Christian Chemistry, Tract 1 · Observation 73 – Observation 201

Christian Chemistry · Tract 1 · Observation 73 – Observation 201

p. 35(73)

The Commons of England being very importunate with Edward the Fourth, to make War in France, he conſented to ſatisfie their importunity; though willing rather to enjoy the fruit of his Wars, and toiles, and ſpend the reſt of his dayes in peace: Therefore he rakes with him a dozen of far Capon-earing Burgeſſes, who had been the moſt zealous for that expedition, theſe he p. 36imployes in all Military ſervices, to lye in the open fields, ſtand whole nights upon the Guards, & cauſes their Quarters to be beaten up with frequent Alarmes; which was ſo intollerable to thoſe fat paunches, accuſtomed to lye on their ſoft Downes, and that could hardly ſit on a Seſſions Bench without their nods, that a treaty being motioned by King Lewis, none were ſo forward to preſſe the acceptance of his offers, and haſten their returne into England, as they; and when there, to excuſe ſo little done by the King, with ſo great preparations. Lord, how ſhall I be able to keep way with the Horſemen, if I cannot hold out with the Foot? how ſhall I be able to ſtand in the day of battell, when in the cauſe of thy truth there muſt be a reſiſting to bloud, if I am nothing active in reſiſting of ſin now? am I like to abide in the Watch-tower whole nights, that like the Diſciples cannot watch one houre to prevent temptation? Oh let me be therefore much in ſpirituall exerciſes now, and in cutting off the right hands and plucking out of the right eyes of corrupt deſires, that I may be ready to deny the conveniences and preciouſneſſes of life, when the emergences of thy intereſt ſhall call me to it.

p. 37(74)

In the Province of Dariene in South America, the mens heads are ſo hard, that they will break a ſword ſmitten on them. Alas, how many are there of ſuch darkned underſtandings and ſeared conſciences, that thoſe piercing diſcourſes which have deeply penetrated others, make on them no impreſſions, but are returned back with ſcornes and ſcoffs, or daſht in pieces without effect.

(75)

Cardinall Campeius being ſent by the Pope Legate into England, about the divorce of Henry the eighth from the Lady Katherine; Landing at Dover not in ſuch equipage as was by Cardinall Woolſey thought meete for his dignity, he ſent him divers Mules and Muleters richly habited, to furniſh his train more pompouſly; theſe paſſing with the ſaid Cardinall through the City of London, where all the Citizens arranged to expreſſe their devotion and his wel-come; being diſturbed by ſome accident, fell a kicking and flinging ſo, as down fell their Coffers broken upon the ſtones, which were thought to containe precious treaſures, and rich apparell; but inſtead thereof, out flew old Bootes and Shooes, broken Bridles, and p. 38Girts, to the ſolemne deriſion of the red Hats. Lord, to what purpoſe will it be to make a ſhew, and but a ſhew of a long train of graces, when my emptineſſe ſhall be manifeſted at that generall aſſembly of men and Angells, and my hypocriſie will make me but the more abundantly aſhamed.

(77)

There is a ground in ſome part of Italy, into which what is driven is ſo faſt detained, as not to be pulled out. Lord, make my heart of ſuch ſoile, that the impreſſions of thy Word, which alas have ſo often been like untimely fruit, ſhaken off with every wind, may be fixed paſt poſſibility of removall.

(78)

The Ocean continually floweth into the Mediterranean Sea, by the Straits of Gibraltar; and the Euxine alwayes floweth into the ſame Sea by the Proponticke; yet is there no appearance that the Mediterranean is more filled, though no paſſage whereby it ſends forth its waters is diſcovered; nor ſeemeth the Euxine Sea any thing leſſened, though there appeare no ſupply of waters to it, but by ſome ſmall Rivers. Many there be of large revenues but bare purſes, who yet are p. 39ſtrait handed to acts of charity, while others free to good works, and of much meaner incomes, are yet well ſtored with that, which to thoſe good ends they daily ſpend; vaine expences by a private conſumption waſteth the one, while Gods bleſſing by a ſecret retribution, returnes with intereſt what was laid out upon his account.

(79)

Neere Aſſos there are ſtones which in few dayes, not onelyonly conſume the fleſh of dead bodies, but the very bones too; and there is an earth in Paleſtine of the ſame operation. Lord, let the mortification of this body of death in me, be of the like ſpeedy execution; that thoſe luſts which are more confirmed and ſeeme more durable, may through the power of thy grace have a quick conſumption.

(80)

Julius Caeſar having taken at Pharſalia and Thapſus the Cabinets of Pompey and Scypio his utter enemies, wherein were many Letters from their partakers, whereby the men and their deſignes againſt Caeſar would have been diſcovered; by a rarer example then our dayes have yeilded, without once reading the incloſed Epiſtles, cauſed them all p. 40to be immediately burned. Lord, that book wherein all, even my moſt ſecret iniquities are written, will by the accuſer at that day be brought before thee; but let thy mercy blot out that hand-writing with the bloud of thy Son, that no charge may be framed there, either to confound or ſhame me.

(80)

'Tis ſaid of Ageſilaus King of Sparto, that He ruled his Countrey by obeying it, gaining ſo far upon the Sphori and Senate by complying with what they deſired, that he might do what himſelfe would. Lord, what freedom is it to be thy ſervant? for I may then do what I will, if I will do but what thou commandeſt; in doing thy will, I cannot do amiſſe, but in ſerving thee, ſerve my ſelfe.

(81)

King Pirrhus being asked, Whither Python or Cepheſias were the beſt Fluteplayers, anſwered, that in his Judgement Polyperchan was the best Captaine; intimating that it was not worth the enquiry, who were beſt skil'd in thoſe Arts, which were ſo little pertinent. Lord, let me be offertedly ignorant of thoſe things that are wicked and vaine; well may the children of this world be wiſer in thoſe p. 41things of their generation, then the children of Light. The poſterity of Cain are ſtoried to be the firſt inventers of Arts; they might be witty in that upon which they were wholly intent: the pious ſeed had their aimes above; they might well overlook what others ſaw, whoſe eyes were fixt below; but when God comes to reckon up the wits of the world, thoſe onelyonly will be accounted witty, that are ſo for heaven.

(82)

Summers, Henry the Eights Jeſter, kept a Catologue of the indiſcretions of the Court, which the King deſiring to ſee, found his own name there, for intruſting an Italian with ſome thouſands of Crowns to buy Barbary Horſes; but ſaith the King, How if he do returne, and bring the Horſes I gave him money for? 'tis then (ſaith Summers) onelyonly the blotting out of your name, and putting his in. How often are we guilty of ſuch improvidences, wherein our ſucceſſe is to be aſcribed, not to our wiſdomes, but others folly? ſuch ſucceſſes are like wellfavoured children of an uncomely venter, when though we dandle the babe, yet we are aſhamed of the mother: whereas what is done uprightly, and done prudently, may like nature p. 42produce a monſtrous birth, but hath ever its excuſe made for it; though it may be blamed, it can never be ſhamed.

(83)

Polienclus (a very fat man, in an hot day) perſwading the Athenians in an Oration, to make War with King Philip, Phocian told the people, they ſhould do well to undertake it upon ſuch a mans motion, who was likely to do much with his Armor on his back, that was in ſuch a ſweat with delivering an Oration. We are ready to think we ſhall appeare much for God, if we are concerned to reſiſt unto bloud; but how unlikely, when we come ſo poorly off in our contention againſt any poor luſt?

(84)

Ageſilaus being lame of one of his feete, was wont to prevent the mocks of others, by merrily jeſting himſelfe at his own infirmity. Lord, we are Mephiboſheths lame in both our feet, when we are to run the wayes of thy Commandements; but our lameneſſe is leaſt ſubject to thy cenſure, when it is moſt under our own.

(85)

The Elephant though of the greateſt bulk, and vaſteſt ſtrength, yet above any other p. 43creature is plagued with flyes, and leaſt able to remedy that inconvenience, not having ſo much as an haire on his tayle wherewith to drive them away. Lord, with how many incommodities haſt thou allayed the great things of this world, ſo, that it is queſtionable (even to carnall reaſon) whether great matters with their many evills, are more eligible then leſſe with fewer troubles. Oh therefore, let me not be diſcontented with my meane eſtate, being a greater cannot be had without diſcontent.

(86)

L. Domitius having drunk poyſon with intention to rid himſelfe out of this world, for feare of being Caeſars Captive, afterwards would by all meanes have hindred the operation of it. Lord, in our exigences and ſtraits we are free to make large promiſes of what we will do for thee, and give unto thee, but when the ſtorme is over, and the preſent paſſion downe, we wiſh that the obligation had never been made, and deviſe ſhifts how the penalty may be avoided: But let us be a ſhamed of this inconſtancy, and be eſtabliſhed in the firſt reſolution, not onelyonly becauſe thou wilt not cancell the bond, but becauſe the debt is moſt juſt without it.

p. 44(87)

That famous Cato was fourty four times cal'd into Judgement, yet every time acquitted. Oh how happy is it if we have envious and malicious accuſers, yet to have impartiall and upright Judges? Lord, how often doth Sathan accuſe me before the Throne of thy juſtice? yet while thy Son is my Advocate with thee, I ſhall be acquitted; not becauſe I am not guilty, but becauſe he is Righteous.

(88)

Alexander the Great being preſented from the ſpoiles of Darius, with a moſt rich Cabiner, beſet with Gold and what elſe might make it more precious; and his friends each of them giving his thoughts, what uſe it ſhould be for; ſaid, that the Books of Homer ſhould be kept in it, as judging them fitteſt to be reſerved in ſo precious a receptacle. Lord, thou haſt given us thy Scriptures, better Books then thoſe of Homer, and my heart is my moſt precious Cabinet: Let other things be rejected as leſſe valuable, but let theſe be not onelyonly laid up, but written in my heart, yea let them like Aarons Almond Rod bloſſome and beare fruit alſo.

p. 45(89)

Ageſilaus in his travels was wont to lodge in the holieſt places of the Temples of the Gods, that they themſelves might be witneſſes of his private doings. Lord, there is no place but hath thee for a ſpectator, and we have call'd thee foreign from our apprehenſions of thy allſeeing preſence; let me therefore be ſahamed to do that when thou onelyonly art conſcious, which I would not ſhould be laid open to the veiw of men and Angels.

