A SERMON, Preached before the two high borne and illustrious Princes, FREDERICKE the 5. PRINCE ELECTOR PALATINE, DVKE OF BAVARIA, &c. And the Princesse Lady ELIZABETH, &c.
Preached in the Castle-Chappell at HEIDELBERG the 8. of Iune 1613. being the next day after her Highnesse happy arriuall there. By that reuerend and iudicious Diuine, M r. ABRAHAM SCVITETVS, his Highnesse Chaplaine.
Together with a short narration of the Prince Electors greatnes, his Country, his receiuing of her Highnesse▪ accompanied with tw [...] u [...] other Princes, thirty Earles, besides an exceeding great number of Barons and Gentlemen, and eight daies ent [...]rtainement.
Translated out of High Dutch by IA MEDLVS D. and one of hi [...] Maiesties Chap [...]ines.
Imprinted at London by Iohn Beale, for William Welby. 1613.
DEDICATED AND CONSECRATED VNTO THE SERVICE AND NEVER DYING MEMORIE OF THE RIGHT HIGH AND ILLVSTRIOVS PRINCESS-E, LADY ELIZABETH, PRINCESSE ELECTORISSE PALATINE, DVCHESSE OF BAVARIA, &c.
AND SOLE DAƲGHTER OF OVR DREAD SOVERAIGNE LORD KING IAMES, KING OF GREAT BRITAINE, FRANCE, AND IRELAND, DEFENDER OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH, &c.
A SERMOM Preached at Heidelberg, the S. of Iune 1613. before the high and mightie Prince FREDERICK the 5. Earle Palatine, Prince Elector, &c. and the right high and illustrious Lady and Princesse, the Lady ELIZABETH, his espoused wife, vpon the occasion of their happy arriuall there.
The Entrance.
BVt from whence and whereat beloued Christians, shall I begin this Sermon of thanksgiuing?
[Page 2] Praise yee the Lord, because hee is exceeding good, and his mercie endureth for euer.
I know not how to doe [Page 3]better, then that we beginne there where wee will end, namely; of commending, lauding, and praising the most Highest, who crowneth vs with mercy and louing kindnesse, and bindeth the people that lie farre asunder one from another, firmely together in the vnitie of faith, loue, and assured hope of the blessed saluation to come.
Now to the end that our hearts may be the better and liuelier rowsed vp vnto this laud and praise, we will reade vnto you an excellent Psalme [Page 6]of Thankesgiuing: but will first for the more fruitfull hearing of the same, call vpon the Lord God for the gracious assistance of his holy spirit, in that forme of praier, which our LORD and SAVIOVR CHRIST himselfe hath taught vs.
1 Praise yee the Lord, for it is good to sing vnto our God: for it is a pleasant thing, and praise is comely.
2 The Lord doth build vp Ierusalem, and gather together the dispersed of Israell.
3 He healeth those that are broken in heart, and bindeth vp their sores.
4 Hee counteth the number of the starres, and calleth them all by their names.
5 Great is our Lord, and great is [Page 6]his power, his wisdome is infinite.
6 The Lord relieueth the needie, and abaseth the wicked to the ground.
7 Sing vnto the Lord with praise: sing vpon the harpe vnto our God
8 Which couereth the heauen with cloudes, and prepareth raine for the earth, and maketh the grasse to grow vpon the mountaines.
9 Which giueth to beasts their food, and to the yong rauens that call vpon him.
10 Hee hath not pleasure in the strength of an horse neither delighteth in any mans legges.
11 But the Lord delighteth in them that feare him, and hope vpon his mercies.
12 Praise the Lord, O Ierusalem: [Page 7]praise thy God, O Zion.
13 For hee hath made the barres of thy gates strong, and hath blessed thy children within thee.
14 Hee setteth peace in thy borders, and satisfieth thee with the flower of wheat.
15 He sendeth forth his commandement vpon earth, and his word runneth very swiftly.
16 He giueth snow like wooll, and scattereth the hoare frost like ashes.
17 He casteth forth his yee like morsels: who can abide the cold thereof?
18 Hee sendeth his word and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow.
19 He sheweth his word vnto Iacob, his statutes and his iudgements vnto Israel.
[Page 10] 20 Hee hath not dealt so with euery nation, neither haue they known his iudgements. Praise yee the Lord.
The Jnterpretation.
LIke as the weather vnder the heauens altereth, so that wee now feele a faire warme sunshine, anon lightning and thunder, and also presently after, raine: euen so doe the thoughts of man change and alter. For sometime the godlie mans heart is so merie and iokand, that it is as a meere sunshine, that is, there is nothing but ioy and comfort perceiued in him, namely, [Page 11]when God the Lord fatherly remembreth vs with a cheerfull conscience, with a healthfull body, as also with bodily ioy, and a good outward estate.
But otherwhiles againe, when troubles and miseries approach, it seemeth as if our harts were ouershadowed with thicke blacke cloudes, when as wee heare and feele nothing else in manifold tentations, then the haile, thunder, and lightning of Gods law. Now then, the greatest wisdome of a Christian standeth therein, that he assuredly know, whether it be cleere or darke in his heart, how he shall so dispose of his businesse, that he may euer and at all times bee well pleasing and acceptable vnto God in heauen.
The Apostle Iames prescribeth vnto vs a notable rule in this case, [Page 10]when as hee saith; Is any among you afflicted? Iames 5.13. let him pray: Is any merrie? let him sing Psalmes. By which words he would haue vs vnderstand thus much, that we euer ought to pray vnto our Lord God in time of neede: and after obtained deliuerance, praise him for it. According to which will of God, all the holy men of the old, and new Testament liued.
