commands to serve God they may make our services to be more safe in the practice but not more righteous in themselves Gods command is a sufficient warrant and its high presumption for any to interpose therein to corrupt or crosse his service 8. Unjust persecution and prosecution of the good and quiet of the Land cracks authority They are to be terrour to evil doers and then their authority comes forth in the power of it but they must not be terrours to those that doe well nor strengthen the hands of the wicked and sad those whom God would not have sadded This will never stablish any government Christs interest is in his people the best way for Princes to maintaine their interest is to fall in with Christs interest His people are his annointed ones and they must doe them no harme Zach. 12. 3. Jerusalem is a burdensome stone all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces though all the people of the world be gathered together against it 1. See the cause of the great turns that have been among us Former ages cannot parallel our stories you know how God hath set up his Throne for Judgement and called the great and mighty ones to the barre and cut them off And oh that now these who yet remaine would turn their eyes hither and see though it be late first see the true cause that cracked all former greatnesse and be humbled confesse their sins in their desolations and if they cannot see their fins as cross to God let them abhor them as enemies to their own State Oh! that they would accept of this counsel To breake off their sins by righteousnesse and their iniquities by turning to the Lord that so if possible there may be a return of their tranquillity Suffer I beseech you yet once more a word of admonition the Lord make it precious healing balme to you 1. Watch over your hearts in lawful things and with all keeping keep your hearts therein It s lawful surely to eate and drink and for you to eate of the fat and drink of the sweet yea to feast your selves daily But t is not lawful to feed without feare Jude 12. Eccles 10. 16. Wo unto thee oh Land when thy Princes eate in the morning It s lawful to eate but not to eate unseasonably Prov. 31. 4. It s not for Kings O Lemuel it s not for Kings to drink wine or Princes strong drink least they drink and forget the law and pervert the judgement of any of the afflicted it s not for Kings so to drink as their drinking shall make them light and frollick so as to forget the law the afflicted and their cause Math. 11. 8. They that weare soft cloathing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 wearing them daily are in Kings houses But we read withal Zach. 1. 8. I will punish the Princes of the Kings children and all that are cloathed with strange apparel If the softnesse of their apparel betoken a greater softnesse of their temper it is not their being in Kings houses shall save them from punishment Strange apparel Jun. Indumento alienigenarum apparel in imitation of strangers people of another Nation when they frame themselves into the garbe of a Conquering people whether Egyptian or Babylonian and testifie their spirit by their habit Omnes qui exoticis vestibus levitatem animi prodebant Drufius Such who betrayed the levity of their minds by their phantastical apparel Probabile est saith Calvin Aulicos stulta affectatione mutasse vestes Its likely the Courtiers out of a foolish imitation changed their garments I would our Courtiers were not guilty of new fangled fashions and garish garments paintings and powderings spots of beauty and naked breasts opening their shop-windows as if their modesty were put to saile You may questionlesse sometimes relaxe your minde from your serious and weighty employments and follow your Recreations and Pleasures but take heed of being lovers of pleasure that will make you poor men Prov. 21. 17. and to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lovers of pleasures more then lovers of God will render you worse then poor even wicked men beware your pleasures be not your masters for then you will serve diverse lusts as well as pleasures Tit. 3. 3. Malus si regat servus est tot dominorum quot vitiorum One saith If an evil man rule he is servant of so many Masters as he hath vices Look on the pleasures of the flesh as the bane of your spirits and your Courtly pompe to be but so much pageantry When Agrippa Acts 25. 23. is said to come with great pompe it s in the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with a great phancy great pompe is no more Worthy is the record of that great and good Courtier Moses Heb. 11. 25. who chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season 2. Beware of covetous self-love the canker of publick places Exod. 18. 21. The men there to be chosen Rulers must be hating covetousnesse When Samuel would deter the people from a King 1 Sam. 8. 11 12. He pleads He will take your sons for himselfe for his horsmen to run before his Chariots to care his ground to reap his Harvest it s all His His His wicked Princes pretend publick transactions and necessities when the maine is to fill their own Coffers they spare neither their own children nor strangers bnt exact their Customes from them Math. 17. 25. But exceeding terrible is that of Jeremiah to such Jer. 17. 11. He that getteth riches and not by right shall leave them in the midst of his dayes and at his end shall be a foole 3. Exalt not your selves unduely for that will bring you down Prov. 16. 18. Pride goeth before destruction and an haughty spirit before a full proud speeches gestures carriages should be abhorred by you It s one thing to keep a due distance another thing to be proud It s one thing to maintaine your place and another thing to be haughty It was the fault of good Hezekiah that his heart was lifted up I but it was his great commendation that he humbled himselfe for the pride of his heart Be not wise in your own eyes but give eare to the wisdome of the Ancient and the petitions of the poor 4. Anger and malice misbecome any wise man much more a Prince Irasuror brevis est Anger is a short madnesse and malice is illwill continued and both should be banished from you How famous was Moses for his government and yet the meekest man of all the earth Perit judicium quando res transit in affectum you will lose your judgement when your affections are distempered Eccl. 7. 9. Anger resteth in the bosome of fools and folly should be far from them that govern How ill did Sauls anger become him when he calls Jonathan the son of a perverse rebellious woman 1 Sam.
