspect a more important mystery is much lost in our age, viz. the transmitting of Piety clean thorow the heart, that a man become Inside and Outside alike. Oh the sincerity of the ancient Patriarchs, inspired Prophets, holy Apostles, patient Martyrs, and pious Fathers of the Primitive Church, whereas onelyonly outside sanctity is too usual in our age. Happy the man, on whose Monument that character of Asa [1 King. 15.14.] may be truely inscribed for his Epitaph; Here lyeth the man, whose heart was perfect with the Lord all his dayes. Heart, perfect, Oh the finest of wares! All his dayes, Oh the largest of measures!
VIII. Fye for Shame.
COnsidering with my self the causes of the growth and increase of impiety & profaness in our Land, amongst others this seemeth to me not the least, viz. the late many false and erroneous Impressions of the BIBLE. Now know, what is but carelessness in other books, is impiety in setting forth of the Bible.
As Noah in all unclean creatures preserved but two of a kind, so among some hundreds in several editions we will insist onelyonly on two instances.
In the Bible printed at London 1653. We read, 1 Cor. 6.9. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall inherit the Kingdom of God? For not inherit.
Now, when a Reverend Dr. in Divinity did mildly reprove some Libertines for their Licentious life, they did produce this Text from the Authority of this corrupt edition, in justification of their vicious and inordinate conversations.
The next instance shall be in the Bible printed at London in quarto (forbearing the name of the Printer, because not done wilfully by him) in the singing Psalms, Psal. 67.2.
That all the Earth may know.
The way to WORLDLY WEALTH, for GODLY wealth.
It is too probable, that too many have perused and practised this erroneous Impression, namely such, who by Plundering, Oppression, Cosening, Force and fraude have in our age suddenly advanced vast estates.
IX. Little, loud Lyers.
I Remember, one in the Vniversity gave for his question: Artis compendium, Artls Dispendium, The contracting of Arts is the corrupting of them. Sure I am, the truth hereof appeareth too plainly in the Pearle-Bible printed at London 1653. in the volume of Twenty foure; for therein all the Dedications and Titles of Davids Psalmes are wholly left out, being part of the Original Text in Hebrew, and intimating the Cause and the Occasion of the writing and composing those Psalmes, whereby the matter may be better illustrated.
The design may be good to reduce the Bible to so small a volume, partly to make it the more portable in mens pockets, partly to bring down the price of them, that the poor people may the better compass them. But know that vilis in the Latine tongue, in the first sense signifieth what is cheap, in the second sense, what is Base, The small price of the Bible hath caused the small prizing of the Bible, especially since so many damnable and pernicious mistakes have escaped therein.
I cannot omit an other Edition in a large 12o making the Book of Truth to begin with a loud lye, pretending this title, Imprinted at London by Robert Barker &c. Anno. 1638.
Whereas indeed they were imported from Holland 1656. and that contrary to our statutes. What can be expected from so lying a frontispiece, but sutable falshoods, wherewith it aboundeth.
Oh! that men in power and place would take these things into their serious confiderations; a caution too late to amend what is past, but early enough for the future to prevent the importing of forreign, and misprinting of home-made Bibles.
X. Name General.
WE reade of Ioseph (when advanced in the Court of Pharaoh,) that he called his eldest Son, Gen. 41.51. Manasseh, for God, said he, hath made me forget all my toyle and my Fathers house.
Forget his Fathers house! the more unnaturall and undutifull Son he, (may some say) for his ungodly oblivion
O no, Ioseph never Historically forgot his Fathers house, nor lost the affection he bare thereunto, onelyonly he forgot it both to the sad, and to the vindicative part of his memory, he kept no grudge against his brethren for their cruell usage of him.
If God should be pleased to settle a Generall peace betwixt all parties in our Land, let us all name our next-born child (it will fit both Sexes) Manasseh. That is forgetting, Let us forget all our Plunderings Sequestrations, Injuries offered unto us, or suffered by us, The best oyle is said to have …o Taste, that is, no Tang. Though we carry a simple and single remembrance of our losses unto the grave, it being impossible to do other-waies (except we raze the faculty of memory Roote and Branch out of our mind) yet let us not keep any record of them with the least reflection of revenge.
XI. Apt Scholars.
MOthers generally teach their children three sins, before they be full two years old.
First, Pride; Point child, Where are you fine? Where are you fine?
Secondly, Lying; It was not A. that cryed, it was B. that cryed.
Thirdly, Revenge; Give me a blow and I will beat him, Give me a blow and I will beat him.
Surely, children would not be so bad, nor so soon bad. But partly, for bad precedents set before them, partly f… bad precepts taught unto them.
As all three Lessons have taken too deep impressions in our hearts, so chiefly the last of revenge. How many blows have been given on that account, within our remembrance, And yet I can make it good, that we in our age are more bound to pardon our enemies, then our Fathers and Grand-Fathers in their Generation.
For charity consisteth in two main parts; In donando & condonando, IN GIVING and FORGIVING. Give we cannot so much, as those before us, our estates being so much impaired and impoverished with Taxes unknown to former ages.
Seeing therefore one Channell of charity must be the less, the stream thereof ought to run broader and deeper in the other. The less we can Give, the more we should forgive: But alas! this is the worst of all, that Giving goeth not so much against our coveteousness' b… forgiving goeth more against our Pride and Ambition.
XII. All well wearied.
TWo Gentlemen, Father and Son, both of great quality lived together, The Son on a time: Father (said he) I would faine be satisfied how it cometh to pass that of such Agreements, which I make betwixt neighbours fallen out, not one of twenty doth last and continue. Whereas not one of twenty faile wherein you are made Arbitrator.
