The Triumph of Mercy in the Chariot of Praise, Treatise · Chapter 7
CHAP. VII. The honourable Duty of Gratitude.
GOD is the Supreme Lord Paramount of Heaven and Earth, and therefore the higheſt Homage is due to his Name. All Rivers ſpring from, and ſwim into the boſom of the Ocean. The Sun-beams reflect from the Earth to the Sun again: Fragrant Flowers perfume the ſweet Air, which opens them. All muſt be received with thankſgiving; and being thus ſanctified, prove double Mercies. Every enjoyment muſt turn to improvement: our comforts muſt be exalted into helps; the Viatica and Supports of our Pilgrimage while Travelling with Peace-Offerings towards Zion.
We muſt prevent God by early Praiſe as well as Prayer:Pſ. 57.8. Pſ. 60.10.119.147. The God of my Mercy ſhall prevent me, ſings David; and every Child of David muſt prevent God again with his Songs. Jehoſaphat delighted God with Inſtruments of Muſick before his Deliverance.1 Chron. 20.21. Faith muſt tune an foreign, a Pſalm of Victory before the Triumph. Praiſe is the ingenious Mother of future mercies: As the Virgin Mary ſang at Hebron before the birth of her Son at Bethlehem: Luk. 1.46.O Heavenly Contention between Mercy and Duty!
The Eye of Man has a Muſclè, which Anatomiſts call the Levator to help him to look up to Heaven: A grateful Muſcle! Unthankful perſons cut out that excellent Organ, and corrupt the Chryſtalline humour of their memories by tears and poring too much downward upon their Afflictions. Many mens mercies through ill digeſtion ferment into Bane and Poyſon:Zwelſer Append. ad Animadverſ. Fol. 1667. p. 67. As the learned Zwelfer, late Phyſician to the Emperour Leopold, tells us of a Noble German, almoſt ſlain by the powders of Pearl, Coral, and other Cordial Species: that which ſhould have cheriſht his Spirits, wrought towards a dry Conſumption. Many like Jeſurun wax fat with mercies, and grow lean in praiſes, and kick with that ſtrength which mercy gives them, and trample on thoſe bowels that rowl towards them; like great mens ſtomachs ſurcharged with dainty viands, grow ſick and ſqueezy, over-eat their appetite, and confound concoction with various mixtures of fleſh & fiſh & luxurious Sauces; & then complain of ſplenetick fumes and fluſhes: Like Iſrael quarrel at Quails and make light at Manna, while qualms and maukiſh flegm and bitter choller flings up from their Hearts. Ungrateful perſons are the Grave of mercies, and often caſt up their rotten matter. It's an Argument of a vitious ſtomach, to turn wholeſome food into ſower humours.Borrichus de Aegypt. p. 282. Fol. 14. p. 239. Hermes after wine took a grain of Maſtick or Frankincenſe to hinder its coagulation into Tartar: And Arnoldns orders Bdellium to be taken with Scammony, to preſerve the bowels from Ulcers. After Kindneſſes we ſhould take in Medicines againſt Ingratitude. There be many black inſtances of this baſe and degenerous Temper. Ariſtotle hath many a ſiniſter bend in his Infamous Scutcheon pourtrayed by Borrichius, but for three moſt memorable; in betraying Stagira his Native City, in ſcorning at Plato his excellent Tutor, and for dipping his finger in a deſign of poyſoning Alexander his munificent Prince.
Another was that of the lean and pale Brutus, Sueton. in Caeſar. c. 92. Plut.to whom (being found among the bloody Conſpiratours in the Senate-houſe) Caeſar replyed, foreign, What thou among them, What thou my Son? Being deemed his natural Off ſpring by Servilia the Siſter of Cato.
A third may be that Nobleman,Wigandus in praefat. ad Herb. Boruſſiae. who being near death by a dangerous bleeding at noſe, was cured with the bloud red Burnet by a German Doctor, but denyed him his Reward, becauſe the Herb was found neer his own Palace. Were not others of a more noble genius, it might ſhrink beneficence into a Muſhrome, and blaſt the Flower of Love with a nitrous Eaſt Wind into the Duſt. Such wretches are like the beaſtly Capraemulgi in Aelian, Aelian de animal. l. c. 39.that ſuck the poor Goats, and by their venemous mouths ſhrivel and dry up their Udders, that they never give milk more. Impudence is the Fruit of Ingratitude, and genders to all manner of lewdneſs.
Gratitude is a high piece of juſtice, and feaſts the owner with a joyful Conſcience. A thankful, and cheerful perſon walk together, and is a grand Ornament to his profeſſion: The three Graces tread their meaſures before his door in Crowns of Myrtle:Chartarius Imag. Deorum, p. 336. They were formed by Ancient Statuaries in ſhape of naked Virgins, chearful and ſmiling upon each other, to teach that kindneſſes muſt flow without fraud, with a candid,Rom. 12.8. ſimple, and delightful ſpirit, Yea, Holy Page recommends it when done, foreign with ſingleneſs of heart, with a generous frame, caſting no ſquint-eye, or nouriſhing any baſe aim, either to elevate the creſt of pride, or debaſe others into ſervile offices. And this deportment ingener…tes a ſweet temper in the Hearts of Receivers. Love is the Cement of the Univerſe and humanity is twiſted into unity by kindneſs and concord. Vertuous Heathens numbred the graces among their Deities, noting it for a Species of Sacrilege not to return Favours with an aimiable Gratitude.