wickednesse 4. though Christ be no cause of their badnesse yet he permits it 5. In permitting them he puts forth a righteous judgement 6. He orders their badnesse for good Vse of Instruction 1. that their being Creatures of Christs making stamps Authority on them 2. When we rise against Government we rise against Christ 3. Ascribe the good of Government to Christ 4. Hence take a ground of patience under evil Governours 5. Christ must needs be glorious Vse of Exhortation in sixe passages out of Psal 2. 1. To be wise 2. To be instructed 3. to be in feare 4. To serve him 5. to rejoyce with trembling 6. To kisse the Son CHAP. X. OPens that setting up of Government is for the worlds good as appears 1. In that it is set to keep the world in order 2. Persons so set and kept enjoy propriety 3. Government promotes the increase of good things in our propriety 4. Government protects your Peace 5. Setting up of Government is when God makes some men able and willing to manage Publicke Affairs and draws others to consent and subject 6. This is notably for the good of not some but all ranks of men 7. It s extensive to the whole life of all those men 8. There is honour due to them who are thus set up for Government Vse of Instruction to shew 1. That God is a faithful Creator 2. Rulers had need be of much wisdom and publicknesse of spirit Vse 2 of Exhortation 1. To esteem them highly 2. To make honourable mention of them 3. To speak to God for them 4. To submit to every Ordinance 5. To testifie our thankfulnesse by service in person and in purse CHAP. XI UNfolds that Governours and Governments are apt to change which these six things will further informe you in 1. Governours change by death and in their manners while they live 2. Manners and forms of Government as well as Persons are liable to change 3. People change in their mindes and conditions 4. Change of Governments Governours and People causeth change of Laws 5. they change in their league and trade with Neighbour Nations 6. Jesus Christ King of Kings makes a change on Governours and Governments by sending Plague Sword or Famine on them Vse of Instruction 1. Lesser bodies will change 2. See the creatures vanity Vse of Exhortation to Princes 2. To exalt righteousnesse 2. To be little in their own eyes To All. 1. to raise up your hearts to minde things above 2. to be content in these turnes 3. to contend to have the change for better CHAP. XII SHews that Kings abuse their power for 1. they serve themselves more then others 2. they turn the power which should be for good to the hurt of others 3. Power was set against Christ in his person when he was on Earth 4. It is against Christ and his interest Now. 5. the power of Kings is given up to Christs enemies Vse of Instruction to see 1. the foundation of turns on Kingdoms viz. Departing from the right ends 2. How little Kings deserve the name of Sacred 3. Judge not of men or causes to be good by the greatnesse of them that follow them 4. Vndeceive your selves about the true value of earthly powers 5. that those in power be circumspect CHAP. XIII SHews that abuse of power tends to the breaking of power which is apparent 1. When those in power indulge their own lazinesse 2. When they take no account of under-officers 3. When they rule by will 4. When they look not after the execution of good Laws 5. When they are unjust 6. When they sinfully conform to neighbour Princes 7. When they persecute those who are good 8. When they interpose unduely in the things of God Vse 1. of Instruction to see the cause of great turns among us Vse 2. of Admonition to Princes 1. Take heed of your hearts in lawful things 2. Take heed of coveteous self-love 3. Exalt not your selves unduely 4. Anger and malice misbecome a Prince 5. Forget not the kindnesse of others to you 6. Look that your Courtiers prove not flatterers CHAP. XIV PRinces being wicked people grow wicked too because 1. Wickednesse in men of high place is misrepresented to the people 2. Wicked Princes leave good Laws unexecuted and sin unpunished 3. Then wickednesse comes to be established as by a Law 4. Because of the Priests of the Nation 5. People are migtily led by example Vse 1. To shew how much Rulers have to answer for 2. To shew that examples move much 3. To take notice of the wickedness in us 4. See how just it is to suffer from Princes when we grow sinful by them CHAP. XV. THat abuse of power and wickednesse of people adapt to Civil war How abuse of power works on good mens spirits How wickedness adapts See it thus 1. Pride in Princes produceth pride in people 2. Pride introduceth luxury 3. Luxury introduceth poverty 4. Poverty makes people discontented 5. Discontented people meditate their pressures 6. Pressed people hardly pay for any publick uses 7. People grow weary of their Trades 8. They feare more then they feel 9. There be Incendiaries that augment their fears 10. These incendiaries have many followers Vse 1. To Princes to consider their abuse of power 2. To people who complain of Wars yet are the cause of them 3. To admire Gods goodness that we have no more Civil Wars CHAP. XVI SHews that Civil Wars produce fatal Changes for 1. Then Government is destroyed 2. Equity and Laws are not then to be heard 3. Then Religion and devotion are stifled 4. Learning and Trading fall down dead 5. A rich people is made poor and a strong people weake 6. No safety to any then 7. Plantations are nipt in the bud 8. The victory of Civil Wars is much to be lamented Vse 1. Admire Gods goodnesse that we are a Nation 2. Consider how much we are engaged to those in power by whose care it comes to passe that Wars break not forth 3. Look on some inconveniences as eligible when they prevent what is fatal 4. It should be far from us to promote a Civil War CHAP. XVII NEighbour Princes fall off from us or come forth against us when we are in Civil War which is opened thus 1. God hath bounded and limited all Nations in their Territories 2. Confederacy is as needful for a Nation as a Person 3. It s of great concernment what and with whom confederacy is concluded 4. Islands have more liberty of choice as to their confederates then those that live in a Continent 5. We may have cause to break with those with whom we have been confederate 6. It s possible some may break unjustly from us 7. Those with whom we are in League may be devoured by their adversaries 8. It s possible notwithstanding confederacies abroad we may be disjoynt at home 9. This distraction tempts your friends to shake you off 10. It
