Eighteen Sermons, Preface
A PREFACE Concerning the Author, and these NOTES.
THough I might be silent, concerning either the most famous Preacher of these Sermons, or these notes now published which were taken after him, yet such is the high esteem I have of him, and the due respect I hear to them for his sake cheifly, that I could not withstand the request of divers who Importuned some Lines from me upon this occasion, both concerning the one and the other.
First I commend unto the Reader a diligent perusal of the life and death of the most Reverend and Learned Father of our Church Dr. Jam. Usher late Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland, put forth by Reverend and Learned Dr. Bernard where he shall meet with many delightfull passages concerning, His
Stock and pedigree.
Great parts, Gifts, and Graces.
Ingenious Education.
Admirable Proficiency.
Timely Conversion.
Rare Learning.
Indefatigable Industry.
Strict and holy Conversation.
Pious Government of his Family.
Amicable correspondence with Forreign Churches.
Prophetick Spirit.
Learned writings.
Comfortable Visitation.
*Lord in special forgive my sins of omission, see Dr. Ber. Life and death of the Arch. Bp. of Armagh. p. 110Dying words, never to be buryed.
Blessed Death.
Ever to be lamented Losse.
Fit Parallel to Samuel among the Prophets, to Augustine amongst the Fathers.
with many other things worthy Observation: and when he hath pondered these well, he will the lesse wonder that his name hath filled the Christian world as much as ever did Augustine or Athanasius of old, or Whitakers and Reynolds of later times.
Secondly I tender these spices gathered to the Embalming of this Rare Phoenix out of his own ashes, holding my self engaged as much as any to cast my mite into the treasury of his blessed memory, as having had my Bene esse most from him.
First, by him I was examined and admitted into the Vniversity near Dublin in Ireland, his native City and Countrey above fourty years ago.
Secondly whil'st I continued there (which was the space of eight years) he took special care of me and account of my studies there.
Thirdly by him I was ordained (or to use the Apostles word) put into the ministry, foreign.and the same day admitted his Chaplain in ordinary, now two and thirty years ago: though then able to do him little service; being called to a *Sheffeild in Yorkshire·Congregation in another nation: which call his Grace did then approve of.
Having given this account to the Reader I shall only mention three things Concerning him, and forbear many more that might be added.
First, to the testimonies concerning him from Spanhemius, Ger. Vossius, Buchartus, Simplitius, …ud. de dieu. Paulus Testardus, Blessensis, Arnoldus Bootius, Mr. Selden, Dr. Prideaux, Bp. Davenant, Bertius, Mr. Cambden, Sir Rog. Twisden, and the whole University of Oxford, beside the forced testimony of his adversaries, Moranez. Beaumont, (Alias) Rookwood, Challoner, Hen. Fitz-Symonds, for all which I refer to the book aforesaid; give me leave to add the testimony of Dr. William Chappel, sometimes fellow of Christs Colledge in Cambridge, and afterwards Provost of Trinity Colledge near Dublin: which from such an acute man as he was, may amount to the like equivalent testimony from the Universitie of Cambridge. He gave me once three reasons why he thought Doctor Usher (then James Meath Anagram, I am the same. See Dr. Bernard page 52.Bishop of Meath) was in his esteem the greatest Scholar in the Christian world.
1. One was, because of his rare natural parts, the foundation of his other Learning; having a quick Apprehension, a prompt Wit, a strong Memory, a clear Understanding, a piercing Judgement, and a ready utterance: Seldom (said he) shall you meet all these in an Eminent degree in the same person, but in him they so concurred, that it is hard to say in which he most excelled.
2. Another was, because few men though they had such parts were either able or willing to make so rich improvement of them, by choice Libraries, unwearied studying in them, and searching out the Rarities of any other: few mens bodies and brains (he beleeved) would bear it.
3. The third was, because he was so esteemed both in these Universities, and in those beyond the seas: and indeed whosoever conversed with him, found him (if they pleased to try it) a skilful Linguist, a Subtile Disputant, a fluent Orator, a profound Divine, a mighty Antiquary, an exact Chronologer, and indeed a living and walking Library; The greatest professors have admired the Concatenation of so much and such variety of Learning in one person.