The Diſpenſer of Love ſhould have a ſlippery memory, but the Recipient ſhould engrave it on Pillars of Marble and Pyramids of Braſs: The Giver ſhould ſhut his Eyes when he opens his Hand. Diſſimulation without blame, to chear an unknown perſon, or to hide his knowledge;Prov. 19.17. ſuch a one lends to the Lord, and makes Heaven his Debtor; and ſurely there is Treaſure enough to requite him: while he that accepts gratefully makes God his Pay-maſter by Prayer.
If by giving we expect returns, we fit like Publicans at the Receipt of Cuſtom, and give to our ſelves what we pay to others: Self-love is never truly magnificent. To pour out benefits upon perſons unknown or unable to return ſhews delight in bounty; and the pleaſure of Love to ſee ſuch walk at liberty, whoſe Iron duplicate page duplicate page duplicate page duplicate page bands we have unlooſed incognito. A liberal man deviſeth liberal things like a Prince,Iſ. 32.8. and ſeeks out Objects to exerciſe friendſhip, that ſo great a Grace may never lye idle. A brave Spirit judges he receives the kindneſs which he beſtows; as M. Antony ſaid, Whatever I give, that I have. The Europaeans purchaſe whole Territories with a few Beads, Knives, and Hammers of the naked Indians: much more happy who gain an Eternal Inheritance by a few Penies. Such a one beſtows himſelf, whoſe Coyn comes warm from the Mint of his Heart, and ſhall be melted into a Crown of Life.
He that ſeeks a debtor does but drive a Trade, hearkens to the promiſe becauſe of payment: He gives proudly and worſhips his own ambition, and ſacrifices to the Drag of Covetouſneſs: He deals a Loaf, but full of Grits to break the teeth; and a Scorpion inſtead of Fiſh, to ſting the Stomach. Be kind to ſuch as are hoiſing ſail to the Indies, and ſend precious Cordials to ſuch as ſwelter under incurable maladies; or thoſe that hold out their needy hands in a dusky even. Scatter your morſels to them that come from far in a Pilgrims Habit and a tranſient Staff,Heb. 13.2. and ſo entertain Angels at unawares: 'Tis the ready way to find Treaſure Trove, to enjoy plentiful Crops rain'd down from Heaven, and Ships bleſt into the Ports from Storms and Pyrats. Others ſpend their unſanctified returns in vanities, while the bowels of Saints almoſt cleave to their Backs, and the next year their credit ſinks at Land and their ſhips at Sea; or find the way to the French Harbors, while others ſail in ſafe by the breath of Prayer. We may ſtand in need of the meaneſt before the Sun ſhines again from the Northern Tropick, and thoſe that ſcrape in dunghills and rake for Nails in Chapels, may ride in pomp upon Velvet Sadles before twelve Moons be wained. The Old Man of Wincheſter found it by experience, being caſt into the depth of poverty by one whom he had oppreſt in youth. Haman may climb the Tree of Juſtice though planted for Mordecay; and blind Sampſon may ſee well enough to pull down a Play-houſe upon 2000 Philiſtins. Who knows what evil may thunder upon the Earth, and where the Bolt may hit? A ſcoffing Noble was trod to death in the Gate of Samaria, 2 K. 7.29.who had mock'd a Prophet, and jeered at the Windows of Heaven but a day before. Caſt your Bread upon the ſliding waters, Eccl. 11.1.which though ſwallowed in the Sea, return through the Caverns of the Earth into the ſame River after many days. A prudent man foreſees the evil and flies into the Temple of Charity, and there meditates upon both fortunes: He reaps at preſent the plentiful crops of Peace in the Champain of a good Conſcience, and makes a continual Feaſt to himſelf upon the dones let fall to others.
He that gives to Princes and rich Equalls, Prov. 22.16.may come to poverty by out-vying. Such as expect returns are like Merchants in the Port, Phyſicians in Cities, and Victuallers is in Camps; and ſuch as ſun their Fancies in the Uſurers Walks. They are Traffickers and not Benefactors, and are often out-witted by Expert Sophiſters, who are wonderful officious in hopes of gain. Like Crows that fit kawing upon an old ſtump watch dying Cattel with much ceremony, and with fawning flatteries hop about them till they pick out their Eyes. But whatever be the frame of the Givers Spirit, the Receiver muſt not pry too narrowly into the Patrons Conſcience, but make his kindneſs the ſeed-plot of renown.