He sets a Tabernacle for the Sun and gives it a race to run 2. Jesus Christ doth not onely give them a being but also maintains what he hath given gives them a constant course and maintains them in it as men and Saints have their constant work to do so likewise have other creatures and Christ upholds them and their course too Psal 75. 3. I beare up the pillars of the earth Heb. 1. 2 3. By him are the world 's made and he upholds all things by the word of his power Jer. 31. 35. He gives the Sun for a light by day and the ordinances of the Mâ—on and Stars for a light by night divideth the Sea when the waves thereof roare and to shew their constancy of operation Jer. 33. 20. there is mention made of the Covenant of the day and the Covenant of the night which none can break 3. These things thus made and maintained by him are at his beck He made three dayes together without a Sun Gen. 1. by reflecting the element of fire downward as some say and made the nights by reversing it upward Psal 136. 6. Whatsoever he pleased that did he in heaven earth in the sea in the deep places Heaven and Earth Sea and deeps are all at his pleasure V. 7. He maketh the vapour to ascend and lightnings for the raine he bringeth the winde out of his Treasuries Psal 147. 15. He sends his command forth his word runneth very swiftly His word his command is enough to make all run as he made all by his word so by his word and will he governs all Math. 8. 27. He rebukes the winde and the Sea and they obey him His rebuke and the creatures obedience fall in together 4. It s his pleasure sometime that they should step aside from their ordinary course The ordinary course of the Sun is to be running of his race But Josh 10. 12. Sun stand thou still in Gibeon and thou Moon in the vally of Ajalon The ordinary course is for the heavens to give down raine but in Ahabs time 1 Kings 17. 1 there was neither dew nor raine The ordinary course for the earth it is to bring forth corne and grasse for the food of man and beast but in Joseph's time Gen. 41. 54. The dearth was in all Lands 5. That Jesus governs them in all these turnings aside that is he acts them and orders them to his ends and interests and so there is a sweet harmony in their excentrical motion When the Sun stood still in Joshua's time it was that Israel might be avenged of the Amorites their enemies The dearth was in all Lands that so Joseph might be exalted and Israel provided for It raines or raines not that God might be honoured in the word of his Prophet Elijah the Tishbite When God takes away the power of burning from the fire it was that his servants the companions of Daniel should not be consumed but walke in the midst of the fire and have no hurt Dan. 3. 25. God will not onely shew his goodnesse to his people by the ordinary and common course of creatures but sometime he makes them step aside out of their common course to answer their prayers and help them in their streights and Now in our dayes though he workes not miracles he works wonderful things Miranda though not Micacula Though he worke not against the course of the creatures nature yet he alters it so that it gives us cause to wonder yea and withal in this way he brings vengeance on his and his peoples enemies It 's light in Goshen when darknesse is on all the Land of Egypt Isa 24. 20. The Earth reels too and fro like a Drunkard and shall be removed like a Cottage The transgression thereof shall fall heavy upon it and it shall fall and not rise again 6. That these Turnes in Heaven and Earth thus ordered by Christ carry with them the nature of signes Luke 21. 21. There shall be Signes in the Sun and in the Moon and in the Stars and upon the earth distresse of Nations and perplexity the Sea and the waves roaring Acts 2. 19 I will shew wonders in heaven above 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and signes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the earth beneath blood and fire and vapour of smoak A Signe is that which besides it selfe introduceth some other thing into the understanding as when you see smoak your understanding doth not terminate in the smoak but riseth higher to think of some fire that causeth that smoak So when you see these strange postures in these natural bodies your minde resteth not barely in the contemplation of them but your understanding looks on them as fore-runners of other things that shall follow after Now among signes some are Rememorative Demonstrative Prognostical Practical Rememorative signes are such which call to minde things past and so refresh the memory the Bow in the clouds tells us God did destroy the world by water though he will do so no more Demonstrative signes are such which declare a thing present as smoak is a signe of present fire fire then burning Prognostical signes are such as foretel in general things to come Thus God may and sometime doth by these changes in these natural great bodies signifie and foretel that there shall be great turns and changes in the great bodies Politique of Kingdomes and Common-wealths but what these particular turnes shall be and the several issues of them the signes in heaven and earth cannot foretel for they are not practical signes Practical signes are such as in their nature cause and produce those things whereof they are signes but such signes the heavens and earth are not they do not in their nature cause the turnes of Nations nor are the turnes of Nations their effects Now whether this position do contribute any favourable aspect to judicial Astrologie that we shall shew in the Appendix joyned to this Treatise and passe it by now onely resolve this Question Why doth Christ when he intends great turnes in States make such changes in Heaven and Earth I answer in four Reasons This is the beginning of Christ his taking to himselfe his great power Rev. 11. 17. Christ hath all power on earth as well as in heaven he is sovereigne Lord of all creatures as well as King of Saints Col. 1. He is the First borne of every creature as well as head of the Church and therefore he doth thus manifest himselfe There be many fore-runners before the King comes reckon these among the least and lowest of Christs servants yet surely what knees they have they bend to him They are ready with their motion and conjunctions to honour him and in their language to tell you of his transcendent glory that is following They are obedient and step aside out of their ordinary way to let you know of their Lords drawing nigh Christ could
