THis Chapter may be con­ueniently [...]earmed, This Chapter is a compende of Comfort. A C [...] ­p [...]nde [...]f Chr [...]stian consolation; for, whereas many kindes of comfortes, are dispersed throughout the holy Scrip­tures, for the strengthening of the man of God, some of euery kin [...] are heere gathe­red together in one, and like chosen Flowers picked out of the Garden of God, are knitt together in one bunch, and presented to thee, who art a Christian.

There are two thinges onely which trouble vs in this life. The summe and deuision of this Chap­ter. The first, is the remanents of sinne in our corrupt nature: this was such a matter of griese to the holy Apostle, that it made him to cry out; O mi­serable man that I am, Rom. 7. 24. who shall deliuer me from this body of [...]? So despleasant was it to him to liue in that body, wherein he found the motions of sinne rebel­ling against the law of his God. And if the Apostle accounted this bu [...]then so waightie to him, Alas [Page] how should we complaine▪ and what cause haue we with Ezcchi [...] to walke weakely in the bitternes [...]e of our [...]ou [...]es all our dayes▪ Esa. 38. 15. in whom the life and power of that sinning sinne is [...]arre lesse restrained? Yet least wee should be so cast downe with the sense of sinne, that we despeare & perish, being swallowed vp with griefe▪ the Lord furnisheth vs with many comforts against it, 2. Cor. 49. frō the beginning of this Chap. to the middest of the 17. verse. The other thing which may discourage vs, is the manifold troubles which follow vs in the following of Christ.

For our Lord is like a Lillie among Thornes, Cant. 2. 2. and at an Apple tree among the trees of the Forrest: If wee de­light to sit vnder his shadow; and if his Fruite be sweete in our mouth, wee must be content to walke toward him through many sharpe afflictions: 2. Tim. 2. 3. there­fore are we commaunded not only to suffer afflicti­ons as the good Souldiers of Iesus Christ, but also to reioyce in tribulations: and if we cannot attaine to that perfection, Rom. 5. 3. at the least to count it exceeding ioy when we fall into diuerse temptations: Iam. 1. 2. Yet be­cause no chastisement is sweete for the present, it hath pleased the Lord of his fatherly indulgence, and pitty toward our weakenesse, Heb. 12. to seyson the cupp of our bitter griefes, with his sweete comforts; which as he doth in many other par [...]es of holy Scripture, so speci­ally from the 17. verse of this Chapter, to the 30. wherein the Apostle aboundes with consolation; shewing himsel [...]e a fayth [...]ull Steward in the house of God, most carefull to lead as it were by the hand, the weary Son [...]es and Daughters of the liuing God, into the Lords Wine-seller; there to refresh and stay vs with the Flagons of his wine, Cant. 2. 4. and to comfort vs with his Apples; Cant. 5. 1. to [...]rengthen vs with his hid Manna, and to make vs merry with that Milke and Honny, which out immortall Husband Iesus Christ, hath proulded [Page] for vs to sustaine vs, if wee faint not through these manifold tribulations, wherewith we are compassed in this barren Wildernesse.

That this is the Apos [...]les purpose, and order of proceeding in this Chapter, I thinke his conclusion makes it manifest, which you haue from the 31. verse to the end; wherein he drawes all that he had sayd, into a short summe, conteyning the glorious tri­umph of a Christian, ouer all his enemies: the tri­umph is first set downe generally in the vers. 31. What shall we say then to these things: If God be with vs, who can be against vs? thereafter hee partes this generall in two: there is (would he say) but one of two that are against vs; either sinne, or affliction: as to sinne, he triumphes against it, verse 33. and 34. Who will lay any thing to the charge of Gods chosen? It is God that iustifieth, Who shall condemne? It is Christ, who is dead, or rather who is risen againe, who is also at the right hand of God, and makes request for vs. As to Affliction, hee begins his triumph against it, verse 35. Who shall sepa­rate vs from the [...]oue of Christ? his answere mountes vp by a gradation, Will tribulation, or anguish do it? yea, will death it selfe do it? or that which is much more; Will Principalities and Powers doe it? no: in all these thinges we are more then conquerours, through him that lo­ued vs: Tha [...]kes therefore be vnto our God, who alwayes makes vs to triumph in our Lord Iesus Christ.

Now in this verse, 2. Cor. 2, 14. as Iacob gaue his sonnes his grea­test blessing in the last roome, so the Apostle giueth to Christians his greatest comfort in the last roome, wherof this is the Summe: Our af [...]ictions are so far from being preiudicial to our saluation, that by the contrary, through the Lords marueilous working, they tend to the aduancment thereof, & he enlarges the comfort: Not only afflictions, but, all other things workes for the best together, to them that loue the Lord.

[Page] The partes of the Verse are two: the first conteynes the comfort: the second, a description of the persons to whom the comfort appertaineth. Now I come to the wordes.

Also, that is, besides all the comfortes which I haue giuen to you before, I giue you yet this further, learning vs, Our troubles are many▪ but our c [...]mforts are more then our troubles. that albe [...]t our troubles be many, yet our comforts are more. Many (sayth Dauid) are the troubles of the righteous: but the Lord deliureth him out of them all. As if he would say, for euery trouble, the Lord hath a seuerall deliuerance. Psal. 34. 19. Euery tempta­tion (sayth the Apostle) hath the owne issue. Euery horne that riseth against vs to push vs, 1. Cor. 10. 13. hath attending vpon it an hammer to repres [...]e it, (saith the Prophet.) Esau mourned vpon his father Isaac: Zach. 1. 21. although he was prophane, yet he cried pittifully, Hast [...] but one Blessing my Father? But wee (with the holy Apo­stle) may blesse our heauenly Father, who comfor­teth vs so in all our tribulations; that as the suffe­ [...]ings of Christ abound in vs, so our consolations a­bound through Christ: 2. Cor. 1. 5. not one, but manifold are his blessings; and the storehouse of his con [...]olations, can neuer be emptied. The Lord our God hath not dealt [...] nor spa [...]ingly with vs, but a good mea­sure of co [...]olatio [...]s, pr [...]ssed downe and running ouer hath he giuen to vs in our bosome; Luk. 6. 38. his name be praysed therefore: and yet how little is all this that we now receiue, in compa [...]son of these [...] ioyes of God, that he hath prepared for v [...]; the like whereof the eye neuer saw, 1. Cor. 2. 9. the eare neuer heard of, and the heart can not vnderstand: Surely the greate [...] measure of comfort that we haue in this life, is but the earnest penny of that principall, which shalbe giuen to vs hereafter: If the earne [...] be so grea [...], what shalbe the principall? [...] the [...] fruites of the Heauenly [...] be so delectable, how shall [Page] the full masse thereof abundantly content vs, Psal. 17. 15. when we shall behold the face of our God in righteousnes, Psal. 16, 11. and shalbe satisfied with his image; when we shalbe filled with the fulnesse of ioy, which is in his pre­sence, and with those pleasures which are at his right hand for euer-more?

Wee know. If you ponder the Apostles words, The Priui­ledges of a Christian, can not be knowne of them, who do not possesse them. you shall finde, that by an Emphasis, hee restraynes this knowledge to the Children of God, excluding Worldlings and Naturalistes from it. The spiritual man discerneth all thinges: but hee himselfe is iudged of no man. A naturall man can not vnderstand the things that are of God. 1. Cor. 2. 14. 15. The Gospell is Wisedome indeede; but Wisedome in a misteri [...]; and Wisedome among them that are perfect. 1. Cor. 2. 7. Euery Article of our Fayth & [...]oynt of Christian doctrine: euery priuilege of a Christian, 1. Cor. 2. 6. is a Misterie: therefore no maruaile that the Gospel be foolishnesse to the Naturall man, who perisheth: And this doth draw vs to consider that the excel­lent things of Christiani [...]e, can be knowne of none, but of those that possesseth them. The value, or rather vanitie of earthly Iewels, hath bin better knowne of some that neuer inioyed them, then of them who pos­sesse them: but the Iewels of Gods kingdome such as Peace, Righteousnesse, ioy in the Holy Ghost, can be knowne of none but of the Christian onely, who in­ioyes them. The new Name, Reue. 2. 17. giuen to the Christian, who can know but hee that hath it? and none can know what is the sweetnes of hid Manna, except he taste it: therfore saith the Psalmist, Psal. 34. 8. Taste and consider how gratious the Lord is: telling you that the graci­ousnesse of the Lord, can not be considered by him who neuer did taste it. If you goe and speake to a Worldling of inwar [...] Peace, of Spirituall ioy, or of the priuiledges of a Christian, you shall seeme to him a Barbarian, or one that speaketh a strange language [Page] which he vnderstandeth not; or if he himselfe speake of them which he sees learnedly hearing or reading, yet shal he speake like a bird, vttering voyces which she vnderstandeth not. As the bruite Beast knoweth not the excellencie of a mans life, and therefore de­lighteth it selfe with Hey and Prouander, seeking no better; because it knoweth no better. So the Na­turall man knoweth not the excellencie of a Chri­stian, Act. 26. 24. and therefore disdaines him, counting him a foole, a madd man, and the ofspring of the world: he taketh the Dung of the earth in his armes for his inheritaunce: 1. Cor. 4. 13. let him brooke the portion of Esau, that the fatnesse of the earth may be his dwelling place: Gen. 27 39. let his Wine and his Wheare abound to him, Psal. 4. 7. hee cares for no more: he knowes not what it is to haue his Soule made glad with the light of the counte­nance of God. This is your miserable condition, O yee wretched worldlings, yee are cursed with the curse of the Serpent; Gen. 3. yee creepe as it were on your bellies, and licke the dust of the eath all the dayes of your life: Coloss. 3. 1. yee haue not an eye to looke vp to hea­uen, nor a heart to seeke those thinges which are aboue; most fearefull is your estate: wee warne you of it, but it is the Lord who must deliuer you from it.