(90)

Alexander the Great ſending to the Athenians, that they ſhould deliver up the Thebans which had fled to them, unleſſe they would have him War upon them: Phocian being deſired to ſpeak his opinion, ſaid, That truly he lamented much the caſe of thoſe Thebans: but it were better for one City to mourne, then two. Lord, thou requireſt of us the delivery up of the concernments of fleſh and bloud, if we would have thee our friend; though we are loath report from them, yet it is better that the body lament the loſſe of thoſe deare conveniences, then that ſoule and body both lament eternally in Hell.

p. 46(91)

At the battell of Crefcy where Edward the black Prince led the Van, (being then but eighteen yeares of Age) the King his Father drawing up a ſtrong party to a riſing ground, there beheld the conflict, in a readineſſe to ſend reliefe where it ſhould be wanted: The young Prince being ſharply charged and in ſome danger, ſends to his Father for ſuccour, who delayes to ſend any; ſo that another meſſenger comes to crave it, to whom he anſwers, Go tell my ſon, that I am not ſo unexperienced a Commander, as not to know when ſuccour is wanted, nor ſo careleſſe a Father as not then to ſend it: but he intended the honour of the day ſhould be his ſons, and therefore let him with courage ſtand to it, and be aſſured that help ſhould then be had, when it might conduce moſt to his renowne. God draws forth his ſervants to fight in the ſpirituall warfare, where they are engaged not onelyonly againſt the ſtrong holds of carnall reaſon, and the exalted imaginations of their own hearts, but alſo in the pitched field againſt Sathan, and his wicked inſtruments; but they (poor hearts) when the charge is ſharpe are ready to deſpond, and cry with Peter, Save Lord, we periſh, but God is too knowing to overſee their p. 47exigences, and too much a father to neglect their ſuccour, but if help be delayed, it is that the victory may be more glorious, by the difficulty of overcoming.

(92)

'Tis ſaid of Craſſus, that though he were the moſt avaritious man then living, yet above all men he hated thoſe that were ſo. Strange it is, that though likeneſſe be the true cauſe of love, yet proud and coverous men admit no fellow: a manifeſt conviction of the diſorder of ſin, that agrees not with its ſelfe; whereas grace never is, but is loved where grace is.

(93)

A Getulian ſhepherd being aſſaulted by a Lion, and otherwiſe unprovided of reſiſtance, caſt his looſe coat upon the Lions head, whereby the beaſt not only loſt his fierceneſſe, but, as if his ſtrength had layen all in his eyes, was by the man eaſily taken and bound. When I have confidered what the Lions of England have ſuffered from the Romane Biſhops, I have even admired how ſo great ſtrength and courage could be ſo amated: but I obſerved the vaile of ignorance was throwne over their eyes, which made them ſo rame and ſubmiſſive to that See: a policy ſo often proved of great advantage, that p. 48to this day they are in doubt whether that, or Divide & impera be the ſurer Trump. Thus have we ſeen whole heards of ſtronger cattell ſubject to the diſcipline of a little Boy, becauſe they poor creatures know not their owne ſtrength; and it is eaſie to take him at all advantage, that to prevent his own calamities is without eyes.

(94)

A certaine perſon, at a game among the Athenians call'd Caſting of the Dart, ſlew accidentally with his Dart one of his companions: Piricles ſpent an whole day with ſome Sophiſters his familiars, in diſpute, Whether the Dart, or he that threw the Dart, or he that inſtituted the ſport, were guilty of the mans death. 'Tis a Proverbe, The greateſt Clarks are not alwayes the wiſeſt men; and certainly this is not the leaſt part of their folly, that they delight to canvaſſe frivolous queſtions, which engender ſtrife, rather then edifying; and are wittily vaine, more then profitably learned, either to others or themſelves: how many are there accurately ſeen in the difference between eſſe and exiſtere, that yet are to ſeek in that great queſtion, what they ſhall do to be ſaved?

p. 49(95)

Marcus Livius Governour of Tarentum, for the Romanes, when Hanniball tooke it, kept the Caſtle till the City was recovered againe by Fabius; who then envying the honour done to Fabius for that exploit, ſaid in open Senate, that It was not Fabius, but himſelfe that was the cauſe Tarentum was taken againe: Truth, ſaith Fabius, for if thou hadst not loſt it, I had not won it. When man was at firſt created, Liberum arbitrium was made Governour of that eſtate of innocency, but Freewill quickly loſt it, onelyonly ſome inconſiderable remnants of naturall light reſerved: now, when glory is given to Chriſt for mans reſtoration, Freewill ſteps up, and boaſts its ſelfe the cauſe of mans recovery; but no otherwiſe certainly, then that man had not needed to be reſtored, if Freewill had not undone him firſt.

(96)

Aroſtotle being ſick, & his Phyſitians intending applications to him, ſaid, That he deſired to be cured, not as a Farrier doth an Horſe, but as a man capable of an account of the way of the cure: that apprehending the reaſon of thoſe receipts, he might the better comply with the diſtaſtfullneſs of thoſe potions which p. 50ſhould be received. Well were it, if in thoſe cures which State Phyſicians have applyed in Religious cauſes, they would not have dealt altogether by Club Law, as if onelyonly bruites had been their Patients; but have done us the favour, to let us ſee the reaſon of the cure, that what we could not take as toothſome we might yet as wholſome.

(97)

A certaine wealthy Matron having promiſed a young man to make him her Heire, dyed, leaving him inſcribed in her Teſtament; who providing a ſumptuous funerall for her interment, ſhe in the very time of the ſolemnity (being the ſeaventh day) revived, and lived divers yeares after, to the tedious prorogation of his hopes: whence aroſe that Proverb, Mulieri ne credas, ne mortuae quidem. Lord, how often have I been perſwaded that this old man had been mortified, but yet, to the ſadding of my heart, I find it contrary to expectation revived. Lord, let not my hopes be diſappointed, though they be thus delayed, and if this body of death do not die ſuddenly, yet let it at laſt dye utterly.

(98)

Ʋraba in Peru is of ſo rich a ſoile, that the ſeed of Cucumbers and Melons ſowne, will p. 51beare ripe fruits in twenty eight dayes after. How happy were it, if ſuch were the ſoile of my heart, wherein the immorrall feed of the Word might produce its fruits with the like earlineſſe, fertility, and plenty. But alas, how hinderly do all good purpoſes appeare? how ſhort of expectation, of the time? how long ſhall I be with you, how long ſuffer you?

(99)

Thoſe Countries which are ſeated under the Line, have then their Winter when the Suu is neereſt them, being then continually vexed with raines and ſtormes. When the Sun of proſperity ſhines on men moſt, 'tis uſually Winter in their hearts, and the tempeſts of temptation rage moſt there then.

(100)

The women in Brazill after their travell ſoone apply themſelves to houſhold affaires, the husbands in their ſtead, keeping their beds, viſited, and comforted up with reſtorative broths. So fareth it with thoſe vagabond beggers who are well ſupplyed from doore to doore, till they have full cheeks, and toating Noſes: while the poore houſkeeper who is aſhamed to beg, lookes p. 52thin, and faint; the ſweat of his browes being the bread of his family, yet without our proviſion, or pity.

(101)

The Emperor Sigiſmunds Army in his expedition againſt the Turk, were ſo elevated with confidence of their own number, that they ſaid, if Heaven ſhould fall, they ſhould be able to keep it off with their Halberts; who yet were moſt of them miſerably ſlaine by the Turkes: and 'tis obſerved that very few Armies have come off with victory, that entred battell fledge upon the wings of ſelfe-confidence. The Frech at Poictiers and Agincourt, ſold the priſoners before the day, but found to their coſt, the Beare-skine was not to be divided before 'twas taken. Thoſe that fight in that ſpirituall combate againſt ſin, Sathan, and his inſtruments, are then ſtrongeſt againſt their enemies, when they are weakeſt in themſelves. A faint hearted Saunders ſtands to his tackling in the fire, when a confident Pendleton quits the field before any encounter. In this warfare we are more then Conquerors, but through him that hath loved us.

p. 53(102)

William Gardiner who ſtruck the Hoſt out of the Cardinalls hand in Portugall; when he had his right hand cut off, took it up with his left, and kiſſed it: having his left cut off, ſtooped down and kiſſed that alſo: and being burnt afterwards by degrees, rather roaſted to death then burnt, ſhew'd ſuch magnanimity as was exceedingly admirable. Thomas Benbridge ſuffering for the Goſpell in Queene Maries daies, when the fire ſeiz'd on him, (not being able to indure the ſmart thereof) cryed, I recant, and ſo was taken out of the fire; but afterward repenting his fact, was the ſeaventh day after burned with much Chriſtian conſtancy, enduring the torment, which through the ill making of the fire was very great. God glorifies himſelfe, not onelyonly in the courage, but in the infirmity of his ſervants. Gardiners reſolution gave not more evidence to the truth, then Benbridg's weakneſſe, queſtionably whether ſo much: for Benbridg's ſoft nature ſhew'd that it abhorred torment, and would faine have eſcaped the violence of fire; but the evidence of truth was ſo much upon his ſpirit, that ſeeing the deare things of the fleſh, and the concernments of the ſoule could not be joyned, p. 54the fleſh was neceſſitated (though unwillingly) to the terribleneſſe of torment, rather then the ſoule ſhould deny the clearneſſe of that light which ſhined into it.

