Mr. Bolton's last and learned work of the four last things death, judgement, hell,…Mr. Boltons last and learned worke of the foure last things death, iudgement, hell,…
Mr. Bolton's last and learned work of the four last things death, judgement, hell, and heaven. With an assizes-sermon, and notes on Justice Nicolls his funeral. Together with the life and death of the author. Published by E.B.Mr. Boltons last and learned worke of the foure last things death, iudgement, hell, and heauen. With an assises-sermon, and notes on Iustice Nicolls his funerall. Together with the life and death of the authour. Published by E.B.
Robert Bolton 1572–1631London: printed by George Miller, 1632
[56], 264, p. : port. · 73k words · STC 3242 · ESTC S106786
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Which we must only understand of returning any more to life and light in this world. Nay, in a word, lay thy self loaden with the utmost of all earthly excellencies and felicities in the one scale of the balance, and vanity in the other, and vanity will weigh thee down. Take heed therefore of trusting to the world in the mean time, lest it torture thee extremely in the time of trouble.
Which we must onely understand of returning any more to life and light in this world. Nay, in a word, lay thy selfe loaden with the utmost of all earthly excellencies and felicities in the one scale of the ballance, and vanity in the other, and vanity will weigh thee downe. Take heed therefore of trusting to the world in the meane time, lest it torture thee extremely in the time of trouble.
1. By carking fore-thought of future evils, which forty to one may never fall out. Many men I am persuaded, (such is the natural vanity of our minds) do more vex themselves with fear and fore-conceit of imaginary evils, which never befall; then they have just cause, to take on and trouble their hearts for all other true, real, actual troubles, which fall upon them. Thus many times do men torture themselves vainly with immoderate fear of foreign invasion, home-bred confusion, change of religion, the fiery trial, burning at a stake, distraction of mind, surprise by the Plague, Small Pox, Purples, Spotted Fever, distress and going backward in their outward state, loss of some child they love best, destruction of their goods by fire, robbery, ship-wrack, the frowns of greatness, hurt and revenge from those that hate them, hardness of heart, failing of their faith, spiritual desertion, overthrow by temptation, despair of GODS mercies, sudden death, discomfortable carriage in their last sickness, the king of fear himself; what shall become of their children, when they are gone, &c. By these and millions moe of such causeless and carking foreimaginations, the very flower and vigour of mens spirits may be much emasculated, and wasted woefully. A godly care to prevent them by repentance and prayer; and a careful preparation by mortifying meditations, and Christian magnanimity to bear them patiently, if we be put unto it, is commendable and comfortable: but in the mean time to unspirit and macerate
our selves with much distrustful misery and needless torture about them, to our hindrance, distraction and discomfort in any businesses of either of our callings, or any ways, uncheerful walking; by slavish pre-conceits to double and multiply their stings, and to suffer them so often before they seize upon us, is both un-noble and un-necessary: most unworthy the moral resolution of a mere natural man, and the generous spirit of an honest Heathen; much more the invincible fortitude of any of CHRISTS favourites, and heirs of heaven.
1. By carking fore-thought of future evils, which forty to one may never fall out. Many men I am perswaded, (such is the naturall vanity of our minds) do more vexe themselves with feare and fore-conceipt of imaginary evils, which never befall; then they have just cause, to take on and trouble their hearts for all other true, reall, actuall troubles, which fall upon them. Thus many times do men torture themselves vainly with immoderate feare of forreine invasion, home-bred confusion, change of religion, the fiery triall, burning at a stake, distraction of mind, surprize by the Plague, Small Poxe, Purples, Spotted Fever, distresse and going backward in their outward state, losse of some child they love best, destruction of their goods by fire, robbery, ship-wracke, the frownes of greatnesse, hurt and revenge from those that hate them, hardnesse of heart, failing of their faith, spirituall desertion, overthrow by temptation, despaire of GODS mercies, sudden death, discomfortable cariage in their last sicknesse, the king of feare himselfe; what shall become of their children, when they are gone, &c. By these and millions moe of such causelesse and carking fore▪imaginations, the very flower and vigour of mens spirits may be much emasculated, and wasted wofully. A godly care to prevent them by repentance and prayer; and a carefull preparation by mortifying meditations, and Christian magnanimity to beare them patiently, if we be put unto it, is commendable and comfortable: but in the meane time to unspirit and macerate ⟨p. 46⟩our selves with much distrustfull misery and needlesse torture about them, to our hindrance, distraction and discomfort in any businesses of either of our callings, or any waies, unchearefull walking; by slavish pre-conceipts to double and multiply their stings, and to suffer them so often before they seize upon us, is both un-noble and un-necessary: most unworthy the morall resolution of a meere naturall man, and the generous spirit of an honest Heathen; much more the invincible fortitude of any of CHRISTS favourites, and heires of heaven.
2. Self-created crosses, that I may so call them. For so it often is, that many married couples, governors of families (to instance there) having the world at will (as they say) and wanting nothing that heart can wish from GODS hand for outward things: and yet (I know not how) by reason of passion, covetousness, pride, waywardness, frowardness, or something, they mutually embitter their lives one unto another with much uncomfortableness, discontentment and jarring. I would advise all such (and there are many and many such abroad in the world) punctually and impartially to examine their consciences; whether such secret sins as these, of which they take no notice, may not be the causes of it.
2. Selfe-created crosses, that I may so call them. For so it often is, that many maried couples, governours of families (to instance there) having the world at will (as they say) and wanting nothing that heart can wish from GODS hand for outward things: and yet (I know not how) by reason of passion, covetousnesse, pride, waiwardnesse, frowardnesse, or something, they mutually embitter their lives one unto another with much uncomfortablenesse, discontentment and jarring. I would advise all such (and there are many and many such abroad in the world) punctually and impartially to examine their consciences; whether such secret sinnes as these, of which they take no notice, may not be the causes of it.