The reason (answered the other) is plain. No sooner do two friends fall out, but presently you offer your self to compremise the difference, wherein I more commend your charity, then your discretion Whereas I always stay till the parties send or come to me, after both sides being well wearied by spending much money in Law are mutually desirous of an Agreement.
Had any Indeavoured some sixteen years since, to have advanced a firme peace betwixt the two opposite parties in our Land, their success would not have answered their intentions, mens veynes were then so full of bloud, and purses of money.
But since there hath been so large an evacuation of both. And men begin soberly to consider, that either side may (by woefull experience) make other miserable, but it is only our union can make both happie; some hope there is, that a peace, if now made, may probably last and continue, which God in his mercy make us worthie of, that we may in due time receive it.
XIII. O INCONSTANCY.
LEarned Master Camden Treating in an Astrologicall way, under what Planet *In his Brit. p. 82.Britain is seated, alledgeth but one Author, viz. Iohannes de Muris, who placeth our Island under Saturne, whilst he produceth three, viz. the Fryer Perscrutator, Esquidius, and Henry Silen, which place Britain under the Moone.
It will add much (in the general apprehension of People) to the judgment of the latter, that so many Changes and vicissitudes in so short a time have befel our Nation; wee have been in twelve years a Kingdom, Common-wealth, Protecto…dome, afterwards under an Army, Parliament &c. Such inconstancy doth speak us under the Moon indeed; But the best is, if we be under the Moon, the Moon is under God, And nothing shall happen unto us, but what shal be for his Glory, and we hope for our good; and that we may in due time be under the SUN again.
XIV. Recovered.
TYrannus was a good word at first, …porting no more then a King; The pride and cruelty of some made the … ill, as it doth in the Modern …herof.
PROVIDENCE, as good a word, as … …ivinity, hath suffered so much … modern abusing therof, that con…ncious people begin to loath and …te it. For Gods Providence hath been …aged against Gods precepts. Kings …e word was never in our Land produced against his broad Seal. Yet Success, (an argument borowed from the Turks) hath been pleaded as the voice of Gods approbation against his positive and express will in his Word.
But God hath been pleased to vindicate his own honour, and to assert the Credit of Providence, which is now become a good word againe. If IMPULSIVE PROVIDENCE (a new coyned phrase) hath given the late Army their greatness, EXPULSIVE PROVIDENCE (a newer phrase) hath given them their smallness, being now set by, layd aside as uselesse, and not sett by, so farr from terrifying of any, by few they are regarded.
XV. Gratitude.
NEw-Castle on Tyne is (without Corrivall) the Richest Town in England, which before the Conquest was usually known by the name of Monk- *Camdens Brit. in Northumb.Chester.
Exeter must be allowed of all One of the neatest and sweetest Citties of England, which anciently by the Saxons was called *Idem in Devon.Monk-Town, both which names are now utterly out of use, and known only to Antiquaries.
God hath done great things already, whereof we rejoice, by the hand of our Great General, in order to the Settlement of our Nation. When the same (as we hope in due time) shall be compleated, not only New-Castle and Exeter shall have just cause with comfort to remember their old Names, but every County, City, Market-Town, Parish, and Village in England, may have the name of MONK put upon them. But oh the Modesty of this worthy person is as much as his Merit, who hath learned from valiant, wise, and loyal *2 Sam. 12.25.Joab, to do nothing prejudicial to David, and delighteth not so much in having a great name, as in deserving it.
XVI. The Heire.
I Ever beheld Somerset-shire in one Respect as the most ancient and honorable Shire in England. For Glassen-bury in that County was the Bryttish Antioch, where the Bryttons were first called Christians, by the Preaching of Ioseph of Arimathea, though the truth of the story be much swoln by the leaven of Legendarie fictions.
But hereafter Somerset-shire in another respect must be allowed the eldest County in England; As Christianity first grew there, so Charity first sprang thence, in that their Sober, Serious, and Seasonable Declaration, wherein they renounce all future animosities in relation to their former sufferings.
Now as the zeal of *2 Cor. 9.2.Achaia provoked very many, So the example of Somerset-shire hath been precedential to other Counties to follow it. Kent and Essex since have done, and other Shires are daily doing the same; Yea, and I hope that those Counties which lagg the last in writing, will be as forward, as the first in performing their solemn promises therein.
XVII. SAD TRANSPOSITION.
IT seemeth marvellous to me, that many Mechanicks (few able to read, and fewer to write their names) turning Souldiers, and Captains in our Warrs, should be so soon and so much improved. They seeme to me to have commenced per saltum in their understandings. I professe without flouting or flattering, I have much admired, with what facilitie and fluentnesse, how pertinently and properly they have expressed themselves, in language which they were never borne nor bred to, but have industriously acquired by conversing with their betters.
What a shame would it be, if such who have been of Gentile Extraction, and have had liberal education, should (as if it were by exchange of Soules) relapse into Ignorance and Barbarism.
What an ignominy would it be for them, to be buried in idleness, and in the moderate pursuite of pleasures and vicious courses, till they besot their understandings, when they see Souldiers arrived at such an improvement, who were bred Taylors, Shoe-makers, Coblers, &c.
Not that I write this (God knoweth my heart) in disgrace of them, because they were bred in so meane Callings, which are both honest in themselves, and usefull in the Commonwealth; yea, I am so farr from thinking ill of them, for being bred in so poor trades, that I should think better of them for returning unto them againe.
XVIII. Bird IN THE BREST.
I Saw two men fighting together, till a third casually passing by interposed himself to part them, The blows of the One fell on his Face, of the Other on his Back, of Both on his Body, being the Screen betwixt the fiery anger of the two Fighters. Some of the Beholders laughed at him as well enough served, for medling with matters which belonged not to him.