(103)

Galba lived in the Reigne of five Emperours in credit, and fortunate under all of them; but when Emperour himſelfe quickly ruined, and ſlaine, happier under others Government then his own. There is nothing to which the heart of man (even in infancy) ſhews more diſguſt, then ſubjection to anothers Government: That naturall juriſdiction that one man hath over another to adviſe and reprove, is not without much reluctancy ſubmitted to by any; even then, when the conſcience witneſſeth the debt of obedience to God, the heart ſecretly wiſheth the cancelling of that Bond, and that there were no ſuch ſuperiority in God. Yet what creature needeth ſo much Government as man? other creatures conforme to thoſe rules nature hath enjoyned: Man is (above all other) exorbitant, and never more happy then when moſt confin'd.

(104)

The Chariot Horſes of Claudius Caeſar, which he ſent to the Circenſan Games, at p. 55the firſt ſtarting threw their driver, yet performed their courſe, and won the Prize. Thoſe that are of meane parts, and much exerciſe; are able to do more when engaged, then they of greater abilities, and leſte uſe.

(105)

The Earle of Wiltſhire ſent Embaſſador with ſome others by Henry the Eighth to the Pope, being admitted to have Audience, the Pope held out his Toe to him to kiſſe, which a Spaniell of the Eaths ſeeing, catcht in his mouth, but the Earle (not liking to take his dogs leavings) left the kiſſe which he had firſt hanſelled. Sathan offereth filthy & ſtinking luſts under the pretence of pleaſure or honour to us, which vile and uncleane ſinners greedily catch at, and well were it, if we were too curious to taſt of that Cup, wherein thoſe ſwine have dabled.

(106)

The War betweene the Duke of Burgudy and the Swiſſers, began but for a load of Sheepskins, wherein the Drake (refuſing all offers of accord) loſt in three battells his honour, wealth, and life. Of how great advantage to us while we are in this world, is moderation; whereby, even eaſily, thoſe p. 56differences are accommodated, and miſchiefes avoyded, which our frowardneſſe and obſtinacy widen unmeaſurably, and many times involve us in utter ruine, paſt recovery.

(107)

Doctor Harvy reporteth of a Wench living in the Countrey, which went to London, there in that Forreſt of people to conceale her ſhame, and lay down her great belly; of which being delivered in the MonethMonth of September, and a few dayes after recovering ſtrength went home, where in December following ſhe was brought to bed of another child, to the manifeſt evidence of her diſhoneſty. Lord, this is not the leaſt of my infelicities, that this heart doth ſuperfoetare: a ſuggeſtion of Satan is no ſooner brought forth, but eftſoones my heart is delivered of another; nay as Pliny reports of Ponticke Mice, even the young ones yet unborne, are with young. Therefore, Lord, as to theſe conceptions, give my heart: what wilt thou give it? even a barren womb, and dry breaſts.

(108)

A Citizen of Megalopolis being on his death-bed, and his friends lamenting by him, ſaid to them, To dye is not grievous to me, p. 57hoping in the other world to meet with ſuch good company, as Pythagoras, Homer, & Hecatoeus. If there be ſuch an aſſociation of affections between thoſe where Learning onelyonly hath knit the knot, as to make death it ſelfe to be deſired for company; let the Apoſtles Cupio diſſolvi be no more wondred at, when the company to be enjoyed, are God the Judge of all, and Jeſus the Mediator of the new Teſtament, and the Spirits of juſt men made Perfect, and the bond of Union even the ſame Spirit.

(109)

Henry the Eighth being an hunting, an expected raine fell, whereupon one of his Noblemen came to him, ſaying, It raines hard my Leig, and hath ſpoiled your ſport; to whom he ſaid, And ſo let it raine. When thoſe things befall us, which are above our power, by our patient ſufferance we bring them under our Command.

(110)

At the battell of Montlhrey, a Nobleman of the King of France his ſide, fled without ſtay to Luzignan, and an other of the Earle of Charolois ſide to Queſnay le Court, which are above three hundred miles aſunder: p. 58'twere well if in all Wars the conteſt were who ſhould flee fartheſt. Certainly in the battell againſt ſin, he is ſureſt of the victory, that leaſt comes neere it.

(111)

Policletus being to make two Statues, contrived one of them according to the exact rules of his Art, the other according to the fancy of every one that came by; which when he had expoſed to publicke view, the firſt was applauded by all, the other laught at by thoſe that had themſelves given direction for its faſhion. What itching fingers hath every meane perſon to be medling with thoſe in publicke imployments; and they who cannot ken their A. B. C. will yet take upon them to cenſure their Teachers, and direct for the management of their function. Yea, Lord, we are ready to ſay, Why is it thus? and to think if we had the diſpoſing of worldly affairs, thoſe things ſhould never have been which have happened; but we would more compendiouſly effect thoſe ends which we think God propoſeth to himſelfe: But were it ſo, how would unruly paſſions and unbridled affections diſtort us, and lead us into factions and fooleries, to the vexation of others, and diſquieting of our ſelves, and perverting p. 59thoſe ends, which culminantly ſhould have been in our eyes?

(112)

On an Iland on the North of Scotland, there is a Fowle which layeth but one egg, and that faſtened by the ſlime which accompanies its production at the ſmall end on ſome ſtone, which ſhe hatcheth by holding it in her foot; but if it be removed from the place where it was faſtned no Art can fix it there againe. Lord, thy Spirit ſuggeſteth an holy motion, and faſtneth on the ſtone of my heart, with that evidence of the holineſſe, juſtneſſe, and goodneſſe of it which accompanieth it; which if attended to by a carefull hand, may be brought forth to an happy perfection; but if it be let fall from my heart, by ſuffering that evidence to coole by negligence, or be diſturbed by worldlineſſe, 'tis almoſt impoſſible in the like manner to reſettle it.

(113)

There is an Hill upon the Coaſt of America, where ſuch plenty of Sea Fowle rooſt, that they cover it thick with their dung, ſo as no Plant grows there, which the husbandmen carry thence for the manuring of their grounds, which makes them beare with p. 60incredible fertility. Lord, to that end doth Satan beſpread my heart with the abominable filth of uncleane ſuggeſtions, that a good thought might have no abiding there: But let that wicked one be diſappointed of his end, that what he intended ſhould kill, may become uſefull to me, that thy grace may be actuated, and exerciſed by what he deſigned ſhould decay it; and the abhorrency of his peſt, may make me delight in, and be more laborious in thy ſervice.

(114)

Alexander the Tyrant of Pheren ſeeing a Tragedy acted, and being moved to teares by a lamentable paſſage in it, roſe up, and ſaid to one of his familiars, that He was aſhamed to ſhew himſelfe commiſerating the fained ſufferings of others, and not to take pity of the miſeries by himſelfe brought upon his own Citizens. Lord, thou haſt diſpoſed the heart of man to compaſſion; no heart ſo ſtony but admits of ſome degrees: diſtreſſed orphans and diſeaſed Lazers we cannot but relent to, though not releeve: our greateſt cruelty is to our ſelves, to that beſt part of our ſelves, our ſouls, which may ſo juſtly lament, and cry, theſe are the wounds which I received in the houſe of my friends.

p. 61(115)

Rought having been at the Martyrdome of Auſtoo, returning home was met by a friend, and asked, Where he had been? who anſwered, To learne the way; which he went afterwards in a fiery Chariot. 'Tis better to go to the houſe of mourning, then the houſe of feaſting: Sadneſſe contracting the ſoule, Mirth dilating it. But 'tis excellent to be preſent at the departure of the ſervants of God, many rare experiences are to be learned there: Thoſe ſo travelling in the very Thornieſt part of the way to heaven, give both choice direction and confirmation: The Devill then exerciſing them moſt, and with greateſt variety of temptations, and thoſe dying Swans never ſinging ſo ſweetly, as at their expiration.

(116)

Charles the Seaventh King of France having a jealouſie that thoſe about him (by the inſtigation of his ſon) did intend to poyſon him, abſtained from meat ſo long, that when he would have eaten he could not, his paſſages being ſhrunk up with too much abſtinence, and ſo dyed miſerably of famine. There is a time when Gods Spirit ſtrives with man, motions to good are frequent and vehement upon the ſoule, when with a certaine p. 62violence we are drawne to good; the feare of God is before our faces, as with Balaam, that we dare not ruſh into ſin; but if theſe ſtrivings be ſtill reſiſted, theſe motions ſlighted, and this feare repel'd, the time will be, when God will ſay my Spirit ſhall not alwayes ſtrive.

(117)

In the conſpiracy of Otho againſt Galba; when Otho had invaded the Army, and was acknowledged by it, there was a ſtrong report that Otho was ſlaine; which very many of the Senators and Knights of Rome hearing, preſented themſelves to Galba, profeſſing their ſorrow, that the occaſion to ſhew how much they would have done for his ſecurity was taken away, of which yet (when the truth proved otherwiſe) not a man did once appeare in his defence. Lord, when thy juſtice ſeemes to be ſuſpended, and becauſe thou puniſheſt not ſpeedily, therefore thou wilt not at all; how daring and preſumptious is this heart? what promiſes of pleaſure and ſecurity in ſin doth it make? but when conſcience is awakened, and the expectations of thy vengeance received, it is not leſſe ready to deſpond, then it was before preſumptious and daring: Therefore Lord, though I deſire p. 63to ſerve thee out of a principle of oneneſſe with thee, and affection to thee, yet no bonds are too many to reſtraine rebellious corruptions, and I had rather the Rod ſhould be ever held over me, then I ſhould grow wanton, through the want of it.