This resolute knowledge is the mother of spiritu­all courage, Resolute knowledge is the mother of patience. constancie, and patience: therefore the Apostle vrgeth it in this place, that the Christian may be made thereby strong, and patient in tribulation: and indeed what needes him feare in the euill day; yea though the Earth should be remooued, Psal. 42. and the Mountaines fall into the midest of the Sea: who knoweth that the Lord sitteth on his Throne, Reue. 4. ha­uing the world as a glassie Sea before him, gouerning all the walterings, changes, & euents of things there­in, to the good of them that loue him? Oh that we had prosited so much in the schoole of Christ all our [Page] dayes, that without doubting, or making any excep­tion, we could beleeue this which heere the Apostle layeth for a most sure ground of comfort, that so we might change all our thoughts and cares into one; namely, how to grow in the loue of God, that in a good conscience we might say to the Lord with Peter, Lord thou knowest I loue thee. And as the rest of our feares, gr [...]eses, & temptations, which many times do so compasse vs, that to our iudgements, wee can see no out-gate: Psal. 37. cast all the burthen of them vpon the Lord, who careth for vs; and hath giuen vs this promise for a Pr [...]munire: All comes for the best. The Souldier with courage entreth into the Bat­taile, vnder hope to obtaine the victorie. The Mar­riner with boldnesse committeth himselfe to the stormie Seas, vnder hope of vantage: and euery man hazardeth in his calling; and yet are they all but vn­certanie venturers, and knowes not the end: But the Christian, 1. Cor. 9. 26. runnes not as vncertaine; but as one sure to ob­taine the Crowne: for he knowes that the God of peace, shall shortly tread Satan vnder his seete. Rom. 16. 20. What then? shall hee not with courage enter into that battaile, wherein he is made sure ore euer he fight; that all the Watriers of Iesus shall become more then Conquerours through him? Rom. 8. 37. If we will onely stand still, Exod. 14. 13. we shall see the saluation of the Lord, Gideon & his 300. sought against the great Hoste of Midian without feare, Iudg. 7. 19. because he was sure of victorie. Dauid made haste, and ran to encoūter with Goliah, 1. Sam 17. 48. because he was perswaded, the Lord would deliuer him into his handes. The Israe­lites spared not to enter into the Flood of Iorden, be­cause they saw the Aike of God before them, I [...]s. 3, 16. deuiding the waters: And shall only the Christian stand asto­nished in his temptations, notwithstanding the word of God goe, before him to resolue him, that whatsoe­uer fal out, shal worke for the best vnto him? The Lord [Page] increase vs, and make vs abound more and more in loue of our God; for perfect loue casteth our feare. The Lord strengthen our Fayth, that through these mistie cloudes of afflictions, which now compasseth vs, we may see that comforttable end, which the light of God hath discouered vnto vs.

But wee are to beware of the subtile sleightes of Satan, who to the end, he may spoyle vs of this com­fort in trouble, endeauoreth by many meanes, either else to quench this light of God in our mindes; Iudge not of Gods working before the end, for that doth greatly impaire our comfort. or else to darken and obscure it by the precipitation of our vnbeleeuing heartes, carrying vs headlong to iudge of the workes of God, by their beginings; and to measure our selfe in trouble, by our present estate and condition, not suffering vs to [...]rty while wee see the end: whereof it comes to passe, that our heartes beeing tossed too and fro with restlesse per­turbance, like trees of the Forrest shaken with the wind: in our necessities, wee hasten to be our owne prouisors: in our dangers, wee wilbe our owne de­liuerers, and euery way we become the caruets of our owne perdition: wee haue so much the more to beware of this precipitation, because the dearest ser­uants of God haue fallen through it, into fearefull sinnes against the Lord their God, and breed great vnquietnesse vnto them selues. When Dauid was in extreame danger in the wildernes of Maon, Psal. 116. 11. he said in his feare, that all men were lyers. O what a blasphemie! that doing the promises of God, made to him by Samuel the Lords Prophet, were but lyes: and how many times thought hee (in his other troubes) that God had forgot to be mercifull, and had shut vp his tender mercies in displeasure: But when he saw the end, then was he compelled to accuse him selfe, to giue glory to God, Psal. 77. 9. & to say: I should haue been dumbe, and not opened my mouth, Psal. 39. 9. because thou didest it: I sayd it [Page] in my feare, but now I see, Psal. 116. 11. Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of his Saincts. As this precipitation made Dauid to stumble & fall, so will it carry vs also to the like inconuencience too, except we, beware of it: For if we should looke to Lazarus in the dunghill full of Byles & Sores, Luk. 16. 19. hauing no comfort, but from the Dogges, and compare him with the Richman cloathed in Purple, and fareing daintily euery day▪ What can we iudge, but that Lazarus is the most miserable of the two? yet tarry while the Lord haue ended his worke, and Lazarus be conueyed to Abrahams bo­some, and the Rich glutton be gone to his place, then shall the trueth appeare manifestly: All thinges worke together for the best, so them that loue God. Let vs learne therefore to measure the euent of thinges, not by their present condition, but by the prediction of Gods word. Let vs cleaue to his Promise, and waite on the Vision which hath his owne time appoynted, Abac. 2. [...]. it shall speake at the last, and shall not lie: though it terry, let vs waite for it, it shall surely come, and not stay. Let vs goe into the Sanctuarie of God, and consider the end; there shall we find and learne, Psal. 37. 37. that there is no peace to the Wicked, how soeuer they floorish for a time; and that it can not be, but well with them that feare the Lord. Marke the vpright man, and behold the lust; for the end of that man is peace; but the transgressors shalbe destroyed together, and the end of the Wicked shalbe cut off: So both in the troubles of the Godly, and prosperitie of the Wicked, are we bound to suspend our iudgment, till we see the end.

All thinges worke together. Many working instrumentes of contrarie qualities and intentions in the world, yet agrees all in one end. O what a singular pri­uiledge hath the Christian, that not onely Afflicti­ons, but all thinges whatsoeuer workes for the best: and not onely so, but they worke together for the best to him. Many working instrumentes is there in the world, their course is not one, they communi­cate [Page] no counsels, yea, their intentions often times are contrary; yet the Lord bringes all their wayes to this one ende, To the good of them that loue him. Where [...] they be, in regard of place: what euer they be, in regard of persons: what euer their purpo­ses be, how soeuer disagreeing amongst them selues; yet such is the power and prouidence of that su­preame gouernour our heauenly Father, that All of them, workes together to the good of them that loues him. And herein doth his Power and Wisedome appeare more clearely, then in the tempering of this great vniuerse, making Elements of so contrary qualities to meete together, & agree in one pleasant harmony. For the illustration of this, let vs marke but one ex­ample for all. Gen. 37. Iaacob sendes his sonne Ioseph to Do­than, to visite his brethren; his brethren castes him into the Pitt, Reuben relieues him, the Marchants of Midian buyes him, and selles him againe to Poliphar, his Mistris accuses him, his Maister condemnes him, the Butlet (after long ingratitude) recommendes him, and Phara [...]h exaltes him. O what Instruments are heere! and how many handes are about this one poore man of God: but how doth the Lord direct them all? yea, beside their owne intention to further Iosephs aduancement in Aegipt, for his owne good, and the good of his Church. But now to the particulars. All the wayes of God, yea euen when to walke stub­bornly against hir children, are for the best to them.

There is nothing in the world which workes not for our weale: All the workes of God, all the stratagems of Satan, all the imaginations of man, are for the weale of Gods Children; yea, out of the most poysonable thinges, as Sinne and Death, doth the Lord draw healthsome and mediciuall preser­uatiues, to them that loue him.

All the wayes of the Lord (sayth Dauid) are Mercie and Trueth. Marke what he sayth, and make not [Page] thou an exception, where God hath made none: Psal. 25. All, none excepted. But be thou strengthened in Fayth, and giue glory to God, Iob. 13 15. saying with the pa­tient Iob: Albeit the Lord would slay mee, yet will I trust in him.

Sometime the Lord walkes in the way of anger, seeming angie with his Children, and to walke stubbornly against them, which hath mooued them to powre out the like of these pittifull Lamentes. The arrowes of the Almightie are vpon me, Iob. 6. 4. (sayth Iob) the venlme whereof doth drinke vp my sp [...]rit, and the terrours of God fight against mee: Thou settes mee vp as a marke against thee, and makest mee a burden to my selfe. Thy indignation lyeth vpon mee; Psal. 88. 7. 1 [...] (sayth Dauid) Yea from my youth I haue suffered thy terrours, doubting of my life. For felicitie, I haue had bitter gri [...]fe, Esa. 38. 17. (sayd Exechia) for the Lord like a Lion, brake all my bones, so that I did chat­ter like a Swallow, and mourne like a Done. I am trou­bled on euery side, (sayth the Apostle) hauing fightings without, 2. Cor. 7. [...] ▪ and terrours within: And yet in all these, the Lord hath a secret way of mercie, wherein he walkes and workes for the comfort of his Children; which albeit for the present wee can not perceiue, Iob. 13. 24. and can see no other, but the Lord hath taken vs for his ene­mies: yet in the ende, wee shalbe compelled to ac­knowledge it, Psal. 119. and confesse, with Dauid: O good was it for mee, O Lord! that euer thou correctest mee: Therefore also sayd the Apostle, The Lord is mar­uelous in his Saincts. 2. Thes. 1. 10 And the Apostle cryed out, O the deepenesse of the riches hath of the Wisedome and Knowledge God! Rom. 11. 35. how vnsearchable are his iudgementes, and his wayes past finding out! His glorie is great when hee worketh by meanes; his glorie is greate [...] when he worketh without meanes: but his glorie shineth most brightly, when he worketh by con­traries.