1. Do but think; he that
Learned to read of two of his Aunts that were both blind.
Was converted from a state of Nature into grace at ten years old.
Was admitted the first Scholar into the Colledge at Dublin, and that upon design, by reason of his pregnancy and forwardnesse, at thirteen years of age.
Made an exact Chronology of good part of the Bible, and of some other Authors he had read, at fifteen years old.
Encountred a Jesuite at 19. years old, and afterwards was called by him (of such as are not Catholicks) the most Learned.
Was Master of Arts, answered the Philosophy Act, and chosen Catechist of the Colledge, when he went through a great part of the body of Divinity, in the Chappel, by way of common place, at nineteen yeears old.
Commenced Batchelour of Divinity at twenty seven years old, and immediately after was chosen Professor of Divinity in that Vniversity.
Do but think I say how mighty he was, when beside his promptnesse in School Divinity, he had read over all the Fathers, and trusted his own eyes in the search of them by that he was thirty eight years of age, and was Master of all other Learning also.
Secondly▪ If any yet be found, that would detract from so accomplished a person, and indeed pillar of our Church in his Generation, by reason of the distance at which they stand from Prelacy, or by reason of their Engagement in the late civil and unhappy differences between The late King and Parliament; claiming to themselves Liberty wherein soever they differ from others, both in matters of Church and State, but allowing to others as little concerning either: to such as these (if they be such as deserve satisfaction) give me leave to say,
A Divine and Apostolical Bishop he was, and next to the Apostles, Evangelists, and Prophets, as great a Pastor and Teacher, and trusted with as much of Gods mind, as I believe any one since hath been.
An Ecclesiastical Bishop he was also, and the most able Moderator in Church assemblies: To him pertained the double honour for ruling well, and for Labouring in word and Doctrine: Famous were two of his Predecessors in that See Dr. Ber. Epist. to the Reader in his life and death, &c.See of Armagh, in their Generations, the one for his sanctity, the other for his Learning, but both these Eminently met in him; John the Divine commendeth the Angel or Bishop of Ephesus, &c. and Ireland will do no lesse for this Angel or Bishop of Armagh.
But for Popish Bishops, none was further off then he: Witnesse his Learned Writings against the Romish Synagogue, his Judgement within the bounds of a moderated Episcopacy; and when the Reader hath perused that *See the Reduction of Episcopacy to the form of Synodical Government Received in the Antient Church: published by Doctor Bernard, in a Book entituled, The Judgement of the Late Arch Bishop of Armagh, &c.frame of Church Government drawn up under his own hand and now published, he will see what a good Bishop Doctor Usher was.
The last thing which I shall propose to the Reader, is The Crown God set upon the head of this Humble Saint, both in the Conversion and Edification of very many. Indeed *2 Sam. 1.22.his bow seldome turned back, nor his sword returned empty. God was mighty in him, which way soever he bent himself, either in Conviction, Conversion, or Consolation, wherein he had *Isa. 50.4.the Tongue of the Learned given unto him; Witnesse the many Souls who were, and are his*2 Cor. 3.2. Epistle known and read of all Men; Witness again the successe God gave to divers of his Encounters with Adversaries to the true Religion: some instances whereof the Learned Doctor that writes his Life hath given, to which many more might be added. Witnesse also such as were his frequent hearers, how mightily the hand of God was with him, so that *Acts 11.21.a great number beleeved and turned unto the Lord. If *Dan 12.3.they that turn many to righteousnesse shall shine as stars for ever and ever, then this famous Evangelist is a star of the greatest Magnitude, and will be able in the strength of Christ to say after him, *Heb. 2.13.Behold I and the Children which God hath given me.
And though the work of the Ministry is ours, the successe Gods, yet who so expecteth blessing from God upon his Labours, I cannot commend to such, a pattern more exact to be imitated amongst the men of this Generation, then this good Bishop, especially in these three things.