(118)

Mount Taurus hath his head continually covered with ſnow, though elevated far toward the Sun, when the much more low lying valleys are parcht with exceſſive fervor, becauſe the beams of the Sun paſſing upon thoſe Hills obliquely, affect them with little heat, whereas below the heat is doubled by reverberation. Thoſe that are (as I may call them) ſingle-guilt Auditors, that give the word an hearing, and but an hearing, are left with cold and ſnowy affections; but thoſe have their hearts (like the Diſciples journying to Emaus) burning within them, that reflect the word back againe by meditation.

(119)

Philip Duke of Burgundy was wont to ſay, That the Citizens of Gaunt love their Princes Son well, but their Princes never. Such is the fond heart of man, diſliking and weary of what is in preſent, & reaching after what is to p. 65come, which when obtained we as much diſguſt and loath, as we before fondly purſued.

(120)

Grinoeus lying upon his death bed, ſaid, That he was going to that place, where now Luther and Calvin agreed well together. The differences of Judgment that are between good men, will be compoſed, or at leaſt qualified in this life, when perſecution cometh; but they will be extinguiſhed in the other world, when we ſhall ſee no more in aenigmate, but face to face: but the animoſities that are betweene evill men, ariſing from corrupt hearts, and curſed luſts, ſhall be exaſperated in Hell, (where like the Army of Midian) every mans ſword ſhall be againſt his brother; the Devils ſhall torment men, and men one another, and there ſhall be conſent in nothing, but weeping and wailing and gnaſhing of teeth.

(121)

Lewis the Eleventh King of France, having been a great oppreſſor of his ſubjects by exceſſive Taxes, when he grew old reſolved to redreſſe that and other miſchiefs, whereby they had been oppreſſed; but was in a ſhort time after this purpoſe prevented by p. 64death. There are twelve hours in the day, wherein men may work, but we are bad accomptants, and reckon for the moſt part, that but five, which is paſt Eleven, and therefore as to all good purpoſes begin too late; but happy is he that alwayes makes uſe of the preſent, for he is ſure not to be diſappoynted, nor miſreckoned.

(122)

Three Martyrs being bound to one ſtake, one of them finding his heart ſadded, and fainting through the apprehenſion of the danger, went from under the chaine and fell down and prayed, and therein finding that comfort he wanted, roſe up joyfully, and going to his fellows, together with them couragiouſly ſuffered. Lord, we can ſaile no further in this troublous Sea, then the gales of thy Spirit drive us; if thoſe faile, we are preſently becalmed, even then when our courſe is moſt vigorous; 'tis thou that not onelyonly winds up our ſoules, but art the ſpring that moves them, if that be down their motion to thee-ward ceaſeth, for 'tis thou that gives us to will and to do, of thy good pleaſure.

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Ageſilaus hearing news of the overthrow of Piſander, at the very time of his joyning battell with the Thebans, cauſed the contrary tidings to be reported in his Camp, leaſt his Souldiers ſhould be diſcouraged; and came out himſelfe with a Garland of flowers on his head, and publickly ſacrificed to the Gods, giving them thanks for the goodnews. We have ſeen much ſuch politick Religion in our dayes, when there hath been praying, and faſting, and giving of thanks, not according to the truth of our concernments, but mens ambitious ends: But, Lord, though thou haſt been thus mocked, and Religion made a ſtalking Horſe to Policy, yet be thou found nevertheleſſe of thoſe that ſeek thee in truth, and thy ſervices not leſſe uſed, becauſe they have been thus abuſed.

(124)

Theramenes coming out of an houſe, was no ſooner abroad, but the houſe fell down, and cruſhed them that were in it; which good fortune the Athenians congratulating, he ſaid, O Jupiter! what is it, for which thou haſt farther reſerved me? And not long after engaging for the Common-wealth againſt the thirty Tyants, was by them put to death. p. 67Lord, when thy goodneſſe ſuccoureth us in our dangers, and giveth us thoſe deliverances which thou denieſt to others, let us take care not ſo much to enjoy our ſelves in that ſafety thou haſt vouchſafed us, as to anſwer thoſe ends wherefore thou haſt preſerved us.

(125)

I read of the ſiſter of Edward the third, married to David King of Scots, that ſhe was called Jane Make-peace. How fortunate were it, if not every Kingdome, but every Family had one deſerving that name? For what animoſities are bandied between kindred and kindred, neighbour and neighbour, man and wife, which an indifferent skill piouſly affected might eaſily compoſe?

(126)

'Tis ſaid of the Army of Vitellius, that in their march from Germany againſt Otho, were vigorous and full of courage in induring the troubles and hardſhips of the War, and ready to execute the commands of their Captains; but in their march out of the City againſt Veſpatian, they were faint for War, but prompt to all ſedition. Lord, we are then ready to diſpute thy Commands, when we are unwilling to do them; and we are then p. 70ready to charge thy wayes as full of difficulty, when we are full of ſloth: We thinke this will excuſe our neglect, to ſay, That we do what we can, when indeed we do but what we will, meaſuring our ability not by our ſtrength, but lazineſſe: yea, we quarrel with diſcipline, and find many faults with the rigour, or equity of it; 'tis not becauſe the rule is not ſtraight, but we are crooked, and it is irkſome to comply with it.

(127)

'Tis ſaid of Galba, that He could not ſo well be accounted virtuous, as without vices. 'Tis not ſeldome that civility is miſtaken for grace, and we pleaſe our ſelves that we are not as others are, then that we are what we ſhould be. Peter ſpeaking of thoſe that may apoſtatize, expreſſeth them, not by their actings of grace, but Their eſcaping of the pollutions of the world: The ſinfullneſſe of ſome ſins may be diſcovered, and through the light of conſcience there may be an abhorring againſt them, where yet there is no hearty cloſing with good, not affectionate application to the wayes of Righteouſneſſe. Lord, let therefore the new creature be formed in me, whereby I may not onelyonly Be purged from dead workes, but purified to ſerve the living God.

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Thomas Haukes going to the fire, was requeſted to give them a ſigne, whether the paine of burning were ſuch as might be with patience endured, which he promiſed to do by lifting his hands over his head; ſo being in the fire, and now to all mens apprehenſions paſt moving, the holy man remembred his promiſe, and lifting his armes aloft, clapped his burnt ſtumps together three times, and then ſunk down without any further appearance of life. That the torment of fire ſhould be tollerable to the body, is paſt imagination, unleſſe it had firſt loſt the ſence of feeling; but God that made the Buſh burne, but not burne up, and torments bodies in Hell with fire without conſumption, can make fire conſume the body, but not torment. Yea if men can make their conſciences (naturally tender) paſt feeling by cuſtome in ſin, is it much that God ſhould make the body paſt feeling that is dedicated to his ſervice, and ſo cauſe a bed of fire, to become a bed of doune? Lord, if ſuch an exigence by thy Providence befall me, let me not be ſolicitous what the ſuffering is, but for thy aſſiſtance to beare it.

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In the conteſt between Vitellius and Veſpatiau for the Empire of Rome, there were overtures made to Vitellius of agreement, to which he (enervated by ſloth and luxury) was willing to hearken, conſulting what place of preferment to Condition for; being contented himſelfe to forge he had been Emperour, if others would not have remembred it. It often falleth out, that they who have led the formoſt ranks in Religious deſignes, while godlineſſe hath been proſperous; when it hath met with ſmart oppoſition, have ſo far degenerated, as by a ſhamefull apoſtaſie to ſide with the adverſary, glad of any poor advantages that may be had thence, not aſhamed to forget they were profeſſors, but when they obſerve others remember their former profeſſion.

(130)

A Schoolemaſter walking with one of his Scholers by a neighbours Orchard, the Lad pluckt a Fig that hung over the Pale, which the Maſter ſeeing, rebuked him ſharply, and tooke it from him; but preſently eate it up himſelfe. Oh the very many who have greedily devoured thoſe things, which they counted a crime for others to look upon, and have p. 71declaimed that as ſacriledge, wherewith they have filled their own Purſes, having weathercock judgements, turned about with the wind of their own conveniences, and can tell you (as Ployden by the Hogs) That the caſe is altered.

(131)

Protogenes that famous Limner was ſeaven yeares in drawing the Picture of Jaliſus, which when Apelles ſaw, he ſaid, That the grace of the work was much, but allayed by the length of the time. I have heard ſuch Sermons as have been Elephantis partus, the workes of thoſe who have thought a Sermon cannot well be conceived under a yeare, or ſome moneths at leaſt: But I could never meet with any anſwering the expectations of ſo tedious a birth, but they have been outdone (as to the ends of a Sermon, which is to informe the judgment, and ſtir the affections) by thoſe, who have brought forth ſuch iſſues two or three times in a weeke at leaſt.

(132)

Pyrrus being admitted by the Athenians into their Caſtle, Pyrra at his departure adviſed them Never more to admit any Prince upon the like account againe; for it was too great a p. 74temptation for an ordinary fidelity to avoid. Time was when I gave my ſoule that liberty to diſcourſe with temptation, that it was not my ſtrength but thy mercy, Lord, brought me off; let not that ſucceſſe make me more adventurous, but the ſenſe of my danger, for the time to come more circumſpect and wary.

(133)

In the fields about the City Narvi in Italy, drought cauſeth dirt, and rainy weather makes it duſty. How ſtrangly contrary are the effects of the meanes of grace on the diſobedient? the bright rayes of divine truth giving occaſion to corrupt reaſon to reſiſt it more ſtrongly, and the gentle ſhowers of the word raiſe the duſt of vile affections and paſſions, (by a certaine Antiperiſtaſis, like Salt in a Pot of Snow, conducing to their farther obduration) that of their own nature would mollifie and ſoften.

(134)

Some travellers in Ethiopia finding ſome trees in a valley convenient for their repoſe, alighted there to eaſe themſelves ad cattell; which while they were doing, one among them obſerving a black cloud behind him, adviſed them to a ſpeedy departure from that p. 75place; which they had ſcarcely done, but ſo great a torrent of waters came downe there, where before was nothing but dry ground, driving all before it, ſo as had certainly been their ruine if they had not complyed with that advice. I obſerve by thoſe clouds of unruly paſſions ariſing in my heart upon the preſentation of ſome objects, that my ſoul will he mightily endangered, if thoſe occaſions of ſin be not avoided: Oh that my retreat may be therefore as ſpeedy, as my danger is certaine.