20. 30. and as little will it become Princes now 5. Forget not the kindnesse of others to you and your engagements and promises to them Rulers must be men of truth Exod. 18. 2â— True in performing their promises It s a brand on King Joash that he remembred not the kindnesse that Jehojada had done unto him but slew his son Zechariah Prov. 17. 7. Excellent speech becometh not a foole much lesse does lying lips a Prince Ingratitude and unfaithfulnesse is bad in any but worse in a Prince who have wherewith to reward good service but do not 6. Look well that your Courtiers and Counsellers prove not flatterers 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 flatterers are Crows Prov. 26. 28. A flattering mouth worketh ruine How many such mouthes are about great ones and how much do they worke their ruine 1 Kings 22. 12. All the Prophets prophesied saying Goe up to Ramoth Gilead and prosper but that prosperity was his death v. 37. for the King died It s the unhappinesse of great ones that they have few to speak truth to them men rather seeke to please the humour of great men or to serve themselves upon them then to speak plaine and faithfully to them CHAP. XIV Vnfolds the seventh Position That Princes being wicked people grow wicked too because 1. The power and place of Princes present wickednesse under another hue 2. Then good Laws are not executed 3. Then wickednesse is established by a Law 4. Because then the Preists fall in 5. People follow examples of great ones Vses ALI sin is of a spreading nature and the sins of Princes are most spreading their sins undoe their power as you heard I and their people too as appears in the seventh Position Princes being wicked people grow wicked too Prov. 29. 12. If a Ruler hearken to lyes all his servants are wicked he will not want those that will feed a lying proud uncleane humour in them A wicked King makes a wicked Court the Court infects the City and the City the Country and one Country another Sin is an epidemical plague and soon spreads the infection and the strongest infection is from the highest powers as appears Because 1. Wickednesse in men of high place is misrepresented to the people it comes to them in another dresse and under another hue then indeed it hath people are so foolish to conceit all well that great ones do Joh. 7. 48. Do any of the Rulers believe they thought unbeliefe no sin because the Rulers believed not Pride in Princes is lookt on but as Statelinesse their Luxury living freely their Wantonnesse Court pleasure and merriment and their Oppression their praerogative What we would abominate coming from meaner persons we fall down and magnifie in them We read 2 Kings 3. 36. whatsoevor the King did pleased the people and if he do wickedly that will please them too and they are ready to fall in with their wickednesse 2. Wicked Princes leave Gods Law unexecuted and wickednesse unpunished and this layes the rains on the neck of the peoples lusts what are laws to them if not executed who would not be during in sin when he can escape free Under-Magistrates move according to the nature and motion of the Supreame If his motion be irregular theirs will prove excentrical if the one sell places the other will sell justice None look after Magistrates and they as little look to their unde officers and so all wickednesse hath a free course 3. Because we finde wickednesse established then as by a law and that opens all the fountains of hellish deeps and makes a deluge of sin to drown men in When wickednesse gets the Throne and mischeife is framed by a Law then as it is verse 21. wo be to the souls of the righteous and the blood of the innocent Honor virtutis praemium Honour should be the reward of virtue but when it is misplaced and become the reward of villany not virtue when prophanation of holy times and things shall be ushered in with his Majesties declaration and book of sports now he is scarce a good subject reputed that is not a good dancer and sporter then When roguish Stage-players shall passe as his Majesties servants who dares hinder the actings of their wickednesse and will not people follow it faster then they can act yes and it may be out act them too yes surely 4. Because of the Preists of the Nation It hath still been in all times like Prince like Preist Kings had their Bishops Bishops their Chaplains Chaplains their Friends and acquaintance to cry up his sacred Majesty his blessed memory and happy reigne when if sifted we shall not finde much truth in any of their assertions Ahab had his Prophets crying Goe up to Ramoth Gilead and prosper when God neither commanded the going up nor promised the prosperity Will it not promote ungodlinesse when the Leaders of the people cause them to erre and commend such bad examples to them like Prince and like Preist and Hos 4. 