Eighteen sermons preached in Oxford 1640 of conversion, unto God. Of redemption, & justification,…

These following Sermons are such, as several years since were taken from the mouth of that Man of God the reverend Armagh. When by reason of that bloody Rebellion in Ireland, this star of the greatest Magnitude, was forced to quit his proper Orb, it pleased the Lord, to fix him, as a shining, burning light, for some time in Oxon. Whilst there, he constantly spent himself, and was spent in preaching Christ and him crucified. This he did like himself, with that soundness, diligence, Evidence, faithfulness, and zeal, that he seemed not only willing to Impart the Gospel, but his own Soul unto us. To this day, we seem to see how the Bowels of that Elisha the (Chariots and Horsemen of our English Israel) even •ern'd upon the sons of the Prophets. Poor creatures, at that time, how was our English […] ⟨image 9⟩A film of superstition, and profaneness was there then grown over one of the eyes of this our Island! Our pulpits turned as it were into stages; and sadly prostituted to froth and jerks at godliness. As for truly learned, soul-searching, soul-saving Preaching, twas that which the most of us either knew not, or scorned. The mode of our then Sermons, was more to please the fancy, then to pierce the Heart; to tickle the Ear, rather then wound the Conscience, or save the precious the Immortal Soul. At that time, when we lay thus weltering in our Blood and Vanity, was the Lord pleased to Cause this star to arise and shine in our Horizon, and by his light and influence to guide us to Bethlehem. A time of love it was, an accepted Time, a Time never to be forgotten, specially by those who through grace can from thence date the Aera of their sound Conversion. The persuasion of Armagh's incomparable Learning, the Observation of his awful Gravity, the Evidence of his Eminent and exemplary Piety, all improved to the height by his Indefatigable Industry, drew students to flock to him as Doves to the windows. It joys us to recollect how multitudes of Scholars, specially the ⟨image 9⟩heads of our Tribes, thronged to hear the sound of his silver Bells; How much they were taken with the voice of this wise Charmer! How their ears seemed as it were fastened to his lips, that were like Lilies dropping sweet smelling Myrrh. How did many, very many at that time, Galatians-like, receive this Aged Paul, as an Angel of God, yea even As Christ.