If now therfore at this present, our affaires bee likewise so changed, as that wee behold with ioy, our right gratious Lord & Prince, FREDERICK Count Palatine, and Prince Elector: and also the right high, and illustrious Princesse Elizabeth, his highnesse most honoured, and best beloued spouse, to be safely come hither in health vnder the safe conuoy of the most highest, vnto the place, where wee [Page 11]haue earnestly long desired, and praied they might be: thē should we be surely most vnthākful people, if wee should not admonish, prouoke, and say one vnto another; O ye faithfully beloued: Ier. 33.11. Praise the Lord of Hostes, because the Lord is good, & his mercie endureth for euer. And it is true, that for the very performance of this holy worke, is this illustrious cō pany now assembled here: which that it may bee done with the more fruit and profit, wee will briefely expound the Psalme now reade vnto you. And first, consider of the Prophets hearty admonition, wherewith hee stirreth vs vp vnto the laud & praise of God.
And then secondly, we will obserue what those benefits be, for which we ought to laud & praise [Page 14]God: wherein it will euidently appeare, that we haue at this day, euen as great & weighty cause to praise him, as euer the people of Israell had in the old Testament.
Of the first.
As concerning the first point, the Prophet exhorteth vs vnto thankesgiuing, not once nor twice, but thrice when as he saith: Praise yeethe Lord. Psal. 147. verse 1.7.12. Sing vnto the Lord with praise: sing vppon the harpe vnto our God. Praise the Lord O Ierusalem: praise thy God O Zion.
And hee concealeth not the reason, for he saith, It is good and a pleasant thing, to sing praises vnto our God. Whereunto agreeth that of the Prophet Dauid Psalme 92 saying, Psal. 92. It is a good thing to praise [Page 15]the Lord, and to sing vnto thy name, O thou most highest.
The children of the world thinke it is a good thing to liue euery day riotously, to sing, to play, to skip, to daunce, to laugh and shout, or else to rise vp early in the morning, to drunkenesse, and surfeting, and to run vp & downe vntill the euening, to scrach, and scrape something vnto themselues. These are the vnwise men that know not, Psal. 6. and the fooles that vnderstand not Gods workes, as Dauid there speaketh. But the holy Ghost saith by the Prophet, in the same place, that this is a good thing, to declare Gods louing kindnesses in the morning, and his truth in the euening.
For what is a better thing then to praise God, who onely is worthy of all praise, whom also all the [Page 14]vnreasonable creatures, euery one according to his kind, doe laud and praise? What is a better thing then to praise the Lord, from whom all good gifts come and descend? What is a better thing then for euery one to exercise and acquaint himselfe daily in the seruice, wherein all elect Angels and men, will exercise themselues in that blessed life of glory?
Such men as thus exercise themselues, haue already begunne and entered into that euerlasting life: and seeing they lead a well sauoured and praise-worthy life, so doth God also vouchsafe vnto them at the last, a praise-worthy death: according as the example of King Dauid sheweth, who for that he alwaies had this saying in his mouth; I will praise the Lord so long as I haue any being: hee also [Page 15]at the last yeelded vp his soule with a praise-singing mouth, as is to be seene both in 1. Chron. 30. and 1. King. 1.
Such praise is pleasant, and comely, as the Psalme further saith. For as nothing is more foule & loth some then vnthankfull ingratitude, so there is not any thing more pleasant then a thankful soule, which knoweth what benefits shee hath receaued of her God, and doth yeeld to him again that which is due to him, namely obliged thankfulnes. Herehence it is, Deut. 32.19. that our Lord God termeth vnthankfull people, not children, but shamespots. And the Prophet Ieremie teacheth, that man hath an vnfaithfull and rebellious heart, which saith not once, I will now feare the Lord God, Ier. 5.23, 24. that giueth raine both early and late in due season, [Page 18]and safely preserueth the haruest at the appointed time.
Yet neuerthelesse, it is not here to be omitted, that God will nor be praised of euery one. For as any great Lord or Prince cānot at al endure to haue his worthy and valiant acts to be writtē by a lewd varlot: so will not the Lord God by any meanes, endure at all to bee praised of wicked persons; whence our Psalme saith, Praise the Lord, O Ierusalem. Psal. [...]3.1. Praise thy God, O Zion; that is, as is elsewhere expounded, Reioice in the Lord, O yee righteous: for it becometh vpright men to be thankefull.
Now the reasons are knowne, why God will not be praised of wicked people. For such people will not Vnderstand the Lords benefits, but as the Prophet saith, Though mercie be shewed to the wicked, [Page 17]yet he will not learne righteousnesse: Esa. 26.10. in the land of vprightnesse will he doe wickedly, and will not at all consider the maiestie of the Lord. Besides, the offering cannot be acceptable vnto God, which is offered vnto him of an impenitent soule, but the sacrifice which a wicked man (who hath chosen his owne waies, Esa. 66.3. and his soule delighteth in his abhominations,) offereth, it is euen as much as if hee slew a man, as if he cut off a doggs neck, and as if hee offered swines blood. The cause hereof is, beecause wicked men are of an impenitent heart, and therefore will only praise God with their mouth, whom they shame and dishonor in their heart, yea throughout all their whole life and conuersation.
Of the second.
But sufficient of the first. 2. Point. Now let vs consider of the second point; wherefore it is that the Prophet will haue vs sing praises vnto God. The Prophet commendeth here three especiall benefits of God: as first, that he buildeth Ierusalem. Secondly that hee vseth his wisedome and power for the benefit of all his creatures, but most especially for mans good. And then thirdly, that he cleerely reuealed his word; his statutes, and his commaundements vnto the Iewish people.
