LONDON'S WARNING BY Laodicea's lukewarmness.  
OR A SERMON Preached at Paules-Crosse, the 10. of October, 1613. BEING The first Sunday in Term.  
BY SAMSON PRICE, Mr. of Arts, of Exeter-Colledge; and Preacher to the City of OXFORD.  
LONDON: Printed for john Barnes, dwelling on Snoe-hill, at the sign of the Harrow, 1613.   

TO THE RIGHTLY HONOURABLE, AND right Reverend Father in God, JOHN, by divine Providence, Lord Bishop of London.  
WHat your Honour commanded, I have performed, as God enabled. This Sermon which by your powerful Authority I preached, is now at the request of many religious friends printed, and beggeth shelter and protection under your Lordship's judicious and reverend approbation. It was hearkened to attentively by the Honourable Lord MAYOR, and the publishing of it afterwards earnestly requested by him, whose true love to learning, may challenge a greater duty from more worthy hands, than these rude first-fruits of my pains at the Cross. Besides, my excuses may be, the rarity of Sermons in this Argument which is so necessary, the manifesting of my desire of doing good to my uttermost poor power in God's Church, the testifying to the world that I desire to give some testimony of my unfeigned thankfulness to your Honour, who countenanced me in the University, where you were a zealous, religious, and worthy Governor. Sin is more powerful, now, in the dotage of the world, than it was in the nonage, so that there is need of Pulpit and Press, to repress it. I know your love to the truth, which hath encouraged many, and now is so necessary to be manifested, the love of many growing cold. My weekly labour, in that Pastoral charge, which requireth much pains, constrained me to take up those plain notes, which I delivered, and now have returned them, with an acknowledgement of the Author's names, which is the best reward that can be given to them in the judgement of Patritius, 
Patrit. ep. l. de instit. resp. Bas. p. 1. ad Gr. jer. apol. adu. Ruff. Gr. de Basil.  and the advise of Basil to Gregory: Whose names concealed may brand a man with the note of thievery, as Jerome speaketh. God hath made your Honour a Kingly Palace of Eloquence, and placed you, in the eye of this Land, over this Honourable City: go on in defending Religion; so the Lord shall continued his graces to your Honour in this life, and multiply them with greater glory in a better life; for which I shall pray while I live, and rest  
Your Honours in all duty to be commanded, SAMSON PRICE.   

LONDON'S WARNING BY Laodicea's lukewarmness.  
Lord jesus begin and end.  REVEL. 3.15.16. 
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot, I would thou wert cold or hot. So then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.  
WHen S. john, 
john 21.7.  the best beloved of the Disciples, had pleaded his cause before Domitian, that cruel Emperor, at Rome, and miraculously escaped out of the Cauldron of boiling Oil, 
Doroth. vit. Pat.  he was banished into the I'll of Pathmos; whence, he wrote this Apocalypse, where using many zealous Prayers, and pouring forth bitter tears, 
Amb. concio. de Basil.  which are the best weapons of Christians, he received much gracious content from above, and the Earth refusing him, 
Rupertus.  Heaven embraced him. That as David flying from Saul found a Kingdom, 1 Sam. 24.20. Elias from jezabel an Angel to feed him, 1 King. 19.5. Paul from the Damascens, spiritual Brethrens to comfort him, Act. 9.27. So this blessed Exile had much glory in his greatest misery. For that God who showed his visions to Abraham in the Mount, Gen. 22.12. to jaacob in the field, Gen. 28. to joseph in the stocks, Gen. 40. to Moses in Midian, Ex. 3. to jeremy in the Prison, jer. 38. to Daniel in Babylon, Dan. 2. and to the Apostle Peter in the house of a Tanner, Act. 10. revealeth to this our Evangelist, Apostle, Prophet, rapt up in the Spirit, strange things, which were to be done. The will of God being revealed, it must be opened to the seven Churches of Asia, 
Richard. de sancto Victore 2. prol.  which were, like David's Worthies, more excellent than all others, 1 Ch: 12.14 and of which john had the government after Paul: but now, some had lost their first love; some were not faithful to the death; some maintained the doctrine of Balaam and the Nicholaitans, 
Victorinus Epis. Clem. Al. Strom. Eus. l. 3. c. 19 Irem. l. 1. c. 27.  that it was lawful to eat of meat sacrificed to Idols, that fornication was no sin: they suffered jezabel to preach openly, and seduce many; they had but a name to live, when they were dead: many of them were neither cold nor hot, but proved falling Stars. This is the accusation of Laodicea, and therefore it is reprehended by john, and threatened by Christ, serving, as a warning to all other Churches, lest they be deprived of the Candlestick of the Gospel, 
Haymo. Paunonius.  Which judgement the Lord keep from us.  
I know thy works.] This whole Book hath been much regarded of the Ancients: 
jer. ad Paulin. Eus. l. 7. c. 23.  S. Jerome concluded that it had as many mysteries as words. Dionysius Alexandrinus, confessed he understood it not, and therefore did so much the more reverence it by faith. Gilbertus, 
H. card. Primas. praef. comm. Rupert. comm.  calleth it the excellentest of all Prophecies. Primasius, thought it could never be praised enough. Rupertus, compared it to the Land of Promise, which the proud slandered, but the humble praised. Arias Montanus, 
Ar. Mo. praef.  after 30. years study of it, said it was obscure unto him, had he not been extraordinarily illuminated: but now the Book is unsealed, as you may read, c. 22. v. 10. It is not here as in the quadrature of a circle which may be known, 
Quadratura circuli scibilis est at non datur scientia.  but the way is not yet found out: for the time is at hand when all things foretold here, shall be fulfilled; this being a perfect Ecclesiastical story, 
Strigelius.  from S. john to the end of the world, of all material things in the Church. His Phrase is Prophetical, his Method Logical. He was Legatus à latere to Christ, one of his general Ambassadors, 
john 13.23. Dio. Carth.  and leaned on jesus bosom. He had kept a long vacation in his solitary Pilgrimage, and seeing many dangers near, he forewarneth the Churches. The mystery of iniquity began then to work.  
The Church in the Apostles times, had her Conflicts, the ten great Persecutions began then to be raised up; Heresies after sprouted forth; at last, by degrees the great Antichrist approached towards his cursed seat, being to rule as a Monarch, and make war against the Saints; which, when S. john perceineth, he directed these familiar Epistles to encourage all ages to be zealous in the work of the Lord, for he knoweth all their works.  
[I know.] Here are Esau's hands, but Jacob's voice; hard speeches, rough countenance, a strong tempest of words, but an hidden spirit of tenderness and loving kindness, proceeding from a merciful Saviour, who knew that unless they were touched to the quick, till blood were drawn, they would not be moved. The Pastor was first to be blamed, whose name, whether it were Sagares, as some collect from Eusebius, 
Lib. 5. cap. 24.  or otherwise, I search not. He gave a bad precedent: for, 
Hos. 4.9.  like Priest, like people. The hearers grew cold, which Christ seeing, grieveth, and sendeth a message; 
August. in apo. hom. 2.  nay, cometh himself, and standeth, and knocketh, and speaketh to all, speaking to their Angel. O magna multitude dulcedinis Dei, as Cassianus crieth out: 
Cass.  O the great multitude of the sweet mercies of God, who keepeth the just in him mouth, and never casteth out sinners before he admonish them, as here Laodicea.  
[I know.] Wherein, let no man wonder that I the meanest and unworthiest of God's messengers, have chosen so thundering a Text: for beloved, silence can not break the dead sleep of sin; softness of voice can not pierce the heavy ears of this dull age; ordinary speaking hath no proportion with extraordinary transgression. I●rich● must be overthrown with Trumpets and a shout: the Prophets have need of the zeal of Phinees, the gentle spirit of Eli is not sufficient.  
When I look into the fashions of the world, I see one maketh his Heaven of the dross and rubbish of the Earth: another maketh his belly his God: another Toadlike swelleth with ambition: another Narcissus-like is enamoured on nature's dowry, his beauty; or nature's shame, his apparel. The most, either like Pharaoh, glory in their obstinacy; 
Exod. 1.20. 2 Sam. 16.23. Act. 24.3. Dan. 4.7. 3 King. 18. 1 Sam 17.5. 1 King. 12.8. Ioh 7.48. Josh. 9.3.  or like Achitophel, in their policy, or like Tertullus, in their eloquence; or like Nabuchad-nezzar in their building; or like Zenacherib in their greatness; or like Goliath in their strength; or like Rehoboam in their birth; or like the Pharisees in their knowledge; or like the Gibeonites in their craft. All these, and many other, are but bitter sweets, gliding shadows, 
Ier 9.3.  gaudy toys: yea, dung, in respect of good things: for which many hazard bodies and souls, but they have no courage for the truth. All these may be roused up by this threatening to Laodicea, which neglected Religion, and followed other things; and this is the aim of my Text, being a tax of the whole world, which is set on mischief, toward the end, especially of those whose life is a Corban of unjust guiles and wicked gains, an Acheldama of blood & oppression, caring not who want, so they may abound: as also, of all those who are like Salamanders, never living well but when they are in the fire of contention: who like Shemei while they seek their servant, riches, & serve Mammon, lose their best master, God: who have good tongues, but the use them to deceit; good wits, they use them to defend errors; strong arms to murder; authority to oppress, & a good profession to dissemble. These are the works of darkness, which the Father of light knoweth. Thus the forehead of sin hath lost the blush of shame; the score reacheth from the East to the West, the cry of our wickedness hath pierced the Clouds, the height of iniquity is come to the top, and the fruits thereof are ripe: a dead coldness hath stricken the hearts of many, having left them nothing but the bodies of men and visors of Christians: Never was the judge of all the Earth nearer to come, yet never was there so little preparation for his coming. Never was there more plenty of the Gospel amongst us, yet never were men more unthankful & fruitless than many of us. In regard whereof, I have thought this the fittest portion of Scripture that I could propose to you all. I know, etc. As if briefly thus Christ had said [I know thy works:] Non approbando, sed reprobando: not to allow them, but to reprove thee for them, 
Gloze. Hugo Card.  as Hugo Card. commenteth. Either they were not in the way of the Lord (saith Meyerus) or they thought too well of themselves already, or they feared to defend the truth publicly.  