1. Matching, as being not moved principally and predominantly with portion, parentage, personage, beauty, lust, riches, lands, flattery, friendship, greatness of family, forced persuasions, Parents ⟨p. 47⟩covetous importunity, or some base and irreligious by-respect and graceless ground. This the Apostle calleth marrying in the LORD: that is, for no by respect, but in the fear of GOD, 1 Cor. 7. 39. Without which all matches are miserable, though they should be made up with hoards of wealth and heaps of gold as high as heaven, crowned with honours transcendent to the stars. The baseness, folly and iniquity of these times is not more visible and eminent in any thing, than in making, or rather marring of marriages. How often may we see by ordinary observation a little golden glue to join fast in the dearest bonds, pearls and clay? And silken fools to carry away sufficiencies above their worthless weight in richest jewels? The world is stark mad in this Point. But they are rightly served; noble miseries and golden fetters are fit enough for such couples. For from this bitter root of a covetous, carnal, ambitious, or any ways unconscionable choice, springs a world of misery and mischief; overthrow and ruin of great houses, scandalous divorces, unlawful separations, dishonour, disturbance, jealousies, adulteries, bastardies, brawlings, mutual exprobration of each others infirmities, deformity, portion, parentage, or some other cutting and nettling matter of discontent; sinful disorders in families, ill education of children, &c. And, without repentance, after a few and wretched days tediously worn out with much irksomeness and hearts-break, lying together everlastingly in the lake of fire, there banning each ⟨p. 48⟩other with much desperate horror, and many bitter despairful gnashings of teeth, that ever they entered into that estate.
1. Matching, as being not mooved principally and predominantly with portion, parentage, personage, beauty, lust, riches, lands, slattery, friendship, greatnesse of family, forced perswasions, Parents ⟨p. 47⟩covetous importunity, or some base and irrellgious by-respect and gracelesse ground. This the Apostle calleth marrying in the LORD: that is, for no by respect, but in the feare of GOD, 1 Cor. 7. 39. Without which all matches are miserable, though they should be made up with hoards of wealth and heapes of gold as high as heaven, crowned with honours transcendent to the starres. The basenesse, folly and iniquity of these times is not more visible and eminent in any thing, than in making, or rather marring of marriages. How often may we see by ordinary observation a little golden glue to joyne fast in the dearest bonds, pearles and clay? And silken fooles to carie away sufficiencies above their worthlesse weight in richest jewels? The world is stark mad in this Point. But they are rightly served; noble miseries and golden fetters are fit enough for such couples. For from this bitter root of a covetous, carnall, ambitious, or any wayes unconscionable choice, springs a world of misery and mischiefe; overthrow and ruine of great houses, scandalous divorces, unlawfull separations, dishonour, disturbance, jealousies, adulteries, bastardies, brawlings, mutuall exprobration of each others infirmities, deformity, portion, parentage, or some other cutting and netling matter of discontent; sinfull disorders in families, ill education of children, &c. And, without repentance, after a few and wretched dayes tediously worne out with much irksomnesse and hearts-breake, lying together everlastingly in the lake of fire, there banning each ⟨p. 48⟩other with much desperate horrour, and many bitter despairefull gnashings of teeth, that ever they entered into that estate.
2. Predominancy of carnal love. Which may be justly punished with many fits of frowardness and falling out, from such small occasions and light grounds; that the Parties may well perceive, that the correcting hand of GOD is in it leading them thereby to the sight and notice, to remorse and reformation of the brutish sensuality and sinfulness of their matrimonial affection; which should ever be rectified by reason, and spiritualized with grace. Marriage is rather a fellowship of dearest amity, then disordered love. And love and amity are as different as the burning sick heat of a fever from the natural kindly heat of a healthful body.
2. Predominancy of carnall love. Which may be justly punished with many fits of frowardnesse and falling out, from such small occasions and light grounds; that the Parties may well perceive, that the correcting hand of GOD is in it leading them thereby to the sight and notice, to remorse and reformation of the brutish sensuality and sinfulnesse of their matrimoniall affection; which should ever be rectified by reason, and spiritualiz'd with grace. Mariage is rather a fellowship of dearest amity, then disordered love. And love and amity are as different as the burning sicke heat of a fever from the naturall kindly heat of a healthfull body.
3. Immodest or immoderate abuse of the marriage. Which, though it lie without the walk of humane laws, yet divine justice doth many times deservedly chastise it with variety of visitations upon themselves, families, outward state, good name: with miscarriages, barrenness, bad children, giving them over to unnecessary distempers and strangeness in their carriage one unto another, and other such like discomforts and crosses. Which (though they may also befall GODS children for other ends, yet) let all guilty couples in such cases conceive, that they fall upon them for such secret sensual exorbitancies and excess.
3. Immodest or immoderate abuse of the mariage. Which, though it lie without the walk of humane lawes, yet divine justice doth many times deservedly chastise it with variety of visitations upon themselves, families, outward state, good name: with miscariages, barrennesse, bad children, giving them over to unnecessary distempers and strangenesse in their cariage one unto another, and other such like discomforts and crosses. Which (though they may also befall GODS children for other ends, yet) let all guilty couples in such cases conceive, that they fall upon them for such secret sensuall exorbitancies and excesse.
4. Want of a comfortable communion in ⟨p. 49⟩prayer, godly conference, mutual communication of their spiritual estate, and how they stand to GOD-ward, days of humiliation, helping one another towards heaven, and that joyful forethought of most certain meeting together in the ever lasting mansions of glory, joy and bliss above. Such divine fellowship would incredibly sweeten that dearest indissoluble knot, and make that state a very earthly Paradise to those few black Swans, that love so sweetly and graciously together.
4. Want of a comfortable communion in ⟨p. 49⟩prayer, godly conference, mutuall communication of their spirituall estate, and how they stand to GOD-ward, daies of humiliation, helping one another towards heaven, and that joyfull forethought of most certaine meeting together in the ever lasting mansions of glory, joy and blisse above. Such divine fellowship would incredibly sweeten that dearest indissoluble knot, and make that state a very earthly Paradise to those few black Swannes, that love so sweetly and graciously together.