Hee saith, The Lord buildeth vp Ierusalem, Verse 2. and gathereth together the dispersed of Israel. Here is to bee obserued, that this Psalme was written, after that the people of [Page 19]the Iewes were brought againe to Ierusalem, & other places in Iudea, from the Babylonian captiuity. Now when the Prophet sawe, that Ierusalem was againe by little and little repaired, the Citizens come againe together, that were here & there before dispersed abroad, and the true seruice of God established anew, he hartily reioyced; yet not so much for the faire and goodly buildings, as for that they were come thither againe, euen vnto the place, whereunto God had bound himselfe in the old Testament, and couenanted with them; and that the people did iointly againe with one consent serue God, Rom. 9.4. Vnto whom appertaineth the addoption, and the glory, and the couenants, and the giuing of the Lawe, and the seruice of God, and the promises. And in such ioy of his [Page 20]heart he beginneth, & admonisheth all beleeuing Israelites, to sing laud vnto the Lord one with an other, and to praise our God vppon the harpe.
If now the godly forefathers did so heartily reioyce before Christs birth, & earnestly exhorted vnto the praising of God, after they were deliuered but from their seauenty yeres Babilonian captiuity, and were again returned into their beloued Countrey: how much more then ought wee, whose forefathers were pulled out of popish Babilon, not after seuenty, but after seuen hundred yeers of captiuity, and brought againe together into their old country, sing laud, praise and thankes vnto almighty God for it? The vulgar man considereth not, what a glorious benefit this is. To compare them a [Page 21]little together. Was not that a miserie vpon misery, when the parents were dispersed from their children, the brethren from their sisters, the husbands from their wiues, here and there throughout all the Babylonian gouernment, and must undure to bee laughed at, scorned and derided of euery man? The people of God themselues giue witnesse hereunto, when they say; Psal. 137.1. By the riuers of Babel we sate, and there wee wept, when we remembred Zion.
But farre greater miserie did our forefathers endure in poperie, when many honest and wel-affected hearts were forced to bee kept & pressed downe vnder the Popes tyrannie, and to behold (against their wils) shamefull and horrible idolatrie. But yet God did after seuen hundred yeeres [Page 22]space, looke againe fauourably vpon his distressed seruant the Christian Church, caused the Gospell to be cleerly expounded, which was before obscured, Antichrist that child of perdition to bee reuealed, and our beloued fathers to be set againe into the libertie of conscience, and which wee euer since enioy, blessed bee his name for it. Wherefore prayse the Lord, O Ierusalem, Prayse thy God, O Zion.
It is true, that Ierusalem is often grieuously afflicted, and as it were euen rent asunder, either by the assaults and inrodes of enemies souldiers, or by the death of high and chiefe Gouernours, who were the Churches Patrons, and nureing fathers and mothers, as this Jerusalem of our Palatinate hath sufficiently felt about three [Page 23]yeares since, when Fredericke the fourth of blessed memorie departed this life. But, praysed be God, who euer buildeth Ierusalem againe. And this hee doth, when as hee blesseth a countrey with Princely branches, who wax and grow vp vnto his honour, and their natiue countries benefit. And this he doth also effect, when hee leadeth (as with the hand) vnto young Princes godly and religious spouses, with whom they may comfortably liue together in vnitie of faith, and shine before their subiects in all good example of religious holinesse. And therefore prayse thou the Lord, O Heidelberg, Prayse thy God, O Palatinate.
But there might some man perhaps demaund, Whether it be so much to be respected, and bee so [Page 24]great a benefit, to haue the walls of Ierusalem rightly builded in a countrey? Whereunto I answer, That euerie way it is much to bee regarded, and is Gods exceeding great benefit, when Ierusalem is well and rightly builded: For in Ierusalem alone, that is, in the little flocke wherein God is truely serued, is that done which is written in the next verse following, He healeth those that are broken in heart, verse 3. and bindeth vp their sores.
We poore miserable creatures were fallen indeede amongst theeues & murtherers, & grieuously wounded of them, who were set against vs by Sathan. Should the Angles cure & heale vs? they could not. Should other creatures helpe and releeue vs? they could not. Then God sent Christ vnto vs, who commeth in the Gospell, [Page 25]and where the same is preached, there he powreth out the supling and healing oyle of grace into euerie repentant sinners heart, and bindeth vp all their wounds, that is, he taketh away all the great anguish and trouble of conscience, which ariseth out of the sence and feeling of Gods wrath against sin, and feare of euerlasting damnation.
And here I know, that many men esteeme not so highly of this benefit, and I meane them, who vnderstand not what sinne is, what Gods wrath is against sinne, and what euerlasting damnation is. But I know this also, that they who are assaulted with the fiercenesse of Gods wrath, and haue daily combate with their owne weakenesse and infirmities, esteem nothing so highly in this world, [Page 26]as that Christ healeth their broken hearts, through the gracious forgiuenesse of their sinnes, and bindeth vp the pinching griefe of their consciences, in so much, that they may boast with the Apostle Saint Paul, Rom. 8. there is no condemnation vnto them, whose hearts are healed, whose wounds of conscience are bound vp and plastered: Hereupon they liue; hereupon they die; that for Christ his sake, God is become their mercifull father, and they his deare and louing children. Therefore sing vnto the Lord one with another with thankes, and praise our God vpon the harpe, euen yee that doe feele and acknowledge this benefit of God vnto your soules.