[Thou art neither cold nor hot.] Neither an open enemy, nor truly zealous of the Gospel, but a Gibeonite, an Ephraimit, a Canaanit.  
[I would thou wert cold or hot.] Which he wisheth not simply that they were enemies unto him, but in respect of that state of lukewarmness, in which they were, because sooner they would come to Christ if they trusted not in themselves. I would thou hadst either the heat of Christians, or the cold of Pagans', as Saluianus interpreteth it.  
[So then because thou art lukewarm, etc.] That is, seeing thou hast neither the zeal of charity to God, neither the acknowledgement of thine offences, that by the fear of hell and repentance thou might'st be drawn to good works, as Ambrose upon the words.  
[I will spew thee out.] It is an allusion to the nature of lukewarm water, which being drunk, easily procureth vomit; so our sins (saith Aretius) cause Christ to cast us away.  
[I know.] The sum of which Text of Scripture is, that the wicked Hypocrites shall be excommunicate from the true Christians, as August de Ancona noteth, or as Clem. Alex. Here we see, that the Lord tempereth all his rebukes with compassion, or as Conradus Graserus: this is one of the beginnings of the infections of Antichristianisme. You may call it the World's warning, or England's drowsiness awaked, or rather LONDON'S WARNING BY LAODICEAS LUKEWARMNESS. Consisting of two general parts. Divis.  

1. A solemn reprehension. I know thy works, etc.  
2. A zealous commination. So then, because thou art lukewarm.   
Subd. In the first, You have first an open protestation, I know thy works, that thou, etc.  
2. An optative comparison. I would thou wert cold or hot.  
In the second, you have 1. a reason full of indifferent nation, So then because, etc.  
2. A punishment of eternal rejection. I will spew thee out of my mouth.  
In the 1. you have the Atheist manifested.  
In the 2. you have the Neuter condemned.  
In the 3. you have Hypocrito threatened.  
In the 4. you have the sinner banished.  
Of all which, while I shall speak hastily, as a passenger, and plainly according to my small ability, and accustomed method; let not any thing be taken sinisterly, which God knoweth, cometh from a poor sinner, that wisheth the flourishing of this Honourable City, & the continuance of the Gospel in this whole Kingdom, till Christ jesus come to judgement. Let me desire your Christ jesus come to judgement. Let me desire your Christian, charitable, & reverend attention. 
john. 11.9. Act. 2.15. Luke 22.53.  There are but 12. hours in the day, I shall keep you only 2. of them: this is but little after the third hour of the day: let no man seem so drowsy as if his heart were oppressed with surfeiting, drunkenness, or the cares of the world. It is your hour, and the Lord keep us all from the hour & power of darkness, that we may hear, and learn, and practise, the good lessons arising from my Text. And so I come to the parts of my Text as they lie in order: and first, of my first circumstance proposed to be handled, wherein there is an open protestation, I know thy works, etc.  

1●. 1●.  If we look into the state of Leoditea, we shall find, 
Plini. ●. 5 c. 29. V●d. in Epit. ●●ll. in Apoc.  that it was the chiefest City of Asia, built by Antiochus Theos, who put upon it the name of his wife. It was one of the most flourishing places of all Asia minor. 
Camerarus in locum. Strab. l. 12.  Here S. Paul preached, think hence he wrote his first Epistle to Timothy. It was the name also of a place in Phrygia; it had many worthy Ministers after the Apostles times, 
Eus. l. 4. c. ●6. & l. 7. c. 28.29.  as Socrates, Eusebius, Alexandrinus, Anatolius, Stephanus, Theodorus and others. Here the great question was decided about keeping the Passeover. 
Melito l. de pasc.  It was washed through with the River Licus. It had many honourable Citizens, as the rich Hiero, Zeno the Orator, and Polemo his son, 
Gasparus a Mel. Suarez. in text.  afterward made a king by Augustus. Their name is interpreted, A just people, of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, but this availed them nothing; for evil persons may have good names, 
Lambert. Auen.  as Adoni-zedek the King of jeruslem, 
Ios. 10.1.  who was an Idolater and a Tyrant, had a name signifying the Lord of justice, or the justice of the Lord. And one who was a grievous persecuter of the Christians, 
Eus. Ecc. Hist. 9.9. 1 Kin. 12.32.  was termed Theot●onus, the child of God. Bethel in jeroboams time, was unwilling to part with the name of the house of God, but it rather deserved to be called Bethaven, the house of vanity: so Laodicae abused her name, and the blessings of the Lord which were many, this aggravateth the offence: for as the sin of Adam was so much the more abominable being committed in Paradise, and the Idolatry of the four and twenty men worshipping the Sun at the door of the Temple of the Lord: so sin was more remarkable in these, of whom the Lord had dessrued so well, and therefore he now openeth them. I know, etc.  
Doct Whence this Doctrine may be collected.  
The Lord knoweth the works of all men, and will reveal them, be they never so closely hidden for a while. A proof of this ye have in the Prophet David, who when he had committed Adultery and Murder, swallowed them for the greater part of a year, without any great remorse. But Nathan coming to him, telleth him, thus saith the Lord; Thou didst it secretly, as if none had seen it: I saw it, and will bring an open punishment upon thee out of thine own house before all Israel, and before the Sun, 2 Sam 12.11. This made Solomon his son give this advise, In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths, Pro. 3.6. This was a charge given to Abraham when he was 99 years old, Walk before me, and be perfect, Gen. 17.1. And it was the Oath of Elijah the Tishbite: As the Lord God of Israel liveth before whom I stand; 1 King. 17.1.  
This jeremy remembered the jews of, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me, jer. 15.19. All which, and many more, teach us, that GOD seethe and knoweth our ways be they never so secret. And no marvel; for if we climb up to Heaven he is there, if we go down to the centre of the earth, he is there also: he is every where and no where; every where, by replenishing the place with his being and power; not where; by circumscription and local definition. He is within all things, not included; without all things, not excluded; below all things, not degraded; above all things, not preferred: therefore he proclaimeth to LAODICEA, that he knoweth her works.  
In the Epistle to the Church of Ephesus, 
C. 2. v. 1.  he holdeth the 7. Stars in his right hand, and walketh in the midst of the 7. golden Candlesticks.  
In that to Smyrna, he is first and last, was dead, 
v. 8.  and is alive.  
In that to Pergamus, 
v. 12.  he hath the sharp Sword with two edges.  
In that to Thiatyra, 
v. 18.  he hath eyes like a flame of fire, and feet like fine brass.  
In that to Sardis, 
C. 3. v. 1.  he hath the 7. Spirits of God.  
In that to Philadelphia, 
v. 7.  he is called holy and true, having the key of David, which openeth, and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth.  
And in this to Laodicea, he is called Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creatures; and the knower of all works in my Text. He commendeth some, and discommendeth others, knoweth all. The Minister of Smyrna was a good man, though poor to the world, I know thy poverty, but thou art rich. c. 2.9. Thou hast done good service to the Church, and hast little reward of man: Be faithful unto the death, and I will give thee the crown of life. The Minister of Philadelphia was a worthy man, not of the greatest gifts, yet faithful in a little. Thou hast a little strength, and kept my word. c. 3.8. Christ promiseth to bless his labours, and make his enemies know that he is in the love of God: but Ephesus is reproved for going backward. Pergamus and Thiatyra, for maintaining corrupt doctrine. Sardis, for dullness, deafness, and unsoundness in the worshipping of God: and Laodicea here for lukewarmness. The ground of his praises and dispraises is, that he knoweth their works, seven times repeated, that is, all their particular actions; yea, their very thoughts, and therefore cannot be deceived. Men may err in their censures of others, because they know not the hearts, and with what affections, cannot fail one jot, therefore he stoppeth their mouths at the first, lest they should reply any thing, I know thy works. I know what thou art, and what thou hast been; I know thy sitting down, and thy rising up.  
The illimited knowledge of God is amplified by wonderful testimonies throughout the Bible, I stay not your ears with commemoration of the places. There is neither hevaen nor hell, nor the uttermost part of the Sea, neither day nor night, light nor darkness, that can hide us from his face: the thoughts of our hearts, words of our tongues, ways of our feet; nay, our bones, our mother's wombs wherein we lay in our first informity and imperfection, are well known unto him. He sitteth upon the Circle of heaven, and beholdeth the inhabitants of the earth as Grasshoppers: his Throne is the Heaven of heavens, the Earth is his footstool; his ways are in the great deep. The ignorance of this, is the cause of all sin, of cursing, deceit, fraud, mischief, and vanity, because men have not God in their thoughts. Psal. 10.4.  
This made Nazian confess that a man aught 
Naz. Orat. de Theolog.  no oftener to breath then to remember CHRIST, and Ephreem to say, 
Eph. to. 2. c. 10.  that men considering the knowledge of GOD, will avoid offences as malefactors abroad will thefts, at the drawing near of Assizes. By this means he recalled a foul soul that long had lived in abomination: 
Metaphrastes in eius vita.  she desired Ephreem to lie with her, which he refused, unless it were in the mids of the City, she said it would be a public shame to both: How much more said he, is it in the sight of God and his Angels? which words so amazed her, that she repent and became a faithful convert.  
It was the advise of Seneca the Philosopher, 
Sen. Epist. 11.  though an Heathen, to his friend Lucilius, that in all his actions and thoughts, he should so carry himself, as if some good man saw him and would blame him if he erred; but we must have God always before our eyes, and being at our right hand, we shall not be moved, our heart shall be glad, our glory shall rejoice, 
Psal. 16.9.  our flesh also shall rest in hope.  
And surely, there is no way to hide ourselves from him: disguised ADAM in his Figge-leaved coat, close amongst the bushes, could not shelter himself from his knowledge, no more can we. Videt omnia generaliter sine exceptione, evidenter sine dubitatione, immutabiliter sine oblivione. He seethe all things generally, without exception, evidently without doubting, 
Nich. Denijfi.  unchangeably without forgetting.  