5. Ignorance, or negligence in the right understanding and practising both of the common and several duties pertinent and proper to that estate. In all other Arts, Professions, and Trades of life, the Practitioners desire and endeavour to be ready in, and ruled by the precepts and directions thereof: but as concerning this great mystery of managing the marriage-state with wisdom, conscience and comfort, the most are as ignorant in those Treatises which teach their Duties (of which there are many excellent ones extant) as they are basely insolent in clownish frowardness or imperious tyranny, to create a great deal of needless discontent and misery, both to themselves and their yoke-fellows.
5. Ignorance, or negligence in the right understanding and practising both of the common and severall duties pertinent and proper to that estate. In all other Arts, Professions, and Trades of life, the Practitioners desire and endeavour to be ready in, and ruled by the precepts and directions thereof: but as concerning this great mysterie of managing the mariage-state with wisdome, conscience and comfort, the most are as ignorant in those Treatises which teach their Duties (of which there are many excellent ones extant) as they are basely insolent in clownish frowardnesse or imperious tyranny, to create a great deale of needlesse discontent and misery, both to themselves and their yoke-fellowes.
4. Help also we may have for the Point in hand, even from the wiser Heathen. Who out of the very light of nature and grounds of reason, did learn and labour to mollify and assuage the stinging fore-thoughts of ills to come; ⟨p. 50⟩and to lprepare for a more easy and patient passage through them, by entertaining a resolution before-hand to look for as no uncouth thing, any calamity cross or casualty, incident to mortality, and the condition of man; and if they escaped ⟨p. 51⟩them, to hold it a gain and advantage, and as it were, an exemption from ordinary frailty, and common misery of mankind. If they fell upon them, the bitterness would be much abated by their former preparedness and expectation. But we who profess Christianity, and to whom the Book of GOD belongs, have far more sovereign antidotes to allay the smart, more sacred and surer means to mitigate and take off the fury of feared future evils: even the sure Word of GOD, many exceeding great and precious Promises, confirmed with the oath of the All mighty, and sealed with the blood of His Son. Every one of them is far more worth (though the worldling thinks not so) than all the wealth and sweetness of both the Indies. GOD is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able: but will with the temptation also make away to escape, that ye may be able to bear it, 1 Cor. 10. 13. The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us, Rom. 8. 18. All things work together for good to them that love GOD, Vers. 28. He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all: How shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Vers. 32. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burnt; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee, Isa. 43. 2, &c. If thou truly fear GOD, fear nothing that shall hereafter fall upon thee; temptation, trial, disgrace, distress in outward things, the face of man, fiery ⟨p. 52⟩times, danger from men or Devils, Death it self, or whatsoever can be imagined most formidable to flesh and blood.
4. Helpe also we may have for the Point in hand, even from the wiser Heathen. Who out of the very light of nature and grounds of reason, did learne and labour to mollifie and asswage the stinging fore-thoughts of ills to come; ⟨p. 50⟩and to lprepare for a more easie and patient passage thorow them, by entertaining a resolution before-hand to looke for as no uncouth thing, any calamity crosse or casualty, incident to mortality, and the condition of man; and if they escap'd ⟨p. 51⟩them, to hold it a gaine and advantage, and as it were, an exemption from ordinary frailtie, and common miserie of mankinde. If they fell upon them, the bitternesse would be much abated by their former preparednesse and expectation. But we who professe Christianity, and to whom the Booke of GOD belongs, have farre more soveraigne antidotes to allay the smart, more sacred and surer meanes to mitigate and take off the furyof feared future evils: even the sure Word of GOD, many exceeding great and precious Promises, confirmed with the oath of the All mighty, and sealed with the bloud of His Son. Every one of them is farre more worth (though the worldling thinkes not so) than all the wealth and sweetnesse of both the Indies. GOD is faithfull, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able: but will with the temptation also make away to escape, that ye may be able to beare it, 1 Cor. 10. 13. The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us, Rom. 8. 18. All things worke together for good to them that love GOD, Vers. 28. He that spared not His owne Son, but delivered Him up for us all: How shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Vers. 32. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burnt; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee, Isa. 43. 2, &c. If thou truly feare GOD, feare nothing that shall hereafter fall upon thee; temptation, triall, disgrace, distresse in outward things, the face of man, fiery ⟨p. 52⟩times, danger from men or Devils, Death it selfe, or whatsoever can be imagined most formidable to flesh and bloud.
lVidentur omnia repentina graviora.—Praemeditatio futuro•um malorum lenit corum adventū. Tusc […]. lib 3. Quoniam mul•um po•est provisio animi, & praeparatio ad minuendum do sorem, […] s•mper omnia •omim […] meditata. Haec est illa praestans & divina sapientia:—Nihil […] acciderit: Nihil, antequam […], non •▪ venire posse a. bit•ari […] Ib•d. Mani qui […] aud•ta a docto me•inissem viro, Futaras […] comment bar miserias: Aut mo•tem acerbam, aut ex•lij moestam […], […] aliquam molem meduabar mah; Ut […] invecta •as casu sor•, Ne me imparatam […] laceraret repens. •uripid. Quamobrem omnes, cum secundae sunt maximè, tum maximè Meditari secum opo•tet, quo pacto adversam aerumnam serant: Pe•ida, damna, exilia peregie reatens semper cogitet: Aut silij […], aut uxo•is mortem, aut mo•bum sili•: […] esse hec, fieri posse: ut ne quid animo sit novum: Quid •aeter spem evenia• omme id deputare esse in luc•o. Terent. Drumes a […] th•s […] and preparation, but upon better grounds, and by the rules […] very powerful to s•able us to pass more patiently through crosses when they coma. […] ita praemedita• […]; sucrat, ut ad omnia ingenti animo […] to•ius substanti•, & tam multarum terum acturam, ad filiorum amarissimum obitum, ad uxoris affectum, ad acerba cornoris ulcera, ad injusta amicorum opprobrla, ad ancillarum contemptum atque servorum. Chrys. in Mat. Hom. 34. Nullus sit casus, quem non meditatio tu perveniat: nullus st casus, quite impatatum invent: Propone […] esse quod tubi accidere non possit. Bern. de interiori Dom Cap 4. Mens solicita antequam agere quod libet incipiat, omnes sibi, quas pati potest […] propoat: quatenus Redemptoris sui probra cogitans, ad adversa se […] Que nimirum venientia tantò fortius excipit, quantò se cautius ex praesci […] Qui enim improvidu ab adversitate deprehenditur, quasi ab hoste […] nvenitur: enique […] inimiens necat, quia non repugnantem perforat. Nim qu mala […] per solicitudinem pernotat, hostiles incusus quasi in in vigilans expectans: & indeed victoriam valentèr accingitur, unde nesciens deprehendi putabaur. Solerter ergo anus ante actionis siae primordia, cuncta de adversa meditari ut semper haee cogitans, semper contra haec thorace patientrae manitus, & […] acciderit, providus superet: & quicquid non accesserit, lurum […]. […]. lib. 5. Cap 31.