But the Lord God will not suffer it to rest there, that he buildeth the wals of Ierusalem, but, though [Page 27]he be the wholly wise and almightie Lord, yet he abuseth not the same vnto tyranny, and suppressing of the godly honest, but he vseth his wisdome and omnipotencie, first, and chiefly for the good of man, and then next for the benefit of all other creatures. For, Verse 4, 5. He counteth the number of the starres, and calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and great is his power, his wisdome is infinite: or, his gouernement is not to bee vnderstood and comprehended.
He surely must needes be a wise and omnipotent Lord. The stargasers labor also and weary themselues very much, that they might tell the number of the starres. But yet themselues confesse, that they onely know the chiefest, the greatest, and the brightest: the tale of the rest they must leaue (will they [Page 28]nill they) vnto God, who both numbreth all the starres, and calleth them by their seuerall names, and carrieth a goodly gouernement ouer them, where the Sun, like a King, swaieth in his glorious Lordship; but other starres as seruants, and attendants on him, must at seuerall times, some at his rising, and others at his setting, performe their seruice vnto him. Now as he doth wisely gouerne the starres, so doth he also powerfully vphold them, insomuch that the Prophet saith not without cause: Great is our Lord, and great is his power, which is the more comfortable for vs to vnderstand, and lay hold on, seeing the text further teacheth, that God vseth his wisdome and omnipotencie, for the good of man, and all creatures.
[Page 29] The Lord, saith the Prophet, relieueth the needie, and abaseth, or rather throweth downe the wicked to the ground. Which is as much to lay: God so vseth his might and wisedome, that hee aduanceth the humble, and punisheth the proud. And this is, and euer hath bin Gods custome. Go and search throughout all the histories of the old Testament; go and search throughout all the histories of the newe Trestament, and it will appeare, that humility was neuer left vncrowned; pride neuer left vnpunished. Pharaoh was proud and high minded, he must needes perish in the water: Moses was humble hee must needs be aduanced: Saul was high minded, hee was brought downe lowe: Dauid was humble hee was aduaunced: Sebna was high minded, the keies [Page 30]of the house of Dauid were taken from him: Eliakim is humble, the [...]eies were giuen vnto him. Humble Hezekim had his life preferued: whereas proud Senacherib was robbed of his life, and had it at ken from him.
Hither unto appertaine. Gods other benefits, which are here recited, as namely, that he giueth peace vnto his people, that hee blesseth them will children, and satisfieth them with the flower of wheate and not that only, but that he also vseth his omnipotēcy ingenerall for the good of all creatures. For it is he Which couereth the heauen with clouds, Verse 8. & pre pareth rain for the earth, and maketh the grasse to grow vpon the mountaines. Which giueth to beasts their food, Verse 9. and to the yong rauens that call vppon him.
We must needs wonder concerning [Page 31]the cloudes; and we must needs wonder cōcerning the rain: but yet we must needs much more admire and wonder, that God createth such things, not, that he boasteth of his omnipotencie, but of his goodnesse therein, which also euidently appeareth in the very preseruation of bruit beasts. For why doth the Lord couer the heauens with cloudes? That he may prepare raine for the earth. Wherefore doth hee prepare raie ffor the earth? That grasse may grow vpon the mountaines. Wherefore doth hee let grasse grow? That beasts may haue their foode, and the yong rauens that call vpon him.
So then we heare it well, that God careth also for the bruite beasts, as likewise for the yong rauens, which call vpon him; that [Page 32]is, they which crie for hunger, and must needs perish, if God did not nourish them. The heathen Phylosopher Aristotle taught, that God onely cared for the more excellent creatures, and regarded not the meaner.
But Gods word teacheth, that God also preserueth the young rauens when they call vppon him, and soe maketh no difference in his care for this or that beast; as also in like manner concerning man, He is no accepter of persons: but in euery nation, Act. 10.34.35. he that feareth him, and worketh righteousnesse, is accepted with him. For as our Psalme saith, he hath not pleasure in the strength of an horse, verse 10. neither delighteth in any mans legges; that is, he careth not at all whether any bee proud and potent in the world; but, he delighteth in them that feare him, [Page 33]and hope vppon his mercies, whether they be highly or basely esteemed of amongst men in the world.
And it is not hard or heauie vnto God the Lord, to nourish, preserue, and support both man, and beast. For, verse 15. He only sendeth forth his commandements vppon earth: that is, he only commandeth it, and his word runneth very swiftly, that is, and it is done. Will he haue snowe? then hee giueth it: will hee haue hoare frost? then hee scattereth it like ashes: will he haue yce? then hee casteth it like morsels: will hee haue frost? then can no man endure the cold thereof. He sendeth his word and it melteth them; verse 18. hee causeth his winde to blowe, and the yee thaweth, so that the waters flowe.
Now that which Gods people [Page 34]did here praise aforetime, that are we worthily bound to extoll and praise at this day. God hath mercifully of late turned his wisdome and almighty power ouer the Electorall Palatinate for good. He hath mightily three quarters of a yeere agoe, led our Prince Elector out of the Palatinate into England: he hath wisely and richly blessed his highnesse designe and purpose, and mightely hath very latelie safely conuayed and returned his Princely Electorall Highnesse, and also yesterday the Princesse Electoresse, his highnesse spouse, safely vnto this place. Wherefore sing yee one with another with thankesgiuing vnto the Lord, and praise our God vpon the harpe: Praise the Lord O Heydelberg, praise thy God, O Palatinate.
Howsoeuer we haue now with [Page 35]the old Church, in regard of Gods now recited benefits, sufficient cause of praise and thankesgiuing: yet doth the Spirit of God further lead vs, vnto the consideration of the most high and best good, that God can giue vnto any man, in a whole Countrey or Kingdome. verse 19. Hee sheweth his word vnto Iacob, his statutes and his iudgements vnto Israel.