(135)

A motion being made in the Senate for the reſtoring of ſome Achaians to their countrey, ☜ who had been long baniſhed thence; which being much argued too and fro in the Senate, Cato ſtands up, and tells them, It ſeemes they were not buſie, that could attend ſo long diſpute, whether Rome or Greece ſhould bury thoſe decrepit Achaians. If we compare our ambitious thoughts, and emulous animoſities, with our haftning to our graves, we ſhall find our funeralls deſerve our care, more then our deſigns; for while we contrive how to ſupplant one another, death playes the Jacob with us, and ſupplants us all.

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The Embaſſadors of the late King or Sweden, having been over with us, our Gallants had ſoone taken up their faſhion of wearing Muffs: a mode unagreeing with our temperate Climate, ſo as the weaker Sex, imbrace it more for oſtentation, then need; and unbecoming the maſculine Sex, who ſhould be men of action, and ready prim'd to execution; which made me wonder that we being ſo extreamly ſelf-lovers, and ſelfe-conceited, ſhould ſo far value others inventions, as ſo unbecomingly to be their Apes, and that the faſhions of every Countrey ſhould have ſo many followers, thoſe onelyonly of the Kingdome of Heaven excepted.

(137)

There is a fountaine in Dodone which extinguiſheth lighted firebrands put into it, but lighteth thoſe that are extinct. Lord, if I come to thy word fraught with carnall wiſdome, I go blinder away then I came: Therefore let my mind be darke as to the conſultations of fleſh and bloud, without fire as to worldly deſires, that it may be enlightned by thy counſells, and enkindled with an holy zeal to thy ſervice.

p. 75(138)

They ſay that a great part of the Land of Aegypt was Sea, but by the earth which Nilus brings down with it, and ſends abroad in its overflowings; is now become firme land, and exceeding fruitfull. Lord, this heart of mine was all Sea, eſtuating with raging paſſions, and productive of innumerable monſtrous deſires; but by thy grace it is now in ſome part good ſoile: Oh let this Sea diminiſh daily, and this good ground grow every day more and more fruitfull.

(139)

Our Countriman ſaith, That he obſerved in his travells in Italy, that where our Lord Chriſt hath one votary, the Virgin Mary hath twenty, much more frequent Altars, and enriched Temples, and ſervices more abundantly repeated. So taking is ſuperſtition, that whereas true Religion being of divine appointment hath but rare, and calmly affected applycants, humane inventions hath Tritum atrium, many and zealous devotoes, Bring thy son (ſay the Abiezrites to Joaſh) that he may dye, becauſe he hath throwne downe the Alter of Baal. We heard no ſuch thing before ſpoken of, when Gods Alters were ſaid deſolate.

p. 76(140)

There is a tree called Pacovere in Brazil, which beareth fruit at a certaine time very plentifully, but never ſave that once. How many ſuch are there, who at ſome fit have appeared gallantly upon a Religious account, but have been never after heard of as engaged in any godly deſigne; that like Huſhai have ſtept in to play their part, but are never mentioned more. But Lord, let my ſoule be like the Orange tree full of ſucceſſive fruit, and let not the tree fall, but ſo as that it may beat downe ſome of the Devills buildings with it.

(141)

There is a people in the South of Africa, which though they have twenty wives a piece, or more, yet bury their children aſſoone as borne, not being willing to be combred with their education. Our teeming hearts are Inſtar viginti, incredibly fruitfull of corrupt thoughts; but though they will conceive and bring forth, 'tis our prudence to ſtifle them in the birth, for they cannot be brought up without, not our trouble onelyonly, but our ruine.

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The Tiger (they ſay) when hungrey is a very valiant creature, not dreading any enemy; but when full, will flee from a dog. Many have there been very daring and undaunted in the ingaging in, and patrocination of good workes, when their eſtates were mean; but when they have been warme with wealth, and well furred with large revenues, any feeble oppoſition hath quelled their courages.

(143)

In the time of Dioniſius that Sicilian Tyrant, the Sea was freſh for an whole day in the Bay of Siracuſa. Lord, my heart hath a naturall ſaltneſſe, not one drop is to be fetched thence, but hath an originall unſavourineſſe: But Oh, thou that art able, wouldeſt cure that otherwiſe incurable diſeaſe; ſpeake the word, and thy ſervant ſhall be made whole; ſmite thou the Rock of my heart, with the Rod of thy word, that thence may flow the living ſpring of divine charity.

(144)

Iſocrates is ſaid to ſell one Oration of his for twenty Talents. Surely Learning is not ſo much degenerated as the price is fallen; but if the inticing words which mans wiſdome p. 78teacheth be at ſo deare a rate, how precious ſhould thoſe volumes be, of which Lord thy holy Spirit is the inditer?

(145)

A certaine Samian named Elpis, on the African ſhore met a Lion; ☞ from whom flying, and recovering the next tree, the beaſt draws neere, making ſhews that he had a bone in his throat, with many ſupplicant poſtures requires his help; who at length perſwaded to deſcend, and performing the office deſired, had thanks returned him by the Lion, with a conſtant tribute of the beaſts he caught, during all the time of his abode in that coaſt. 'Tis not rare to find high flowne perſons, like this Lion ſubmiſſive to, and ſupplicating the help of thoſe of meaner conſideration in their neceſſities; but it is rare to find ſuch imitating this Lion in their gratitude.

(146)

There is a beaſt called Catoblepas, whoſe eyes whoſoever ſees dyes immediately; but yet (according to its name) having an heavy head, looks alwayes downward, and ſo being ſeldome ſeen is leſſe pernicious. How virulent and ragefull are thoſe inſtruments of Satan, and whither would not their malice p. 79extend its ſelfe, but that the divine Providence hath ſo ordered it, that thoſe curſt Cowes, ſhould have ſhort hornes?

(147)

The Sea-Tortoiſes being delighted with the morning Sun, ſo long pleaſe themſelves in that injoyment, that their ſhell being dried with the heat of the Sun, they cannot merg themſelves when they would, but floating above the water, become an eaſie prey to them that deſigne the carching them. The ſoul that too long, and unretiringly beſlows its ſelfe on the pleaſures of this world, will find its ſelfe in no capacity to engage in ſpirituall affaires, but at hand to be taken captive by the Devill at his will, and in a promptneſſe to be debauched by every temptation.

(148)

'Tis obſerved, the Storks which in great numbers come in Summer, and depart in Winter, are never perceived when they come, though that they are come be apparent. The infuſions of grace in thoſe piouſly educated, though the time when may many times not be diſcovered, yet the being of it (if it be) will be manifeſt, and by the effects of it evident.

p. 80(149)

Hiſtories tell us, and my ſelfe have known, that where Wood hath been grub'd, Fountains have ſprung up, where before there were none, If we would but pluck up thoſe inordinate deſires, which waſte our eſtates in vaine ſuperfluities, what abundance would there be of profitable conveniences to ſupply others?

(150)

Ageſilausbeing deſired by one, to heare a man that exactly counterfeited the Nightingale, anſwered, it would not need, for he had often heard the Nightingale her ſelfe. When we are called upon to heare the determinations of Counſels and Fathers, and to obſerve the practice of Antiquitie (which it were well if we did exactly imitate the truth) it might be replyed, It were not amifſe, but that we have God himſelfe ſpeaking to us in the Scriptures, which is better.

(151)

The Embaſſadors of the French King charging the Earle of Charalois in bitter termes, with a confederacy with the Duke of Britaine; the Earle many times intreating his Fathr Philip that he would give him leave to ſpeak for himſelfe, the old Duke p. 81in the end ſaid, I have already anſwered for thee, as me-thinketh a Father ſhould anſwer for his Son; but if thou hast a mind to ſpeak thy ſelfe, bethink thy ſelfe to day, and ſpeak to morrow, and ſpare not. The words which we are to ſpeake to captious greatneſſe, need much premeditation, that they may admit of no exception; But Lord, there is not a word in our mouthes, which is not written in thy Book, for which we muſt nor give an account to thy juſtice: But Oh that therefore I were ſo wary as to ſet a watch before the door of my mouth, that I offend not with my tongue.

(152)

Two brothers travelling upon the road, fell in diſcourſe of a woman known to them both, which one of them praiſed as very handſome, the other thought her faire, but not ſo faire; which difference in Judgment (though nothing pertinent to either) yet grew to that paſſe, as that they fell together by the ears, and had ſlaine one the other, if not accidentally parted. How many different opinions are there among us (Brethren of the ſame Religion as to fundamentalls) ſo far from being neceſſary to Salvation, that it is queſtionable whether they be any thing pertinent, which yet we are ſo hot about, p. 82that nothing but bloud will part us, when the things for which we have quarelled, would poſe a good invention to tell you, what tendency they have to the edifying of the Body of Chriſt.

(153)

The Leigeors having broken the peace made with the Duke of Burgundy, for performance of which, they had given 300 Hoſtages; it was debated in the Dukes Counſell what ſhould be done with the Hoſtages: The Lord of Contay adviſed to kill them all; a perſon of great wiſdome and moderation, and never before obſerved to ſpeak ſo cruelly. How uncharitable is it to cenſure any man, for one Act committed? when a ſudden paſſion or acrimonious humor, may bias the mind quite beyond its accuſtomed tenor.