For assuredly, He that is afflicted with thee in all thy afflictions, will ever fortify thee with sufficient strength before-hand, uphold thee with His all-powerful presence in the middest of them, and at length most gloriously deliver thee in despite of all hell, and the whole world.
For assuredly, He that is afflicted with thee in all thy afflictions, will ever fortifie thee with sufficient strength before-hand, uphold thee with His all-powerfull presence in the middest of them, and at length most gloriously deliver thee in despite of all hell, and the whole world.
5. It is comfortable to consider; that GOD never puts His servants to suffer, but He furnisheth them with spiritual sufficiency to go through. If He mean to bring thee to the stake, He will undoubtedly give thee a Martyrs strength. It is His sweetest method and mercy, first to fit His children with divine ability and answerable endowments, and then sets them on work to do or suffer any thing for His sake. He suffers some to become extraordinary objects and the special aim of extremest malice, spiteful railings, and all the keenest arrows of lewdest tongues; when He hath filled him first with so much Christian magnanimity and nobleness of spirit, that he is able to pass by the most scurrile gybe of the impurest drunkard, or the disdainful frown of the proudest Haman, without wound or passion; and doth resolvedly and bravely contemn all contumelies and contempts for his conscience: taking them as Crowns and confirmations of his conformity to the LORD CHRIST: others to be afflicted with variety of worldly crosses, whose heart He hath already happily crowned with contempt of the world▪ some to be exercised with fiercest assaults, and Satan's ⟨p. 53⟩fieriest darts, having been formerly brought up in the School of temptations: others to be exposed to the fury of Popish flames, when He hath so inflamed their hearts with the love of the LORD JESUS, that they dare undauntedly look the bloodiest persecutor in the face. The prudent Commander makes not choice of fresh-water or white livered soldiers (as they say) for any hot service or high attempt; but of Veterans, and those of greatest experience and most approved valour: A discreet School-Master gives not the longest lessons and hardest task to dullards and blockheads, but such as are of pregnantest wits, and best capacity: the understanding armourer tries not common Arms with Musket-shot, but that of Proof. The skilful Lapidary doth not try the tender Crystal or softer stones by the stiddy and hammer; but the Adamant, which is readier to bruise the hardest iron or steel: the careful Husbandman thresheth not the fitches with a threshing instrument; 1neither turneth a cart-wheel upon the cummin: but beats out the fitches with a staff, and the cummin with a rod. For his GOD (saith the Prophet) doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him.
5. It is comfortable to consider; that GOD never puts His servants to suffer, but He furnisheth them with spirituall sufficiency to go thorow. If He meane to bring thee to the stake, He will undoubtedly give thee a Martyrs strength. It is His sweetest method and mercy, first to fit His children with divine ability and answerable endowments, and then sets them on work to do or suffer any thing for His sake. He suffers some to become extraordinary objects and the speciall aime of extremest malice, spiteful railings, and all the keenest arrowes of lewdest tongues; when He hath fil'd him first with so much Christian magnanimity and noblenesse of spirit, that he is able to passe by the most scurrill gybe of the impurest drunkard, or the disdainefull frowne of the proudest Haman, without wound or passion; and doth resolvedly and bravely contemne all contumelies and contempts for his conscience: taking them as Crownes and confirmations of his conformity to the LORD CHRIST: others to be afflicted with variety of worldly crosses, whose heart He hath already happily crowned with contempt of the world▪ some to be exercis'd with fiercest assaults, and Satans ⟨p. 53⟩sieriest darts, having been formerly brought up in the Schoole of temptations: others to be exposed to the fury of Popish flames, when He hath so inflamed their hearts with the love of the LORD IESVS, that they dare undauntedly looke the bloudiest persecutor in the face. The prudent Commander makes not choice of fresh-water or whitelivered souldiers (as they say) for any hot service or high attempt; but of Veterans, and those of greatest experience and most approoved valour: A discreet Schoole-Master gives not the longest lessons and hardest taske to dullards and blockeheads, but such as are of pregnantest wits, and best capacity: the understanding armourer tries not common Armes with Musket-shot, but that of Proofe. The skilfull Lapidary doth not trie the tender Crystall or softer stones by the stiddy and hammer; but the Adamant, which is readier to bruise the hardest iron or steele: the carefull Husbandman thresheth not the fitches with a threshing instrument; 1neither turneth a cart-wheele upon the cummin: but beates out the fitches with a staffe, and the cummin with a rod. For his GOD (saith the Prophet) doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him.