Others pitied him, conceiving every man concerned to prevent blood-shed betwixt Neighbours, and Christianity it self was Commission enough to interest him therein.
However, this is the sad Fate which attended all moderate persons, which will mediate betwixt opposite Parties. They may complain with David, They have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my good-will. Yet let not such hereby be disheartned, but know that (besides the reward in Heaven) the very work of Moderation is the wages of Moderation. For it carrieth with it a marvellous Contentment in his Conscience, who hath endeavoured his utmost in order to Unity, though unhappy in his success.
XIX. Fair Hopes.
A Traveller, who had been newly robbed, inquired of the first Gentleman he met, who also was in a melancholy humour (a cause haveing lately gone against him) where he might find a Iustice of Peace, to whom the Gentleman replied, You ask for two things together, which singly and severally are not to be had. I neither know where JUSTICE is, nor yet where PEACE is to be found.
Let us not make the Condition of our Land worse then it was; Westminster-Hall was ever open, though the proceedings of Iustice therein were much interrupted and obstructed with military Impressions. Peace, we confesse, hath bin a stranger unto us a long time, Heart-burnings remaining, when House-burnings are quenched; But now, blessed be God, we are in a faire probability of recovering both, if our sins and ingratitude blast not our most hopeful expectations.
XX. Riddle unriddled.
WE read [2 Sam. 15.11] that when Absalom aspired to his Fathers Kingdom, with him went two hundred men out of Ierusalem that were called, and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing. If any have so little charity, as to call these persons TRAITORS, I will have so much confidence as to term them LOYAL TRAITORS, and (God willing) justifie the seeming contradiction.
For they lodged not in their hearts the least disloyal thought against the person and power of King David. But alas when these two hundred were mixed among two thousand, ten thousand, twenty thousand of active and designing Traytors; these poor men might in the violent multitude be hurried on, not only beyond their intentions, but even against their resolutions.
Such as are sensible with sorrow that their well intending simplicity hath been imposed on, abused and deluded by the subtilty of others, may comfort and content themselves in the sincerity of their own Soules; God, no doubt, hath already forgiven them, and therefore men ought to revoke their uncharitable censures of them. And yet Divine Iustice will have its full tale of intended stripes, taking so many off from the back of the Deceived, and laying them on the shoulders of the Deceivers.
XXI. No RECORD to REMAINE.
I Never did read, nor can learn from any, that ever Queen Elizabeth had any Ship-Royal, which in the Name thereof carried the Memorial of any particular Conquest she got either by land or by water. Yet was she as victorious as any Prince in her Age, and (which is mainly material) her conquests were mostly atchieved against forreign Enemies.
The Ships of Her Navy, had onelyonly honest and wholesom Names, the Endeavour, the Boneadventure, the Return, the Unity, &c.
Some of our modern Ships carry a very great Burthen in their names, I mean, the Memorial of some fatal Fights in the Civil Wars in our own Nation, and the Conquerours ought not to take much joy, as the Conquered must take grief in the remembrance thereof.
I am utterly against the rebaptizing of Christians, but I am for the redipping of Ships, that not only some inoffensive, but ingratiating Names may be put upon them; the Vnity, the Reconciliation, the Agreement, the Concord, and healing Titles. (I speak more like a Book-man, than a Sea-man) and others to that purpose.
XXII. All for the present.
THere is a pernicious humour of a Catching Nature, wherewith the mouths of many, and hearts of more, are infected. Some there are, that are, so covetous to see the settlement of Church and State according to their own desires, that, If it be not done in our dayes (say they) we care not whether it be done at all or no.
Such mens souls live in a Lane, having weak heads and narrow hearts, their Faith being little and charity less, being all for themselves, and nothing for posterity. These men living in India, would prove ill Common-Wealthsmen, and would lay no foundation for Porcellana or China-dishes, because despairing to reap benefit thereby, as not ripened to perfection in a hundred years.
Oh! give me that good mans gracious temper, who earnestly desired the prosperity of the Church, whatsoever became of himself, whose verses I will offer to translate.
Seu me terra tegit, seu vastum contegit aequor;
Exoptata piis-saecula fausta precor.
Buried in earth, or drownd i'th Maine.
Eat up by Worms or fishes;
I pray the Pious may obtain
For happy times their wishes.
And if we our selvs with aged *2 Sam. 19.25.Barzillai be superannuated to behold the happy establishment of Church and state, may we (dying in *Heb. 11.13.Faith, though not having received the promises) bequeath the certain reversions of our Chimhams, I mean the next generation which shall rise up after us.
XXIII. Courtesy gaineth.
I Have heard the Royall Party (would I could say without any cause) complained of, that they have not Charity enough for Converts, who came off unto them from the opposite side; Who though they express a sence of and sorrow for their mistakes, and have given Testimony (though perchance not so plain and publick as others expected) of their sincerity, yet still they are suspected, as unsound, and such as frown not on, look but asquint at them.
This hath done much mischief, and retarded the return of many to their side; For, had these their Van-Curriers been but kindly entertained, possibly ere now their whole Army had came over unto us; Which now are disheartned by the cold welcome of these Converts.
Let this fault be mended for the future, that such Proselytes may meet with nothing to discourage, all things to comfort and content them.
Let us give them not onelyonly the right hand of fellowship, but even the upperhand of Superiority. One asked a Mother, who had brought up many Children to a marriageable age, what Arts she used to breed up so numerous an issue; None other, (said she) save onelyonly, I alwaies made the most of the youngest. Let the Benjamins ever be Darlings, and the last-borne, whose eyes were newest opened with the sight of their errours, be treated with the greatest affection.