He entereth the privy chamber of the heart, therefore it is impossible to blind his eyes, or to avoid him by flying, 
Viex inftit. ad poenit.  and therefore poor runaway, Non te Domino abscondis, sed Dominum abscondis tibi. Thou hidest not thyself from God, but God from thyself.  
Use 1 Use 1. Is to condemn the ignorant sinners of this age, 
Eccles. 27.19.  who sinning secretly say, Who seethe us? we are compassed about with darkness, the walls cover us, what need we fear? the most High will not remember our sins; such only fear the eyes of men, and know not that the eyes of the Lord are ten thousand times brighter than the Sun, beholding all the ways of men.  
Yet thou blasphemous Atheist, hearken to this, whensoever (as I hope there is none in this Christian Congregation) who runnest on in thy sins, 
Heb. 4.13.  and thinkest that God knoweth them not; yes, he knoweth all things, all things are naked and open to the eyes of him: 
Zeph. 1.12.  he searcheth jerusalem with Candles, and punisheth the men that are settled on their leeses. They know this, and remember sometimes that for all things they must come to judgement. This is the reason that the faces of such are usually pale and ghastly: their smiles and laughters faint and heartless: their speeches doubtful, and full of abrupt stops, and unseasonable turnings: their purposes and motions unsteedy and savouring of much distraction. Hence are those vain changes of places, and companies like the sick patients, though removed, yet complain still of unabated torments: like the strike Deer having received a deadly arrow, whose shaft shaken out hath left the head behind it, running from one thicket to another, not able to change his pain with his place, but finding his wounds worse with continuance: With Nero they may change their bedchamber, but fiends will attend them. They may sand their soul from their body, but never their conscience from their soul, nor their sin from their conscience. Neither profane Lucretius with his Epicurean rules of confidence: nor drunken Anacreon with his wanton odes, can shifted of the violent horror of this adversary. A meditation fit for the corruptions of these times, wherein we may complain as Tertullian did. O nos miseros qui Christiani dicimur hoc tempore, 
jewel in Apol.  gentes agimus sub nomine Christi. O miserable men that we are, many of us are called Christians, and yet under this name cover many sins of the Gentiles. 
Ibid. pag. 3. c. 7.  And as S. Gregory said of the pitiful estate of his time, We that are Christians are hated of the Heathens for our vices sake, we are now become a wonder, not only to Men and Angels, but even to all the wicked and ungodly: or as more lately Guevara: The Philosophers believed as Pagans', but lived as Christians; we believe like Christians, but live like Pagans'. How many amongst us wallow in immoderate pleasures, having wanton eyes, smoothing mouths, painted faces, lickerous tongues, gaming hands, following no vocation, more ambitious of the title of good-fellowship then of Religion? Their senses are their procurors, appetite their steward, and lust their Masters: they are the living tombs of their Forefathers, and Posterities. How many, 
Aug. 3. de ciu. c. 1.  Qui magis erubescunt si villam malam habeant, quam si vitam: who blush more having an ill ordered Farm, or house, than a wicked Life? How many who profess that they know GOD, but in works deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate? Tit. 1.16. How many who love in word and in tongue, but not in deed and in truth? 1 joh. 3.18. How many that cry Lord, Lord, yet never do the will of the Lord which is in heaven? Mat. 7.21. The Lord knoweth the ways and works of these to be ungodly, and they shall perish, for their benumbedness to do any good. I know, etc.  
Use. 2 A second use of the Doctrine may be to teach us, that seeing all our works are manifest to him, we work out our Salvation with fear and trembling. We have been long taught that we are saved by Faith, without the works of the law, which though it be a most true position, and sound proved, and flatly concluded Rom. 3. v. 28. Yet being understood amiss it hath been the cause of Epicurism, and the neglect of good deeds. It hath made many amongst us wish Christ to do all, they will do nothing for themselves. It is a true challenge I confess of the Prophet, for the all-sufficiency of Christ his merit. It is I, it is even I which for mine own sake put away thine iniquities, Is. 43. Not Abraham, nor Moses, nor Peter, nor Paul. It is not the preparation of a man's own nature, nor the liberty of his own will, nor the cooperation of his own justice; for, eternal life is the gift of God, through jesus Christ, Rom. 6.23. But yet this gift is bestowed only upon those for whom it is prepared, Mat. 20.23. which have exercised themselves in the works of mercy, Mat. 25.35. not that these are the causes of salvation, and by them we should merit, as the Rhemists affirm in their Annotations, Ro. 2 sect. 2. And Bellarmine the Papists Pythagoras maintaineth, l. 4. c. 3. De bonis operibus. The ancient Fathers are against it. Basil. orat. de Humil. Quid te effers tanquam in bonis proprijs? Quid enim habes quod non accepisti? Why dost thou boast of any good works as though they were thine own? what hast thou, that thou hast not received? So, Chris. in 2. co. hon. 11. A gratia justificatio fit, Deo totum praestante: Our jufication is from God, he worketh the whole. So, Ber. in can. se. 61. Meritum meum miseratio Domini: My merit is the Lords mercy. So, Orig. on 3. Rom. It lieth upon us to search who was justified by faith without works, and for example, (saith he) I think upon the Thief, who being crucified with Christ, cried unto him; Lord remember me when thou comest into thy Kingdom: and there is no other good work of his mentioned in the Gospel, but for this alone faith, jesus saith unto him, This night thou shalt be with me in Paradise.  
I speak not this to withdraw men from doing good, or to discourage them in their charitable devotions. We allow good works, and preach them to our hearers; yea, some of our Church publish whole Treatises, that good works are necessary to salvation. Let this therefore be a witness against our Adversaries the Papists, who slander us, saying, that we teach only negative doctrines, and not affirmative Positions. For we proclaim to the world that Faith is dead if it have no works: we urge God's Commandments, which we are to obey; his Honour which we are to seek; Christ's example, which we are to follow; the Vocation of Christians, which requireth a life answerable to our profession; the Reward promised to those that keep Gods Laws; the scandal that ensueth of lewd actions; the Curse that is denounced against the transgressors.  
We have a great advantage of them for good works.  
We propose to ourselves the example of Christ and his Apostles; they follow Antichrist, and the founders of divers Orders of Monks, and Friars, and Nuns, who were rather superstitious then zealous, ceremonious then holy and religious.  
We force none to forswear Marriage; they suffer none of their Clergy to marry, whereof many obhominations follow.  
We count it a thing horrid for men professing Christianity, to empoison and murder those that are opposite to them in Religion; they count such meritorious, and honour the Assassiners as Saints.  
We allow no Indulgences of the Pope, but they are confident upon them.  
I confess we live in the dotage of the world, wherein the hearts of many are hardened from doing good: yet howsoever in the time of King EDWARD the first the Statute of Mortmain was enacted, whereby it was provided, that none should give any thing to the Church without the especial licence of the King, which is yet vnrepealed, yet in this last age, and in the remembrance of some yet living: since the clear Sunshine of the Gospel hath enlightened the Hemisphere of our Church, there have been more Colleges founded, more Hospitals erected, more Libraries and Schools builded, more poor Scholars maintained, more Orphans and Impotent relieved, more charitable deeds exercised generally in our Land, particularly in this famous City, ever renowned for her good works, then in many ages under Popery and superstition.  
I know there are some in, but not of, our Church, whose chief study, is to rob GOD and the Levite of the little portion of Tithes and Offerings, which cannot be denied to be due iure divino. 
Mr. Carleton.  We cannot say of such as the jew did of the Centurion; 
Luke 7.5.  He loveth our Nation, and hath built us a Synagogue, or as the Prophet DAVID did of himself; they desire to behold the beauty of the Temple of the Lord, but their cry is, let us take the houses, and barns, & lands of the Church in possession, and for the honour of the Priesthood: Down with it, down with it, even to the ground, but that rule of Sacrilege shall hold, Quae malignè contraxit Pater, 
Pet. Ble. ep. 10.  luxu peiori refundet Haeres; That which the Father hath wickedly scraped together, the son shall more wickedly scatter abroad. It is the cause of the ruin of so many great Families in this kingdom. Let him that hath an ear harken to this; when you crave, beg not that which is Gods; when you give, give not that which is Gods; when you buy, buy not that which is Gods; when ye cell, cell not that which is Gods.  
And here let me give our religious King JAMES that testimony which Petrus Blesensis left to Henry the second; 
Ibid.  Benedictus Dominus, qui Regem Henricum atalibus hactenus conseruavit innoxium; Blessed be that GOD which hitherto hath defended his Majesty from all kind of Sacrilege, that hath not furnished his house with the spoil of the Church, nor increased his Revenue by the loss of God's house, nor defiled his hands with Simony, nor bestowed his Preferments for personal favour or respect of reward.  
And besides his majesties care, many Ebed-melech's there are in this Kingdom, 
jer. 38.9.  speaking for the Prophets of the Lord, that they may have maintenance.  
Many Obadiahs ready to hide the Servants of GOD from dangers.  
Many liberal Benefactors giving voluntary Donations, deposita pietatis; Pledges and testimonies of their Piety and Religion, 
Tert. Apologet.  as Tertullian calleth them, Sacrifices as acceptable to GOD as that of ABEL, 
Gr. Naz c. 1. contra julia.  saith Naz.  
Many good Shunamites persuading their Husbands to make a Chamber, 
s Kings 4.10.  to set forth a Bed, and a Table, and a Stool, and a Candle for the Messengers of God, when they come to them.  
Many with Zachaus, 
Luke 19.6.  who joyfully receive into their houses them that bring the glad tidings of salvation. 
Luk. 19.6.   
And in this lukewarm age some there are who are holy, and humble men of heart, resolute Christians, who like him in the Poet.  
Lucem & aethera petit & teste sole vivit. 
Sen. Tr. Hip.   
Walking in sincerity as it were in view of the Sun; walking in the light as children of the light; 
Goe 25.27. joh. 1.47.  tracing the steps of virtuous jacob, who was a plain man; and of Nathaniel a true Israelite indeed, in whom was no guile. Though it cannot be denied but that there are more, neither hot nor cold, whom because I shall deal with in my second general part, I proceed to my next circumstance of the first general, where you have the optative comparison.  