(154)

Of thoſe Hoſtages which they of Leige had given to the Duke of Burgundy, for the performance of their Covenants with him, upon their breach of which he ſent home unharmed; the greateſt number proved unthankfull, and tooke Arms againſt the Duke: but five or ſix of them were ſo mindfull of the benefit they had received, that by their meanes p. 83he entered Leige, an enterprize ſo eminent, that a ſervant of the Duke ſaid, he durst hardly have craved of Gods hands ſo great ſucceſſe. Excellent is it to do good, and to communicate; for though the ſubjects of our benefaction may many (as in a Lottery) prove blankes, yet we may many times meet ſuch a prize, as may make ample amends.

(155)

The City of Venice begetteth wonder in the beholders, in this chiefly, to ſee ſo many ſtately and magnificent ſtructures, lifting up their towring heads, as if, like the Poets Venus, they had been begotten of the Seas foame, and in that place ejected; or elſe ſeated there by as great a miracle, as that Faith ſhould worke, which ſhould ſay to that mountaine, be thou removed, and ſet in the midſt of the Sea. The excellent and glorious vertues of the ſervants of God deſerve our view and imitation; but this makes them works of wonder, that they have their ſeat in ſuch hearts, as are not unlikely onelyonly, but having in ſome reſpe4ct an impoſſibility to ſuch productions.

(156)

Ericthonius being lame in his feet, firſt invented the Chariot to hide that imperfection, p. 84and Pericles being long headed, was therefore alwayes repreſented with an Helmet; and our Queen Anne covered the Wen in her neck with a Ruff, which ſhe firſt brought in faſhion. How do we wiſh that the deformities of our bodies never were, or might ever be hid, a crooked leg, or gibbous ſhoulder, how it troubles us; which yet if concealed, can never be rectified: but happy we if we were as ſenſible of the deformities of our ſouls, for the remedying of which crookedneſſes, the holy Spirit hath given us ſuch ſtrait rules to comply with.

(157)

Ravillak that murthered Henry the fourth of France, ☞ though in his execution he ſuffered moſt exquiſite torments, yet was obſerved never ſo much as once to name the name of God, or any other way make ſhew of repentance. Who would put off repentance to a dying bed, in confidence to have it then at our call? when ſickneſſe with the very preſentations of death its ſelfe, leaves that heart unmollified, which cuſtome in ſin hath hardened.

(158)

Alibiades went to one of his friends houſes, that had a great feaſt, and bad one of p. 85his ſervants take away halfe the Plate that ſtood on the Cupboard, wherewith the gueſts incenſed, ſaid, It was a bold and injurious part; nay, ſaith the Maſter, very favourable hath he dealt with us, that he hath left us any, when he might have taken all. Lord, when thou cutteſt off our ſuprfluities, we are ready to repine that thou dealeſt hardly with us; but what cauſe have we rather to acknowledge thy clemency and goodneſſe, that mayeſt take all, and yet leaveſt us any thing, that can claime nought.

(159)

Fabius Maximus rode on horſeback to his Son being Conſull, then diſparching affairs of State in the Market place; which the Son ſeeing, ſenr an officer to command his Father to alight, and come on foote, if he had any thing to ſay to the Conſull: While all wonder at the unhandſomneſſe of this Command, the Father alights, and haſting to his Son, imbracing him; applauds his magnanimity, that he had preferred the honour and intereſt of the Common-wealth, before that of a Father. Lord, thine is the Soveraigne intereſt of the world, and happy we, if the ſenſe of that lye ſo much upon our hearts, as that p. 86whatſoever is deare, and precious to us elſe, be made to vail Bonnet to thy concernments.

(160)

A Lacedemonian having loſt his Son, and being reproved as indulging his ſorrow, in that he wept for him, anſwered, I am not ſo much to be reprehended, Natura enim me flebilem fecit. Lord, if we much lament the loſſe of our deare relations, let it not be the effect of our impatience, but the iſſue of our affection.

(161)

Dioniſius being expelled Sicilia, and baniſhed to Corinth, was asked, What good the doctrine of Plate had done him; who replyed, To beare this adverſity patiently. Lord, if the times any when ſhould prove ſo diſaſterous, as to prevent the more favourable effects of thy truth, as inſtead of that love and veneration it ſhould beget, to render the profeſſors of it the ſubjects of perſecution, yet let us never be diſappointed of this fruit, that we know how in patience to poſſeſſe our ſouls.

(162)

Alexander being at Troy, one offers to ſhew him Paris his Harpe; I marry (ſaid he) I ſhould like it well, if thou couldeſt ſhew me that p. 87of Achillis. When the Papiſts ſhew their ſtore of relicks to their credulous votaries, me-thinks 'tis a ſad ſtory, they ſhould conceale the Key of Heaven ſo, as they neither enter in themſelves, nor ſuffer thoſe that would.

(163)

When the Duke De Birois was beheaded, he demeaned himſelfe more like a Lion in a toile, then a Lambe on the block, and was by the executioner rather trapan'd to death, then fairly ſubmitting to that preſent neceſſity; So that while we admire the courage of his life, we abhor his unchriſtianlike death: Whereas our Earle of Eſſex, though rather beyond him in high magnanimity, yet manifeſted abundance of Chriſtian meekneſſe on the Scaffold. Certainly 'tis an unſound maxime of our Duelliſts, that a man cannot be valiant and religious; or, that Joſephs anſwer to his miſtriſs, How ſhall I do this, and ſin againſt God? would not do well in a challenge. But ſurely Lord, we are then moſt couragious, when we are leaſt bold to ſin, and moſt obedient to thy word and Providence.

p. 88(164)

Alcibiades being accuſed by the Athenians, and hiding himſelf, when found, was asked, if he miſtruſted the juſtice of his Countrey, no ſaith he, not in another matter; but my life being concerned, I will not truſt my owne mother leaſt ſhe ſhould miſtake, and put in a black bean inſtead of a white. In the concernments of this life, we are deſirous to be moſt ſecured, and will not leave important affairs upon any uncertainty: but the Salvation of our ſouls which it might be thought we would not truſt our deareſt relations with, we ſuffer to rely onelyonly on the Colliers faith, and are willing ſhould depend upon the moſt improbable perſwaſions that can be imagined.

(165)

Agrippina being accuſed by Syllana for imagining treaſon againſt her Son Nero, made this her defence, That Syllana being barren, might think it as caſie to be rid of Sons as adulterers, but had ſhe known the power of maternall affection, there would have been no probability to accuſe of that for which nature it ſelfe had provided a defence. Lord, if others who never taſted how good the Lord is, ſin againſt thee, though the crime be manifeſt, yet it is leſſe unnaturall; but if thy p. 89Sons be accuſed, if that relation prove not their innocency, 'twill agravate their guilt.

(166)

Charles Duke of Burgundy being diſcomfited at the battell of Naucy, paſſing over a River, was overthrowne by his Horſe, and in that eſtate was aſſaulted by a Gentleman, of whom he craved quarter; but the Gentleman being deaf, ſlew him incontinently: Yet afterwards, when he knew whom he had ſlain, he died within few dayes of meer melancholy. When God intendeth to bring judgements on us, he not onelyonly findes executioners to effect his purpoſes, but ſends ſuch as are as deaf to our intreaties, as we have been to his counſels.

(167)

Subonis Flavius being one of the conſpirators againſt Nero, and askt by him, why he regarded the military Sacrament ſo little, as to conſpire his death? anſwered him; That he was faithfull to him while he deſerv'd to be loved, but he could not but hate him; ſince he was his Mothers, Brothers, and Wives murtherer, a Waggoner, Stage-Player, and Incendiary of the City: then which ſpeech (ſaith the Hiſtorian) nothing happened to p. 90Nero more vexatious; for though he were prompt to do wickedly, yet impatient to bear the wickedneſs he did. It is not the leaſt part of our conviction, and vanity, that we are not aſhamed to be what we are aſhamed to be thought; when to be evill is a reall defection, to be thought ſo, but imaginary, and rather to them that think ſo then to us, being an evill conception exiſting in their mindes, not otherwiſe applicable to us then as we are guilty.

(168)

The Courtiers of Galba, though under a ſevere Prince, were yet as injurious to the Common-wealth as thoſe of Nero; becauſe Galba being old, and their time not likely to laſt long, they made uſe of it while it endured; like the Dragon which laid about him, becauſe he knew he had but a ſhort time. How much doth the conſideration of the ſhortneſs of time, conduce to the expedition of humane affaires? what odds between our haſt in a Winters, and in a Summers day? Yet alas, how little doth the brevity of our lives, enforce our indeavours to be ſpiritually rich; we loyter away our precious opportunities in doing nothing, or that which is worſe then nothing.

p. 91(169)

'Tis ſaid of Charls the Ninth, King of France, that accuſtoming himſelf to rip open the bellies, and pluck out the bowels of thoſe Beaſts he took in hunting, grew very cruel, being not onelyonly the Authour of that unparalled Pariſian Maſſacre, but alſo many times furious to thoſe neere about him, and beloved by him, often to their very great danger. 'Tis ſafe not to have to do with the very introductions to iniquity: a wiſe man would not come neer that precipice, the very beholding of which will make a man giddy: 'tis common prudence to avoid that place, where we judge the Air infectious. Our hearts are ſo fruitfull of curſed luſts, that they generate not by coition onelyonly, but by imagination: Happy he therefore that is taught to fly the very appearance of evill, and to hate, not the leprous body onelyonly, but the very Garment ſpotted with the fleſh.

