Twenty Sermons, Preface
A PREFACE Concerning the AUTHOR, And these SERMONS.
THough I might be silent, concerning either the most famous Preacher of these Sermons, or the Sermons themselves now published, yet such is the high esteem I have of him, and the due respect I bear to them for his sake chiefly, that I could not withstand the request of divers who importuned some Lines from me upon the 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. James Vsher, late Arch-Bishop of Armagh, and Primate of all Ireland; put forth by Reverend and Learned Dr. Bernard: where you shall meet with many delightful passages concerning,
His Stock and Pedigree.
His Great Parts, Gifts and Graces.
His Ingenuous Education.
His Admirable Proficiency.
His Timely Conversion.
His Rare Learning.
His Indefaticable Industry.
His Strict and holy Conversation.
His Pious Government of his Family.
His Amicable correspondence with Forreign Churches.
His Prophetick Spirit.
His Learned Writings.
His Comfortable Visitation.
His Lord in special forgive my sins of commission, see Dr. Ber. Life and death of the Arch-Bp. of Armagh, p. 110.Dying Words, never to be buryed.
His Blessed Death.
His Ever to be lamented Loss.
His Fit Parallel to Samuel among the Prophets, to Augustine amongst the Fathers.
With many other things worthy Observation: and when he hath poudered these well, he will the less 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 forty years ago.
Secondly, Whilst 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 Apostle's word) put into the Ministry, 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 York-shire.Congregation in another nation: which call his Grace did then approve of.
foreign.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, Lud 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, Henry Fitz. Simonds, for all which I refer to the book aforesaid. Give me leave to add the testimony of Dr. William Chappel, sometimes fellow of Christ's College in Cambridge, and afterwards Provost of Trinity College near Dublin: which from such an acute man as he was, may amount to the like equivalent testimony from the University of Cambridge. He gave me once three reasons why he thought Doctor Usher (then James Meath. Anagram, I am the same. See Dr. Bernard, pag. 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 Judgment, 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 men's bodies and brains (he believed) 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 Subtil 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 College at Dublin; and that upon design, by reason of his pregnancy and forwardness, 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 years 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 promptness 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 less for this Angel or Bishop of Armagh.
But for Popish Bishops, none was further off then he: Witness his Learned Writings against the Romish Synagogue, his Judgment 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 Ancient Church: published by Doctor Bernard.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 seldom 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; Witness the many Souls who were, and are his *2 Cor. 3.2.Epistle known and read of all Men; Witness again the success 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. Witness also such as were his frequent hearers, how mightily the hand of God was with him, so that *Acts 11.21.a great number believed and turned unto the Lord. If *Dan. 12.3.they that turn many to righteousness 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 Ministery is ours, the success 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 wisdom, 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 be thus prophesyed, some that believed 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 Scholars (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 subtil point of Learning in the Schools.
Thirdly, In condescending 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, 1…because 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 with 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 might see *Psal. 16.3.his delight was in the Saints, and that he was (as that King *Acts 13.22.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, 29Learn 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 drawnet 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 follow him in those 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 away 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, ye 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 ways, 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 that we should 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.those, that honour him, he will honour: so they, that despise him, shall be despised.
Secondly, Let all holy painful and humble Ministers who make it their design (as this fair Copy did before them) to advance God and fulfil the work of their Ministery, 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 dreadful 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 ways 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 sweetness, 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, whilst God and those that truly fear God prize faithful 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 say as one very Learned sa…d of Mr. Calvin, *Calvino (illustri viro, nec unquam sine summi honoris praefatione nominando) non assentior. Bp. Andr…ws. De Usuris.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 Sermons of his, by occasion of the publishing whereof I have thus enlarged. They are not so exact as his Immanuel, or the Incarnation of the Son of God, so accurately couched that you cannot find a word defective or redundant, because they wanted his own hand, for their publication, but yet they are such wherein the Reader may discern much of the Gracious and Heavenly Spirit of this unparalleld Bishop. They were preached ad populum, in the Vniversity of Oxford, the general Subject of them is Conversion or turning from Sin unto God, and so mightily did the Lord bless them, not only to the Edification, and Consolation of very many, but also to the Conversion of some, as we have good cause to Judge.
I will say no more, the Name of Doctor Vsher 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 only in these our Kingdomes, but in foreign parts; his great and good Name I say, every wrere as oyntment poured forth, prefixed before this Book (though with some allay) is enough to raise high Expectation of whatsoever cemeth 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 siling 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 these Sermons, if he be one that desires to profit his soul more then to please his Palat. That out 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