[I would, etc.] The Church of God rejoicing in her husband, 
jae. 22.  Christ; saith that he was like a Roe or a young Hart, leaping upon the Mountains, and skipping upon the Hills. Can. 2.8.9. Propter acerrimum visum & velocem cursum ad omnes fines terrae, as Philo interpreteth it. 
Philo. carpat. Episc.  It is in regard of his quick sight and swift course into all the parts of the world. His measures were from heaven to the womb, 
Lyra.  from the womb to the cratch, from the cratch to the cross, from the cross to the grave, from the grave to heaven; behold he cometh, his progress quickly, and still is in travel to his Church with prayers and wishes.  
[I would, etc.] The driving of his Chariot is like the driving of jehu, he speaketh in haste, the time with him, is as the time of love. His love is as strong as death, the flames of it are Divine flames, never dying, the coals thereof as the coals of juniper.  
Ask the days that are past since God created man upon the earth, from the one end of heaven to the other, if ever there were such a thing as this. Did ever any hear the voice of God speaking in form of a petitioner? O thou divine and eternal peacemaker, the saviour of men, the anointed of God, mediator betwixt God and man, in whom there is nothing, which doth not exceed, not only the conceit, but the very wonder of Angels, who saw thee in thy humiliation, with silence, and adore thee in thy glory, with perpetual praises, we stand amazed at thy love, emptying thyself of glory, that thou mightest put on shame, and misery, to be the sinner's orator and sacrifice. He said not as David, would God I had died for thee, O Absalon, my son: God knoweth, he died for our sins, the cause most odious: the just for the unjust, the persons unequal: to bring us to God, the end most absolute: and still he applieth this to his Church, speaking by his Ministers, pleading for us in heaven, persuading us on earth.  
[I would.] Laodicea was in a consumption, her hands were sick, her members weak, her Physician & Pastor fearful, her zeal was at the last gasp, her enemies were round about her, ready to laugh at her destruction, for being neither cold nor hot: This maketh Christ so earnest. He is not like the Pope, which dispenseth with his followers to worship God, with their lips, and dissemble their religion, and forswear their opinion, and come to Sermons, and subscribe to our laws, and seem Protestants; as the devil licenseth witches to seem Christians, so they give him their heart, as appeared by many in the beginning of Queen ELIZABETH'S reign, having an agnus Dei, with Da mihi cor: he cannot endure a Neuter.  
[I would.] For there are but two ways, una fidei in caliditate charitatis, one of faith in the heat of charity, leading to life everlasting, another of cold distrust in Christ, drawing to destruction. 
Nardus in text.  But I come to the Doctrine, which is this properly.  
Doct Doct It is better to be an open sinner then a doubtful Neuter. 
Bar. apol. ad Guli. Abb.  Saint Barnard I confess made a question of it. Quis horum magis impius? Who is the more wicked, whether he, that openly professeth impiety, or he that falsely counterfeiteth sanctity? But here the question is answered, and the controversy decided by Christ himself.  
Look upon the jew, 
Gr. 3. p. pastoral admon. 35.  saith Saint Gregory, he seemeth to believe, but is incredulous: the Gentle is more tolerable; which can say, I never knew the Law, I never heard the Prophets: neither can be excused; yet he sinneth less, which doth not the works which he never knew were to be done, than he that knew his masters will, read it, and denied it. It had been better for such, not to have known the way of righteousness, then after they have known it, to turn from the holy Commandment, delivered unto them. 2 Pet. 2.21. This made CHRIST tell the Priests and Elders of the jews, that Publicans and Harlots should go before them, into the Kingdom of Heaven, Mat. 21.31. for they seeing their sins, repent at the Preaching of john. So he told the Pharisees; If ye were blind ye should have no sin, but now you say, We see: therefore your sin remaineth, john 9.41. The open sinner revealeth himself that we may avoid him, but the Neuter walketh so secretly, that we know not how to judge him; therefore they are more odious than the other.  
In regard whereof, Lycurgus banished Neuters his Commonwealth. 
Aul. Gel. l. 2. c. 12.  Solon prohibited them by his Law. Elias forbade that there should be any amongst the Israelites to worship GOD and Baal. Moses would not have men to wear mixed garments of Linen and , and CHRIST professeth that no man can serve two Masters, GOD and Mammon, the true Church and the false, England and Rome. The abuses he striketh at, are doubling in the Worship of GOD, blending of Truth and Falsehood: yet some, either in hope of gain, or out of their rotten affections, or out of their Machiauillian Policy, would have many Religions tolerated in one Kingdom: nay, as Mahomet composed a Religion of Indaisme and Christianity, so, many would reconcile the Protestant and Papist, and have both live together. But far be this Realm of ours from such corruption. 
Let all good people say, Amen.   
For, as Anthony sometimes King of Navarre, said to the Ambassador of the King of Denmark, 
Comment. Relig. & reipub. in Gallia.  exhorting the reformed French to be of Luther's Doctrine; There be forty points, wherein Luther and Caluin do differ from the Pope, and in nine and thirty of them they agreed between themselves, and in that single one they descent: so we pray unto the Lord for the reconciling of those unto us: but the differences of the Papists are so many, 
Episc. Lond. in jonam.  and so Diametrally opposed, as the Northern and Southern Poles shall sooner meet together, than our opinions, standing as they do, be reconciled. Therefore never look for a Reconciliation or Toleration. One Heaven held not Michael and the Dragon in peace; nor one House, the Ark and Dagon; nor one Womb, jaacob and Esau; nor one Temple, Prayer and Marchandising; nor one Camp, the clean and Leprous; nor one Bath, john and Cerinthus; nor one Tongue, GOD and Milchom; nor one Conscience, our Religion and Popery. I would to GOD there were not many Laodiceans amongst us, that urged this Caveat, who either afraid of danger, or pining with sloth, sit down and are zealous neither way.  
Object. If they object for themselves, we love to be quiet and not factious, Virtue followeth the mean, we will be stiff for neither Religion.  
Ans. I answer, if it were in matters of indifferency, if we might go on either side without danger, than Plato's advise is good; so to deal in a Commonwealth, as to hurt neither Parents nor country: And that of Saint Augustine, 
Aug. ep. 86. ad Casul.  In ijs rebus de quibus nihil statuit divinae Scripturae certa praescriptio, etc. In those things which the Scripture prescribeth not certainly, either the Custom of God's people, or the Institutions of our Ancestors are to be held for Laws. We must take heed, lest by the tempest of Contention the calmness of Charity be inveloped. And that of Saint Ambrose, Si non vultis errare, etc. If ye will not err, do as I; to what Church soever I come, I apply myself to the Ceremonies of it: 
Aug. ad jan.  which if it had been followed by some in this Church, the Adversary would never have insulted over us, for jarring in Discipline: but as good Constantine, 
Eus. l. 2. de vita Const. c. 67.  that great Emperor exhorted Arius and Alexander to put away a foolish Question that fired the Church, so our gracious Sovereign, like a blessed Peacemaker, hath decided the difference of indifferent ceremonies, and given the counsel of the other worthy Monarch. There is no cause offered to strive about the greatest commandment in Scripture, nor any new error of Religion brought in, but we all hold one and the same creed of Faith, so that we may easily agreed in one judgement, and deal all zealously against the common adversary. From whom how carefully we aught to separate ourselves I refer you to Philip Mornay, 
Morn. de Eccle. c. 10.  that most noble champion of the truth, in his Tract of the Church.  
Use 1 1. Use. 
21. Circumst.  For the proof of many, who think they may be Protestants in show, and Papists in deed, frequent our Churches, Sacraments, and Assemblies, and yet keep their consciences to themselves; like them in the time of Optatus; Aliud habet animus, 
Optatus lib. 1.  aliud resonat sermo: They harbour one thing in their heart, and utter another thing in their speeches. But they shall found that of August. to be true. 
August. de vita Chris. ad sororem viduam.  Nomen Christiani ille frustra sortitur qui Christum minime imitatur. It is in vain for a man to take upon him the name of a Christian that doth not imitate Christ. It is an abominable and palpable devise: had Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego done so, 
Dan. 3.18.  Nabuchadnezzar had never confessed the true power of God. We must not halt betwixt God and Baal. 
1 King. 18.21.  He will be glorified in our bodies and souls. Our bodies are for the Lord, 
1 Cor. 6.13.  and we must love him with all our hearts, with all our souls, & with all our minds. He created not only the soul, but also the body, and requireth the service of both. He hath made all, he hath bought all, he hath dearly paid for all, and therefore must have all. O think upon this you that bring your bodies to this, and the like places, (if any such be here) and sand your hearts to Rome, you must answer it, may be this night before your God: dally not, delay not to cast away the double mind.  
Hannibal, when he had obtained the victory at Cannae, if he had gone strait to Rome, by all men's judgements had taken the City, but deferring it till the next day, the Romans recovering their forces again, he was shut out, and heard this approbry:  
Vincere scis Hannibal, uti victoria nescis.  
Thou knowest how to get the victory, but not how to use it.  
Delays inspirituall matters are much more dangerous: contemn not then the calling of the highest: My son give me thy heart. It is not enough to be outwardly formal, so much may be wrought by the Word in the hearts of the wicked: as it did in Herod, working an external reverence to john: in Pilate a distraction of mind: in Agrippa half a resolution to become a Christian: in Festus a trembling at dooms day: in Pharaoh a confession of his sins: but all these vanishas the morning dew. 
Reve. 18.4.  O then utterly forsake Babylon, Come out of her my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto Heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.  
Object. If any object and say, Would you have us to leave that Religion wherein our ancestors have lived and died, and some of them suffered for?  
Answ. We answer, that often men are blamed in the Scripture for walking in the ways of jeroboam, and of others of their ancestors?  
Often the godly deplore their father's sins before God. 