9. like Preist like people 5. People are mightily led by example and no example so potent as that of great ones men affect to please them hoping they may by their greatnesse do for them or fearing if they conforme not to them it may prove their prejudice Regis ad exemplum totus componitur orbis all the World is moulded by the example of their Kings What shoales of Drunkards will wallow in their mire and reele in your streets when the Prince loves bottels of Wine Good God! how will men stretch their wits to invent new oaths and curses when the Prince is a Blasphemer wickednesse seems to come off with a grace from these Grandees and how punctually will gracelesse ones follow their perverse wayes 1. How much have sinful Rulers to answer for not onely their own sins but other mens also how many sons of Bâ—lial do they bring forth by their example and multiply guiltinesse on their own accounts Princes implead people for faction sedition tumults and riots and not without cause But may not people indite them for bad example for setting the blurred coppies that they write after and may not Princes blame themselves for making the people first wicked and then rebellious Again see 2. Examples move much plus movent quam miracula yea more then miracles Miracles are cause of present wonder But are soon forgotten examples are repeated and daily before us Example is a short way to good or evil Oh! then look about you whoever you are that are above others Magistrates Ministers Captains Parents and Masters of Families you of all others should be burning and shining lights holding out the word of truth in your godly conversation to your people and souldiers Husbands Parents Masters obseve your duty in your dignity and so deport your sâ—lves as your Consorts Children Servants may see their rule in your actions 3. Take notice People what great wickednesse is
laid waste and the posterity that expected succession into the riches and honours of their fore-Fathers are little better then Noble Vagabounds I meddle not with the proceedings in that case but sure I am In all God is just God hath begun in England but he will not end there I dare not presume to set down times measures meanes and modes of things which the Father hath reserved in his own hand onely this I say waite but a while and it may be you shall see The Incestuous house of Austria the Emperour King of Spain France and the rest of the ten Kings of Europe which have given their power to the Beast to come tumbling down and if they fall surely many more will fall with them their Creatures and their Followers their Courtiers and their Flatterers cannot stand but must come down and with them many more I perswade my selfe that those whom God hath set now in power over us do seriously weigh what Christ hath done and will do how he is yesterday and to day the same for ever for ever just and jealous against all wickednesse and ungodlinesse and that this doth and will work upon their hearts and cause them to be humble before God and much in prayer to be watchful over themselves and theirs and others and to study to do the work of Christ put into their hands not negligently but faithfully not to please men but Christ CHAP. XX. Concludes with shewing How the twelve Positions formerly handled instruct us in our Turns and Changes WE have opened twelve Positions and divers things in them I shall conclude with a very breife instruction teaching us what we may learne from every one of those Positions concerning our present Turns Pos 1. All power is in Christ power to raise or depresse Kingdomes and Nations as well as particular persons and its little lesse then blasphemy to exclude him from our Turns If they be for good he is the Author and preserver of them If we have Plenty after scarcity Liberty after bondage Peace after war Oh thank him him I say for those blessed changes But what if we experience the contrary darknesse instead of Light feare instead of Safety evil instead of Good yet in these evils Christ is to be owned Isa 45. 7. I forme light and create darknesse I make peace and create evil I the Lord do all these things and Amos 3. 6. Shall there be evil in the City and I the Lord have not done it Christ then hath his work in City or National good or evil Pos 2. All the Kings of the earth reigne by Christ Kings are the greatest persons of the earth and cause the greatest Turns and Changes either to good or evil How is our feare and sorrow turned into hope and joy when righteous men are exalted to government and what mourning when wicked ones Prov. 29. 2. How much of the increase of wickednesse is abated by their power care and example and what great cause have Saints to blesse God when he makes Rulers nursing fathers and to rule for him as they rule by him Pos 3. Government is set up for the good of the World and nothing causeth more considerable changes then that doth it reduceth lawlesse ones to a rule ruleth and boundeth excessive desires and actions brings in trade and wealth improvement of creatures and increase of peace Pos 4. Government in the frame of it is apt to change and doth not that reach us Government is a comprehensive word relating to Princes and people and so all change when Governments change Laws Places Offices Rewards Times and Persons all change Pos 5. Kings and Princes have abused their power that is a sad change a change of what should be best to worst of power to abuse of it of Kings to Tyrants of Princes to Oppressors Pos 6. Sins of Princes tend to break their power Here is change upon change Change of Manners by sin and change of Wholnesse and Soundnesse to a breach Power cannot break but many things break with it and many things cannot break but it makes great alteration Pos 7. Princes being wicked people grow wicked too a woful change indeed and much to be lamented Princes that should rule become slaves and that to the worst of masters their own Lusts people that should be under command to become unruly and unruly by them that should better order them Pos 8. Abuse of power and wickednesse of people adapt to Civil War Those in power complain of the people and the people of them in power and we have just cause to complaine of both It s a sad case that turnes the soul to a wearinesse of the good it doth possesse and to a loathing its own peace Pos 9. Civil Wars cause fatal Turnes They turne and overturne all Turnes are in the bowels of that one our many years sad experience hath taught us we were full but soon emptied we were high but brought low we were in safety but soon rapt into feare Oh that our hearts might turne after all these Turnes upon us Pos 10. We fall out one with another and our neighbours fall out with us both How do they laugh at