(170)

When William the Conquerour had taken ſure footing in England, having ſeiz'd the greateſt part of it, and intending an expedition into Kent, to take that in alſo, the Kentlſhmen p. 92under the conduct of their Biſhop well appointed met him not far from Smauſcombe, having every one a green bough in his hand, and behinde them a vaſt tract of Woodland. The men with boughs thus appearing like a Wood, and the Wood behinde being thought by the Conqueror to be men with boughs, he was unwilling to hazard his preſent Conqueſts, by engaging with ſo conſiderable a force as he judg'd them to be, and therefore choſe rather to condiſcend to thoſe Conditions, which they preſented to him: the ground of that ſaying, Kent was never conquered; and the cauſe that that County hath thoſe immunities the other have not. When times turn, and perſecutions threaten the godly, they poor hearts, think that there is a vaſt Army of oppoſition againſt them, and that their deliverance is far off; like thoſe Jewes who ſaid the time of this captivity is long; therefore are ready to capitulate with the enemy, and comply with thoſe things which are neither ſafe, nor honourable: when alas the Lyon is not ſo fierce as he is painted, nor oppoſition ſo ſtrange, but the breath of the Lord can blaſt it; nor perſecution ſo tedious, but yet a little while, and he that ſhall come, will come, and will not tarry.

p. 93(171)

Margaret Meering being excommunicated by Rought, out of that Congregation of Proteſtants whereof he was Paſtor, wherein ſhe ſeemed to have hard dealing; yet when Rought was impriſoned for the truth, ſhe above all others affectionatly miniſtred to him, and ſuffered Martyrdome for the truth with him. 'Tis an huge argument of a gracious heart, to ſubmit to reproof; many that have been active for Chriſt, have yet fallen off upon ſuch an account. Abner that more than once, and more than any, ventured his life for the houſe of Saul, yet deſerted it, being check… by Iſhboſheth concerning Riſpah.

(172)

Vitellius in his paſſage to Rome, after the victory obtained by Caecinua and Valens againſt the Othonians, would needs ſee the place where the battel was fought, which if but newly ſtricken, yet would have rendred an horrid Spectacle, ſo many mangled bodyes, and divided joynts, and carkaſſes of men and horſes, which careleſs death had there promiſcuouſly ſcattered, giving a ſad repreſentation; but it being the fourtieth day after, the corrupted gore, and putrefaction of p. 94ſo many unburied bodyes made the ſight beyond imagination horrible, which yet Vitellius with delight beheld, rejoycing in the ſlaughter of ſo many Citizens, without the leaſt diſcountenance, or ſhew of miſeration. To how great hardneſs of heart, and height of inhumanity doth cuſtome in ſin bring the ſoul! what would be trembled at by thoſe that are but beginners in iniquity, is accounted ſport by thoſe fleſht in ungodlineſs; Let the young men ariſe, and play before us, ſaid Joab: Rare ſport where the play-mates run their ſwords in each others ſide, and fell down dead together.

(173)

A certain perſon of our Countrey, having a ſuit with another a long time for a ſmall plot of ground not worth 40 pounds, left by Will 500 pounds per annum for the maintenance of the ſuit after his death. Oh the imperfection of our Laws, or corruption of our Lawyers, that any ſuit can admit of ſo tedious and coſtly a deciſion; but alas, did he look for peace in Heaven, that would have a Civil war thus ſurvive him?

(174)

Alcibiades having done huge exploits, for p. 95which the Athenians call'd him from banniſhment and made him their General, ſending him out with a Fleet of an 100 ſail; they were ſo high-flown in their expectations from him, that they looked to hear ſoon after his departure of the ſubduing of no ſmall Countryes by him, beyond all poſſibility of accompliſhing, which he not effecting, but yet as much as in reaſon could be expected, they change their former conceit of his sufficiency, into ſuſpicion of his fidelity, and without more evidence condemned him. Lord, we are high in our expectations of great things from thee, and are ready to murmur, as if too ſtraitly dealt with by thee, not becauſe thou giveſt us not what we have cauſe to expect, but becauſe we expect that which there is no cauſe thou ſhouldſt give us.

(175)

Harvey affirms the heart (though the fountain of life) yet to be without feeling; which he proves by a Gentleman he had ſeen, who by an Impoſthume had an hole in his ſide, through which not only the Syſtole and Diaſtole of the heart might be diſcerned, but the heart it ſelf touched with the finger, which yet the Gentleman affirmed that he felt not. p. 96'Tis an argument that ſuch a ſoul is of eminent and publique conducement, uſefull to derive good to others, that is leſs ſenſible of private injuries; when thoſe peeviſh ſpirits that are intent upon their particular affronts, are taken up with their own to the neglecting of what they might benefit the publick by.

(176)

In the reign of Nero, there were very many undone, not by their enemies only, but by their friends, who too ſolicitouſly intending their ſafety, that very means rendred them ſuſpected, and became their ruine. If Satan cannot deſtroy us as an enemy, he indeavours it as a friend; if he cannot faſten his remptations upon us under the notion of ſin, and the ugly hue of a direct oppoſition againſt God, he alters his method, and transformeth himſelf into an Angel of Light: if he cannot perſwade to a neglect of Gods ſervice, then to a ſuperſtitious worſhip of him; he is like an enemy when he fawns and frowns, and is ever not to be ſuſpected only, but reſiſted alwayes, for he is ever the father of lyes.

p. 97(177)

King Edward the ſecond being taken by the Queens forces, was committed to ſome perſons to convey him to a place of ſafety, who going about to ſhave him that he might not be known, took cold water out of a ditch to waſh him with, ſaying, That ſhould ſerve his turn now; to whom he anſwered, That he would have warm water whether they would or no, even his own tears. Though the cruelty of enemies, and calamity of perſecuting times, may deny us the many conveniences, and deprive us of the advantages of this life, yet do what they can, they cannot deprive us of Gods favour, if we deprive not our ſelves of it by a ſimple complyance.

(178)

'Tis ſiad of the Lyon, that being proveked, he beats himſelf with his own tail, to raiſe his anger, and incenſe himſelf, that his ſpirits being ſtirred, he might lay out himſelf more forcibly. Thoſe that are of melancholy and froward ſpirits, when diſaſters befall them, either by their too much poring on their preſent ſufferings, or misboding worſe, make thoſe burdens heavier, and (like wind in rainy weather) ſet them cloſe, and tye knots p. 98upon their Whipcord, and pin their Rods to make them yerk the more ſeverely.

(179)

Richard the firſt, being reproved by a Fryar, and told, That he had three Daughters, which if he did not diſpoſe of, would undoe him, Pride, Covetouſneſſe and Leachery; he anſwered, If the were the buſineſſe, he would beſtow them preſently; Pride to the Knights & Tempplars, Covetouſneſſe to the Ciſtercian Monks, and Leachery to the Fryars. Whe good advice is given us, we enervate the ſtrength thereof, or pervert the uſe by quarrelling with, or recriminating the perſon that gives it; whereas if good counſel come from a Balaams Aſſe, or the Devil himſelf reprove ſin, if the Conſcience plead guilty, reformation is a due debt.

(180)

Demoſthenes coming to Corinth, with deſign to enjoy the famous Courtizan Lais, ſhe askt him ſo great a ſum, that he returned, ſaying, He would not buy repentance at ſo dear a rate. Sinfull pleaſure is never to be purchaſed at eaſie tearms, ſin being ſo full of iniquity, that it never demands an equall compenſation, no leſs then a precious immortall p. 99ſoul will ſerve the turn in lieu of thoſe pleaſures which periſh in the uſing, and are no ſooner found then loſt.

(181)

Edward the firſt, before the death of his father, with other Confederates undertaking a voyage to the Holy Land, by the way they invaded Tunis, where having taken a very great ſpoyl, the reſt purpoſed with their booty to return home, which deſign the Prince withſtanding, but in vain, ſaid, That as he had vowed a journey for the recovery of the Holy land, ſo thither he would go, though none but Fowen his Horſe-keeper accompanied him. It is good to have the heart in ſuch tune, as to joyn in concord with others in a religious deſigne, to be glad when it is ſaid tous, Let us go up to the houſe of the Lord; but it is better to lead in ſuch company, to be Captains of the Lords Hoſt; but then we ſhew what ſpirit we are of, when like Elijah, we are very jealous for the Lord in ſuch general defections, that we ſeem only left, that we can tread the wine-preſſe alone, though of the people there be none with us; can ſay as Joſhua, I and my houſe will ſerve the Lord, though all Iſrael beſide deſert his intereſt.

p. 100(182)

Lewis then Duke of Orleance, rebelling againſt Charls the eighth, King of France, and joyning in confederacy with the Duke of Britain, was taken priſoner in battel by the Earl of Trimovil, being afterward King of France, and moved by ſome about him to be revenged of the Earl, ſaid, That the Earl had done nothing but his duty, and wiſht, That he might never find a worſe Subject in time of need, then the Earl in that action had approved himſelf. Such preaching as doth ſearch the heart, awaken conſcience, and hedg about the ſoul with thorns that it cannot find its paths, and takes it captive in the Lords bonds, is under the cenſure of men as unreaſonably auſtere and rigorous; but when their eyes are opened to diſcern the true intereſts of their ſouls, they then find that that's the preaching fit for the recovery of ſouls, and that they had never been cured, if they had not been cauterized.

(183)

Richard the firſt, being in his Palace at Weſtminſter, had news brought him, That the French King beſieged [one of his Towns beyond the Seas; whereupon he vowed, That he would not turn his back till he had raiſed the p. 101ſiege; and] immediately cauſed the walls to be digged down before him, and without farther delay, haſted over, and relieved the place. How many good purpoſes are loſt for want of preſent execution; while we pretend to conſult for the fitteſt opportunity, we looſe the preſent opportunity; and while we are determining what time to repent in, we leave our ſelves no time wherein to repent.

(184)

A certain Prieſt in France being converted to the truth, and impriſoned for it, being brought to examination recanted, upon which recantation being delivered out of priſon, was in the very paſſage out ſlain by two Gentlemen that bare an old grudge to him. Lord, they that will not loſe their lives upon that excellent accoutn of thy glory, how juſt is it that it ſhould be loſt to them upon the unprofitable account of humane frailty or others malice? what rare husbandry is ti then to loſe the life for thy ſake, when that Roſe is offered up a ſweet ſavour to thee, and ſhall be richly rewarded by thee, which otherwiſe would have faded of it ſelf, or have been clipt off with the reſt of the Buſh.