O gracious Lord God, verse 13. what were it, though the Barres of our gates were made fast within vs, and all outward peace procured vnto our borders, if in the meanetime the borders of our consciences should be depriued of heauenly comfort? What were it, though our children were blessed within our gates, if we were not thereof assured, that we our selues also be Gods children? What were [Page 36]it, though our bodies were satisfied with the finest flower; if our soules should in the meanetime euer hunger and thirst with the want of Gods worde and grace? Therefore the Prophet reioyceth and triumpheth withall, for this benefit, that God offereth vnto the Iewish people, his euerlasting grace and mercy in the word preached: and for that the true Religion was at that time altogether shut vp within the cabinet of the Land of Iudah, hee proceedeth herehence with admiration, and saith; Hee hath not dealt so with euery nation, neither letteth them know his iudgements. Praise ye the Lord. That is, praise and thankes be giuen vnto God, who amongst vs gathereth a handfull vnto him▪ who know him, honour him, and feare him, whereas notwithstanding [Page 37]so many people liue altogether without God, and are depriued, and euen robbed of all true comfort both in life and death.
We, beloued in the Lord, can now at this day reioyce of that, in the Protestant Churches of Germanie, whereof the people of the Iewes reioyced aforetime, as namely, that God hath shewed vnto vs his holy word, and hath let vs know his statutes, and his iudgements. Hee sheweth his word vnto vs, that is, he cleerely reuealeth himselfe vnto vs in the Gospell.
This wee know and acknowledge with all Protestant Churches.
God is the fountaine of all goodnesse, and all the euill that is in the world, proceedeth at no hand from him, but from Satan, and mans free [Page 38]will. This wee know and acknowledge with all Protestant Churches.
Christ Iesus is the almighty Sonne of God, the brightnesse of his glory, and the ingraued forme of his person, who in the fulnesse of time tooke vpon him our flesh and blood, and hath purchased for vs through his death eternall redemption. This we know and acknowledge with all Protestant Churches.
The holy Ghost is the third person of the Deitie, the comforter of all the afflicted, and the earnest of our saluation to come. This wee know and acknowledge with all Protestant Churches.
The Lord God hath so neere a care of his faithfull children, that not so much as a haire of their head is bowed, or any little bone broken in their body, without his will. This wee [Page 39]know and acknowledge with all Protestant Churches.
When God calleth for vs before his strict iudgement, be it as well in health as in sicknesse, and denieth vnto our owne conscience all comfort, so that wee cannot withstand the iust wrath of God at all: but yet the alone precious suffering and bitter death of our deere Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ, (whose suffering and death being laid hold on with true faith,) euen then stilleth the spirituall heart-beating, and quieteth the disturbed conscience. This we know and acknowledge with all Protestant Churches.
When God sendeth vs sorrow and affliction, it is so farre from hurting of vs, that it also turneth vnto our good, and our selues may therefore praise affliction: for it is true, that vnto the faithfull, tribulation bringeth [Page 40]patience, patience experience, experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed. This wee know and acknowledge with all Protestant Churches.
When faith is weake, patience cold, hope in a swounde, then is there no better meanes to helpe and relieue the poore soule, then that shee frequent the holy Supper of the Lord, where we doe not onely see before our eyes, what and how much Christ hath suffered for our sakes, but wee also feele, that our hungry and thirstie soules are fed with his crucified body, and are quenched with his bloodshed, which is done, when wee ingraue and firmely presse into our hearts by true faith, that Christ is giuen vnto death for our sinnes, and his blood is shed for our transgressions, whereby faith will be stronger, patience warmer, hope more liuely, the whole man will bee in [Page 41]God more ioyful, & wil go home vnto his house with a ioyful hart, & praisesinging mouth singing, Psal. 23. The Lord is my good shepheard, I shal heceforth neuer want any thing; he feedeth me on the greene pastures of his word, hee giueth me to drinke of the fresh watersprings of his spirit, his goodnesse and mercie will follow me, all the dayes of my life This lastly we know and acknowledge with all Protestant Churches.
That eternall saluation is prepared for vs after this life. That is said, the Lord sheweth his word vnto Iacob, and reuealeth his grace and mercie only to Protestant Churches.
But hee sheweth vs not only the word of grace and mercie, but he sheweth vs also his statutes and his iudgements. Now these are Gods statutes and iudgements.
[Page 42] Thou shalt loue the Lord thy God, Math. 22. with all thy heart, with all thy soule, with all thy strength, and thy neighbour as thy selfe. These be Gods statutes, and his iudgments.
Let your light so shine before men, Math 6. that they may see your good workes, Luke 6. and glorifie your Father which is in heauen. These be Gods statutes and his iudgments.
Loue your enemies, doe good vnto them that hate you, blesse them that curse you, pray for them that hurt you. These bee Gods statutes & iudgments.
Take heede that your hearts be not oppressed with surfeting & drunckennesse, Luke 21. and with the cares of this life. These are Gods statutes and his iudgments.
To doe well and to distribute forget not. Heb. 13. These bee Gods statutes and his iudgments.
[Page 43] Follow peace with all men, Heb. 12. and holines, without the which no man shall see the Lord.
But so, O God, doe few people at this day; therefore, Praise the Lord, O Ierusalem, praise thy God, O Zion. For (as wee haue vnderstood out of this sermon) there is nothing more precious then to praise our God: such praise is pleasāt & comely: such praise is fitting to meete God the Lord with; as hee that buildeth the wales of Ierusalem, as hee that vseth his wisedome and power, vnto the defence & comfort of his Christē dome, as he that yet sheweth vnto vs in Germany his sauing word, and his holy statutes.