XXIV. Moderation.
ARTHUR PLANTAGENET Viscount Lisle, natural Son to King Edward the Fourth, and (which is the greatest honour to his Memory) direct Ancestor, in the fifth Degree, to the Right Honourable, & most Renowned Lord General GEORGE MONK, was for a fault of his Servants (intending to betray Calis to the King of France) committed to the Tower by King Henry the eight, where well knowing the fury and fiercenesse of that King he daily expected death.
But the innocence of this Lord appearing after much search, the King sent him a rich Ring off his own Finger, with so comfortable words, that at the hearing therof, a sudden joy *Speed. Chron. pag 692.overcharged his heart, whereof he dyed that night; so fatal was not onelyonly the anger, but the love of that King.
England for this many years hath bin in a languishing condition, whose case hath been so much the sadder, than this Lords was, because conscious of a great guilt, whereby she hath justly incurred Gods displeasure. If God of his goodnesse should be pleased to restore her to his favour, may he also give her moderation safely to digest and concoct her own happinesse, that she may not runne from one Extreame to another, and excessive joy prove more destructive unto her, then grief hath been hitherto.
XXV. Preparative.
TWilight, is a great blessing of God to mankind: for, should our eyes be instantly posted out of darknesse into light, out of mid-night into morning, so sudden a surprisal would blind us. God therefore of his goodnesse hath made the intermediate twilight to prepare our eyes for the reception of the light.
Such is his dealing with our English Nation. We were lately in the mid-night of misery. It was questionable whether the Law should first draw up the Will and Testament of dying Divinitie; or Divinitie first make a Funeral Sermon for expiring Law. Violence stood ready to invade our Property; Heresies, and Schismes, to oppresse Religion.
Blessed be God, we are now brought into a better condition, yea, we are past the Equilibrium; the Beame beginning to break on the better side, and our hopes to have the Mastery of our despaires. God grant, this twilight may prove Crepusculum matutinum fore running the rising of the SUN, and increase of our happinesse.
XXVI. Revenge with a witnesse.
FRederick *Swingers Theat. vol. 7. lib. 5. pag. 1959. sub titulo ultionis.the second Emperour of Germany being at Piza in Italy, and distressed for want of money to pay his Army, sent for Petrus De Vineis an able man, who formerly had been his Secretary, but whose eyes he had caused to be bored out for some Misdemeanour.
Being demanded of the Emperour which way he might most speedily and safely (as to outward danger) recruit his Treasury, his SECRETARY gave him Councel to seize on the Plate of all the Churches and Monasteries of that City, which he did accordingly, and amongst the rest he took ZONAM AUREAM, or the GOLDEN GIRDLE, out of one Church, of inestimable value.
This blinde Secretary returning home to his wife, told her, Now I am even with the Emperour for putting out my eyes, having put him on such a Project, which, I hope, he will pursue, to is own destruction. He hath made me a Spectacle to men, but I have made him a Monster unto God.
Let such who are concerned herein, see what successe the Emperour had in this his Expedition, founded on Sacriledge, and the longer they look thereon, the worse I am sure they will like it to barr further application.
XXVII. A Gnat, no Gnat.
ONe needlesly precise, took causles exception at a Gent. for using the word IN TROTH in his Discourse, as if it had been a kind of an Oath. The Gent. pleaded for himself, that IN TRUTH was a word inoffensive, even in his judgment who accused him.
Secondly, that he was borne farre North, where their broad and Dorick Dialect pronounced TRUTH, TROTH, and he did humbly conceave the tone of the Tongue was, no fault of the heart.
Lastly, he alleadged the twenty fifth Psalme, as it is translated in Meter.
To them that keep his Testament
The witnesse of his Troth.
And thus at last, with much adoe, his seeming fault was remitted.
I am afraid if one should declare for TROTH and PEACE, and not for Truth and Peace, it would occasion some offence; however, rather then it should make any difference, the former will be as acceptable to the North of Trent, as the latter will please all good people South thereof.
XXVIII. Silence a while.
HAD not mine eyes (as any other mans may) read it in the printed Proclamations of King Edward the sixth, (when the Pulpitts generally popish, sounded the Alarme to Ketts rebellion, and the Devonshire Commotion) I would not have beleived what followeth.
2 Edw. 6. Septemb. 13.
By these presents, Wee inhibite generally all manner of Preachers whatsoever they be, to preach in this meane space, *This lasted in full force but for som …ew weekes.to the intent that the whole Clergy might apply themselves in prayer to Almightie God, for the better atchieving of the same most Godlie intent, and purpose of Reformation.
What hurt were it, if in this juncture of Time, all our Preaching were turned into praying for one MonethMonth together, that God would settle a happy Peace in this Nation.
However if this be offensive to any, and giveth cause of distast, the second motion may be imbraced, That for a year at least, all Pulpits may be silent, as to any part of Differences relating to our Times, and only deliver what belongeth to Faith and good Workes.
XXIX. Send Humilitie.
I Do not remember, that the word INFINITE is in Scripture attributed to any Creature, save to the City of Ninive, Naham 3.9. Ethyopia and Egypt were her strength, and it was INFINITE.
But what is now become of Ninive? it is even buried in its own ruines, and may have this Epitaph upon it;
Hic jacet FINIS INFINITI,
Here lyeth the END of what was ENDLESSE.
He, who beheld the multitude of Actors & Beholders, at the Mustering in HIDE PARK, on the 24. of Aprill last, will say, that there was an INFINITE number of people therin. Some would hardly beleeve, that the whole Nation could afford so many, as the City of London alone did then produce.
My prayer shall ever be, that this great City may be kept either in the WHOLESOME IGNORANCE, or HUMBLE KNOWLEDGE of its own STRENGTH, least the people Numberlesse prove Masterlesse therin. And let them remember (God forfend the Parallet) what is become of great Ninive at this day, annihilated for the Pride thereof.