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One claiming Juſtice of Ariſtides for injuries that another had done him, told him, That the ſame perſon had ſpoken very unhandſome and vile words of Ariſtides himſelf; to whom he ſaid, Friend, if he have wronged thee ought, prethee make it appear, for upon the account of righting thee am I at this time here, not to vindicate my own wrongs. When will it be that judgement ſhall not be perverted, that the equity of the cauſe, and not the affection of the party accuſed, ſhall be conſidered? for how often hath it been ſufficient to put and keep thoſe ſheep in the Pound, not becauſe they have treſpaſſed, but have not our mark upon them; and have diſpatcht thoſe Doves, not becauſe they have not been innocent, but not of our colour.

(186)

A Biſhop being charged with an hainous offence, and condemned to dye for it, had grace given in to him before his execution, ſo that with floods of tears he lamented his ſins, & with an heart abundantly poured out he beſought the Lord for pardon, ſaying, That he had ſaid prayers before, but never prayed till now. What odds is there between the tongue when p. 103it is the tuned inſtrument of others invention, and when it is the tunable inſtrument of the hearts affection; when the breath that moves it is not out of the bellows of a formal devotion, but the breathings of the ſoul to God and pantings after him? how differently is the Lord affected? the languid oſcitancy, and diſtracted perfunctorineſs of prayer not dictated from the heart, like an arrow ſhot from a broken bow, falling ſhort of the Throne of Grace, but it is the inditings of that ſpirit of prayer and ſupplication, that layes bands upon the Divine Majeſty, and will not let him go untill it hath a bleſſing.

(187)

Philip King of Spain being minded by one of his Courtiers, That that was the day of his father the Emperours reſignation, anſwered, and of his repentance too; intimating that that reſignation was no ſooner done, then wiſht undone. With what unreſolvedneſſe do we reſolve to deſert the world, our hearts having ſecret practice with it, even then when our underſtandings are convinced of the vanity of it, and we profeſſe moſt againſt it? our repentance though as to the matter of it, not to p. 104be repented of, yet to be repented of as to the manner.

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Pliny reports of a Maid in his time, On her marriage day changed into a man; and others tell of the ſame metamorphoſis ſo reall, that ſome afterward have had wife and children. Thoſe that are eſpouſed to Chriſt in the bond of the New Covenant, are truly changed from the effeminacies of luſt, and of a vain converſation, and become maſculine, enobled to generous and heroick deſigns, preſt to quit themſelves like men.

(189)

Archimedes being intent upon a Mathematicall demonſtration, at the time when Syracuſa was taken, a Souldier breakes into his ſtudy upon him, with his ſword directed at him, to whom he turn'd about and ſaid, Prethee friend let me alone till I have finiſht my Demonſtration; with which the rude fellow incenſed, run him through, without more ado. With what content have thoſe refined ſouls beſtowed themſelves in the ſearch of humane Science, when with high ſatisfaction to themſelves they have hunted forth out of the rude maſſe ſome more ſublimed notion; with p. 105what exultation have they clapt their hands at, and applauded their own foreign, when as yet their wiſdome was but of the earth earthy; with what rare delight then may we be imployed in the ſearch of thoſe divine myſteries which the very Angels themſelves deſire to pry into.

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The very ſuſpition of Proteſtaniſme is almoſt Capital where the Inquiſition is eſtabliſhed; but the Jews are by publick allowance ſuffered in Rome it ſelf, under the Popes Noſe; though the Proteſtant agree very much with the Papiſt in his belief as a Chriſtian, the Jew not at all. In Turkey the Chriſtians have free exerciſe of their Religion, but the Perſian Sect is ſo hated, that a Zelez ſlew an Embaſſadour of theirs, only upon the account of that difference, though the Chriſtian wholly diſavow their Mahomet, the Perſian only diſſents about his Succeſſor. Thus we daily ſee a greater diſguſt becauſe of ſome petty differences in circumſtantials, where yet there is agreement in the vital part of fundamental truth, and holy living, then becauſe of thoſe notorious profaneſſes which unchriſtian a man, and make him as an Heathen man, and a Publican.

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A Crocodile out of the River Niger drew in with ihs tail nine ſlaves chained together, and devoured them, but the Chain not being digeſtible, proved his deſtruction, being found in him dead. Lord, at how great ſins dare this heart of mine venture, and at how long a train? as the Ox drinketh down water in huge quantity, and with great delight; but there is a Chain of guilt with it, ſurely deadly, that can neither be vomited, nor vented; this makes me cry, My bowels, my bowels, I am pained at my very heart; but the comfort is, there is Balm in Gilead, and a Phyſitian there.

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At the ſiege of Rochel a certain Souldier from the walls obſerving the Duke of Anjou, (afterwards Henry the 3d.) to ſtand viewing the Fortifications, fired at him, which one of the Eſquires of his body perceiving in the very moment ſtept before him, and ſaved the life of his Lord, by the loſſe of his own Lord, the arrows of thy vengeance are levelled at the Caul of my heart, and it is juſtice that they ſhould ſmite me under the fifth rib; but let that Jeſus who ſaves his people from their ſins, call'd foreign a middle perſon, ſtep p. 107between, Let the chaſtiſement of my peace be upon him, and by his ſtripes let me be healed.

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Marcellus at the taking of Syracuſa, being greatly deſirous to ſave the life of Archimedes, gave ſtrait charg through his army, That every perſon ſhould endeavour his ſafety; but a Souldier breaking in upon him at his ſtudy, (not knowing him) ſlew him. How much better is it to be one of thoſe marked out by him with the writers Ink-horn by his ſide? how much greater ſecurity in being one of thoſe who ſigh and cry for the abominations done in the midſt of the City? how much more certain ſafety had Jeremiah, Baruch, and Ebedmelech, when Jeruſalem was ſtormed by Nebuchadnezzar, being thoſe to whom God had promiſed their lives for a prey.

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Fabius Maximus dying ſuddenly the day before the end of his Conſulſhip, Rebius ſued to be Conſull for the few hours of that year which remained. Lord, how ſhort haſt thou made our lives if compared with the Crow or Stag? and how much ſhorter are they made by many croſſe accidents? and how much ſhorter doe we make them by our many intemperances? and p. 108how much ſhorter yet are they made by thy juſt judgement, when for our preſumption and careleſneſs in thy worſhip we are ſick and weak, and ſome fall aſleep, and yet how fond are we of this little remnant, that we often hazard an immortal ſoul for it; But Oh, do thou direct my aims to that which admits of no termination as to extent of time, or enjoyment.

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Some Roman Souldiers flying from Amida, when taken by the Perſians, wandred in the deſerts almoſt choaked with thirſt, till they came to a deep well, whence yet they had nothing to draw the water with, till neceſſity found out this invention, They pull'd off their ſhirts, and cut them out into long ſlips, which they tyed together, making a bunch at the end, by which through a manifold repetition ſqueezing the hunch, they drew up water enough to quench their thirſt. When we come to the word to draw water out of the wells of ſalvation, we are unfurniſhed of Pitchers for that purpoſe, our ears are dull of hearing, our hearts fat, and hard to underſtand here a little, and there a little; a frequent repetition muſt be often applicatious, for of p. 109much we carry away but a very little, our judgements but a little informed, our affections but a little rectified or elevated. Alas, alas, they that think rare attendances wil ſerve the turn, or that they ſhall be told but what they know, manifeſt that they are not ſenſible of their own dullneſſe, nor conſider that the Apoſtle Peter thought it meet to put thoſe often in remembrance who knew thoſe things, and were eſtabliſhed in the preſent truth.

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A certain perſon that had ſold a ſtreet of houſes, and laid out the money in coſtly apparrel, came to Court, and being in a preaſe there, cryed to them, To make way for one that had an hundred Tenements on his back. Lord thou haſt ſaid, That thou art preſſed under our ſins as a Cart is preſſed under ſheaves; and the burden of our iniquity brings down from thee a burden of puniſhment; yet is the weight of ſin fo far from being grievous, that inſtead of lamenting the preſſure, we boaſt of the number; but if we are not weary and heavy laden with the ſenſe of our tranſgreſſions now, they will at that day preſs us down into the loweſt hell.

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Neer the Lake Agnano there is a Cave, into which (for the experience of Travellers) the neighbouring Inhabitants are wont to put their Dogs, which are no ſooner in, but they are as dead immediately, with eyes ſet, and tongues hanging out; but taken thence preſently, and thrown into the Lake, they recover; for which cauſe thoſe Dogs no ſooner ſee a ſtranger coming, but if not timely prevented away they get them packing to the adjoyning mountains, not to be got again to make a new experiment. Lord thou ſaidſt, In the day that thou eateſt thereof thou ſhalt dye the death; and we never deſcend into acts of iniquity, but we are afreſh dead in treſpaſſes and ſins, and that irrecoverably, if not waſhed by faith and repentance in the fountain opened for ſin and for uncleanneſſe; but if we have ſo eſcaped, when temptation again preſents it ſelf, ſhall we not get us packing, by no means to be brought to another tryall?

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Cleopatra the wife of Cyricoenus, having taken Sanctuary at Antioch after her husbands overthrow, her Siſter Gryphina, the wife of Gryphus moſt importunately ſolicited her p. 111death, and though Gryphus much perſwaded her deſivery, yet ſhe her ſelf commanded the Souldiers in to diſpatch her, but a few dayes after, the ſame Gryphina falling into the hands of Cyricoenus, was by him made a ſacrifice to his Wives Ghoſt. They are not our times alone, that by their mutability have taught men that great leſſon of moderation; all ages have witneſſed, That the Lord is at hand, a juſt Judge to execute vengeance on thoſe who have not by their miſeration to others ſhewed their ſenſe, that they alſo are in the body, even thoſe whom God ſent out to be his Executioners, he hath afterward plagued becauſe they did their work without pitty.