Happy are thoſe Noble Souls who ſo give as to ſtir up a ſweet memorial before God and man. The amiable frame of the Giver out ſhines the Gift it ſelf, and cheriſhes Gratitude in the leaneſt Soil. Praiſe is comely for Saints,Pſ. 33.1. 2 Sam. 24.23. Mat. 5.45. eſpecially when men with Ornan give like Princes; when Jebuſites act like Iſraelites or like God himſelf, whoſe Sun warms the Houſe of the Evil, and his Rain pours down upon the Field of the Wicked. It becomes us to let God hear from us, when we hear from him, and all his Mercies to turn into Sacrifices. A thankful Spirit is like a Muſical Echo in the Star-chamber of Heaven. Man muſt not only be a Concha but a Canalis; Bernard.not a Shell to retain, but a Chanel to derive mercies. Like marble Baſons at Fountains, when full, run over to others and water the parched Plains. Our Corn-fields muſt grow for the Poor and the Levite, Deut. 12.18, 19.14.27, 29.16.11, 14.as well as to ſwell our barns and cram our Garners; that others hearts and faces may ſhine with the Oil of Joy and Thankfulneſs both to God and us. That like the cheared Lark when enlivened by morning warmth, mounts up with ſinging out of our ſight towards the Suns Chariot, and thanks him with a Sonnet, and makes him rejoyce to run his Race.
We ſhould learn his Leſſon, and praiſe the Fountain of Iſraels mercies at the dawning day. Scruple not to leave the Roſy-finger'd Morn abed in Tithonus Arms. Leave the Sun a Sluggard ſweating in the watry Embraces of the Eaſtern Ocean. We need not the glittering Lamp of Venus to find out the Palace, or knock at the Gate of Heaven. The bleſſing of former, the ſenſe of preſent, and the hope of future Mercies, ſhould all inflame us. Our Souls from experienced obſervations of former Mercies, like expert Aſtronomers, ſhould predict benign Configurations before the diſtilling Influences, and praiſe him at the dawning and day-break of Mercy. Nay, our lives ſhould be a whole Tenor of praiſes, ſince we are hemm'd in and compaſt with kindneſs. We are laden with benefits, & Angels encampabout. us in Chariots of fire to protect both us and the mercies given. We ſhould raiſe up a Temple of praiſe with walls ringing Marble. Every breath we draw in ſhould go forth warn with Anthems. The blouds Circulation ſhould run round in Songs, like the Hydraulick Inſtruments of Water Muſick; and every Pulſe ſhould beat upon the Strings of David's Harp. The wholeſome Herbs ſhould cure our Murmurs,Pſ. 148.2, &c. and all the Creatures of Air, Land, and Water ſhould by our hands pay tribute of praiſe to God. The pleaſant Rivers ſhould convey our Songs to Paradiſe, and in the fragrant Flowers ſmell the goodneſs of God. The ſhowers that cool the Somers heat ſhould inflame our Love, and make our Palm-trees flouriſh with fat Dates in the Courts of God.Pſ. 92.12. In Medicinal Baths and Springs we ſhould hang up our Teſtimonical Crutches, and write a votive Table. The precious Metals, whoſe marks above ground betoken the enamelling of natures Bowels, the divining Rod and skill to dig them and melt their Oars into plate, ſhould all be formed into Golden Flagons to be conſecrated and hung up in Zions Sanctuary. When the May-Quiriſters ſing with a Thorn at their Breaſts by night, to allure us from the Thorns in ours, and delight us when we cannot ſleep, or awake us like Princes with the Muſick of their Spring Lyries; we ſhould anſwer their praiſes of our Holy Mutual Maker (like the Muſician in Strada) with ſweeter Elegance, and cauſe the Nightingale to fly to us, and pant upon the ſtrings of our Lutes in tranſcending praiſes, and confeſs themſelves conquered; and at the ceaſing of our warbling melody, dye in conſort. We dwell in this World as in a ſumptuous Palace arch'd over with ſpangling Stars and tranſparent Saphirs, which fears neither fire nor falling. Should not we ſet up Jacob's Pillar, or Solomon's Jachin, and Boaz in the porch? Yea, let every Houſe be a little model of the Univerſe; anoint pillars in memory of protecting and providing Mercies, and conſecrate them daily unto God. Set up Monuments in each Vally of Bacah, and pen Pſalms for the Birth of every favour, and our Right Hands never forget their cunning. He crowns the year with his goodneſs; let's compaſs his Altar with Songs. Let annual Mercies dictate perennial Melody, and perpetuate his Bounty by graving every Iota and Tittle of Mercy on the Empiraean tables of our hearts. Let's remember God, the Glorious Original of all Enjoyments; and the Gifts of each Beneficent Hand let's pourtray upon both our palms, to be lifted up to Heaven at morning and evening Sacrifice; and call upon all Creatures in order from the Heavens to the meaneſt Atom in an Univerſal Diapaſon of Praiſe and Triumph in God.