First in making his whole life an example of his doctrine: *Tim. 4.12.an example in word, in Conversation, in Love, in Spirit, in faith, and in purity. Many there were who in that respect Reverenced him, though of the Romish Synagogue, as *Mark 6.20.Herod did John the Baptist, knowing that he was a just and an holy man.
This blessed Preacher did Live all his Sermons, and had learned of Jesus who, *Acts 1.1. foreign.began both to do and to teach. Nazianzens Epitaph on the life of Basil was true in him, His words were Thunder, his Life Lightning.
Secondly in making Christ and the Apostles the pattern of his preaching, this great Master in Israel was the most self-denying man in the pulpit, and the most Reverend and Christ advancing Preacher.
He preached *Mat 7.29.with great Authority as did our Saviour to the Conscience*1 Cor. 2.4, 5. his speech was not with enticing words of Mans wisdome, but in demonstration of the spirit, and of power: that their faith might not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. How oft have I seen my self, and heard from others, whilst he thus prophesyed, some that beleeved not, coming to hear him, 1 Cor 14.24, 25.go away Convinced of all, Judged of all, and the secrets of their heart made manifest, and so falling down on their face they have worshipped God, and reported that God was in him of a truth. He was an *Acts 18.24.Apollos an Eloquent man and mighty in the scriptures: he was another Paul in the preaching that did Collatis scripturae locis Probans, nempe sicuti solent artifices aliquid Compacturi, singulas partes inter se comparare, ut inter se alia aliis ad amussim quadrent. Bez. In Act. 9.22. Efficere condescensionem ut sic dicam id est argumentis propositis efficere, ut aliquis tecum in eandem sententiam descendat. Mr. Leigh. Critic. sacr. In verb. foreign.compare Scripture with Scripture, and so make demonstrative Proofs from the spirit speaking in them Some that affected a frothy way of preaching by strong Lines (as they call them) after they heard him in Oxford decry that Corinthian vanity were much ashamed, and took up a more profitable way of preaching. Those words of his in a sermon at the Court before the King, are worthy to be printed in Letters of Gold, And oh! that God would print them in the hearts of all the Ministers in the World. *Ser. before K. James Wansted. June 20. 1629 page 34, 35.Great Schollars (said he) possibly may think it standeth not with their Credit to stoop so low, &c. But let the Learnedst of us all try it when ever we please, we shall find that to lay this ground-work right, that is, to apply our selves to the Capacity of the Common Auditory, and to make an ignorant man to understand these mysteries in some good measure, will put us to the tryal of our skill, and trouble us a great deal more, then if we were to discuss a Controversy, or handle a subtile point of Learning in the Schools.
Thirdly, In condiscending publiquely and privately to the Capacity of the meanest that heard or conversed with him, herein his wisdom was like unto Solomons stiled the Preacher, *Ecl. 12.10, 11because he was wise he did still teach the people knowledge, yea he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs, the Preacher sought to find out foreignacceptable words, and words of truth, and as our Saviour that was greater then Solomon he would let truths substantially proved into the understanding wish apt similitudes: and would *John 16.5.Encourage any to move their doubts unto him in private: so that notwithstanding his greatness, good Christians might be very familiar with him, visit them in their sickness supply their wants, beg their prayers, and Countenance them in whatsoever Condition: all men might see *Psal. 16.3.his delight was in the Saints, and that he was (as that King *Acts 13.12.after Gods own heart) *Psal. 119.63.a Companion of all them that feared God, in a word, he was a great proficient in that Lesson of our Saviour *Math. 11, 29.Learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart. This (I say) was the reason he grew so high in favour with God and man: he honoured God, and therefore God honoured him. A great and good draw-net he was that fished for souls and catched many: and let two sorts of Ministers gather from hence their respective Instructions.