us and seek to raise themselves out of our ruines Is it not hard when those you thought would help you at best are Neuters stand still and look on Truly we may thank our selves for putting them on that temptation Had we kept together Pos 11. They would have been as formerly But now they are in armes their War-ships rigged and manned and now the Seas must be as bloody by a Forreigne War as our Land had been by a Civil Dreadful Turns and Changes when both land and sea are bloody And surely Christ Pos 12. will inquire after all that blood whose blood how much blood for what cause by whom in what manner and when it was shed The Judge of All shall appeare in his righteous judgement and then wo be to the wicked crafty cruel great ones of the World CHAP. XXI Shews the Turns that befal Nations from the consideration and working of Christ as King of Saints in 12. Sections 1. Jesus Christ is King of Saints 2. He hath this honour upon his sufferings 3. He puts forth his power as King of the World for his Saints over whom he is King in a special manner 4. He must have more visible glory in this World 5. All governments will prove bitter that Christ may be embraced as sweet 6. Christ pours out a mighty spirit of prayer on his people which he will answer 7. He shall have a willing people in the day of his power 8. Some of the Kings shall be among that willing people 9. Christ having great works to do will notably stir up the spirits of Princes and people 10. The great work of the last dayes shall be to exalt holinesse and righteousnesse 11. Saints shall have Conquests over their adversaries 12. These Turns shall be by degrees
a spiritual instinct and inward inclination so as not to be satisfied without you taste the sweetnesse of it desire it in the sincerity of it and with the sincerity of desire that ye may grow thereby Accretio est mutatio minoris quantitatis in majorem usque ad terminum praefinitum a naturâ Growth is the change of a lesse quantity and degree of grace into a greater when you passe from your little knowledge faith and love to a greater measure then you grow God hath given his word for to strengthen as well as to beget us and the sincere word is the word that makes you grow and that word for that end should have our strong first born desires The noble Bereans Acts 17. 11. received the word with all readinesse of minde and searched the Scriptures daily whether those things were so And it will be no lesse noblenesse in you to receive and search to receive with readinesse and retaine with gladnesse the word of truth This will argue the honesty and goodnesse of your hearts Luk. 8. 15. thus to heare and keep and bring â—orth fruit with patience You must like Mary ponder Christs sayings in your hearts giving more earnest heed to the things which you have heard lest at any time you should let them slip Heb. 2. 1. Coming to the Lords Table you must examine your selves and so eate of that bread and drink of that cup which is no lesse th en the Communion of the body and blood of the Lord and thus judging your selves you are discerning the Lords body and are not condemned with the world you being thus entertained in Christs bosome as guests at his Table you must not forget your poor Brethren that be in want This communicating is doing good and a Gospel Sacrifice wherewith God is well pleased it is extensive to all but especially to those who are of the houshold of faith The blessed Gospel teacheth us not onely to do but suffer This is a special gift Phil. 1. 29. To you its given on the behalfe of Christ not onely to believe but suffer Suffering makes way for patience and patience must not onely work but have a perfect worke Jam. 1. 4. You must not onely be patient but glory in tribulation knowing that our patience worketh experience and experience hope What although men should revile you and say all manner of evil against you let it be falslely and for Christs sake and then rejoyce and be exceeding glad for great is your reward in heaven who are now strengthened with all might according to his glorious power unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfullnesse So that if you suffer as Christians for Christs cause and with the spirit of Christ you should not be ashamed but glorifie God on that behalfe counting your selves happy to be reproached for the Name of Christ for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you Here followeth the Appendix mentioned in the Fifth Chapter of this Book IT was laid down in the fifth Chapter That when Christ works great changes in Kingdomes and Common-wealths he sheweth signes in the heaven above and in the earth beneath and that occasioned this Question Quest Whether those signes in heaven which Christ sheweth do not favour or countenance Astrological Predictions Ans To which I answer negatively Those Signes that Christ sheweth do not in the least favour their Predictions Now that you may more fully take in the compasse and meaning of this answer we shall first shew you what we grant concerning the Stars and then what we deny Now we grant these five things 1. That the Stars have a powerful ruling excellency by their light heat and motion They are not like the paints in a Chamber which we look on but they work not on us The seat and station of the Stars tell us that they are not placed there to disgrace the Heavens but that they have that in their being which answers so high a place and work to their ends So Job 38. 31. Canst thou binde the sweet influences of the Pleiades Stars have their influences that is their virtue and power extended to others Psal 8. 3. When I consider the Heavens the work of thy fingers the Moon and the Stars which thou hast ordained The Stars then are Gods Ordinances creatures ordained by him and by him for us to consider of Luke 21. 26. The powers of heaven shall be shaken The powers of heaven 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are sure such as are not weake but strong in their operation therefore Psal 136. 