XXX. Rather fold over, then fall short.
SOlomons Temple was seven years in building, 1 Kings 6.36. And such, who seriously consider the Magnificence thereof, will more wonder, that it was done so soon, then doing so long.
Now, had Solomon at the beginning of this building abolished the Tabernacle made by Moses, (because too meane and little for so mighty, and so numerous a Nation) God had been seven years without any place of publick Service.
But that wise Prince continued the Tabernacle to all uses and purposes, untill the Temple was finished, and then 1 Kings 8.4. They brought up the Ark of the LORD, and the Tabernacle of the congregation, and all the holy vessels that were in the Tabernacle, even those did the Priests and the Levites bring up. And as it followeth afterwards, vers. 6. They brought in the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD, unto his place, into the Oracle of the House. And certainly all the rest of the Tabernacle (consisting of such materials, as might be taken down, and kept in Chests and Coffers) were deposited in the Temple, though, it may be, no use was made therof.
It had been well, if, before the OLD GOVERNMENT of the Church was taken down, a NEW ONE had first been settled. Yea, rather let God have two Houses together, then none at all; Least Piety be starved to death with cold, by lying out of dores in the intervall, betwixt the demolishing of an old, and the erecting of a new Church-discipline.
XXXI. No mans work.
CHrist, when on Earth, cured many a spot, (especially of leprosie) but never smoothed any wrinkle; never made any old man young again.
But in Heaven he will do both, Eph. 5. 27. when he shall present it to himself a glorious Church, not having spot or WRINKLE, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Triumphant Perfection is not to be hoped for in the Militant Church; there will be in it many spots and wrinkles, as long as it consisteth of sinful mortal men, the members thereof: It is Christs work, not mans work to make a perfect Reformation.
Such therefore are no good Politicians, who will make a sore to mend a spot, cause a wound to plain a wrinkle, do a great and certain mischief, when a small and uncertain benefit will thereby redound.
XXXII. Three make up one.
YOung King Ioash had onelyonly a lease of Piety, and not for his own, but his Vncles life, 2 Kin. 12.2. He did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his dayes, wherein Iehoiada the Priest instructed him.
Iehu was good in the midst of his life, and a zealous Reformer to the utter abolishing of Baal out of Israel, but in his old age. 2. Kin. 10.31. He returned to the Politick sins of Ieroboam, worshipping the Calves in Dan and Bethel.
Manasseh was bad in the beginning and middle of his life, filling Ierusalem with idolatry; OnelyOnly towards the end thereof, when carried into a 2 Chron. 33.11.strange land, he came home to himself, and destroyed the prophane Altars, he had erected.
These Three put together make one perfect Servant of God. Take the Morning and Rise with Ioash, the Noon and Shine with Iehu, the Night and Set with Manasseh. Begin with Youth-Ioash, continue with Man-Iehu, conclude with Old-man-Manasse; and all put together will spel one good Christian, yea, one good perfect Reformer.
XXXIII. Sero, sed Serio.
NEbuchadnezzar observed three Gradations in plundering the Temple; First, He mannerly sipped and took but a Tast of the wealth thereof, 2 Chro. 36.7. He carried of the VESSELS of the House of the Lord to Babylon.
Next, He mended his Draught, and drank very deep, vers. 10. When the year was expired, Nebuchadnezzar sent and brought Iehoiachin to Babylon, with the GOODLY VESSELS of the House of the Lord.
Lastly, He emptied the Cup, not leaving one drop behind, vers. 18. And ALL the VESSELS of the House of the Lord, great and small, brought he to Babylon.
It was the mercy of God, to allow his people space to repent, had they made their seasonable composition with God, after the first inroad; they had prevented the second: If after the second, they had prevented the last and final destruction.
God hath suffered our Civil Wars some sixteen years since, first to tast of the wealth of our Nation; and we met not God with suitable Humiliation. His Justice then went farther▪ and the Sword took the Goodly Vessels, the GALLANTRY and GAIETY of ENGLAND from us; 1. Our Massie plate. 2. Pleasant pictures. 3. Precious jewels. 4. Rare Libraries. and 5. Magnificent Palaces; [Holdenby, Theobalds, Richmond] Carrying Majesty in their structure; 1. Melted down. 2. Sold. 3. Lost, or drowned. 4. Transported. 5. Levelled to the ground.
God grant, That we may sue out our pardon by serious repentance. before ALL the VESSELS, great and small, be taken away in a renewed warre, that the Remnant of wealth, which is left in the Land, may be continued therein.
XXXIV. By Degrees.
WE read that the Nailes in the Holy of Holies, 2 Chro. 3.8, and 9. were of fine Gold. Hence ariseth a question, how such nailes could be usefull? pure Gold being so flexible, that a naile made thereof will bow and not drive.
Now I was present at the debate hereof, betwixt the best working-Goldsmiths in London, where (among many other ingenuous answers) this carried away the Credit, for the greatest probability thereof, viz. That they were Screw-nailes, which had holes prepared for their reception, and so were wound in by degrees.
Gods work must not be done lazily, but leisurely: Haste maketh wast in this kinde. In Reformations of great importance, the violent driving in of the Naile, will either break the head, or bow the point thereof, or rive and split that, which should be fastned therewith.
That may insensibly be screwed, whieh cannot suddenly be knockt into people. Fair and softly goeth far, but alas! we have too many fiery spirits, who with Iehu drive on so furiously, they will over turne all, in Church and State, if their fiercenesse be not seasonably retrenched.
XXXV. Good Augury.
I Was much affected with reading that Distick in Ovid, as having somewhat extraordinary therein.
Tarpeia quondā praedixit ab Ilice Cornix,
Est, bene non potuit dicere, dixit, Erit.