Now if the LORD of Hosts, who is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working, give this discretion and wisdom to frail man; Himself is infinitely more mercifully wise, to proportion and sit His trials to the state and strength of His Patients; singling out His valiantest soldiers for the strongest encounters; His best scholars, for the largest lessons; His choicest Armour, for the highest ⟨p. 54⟩Proof; His hardest Adamants, for the most steely Anvil: the most courageous Christians, for the •orest conflicts: His ablest Followers, for extraordinary service and sufferings. Abraham the Father of the faithful, and Friend of GOD; Job, the justest man upon earth; David, a man after GODS own heart; Paul, abounding in the riches of grace, and the rarest revelations: I say, these eminent Champions thus highly favoured, and heroically •itted, were put to it indeed, as appears in divine Story. The LORD in mercy did first infuse an invincible mightiness of spirit and much flaming zeal into the breasts of those three Christian Worthies, Athanasius, Chrysostom, and Luther, before He employed them in His so glorious service, and exposed them to the rage of so 1many implacable persecutions in their several ages. The first stood at swords point (I mean the Sword of the Spirit) with the whole world: The whole world against Athanasius, and Athanasius against it, saith Hooker, out of the Ecclesiastical Story; ⟨p. 55⟩Half an hundred years spent in doubtful trial, which of the two in the end would prevail, the side which had all, or else the Part which had no friend, but GOD and Death: the One, a Defender of his innocency; the other, the finisher of all his troubles. After the Church of GOD, (hunted like a Partridge on the mountains by the Arian Bishops) woefully wasted and wearied, had laid down her head in the bosom of this blessed man ready to breathe out her last, he had never quiet day. Hear my Author: By the space of six and forty years, from the time of his consecration, to succeed Alexander Arch-Bishop of Alexandria, till the last hour of his life in this world, they never suffered him to enjoy the comfort of a peaceable day. The second was a mighty Thunderer against the corruptions of the times; feared not the face of the greatest woman in the world, armed as well with might, as enraged with malice, (I mean Eudoxia the Empress.)
Now if the LORD of Hosts, who is wonderfull in counsell, and excellent in working, give this discretion and wisdome to fraile man; Himselfe is infinitely more mercifully wise, to proportion and sit His trials to the state and strength of His Patients; singling out His valiantest souldiers for the strongest encounters; His best schollers, for the largest lessons; His choisest Armour, for the highest ⟨p. 54⟩Proofe; His hardest Adamants, for the most steely Anvill: the most couragious Christians, for the •orest conflicts: His ablest Followers, for extraordinary service and sufferings. Abraham the Father of the faithfull, and Friend of GOD; Iob, the justest man upon earth; David, a man after GODS owne heart; Paul, abounding in the riches of grace, and the rarest revelations: I say, these eminent Champions thus highly favoured, and heroically •itted, were put to it indeed, as appeares in divine Story. The LORD in mercy did first infuse an invincible mightinesse of spirit and much flaming zeale into the brests of those three Christian Worthies, Athanasius, Chrysostome, and Luther, before He imployed them in His so glorious service, and exposed them to the rage of so 1many implacable persecutions in their severall ages. The first stood at swords point (I meane the Sword of the Spirit) with the whole world: The whole world against Athanasius, and Athanasius against it, saith Hooker, out of the Ecclesiasticall Story; ⟨p. 55⟩Halfe an hundred yeares spent in doubtfull triall, which of the two in the end would prevaile, the side which had all, or els the Part which had no friend, but GOD and Death: the One, a Defendour of his innocency; the other, the finisher of all his troubles. After the Church of GOD, (hunted like a Partridge on the mountaines by the Arrian Bishops) wofully wasted and wearied, had laid downe her head in the bosome of this blessed man ready to breathe out her last, he had never quiet day. Heare my Author: By the space of sixe and forty yeares, from the time of his consecration, to succeed Alexander Arch-Bishop of Alexandria, till the last houre of his life in this world, they never suffer'd him to enjoy the comfort of a peaceable day. The second was a mighty Thunderer against the corruptions of the times; feared not the face of the greatest woman in the world, armed as well with might, as enraged with malice, (I meane Eudoxia the Empresse.)
1Athanasius per sex annos va•iè afflictus, in […] tandem, dumb pet totum Orientis Imperium magna sedulitate exerci•ibus quoque ad investigandum eum conductis▪ quae•retur, delituit. Tantae molis erat CHRISTI consodere servum; ut omnis Imperij vis adversus unum hominem, qui DEVM habebat desensorem▪ commoveretur Proditus tandem per ancillam, quae ei ministrabat, ex dominorum suorum jussu, qui latebras Athanasio praeparaverant, divino admoni•us Spiritu, ea nocte quà eum comprehendere veniebant ministri, aufugit. Func•ius▪ Ao. CHRISTI 343. Cur verear Chrysostomum appellare Marty•em, qui tot injurijs, tot contumelijs, tot afflictionibus, nec ad impatientiam perpelli, nec a propagandâ Christianâ pietate depelli potuit. Non percussus est securi, sed calu•nijs omni securi acutioribus non •emel ictus est. Hoc praemij vir optimus pro tam praeclaris in Ecclesiam meritis retulit per Episcopos Orthodoxos, & sub Imperatore Christiano. In vita Chrysost. per Erasm. Rhoterod. Quis non putasset Lutherum in tanto cunctorum odio, & invidiâ, cui totus penè mundus insidiabatur, etiam ille cujus pedibus Imperatores olìm cogebantur cervices […] non •lle mo•tes occubiturum? &c. •rightm▪ in Cap. 3. Apo•aly.Athanasius per sex annos va•iè afflictus, in 〈…〉 tandem, dum pet totum Orientis Imperium magna sedulitate exerci•ibus quoque ad investigandum eum conductis▪ quae•retur, delituit. Tantae molis erat CHRISTI consodere servum; ut omnis Imperij vis adversus unum hominem, qui DEVM habebat desensorem▪ commoveretur Proditus tandem per ancillam, quae ei ministrabat, ex dominorum suorum jussu, qui latebras Athanasio praeparaverant, divino admonius Spiritu, ea nocte quà eum comprehendere veniebant ministri, aufugit. Funcius Ao. CHRISTI 343. Cur verear Chrysostomum appellare Martyem, qui tot injurijs, tot contumelijs, tot afflictionibus, nec ad impatientiam perpelli, nec a propagandâ Christianâ pietate depelli potuit. Non percussus est securi, sed calunijs omni securi acutioribus non emel ictus est. Hoc praemij vir optimus pro tam praeclaris in Ecclesiam meritis retulit per Episcopos Orthodoxos, & sub Imperatore Christiano. In vita Chrysost. per Erasm. Rhoterod. Quis non putasset Lutherum in tanto cunctorum odio, & invidiâ, cui totus penè mundus insidiabatur, etiam ille cujus pedibus Imperatores olìm cogebantur cervices non lle motes occubiturum? &c. rightm in Cap. 3. Apoaly.