9. The Moon and the Stars are said to rule the night 2. We grant that the Stars by their light heat and motion do work great alteration in the Aire the first heaven as being neerest to it God hath placed the creatures neer one another that they might act conjoynedly The clearnesse or cloudinesse of the Aire may relate to the Stars the Stars also are considerable in the moisture or drynesse of the Aire If the wind be Aer motus the Aire moved I know not but that motion may some what relate to the virtue of the Stars 3. We deny not but that the Stars having this power over the Aire they do by the aire diversly affect compound bodies that breath in this aire This our experience teacheth us In faire weather we are more Frollick our spirits are up we are more apt to sing to move cheerfully our phantasies are more busie and our motion more pleasant whereas in thick foggy weather our brains are clouded and we are heavy and dull of Action Heat cold moysture and drynesse are the four principal qualities of compounded bodies and surely the temperature of the Aire works much on these as is observable when we are sick 4. Scripture speakes plainly That they are for times and for seasons for days and for years Gen. 1. 14. The lights in the firmament are to divide the day from the night and to be for seasons for days and years Seasons are such times as are proper and peculiar to some actions and bodies He appointeth the Moon for seasons and the Sun knoweth his going down Psal 104. 19. Seasons are such portions of time as if a man come forth to act in he shall finde an advantage to his work from the time which advantage he will misse if he go not forth then Thus in sowing the growth and fruit depends not onely on the commiting of the seed to the ground but committing it to the ground in a certaine time which is therefore called sowing Season sow before or after that time and your labour will not thrive and this sheweth the goodnesse of that promise Gen. 8. 22. While the earth remaineth Seed-time and Harvest and Cold and Heat Summer and Winter Day and Night shall not cease Thus learned Mr. Aynsworth explaines Job 9. 9. concerning the four Seasons of the year Which maketh Arcturus Orion
is written 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Be not angry with me if I wish you so well that I would not have you to think or write above what God hath written in his word or workes There be some things in all Arts that God hides from men as Sympathys and Antipathies in natural Philosophy the returnes of Agues by set fits in Medicinal practice and in your own way the cause of the ebbings and flowings of the Sea You are not infallible in what you think you know you are apt enough to erre as you are men Humanum est errare but how much more apt if you proceed by erroneous principles and doctrines Is it nothing to you that God hath stirred up the spirits and pens of those who are godly and wise to appeare against your way I should much suspect my selfe to be in the way of Balaam when I should meet with so many Angels Ministers Messengers of God coming against me You may mistake and so mispeake as that Divination may easily turn into a lye Isa 44. â—5 and God may blast that reason into madnesse that is so abused and then how sad will your case be when you must be ranked with those who are without whose property is described to be such who love and make a lye Rev. 22. 15. Oh remember how unduely and nnworthily you have perplexed and rejoyced the hearts of people you have put them in feare where no feare was and rejoyced them when you had no good ground for it You have raised up hopes in them like spiders webbs which a little time hath easily swept away and you have driven many to despaire when God gave no cause for such desperation How infectious have your principles and practices been How many have been misled by you Think on your Schollers whom you have trained up to follow your steps if you walke awry how can they walke right Doth it not or may it not pitty your heart to see so many young ingenious hopeful Gentlemen to be corrupted by you It may be God may give you repentance which I heartily wish but they may be hardned in their vanity and never returne and will not that fall sad on you when you shall remember that you have a generation in the pit beneath whom your false teaching and corrupt example hath begotten You cannot be so inobservant in your own way but you doe know that God from heaven doth beare witnesse against your weather-wisdome making that prove faire that you foretel to be foul and foule to be fair Now if you are so much out in that which is lowest in your way may you not much more mistake in higher pretences Surely since you are so confident of things to come which yet God and Nature hath not actually determined you might be more bold to call up things past if you can tell a person what shall befal him you may as well tell what hath befallen him Why doe you not bend your thoughts that way and not this is it not because it would not be so taking with men and withal it would decry your skill Remember and forget not you must give account of your wayes and workes thinke seriously of it Will your proceedings be owned by Christ another day will he say to you Euge bone serve Well done thou good and faithful servant thou hast been faithful in thy Predictions I will make thee Lord of ten Cities enter into thy Masters joy Will he not rather accuse you for abusing your selves and others for mispending your parts and paines and snarling at those who reproved you Your sins are great but not unpardonable Oh that God would give you repentance unto life like those we read of in Acts 19. 