[Page] It was a great worke that hee did open the eyes of the blind man: The Lord workes by meanes, with­out meanes, & by contraries: and then is his glory greatest but greater, that he did by appli­cation of Spittle and Clay, such meanes as are mee­ter to put out the eyes of the seeing man, then to re­store the sight to a blind man. So he wrought in the first Creation, causing Light to shine out of Darknes: So also in the worke of Redemption: for by cursed Death, hee brought happy Lyfe: by the Crosse, hee obtayned the Crowne: and through Shame, he went to Glory: And this same order, the Lord keeps yet in the worke of our second Creation, which is our Regeneration; Hos. 6. hee casteth downe, that he may raise vp; hee killes, & hee makes aliue: hee woundes, and hee will binde vp: hee woundes, and hee will heale: hee accuseth his children of sinnes, that so they may get remisse of their sinnes: hee troubleth their Con­sciences, that so he may pacifie them; and in a word, the meanes which he vseth in working, are contrary to the worke it selfe, which he intendes to performe towardes his Children. Hee sent a fearefull Dark­nesse on Abraham, but afterward communicated to him a ioyfull Light: hee wrestled with Iaacob, and shooke him too and [...]ro; but in the end blessed him: hee stroke the Apostle Paul with blindnes, and then opened his eyes, that he might know the Lord Iesus: hee frownes for a while vpon his owne, Gen. 43. as Ioseph did vpon his Brethren; but in the end with a louing af­fection shall he imbrace them: hee may seeme an­grie at thy Prayers, as hee put backe the Petition of the Woman of Canaan; Math. 15. 22. but at length, will graunt a fauourable answere to them: therefore let vs learne to possesse our soules in patience; let the Lord worke by any meanes it pleaseth him: It is enough that wee know, All the wayes of God, yea euen when he dealeth most hardly with his Children, are mercy, and tendes to the good of those that loue him.

[Page] And as to Satans stratagems, it is also out of doubt, All Satans stratagems, worke for the best to the godly. that they worke for the best, to them that loue the Lord; not according to his purpose in deed, but because the Lord trappeth him in his owne snare. If vnder the Serpents shape he deceiued Adam, vnder the Serpents name shall the Lord curse him: and all these weapons whereby he intendes to destroy the worke of Gods grace into vs, shall the Lord make forcible to destroy the workemanship of Satan into vs, I meane that whole bastard Generation of sinfull af­flictions, which Satan hath begotten vpon our muta­ble nature, by a most vnhappy and vnlawfull copu­lation: The experience of all the Sainctes of God will prooue this, that Satan by his restles temptati­ons, doth destroy him selfe; which is most euident both in his temptations for sinne, which tend to des­peration, as also in his temptations to sinne which tend to presumption. How Satans temptations for sinne, doth good to the Christian. Euery accusation of the Con­science for by-past sinnes, is a Preseruatiue to the Childe of God, to keepe him from sinne in time to come; hee reasoning with himselfe after this maner. If my Enemie doth so disquiet my minde with in­ward terrours, for these sinnes which foolishly I did by his inticement, why shall I harken to him any more hereafter, Shall I heare and trust the enemie of my soule, that hath deceiued mee so often? and so increase the matter of my trouble; for what fruite haue I of all the sinnes where­in I tooke pleasure, but terrour and shame? And shall I looke that this forbidden Tree, shall tender any better fruite hereafter? O what a faythlesse traytor is Satan, Rom, 6. 21. hee inticeth man vnto sinne; and when he hath done it, he is the first accuser and troubler of man for sinne. When hee workes in vs, he is a temptor: when we haue finished his worke, (which is sinne) hee is an accuser of vs to the iudge; and when he re­turneth, he returneth as a troubler and a tormentor of vs for our sinnes. Stoppe my care therefore, O my [Page] soule from the voyce of this deceitfull enchaunter. His temptations againe vnto sinne are so many pro­uocations, spurring vs forwarde to the throne of grace: for whilest we finde his restlesse malice pur­suing that sparckle of spirituall life, whereby the Lord hath quikened vs; and our owne weaknesse and inhabilitie to resist him: then we are forced with Israel in Aegipt, 2. C [...]r. 20. 12 to sigh for the thraldome; and to cry with Ioseph, O Lord our God, we wott not what to doe! but our eyes are turned toward thee. And who feeles not this? that the grace of feruent Prayer, wherein other­wise we faint, (our handes being more readie to fall downe then the handes of Moses, except they be supported) is greatly wakened, and intended in the Children of God, by the buffets of Satan: So they wakened the holy Apostle, 2▪ Cor. 12. 7. and stirred him vp to such feruencie in prayer, that he besought the Lord thrise, that is, many times, to deliuer him from them: Yea (which is more) the Lord made them effectuall meanes to beate downe the power of naturall pride in him, least hee should haue been exalted out of measure, through the greatness of his reuelations. A woun­derfull worke, that the Father of Pride, becommeth against his will, a represser of Pride: and hee who first procured this Poyson in the nature of Man, is made (contrary to his intent) an instrument to sup­presse it. Thus the Lord our God out-shooteth Satan in his owne Bowe: How afflicti­ons are pro­fitable to a Christian. and with the Sword of Goliah, cutteth off his owne head: His holy name be praysed therefore for euer.

Now as concerning outward afflictions, it is true, that as the Philistines could not vnderstande Samsons Riddle, Iudg. 14. 14. how Sweete came out of the sower, and meate out of the eater: So can no Worldlings vnderstand, R [...]m. 5. 3. that Tribu [...]ation bringeth out Patience: and that our light & momenta [...]e afflictions, 2. Cor. 4. 17. causeth vnto vs a farre more excel­lent [Page] and eternall waight of glorie: but the children of God hath learned by experience, 2. Cor. 4. 17. that albeit no visi­tation be sweete for the present, yet afterwardes it bringeth the quiet fruite of righteousnes vnto them, who are thereby exercised: and that there is more solide ioy in Suffring rebuke with Christ, Heb. 11. 25. then in all the pleasures of sinne, which indure but for a season. For as Moses, the mediator of the old Testament, Exod. 15. 25. by his prayer, made the bitter Waters of Marah sweete, that the Israelites might drinke of it; so Iesus the media­tor of the new Testament, by his Passion, hath mit­tigated to his children, the bitternes of the Crosse: and not onely mixed it with ioy, but made it most profitable. Luke. 15. 12. The for-lorne Sonne concluded, neuer to returne home to his Father, till he was brought low by affliction. And many in the Gospell, were forced by Diseases corporall, to run to Iesus, where others enioying bodily health, did nothing but dis­daine him. The earth which is not tilled and broken, beares nothing but Thornes and Briers: the Vines waxe wilde by time, except they be proyned and cut: so should our vaine heartes ouergrow with vilde affections, if the Lord by sanctified trouble, did not continually manure them. Therefore (sayd Iere­mie) It is good for a man to beare the yoake in his youth. Lam. 3. 27. And Dauid confessed, It was good for him, that hee was afflicted. Psal. 119. Yea (sayth our Sauiour) Euery branch that beares fruite, my he menly Father purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruite. Iob. 15. 2. No worke can be made of Gold and Siluer, without Fire: and Stones are not meete for Pallace worke, except they be pollished and squared by hamering: no more is it possible, that we can be vessels of Honour in the houres of our God, except first we be fined & melted in the fire of affliction: neither can we be as liuing Stones, to be placed in the Wall of the heauenly Ierusalem, except [Page] so long as we are heere, the h [...]nd of God beat from vs our prou [...] lumpes, by the hammer of Affliction. As standing Waters pu [...]sies and rottes, Psal. 55. so the wic­ked feares not God (sayth the Psa [...]nist,) because they haue no changes. And Moa [...] keyes is sent, (sayth the Prophet) because he was not powred from vessell to vessell, Ier. 48. 11. but hath been at rest euer since [...]is youth. And therefore, O Lord! rather then we should keepe the old sent of our naturall corruption, and liue in a carelesse securitie, without the [...]ea [...]e of thy holy name, and so become sitfasts in our sinnes; no ra­ther, O Lord! change thou vs from estate to estate; waken vs wid [...] the presence of thy hand: purge vi, O Lord! with thy fire, and chastice vs with thy roddes; alway Lord, with a protestation, that thou stand to thy promise made to the Sonnes of Dauid, I will visit them with my roddes, Psal. 89. if they sinne against mee: but my mercie wili I neuer take from them. So be it Lord, euen: So be it.

The same comfort haue we also against Death; that now in Christ Iesus, How death also workes for the best to the Christian. it is not a punishment of our sinnes, but a full accomplishment of the mortifi­cation of sinne, both in soule and body; for by it, all the conduites of sinne are stopped, the weapons of vnrighteousnesse broken: and though our bodyes seeme to be consumed, yet are they but sowen like graines of Wheate, into the [...]ielde and husband [...]e of the Lord, Death com­pared to the red sea, wherin the Egyptians were drow­ned, and the Israelites went through to Canaan. which must die, before they be quickness; but in the day of haruest, shall spring vp againe most glorious, and shalbe restored by the same holy Spi­ [...]e who now dwel [...]s in them: and as to our soules they are relieued out of this house of serui­tude, and that they may depart and returne to [...] from whom they came; therfore haue I compared Death to the Redde Sea, wherein Phara [...]h and his Aegyptians were drowned, Rom. 8. and sanke like a Stone to [Page] the bottome, but the Israelites of God, went through to their promised Canaan: So shall Death be vnto you, O miserable Infidels! whose eyes, the God of this world hath blinded, that no more then the blind Aegiptians, can you see the light of God, that shineth in G [...]shan, that is, his Church; although yee be in it: to you I say, your Death shalbe a Sea of Gods vengeuce, wherein yee shalbe drowned, and shall sinke with your sinnes, heauier then a Milstone a­bout the necke of your soule, to presse you downe to the lowest Helle [...]. But as to you, that are the Israe­lites of God, yee shall walke through the valley of Death, and not need to be a [...]rayde, because the Lord is with you; Psal. 23. His Staffe and his Rodde shall comfort you: Albert the terrours of Hell, the horrour of the Graue, the guiltinesse of Sinne, stand about thee like Moun­taines, threatning to ouerwhelme thee; yet shalt thou go safe through, to the land of thine inheritance; where, with Moses and Mertam, and all the children of God, euen the congregation of the first borne: Thou shalt sing prayses ioyfully to the God of thy saluation. And thus wee see, Exod. 15. 11. how that not onely our present Afflictions, but Satan, Sinne, and Death, are made, to worke for the best, to them that loue the Lord.