but told her undauntedly of her raging, ndancing, persecuting cruelty &c. Besides a world of wicked oppositions, insidiations and envy; (for by down-right dealing in his Ministry, he had drawn upon him the hatred of oall sorts, Court and Clergy, &c.) He was divers times silenced, deprived and banished. But he was so much honoured of GODS people every where, that when he came into Taurocilicia, ⟨p. 56⟩as himself reports, there flocked about him abundance of Christians, weeping and wailing most bitterly for his banishment, and said, pThat it had been better that the Sun had been deprived of her light, and all her glory turned into darkness, than that the mouth of Chrysostom should be stopped from preaching. In the last banishment, by reason of the barbarous usage and immanities of the soldiers that led him along, qhired for that purpose, he sweetly and blessedly breathed out his last. But how bravely he bore, and with what invincible divine resolution he passed through these indignities, oppressions, and cruel wrongs, we may well perceive by his own words to another banished Bishop: rWhen I was driven from the City, none of these ⟨p. 57⟩things troubled me, but I said within my self: If the Queen will, let her banish me: The earth is the LORDS, and the fullness thereof: If she 6will, Let her saw me asunder: Isaiah suffered the same. If she will, let her cast me into the sea, I will remember Jonah. If she will, let her cast me into a burning fiery furnace; or amongst wild beasts; the three Children and Daniel were so dealt with. If she will, let her stone me or cut off mine head; I have then St. Stephen and the Baptist my blessed companions. If she will, let her take away all my substance: Naked came I out of my mothers womb, and naked should I return thither. The Apostle tells me, If I7 yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of CHRIST. And David encourageth me, saying: I will speak of thy testimonies also before Kings, and 8will not be ashamed. The third is the third Elijah of later times, I mean blessed Luther: Who by the invincible might of his heroical spirit, and one of the greatest courages that ever dwelt in humane breast, did sustain and subdue the hellish rage of that Man of Sin, and all his bloody Emissaries and Agents;
but told her undauntedly of her raging, ndancing, persecuting cruelty &c. Besides a world of wicked oppositions, insidiations and envy; (for by downe-right dealing in his Ministry, he had drawne upon him the hatred of oall sorts, Court and Clergy, &c.) He was divers times silenced, deprived and banished. But he was so much honoured of GODS people every where, that when he came into Taurocilicia, ⟨p. 56⟩as himselfe reports, there flocked about him abundance of Christians, weeping and wailing most bitterly for his banishment, and said, pThat it had beene better that the Sun had been deprived of her light, and all her glory turned into darknesse, than that the mouth of Chrysostome should be stopt from preaching. In the last banishment, by reason of the barbarous usage and immanities of the souldiers that led him along, qhired for that purpose, he sweetly and blessedly breath'd out his last. But how bravely he bore, and with what invincible divine resolution he passed thorow these indignities, oppressions, and cruell wrongs, we may well perceive by his owne words to another banished Bishop: rWhen I was driven from the City, none of these ⟨p. 57⟩things troubl'd me, but I said within my selfe: If the Queene will, let her banish me: The earth is the LORDS, and the fulnesse thereof: If shee 6will, Let her saw mee asunder: Isaiah suffered the same. If she will, let her cast me into the sea, I will remember Ionah. If she will, let her cast me into a burning fiery fornace; or amongst wild beasts; the three Children and Daniel were so dealt with. If she will, let her stone me or cut off mine head; I have then St. Stephen and the Baptist my blessed companions. If she will, let her take away all my substance: Naked came I out of my mothers wombe, and naked should I returne thither. The Apostle tels me, If I7 yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of CHRIST. And David encourageth me, saying: I will speake of thy testimonies also before Kings, and
nJoannes per celebrem illam concionem in Ecclesiam recitavit, cujus exordium est: Herodias denuò insa•re, denuò commoveri, denuò saltare pergit: denuò caput Johannis in disco accipere quarit. Socrat. Hist. Eccles. Lib. 6. Cap. 16.Ioannes per celebrem illam concionem in Ecclesiam recitavit, cujus exordium est: Herodias denuò insa•re, denuò commoveri, denuò saltare pergit: denuò caput Iohannis in disco accipere quarit. Socrat. Hist. Eccles. Lib. 6. Cap. 16.
oPeccata tanta severitate arguebat, ac si ipse etiam per injuriam •aesus esset: & omnium ordinum delicta magnâ dicendi libertate taxabat: ita quidem, ut etiam Ducum (Evtropij & Gain• ) imò ipsius Imperatoris errata reprehenderet.—Omnes propemodum ordines in se concitavit.—Clerici & Aulici occultè suas & ipsi operas adjungebant. Osiand. Hist Eccles. Cent. 5. Lib. 1. Cap. 6.Peccata tanta severitate arguebat, ac si ipse etiam per injuriam •aesus esset: & omnium ordinum delicta magnâ dicendi libertate taxabat: ita quidem, ut etiam Ducum (Evtropij & Gain• ) imò ipsius Imperatoris errata reprehenderet.—Omnes propemodum ordines in se concitavit.—Clerici & Aulici occultè suas & ipsi operas adjungebant. Osiand. Hist Eccl•s. Cent. 5. Lib. 1. Cap. 6.
pUbi autem in Cappadoci• provinciam ucnimu•, multi sanctorum Patrum chori—juges lachrymarum fonts effundentium, & flentium, eò quod in exilium nos prosi•isci videbant; dicebantque Tolerabilius fuisse, Si Sol radios suos retraxisset obscuratus, qua quod os I•hannis tacuit. Epic 2.Vbi autem in Cappadoci• provinciam vcnimu•, multi sanctorum Patrum chori—juges lachrymarum fontes effundentium, & flentium, eò quod in exilium nos prosi•isci videbant; dicebantque Tolerabilius fuisse, Si Sol radi os suos retraxisset obscuratus, qua quod os I•hannis tacuit. Epi 2.