Who so acknowledgeth this, who so laudeth and and praiseth this, hee shall finde, that vppon his praise singing life, a praise singing [Page 44]death shall follow; and hee shall by death bee ioyfully carried into that blessed life, wherein all the faithfull meete together, and shall sing: Great is our Lord, and great is his power: hee maketh them that were low on earth, to bee high in heauen, them that on earth were proud, and wicked, hee abaseth, and throweth downe vnto hell. For if the honest subiects of the Electorall Palatinate did heartely so much reioyce yesterday, when they saw that our right gracious, and illustrious Princesse Electoresse, was well and safely arriued here in good health, and receaued with ioy of our right gracious Lord; what thinke you will bee then there, when wee, and all other the faithfull, who are Christs Bride, that shall haue sailed ouer [Page 45]the deepe, hideous, terrible, and tempestious Sea of this world, yea the temporary death, and shall haue arriued at the holy hill, He alludeth to a hilat Heidelberg called the Holy hill. not at Heydelberg, but in heauenly Ierusalem, where Christ will receaue vs, euen the good Bridegrome, who hath vndergone so far a iorney for our sakes, as from heauen vnto the earth, and hath giuen out his life a ransome for vs? ioy fully will all sing there, that can sing; and all cheerefully giue piaise that can praise. The Angels themselues, will then assēble in troupes, reioyce & sing, Halleluia; praise ye the Lord; the lambes wedding is come let vs sing & reioyce. Reu. 19 That which the Bride desired on earth, that shee hath, that she heareth, that she seeeth, that she feeleth now in heauē. She hath the bridegrome: she heareth Angels musick: shee seeth the [Page 46]Father in the Sonne, the Sonne in the Father, and the holy Ghost in the Father and the Sonne. God doth not so vnto any wicked, nor letteth them see his glory, nor suffereth them to feele his ioy. Therefore, praise here the Lord, ye that would praise him there: sing here vnto the Lord, yee that would sing vnto him there. Here must the beginning be made, the full accomplishment and fruition of all will be found there.
Thankes be vnto the Father, that so cleerly reuealeth his mercy vnto vs. Thankes be vnto the Sonne, who hath purchased for vs peace, ioy, and life. Thankes be vnto the holy Ghost, that bindeth vs poore miserable wormes on earth, in a permanent euerlasting loue with God in heauen. Let all the people say Amen: yea Lord Iesus Amen.
The Praier.
IT is a pleasant thing indeede to praise our God, and to shew forth his mercie in the morning, and his truth in the euening. Therefore we returne our hearts and tongues vnto thee, most mercifull God and Father, and praise thy marueilous goodnesse, which thou hast so plentifully and richly shewed vnto vs euer vntill this present.
[Page 48]It was thy goodnesse, that our Lord and Prince Electors Highnesse went well and sound from hence into England three quarters of a yeare agoe.
It was thy goodnesse, that his Highnesse purpose and designe came there vnto a happie end.
It was thy goodnesse, that his Highnesse arriued here so well againe, after the performance of that businesse.
And it is thy goodnesse, that his Highnesse best beloued spouse arriued here safely yesterday, to the great reioycing of all the people.
Blessed and praysed be thy high and great name for this thy maruellous goodnesse, from this time forth and for euer.
We beseech thee gracious God and Father, finish that work which [Page 49]thou hast begun, and renew thy ancient mercie and louing kindnesse from day to day vpon this Princely new maried couple; powre downe vpon them from heauen aboue thy heauenly goodnesse and blessing, accomplish all their Highnesse designes, heare them when they call vpon thee, deliuer them when they bee in danger, reioyce them when they be in sorrow, blesse them as thou didst blesse thy best friends, Abraham, Isaac, and Iacob, that so their whole countrey may bee glad of them; and that in time, vnder their gouernment, iudgement and righteousnesse may meet together in all parts of the Palatinate, and loue, kindnesse, and faithfulnesse, may kisse one each other in all houses.
Receiue likewise into thy protection [Page 50]and defence the Romane Emperours Maiestie, the King and Queenes Maiesties of Great Britaine, as also the Prince their Son, all other Christian Potentates, Princes Electors, and other Princes of the Empire, especially in our right gracious ioynt gouernment, together with their beloued Ladies, & all that belong vnto them, and so likewise all the whole Electorall and Princely family of the Count Palatines by Rheine: blesse them all in bodie, in soule, in honour, in goods.
Looke downe from heauen vpon the fruits of the earth, and speake and spread out thy blessing ouer them, that we may also therby acknowledge thee, the Father and fountaine of all mercie and goodnesse. Haue mercie vpon all persecuted, afflicted, and sorrowfull [Page 51]Christians; cure that which sicke is, binde vp that which is wounded, strengthen that which is weake. Lastly, receiue vs, and giue vs vnto thee, so shall we be a blessed people here temporally, and there eternally.
Amen.
TO THE INDIFFERENT Reader.
Considering, indifferēt Reader, how sinisterly some of ignorance, and others of malice, conceaue of the state & dignity of the High and Mightie Prince Elector Palatine, Duke of Bauaria &c. of his Coūtry, of his receauing his most honored Ladie the Princesse Elizabeth, and entertainement of my Lords the Commissioners, and accordingly [Page 54]make report thereof; as also how desirous others are to be rightly informed of the truth: I could not, in my dutie, knowing the place, and hauing certaine aduertisements thence from honorable personages, and others of great worth & credit, but add this short & plaine yet true narration thereof, as well for the easier stopping of intemperate mouthes, as for the better satisfying of all honest mindes that bee desirous of the truth.