Now in the last roome concerning the imagina­tions of men against vs, How the plots and imagina­tions of men worke for the best to the Christians. we shall haue cause to say of them in the end, as Ioseph sayd to his brethren, You did it vnto mee for euill, but the Lord turned it vnto good. The whole Historie of Gods Booke, is as a cloude of mani [...]old witnesses concurring altogether to con­fime this trueth: I content my selle therefore for all, to bring one. When Dauid was going forward in the Batta [...]le against Israel with Achish King of Gath, (vnder whom he soiourned for a while, in the time of his bani [...]hment) the remanent Princes of the Phi­listines, comm [...]unded him to goe backe; and this [Page] they did for the worse to disgrace him, because they distrusted him: but the Lord turned it to him for the best: Consider Dauids estate now, and yee shall see him set betwixt two great extremities. If he had gone backe of his owne accord, the Phil [...]stines might haue blamed him, and han [...]led him as an enemie: if hee had come forwarde, hee should haue been guiltie of the blood of Israel, and especially of S [...]ul the Lordes annoyted; who was slaine in that Battaile.

In this straite, the wit of man can finde him no out­gate, but the prouident mercie of God deliuers him in such sort, that no occasion of o [...]fence is giuen to S [...]ul & his people, because Dauid came not against them: neither yet could the Philistines condemne him, because he went backe by their commaunde. So notable a benefite did Dauid receiue euen by that same deed, wherein his enemies thought they had done him notable a shame: and it should learne vs in our straightest extremities whereunto men can driue vs, to depende on the Lord; and euer then to hope for an outgate, when we see none. For such is thy prouidence, O Lord, whereby in mercy thou watchest ouer those that loue thee, that these euilles that are intended against them, by thee, are turned into good to them.

And heere we haue further to consider, If this comfort belong to eue­rie member, much more to the whole bo­dy and state of the C [...]urch. that seeing this is the priuiledge of euery one that loues the Lord; much more must it appertaine to the whole Church of God. It is the portion of Abraham, al­ber [...] the Father of the Faythfull, yet one of Gods Children, I will blesse them that blesse thee, end cursse them that c [...]rsie thee: And shall it not belong (thinke wee) to all the congregation of the first borne? Will not the Lord be a Wall of fire rounde about Ierusalem, Zach. 2. 5. [Page] and the glory in the middest of her? Will bee not keepe her as the apple of his eye? Shall not Ierusalem be as a Cuppe of Poyson vnto all her enemies, Zach. 12. 2. and a heauie Stone? Yea surely all that lift it vp shall be torne, though all the people of the earth be gathered togeather a­gainst it; the weapons made against her shall not prosper; and euery tongne that shall rise against her in iudgement, shall be condemned. This is the he­ritage of the Lordes seruantes, and the portion of them who loue him. For the Church is that Arke of God, Gen. 7. 18. which may mount vp higher as the Waters increaseth; but can not be ouerwhelmed: the Bush which may burne, Exod. 3. 2. but can not be consumed: the House built on a Rocke, which may be bea­ten with wind and raine, Math. 7. 15. but can not be ouerthro­wen.

The Lord who changeth times and seasons; Enemies of Gods Church, looke to their end, who takes away Kinges, and settes vp Kinges: hath re­prooued Kinges for his Churches sake: and hee go­uerneth all the Kingdomes of the earth in such sort, that their rysinges and fallinges, their changes and mutations, are all dispensed for the good of his Church: for there is but one of two sentences, where­in all the Iudges of the world may iudge of them­selues, and see clearely their end. Either that, which Mordecai sayd: Ester, [...]ster. 4. 14. Who knowes if for this thou art come to the Kingdome, that by thee deliueraunce might come to Gods people? Dan. [...], 21. Or else that which Moses in Gods name sayd to Pharaoh, (the first oppressor of Gods Church in his adulescencie) I haue set thee vp to declare my power, because thou exaltest thy selfe against my people.

How miserable then are they, who when they are highest, abuseth their power, to hold the people of God lowest?

[Page] Haue they not cause to feare, least the Lord haue set them vp against him, as an Obiect of his Power and Iustice? If we will marke the course of the Lords proceeding euer since the beginning of the world, wee shall finde, that as he orders the state of earthly Power, for the accomplishment of his will concer­ning his Church; so euermore a blessing followes them, who are instruments of her good: and by the contrary, an inuitable cu [...]ss [...] followes them, who are the instruments of her euill.

When the Lord concluded to bring his Church from Canaan, to so [...]orne in Aegipt, hee sent such a Famine in Canaan, as compelled them to forsake it: but made p [...]entie in Aegi [...]t, by the hand of Ioseph; whom the Lord sent b [...]fore as a prouisor to his Church; and by whom Phar [...]oh was ma [...]e so [...]auou­rable to Iacob, that he was allowed to dwel in G [...]shen: but when such time came▪ that he would translate his Church from Aegipt to Canaan, then hee altered Pharaohs countenance; hee raysed vp a new King, which knew not Ioseph, and turned the Aegiptians heartes away from Israel, so that they vexed Israel, and caused them to serue by crueltie▪ and all this the Lord did, to the end his people should become wea­rie of Egipt, and inforced by violence to make for­ward to Canaan, whereas otherwayes (as it well ap­peares) if they had been danted as in the beginning, they would haue neglected the promised Land, and contented themselues with Onions and Fleshpots of Egipt. Thus Pharaoh by his obstinacie bringes on him selfe, his iust [...] punishment; and the Lord workes to his people their vndeserued deliuerance: and afterward, when the sinnes of his people drew to that ripenesse, that they had caused their dayes to draw neare, Ez [...]ch. 22. 4 & were come to their tear [...]e, the Lord sturred vp the King of Babel, [...]sa, 10. 5. as the Rod of his wrath, [Page] and Staffe of his i [...]dignation, he s [...]nt him to the dis­sembling Nation, and gaue him a charge against the people of his wrath, to take the spoyle and the prey, and to tread thē vnder [...]eete like myre in the streets: and then that the Lord might be auenged of the sinnes of Israel, he subdued all Kingdomes round about them vnder the King of Babel, that no sloppe or impediment should be in their way to hold off the iudgement from them: Esa. 10. 12. But yet againe, when the Lord had accomplished all his workes vpon Mount Sion, and the appoynted time of mercie was come, and the 70. The gouerne­ment of the wh [...]le earth altered f [...]r the Churches sake. yeares of Captiuitie was expired, the [...] the Lord visited the proude heart of the King of Ashur; and for his Churches sake, he altered againe the gouernment of the whole earth, translating the Empire to the Medes and Persians, that Cyr [...]s the Lords annoynted, might performe to his people the promised deliuerance. All which, should learne vs in the greatest changes and alterations which can fall out in the world, to rest assured, that the Lord wil worke for the good of his Church, Psal. 42. though the earth should be mooued, and the mountaines fall into the middest of the Sea; yea though the waters thereof rage and be troubled, yet there is a Riuer whose streames shall make glad the Cittie of our good God, in the midst of it, and therefore it shall not be mooued: yea they who should be as nursing fathers & mothers vnto the Church of God, may forsak her, & become her enemies: but assuredly they shall pe­rish; and comfort & deliuerance shall appeare vnto Gods people out of an other place. The Lord for a while may put the bridle of bondage in the Phi [...]istines handes to humble Israel for their sinnes, Esa. 12 1. but it shall be taken from them: and the day shall come, where­in we shall with ioy draw Water out of the Welles of saluation, and prayse the Lord, saying: Though [Page] thou wast angry with mee, thy wrath is turned away, and thou comfortest mee. Yea, Sion shall cry out, and showt for ioy, for great is the Holy one of Israel in the midest of her: and therefore in our lowest humiliations, let vs answere our aduersaries. Reioyce not against me, Oh mine enemie, though I fall, I shall rise: and when I shall sit in darknesse; the Lord is a light vnto mee: I will beare the wrath of the Lord; because I haue sinned against him, vntill hee plead my cause, and execute iudgement for mee, he will bring me foorth to the light, Mich. 7. 8. and I shall see his righteousnesse: then he that is mine enemie, shall looke vpon it, and shame shall couer him who sayd to mee, What is a Christians best. What is the Lord thy God? Now shall he be trodden vnder, as the myre in the streete: yea, so let all thine enemies pe­rish, O Lord!

For the best. This best, is no other thing, but that precious saluation prepared to be showen vs in the last time, reserued in the heauens for vs, and where­vnto we are reserued, by the power of God through Fayth; whereof we learne that our best estate is not yet wrought so as it is accomplished; it is only in the working, [...] ▪ Pet. 1. 5. sayes the Apostle: and therefore we are not to looke for it in this life.