The Crow sometimes did sit and To foretell; hence Spelman.SPEL
On top of Tarpie▪ Hall;
She could not say ALL'S WELL, ALL'S WELL,
But said IT SHALL, IT SHALL.
But what do I listen to the language of the Crow, whose black colour hath a cast of Hell therein in superstitious south-saying. Let us hearken to what the DOVE of the holy Spirit saith, promising Gods servants, though the present times be bad, the future will be better. Psal. 38.11. The meeke SHALL inherite the Earth, and SHAL delight themselves in the Abundance of Peace.
XXXVI. Substract not, but Add.
A Covetous Courtier complained to King Edward the sixt of CHRIST COLLEDGE in Cambridge, that it was a Superstitious Foundation, consisting of a Master and twelve Fellowes, in imitation of Christ, and his twelve Apostles. He advised the King also, to take away one or two Fellowships, so to discompose that superstitious number.
Oh no, (said the King) I have a better way, then that, to mar their conceit, I will add a thirteenth Fellowship unto them; which he did accordingly, and so it remaineth to this day.
Well-fare their hearts, who will not only wear out their shooes, but also their feet in Gods service, and yet gain not a shoe-latchet thereby.
When our Saviour drave the Sheep and Oxen out of the Temple, he did not drive them into his own Pasture, nor swept the coyne into his own Pockets, when he overturned the Tables of the Mony-changers. But we have in our dayes many, who are forward to offer to God such zeal, which not onelyonly cost them nothing, but wherewith they have gained great Estates.
XXXVII. Send such Musick.
WE read 1 Kings 8.55. that Solomon, when he had ended his excellent Prayer, he BLESSED the People, But was not this Invading the Sacerdotal function? seeing it was not Crown-work, but *Numb. 6.23.Miter work, to do it.
No, surely Solomons Act therein was lawfull, and laudable, there being a threefold blessing.
I. IMPARATIVE; So God only blessed his People, who commandeth deliverances for Israel.
II. INDICATIVE; Solemnly to declare Gods blessing to, and put his Name upon the people, and this was the Priests work.
III. OPTATIVE; wishing, and desiring Gods blessing on the People, and this was done by Solomon.
Yea, it is remarkable, that in the same Chapter, vers. 66. the people blessed the King. O happy Reciprocation betwixt them! when the King BLESSETH HIS PEOPLE (if his words be rightly understood) ALL MAY BE WEL. But when a People BLESSETH THEIR KING, ALL IS WELL.
XXXVIII. By Hook and by Crook.
MArvellous was the confidence of those Merchants, Iam. 5.13. Go to now, ye that say, To day, or to morrow we will go into such a City, and continue there a year, and buy, and sell, and get gaine.
What false Herauldry have we here, Presumption on Presumption? What Insurance-Office had they been at, to secure their lives for a twelve-monethmonth,
But, this being granted, how could they certainly promise themselves, that they this yeare should get GAIN, except they had surely known what would have been dear the next yeare. Merchandizing is a ticklish matter, seeing many buy and sell, and live by the losse.
Either, then Trading in those times was quicker and better then in ours, or, (which is most probable) they were all resolved on the point, to cheat, cozen, lie, swear and forswear, and to GAIN, by what means soever.
Our Age and Land affordeth many of their Temper, and of such Saint Paul speaketh, 1 Tim. 6.9. They WILL be rich; will, whether God Will, or Will not; Will, though it cost them the forfeiture of their Conscience, to compasse their Designes.
XXXIX. Without Care no Cure.
A Woman, when newly delivered of a Childe, her paine is ended, her peril is but new begun; a little distemper in Dyet, or a small Cold taken may inflame her into a Feaver, and endanger her life. Wherefore when the welfare of such a person is enquired after. This Answer-General is returned, She is well for one in her condition; The third, fifth, and ninth dayes, [all Criticall] must be expected, till which time Bene-male is all the health which the Latine Tongue will allow her.
ENGLAND is this green Woman, lately brought to bed of a long-expected Childe LIBERTY▪ Many wise men suspected that she would have died in Travell, and both Childe and Mother miscarrie. But God be thanked for a good MIDWIFE, who would not prevent, but attend the Date of Nature ▪
However all, yea, most of the Danger is not yet past. Numerous is the multitude of Male-contents, and many difficulties must be encountred before our PEACE can be setled.
God grant the Woman be not wilful in FITTS of her distemper, to be ordered by the discretion of her NURSES, which now in Parliament most carefully attend her RECOVERY.
XL. Keep your Castle.
SOon after the Kings death, I preached in a Church near London, and a Person then in great power, (now levelled with his FELLOWES) was present at my Sermon. Now I had this passage in my Prayer, GOD in his due time settle our Nation on the TRVE FOVNDATION thereof.
The [then] Great man demanded of me what I meant by TRUE FOUNDATION. I answered, that I was no Lawyer, nor States-man, and therefore skill in such matters was not to be expected from me.
He pressed me further to express my self, whether thereby I did not intend the King, Lords, and Commons.
I returned, that it was a part of my prayer to GOD, who had more Knowledg, then I had Ignorance in all things, that he knew what was the TRUE FOUNDATION, and I remitted all to his wisdome and goodnesse.
When men come with netts in their Eares, it is good for the Preacher to have neither Fish nor Fowle in his Tongue. But blessed be God, now we need not lye at so close a Guard. Let the Gent. now know, that what he suspected I then intended in my words, and let him make what improvement he pleaseth thereof.
XLI. Too much beneath.
KING Hen. the seventh was much troubled (as he was wont to say) with IDOLS, Scenecal Royaletts, poor petty, pittifull Persons, who pretended themselves PRINCES.