First, therefore concerning the Prince Elector Palatines originall and state, though those many pedegrees published here already of his Highnesse discent, sufficiently shew his ancient and high blood, rising from many great Emperors and Kings, yet giue mee leaue to fetch it from the very beginning.
[Page 55]The Palatinate and Bauaria, were once a kingdome, yet subiect (as other States) vnto alteration and change. Chron Charian. lib. 4. Chronolog. Func. The Kingdome continued from Adelgerius the first King, vntill Tassilo the last, all in lineall discent 332. yeeres, from the yeere of Christ his incarnation 556. vntill the yeere 788. This Tassilo the last King, for that he would neither be subiect, nor friend vnto Charlemaine, was at length after much warre subdued by him, taken prisoner, and both he and his sonne Dedon depriued of their Kingdome, and kept prisoners in the Monasterie of Lanceack neere vnto Heidelberg, where they both ended their daies in miserie.
After this, the posterity of Charles the great held those Countries, vntill the seuenteenth yeere [Page 58]full, or meane, as is by some supposed. It is in length about 200. english miles the lower and vpper Countrey. In the lower the Prince hath 26. walled Townes, besides an infinite number of good and faire Villages, 22. houses; and the land is very fruitfull of wine, corne, and other comfortable fruites for mans vse, hauing the Rheine & Neckar running throgh it. The vpper Countrey hath not so many walled townes and princely houses, but those that are, be generally fairer then in the lower, especially Amberg and New-market.
For her Highnesse receauing: After that she had passed the low Countries, the Dukedomes of Gulick, Cleue, and Mont, the Bishoprickes of Collen, and Trier, with a part of the Landgraue of Hessens [Page 59]countrey; in all which places she had so great welcome, entertainement, and honorable presents, as truely expressed the loue and applause of the people, the affection of friends, and greatnes of those Princes through whose territories shee passed. Shee came at last happily to Cowlsome, where the Prince Elector Palatine met her highnesse post, with a few horse, and went together to Gauelshemi, another very smale village of his, the 1. of Iune 1613. inconuenient for the prouiding for, and lodging and prouisions for such a traine, which was occasioned by reason Coub, Bachrahe, and all other good townes of his thereabouts were infected.
Here the Prince Elector and Princesse earnestly inuited my Lords the commissioners, and others [Page 60]his Maiesties officers, who had attended in the voiage to goe along with them vnto Heidelberg, whereby they might not only haue a better view of some part of the countrey, but also finde entertainement to their more content. The commissioners condiscended vnto so gracious a ioint request, and the rather to see her highnesse well arriue at her owne home: But the other officers could not by any intreaty be perswaded to goe further, desirous (perhaps) to make speedy report vnto their Maiesties and the state, of her Highnesses safe arriuall in the Palatinate, and soe re [...]ued the next day for England. And this is the cause they saw not any memorable thing worthy of praise in the Palatinate, as my Lordes the commissioners did, and will not [Page 61]forbeare to speake honorably thereof, thogh some haue done otherwise; for answering of whom and satisfying of others, I haue thought good to touch this much by the way, and noe more I am informed of.
Thence they rid the next day the 2. of Iune vnto the City of Mentz, whither the Archbishoppe, and Prince Elector thereof, Chancelor of Germany had inuited their highnesses, where they stayed two nights, and were of him roially entertained, with great and bounteous feasting, & sundry excellent Fireworkes, the better to expresse their welcome, and passe out the time in princely manner.
The 4. of Iune they rodd to Oppenheim an ancient City with a Castle therein of the Prince Electors, and there lodged all night.
which the Troianes drew into the Citie: in the night the Alarum was giuen, Troy fired, and the Greekes in triumph, marched away Conquerours.
The next day the 7. of Iune the Princesse remoued towardes Heidelberg, after shee had Passed the walled town of Ladeberg, was met 3. miles from Heidelberg, with the Prince Elector, accompanied with 12. other Princes, the rich coach, 30. Earles, one thousand gentlemen, of the countrey richly attired, and brauely set out with gallant horse, armour, and other habiliaments of war. The horsemen attending the Princes, were besides these two thousand more. So that all the horse were three thousand, and all great horse. The Princes alighted, and welcomed her Highnesse, who ascended into [Page 65]her rich coach. After a while shee was again encountered in three seuerall places, with three regiments of foot, 2000. in regimēt, who first welcomed their Princesse with vollies of smal shot, & had after the thunder seconded with 20 peeces of great ordnāce. Then they marched altogether orderly in good aray, conducting her to Heidelberg, where the Citizens wanted no expressions of ioy, loue, and duty in hearty welcoming of her, & praying for her; all windows being replenished with people of all ages and degrees, and the streetes thronged with multitudes of people, drawne thither from all parts, not so much to see the Pageants that were erected to further this honorable entertainement, as to haue their eies filled in beholding of her Highnesse, whom [Page 64] [...] [Page 65] [...] [Page 66]all honoured and admired. And thus hauing passed in magnificent great state through the Citie, shee was in like pompe conueied into the Castle, where the Prince Electors mother, with many other great Princesses, Ladies, & Gentle women receiued her with all fitting honor, due to so great a Princesse.
The morning of the day following, being the 8. of Iune, was dedicated vnto God, with singing of Psalmes, prayer, thankesgiuing, and this annexed Sermon, as was meere for so great mercies receiued from God. The next daies, the 9. 10. and 11. were appointed for Tilting, Tourney, and running at the Ring; the nights for fireworkes and dancings; two nights, after the Germane manner, the other times according to the English [Page 67]and French custome. Where let mee not omit to shew, that my Lords the Commissioners, and all the Princes were lodged within the Castle, in lodgings well accommodated, and richly furnished with bedding, hangings, and all other necessaries.
