The barren tree a sermon preached at Pauls cross October 26. 1623 /The barren tree a sermon preached at Pauls crosse October 26. 1623 /

He hath likewise waited for the Church of Christianity three years; that is, three revolutions of Ages, thrice five hundred years. Or he hath tarried the leisure of the whole world three years: the first year, under nature: the second, under the Law: the third, under Grace: the fourth is now a passing, and who knows how far it is spent?

He hath likewise waited for the Church of Christianity three yeares; that is, three reuolutions of Ages, thrice fiue hundred yeres. Or he hath tarried the leasure of the whole world three yeares: the first yeare, vnder nature: the second, vnder the Law: the third, vnder Grace: the fourth is now a passing, and who knowes how farre it is spent?

Or to apply it to our selves, these three years of our visitation, hath been so many scores of years. Conceive the foremost to be in the days of King Edward 6. who purged the gold from the rust and dross of Superstition, Ignorance, and Cozenage, which it had contracted. The Sun began to shine out in his bright lustre: the Lord came seeking our fruits; but not finding them answerable to his expectation, nor worthy of the glorious Gospel: he drew another cloud over our Sun: teaching us better to value that heavenly Manna, wherewith ⟨p. 18⟩we were so suddenly grown wanton. The second year, under Queen Elizabeth, of so blessed memory: that Royal nurse, upon whose Bosom the Church of God leaned to take her rest. She did again vindicate this Vineyard, which had so long lien among Friars and Monks, that it had all-most quite forgotten the language of Canaan: She taught it a new to speak the Dialect of the Holy Ghost. When that Gracious Queen was taken from a Crown of gold to a Diadem of glory, then began our third year; wherein our present Sovereign was sent; Dignissimus Regno, si non natus ad Regnum: under whom we know not, whether our Truth or Peace be more. Only let us bless him, and bless God for him, that we may all be blessed in him. Thus far we may say of our Land, as Syluius did of Rhodes; Semper in Sole sita est: the bright reflection of the Gospel compasseth us round about. Now he comes this third year seeking our fruits: which when we consider, we can say no more but Miserere Deus; Lord bee merciful to us: for never were such blessings requited with such unthankfulness. We condemn the Jews for abusing Christs patience: God grant they rise not up at the last day to condemn us.