1 King. 15.34. Psal. 106.6. Psal. 45.11.  Salomons wife representing the spouse of Christ, was commanded to forget her own people, and her father's house. What a praise is it to Ezekiah and josiah, 
2 King. 18. & cap. 21.24.  and others, that having idolatrous Parents, they rather looked to their Father in heaven.  
If any of them died in wilful ignorance, should we for their company thrust ourselves into Hell? If any of them were almost right, they will not grudge that we should have more light opened to us than they saw. Leaving the determining sentence to God's secret judgement; there is no doubt but many of them, who lived in the time of darkness, holding Christ the foundation aright, and groaning under the heavy burden of human traditions, satisfactions, and such Popish trash, by a general repentance from their errors and assured faith in their Saviour, they found favour with the Lord, and for their sounder part they were of that Church whereof we are: Which is the opinion of Saint Cyprian in the like case; Dear brother, 
Cypr. de sacr. Domin. calicis. Epist. 68  if any of our Predecessors, either ignorantly or simply, did not observe and hold this which the Lord taught us to do by his own example and ministry, by the favour of the Lord, there may be pardon given to his simplicity  
If any object after this, that some of the worthiest of our own men were sometimes affected to the Church of Rome; as, Luther was a Friar, 
In vita.  and married a Nun: Caluin lived a while under Popish governors: Beza was at first addicted to Romish positions: Zanchius, and Peter Martyr both Italianat.  
Let this be granted, there is no more prejudice unto our Religion, or unto them for this, then that Moses for a time was brought up as the son of Pharaohs daughter: 
Exod. 2.10.  
Acts. 23.6.  or that Saint Paul was borne a Pharisee: or that Mary Magdalene was a grievous sinner: 
Luke 8.2.19 2.  or Zaccheus the Master of the custom. It was no fault for Lot to come out of Sodom, 
Gen. 19.12.  neither can they be blamed that hasten out of Babylon. They are bound to bless God, who delivereth them as jonah was freed out of the Whale's belly: 
jona. 2.10.  and as josephus reporteth that Cyrus, who caused the jews to build the Temple and gave them back the vessels thereof, 
joseph. lib. 11. cap. 1. Antiq. jud.  was moved to do it by reading the prophesy of Isaiah, who 200. years before had named him: 
Isa. 45.1.  so these looking into the written word of God, have been drawn to the truth; so was it with that noble spirit Galeacius Caracciolus, son and heir apparent to Calantonius, Marquis of Vicum in Naples, bred, borne, and brought up in Popery; a Courtier to the Emperor CHARLES the fift, Nephew to the Pope Paul the fourth, being married to the Duke of Nurimes daughter, and having by her six goodly children, at a Sermon of Peter Martyrs, 
Beza in vita cius.  was first touched, after, by reading Scriptures and other good means was fully converted: he laboured with his Lady, but could not persuade her, he forsook all these allurements, and for the love of Christ came to Geneva, and there lived a holy life for forty years, and so died. He did as Levi was commanded to do by the holy Ghost, Deut. 33.9. He said of father and mother, I have not seen them, neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children. All Christians must be such Levites, regarding neither father nor mother, son nor daughter, in respect of God. 
Gen. 24.56.  They must say as Abraham's Servant to Laban and Bethuel, Hinder me not.  
Use. 2 Use 2. Admonition to all to be zealous and open in the cause of Religion, neither fearing the faces of men, nor betraying the cause of GOD upon any base condition.  
I know, many have taxed the zeal of Luther, 
Lut. to. 1.  who resolved to rely only on the Scriptures: Si mill Augustini, If a thousand Austin's, 
L. de captain. Bab.  or Cyprians should persuade me to any thing, I would rather harken to one Sentence of the BIBLE: and the Suffrages of two honest men having Scripture, than a whole Council. And his worthy Resolution, who hearing that the Divines of Louvain and Colen had burned many of his Books by the command of the Pope, 
Massoeus Chro. 10. p. 273.  he openly burned the Pope's Laws, Decretals, and Bulls, saying, I have done to them, as they to me. Re. 18.6. 
Fox. Martyrol. Anno 1521. p. 977.  And his Heroical spirit, daring to profess that he would enter into that forewarned City of Worms, though there had been as many Devils in their streets as Tiles on their houses, to answer for himself before CHARLES the fift of that name, against Eckius and others.  
But the cause was Gods, he knew that the kingdom of GOD was to be got by violence. He remembered that of CHRIST, He that is not with me, is against me: He that gathereth not with me, scattereth. Therefore was he so earnest against the Pope's head, and the monks bellies, 
Carion Chro. aucta a Melanc. l. 5.  which maketh our Adversaries lay so many slanders upon him: 
L. 4 Chron.  Genebrard making him the grand Antichrist, because Luther, as he saith, in Hebrew, maketh 666. but the Rhemists quit him of this honour. 
In Apoc. 13.18  I omit the rest.  
Yea, such was the zeal of Saint Jerome: If my Mother were hanging about my neck; if my Brethrens were on every side, howling and crying; and if my Father were on his bore knees, to detain me in a wicked life; I would shake them off, despise them, trample them under my feet.  
Such, of Antonius Marinarius, hearing that the Council of Trent would not have a Christian to be certainly persuaded of his salvation: which point, yet Catharinus Archbishop of Minoria, 
Che●●n. exam. 1. p. de side iustificante.  in person then present confuted, against Dominicus of Soto, Confessor to CHARLES the fift, and one of the Precedents; afterward julius the third, protesting that it was not sufficiently discussed to decide any thing, he cried out; If Heaven fall, if the Earth vanish away, if the whole world run headlong, I will look to the goodness of GOD, and stand upright, and if an Angel from heaven shall labour to persuade me otherwise, I will say, Anathema to him.  
Such, 
joh. Checu● l. de pronunt. linguae Grecae.  the zeal of Thomas Linacer, who comparing the lives of Popish Priests with the 5.6. and 7. Chapters of Saint Matthewes Gospel, cried out, Either there is no Gospel, or they are no Christians.  
Such, of blessed Caluin and Beza, so I shall ever style them, they would never yield to any King, that should draw them from God. Their speeches may be wrested, but never any true inference collected that they pretended Treason. They have poisoned Souls therefore who by a Popish conceit of Herod and Pilate reconciled, would bring these worthy Instruments of God's Church within the compass of any bloody design. Let such learn to follow the rule of Tertullian, if they have any knowledge to employ it in testimonium veri, non in adiutorium falsi; to witness truth, 
Aug. l. 8. conf. c. 8.  not to help falsehood. Let them remember that of Aug. Surgunt indocti, etc. The unlearned who upon a good conscience were zealous for the truth, shall rise up in judgement against such, and get Heaven from them. Let not them that live of the Altar, live from the Altar, but preach truth in season and out of season: and if ever we had strength to rattle out the terrible judgements of GOD against sin, let us now do it. Let the light of our lives shine in the faces of the world. Let us divide the word aright, for cursed is he that doth the work of the Lord negligently. I say to Archippus, 
jer. 48.  Let him take heed to the Ministry that he hath received in the Lord, 
Col. 4.  that he fulfil it. Take heed, look unto it. Give good and careful regard: have your eyes in your heads, and your hearts in your Eyelids. It is a work, a burden, a service, rather than a Play, or honour, or vacancy. We have received it of him, that will require it, talon and use, principal and interest, and give us the fullness of his wrath, if we do it to halves and not wholly.  
Let us not be as children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of Doctrine, 
Eph. 4.14.  by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. But speaking the truth, in love, let us grow up into him, in all things, which is the head, even Christ. For it is almost all one, saith Fulgentius in his first book to Thrasimund King of the Vandals, to deny the faith, and not maintane it. His reason is, because by one and the same silence he strengtheneth error, who through fear or negligence holding his peace, affirmeth not the truth, like a sleepy centenar, betraying the tents of his Captain, not that he hath a will perhaps to betray them, but because he keepeth not the watch as he aught, nor describeth the enemy which cometh to assault them.  
Look upon the ancient Fathers of the Church, how voluminous they were, dealing against heretics, and defending true religion.  
Origen, living Anno domini 240. leaving behind him 1000 treatises, 
jer. cattle. de viris Illustr.  almost all perished.  
Ambrose, Anno 380. 3. volumes, extant.  
Chrisostum, Anno 411. 5. tomes.  
jerom, Anno 420. 9 tomes. Augustine, at the same time, 9 volumes.  
Gregory the great, Anno 600. 6. tomes.  
Yea our own worthies may stir us up, 
Cochleus hist. de Hussitis l. 1.  Wicklif, who wrote works as great in quantity as S. Augustine's.  
Luther, who wrote 12. tomes. Erasmus, 9 tomes, besides his notes upon many of the Fathers.  
Gualther 15. tomes. Brentius 8. tomes.  
Caluin, 13. tomes, Zanchius, 8.  
I reckon not the labours of latter, as memorable for some things, Fox, jewel, Whitakers, Humphreys, Perkins, Doctor Raynolds, Doctor Abbots, Doctor Moorten, Doctor Field.  
Let us all look upon the zeal of the Christians in the Primitive Church, who being daily persecuted, yet prayed unto God, and praised the Lord, in the dens of the Earth, 
Plin. secund. l. 10. ●p. 61.  as Plinius secundus their adversary in the time of Traian's the Emperor testifieth of them. But we, beloved, have our Oratories open, our Pulpits frequented, our Churches beautified. They had the greatest tormentors that ever were, and yet insulted over them, 
In an Epistle to the Asians.  as Antonius Pius, the best of the Heathen Emperors, confessed. We have had Kings to be our nursing Fathers, and Queens to be our nursing Mothers.  
Consider the three Children singing in the furnace; Paul and Silas, in the stocks, Martyrs at the stake; other holy Saints devoured by wild Beasts, beheaded, pressed, roasted upon spits, broiled on gridirons, boiled in hot Oil, and scalding Lead; thrown down from Mountains upon sharp stakes, torn with wild horses, rend asunder with the violence of bowed trees, brained, racked, pricked with pen-knives, their eyes bored out, their tongues cut, their Arms, Hands, Legs, Feet, and all their members disfigured, their bowels dismembered, and they famished to death, yet never denying their religion.  