One of these was called LAMBERT SIMNEL, whom the King at last, with much Care and Cost, some expence of Blood, but more of Money, reduced into his power, and got his person into his Possession. Then, instead of other puishment, he made him a TURNE-BROACH, and afterwards (on his peaceable Behaviour) he was *Lord Bacon in the life of King Hen. 7.preferred one of the Kings UNDER-FALCONERS, and as one tartly said, a fit Place for the Buzzard, to keep Hawks, who would have been an Eagle.
The King perceived that this Lambert was no daring, dangerous, and designing person, and therefore he would not make him (who was contemptible in himself) considerable for any noble punishment imposed upon him.
Royal Revenge will not stoop to a low object; some Malefactors are too mean to be made publike Examples. Let them live, that the pointing of Peoples fingers may be so many Arrows to pierce them. See, there goes INGRATITUDE to his Master: There walkes, &c.
Such a Life will smart as Death, and such a Death may be sanctified for Life unto them, I mean, may occasion their serious sorrow, and cordial repentance, wherby Gods Pardon, and their eternal salvation may be obtained, which ought to be the Desire of all good Christians, as well for others as themselves.
XLII. Patience a while.
THE Souldiers asked of Iohn Baptist, Luke. 3.14. &c. and what shall we do.
Every man ought (not curiously to to enquire into the duty of others, but) to attend his own concernments. The Baptist returned, do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely, and be content with your wages.
Good Counsel to the Souldiers of this Age. Do violence to no man, plunder no man, accuse no man falsely.
Make no men Malignants by wrongful information, and be content with your wages.
But I have heard som of the most moderat of the Souldiers, not without cause, to complain. He is a Mutineer indeed, who wil not be content with his wages. But alas, we must be content without our wages, having so much of our Arreares due unto us, this is an hard chapter indeed. And Iohn Baptist himselfe (though feeding hardly on Locusts and wild hony) could not live without any food.
Indeed their case is to be pitied, and yet such as are ingenuous 'mongst them will be perswaded, to have patience but a while, the Nation, being now in fermentation, & tending to a consistency. The wisdom of the Parliament is such, they will find out the most speedy, and easy means to pay them, and such their Justice, no intent is there to defraud them of a farthing, whatsoever ill-affected Male-contents may suggest to the contrary.
XLIII. In the Middle.
GOd in his Providence fixed my Nativity in a remarkable place.
I was borne at ALWINCLE in Northamptonshire, where my father was the painful Preacher of Saint Peters. This Village was distanced one good mile West from A CHURCH, where Mr. Brown, Founder of the Brownists did dwell, whom out of curiosity, when a Youth, I often visited.
It was likewise a mile and half distant East from LIVEDEN, where Francis Tresham Esquire, so active in the Gunpowder Treason, had a large demeasne, and ancient habitation.
My Nativity may minde me of Moderation, whose Cradle was rocked betwixt two Rocks. Now seeing I was never such a Churle as to desire to eat my morsel alone, let such who like my prayer joyn with me therein.
God grant we may hit the Golden mean, and endeavour to avoid all Extremes; the fanatick Anabaptist on the one side, and the fiery zeal of the Iesuite on the other, that so we may be true Protestants, or, which is a far better name, real Christians indeed.
XLIII. Amending.
ALL generally hate a Sluttish-House, wherein Nastyness hath not onelyonly taken Livery and Seisin, but also hath been a long time in the peaceable possession thereof.
However, reasonable men will be contented with a House belittered with Straw, and will dispense with Dust it self, whilest the House is sweeping, because it hath uncleannesse in order to Cleaness.
Many things in England are out of joynt for the present, and a strange confusion there is in Church and State, but let this comfort us, we trust it is confusion in tendency to Order. And therfore let us for a time more patiently comport therewith.
XLIV. Too much Truth.
SOme perchance will smile, though I am sure all should sigh at the following Story.
A Minister of these times sharply chid one of his Parish, for having a base Childe, and told him he must take order for the keeping thereof.
Why Sir, answered the man, I conceave it more reasonable that you should maintaine it. For I am not Book-learned, and kenne not a letter in the Bible, Yea, I have been your Parishioner this seven years, present every Lords day at the Church, yet did I never there hear you read the TEN COMMANDEMENTS, I never heard that Precept read, thou shalt not commit Adultery Probably, had you told me my Duty, I had not committed this folly.
It is an abominable shame, and a crying Sinne of this Land, that poor people hear not in their Churches the summ of what they should pray for, beleeve, and practice, many Mock▪ Ministers having banished out of Divine Service, the use of the Lords Prayer, Creed, and Ten Commandements.
XLV. As it was.
SOme alive will be deposed for the truth of this strange accident, though I forbeare the naming of place or persons.
A Carelesse Maid which attended a Gentlemans Childe, fell asleepe whilest the rest of the family were at Church; An Ape taking the Childe out of the Cradle, carried it to the Roofe of the House, and there (according to his rude manner) fell a dancing and dandling thereof, down head, up heeles, as it happened.
The Father of the Childe returning (with his Family) from the Church commented with his own eyes on his Childs sad condition. Bemone he might, help it, he could not. Dangerous to shoote the Ape, where the Bullet might hit the Babe; All fall to their Prayers as their last, and best refuge, that the innocent Childe (whose precipice they suspected) might be preserved.
But when the Ape was well wearied with its own Activity, he fairly went down, and formally laid the Childe where he found it in the Cradle.
Fanaticks have pleased their Fancies these late years, with turning and tossing and tumbling of Religion, upward, and downward, and backward, and forward, they have cast and contrived it into a hundred Antick-postures, of their own imagining. However, it is now to be hoped, that after they have tired themselves out with doing of nothing, but only trying and tampering this, and that way, to no purpose, they may at last returne and leave Religion in the same Condition wherein they found it.
