The devils banquet described in four sermons [brace], 1. The banquet propounded, begun, 2.…The deuills banket described in foure sermons [brace], 1. The banket propounded, begunne, 2.…

I have read in a Physician, that among many sophistications of this Balm, sometimes they feign it with water, and then it runs above the water like oil: sometimes with honey, which is thus perceived. If you put a drop thereof into milk, it runneth to curds! When Ministers shall adulterate Gods pure and sacred word, with the honey or oil of their own flatteries, and give it to a sick soul; it is so far from nourishing, as the sincere milk of the Gospel should ⟨p. 325⟩do; that it curdleth in the stomach, and endangers the conscience worse. It is enough for Physic, if it be wholesome. Not pleasant taste, but secret virtue commends Medicines. The Doctrine, that is sweet to flesh and blood, hath just cause of suspicion. It is (without question) harsh to the appetite of either soul or body, that heals either. Not that we should only blow a Trumpet of War, against opposers; but sometimes, yea often also, pipe Mercy and Gospel to those, that will dance the Measures of obedience. We must preach as well liberty to Captives, as captivity to Libertines: and build an Ark for those that desire salvation, as pour forth a Flood of curses against them that will perish, and open the door to the penitent knockers, as keep the gate with a flaming sword in our mouths against the obstinate. If we harp somewhat more on the sad string of Judgement, know that it is, because your sins are rifer and riper then your obedient works. We must free our souls, that we have not administered soothing Sermons, least at once we flatter and further you in your follies. You are apt enough to derive authority for your sins, from our lives; and make our patterns, patrons of your lewdness. As I wish that our life were not so bad, so withal, that you would not out-go, out-do it, in evil. You go dangerously far, whiles you make our weakness, a warrant to your presumption. But if you fasten so wickedly on our vices, you shall never find countenance from our voices. We condemn our own ills, and you for adventuring your souls to Satan, on so silly advantage. Stand forth, and testify against us: Did we ever spare your usuries, depopulations, malice, frauds, ebriety, pride, swearing, contempt of holy things and duties? Could any Pharisee ever tie our tongues with the strings of Judas purse; ⟨p. 326⟩and charm our connivance or silence with gifts?

I haue read in a Phisitian, that among many sophistications of this Balme, sometimes they faine it with water, and then it runnes aboue the water like oyle: sometimes with honey, which is thus perceiued. If you put a drop thereof into milke, it runneth to curdes! When Ministers shall adulterate Gods pure and sacred word, with the honey or oyle of their owne flatteries, and giue it to a sicke soule; it is so farre from nourishing, as the sincere milke of the Gospell should