First, let all those that list not to follow him in these paths of holiness, painfulness, and Humility. Take notice of Gods Justice in dealing with them as they have done with him. *Mal. 2.4.5, 6, 7, 8, 9.His Covenant is with Levi of Life and Peace, and he gave them to him, for the fear wherewith he feared him, and was afraid before his name: the Law of truth was in his mouth, and Iniquitie was not found in his lips, he walked with God in peace, and equity, and did turn many a way from iniquity, for the priests lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the Law at his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts: but saith the Lord, ye are departed out of the way: ye have caused many to stumble at the Law, yee have corrupted the Covenant of Levi, saith the Lord of hosts. Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as you have not kept my waies, but have been partial in the Law. Had we all the means in the world to make us great, if we either do not teach, or do not make our selves Examples of what we teach, tis just with God we grow contemptible and vile, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. *Esay 43.27.28.Thy teachers have transgressed against me, therefore have I prophaned the rulers of my Sanctuary. The Lord giveth this for a general Rule, as *1 Sam. 2 30.they that honour him he will honour: so they that despise him shall be despised.
Secondly. Let all holy painfull and humble Ministers who make it their designe (as this fair Copy did before them) to advance God and fulfill the work of their Ministry, trust to his faithfulness for vindicating their esteem. No sort of men have greater promises for provision, protection from, and in trouble, and for revenge of wrongs done unto them, then they have. What a dreadfull and prophetical prayer is that Moses made for Levi! *Deut. 33 11.smite through the Loins of them that rise against him, and of them that hate him, that they rise not again. What though a generation of men Call even the best of such, Antichristian Lyars? false Prophets? and what not, did they not after this manner use *Math. 5.12 and 10.25.Christ and his Apostles before them? They speak evil of the things they know not. None of Gods blessed truths and holy Ordinances have been otherwise used by them: their general outcry is upon all truths, Ordinances and wayes of Religion among us, as Antichristian: The Apostacie of the present age makes men fall from all things in Religion, and with an impudent face to deny and deride them all. But did God leave these Jewels amongst men to be trodden under feet by such swine; shall they not dearly pay for it? Oh! that they would remember what words came out of the mouth of him that is the very promptuary of all sweetnesse, and how highly he is provoked when such words are drawn from his blessed lips that drop honey: let them take them to whom they appertain, viz. *Math 21.44.Whosoever shall fall upon this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall it will grind him to peices. If their own destruction will not take them off from touching the Lords anointed, and from plucking the stars out of his hand, let yet the Anguish and vexation that shall accompany their destruction, either deter them, or confound them: for he hath said it who will make it good, that there shall be a *Rev. 11.11.Resurrection both unto Gods truths, and to such as bear Testimony thereunto: Mean while, let this satisfie such as are faithful, whilest God and those that truely fear God prize faithfull Ministers, It matters not what the rest think of them, As King David said in not much an unlike Case, *2 Sam 6.22.of those shall they be had in honour.
I have now done with the most famous Author of these sermons, of whom I may as one very Learned said of Mr. Calvin, *Calvino (illustri viro, nec unquam sine summi honoris prefatione nominando) non assentior. Bp Andrews. De Vsuris.That famous Man, and never to be named without some Preface of Honour. Or as another of a Learned and Godly Man, God hath so provided, that they who lived in Heaven whilst on Earth, shall live on Earth whilst in Heaven: That they shall leave their Names for a blessing, when others leave them behind them for a Curse. Or rather with the Apostle of Demetrius, *3 John 12.he hath a Good Report of all men, and of the truth it self.
A word now concerning these Sermon Notes of his, by occasion of the publishing whereof I have thus inlarged.
I suppose whosoever readeth and well considereth the two prefixed Epistles, one in Latine, the other in English, and the Arguments therein contained, and knoweth the Reverend Framers of them, (for such testimonies are as the Testes) when he considereth I say,
1. Their High Esteem of the most famous Preacher of them.
2. The mighty power of God upon themselves, and many others when they were preached,
3. The care they took to put them forth,
4. The ingenuous owning of any infirmities which the Reader may charge that seemes not to speak himself in the Publication of them,
He will not think either the will of the most Learned Bishop broken, or the Caution of the Learned and Reverend Dr. that writes his life not heeded, viz. That if any sermon notes taken from him have been printed in his life time under his name, *Declarat. what books are his, what not. Dr. Ber. page 20, l 21.or shall be hereafter (which divers have of late attempted) the Reader is to take notice that it was against his mind, and that they are disowned by him, which as he endeavoured to his utmost to suppresse while he was living, so it was his fear to be injured in it after his death; For
First, These are no sermon notes taken from him, printed under his name: but under the names of those that took them after him.