Behold the Martyrs in Queen MARY'S time, thrust out of their Houses, spoiled of their Patrimonies, loaded with irons, locked in Prisons, burned with fire. They were flesh and blood, as well as we; life was as sweet to them as to us, their bodies were as sensible of pain as ours; we go to the same Heaven with them, yet to see how they died, would make a man out of love with life, and out of all fear of death: it would extract tears from any that was ever able to weep. Beloved, there is now no dragging out of houses, no hiding of bibles, no creeping into woods, no rotting in dungeons, no casting of infants out of the mother's belly into the flames: the Gospel is preached, professed, Professors encouraged, Preachers rewarded. Never was the Land so happy for zealous and preaching Bishops: never better means of salvation offered. O then, let us be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord▪ It was this that honoured Apollo's, 
Rom. 12.11.  Act. 18.25. Let us not cell the truth for the favour of men. Let us remember that Eli was plagued for honouring his Children above GOD: 
1 Sam. 18.  so, all must look for some judgement that are neither cold nor hot, but neglect the work of the LORD. Be either a whole Protestant or Papist.  
It is not for any to defend that Atheistical Position, that all Controversies may be taken up, and all Religion's accord together; that our Differences are of small importance; that they pertain only to learned men to think upon; it is not for the common people to talk of Religion; yes, every one must be ready to give an account of his Faith, and yield a reason of his Profession, and dye in defence of his Religion: especially, seeing lukewarmness is here threatened. And therefore were I as happy as Solomon, 
1 Kings. 3.5.  to have whatsoever I would ask, this is the greatest blessing that I would crave for you, to be zealous and amend, and do your first works, and this shall be my Prayer: but I come to Christ's threat of the Hypocrite.  So then, because thou art lukewarm, etc. 
IT was a wise Answer, 
1a. a. 2ae.  that is reported of our best, and I hope the last Cardinal, that this Island shall ever see, who when a skilful ginger upon the Calculation of his Nativity had foretold him some specialties concerning his future estate, answered: such perhaps I was borne, but since that time, I have been borne again, and my second nativitte hath crossed my first. It was otherwise with Laodicea, for at first it was a holy City, a chosen place, a just people, but now they revolted, apostated, and the best of them were hypocrites, lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, therefore GOD threaneth, So then, etc.  
Victorinus interpreteth lukewarmness of dissemblers of Religion, Politicians.  
Primasius, of rich men unmerciful to the poor.  
Ambrose, of them that have Faith, and no works.  
Ansbertus, of many who took the habit of Monks, but followed the world.  
Rupertus, of unthankful men attributing all to themselves.  
joachimus Abbess, of one that is neither tristis ad poenitentiam, nor alacer ad Dei obsequium, neythe sorrowful in repentance, nor quick in the commandments.  
Coelius Pannonius, of Hypocrites counterfeiting virtues which they have not.  
Generally, it is understood of those, who persuade themselves to be good when they are bad, as the Pharisees. john 9.40. who though they saw CHRIST in person, and beheld him in his Miracles, yet they would not acknowledge him; they were blind, yet seemed to be unwilling of this veil, Are we blind also? it was hypocrisy in them.  
When this once possesseth a man, 
Ber. se. 65. Cant.  the Spirit is quenched, Sloth then increaseth, Charity cooleth, Pleasure flattereth, Security decemeth, Custom renoketh, the Law is dissembled, right is concealed, and the fear of GOD relinquished: this is the end of lukewarmness, and the fruit is the wrath of the Almighty.  
Doct So then because, etc.] Whence this Doctrine followeth; lukewarmness in Religion moveth the Highest to great wrath. A sin so horrible, that the Lord threateneth, if any man in faint-heartedness for want of Patience withdraw himself, his soul shall have no pleasure in him. 
Herald 10.38.  And the fearful and unbelieving, (which dare not stand to the profession of the truth) shall have their portion among murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, 
Apoc. 21.8.  and such like persons, in the Lake which burneth with fire and Brimstone, which is the second death.  
We must have our Father's name written in our foreheads, 
Apoc. 14 1.  that all the world may see we are not ashamed of our profession. If we be not Martyrs, yet we must be confessors, else we are no Christians. So Barnard, Cum causa Dei ventilater in medium & falsitas praeponitur veritati, qui pro persona quam gerit non resistit, de suo damnabitur silentio. When the cause of God is discussed, and falsehood preferred before the truth, he that according to the person he beareth, doth not resist it, shall be condemned for his silence.  
We all stand upon Jacob's Ladder, and must either ascend or descend; 
Bar. epist. 91.  Si attentes stare ruas necesse est, If thou try to stand still, thou must fall; he is no whit good that desireth not to be better: for when a man leaveth his desire of being better than he giveth over his former goodness. So jer. Vbicoeperimus stare, 
jer. epist. ad Demetriadem de Virginitate.  descendimus, nostrumque non progredi iam regredi est. When we begin to stand, still, we go down, and our not going forward, is to go backward.  
It is recorded of Valentinian, 
Theod. l. c. 4.  that when his Soldiers had chosen him to be Emperor, they were consulting to have another joined with him: Not (said he) it was in your power to give me the Empire while I had it not, but now when I have it, it is not in your power to give me a partner. We gave God our hearts in Baptism, and they belong to him by right of creation. He will have the whole and cannot endure any rivals or lukewarmness.  
Use 6 The use of this toucheth to the quick all those who imagine that they may do as others in outward worship, so that they keep their hearts to God, as though GOD were not the creator of their bodies, as well as of their souls.  
Some are like the world, 
Optat. l. 1.  running in a Circle of temporising; always about the way, never in the way: 
2 Tim 3.7.  like those silly women, ever learning, never coming to the knowledge of the Truth. Others, like the Hedgehog, which hath two holes, one toward the South, another toward the North; the wind blowing in the one, she shutteth that, and openeth the other; they turn on any side. Others, like Nicodemus, that came to jesus to be instructed, but it was by night: 
joh. 3 1. joh. 9.28.  like joseph of Arimathea, a Disciple of jesus, but secretly, fearing the jews. Like the marigold, shutting and opening with the Sun. Like Mermaids, half Flesh half Fish. I would to God we were either cold or hot, but rather hot and zealous in Religion, that as the hottest regions bring forth sweetest spices, so the most zealous people might be most fruitful in good works. But alas, many amongst us the more they are taught, the more ignorant they are, and the more aged the more cold. Many come to hear the word, but they profit not in the increase of knowledge they will come and stand before the Preacher, but they will not try by the Scripture whether the things be so, or not, which are taught them. They will not be at cost to buy a Bible, or if they do, they will not read it, or if sometimes, yet not in a constant course.  
Many are content to frequent the public Congregations upon the Sabbath, but they will not privately sanctify it in their families. Many will show religion in the general calling of a Christian, while they are in the Church, but in their particular duties they fail. These are the sins that go up unto Heaven, and cry for vengeance, and threaten punishments. What could have taken away that sweet Prince, of fresh and bleeding memory, Prince HENRY, the expectation of all the Christian world, but our lukewarmness? But blessed Prince, our sins have advantaged thy holy soul, though rob us of our happiness in thee. O mourn then for the sins of this age, but especially for lukewarmness. Return ye seduced souls from the fleshpotss of Egypt, from the vanities of Rome, offer to God the sacrifice of zeal in defence of our true Church.  
If any shall say, we love to be zealous for antiquity, and not for novelty; your Church hath been but since Luther, Anno Dom. 1517. for this is a common objection.  
We answer, 
D. Abbot. Now the most reverend Archbishop of Cant. answer to D. Hill.  he was not the founder of our Religion, but God himself, the ancient of days. As he did originally deduce those things which he taught against Papistry from the Scriptures and out of the works of the ancient Fathers, so did he derive them hereditarily from others, as john Hus, 
Guic. hist. l. 13.  Hierome of prague, and the rest as Francis Guicciardin an Italian and Florentine Historiographer plainly confesseth. 
Fox. Martirall.  Hus being 100 years before Luther, and yet prophesying of him not long before his death.  
And so generally, was his Doctrine spread, that a general counsel of Constance, 
In tab council. ante Platinae. hist.  was called principally against the Hussites. The nobles of Bohemia wrote supplications for them, 
Anno 1415.  but (contrary to the emperors safe conduct given to the former of them) they were burnt. Sigismond could not be satisfied for the breaking of his promise, till by their decree which is in the 10. Session, the Counsel signified that their authority was such, that they might disannul what he had appointed. Campian shifteth it of so. 
Camp. cat. 4.  Imperator promisit, orbis Christianus maior Imperatore dissoluit. He calleth some Bishops the Christian world, were they never so many in number, 
Cochl. hist. Huss. lib. 2. p. 74.  had they authority to make him break his Oath? At last they must fly to their old axiom. Faith is not to be kept with Heretics, The Heathens would be ashamed of it, and Cacanza passeth it over being in the 10. Session: saying, Nothing was done then worthy of note. I omit their taking the Cup from the people, a non obstante of Ch. Com. Sess. 13. Before these Wiclif was zealous for our Religion, and so earnest against Popery, 
Cochl. l. 2.  that Cochleus affirmeth, He thinketh the torments of Wiclif are greater in Hell then those of judas or Nero. Hear the charity of the Romanists towards the best Christians. His Doctrine was so generally received in Oxford by the best, that Pope Gregory the eleventh, in the year 1378. directed his Bull to that University against his articles. Yea, for the space of 30. years after, 
Hussus. to. 1. in replica. contra. joh. Stoakes foll. 110.  scarce was there a man there but held his opinions, and taught the same to their scholars. He having protested, that as near as he could, he did all things ad honorem Dei & utilitatem Ecclesiae. 
De verit. scrip. p. 145. & p. 15.  For the glory of God and benefit of his Church.  
They were still defended, in the days of King Edward the fourth, Anno 1476. which caused the King to writ letters for the burning of them. I might allege the testimonies of many, Reignald Paine, Bishop of Chichester and others, Anno 1457. out of this place, 
Balaeus cent. c. 19  Preaching that the Bishops sinned in buying their admissions of the Pope, against begging Friars, Transubstantiation, and other errors.  