There is a great difference betweene the godly and the wicked: The wicked man is at his best, when he comes first in­to the world. the one enioyes their best in this life: the other, lookes for it, and are walking toward it: For if it should be demanded, when a wicked man is at his best? I would answere, his best is euil inough; but then a wicked man is at the best, when he comes first into the world; for then his sinnes are fewest, his iudgement easiest. It had bin therfore good for him, that the knees had not Iob. 3. 11, preuented him, but that he had [...]yed in the bath: for as a Riuer which is smallest at the be­ginning, incre [...]seth as it proceedes by the accession of other Waters into it, till at length it be swallowed [Page] vp into the deepe; so the wicked, the longer he liueth, 2. Tim. 3. 13. Wax [...]th euer worse and worse; deceiuing, and being de­ceiued (sayth the Apostle.) Proceeding from euill to worse (sayth Ieremy,) Ier. 9. 3. till at length he be swallowed vp in that Lake that burneth with Fire and Brimstone. Reu. 19. 20. And this the Apostle expresseth most significantly, when he compares the wicked man vnto one gathe­ring a treasure, wherein he heapes vp wrath to him­selfe, against the day of wrath: For euen as the Worlding, who euery day casteth in a peece of mo­ney in his treasure, Rom. 2. in few yeares multiplies such a summe, the particulers whereof hee him selfe is not able to keepe in minde; but when he breakes vp his Boxe, then he findes in it sundry sortes of Coyne, whereof he had no remembrance: A warning for impeni­tent sinners. Euen so is it, and worse, with thee, O impenitent man, who not onely euery day, but euery hower and moment of the day, doest multiply thy transgressions, and defile thy Conscience, hoording vp into it some dead worke or other: to what a reckoning thinkest thou, shall thy sinnes amount in the end, though thou forget them as thou committest them? Yet the Apostle telleth thee, that thou hast laid them vp in a treasure, and not onely so, but with euery sinne, thou hast gathered a portion of wrath proportionable to thy sinne, which thou shalt perfectly know in that day wherein the Lord shall breake vp thy treasure, and open the booke of thy Conscience, Psal. 50. 1 [...]. and set thy sinnes in order before thee: then shall Thine owne wickednesse correct thee, I [...]r. 2. 19. and thy turninge backe, shall reprooue thee: then shalt thou know and behold, that it is an euill thing and a bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God: And shalt be astonished to see such a multitude of witnesses standing vp against thee; then shalt thou perceiue that these sinnes which thou hast cast be­hind thy backe, Psal 90. 8. the Lord hath set them in the light of [Page] his countenan [...]e: and then woe shallbe vnto thee, for the Lord shall turne thine owne wayes vpon thy head, when thou hast accomplished the m [...]asure of thine iniquitie: the Lord shall gi [...] thee to drinke of the cuppe which thou hast s [...]lled with thine owne hand, and shall double his stripes vpon thee, accor­ding to the multitude of thy [...].

But as to the Children of God, The Christian is not at his best now: it is in the working only. i [...] you will aske, When they are at their best? [...]. Pray [...]e [...] be God, ou [...] wo [...]st is away, our good is [...] best is at hand: as our Sauiour sayd to his Kinsmen, [...]o may we say to the Worldlings: Your Ti [...] is a [...]ay, but, Ioh. 7. 6. my time is not yet come. W [...]e were at the worst immediatly before our con [...]sion; for our whole life t [...]ll then, was a walking with the children of dis­obedience in the brode way that leades to damnati­on: and then were wee at the worst, when we had proceeded furthest in the way of vntighteousnesse, for then were we furthest from God. Our best be­gan in the day of our recalling, wherein the Lord by his Word and holy Spirit, called vpon vs, and made vs turne our backes vpon Satan, and our face toward the Lord, and so caused vs part companie with the children of disobedience; among whom, we had our conuersation before: then we came home with the penitent [...]orlorne to our fathers family; but they went forward in their sinnes to iudgement: That was a day of diuision betwixt vs and our sinnes: In that day (with Israel) we entred into the borders of Canaan into Gilgall, Ios. 5. 9. & there were we circumcised, and the shame of Aegipt was taken frō vs, e [...]en o [...] sinne, which is our shame indeed, & which we haue borne from our mothers wombe: the Lord graunt that we may keepe it for euer in thanke [...]ull remembrance: and that we may [...]unt it a double shame to re [...]urne againe to the bondage of Aegipt, to serue the prince [Page] of Darknesse in Bricke and Clay; that is, to haue fellowship any more with the vnfruitfull workes of darknesse, but that like the redeemed of the Lord, wee may Wak [...]from strength to strength, Psal. 84. 7. till we appeare before the [...]ace o [...] [...]ur God in S [...]on.

Alwayes this difference of estates of the godly and wicked, This diffe­rence of the godly & w [...] ­ked concer­ning their best, should learn: vs com­fort and pati­ence. should learne vs patience: Let vs not seeke that in the Earth, which our gracious God in his most holy dispensation hath reserue [...] [...]or vs in the Heauen: Let vs not be like the foolish Iewes, who loued the place of their Banishment in Babel, better then their home: For heere we are not at our best, 1. Ioh. 3. now our life is hid with the Lord, and wee know not yet what we shallbe: but we know when he shall ap­peare, we shall be like him: Exod. 15. 13. the Lord shall carry vs by his mercie, and bring vs in his strength to his holy habitation: Hee shall plant vs in the mountaine of his inheri­tance, Esa 35. 10. euen the place which he hath prepared; and sanctuarie which he hath established: then, Euerla­sting [...] vpon our hea [...]e [...], and sorrow an [...] [...] shall fl [...]e away from vs for euer. And now till the Lord hath accomplished his worke into vs, Psal. 3 [...]. let vs not faint, because the wicked fl [...]resh: neither thinke we haue clensed our handes in vaine, because they pros­per, they are to be pittred rather then enu [...]ed: let them eate and drinke, and be merry; sure it is, they will neuer see a blyther day then that which they see presently: they haue enioyed their Heauen in the Earth: they haue receiued their consolation in this life, Luk. 19. and hath gotten their portion in this world. Oh what tongue can expresse their miserie! And yet as Samuel mourned for Saul when God rei [...]cted him: How misera­ble are the wicked, who haue their heauen in the earth. and Ieremy wept in secret for the pride of his people, that would not rep [...]n [...] of their sinnes: How can we but take vp a bitter lamentation for many of you, whom in this time of Grace, wee see to be strangers [Page] from Grace? We wish from our hearts, yee were not like the Kinsmen of L [...]t, who thought he was scor­ning, Gen. 19. when hee tolde them of a Iudgement to come; and therefore for no request would goe with him out of Sodom, but ta [...]yed while the fire of the Lords indignation consumed them. But rather as Sara follo­wed Abraham from Chaldee to Canam, so you would take vs by the hand, and goe forward with vs, from the Helles to the Heauens. But alasse, the lustes of the flesh, holdes you captiue, your Sinnes hath blinded you, and the Loue of the world doth bewitche you; but all of them in th' end, shall deceiue you: For All the labour vnder the Sunne, Eccles. [...]. 17. is but vanitie and vexation of spirit. When you haue finished your taske, you shalbe lesse content then yee were at the beginning: you shalbe as one wakened out of a dreame, who in his sleepe thought he was a possessor of many things, but when he awaketh, behold, he hath nothing. Like that Rich man, who sayd in his securitie, N [...]w my soule, thou hast mickle good for many dayes: and euen vp­pon the next day, redacted to so great poue [...]tie with him that despised Lazarus, that he had not so much as a drop of cold Water to coole his tongue with: then shall you lament, Wee haue wearied our selues in the way of iniqui [...]ie, and it did not pro [...]ite vs. Alasse, how shall I learne you to be wise? The Lord when he created man, set him in a roome aboue all his creatures; and now degenerate man, sets euery Creature in his heart aboue the Lord, O fearefull ingratitude. Deut. 32. 6. Do you foreward the Lord, yee foolish people and vnwise? There is nothing which you conceiue to be good; but when you want it, you are carefull to seeke it: when you haue it, you are carefull to keepe it; onely you are carelesse of the Lord Iesus, though hee be that incomparable Iewell, that brings light in darkesse, life in death, comfort in trouble, mercie a­gainst [Page] al Iudgement▪ you should set him as a Signet on your heart, as an Ornament on your head; & put him on as that glorious attire that gets you place to stand before God. But what paines do you take to seeke him? what assurance haue you, that yee are in him? or what mourning doe you make, because yee are strangers from him? Can yee say that the tenth of your thoughts & words, are imployed vpon him? Alas, how long will you wander after vanities, and followe lyes? Will yee for euer forsake the Foun­taine of lyuing Waters, and digg to your selues bro­ken Pittes that can holde no Water? Psal. 50. 22, O consider this (in time) yee that forget the Lord, least he teare you in pee [...]es, and there be none to deliuer you.

The last lesson wee obserue in this part of the verse, All thinges worke to the worst, to the wicked. is this: as All thinges workes for the best, to them that loue the Lord; so all thinges workes for the worst to the wicked: there is nothing so cleane', which they defile not: nothing so excellent, which they abuse not. Make Saul a King, & Balaam a Prophet, and Iudas on Apostle, their preferment shalbe their destruction. If they be in prosperitie, they contemne God, and their prosperitie becomes their ruine: If they be in aduersitie, they blaspheme him; and like raging waues of the Sea, cast out their owne dirt to their shame. Yea, what speake I of these thinges, euen their table shalbe a snare to them: Psal. 69. 22. Iesus Christ is a r [...]cke of offence to them, the Gospel the sauour' of death to them, 2. Cor. 5. and their prayer is turned into sinne to them: And what more excellent thinges then these, as a soule stomacke turneth most healthsome food into cor­ruption, so their polluted Conscience, turne Iudge­ment into Gall; & the fruite of Righteousnesse, into Wormewood▪ And all this should prouoke vs to become good in our persons, or else there is nothing, were it neuer so good, can be profitable vnto vs.

[Page] To them that loue God. The second part of the vese, is the persons to whō the former comfort be­longeth. Heere followes the second part of the verse, conteyning a description of the per­sons to whom this priuiledge appertaineth, together with a reason of the former comfort: of force All thinges must worke for the best, (that is to saluation) to them that loue God, because they are called (namely to saluation) according to Gods purpose. The strength of this reason, standes in the necessitie and immutabili­tie of the Purpose of God, more stable then the De­cree of the Medes and Persians; for what he hath decreed, can not be reuoked, annulled, not impeded. It is that supreame cause of all, which orders all in­feriour causes and incidents whatsoeuer, in such sort, that they must worke to the aduancement of that most high purpose of God.

This reasō is made clearer in the subsequent verse, Our calling comes from Gods purpose, and ca [...]es vs to the deter­mined glory. where the Apostle lets vs see how the linkes of the golden Ch [...]ine of our Saluation are knit togeather inseparable, by the hand of God, that no power in heauen or earth can sunder them: whereof it comes, that he that is sure of one, is sure of all. And now let vs take a short view of it, for confirming the Apostles reason. Election is the first, and it is the most anci­ent Charter of the right of Gods Children to their fathers inheritaunce. Calling, is the second, and it is that gift of God whereby wee are cognosced the Sonnes of God, and our Election secret in it selfe, is made manifest to our selues and others. Iustification is the third, and it is that Grace of God, whereby we are in [...]est in Iesus Christ in such sort, that wee are made one with him, and partakers of all that is his, Gl [...]ification is the last, and it is that Grace of God whereby wee shalbe entered in the due time, full heires to our heauenly Father.

