We read of many, who were very eminent in moral excellencies, and yet altogether strangers from the life of grace. As for example, Josephus lib. 15. c. 8. reports of Herod the King, that which would make one think, he was raised to very high moral excellencies: once making a speech to his Army, amongst other passages he hath this; Perhaps some men will say, that right and equity is on our side, but that the greater number of men, and means are with the other; but this their speech is unworthy of my followers: for with those with whom justice is, with those also God is, and where God is, there neither wants multitude, nor fortitude. And ⟨p. 223⟩Cap. 12. he reports of him, that in the time of a famine, he caused all his vessels of gold and silver to be melted, to buy corn withal for the relief of the poor. That Herod likewise which S. Luke speaks of in the 12. Acts 23. who was smote by the Angel, and eaten of worms, yet even this man had many excellent moral gifts: Josephus reports of him, That he was a man of a most mild 1disposition, ready to help those which were in adversity, free from outward gross defilements, and that there was no day past him, in which he did not offer Sacrifice; and for a testimony of his mild & gentle temper, he tells a notable story of him, that when one Simon a Lawyer, in his absence, had scandalized him with many grievous accusations before the people; As that he was a profane man, and that upon just cause he was forbidden to enter the Temple: when Herod was certified of these things, and came to the Theatre, he commanded that this Simon ⟨p. 224⟩should be brought to him, and would have him sit down next to him, and in peaceable and kind manner he spake thus to him, Tell me, I prithee, what thing thou seest fault-worthy, or contrary to the Law in me? This Simon not having any thing to answer, besought him to pardon him; the King grew friends with him, and dismissed him, bestowing gifts on him. What a shame is this example to many Christians? and yet we would all be loath to be in this mans condition. It is reported likewise of Titus, whom God made a grievous scourge to the Jews, yet he was so meek, so liberal, so merciful, of so mild and sweet a nature, that he was usually called, The love and delights of 2mankind: If he had done no good in any day, he would use to say, I have lost this day.
Wee reade of many, who were very eminent in morall excellencies, and yet altogether strangers from the life of grace. As for example, Iosephus lib. 15. c. 8. reports of Herod the King, that which would make one thinke, hee was raised to very high morall excellencies: once making a speech to his Army, amongst other passages he hath this; Perhaps some men will say, that right and equitie is on our side, but that the greater number of men, and meanes are with the other; but this their speech is unworthy of my followers: for with those with whom justice is, with those also God is, and where God is, there neither wants multitude, nor fortitude. And ⟨p. 223⟩Cap. 12. he reports of him, that in the time of a famine, he caused all his vessels of gold and silver to bee melted, to buy corne withall for the reliefe of the poore. That Herod likewise which S. Luke speakes of in the 12. Acts 23. who was smote by the Angel, and eaten of wormes, yet even this man had many excellent morall gifts: Iosephus reports of him, That hee was a man of a most milde 1disposition, readie to helpe those which were in adversitie, free from outward grosse defilements, and that there was no day past him, in which he did not offer Sacrifice; and for a testimony of his mild & gentle temper, he tels a notable story of him, that when one Simon a Lawyer, in his absence, had scandalized him with many grievous accusations before the people; As that hee was a profane man, and that upon just cause he was forbidden to enter the Temple: when Herod was certified of these things, and came to the Theatre, he commanded that this Simon ⟨p. 224⟩should be brought to him, and would have him sit downe next to him, and in peaceable and kinde manner hee spake thus to him, Tell me, I prethee, what thing thou seest fault-worthy, or contrary to the Law in me? This Simon not having any thing to answer, besought him to pardon him; the King grew friends with him, and dismissed him, bestowing gifts on him. What a shame is this example to many Christians? and yet wee would all be loath to bee in this mans condition. It is reported likewise of Titus, whom God made a grievous scourge to the Jewes, yet hee was so meeke, so liberall, so mercifull, of so milde and sweet a nature, that he was usually called, The love and delights of 2mankind: If hee had done no good in any day, hee would use to say, I have lost this day.
- 1Joseph. lib. 19. cap. 7.Ioseph. lib. 19. cap. 7.
- 2Am•r & deliciae humam generis.