I could ●●ge other stories at large, of the Lord Cobham, burned in S. Gyles field, Anno 1417. in defence of our Religion. 
Fox. to. 1.  Of Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, Son of HENRY the fourth, Brother of HENRY the fift, and Uncle to HENRY the sixth, 
Balaeus cent. 8. c. 2.  stifled with a pillow for profession of the Gospel, Anno 1447. so that before and after Luther, we have had champions to fight against the Pope. If ●●is hath not always been visible, we answer, no more is always the Moon in the heavens, because sometimes there is none seen, as in the change, yet it were absurd to conclude that therefore there is no Moon at all there.  
The ancient Fathers before these, were ours in the main points of religion.  
Lactantius, against images. l. 2. instit. c. 9  
Ambrose, against praying to Saints. come. in Rom. c. 1.  
Chrisostom, for the marriage of the Clergy. hom. 7. ep. Heb. & l. 1. adu. jovin.  
Saint Augustine, 
Six. Sen. Bib. 8. l. 5.  against free will, made Sixtus Senensis reject his opinion.  
Theodoret, against transubstantiation, so that he who in the end of his dialogues, writeth the admonition to the Reader, is enforced though he be a Papist to confess that he hath many things against it. Post Epiph. The: dial.  
Gregory, against the Supremacy of the Pope. Ep. ad Plauritium.  
Barnard, touching the matter of merit by works. se. 61. in cant.  
For justification by faith in Christ alone. ep. 190. for certain assurance of Salvation, in the death, and by the strength of our Saviour. se. 3. de 7. misericordijs. And for disliking then the vile life of the Clergy, se. in concilio Rhemensi: how copious is he?  
But we stand not upon the authorities of men, neither upon the name of Lutherans, Caluinists, Zwinglians: for these were not founders of our Church, but reformers of it, and sweepers of many abuses and Popish errors: Neither so much upon the name of Protestants, though this name arose honourably at Spires in Germany, when the Duke elector of Saxony, the Marquis of Brandeburge, the Lantsgrave and other Princes, 
Sleid. Hist. l. 6.  made a solemn protestation against an edict made in prejudice of the reformed Religion, Anno 1529. But with maturest judgement, and sober understanding, our men confer the Scripture in many languages, they pray unto God to enlighten them, they look into Fathers, Histories, Counsels, they compare old things with new, they leave no good means unattempted to sift and sound the truth, and still the farther they look, the less ground they find for Popery: they more hate it in their old age, then in their young, unless they put a veil before their eyes; then let them be carried, and run from us, they were never of us.  
Nay, the books of controversy in Religion, so they be not mingled with State- causes, are to be sold commonly, which yet our adversaries interdict to their followers: and which is more the scripture is open, every man may read it, and is exhorted to the study of it, to lay foundation here as upon a Rock: not to build upon the waters, the Schoolmen, as the Papists do. 
Ferdinand. Vellosill. Ep. in praef. in adverse. Scholar Theol.  Witness one of their own writers, who testifieth of himself, that he had studied Schole-divinitie and the Canon law for the space of 16. years, and yet never so much as saluted either the Scriptures or Fathers.  
So that our Adversaries are Laodiceans, neither cold nor hot, and come first here to be taxed. For do they not persuade themselves that they are rich, when they are poor, and blind, and naked in spiritual graces, counting Christ's robes of righteousness not large enough to cover their nakedness of sin, 
Is. 64.6.  patching to a piece of new cloth, as if the old were outworn, botching to it the menstruous and filthy clouts of their own righteousness; which like the curtailed garments of David's servants cannot hide their shame, 
2 Sam. 10.4.  but defile them, as job confessed, 
job 9.31.  Mine own garments defile me, and had more need to be washed themselves in the blood of the Lamb, then to go about to wipe away their scarlet sins by Popish Indulgences?  
Were Saint Paul now in Rome he would utter the same words that he did in the midst of Mars hill at Athens; I see that in all things you are too superstitious and furious: for, as CHRIST was crucified at Rome, Re. 11.8. which is not meant in respect of the place, for that was jerusalem, but if we respect the power and authority that put him to death, a Roman judge, Roman Laws, Roman authority, a kind of death proper to the Romans, and in a place which then was within the Roman Empire: so, now in his members he is especially persecuted by Rome; sending out Priests and jesuits, as so many Firebrands, seeking to set on fire the several corners of the Church: but these and the rest of those Orders, are at last betrayed by their own Confederates.  
By Albertus, 
Sleid. l. 21.  Pightus, and Ferus, and Vergerius, who intended to writ against Luther, in the point of justification by Faith only▪  
By Didacus' de la Vega, a Spanish Friar of Toledo, 
Do. 12. post Pentecost.  in the sufficiency of the Scriptures.  
By Andrea's Masius, in Relics.  
By Contarenus the Cardinal, 
De lib. arbit.  touching the doctrine of Free-will.  

De reformat. Ecclesiae.  By Petrus de Aliaco, in the Canonizing of so many Saints.  
By the Seculars, withstanding the jesuits, 
Quod l. fol. 21 In margin.  who give a toleration to their Proselytes to come to the Protestant Churches.  
Alas, what zeal is in this, or in their other actions? yet to give them their due, I must confess they have zeal, but not according to knowledge.  
How zealous are they to the Pope, in their reverence and worship of him? The word Papa at the first used honestly for a Father, as Austin styleth Jerome, but now challenged by an usurper, murderer, and Herodian Fox; and more trust given to him, then to Christ, as Gerson in his time complained. 
Gerson. part. 1. de exam. doct. confid. 7.   
What Treasons dare they not attempt to maintain his Kingdom? witness the Gunpowder Treason, for which prayers were made by R. B. P. in his Seven sparks of the enkindled Soul, before the Stratagem was discovered; and his Motto, In my Meditation breaketh out fire; His brag, The memory of Novelties shall perish with a crack, p. 32. The tempestuous night being passed, a perpetual day shall be our comfort, p. 35. The crack was heard into all Lands, and made Nations quake for fear, p. 54. Confirm the hearts of those thy Labourers: endue them with strength from above, and give success unto their endeavours, p. 69. Parsenimus defends it, saying, Take away root and branch. So, Eudaemon-Iohannes, apologizing Garnet, but as sufficiently answered as ever our Church could desire, 
D. Abbot.  by a reverend Prelate.  
What damnable slanders have they not put upon our late Sovereign, blessed Queen ELIZABETH: they have it from their Father, Parsons, I had almost said, the Devil; for who else could breath out such impostumate detractions against her, who was the glory her Sex, the Mirror of Majesty, whom all Protestant Generations shall ever call blessed, though a generation of Vipers, not forewarned of vengeance to come upon them, seek to sting her reputation, calling her miseram foeminam, placing her in Hell; making her life wicked, her death cursed.  
He dipped his pen in the poison of Asps, which was under his lips, and sought to enuenome the name of this holy Saint, whom neighbouring Nations either triumphed in, or trembled at; whose countenance was able to terrify Treason, who might truly have used the words of Deborah; 
judg. 5.8.  In Israel, until I Deborah came up, they chose new Gods, under whose government all this Kingdom, especially you of this place, lived in such peace and plenty, in such obedience to GOD and her, and in such love one to another. She was a woman after Gods own heart, she led his people like a Flock 45. years through a Wilderness of many distressful dangers; she was the Diamond in the Ring of the Monarches of the earth, and notwithstanding all the roar of the Bulls of Basan, Centaurs and Minotaurs of Rome, their thunderings, lightnings, excommunications, execrations, Incantations, conspiracies, rebellions, drugs, daggers, and dags, yet she lived to outlive the malice of her enemies, and died in peace, and was buried with Regal burial.  
Let the zeal of these provoke us, lest they get ground of us in their bad cause: it is good to be zealous in a good cause; Canes latrant pro dominis, dogs bark in defence of their Masters, and shall we be silent in defending the Lord JESUS. Fear not the scoffs of Atheists, thou art a stranger at home, no marvel if the Dogs of the world bark at thee. There is none that reproacheth thee for zeal in Religion, but brandeth himself with the sin of lukewarmness, and here he may see his punishment. Woe be to fearful hearts, 
Eccl. 2.12.  and faint hands, and the sinner that goeth two ways.  
Let us that think we stand take heed lest we fall: let us consider the season, redeem the time, not harden our hearts, hearken to the voice of GOD while it is called to day. GOD spared not the old world, who despised Noah; the Sodomites, which vexed Lot; jerusalem, which abused the Prophets; and you hear how he threateneth LAODICEA. How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation? He will show us our of his mouth if we dissemble before him. Let us then now at the last separate light from darkness, God from an Idol, the the Israelites from the Canaanites, the precious from the vile, the believers from Infidels, Protestants from Papists. Let them return unto us, but let not us return unto them, who in Superstition are Heathenish, in Tradition jewish, in Treason devilish. Than shall he make us to this people, a fenced brazen wall, and they shall fight against us, but shall not prevail against us; for I am with thee to save thee and deliver thee, saith the Lord.  
But my last circumstance calleth me.  
The jews had three kinds of Excommunication, 
21.22. Drus●us Heb. quaest. l. 1. & 2.  Niddui, Herem, Sham-meth.  
By the first they were removed from Ecclesiastical assemblies. 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  By the second there was an Anathema published against them. By the third they were Samatized: the word Shammatha in the Chalde or according to the Hebrew Shame & Meth. Hi signifying there is death. So is there in this separation, The Lord willingly freeth himself of them, as a man would his stomach of undigested meat: He doth it with a kind of exultation. This Moses told the rebellious Israelites: and it shall come to pass that as the Lord rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the Lord will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to naught, and ye shall be plucked from the land whither thou goest to possess it. Deut. 28.63. And if once the Lord cast us up, he will never return to his vomit, but I press not the word: I come to my last Doctrine.  
Doct The long suffering of God never leaveth us, till there be no hope of amendment. When the Lord had purposed to destroy the old world, because the wickedness thereof was very great, he did first use all means to reclaim them. He gave them an hundredth and twenty years to repent in, and in the mean while, sent Noah a Preacher of righteousness, to forewarn them of the danger, both by verbal & also visible preaching, in making an Ark, for the saving of himself and his household. 