stood upright and unshaken, like an unmoveable Rock, against all the tempestuous storms and swelling seas of the most furious persecutions that ever were raised by the powers of hell against mortal man: and did so shake the kingdom of Antichrist, that since that time, the most glorious light of the Gospel, and resurrection of Saving Truth hath broken out upon, and blessed the face of Christendom, that did ever shine upon earth, or was seen amongst the sons ⟨p. 58⟩of men. Herein was he like unto Athanasius: As he opposed the Arian, so Luther the whole Antichristian world; and they both in despite of all adversary malice, both from Man and Devil, sgave up blessedly their happy souls in peace into the bosom of JESUS CHRIST, whom they had formerly served so faithfully, and for whose sake they had gloriously suffered so much. Thus you see, when GOD singles out and designs any of His for some special services, and extraordinary sufferings, He ever furnisheth them before-hand with singularity of gifts, and sufficiency of spiritual ability to go through, and stand to it to death. But now on the other side, He will never break a bruised reed, nor quench smoking flax, Isa. 42. 3. but will ever gather the Lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young, Isa. 40. 11. I make no doubt, but that in Queen Mary's days He mercifully hid many a good soul from the implacable fury of those Popish morning Wolves: who, though they were in a saving state, and loved the LORD JESUS in sincerity, Ephes. 6. 24. yet they wanted strength to stand in the face of the fiery tempests of those times.
stood upright and unshaken, like an unmooveable Rocke, against all the tempestuous stormes and swelling seas of the most furious persecutions that ever were rais'd by the powers of hell against mortall man: and did so shake the kingdome of Antichrist, that since that time, the most glorious light of the Gospell, and resurrection of Saving Truth hath broken out upon, and blessed the face of Christendome, that did ever shine upon earth, or was seene amongst the sonnes ⟨p. 58⟩of men. Herein was he like unto Athanasius: As he opposed the Arrian, so Luther the whole Antichristian world; and they both in despite of all adversary malice, both from Man and Devill, sgave up blessedly their happy soules in peace into the bosome of IESVS CHRIST, whom they had formerly served so faithfully, and for whose sake they had gloriously suffered so much. Thus you see, when GOD singles out and designes any of His for some speciall services, and extraordinary sufferings, He ever furnisheth them before-hand with singularity of gifts, and sufficiency of spirituall abilitie to go thorow, and stand to it to death. But now on the other side, He will never breake a bruised reed, nor quench smoking flaxe, Isa. 42. 3. but will ever gather the Lambs with His arme, and carie them in His bosome, and gently lead those that are with young, Isa. 40. 11. I make no doubt, but that in Queene Maries daies He mercifully hid many a good soule from the implacable fury of those Popish morning Wolves: who, though they were in a saving state, and loved the LORD IESVS in sincerity, Ephes. 6. 24. yet they wanted strength to stand in the face of the fiery tempests of those times.
sInvitis, Diabolo, persecutoribus, Papists, Athanasius & •utherus, nobile Heroum par, placidissimâ morte ex hâc vitâ excesserunt. Hear the story: Athanasius post multiplicia certamina▪ (qualia vix ullum E• clesiae Doctorem sustinuisse legimus) placidissimá morte ex hac vitâ excessit: cum ab initio usque ad finem sui Episcopatus Alexandrinae Ecclesiae praefuisset quadraginta sex antis: adversus quem lotus penè orbis conspiravit. Neque tamen (ut D. D. Lutherum) eum violent• morte ex hoc mundo exturbare potuit. Osiand. Hi•. Eccles. Cent. 4. Lib. 2. Cap. 16.Invitis, Diabolo, persecutoribus, Papis•s, Athanasius & •utherus, nobile Heroum par, placidissimâ morte ex hâc vitâ excesserunt. Heare the story: Athanasius post multiplicia certamina▪ (qualia vix ullum E• clesiae Doctorem sustinuisse legimus) placidissimá morte ex hac vitâ excessit: cum ab initio usque ad finem sui Episcopatus Alexandrinae Ecclesiae praefuisset quadraginta sex an•is: adversus quem •otus penè orbis conspiravit. Neque tamen (ut D. D. Lutherum) eum violent• morte ex hoc mundo exturbare potuit. Osiand. Hi•. Eccles. Cent. 4. Lib. 2. Cap. 16.