No King on the earth can produce so auncient a right to his Crowne, as the Christian, effectually [Page] called. No Man on the earth can be cognosced his Fathers heire vpon such sufficient warrant, as the Christian. For in his Regeneration, the Father com­municates to him his Image, his Nature, his Spirit, whereby he begins from feeling, to call G [...]d [...] [...]a­ther; and in life and manners [...]e [...]embleth him. No Free-holder so surely infe [...]t in his Landes, hauing so many confirmations of his right, as hath the [...] Christian, who vpon his gi [...], hath receiued the [...]ar­nest, the Pledge, the Seale, and the Witnesse o [...] the great King. And last of all, the Christian shall be entered to the full fruition of his inheritaunce, with such ioy and trumph in the glorious assemblie of the Sainctes, as the like was neuer seene in the world, no not in Ierusalem that day when Sa [...]omon sate downe in his fathers Throne; 1 Kin. 1. 4 [...]. then their ioy was so great, That the earth rang with the [...]ound of them: but nothing comparable to this: and herein standes the excel­lencie of a Christian, and certaintie of his saluation.

For this Cheyne of our Saluation reacheth (as I may say) from eternitie to eternitie: How the Chri­stian is made sure of his election, and glorification. the beginning of it (albeit before beginning) is our election: the end of it (albeit without end) is our glorification: And these two endes of the Cheyne, the Lord keepes them sure and secret in his owne hand: but the two middle linkes of the Cheyne, to wit, Calling and Iustification, the Lord hath le [...]en them downe from the Heauen to the Earth, that wee should g [...]pe and apprehend them; that being sure of the two mindle Linkes, we might also be sure of the two endes; be­cause the Lord hath knit them inseparably together. Then thou, who wouldst be comforted with the as­surance of thy saluation, take heed to this, making it knowen to thine owne Conscience by a holy life, that God hath called thee, and iustified thee: Gripe sure, as it were with the one hand, the Linke of Cal­ling, [Page] and with the other hand, the linke of Iustificati­on; By our dispo­sition in this life, each man hath to consi­der of his e­uerlisting weale or woe. then mayst thou know assuredly, Election before the world is thine; Glorification after this, shall also be thine. To make this yet more plaine, we are to re­member, this mortal life of ours, is a short interiected poynt of Time betwixt two Eternities (if so I may call it:) or like a stepping Stone betwixt two Gulphes, wherevpon some in feare and trembling, worke out their saluation; and so steppes from Gods eternall Election to endlesse glorification. Others againe, in wantonnesse & carelesse securitie, drinkes in Iniquitie with greedinesse, and so steppes from the decree of Reprobation, that most iustly they procure their euerlasting condemnation: So that euery man is to consider of his euerlasting weale or woe by his present disposition in this life. Oh that we had sanctified memories, to remember this so long as we are heere. If of weakenesse we fall, we may rise againe: and if we haue not learned well to repent in one day, we haue leaue of the Lordes pa­tience to learne it better an other day: his name be praysed therefore, who hath opened a doore of mer­cie to sinners, and with long suffering, waites for our repentance. But he who in the day of his transmi­gration steppes the wrong s [...]eppe, will neuer get leaue to amende it. Where the tree falles, it shall lie there, the wicked dies in their sinnes, and so steppes downeward to the deepe Pit and Gulph, out of die which there is no redemption. Let vs therefore be well aduised before we leape. Let vs fasten our feet [...] in the borders of that Canaan in time, which shall be done, if we make our whole life a proceeding from Election to Glorification, and that through Calling and Iustification; which two, is inseparably following them, the Sanctification & Renouation of the whole man, The Lord make vs wise in time, that we may [Page] consider our course, and thinke of the end where­vnto it leades vs: for there is but one of two, as M [...] ­ses protested to the Israelites, so do I vnto you: I haue layde this day life and death before you: the Lord giue you grace to make choyce of the best.

But now to returne to the wordes of this descrip­tion of the persons, to whom this priuiledge apper­tayneth, wee haue these thinges. First, the Purpose of God: Secondly, his Calling according to his Purpose: Thirdly, the euident token according to Gods calling, which is, the loue of God. The Purpose of God, concer­ning thy saluatiō, thou mayest know by thy Calling: and if againe thou wilt try thy, Calling, try it by the Loue of God, which thou findes in thee. And of these three, now let vs speake shortly.

According to his Purpose. What comfort wee haue in this, that our saluation is grounded on the Lords vn­changeable purpose. Heere you see then how the Apostle draweth our Calling from the Pur­pose of God: and so when he will comfort vs with the certaintie of our Saluation, hee leades vs out of our selues, vp to the Rocke that is higher then wee; hee teacheth vs to cast our Anchor within the Vaile, and to fasten our Soules vpon that vnchangeable Purpose of God. It is most expedient for the children of God, to marke this, because the manifold changes we find in our selues, do often times interrupt the peace of our mindes, that the Lord our God hath in such sort dispensed our Saluation, that the ground thereof is layd in his owne immutable Purpose; but the markes, tokens, and pledges, he placeth in them▪ after their Calling, for whom it was ordayned. The tokens are changeable, as wee our selues in whom they are, are changeable, but the ground holdes fast, being layde in the vnchangeable God, in whom falles no shadow of alteration▪ and this should comfort vs against our dayly vicis [...]itudes, changes, defectes, and tempo­rall desertions: our Fayth may faint, our spirituall [Page] life may languish, our Hope hoouer, our Heartes in praying fall downe like the infeebled handes of Moses; yet let vs not despaire, no change in vs, can alter the Lords vnchangeable Purpose: hee who hath begun the worke in vs, will also perfect it. Because I am not changed (sayth the Lord) therefore is it that yee, Mal. 3. 6. O sonnes of Iacob, are not consumed.

This Purpose of God, is called otherwayes, Our saluation is neither in part nor in the whole ascribed to our merites The will of God, and, The good pleasure of his will: and it doth learne vs, to giue to the Lord the prayse which is due to him, namely the prayse of the whole worke of our Saluation, should be ascribed to the good pleasure of his will onely, and not to our foreseene Merites: that poyson of pride, which Satan powred in our first Parents, whereby he prouoked them to aspire to be equall with God, doth yet appeare in their posteri­tie: the corrupt heart of man euer ayming at this, eyther in part or in whole, to haue the prayse of Sal­uation ascribed to him, and so would start vp in the roome of God, vsurping that glory which belongeth to the Lord, and he will not giue to another: then the which no sacriledge more fearefull can be com­mitted against the Lord. O man! content thee with that which the Lord offers thee, and let that alone which the Lord reserueth to him selfe. My Peace (sayth the Lord) I giue vnto you, but my Glorie I will not giue to an other. It is enough that the salua­tion of the Lord is thine; but as to the glorie of Sal­uation, let it remaine to the Lord: he is for this, cal­led The Father of Mercie, because Mercie bredde in his owne bosome: many causes without himselfe, found he without himselfe, moouing him to execute Iustice; but a cause moouing him to shew mercie found he neuer, saue onely. The good pleasure of his will. Therefore sayth the Apostle, The Lord hath called vs with a holy calling, nor according to our workes; but ac­cording [Page] to his Purpose and Grace. Surely except the Lord had reserued Mercie for vs, we had been like Sodome and Gomorrah, but it hath pleased him in his Mercie, of the same lumpe of Clay, to make vs ves­sels of Honour, whereof he hath made others vessels of dishonour; and who is able sufficiently to thinke of so great a benefite? Therefore let the Redeemed of the Lord, Psal. [...]. cry out with a louder voyce then Dauid▪ O Lord! what are wee, that thou hast been so mindfull of vs? Not vnto vs O Lord! not vnto vs, but vnto thy name, giue the glory: for thy louing kindnesse, and for thy truthes sake; for our saluation commeth of God, that sits vpon the Throne, and of the L [...]be: to thee therefore be prayse, and honour, and glorie for euer and euer.

To them that are called. Two callings [...] outward, and inward. The Purpose of God, which is sufficient in it selfe, is made knowne and manifest to vs by his Calling: for our Calling is a declaration of the Decree of our Election, and as it were the secret Voyce of God, bringing from the Heauens to our Soules, this comfortable message, That wee are the Sonnes of God. Now we must know, that Gods, Cal­ling is twofold: one outward, which is common al­so to the wicked, and of it speakes our Sauiour, Many are called, but few are chosen: The other inwarde and effectuall, proper onely to the Godly, whom the Lord is purposed to saue. And this will learne vs to consider of three sortes of men in the world, whereof some not called at all; some called, but not chosen: some chosen, and therefore called to be sanctified, lustified, All the world standes in 3. Cucl [...]s, & that none are hap­py, except they who are with­in the third. and glorified. Yee that will take a right view of all mankind, shall find them as it were stan­ding in three Circles; they onely being happy who are within the third. In the outmost Circle are all those on whom the Lord hath not vouchsafed so much as an outward calling; and heere standes the [Page] greatest part of the world. In the middlemost Cir­cle, which is much narrower, are all those which are partakers of Gods outward calling by the Word & Sacraments. And in the third Circle, which is of smallest compasse (in regard of the rest) stands those, who beside the outward calling of God by his Word, are called also inwardly and effectually by his Holy Spirit. These are Christes litle Flocke, the few cho­sen, the communion of Saincts, the Lords third part, so to speake with Zacharie; Zach. 13. 9. the two partes shall be cut off and die, but the third will thy Lord [...]ine as Siluer and Gold: of them will the Lord say, This is my people: and they shall say. The Lord is my God. It is a great step in deed, that wee are brought from the vttermost Circle vnto the second, but it is not sufficient to saluation: yea rather they who stand in the second Circle, hearing the voyce of God call them to re­pentance, and yet harden their heartes, and will not follow the Lord, may looke for a more fearefull con­dempnation, then they who are in the vttermost rancke of all. Waightie are those warninges of our Sauiour: Sodome and Gomorah shall be in an easier estate in the day of Iudgement, then they to whom the Lord hath spoken by his word, but they would not receiue it: and that double stripes are for him that knowes his Maisters will, and doth it not. Con­tent not your selfe therefore with this, that yee are brought within the compasse of this visible Church, and made partakers of an outward Calling; that yee haue been Baptized in the name of Iesus, and com­municated at his holy Table: for not euery one that sayes Lord, Lord, shall enter in his Kingdome: ex­cept yee find also the Lords inward and effectuall Calling, that the arme of his Grace hath drawen you within the compasse of this thirde Circle, and so brought you to be of his owne third part, and set [Page] you downe among the generation of them that seekes the face of God, and therefore forsakes their [...]innes, that they may find him.