XLVI. No so, longe.
SOlomon was the Ridle of the World, being the richest and poorest of Princes.
Richest, for once in three yeares the Land of Ophire sailed to Ierusalem, and caused such plenty of Gold therein.
Poorest, as appeareth by his imposing so intolerable Taxes on his Subjects, the Refusal of the mitigation whereof, caused the Defection of the ten Tribes from the House of David.
But how came Solomon to be so much behind hand? Some I know score it on the account of his Building of the Temple, as if so magnificent a structure had impaired, and Exhausted his Estate.
But in very deed, it was his keeping of seven hundred wives, and three hundred Concubines, and his Concubines in all probability, more expensive then his Wives, (as the Thiefe in the Candle wasteth more wax, then the wick therof) All these had their several Courts, which must needs amount to a vast expence.
How cometh the great Treasure of our Land to be low, and the Debts therof so high? Surely it is not by building of Churches, all the World will be her Compurgators therein. It is rather because we maintaine (and must for a time for our safety) such a numerous Army of Souldiers.
Well, It had been both for the profit, credit, and conscience of Solomon, to have reduced his Wives to a smaller number, as we hope in due time our standing Army shall be Epitomized to a more moderate proportion.
XLVII. Thanke God.
A Nuncio of the Popes, was treated at Sienna, by a Prime Person, with a great Feast. It hapned there was present thereat, a Syndiek of the Citty (being a Magistrate, parallel in his place, to one of our Aldermen) who, as full of words, as empty of wit, engrossed all the Discourse at the Table to Himself, who might with as good manners have eaten all the Meat at the Supper.
The Entertainer, sorry to see him discover so much weaknesse, to the disgrace of himself, endeavoured to stop the Superfluity of his Talke. All in vaine. The Leaks in a rotten Ship might sooner be stanched. At last, to excuse the matter (as well as he might) he told the Nuncio privately, You I am sure, have some weak men at Rome, as well as we have at Sienna. We have so (said the Nuntio) but we make them no Syndickes.
It cannot be otherwise, but that in so Spacious a Land, so numerous a People as England is, we must have many weak men, and some of them of great Wealth, and Estates. Yea, such who are not only guilty of plaine and simple Ignorance, but of Ignorance garded and embroidered with their own conceitedness. But, blessed be God, they are not chosen Parliament men; the Diffusive Nation was never more carefull in their Elections of their Representatives.
God grant, that as the several dayes workes in the Creation were singly by God pronounced GOOD, but the last dayes work (being the Collection, and complication of them all) VERY Gen. 1.31.GOOD, so these Persons, good as single Instruments, may be BEST in a Consort as met together.
XLIX. Can good come from Ignorance.
KIng Iames was no lesse dextrous at, then desirous of the Discovery of such, who belyed the father of Lies, and falsely pretended themselves possest with a Devil.
Now a Maid dissembled such a possession, and for the better colour thereof, when the first verses of the Gospel of Saint Iohn were read in her hearing, she would fall into strange fits of fuming and foaming, to the amazement of the Beholders.
But when the King caused one of his Chaplains to read the same in the Original; the same Maid (possessed, it seems, with an English devil, who understood not a word of Greek) was tame and quiet▪ without any Impression upon her.
I know a factious parish, wherein if he Minister in his Pulpit had but named the word KINGDOM, the people would have bin ready to have petitioned against him for a Malignant. But as for REALME, the same in French, he might safely use it in his Sermons as oft as he pleased. Ignorance which generally inflameth, somtimes by good hap, abateth mens malice.
The best is, that now one may without danger, use either word, seeing England was a Kingdome a thousand yeares ago, and may be one (if the world last so long) a thousand years hereafter.
L. Trusting maketh one Trusty.
CHARLES *From the mouth of my worthie Friend, now gon to God. D. Clare Chaplain then to his Highnesse.the Second, King of the Scots, when a Childe was much troubled with a weaknesse in his Legs, and was appointed to weare STEEL-BOOTES, for the strengthning of them.
The weights of these so clogged the Childe, that he enjoyed not himself in any degree, but moaned himself, fasting at feasts, yea, his very Play being work unto him, he may be said to be a Prisoner in his own Palace.
It hapned that an Aged Rocker which waited on him, took the STEEL-BOOTS from his legs, and cast them in a place, where it was hard to find them there, and impossible to fetch them thence, promising the Countess of Dorset, (Governess of the Prince) that if any Anger arised thereof, she would take all the blame on her self.
Not long after, the King coming into the Nursery, and beholding the BOOTS taken from his legs, was offended thereat, demanding in some anger, Who had done it.
It was I Sir (said the Rocker) who had the honour (some thirty years since) to attend on your Highness in your Infancie, when you had the same infirmity wherewith now the Prince, (your very own Son) is troubled. And then, the Lady Cary, (afterward Countess of Monmouth) commanded your STEEL BOOTS to be taken off, who, blessed be God, since have gathered strength, and arrived at a good stature.
The Nation is too Noble, when his MAIESTY, (who hitherto hath had a short course, but a long Pilgrimage,) shall return from forreign parts, to impose any other STEEL-BOOTS upon him, then the observing the Lawes of the Land, (which are his own stockings) that so with joy and comfort he may enter on what was his own inheritance.
But I remember, when Luther began first to mislike so me Errours in the Romish Church, and complained thereof to Staupitius his Confessor, He used to say unto him. Abi in Cellam & ora, Get you gone into your Cell and pray. So will I do, (who have now done) and leave the managing of the rest to those to vvhom it is most proper to advance Gods Glory, and their Countreys good. Amen.
FINIS.
End of the text · Thomas Fuller, Mixed Contemplations in Better Times (1660)