2 Pet 2.5. Heb. 11.7. 2 Sam 15.16. 1 King. 21.18.  He sent Samuel to Saul; Elias to Ahab; jonas to Niniveh, an Epistle to Laodicea: but if these will not move, he casteth utterly off.  
Laodicea must be spewed out of his mouth. Her wealth, insolent, imperious inhabitants, father, son, nephew; old, young, all must be rejected. It is not the loss of their wealth alone, nor decay of Merchants and men of war, the rooting out of the noblest families in Laidicea, nor the funerals of private houses, but the fall of the whole City. It's a fond conceit of the profane vulgar to make God all of mercies, a gross ignorance to disjoin mercy and justice in him to whom they are both essential. Dare we hope that GOD can be so kind to us as to be unjust to himself? Not, he will repay vengeance to those that will not receive the call of mercy. He will spew them out of his mouth.  
Use. The use of this may serve as a glass to all impenitent sinners, to look upon God's judgements, poured down upon them who made no conscience of their ways, & neglected his Commandments.  
Let worshippers of strange Gods look upon the Israelites spoiled for this. 
judg. 2.14.   
Let creepers unto Images look upon jeroboam, 
1 King. 14.10.  cut off with all his house.  
Let rash swearers look upon the blaspheming Sennacherib, 
2 Ki. 19.35.37.  King of Assyria, killed by his sons Adramelech and Sharezer, and an Angel of the Lord smiting in his Camp in one night an hundred fourscore and five thousand.  
Let profaners of the Sabbath look upon the gatherer of sticks, 
Num. 15.36.  stoned by all the people.  
Let rebellious children look upon Absalon, 
2 Sam. 18.9.  hanged and cast into a pit.  
Let Murderers look upon Cain, 
Gen. 4.24.  his blood was shed by Lamech, his Nephew.  
Let adulters look upon four and twenty thousand, 
Num. 25.9.11.  perishing for committing it with the daughters of Moab.  
Let thieves look upon Achan, 
Josh. 7.24.25.  his sons, daughters, and all his substance burnt for stealing.  
Let false witnesses look upon the rulers that accused Daniel, 
Dan. 6.24.  they were brought and cast into the Den of the Lions; they, their children and their wives, and the Lions had the mastery of them, breaking all their bones in pieces, ere ever they came at the ground of the Den.  
Let covetous men look upon Ahab, 
1 King. 22.34.  tyrannically possessing Naboth his Vineyard, falling in Battle.  
Let lukewarm professors look upon Laodicea, 
Orosius.  it is fallen by an Earthquake for neglecting the Gospel. So that as Christ bade his hearers remember Lot's wife, 
Luk. 17.32.  (so I may say unto you all) remember Laodicea.  
Woe upon woe is threatened against Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum, for their coldness. Those Cities glittered with Christ's miracles; their streets sounded and rang with his doctrine; the inhabitants were privileged with his familiarity. But for as much as there was no more in them then in Gath, or Ashkelon, Cities of the Philistines, and the Vineyard was as barren as the wilderness, and Christ was in their streets, not in their hearts, therefore curses were thundered to them; so to Laodicea.  
Notwithstanding, writ it in tables, and let it be a monument for the last day, that the Lord is gracious towards ungracious sinners, if they quench not his spirit, if they despise not his Prophets, if we abuse not his mercies, if we neglect not his judgements.  
But alas, our sins have made this a preaching not fit for these times, blessings must sleep a while, mercy go aside, peace return to the God of peace, 
Epis. Lond. in jonam.  and not be spoken of. This rather should be our preaching, There is judgement with thee O Lord, with thee there is ruin, and subversion, with thee is battle, and famine, and snares, plague, and storm and tempest, fire and brimstone, therefore thou shalt be feared.  
Mercy and justice are two sisters, and as the one hath had her day, so the other shall not miss hers, unless we be zealous and amended. The Lord hath two arms, two cups, two recompenses, and doubtless there is a reward for the righteous, and torment for the obstinate, and falsehearted, and lukewarm professor. Which should be a motive to all true-harted Protestants, to join together as one man, against them that have evil will at Zion, the common adversary the Papists, and all that are Popishly affected, the Gangrenes of this Land, if ever we would have good.  
All Israel was against Athan, in the Valley of Anchor, because he was the cause that they could not stand against their enemies. In the Conspiracy at Rome against julius Caesar, there were no fewer, by report, than four and twenty daggers stabbed into his body, because he was taken by the Nobility of Rome, to be an enemy to the Commonwealth; shall Priests and jesuits, be suffered to run from house to house, and seduce whole families? shall we nurse up Lyons-whelpes for our own overthrow? What safety can we be in, when such Miscreants lurk in your dewllings? jet in your streets? when neither Country, nor City, nor Court is free of these conspirators, keeping a daily record of all our actions, and have taken to use whatsoever hath been spoken, or done, against them, these many Halcyon years of ours, meaning to exchange it, ten for one, if ever they see the day of their long expected toleration, and so expulsion of the Gospel: which Lord let them never see.  
The gates of Rome cannot hurt us, not nor the gates of Hell unless we hurt ourselves.  
I appeal to you Worthy, and Honourable Magistrates, to whom the sword of justice is committed. You may thus reason, as the Orator against Catiline. Did Publius Scipio a private man kill Tiberius Gracchus, but lightly weakening the state of the Commonwealth, and shall we that are consuls let Catiline alone desirous to lay waste all the world with slaughtering and fierings? Not only for God's sake, but for our King's sake, whose deputies ye are, as he is Gods; not only for Religion, but for very policy, as you regard the peace of this state, and wellfarre of the Church, as you love your own lives, rouse up your spirits; the cause is the Lords, vindicate his dishonour. He hath made our Land a sanctuary for true Religion, a refuge and shade in the heat of the day, for persecuted Professors, who have been chased like Bees from their own Hives. He hath made this place a Temple for himself to devil in; the zeal of it hath been famous over the world: O let it not be a common receipt for all comers, Atheists, Neuters, Hypocrites, lukewarm Professors, Popish wanderers.  
It was the defence of Religion, that made David, Solomon, josias, Constantine, Edward the 6 Queen Elizabeth, and our late blessed Prince Henry so honoured, that their names amongst all true hearted Protestants, are like a precious ointment, their remembrance is sweet as honey, 
Eccl. 49.1.  and as Music at a banquet of wine. It is this that must honour you all.  
Remember, that to whom much is given, of them much shall be required. We of this Land have been a long time the trees of the Lords Vineyard, full of sap, of as many favours as any people of the world. If we be his Olive-trees, we must have fatness. If his figtrees, we must have sweetness. If his Vine-trees, we must have Wine, cheering the heart; I mean, we must bring forth good fruit to benefit others.  
The Heathens feign of the Powers, 
Luc. Dial.  that every one chose a tree. jupiter, he chose the Oak for continuance; Neptune, the Cedar for tallness; Apollo, the Laurel for greenness; Venus, the Poplar for whiteness; Pallas, the Vine for fruitfulness: our true GOD hath chosen us as a peculiar people to himself. O then, bring forth fruits, worthy of the Gospel: be earnest and diligent to make your Election sure, especially you, whom the Lord hath placed as the Eye of this Land.  
Mercurius Trismegistus told Asclepius that Egypt was the Image of Heaven, 
Aug. 8. ciu. 23.  I am sure your City is an Image of the whole earth, and I hope it shall be called Vrbs aterna, an everlasting City, more truly than ever Rome was by Ammianus Marcellinus, 
Pind. Od.  though I know it must have a period.  
That which Pindarus feigned of the City Rhodes is true amongst you; Gold hath been as plentiful as if it had almost reigned down from Heaven: glarious things are spoken of this City of God: it hath the Temple of the Lord, and Court of the King's seats of Judgement. It hath a Royal Navy of Vessels, and is fenced not only with these walls of wood as Gracia was against Xerxes, 
Herod. Poly.  but it hath a Tower furnished with Instruments of brass and Iron, against your enemies, it hath many sumptuous buildings, and faithful Watchmen, 
Psal. 127.2.  yet unless the Lord keep the City, the watchman waketh but in vain. Defend Religion, and the Lord will fight for you, and defend you all.  
I speak to you aged Fathers; Be like the Sun in the Firmament; not like Ezechias Sun that went backward, not like joshuahs' Sun that stood still; but David's Sun, that like a Bridegroom cometh out of his Chamber, and as a Champion rejoiceth to run his race. Be like the Sun in the Firmament, more glorious at the setting then rising: the nearer you are to your graves, be the more zealous in good works.  
I speak to you young men; Beloved brethren, offer to God the first fruits of your youth, call upon the name of the Lord for help: be strong in defence of that profession, wherein you were baptized, and he that hath begun in you a good work will perfect it.  
I speak to you Matrons and devout Virgins; Learn of Esther and her handmaides, to be true to the Lord and his word, so shall all generations call you blessed.  
In a word, I speak to you All; Remember what you have heard: many Preachers have been sent unto us. The Heavens over our heads, have been resolved into tears, weeping for our sins. The Earth under our feet, hath trembled for fear of those plagues which we deserve. The roaring Sea hath over-swelled the usual bounds. Death, hath been sometimes usherd amongst you, with the pale horse of a ranging Pestilence, destroying day and night. O let not these things be forgotten, as though they had never been!  
At the last, let the reward move us, Behold this day CHRIST standeth and knocketh at the door of your hearts, saying; If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in unto him, and banquet with him, and he with me. This knocking is his calling unto us by his words, works, benefits. This door is the closet of our hearts; the hearing, is our obeying; the opening, is the readiness of our souls; this coming in unto us, is his being in us by his holy Spirit; this banqueting is the continual feast of a good Conscience, which that we may all have, and so sit with CHRIST in his Throne, when we have over come; the good Lord for his mercy's sake grant it to whom, with the Son, and the holy Ghost, that Trinity in Unity, and Unity in Trinity, be ascribed all praise and power, glory and goodness, dignity and dominion, this day, and for ever, Amen.  
FINIS.