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Videntur omnia repentina graviora.—Praemeditatio futuro•um malorum lenit corum adventū. Tusc 〈…〉. lib 3. Quoniam mul•um po•est provisio animi, & praeparatio ad minuendum do sorem, 〈…〉 s•mper omnia •omim 〈…〉 meditata. Haec est illa praestans & divina sapientia:—Nihil 〈…〉 acciderit: Nihil, antequam 〈…〉, non •▪ venire posse a. bit•ari 〈…〉 Ib•d. Mani qui 〈…〉 aud•ta a docto me•inissem viro, Futaras 〈…〉 comment •bar miserias: Aut mo•tem acerbam, aut ex•lij moestam 〈…〉, 〈…〉 aliquam molem meduabar mah; Vt 〈…〉 invecta •as casu sor•, Ne me imparatam 〈…〉 laceraret repens. •uripid. Quamobrem omnes, cum secundae sunt maximè, tum maximè Meditari secum opo•tet, quo pacto adversam aerumnam serant: Pe•ida, damna, exilia peregie reatens semper cogitet: Aut silij 〈…〉, aut uxo•is mortem, aut mo•bum sili•: 〈…〉 esse hec, fieri posse: ut ne quid animo sit novum: Q•quid •aeter spem evenia• omme id deputare esse in luc•o. Terent. Drumes a 〈…〉 th•s 〈…〉 and preparation, but upon better grounds, and by the rules 〈…〉 very powerfull to s•able us to passe more patiently thorow crosses when they coma. 〈…〉 ita praemedita•〈…〉; sucrat, ut ad omnia ingenti animo 〈…〉 to•ius substanti•, & tam multarum terum •acturam, ad filiorum amarissimum obitum, ad uxoris affectum, ad acerba cornoris ulcera, ad injusta amicorum opprobrla, ad ancillarum contemptum atque servorum. Chrys•. in Mat. Hom. 34. Nullus sit casus, quem non meditatio tu• perveniat: nullus s•t casus, quite impatatum inven•t: Propone 〈…〉 esse quod tubi accidere non possit. Bern. de interiori Dom Cap 4•. Mens solicita antequam agere quod libet incipiat, omnes sibi, quas pati potest 〈…〉 propo•at: quatenus Redemptoris sui probra cogitans, ad adversa se 〈…〉 Que nimirum venientia tantò fortius excipit, quantò se cautius ex praesci•〈…〉 Qui enim improvidu• ab adversitate deprehenditur, quasi ab hoste 〈…〉•nvenitur: e•nique 〈…〉 inimiens necat, quia non repugnantem perforat. Nim qu• mala 〈…〉 per solicitudinem pernotat, hostiles incu•sus quasi in in• vigilans expectans: & indead victoriam valentèr accingitur, unde nesciens deprehendi putaba•ur. Solerter ergo an•us ante actionis siae primordia, cuncta de• adversa meditari ut semper haee cogitans, semper contra haec thorace patientrae manitus, & 〈…〉 acciderit, providus superet: & quicquid non accesserit, lu•rum 〈…〉. 〈…〉. lib. 5. Cap 31.
will not be ashamed. The third is the third Elijah of later times, I meane blessed Luther: Who by the invincible might of his heroicall spirit, and one of the greatest courages that ever dwelt in humane brest, did sustaine and subdue the hellish rage of that Man of Sinne, and all his bloudy Emissaries and Agents;
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qMilites praefecti praetorij, qui illum deducebant, non dissimulabant sibi promissa praemia magnifica, si […] in itinere moreretur. Itaque mensibus • bus per imbres, per aestus, sine ulla refrigeration corpusculi durissimum iter pert•ht, Erasm in vitâ Chrysost.Milites praefecti praetorij, qui illum deducebant, non dissimulabant sibi promissa praemia magnifica, si 〈…〉 in itinere moreretur. Itaque mensibus • bus per imbres, per aestus, sine ulla refrigeratione corpusculi durissimum iter pert•ht, Erasm in vitâ Chrysost.
rEtenim ego cum a civitate fugarer, nihil horum cuzabam, sed dicebam intra memet ipsum: Si quidem vult Regina me exulem, agat in exilium. DOMINI & terra & plenitudo ejus. Et si vult scare, secet. Idem passus est & Esaias. Si vult in pelagus mitre; Im• recordabor: Si vult in caminum in •cere, idem passi sunt […] •lli pueri. Si […] feris vult objicere, objiciat: Daniclis in lacum leombus object• […]. Si me lapidare vult, lapidet me: Stephanum habeo primum […] socium Si & caput tollere vult, tollat: habeo socium Johannem Baptistam. Si & substantiam aufe•e, auferat. Nudus exivi de utero matris, nudus etiam abibo. Me adm•net Apostolus, Etsi adhuc hominibus placerem, servus CHRISTI utique non essem. Armat me & David, d•cens: Loquebar coram Regibus, & non confundebar. Multa quidem adversus me consinxerunt, & dixerunt, quod ad communionem non jejunos receperim. Et si quidem hoc feci, expungatu• nomen meum ex Albo Episcoporum, & non scribatur in Lib•o Orthodoxae Fidei: Quoniam ecce si tale quid admisi, […] me etiam CHRISTVS e Regno suo. Si autem pergunt hoc mihi objicere & contendere; Deponant & Paulum, qui postquam coenavit, totam domum baptizavit. Deponant & CHRISTVM Ipsum, qui postquam coenatum •st, Apostolis Communionem dedit. Dicunt quod cum muliere dormiverim: Exuite me, & inveni•tis membrorum meorum mortificationem. Sed haec omnia per invi•iam excogita•unt. Johannes exul, Cyriaco Episcopo exuli. Tom. 5▪ Epist. 3•.Etenim ego cum a civitate fugarer, nihil horum cuzabam, sed dicebam intra memet ipsum: Si quidem vult Regina me exulem, agat in exilium. DOMINI & terra & plenitudo ejus. Et si vult s•care, secet. Idem passus est & Esaias. Si vult in pelagus mittere; Im• recordabor: Si vult in caminum in •cere, idem passi sunt 〈…〉•lli pueri. Si 〈…〉 feris vult objicere, objiciat: Daniclis in lacum leombus object•〈…〉. Si me lapidare vult, lapidet me: Stephanum habeo primum 〈…〉 socium Si & caput tollere vult, tollat: habeo socium Iohannem Baptistam. Si & substantiam aufe•e, auferat. Nudus exivi de utero matris, nudus etiam abibo. Me adm•net Apostolus, Etsi adhuc hominibus placerem, servus CHRISTI utique non essem. Armat me & David, d•cens: Loquebar coram Regibus, & non confundebar. Multa quidem adversus me consinxerunt, & dixerunt, quod ad communionem non jejunos receperim. Et si quidem hoc feci, expungatu• nomen meum ex Albo Episcoporum, & non scribatur in Lib•o Orthodoxae Fidei: Quoniam ecce si tale quid admisi, 〈…〉 me etiam CHRISTVS e Regno suo. Si autem pergunt hoc mihi objicere & contendere; Deponant & Paulum, qui postquam coenavit, totam domum baptizavit. Deponant & CHRISTVM Ipsum, qui postquam coenatum •st, Apostolis Communionem dedit. Dicunt quod cum muliere dormiverim: Exuite me, & inveni•tis membrorum meorum mortificationem. Sed haec omnia per invi•iam excogita•unt. Iohannes exul, Cyriaco Episcopo exuli. Tom. 5▪ Epist. 3•.