The Princesse and other great Ladies, with the Commissioners, being fitly placed at the Tilt-yard in the Princes garden: The first that entered the Tilt-yard the, 9. day, was the Prince Elector himselfe, accompanied with other Princes of the Empyre, gallently mounted, but were interrupted for that time from their matiall sports by night: But the next day being the 10. recompenced the same, for there came before the Prince Elector in a very stately manner, this shew, which gaue exceeding [Page 68]content vnto her Highnesse, and all other great personages the beholders.
Iupiter came first, sitting in a very rich Chariot, drawne by two Griffins, guarded by Mercury, who was coachman Iuno followed next in another Chariot, drawne by Peacockes, and driuen by Iris. The God of Husbandry followed close with 3. Ploughes. And after him Neptune the God of the sea entred; in a Chariot welbefitting such a Marine God, drawne by 3. Sea-horses. Neptune had to attend him a Merman, who sate behind him on a rocke with a looking glasse in his hand, and 3. Mermaides on an other Rocke, singing and playing on musicall Instruments.
The next presentation that entered, was a Centaure, (halfe a [Page 69]man, halfe a horse) holding a Booke in the one hand, and a Mace in the other; Arion followed him riding on a Sea-Vnicorne, and playing on a Lute. After whome followed the seauen deadly sinnes, all chained, and driuen forward by a Dragon, which did euer spit fire. Immediatly followed the Prince Elector, with two others in a ship: himselfe resembling Iason; attended on by six Squires, bearing shields and launces. The golden Fleece which Iason brought from Greece, was to be seene in the Ship: at the sterne whereof was Enuy dragged, eating her owne heart.
Mars followed in a chariot garnished with all warlike Ensignes, hauing three Knights & six Squires for his attendants, bearing launces. Then came Venus and Cupid, [Page 70]drawne by Swannes in a chariot, six virgines going before, Hercules following after, and three Knights following him, the Sunne artificially gazing on the chariot.
Next hereunto was Victorie mounted on high in an Imperiall Chariot (signifying Soueraigntie) on whose top aboue there stood a displayed Eagle: on which likewise attended three Knights, and six Squires.
In the last Chariot of Forrest-worke, garnished with liuing birds and beasts, was Diana, attended by six Satyres, playing wildly on musicke: six other Satyres leaping and dauncing Antick-like: twelue Satyres more leading Dogges and Deere: the Wood-men followed: then came the Nymphes with bowes and arrowes: and last, the chariot of other Nymphes playing [Page 71]& singing, whō three Knights followed. These were the shewes, and then began the Til [...]ing.
Thus this dayes sports, and the night, being passed with much delight, and they come the next day againe (une the eleuenth) into the Ti [...]-yard, the Prince Elector, with those other two that sate with him before in the Ship (himselfe still representing Iason) attended vpon by six Squires, eight Trumpeters, seuen footmen, and seuen horses of State, lead single: Two others followed him, resembling Apollo and Bacchus, who were accompanied with three Wild-men, playing on strange musicke; Satyres rustically dancing, three Nymphs on horsebacke, crowned with garlands. Next came Musoeus, Orheus, and Eumolpus, with musicke, on horsebacke: Mydas followed with [Page 72]Asses eares, riding on an Asse, for compating Pan to Apollo; and after him miserable Marsyas, and a Satyre fleaing off his skinne, for daring to contest with skilfull Apollo in musicke. A prettie space after followed the nine Muses, seated seuerally vpon Parnassus hill, and playing sweetly vpon diuers instruments of Musicke: then came the three Graces with Hercules and Mercury accompanying them: and Silenus, Bacchus his steward, with a too and a glasse, which as fast as hee could fill with wine, hee presently dranke off: which representation was finished with Bacchus himselfe, drawne by Dogges in a Chariot, and waited on by Iunius, Pamona, Hymenaeus, Zephinus, Flora, and Vertumnus.
The last representation was a man wearing an Imperiall Crown, [Page 73]foure prisoners bounde with Skarfes going before him, three following him with drawne Swordes, and foure Squiers with Lances. Next came three clothed like Turkes, attended vpon by sixe Squiers carrying Lances. And last of alone cameriding in, armed at all points, followed with three persons, leading barbed horses single, which sights being passed they tilted. And so the 11. dayes Glory and Triumph ended with exceeding great State, and Honour, and noble performance of all Courtly Ceremonies, and feats. of Armes.
The next day after, being the 12. of Iune, the better to recreate their mindes with taking of the aire abroade, and vsing other sports, the Princesse Electoresse, greatly attended, rid on hunting: [...] [Page 76]informe the Reader of one thing not mentioned and which setteth out the Princes Electors greatnesse not a little. That besides this 6000. trained footemen, who staied there all the solemnitie, and were fed by the Prance, abroade in the fields: there were euery mea [...]e (during the abode of the Commissioners and the German Princes there) aboue [...]500. Tables furnished, and about 6000. persons, guests, and seruants, fed at them. Wherefore let enuy, malice, and ignorance, cease euer thence forth to carp at that they cānot paralel, now they may know it: and all honest mindes rest satisfied herewith.
Thus hauing briefly related, indifferent Reader, that I promised, concerning the Prince Electon Palatines ancient State, his Countrey, the receauing of his most honored [Page 77]Princesse, & roial entertainment which all degrees found at his Highnesse Court, to their full content, during the whole time of these solemnities, I betake their Highnesses, and our selues, and all the Israell of God euery where, vnto the Almighties euer safe protection; who preserue his, and conuert or confound all his aduersaries thā wish euill vnto Zion.