Then we see this excellent Priuiledge is restrai­ned to them who are called inwardly; Of the inward calling. and therfore let vs yet a litle consider it. This inward Calling, is the communication of Christs sauing Grace, wherby the minde is inlightned, the heart purified by Faith, the affections sanctified, and the whole man refor­med: For as the Lord by his Gospell, offers to his Children Righteousnesse and Life, so by his holy Spirit he giues them that iustifiyng Fayth, and ope­neth their heart to receiue that Grace which is prea­ched and proclaymed to them in the Gospell. So then, this worke of our Calling, is altogeather the Lord [...]: It is his prayse that he calles thinges which are not, [...]. Cor. 4. and makes them to be. The Lord that com­manded light to shine out of darknesse, hath giuen to our minds the light of the knowledge of his glorie in the face of Christ Iesus: Psal. 51. he it is that creates in vs a new heart, and putteth a new spirit into our bowels, that we may walke in his Statu [...]es. The Lord promi­sed that he would call many of the Gentiles to the spi­rituall Ierusalem, Ezech. 11. 19 to suck out the m [...]ke of the breastes of her consolation, & be delighted with the bright­nesse of her glory: Esa. 66. shall I cause others to be fruitfull; said the Lord, & remaine barrē my selfe? and this his gracious promise hath he most aboundantly perfor­med in our dayes this name be p [...]aysed therefore.

As this worke is onely the Lordes, This inward calling is the [...]r [...]ne of God, choosing [...] in the world his owne elect. so he restraines it onely to them who are his owne. The outwarde Calling is extended to all: but the inwarde Calling makes a particular separation of a fewe from the re­manent: where it is wonderfull to see the distinction which is made betwix [...] man & man in all ranckes & estates, by this effectuall Calling of two Brethren, [Page] as Iacob and Esau: of two Prophets, as Moses and Balaam: of two Kinges, as Dauid and Saul: of two Apostles, as Peter and Iudas: of two Theeues, th' one is taken, th' other reiected: and thus the Arme of the Grace of God, goes through to euery corner of the earth, according to his pleasure, culling out by his Word, from among the remnant of the world, those who belong to this Election. This Grace of God, it enters in a Land, and not into euery Cittie: it enters into a Cit [...]ie, but not into euery Familie: ye [...], and it will enter in a Familie, and yet not come to euery person of the Familie, of husband and wife, of maisters and seruants, Whereof it comes, that the Gospell where it is preached, makes a great difference be­twixt man and man. of parents and children, of bre­thren and sisters; often times the one is taken, the other is left: It came to Iericho, and weyled out Za­cheus: It came to Philippi, and weyled out Lidia and the Iaylor: It came to Nero his Court, and not to him selfe: It entered into the Familie of Narcissus, and yet past by Narcissus himselfe: It is the worke of God, and maruellous in our eyes. The Gospell is preached to many, but the Blessing brought by the Gospell, lights onely vpon the Children of Grace▪ And hereof aryseth this dayly distinction which we see betweene man and man: all heare alike, but all haue not Fayth; all are not edified alike: Some for­sake their sinnes, and followes the Lord: others for­saking the Lord, walkes on in their sinnes. As the Lord gouerneth the raine, and makes it fall vpon one Cittie and not vpon another; so hee dispenseth the deaw of his Grace, that he makes it drop downe vpon one heart▪ and not on another. And of this I would wish, How the heart whereon grace descends▪ not, now in this time of grace, is accu [...]sed. that so many of you as yet are strangers from Grace, should learne to know your miserable state: What a fearefull thing is this, that God hath conuerted so many in the Cittie wherein thou dwel­lest, yea perhaps many in the Familie wherein thou [Page] remaynest, and yet his Grace neuer lighted vpon thee, but thou art lest in thy old sinnes: Consider it rightly, I pray you. If the Lord should do to you as he did to Israel in the dayes of Athab, causing it to raine for three yeares and a halfe on all the Landes about you, but not vpon your Land, would you not conceiue in it a sensible cursse of God vpon you? O Hypocrite, thou that canst discerne the face of the Skie, and take vp the tokens of Gods anger in the creature, canst thou not discerne the state of thine owne soule, nor apprehend this for a sensible cursse, that 30. or 40. yeares the showers of sauing and re­newing Grace, hath descended vpon many people round about thee; but neuer vpon thy selfe? thou possessest thy old sinnes, and keepest still a hard, a barren, & a fruitlesse heart. What shall I say to thee? to cut thee off from all hope of Mercy, and so send thee to despaire; I haue not that in commission: the Lord hath his owne time of Calling, and can when he will, of Saul a persecutor, make Paul a Preacher. But one thing I can certifie thee of, So long as thou art in that state, mourne if thou wilt, thou hast much cause of mourning; for if this effectuall Calling by Grace, go by thee in time to come, as it hath done is time bygan, it is an euident declaration, that thou art a man reserued to wrath, and not ordayned to mercie.

Now that this Calling flowing from Election, may be yet made sure to our consciences for our greater comfort, In the inw [...]d calling, the Lord begins at the illumi­nation of the minde. let vs marke the maner of the Lordes pro­ceeding into it, and so gather vp some tokens wher­by we may discerne it. As in the first Creation, the Lord began at the light; so in the second Creation, he begins at the illumination of the minde: For we can neither know the Lord to feare and loue him, neither yet our selues and our sinnes [...]right, till the [Page] Lord who commaunded light to shine out of dark­nesse, shine also into our hearts, to giue vs the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Iesus Christ: and this light of God discouers to vs so many workes of darknesse, wherewith in igno­raunce we defiled our consciences, that we begin to be ashamed of our selues in the sight of God; ye [...] our very flesh trembleth for feare of his Iudgements, He wor [...]eth motions of sorrow and contrition in the heart. and we cry out with Iob: Now my eye hath seene the Lord, therefore I abhorre my selfe. And thus the Lord proceedes from the minde to the heart, working in­to it such a contrition and godly sorrow, Io [...]. 42. 6. as causeth repentance vnto saluation, whereby the heart that was senselesse before, being dead in sinne and tres­passes, begins now to stirre and moue; as the heart of Iosiah melted at the reading of the Law: and the hearts of those penitent Iewes which were pricked at the sharpe Sermon of Peter: then feeling our selues vnder death through sinne, we begin to bethinke vs of the way of life, Act. 24. 25. and to aske (with the Iaylor) What shall we do, that we may be saued? These motions, mel­tings, He worketh a respondence and answering of the heart to his calling, & a following of the Lord. and prickinges of▪ the heart, wrought, in the elect, by the hearing of Gods word, are the very pluckes of the hand of God, translating thee out of Nature into Grace: yet must we not rest heere, for Felix may tremble while Paul is preaching: and many for a while, may receaue this word with ioy, and yet afterward fall away in the time of tempta­tion. We must therefore consider, if there be in the heart a respondence and answering vnto the Lord: So oft as he calleth, doe we present our selues before him, ready to follow him, saying with Abraham, Heere I am Lord: and with Samuel (after he knew the Lords voyce) Speake on Lord, thy seruant heareth th [...]. This answering and following of the Lord, are vn­doubted tokens of effectuall Calling. So oft as the [Page] Lord calleth, the Christian answereth: When thou saydst, Psal. 27. Seeke yee my [...]: my heart answered, O Lord! I will seeke thy [...]. If the Lord commaund, the Chri­stian answereth, Psal. 119. 1 [...]. O Lord! quicken mee according to thy louing kindnesse, that I may apply my heart to keepe thy Statutes alwayes to the end. Psal. 119. 39 I [...] the Lord promise Mer­cie, the Christian answers, Stabl [...]sh O Lord! thy promise to thy seru [...]nt, and let it be to mee accordi [...]g to thy word, for I beleeu [...] in thee; but Lord, helpe my vnbeleife. And thus in the heart of one effectually called, there is a continuall respondance to the voyce of God, away­ting on the Lord, a walking with him, and a follo­wing of him where euer he goe, If the Lord haue called thee, sure it is thou wilt follow him; and no power of the Diuell, of the World, or the Flesh, shall hold thee backe from him. When Eliah touched Elisha with his Cloake, he left his Oxen, and came after him. When Iesus called on Andrew and Peter, they left their Nets, their Ship, and their Father, and followed him: When he called on Matthew, he left all his gainefull trade of the receit of Custome, and followed him▪ When he called on Mary Mag­delen, she forsooke her sinfull life, and followed him. Heere is the finest touchstone to try an inward cal­ling. If the Lord hath called thee, thou wilt follow him: but if yet thou be wandring after vanity, walk­ing on in the course of thy sinne, turning thy backe, and not thy face vnto the Lord; deceaue not thy selfe, partaker of this heauenly Calling▪ (wherein s [...]andes the onely comfort of a Christian) hast thou neuer been.