Secondly, there is no fear he will be injured by this publication, when the publishers are so Candid, and ingenuous, to give unto him that which is his, viz. That he preached these sermons, and to take to themselves that which is theirs, viz. any thing that seems not to speak him in the publication.
Thirdly if in his life time when he endeavoured to his utmost to suppresse such publications, there came out without his knowledge, and against his mind, That book entitled, *See Dr. Ber. Loc. Citat.The sum and substance of Christian Religion, some of the materials with the Method only his, collected by him in his younger yeers for his own private use, but the rest Transcribed out of Mr. Cartwrights Chatechisme, and Mr. Crooks, and some other English Divines, dissonant in divers places from his own judgement; he was yet very well content any industrious person that would cut off what is weak and superfluous therein, and supply the wants thereof, and cast it into a new Mould of his own framing, should make what use he pleaseth of the materials therein, and set out the whole in his own name, Because he perceived it had done much good: Then I say it may be supposed had he yet been alive (as I hope his good name will never dye) he would have been contented upon the same account to let these notes go forth. The publishers were high honourers of him, men of Learning and Judgment, and though all be not taken which perhaps he spake, and somthing perhaps also himself would have pared off, (as it is scarce possible for any man but himself to publish, either sermon, or any thing else came out of his mouth, in that exactnesse himself would have done it;) yet is here nothing added of their own, here is only (as they say) *See their Epist to the Reader.the body, the bulk, not the Glosse, the spirit, the energy of them. These things considered it is hoped (which they trust) Ibidem.the publishing of these notes will not be interpreted by any, in the least to reflect on the unparalleld worth of the preacher, to whose very dust they professe to owe a sacred reverence.
I rather think it were a kind of sacriledge, had they not done it, if these three things be well and duely weighed.
First, that much good hath been done to very many, by such notes taken from other eminent Divines, and otherwise published then the Authors themselves would have sent them abroad. Witnesse the works of Dr. Preston, Mr. Bolton, and many others, some of their sermons printed by themselves look not like those of their sermons printed by others; yet Learned men and Godly, have blest God that they were published. Mr. Cotton wisheth *See Mr. Cottons Epist. to Mr. Hildersams Book on John 4.that such sermons or Letters as happily have layen by many yeers might be brought to light: such little things as the Author would hardly acknowledge under his own name, might be of special use and esteem unto others. And his reason is, why should any talent be buryed in a napkin, or candle lye hid under a bushel, which being set on a Candlestick might give light to all that are in the house? yea those *See Capt. Bell. Narat. before Luth. Mensal. Colloq.divine discourses at Luthers table, &c. More loose than these sermons, did much good in Germany, (as their translator testifyeth) and being by strange providence preserved to posterity, and made to speak English, was judged by a great Prelate of Canterbury, a work worthy of eternal memory, and that he had never read a more excellent divine work: and that the more he did read them, the more desire he had to go on therewith: and that he would make it known to the then King, what an excellent peice of work was translated, and that he would procure an order from his Maiesty to have the book printed, and to be dispersed throughout the whole Kingdome, as it was in Germanie. Yet is that book censured by Polanus to be *Liber ille …onvivalium sermonum non est Lutheri, nec Luthero approbante aut etiam vivente editus sed est Rapsodia sine Judicio & Intellectu consarcinata. Polan. syntag. de canonic. Authorit. script. page fol. 45.neither Luthers, nor published by any approbation of his, but a rapsody patched together without understanding or judgment, and printed after his death. None such will be found in these sermon notes: something of Luthers spirit may be discerned in these Colloquies, But much more of the Gracious and heavenly spirit of this unparalleld Bishop. The Reader will misse in these notes indeed the exactness of his Immanuel, or the incarnation of the son of God so accuratly couched that you cannot find a word defective or redundant; nor will he find these notes like the two sermons published by himself: but yet they may meet with acceptance. by reason of the diligence of those that attest them.