That loue God. The lo [...] of God is a sure token of an in­ward calling, & of the com­mendation o [...] Loue. And last of all, to returne to the wordes againe, the whole effectes of our Inward Cal­ling, the Apostle compriseth vnder one, to wit, The loue of God; and that most properly, for Lou [...] com­priseth al the rest v [...]der it. Loue is the cognoscence of [Page] Christs Disciples, sayes our Sauiour. It is the Band of perfection (sayth the Apostle,) and accomplishment of the Law. Loue, speakes with the tongue of euery Vertue, Pittie biddes thee helpe the Indigent, Iustice biddes thee giue euery man his owne, Mercy biddes forgiue, Patience biddes suffer: but the voyce of Christian loue, commaundes all these. Holy loue is the oldest Daughter of a Iustifying Fayth; that is, the first affection that Fayth procreateth and sanctifieth, and whereby she workes in the sanctification of the rest. L [...]ue is the strongest & most impe [...]ious affecti­on in the whole nature of man: all the rest of the affections giues place vnto it, which we may see, euen in the man naturall and vnregenerate: Where Loue is kindled, Feare is banished▪ Couetousnesse coucheth, Ambition is silent. A Coward i [...]flamed with Loue, becomes valia [...]t; and a Couetous man is oft times commaunded by Loue, to be prodigall: yea, the Proud & ambitious man, who otherwise giues place to no man, for obtaining that which he loues, cares not to prostrate his honour to the dust. If Carnall lou [...] be so forcible, what shall we say of the Spiritual l [...]ue how much more doth it draw the whole powers of soule and body after the Lord: neither is it possible to do otherwayes; for euery thing re­turnes to his owne origin [...]ll, as the waters go downe to the deepe from whence they came; and Fire tendes vpward to the owne place and region: euen so holy L [...]e, being a sp [...]rke of the heauenly Fire, kindled in our heartes by the [...]oly Ghost, doth rauish vs alwayes vp [...]ard towar [...]e, the Lord, [...]rom whom it came, and [...] vs neuer to rest while we en [...]oy him: then we begin to l [...]ue, when we begin to Loue. As no Creature can liue out of the owne [...], so the Soule is but [...] in sinne, [...] of the loue of God. No feare to o [...]end him, no [...] [...]o [Page] please him, no obedience to his Commandements can be giuen by the heart that loues him not. 'twere longsome to speake of all the properties of Loue, we make choyce of a few, as chiefe tryalles of our Loue.

The fir [...] propertie o [...] L [...]ue, First tryall of Loue. is a bur [...]ing desire to ob [...]aine that which is b [...]loued; as a Woman that lo­ueth her Husband vnlargnedly, can not be content with any Loue token she receiueth from him in his absence, but longeth more and more till she receiue [...] ▪ So the Soule which is wounded with the Loue of I [...]sus her immortall Husband, hath a conti­nuall desire to be at him. I graunt euery [...]oken sent from him, bringes comfort; but no contentment till she enioyes him: whereof comes these, and such like complaintes, Psal. 42. 1. As the Hart brayes for the riuers of water, so panteth my soule after thee, O my God: O when shall I come and appeare before the presence of my God: Psal. 143. my soule desireth after the Lord, Phil. 1. as the [...] land: [...]or, I would be diss [...]lued, Reue. 22. and be with the Lord: therefore come, euen so come Lord Iesus. But alas, heere are we taken in our sinnes: [...]hou sayest thou Louest him; but how is it then thou longest not to see him, neither desirest to be with him? yea a small appearance of the day of death, wherein we should goe [...]; or mention of the day of Iudgement, wher [...]in he shall come to vs, doth terrifie and affright thee. Thou that contents thee with the gy [...]s of God, & thinkest not long for him selfe, thou art [...]ut like an [...] woman, who if she possesse the goods of her husband, regards not, albeit she neuer see [...]. [...]. The [...] are bla­med, because they called on the Lord [...] for oyle & wine, [...] for worshipping the creature [...]: but more [...] be condem­ned for louing the gilts [...] God, [...]ore then the giuer. Let vs therefore beware of this [...]. [Page] We may indeed reioyce in all the gifts the Lord hath giuen vs, & they should thankfully be receiued; but alwayes with a protestatiō, that no thing giuen vnto me heere, be allowed vnto me for my portion, and inheritaunce; and that no contentment euer come to our hearts, till we get the full fruition of our louing husband Christ I [...]sus. If the Loue of men compelled the Apostle to [...]ay to the Corinthians, It is not yours, but you I seeke, how much more should the L [...]ue of God compell vs to say to our Lord, It is not thy gift, but thy selfe, O Lord! I long for: thou art the portion of my soule: If thou wouldst giue me all the worke [...] of thine handes, yet shall I neuer haue comfort nor con­tentment, except thou giue mee thy selfe: therefore O thou whom my soule loueth! shew mee where thou feedest, where thou lyest at [...]; Cant. 2. 6. for why should I be as shee that turnes aside to the flockes of thy companions: Blessed is he that hungers and thirsteth for thy righteousnesse, for he shall behold the face of his God, and be filled with his image; for in his presence is the fulnesse of ioy, and at his right hand, [...] pleasures for euermore.

The second tryall of holy Loue, Second tryall of loue. is Obedience, and a care to serue and honour the Lord in all estates and calli [...]ges. Preachers must be tryed by this rule, Peter, L [...]uest thou mee? [...]eede my fl [...]cke. Gouernours and Counsellers in your callings, must be tryed by this: Can you say with the godly Gouernour Dauid, I loue the Lord [...] then will yee also say with him, Psal. 119. 12 What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefites? How shall I shew to the Lord my Loue? and what shall I do in my time, for the aduancement of his glory? If you loue the Lord, then [...]e [...] Fathers to his Church; be saythfull a [...]uaun [...]ers of his K [...]ngdome, wise pro­uisors to remooue the stu [...]bling blockes that im­pede the course of his Gospell: If yee loue the Lord. Stand vp with Dauid, and say, Doe I not hate [Page] them, O Lord! that hate thee [...] and do I not earnestly con­tend with them that rise vp against thee? Surely I hate them with vnfaigned hatred, as if they were my vtter enemies. If yee honour the Lord as Dauid did, the Lord shall blesse you as he did Dauid. Dauid sware vnto the Lord, that hee would not rest, till he found out a place for the Lord, euen an habitation for the mightie God of Iacob. And the Lord sweares againe to Dauid, that of the fruite of this body, he should set vpon his Throne to raigne after him. But if otherwayes there be no­thing in you, but a care to stablish your selues and your houses, with the neglect of the glory of God; then remember, the Curs [...]e of Shebna, and not the Blessing of Eliachim, Esa. 22. shall be vpon you: you shall not be fastened as a Nayle in a sure place, but shall be rowled and turned away like a Ball: The Lord shall driue thee from thy station, Psal. 140. 11. and out of thy dwelling place shall he destroy thee; for the wicked shall not haue his desire; his thoughtes shall not be perfor­med, neither shall he be established on the earth, but euill shall hunt him to destruction: the Lord shal take thee, and plucke thee out of thy Tabernacle, and roote thee out of the land of the lyuing: and generally all of you in your callinges, remember the value of your Christian Loue must be tryed by the same touchstone; not by your wordes, Psal. 52, 4. but by your deedes. If any man loueth mee (sayth Christ) let him keepe my C [...]mmandements. But heere also the hypo­ [...]isie of this age is clearely discou [...]red: In word they pretend the loue of God, but in deed, they grieue him with their transgressions: as the Iewes, they cal­led him King, and bowed their knees before him, but spa [...] in his face, and busseted him: So the ba­stard Christians of this age, call Christ, their Lord, and bow then knee before him, yet they crucifie him, and tramples his blood of the Couenant vnder their [Page] feete: they kisse him, and betray him with Iudas. It is but a Scepter of Reede they graunt to him, for they giue him no commaundement ouer their af­fections: wherefore, great is the cont [...]ouersie which the Lord hath this day with the men of this gene­ration.

The last tryall of Loue, Last tryall of Loue. whereof I will speake at this time (leauing many other) is, Boun [...]fulnesse. Loue (sayth the Apos [...]) is bountifull. Experience prooues this: euery Louer is a bountifull bestower on them whom he loues. Yee loue your Backes, and spares not to cloath them, yea with excessiue Appar­rell: Yee loue your Bellies, and therefore are boun­tifull dayly to them in feeding them: Yee loue your Children, and therefore lettes them want nothing that is needfull for them: yea, yee loue your Beastes, and yee bestow largely on them; onely you say you loue the Lord, but wherein are yee bounti [...]ull toward him? It is true, that in nothing can a man be [...]r [...]fitable to the Almightie, sayth Iob. But are there no workes which should so shine before men, that by them our heauenly Father may be [...]? Though workes can be no merites, yet are they your witnesses: and what haue you done to stand [...], when as you are dead, as witnesses of your [...]ue towardes the Lord? Though your goodnesse extend not to the Lord, yet where is your delight that should be in his Saincts, and excellent ones vpon earth? Where is your compa [...]sion and loue towarde the Brethren? Are not the men of this age like the [...]ig-tree, that haue faire Leaues, but not so much as one Figge to giue Iesus in his hung [...]r; hau [...]g the sh [...]w of godlin [...]sse, but hath de [...]ied the p [...]wer there [...]f, [...]. Tim. 3. 5. rendring wordes ynough, but no [...]ruites to adorne the glorious Gos­pell of our Lord [...] And so, (if wee might pro­ceed) [...]uery tryall of [...], should di [...]coue [...] th'hypo­crisie [Page] and bastard Christianitie of the most part of Professors of this age. But, being forced at this time, to conclud; I turne mee toward you (whom I know, hath set your heart [...] to seeke the Lord) that I may leaue my last blessing behind mee vnto you, beeing no more purposed to speake to you from this place; to you, and to euery one of you, who can say with Pet [...]r in a sinceere conscience, L [...]rd thou knowest I loue the [...]: to you heere, in the name of God, I ratifie this priuiledge, All thinges shall wor [...] together for the best vnto you. Faint not therefore ( [...] beseech y [...]u) in the course of Go [...]lynes [...]e, but [...] in the grace of our Lord Iesus Christ st [...]fast in the power if his might, praying to the Lord [...], that he would stablish that which he hath wr [...]ught in you, and bring it forward to p [...]r [...]ction, And now I commend you to that grace of God, which is able to buylde you [...]arther, and to giue you inheritaunce among them that are sanct [...]fied in Christ Iesus: to whom, with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, be all honour, prayse, and glory, for euer. Amen.