Secondly, That if God blesse the reading as he did the preaching of them, none of his surviving friends but may rejoice that in them *Heb 11.4.he being dead yet speaketh. Indeed those worthy men do it upon an higher account then some, others perhaps did like them from the Rhetorick, Language, or Learning Couched in them, It was the heavenly Art, the spiritual Efficacy and power, the soul-searching, soul-saving vertue that took with them, they found them to peirce the heart and Conscience, more then tickle the ear or fancy of their hearers. *Bp. Andrews serm 7. of Rep. and Fast.The true praise of a sermon (saith one of note) is some evil left, some good done upon the hearing of it, one such fruit were a more ample commendation, then many mouths full of good words spent, and copies taken and printing, &c. and sure it is, on whom a sermon works aright, it leaves him no leisure to say much, or use many words, but makes him rather full of thoughts. Thus did these sermons the hearers, if you read the epistle prefixed, so that were it but for this to let the world see how much this Master of all learning condiscended, and sought to profit rather then please, it were reason enough for their publication.
Some testimonies are left behind him under his own hand, how he could both speak, and write, and preach; let these notes taken after him be testimonies how much he condiscended; and let them serve for patterns to such as think it below them (especially in such Auditories) to preach as he did, a Crucifyed Christ in a Crucifyed style. I have heard Dr. Hoyle (my learned Tutor, who dyed professor of Divinity in Oxford, after he had many years been the like in Dublin) say, when this Famous Bishop proceeded Doctor of Divinity, He thought Tully himself could not have excelled him (had he been alive) in eloquence at that time, which appeared not only in his set speeches, but those which occasionally fell from him upon the By: and he was one that could well judge. But now that he preacheth ad populum though in Oxford, you have this Eagle stooping as low to prey upon souls to win them to God, proclaiming all along,*John 3.10.19. I am not the bridegroom but the friend of the bridegroom. and (as Nazianzen) I thank God I have a little learning to sacrifice to Christ. such a Precedent is worth the printing.
Thirdly that had not this course been taken, a worse might have befallen, directly contrary to the will of the godly Bishop: For some of these notes were in the hands of divers persons, who were much taken with them, and much desired, (and it was feared might have endeavoured) a private printing of them, more imperfectly then now you have them. That faithfull Minister mentioned in the frontispiece whose Latine Epistle is prefixed, having with much adoe got this Copy out of their hands, thought (as the rest who have attested it 'twas much better to publish these as now you see them, then to indanger the creeping out of a more surreptitious Copy.
The general subject of these Sermons is of Conversion, and so mightily did the Lord blesse them, not only to the Edification… and Consolation of very many, but also to the Conversion (as we have good cause to judge) of some.
I will say no more, the Name of Doctor Usher, by which he is more known to some, and the Name of the most Reverend and Learned Father of our Church, Doctor James Usher, late Arch Bishop of Armagh, and Primate of all Ireland, by which he is more known to others, not onelyonly in these our Kingdomes, but in forreign parts; his great and good Name I say, every where as oyntment poured forth, prefixed before this Book (though with some allay) is enough to raise high Expectation of whatsoever cometh after these words: and is argument enough to invite the Reader to look within and read them over: and then he will find the least filing of this Master workmans Gold very precious. Good Wine (they say) needs no bush, and if this Wine was so sweet at first running, I presume whosoever tasts it now, though he have it but at the second or third hand, will find it hath not altogether lost its strength, nor will he repent his labour in reading what was taken after him, if he be one that desires to profit his soul more then to please his Palat. That out of the ashes of this Phoenix, the Lord would raise such successors as may by Pen, Life, and Doctrine, do as this burning and shining Light hath done before them, is the prayer, but scarce the belief of him that prayeth for the peace and prosperity of Jerusalem, and therein hopeth to have his share in the Concurrent prayers of every Godly Reader,
Stanley Gower. Dorchester, October the third, 1659.