19. Many believed and among those Many that used curious Arts brought their Bookes together and burned them before all men If you will stile your dealings Arts others and rightly too will call them Curious Now there was cause enough to burne their Books then May there not be as much in your Books now I shall adde no more onely leave it to God and your consciences and descend to give a word to your disciples I cannot but from my soul pitty you to see your youth and ingenuity so dangerously intangled Astrological Predictions are fine cobwebs to catch young wits Give eare to a plaine word It s possible you may meet with something that is and may be called Art But is there nothing else is there not something far worse No evil was ever so audacious at first as to appeare unmasked and in its own colours the worst of things sometimes put on the best of names and pretences I should be too impudent in writing against what is Art and so Gods wisdome in the creature and you would be too negligent and grosse if you espouse mens phantasies and wickednesse for Art for Gods wisdome in the creature All men desire to know and those that know something desire to know more Scientiâ— non habet inimicum nisi ignorantem I blame not your desire of knowledge but wish you to goe on in it and that your desires may end in attainment but take heed what and how you know All knowledge of excellent objects innobles the minde Excellens objectum intellectum perficit I beseech you weigh whether such principles as you are taught and have sucked in will make your minde one jot better and not rather much worse I know they insinuate not barely by pretending to augment your knowledge but knowledge in relation to your practice of something to be done by you and that hereafter nay of what God will doe by you and to you and these considerations are taking and snaring To pretend to advance knowledge onely without practice would be vaine speculation to know onely what concerns other men would seeme a busibodinesse to tell you what is past is but to recall what you had some knowledge of before but to tell you what is to come and to come from God this takes much with you But deare hearts be not deceived How came the spirit of God to them that they can reveale so much to you They goe but God sent them not and they declare but what the visions of their own heart I am not ignorant that there is somewhat of singularity by which they ingraciate themselves men affect to be and doe something more then others to be as all men are to know as all men know is but a common being and knowledge but to be of higher straines and extract to be of more accomplisht perfection is that which men strive for and they pretend to bring you unto Bona verba These are good words indeed but looke well to it lest while you aime to be higher then other men you fall not beneath the lowest Christians and while you strive to know what you should not you grow ignorant of what you should The knowledge of God and a mans selfe are the greatest Sciences and they
the ground of the turns upon Kingdomes 2. Kings little deserve the name of Holy 3. Judge no cause by great followers Joh. 7 48 49. 4. Learne the true value of earthly Powers 5. Let those that rule be circumspect Pos 6. Sins of Princes break their Power As 1. A lazy spirit 2. Not accounting with their Ministers 3. When will is Law Greg. in Moral 4. Not executing good Laws 5. Injustice 6. Sinful conformity to neighbour Nations 7. Undue interposal in the things of God 8. Persecution of the good and quiet Use 1. of Instruct See the cause of our turns Use 2. of Admonition 1. Watch the heart in lawful things 2 Tim. 3. 4. 2. Beware of self-love 3. Exalt not your selves unduely 4. Anger misbecomes you 5. Forget not others kindnesse to you 2 Chron. 24. 22. 6. Look that followers prove not flatterers Pos 7. Wicked Prince wicked people Reas 1. Wickednesse in Princes comes in another dresse Reas 2. Good Laâ— are not exâ—cuted Reas 3. Wickedness is established as by a Law Psal 94. 20. Reas 4. Because of National Priests Reas 5. People are led by example Vse 1. Rulers have much to answer for 2. Examples move much 3. Wiâ—kednesse is in â—ur 〈◊〉 4. It s just that we suffer from Princes Pos 8. Abuses in Princes people adapt to Civil War 1. It doth so with good men 2. It s so in bad men 1. Pride in Princes produceth pride in people 2. Pride brings in Luxury 3. Luxury begets poverty 4. Poverty discontent 5. Discontented people meditate on their pressures 6. Then payments for publick use are cryed down 7. People grow weary of their Trades 8. They feele much but feare more 9. There be mauy Incendiaries 10. These Incendiarys have many followers Vse 1. To Princes 2. To people Vse 3. To all to admire God in his goodnesse Pos 9. Civil wars cause ruinous Turnes 1. Government is then destroyed 2. Laws are then silent 3. Religion is slaine 4. Learning and Trading fall 5. It makes a rich people poor 6. No safety to any 7. Plantations are nipt in the bud 8. Victories of civil wars are much to be lamented Vse 1. Admire Gods goodnesse 2. Consider how much we are engaged to those now in power 3. Look on some inconveneinces as eligible 4. Promote not civil war Pos 10. Neighbours fall from or upon us 1. God hath bounded Nations Acts17 26. 2. Confederacy is needful for a Nation 3. It s of great concernment what and with whom confederacy is made 4. Islands have more liberty in choice of their confederacy â— We may 〈◊〉 with 〈…〉 7. Our 〈…〉 adveâ—sariâ—â— 8. 〈…〉 â—e 〈…〉 9. This disjunction tempts your confederates to shake you off 10. It opportunes them to become yâ—ur enemies Vse 1. See how little hope or help in men 2. See the wickednesse incident to Nations 3. An argument against Civil war 4. It s a curious worke to manage publick affairs 5. Admirâ— God in his providences Pos 11. Vnjust dealings cause forreigne wars 1. The pride and lust of ruling men cause unjust dealings 2. Men desire to be great alone 3. Great Leaders obtain many followers 4. Our distraction is their season 5. An oppressed people are very sensible 6. They resolve to retaliate Vse 1. See the spreading nature of sin 2. A Nation is liable to trouble uâ—on trâ—â—b 3. War is an appeale to God 4. See here Gods goodnesse Pos 12. Christ deals in severity with Kings Isa 20 23. Reas 1. They break covenant with their people Reas 2. Christ appears no respecter of persons Reas 3. Christ his wisdome exceeds their king-craft 〈…〉 Reas 4. Christ is to overcome Satan in his own Territories Vse 1. See the sinfulnesse of Kings in Christ his dealing with them Vid. Chap. 10. 11. 2. See his impartial holinesse 3. Learne to what to refer our present providences How the Positions formerly handled conclude about our present Turnes and Changes 1. Jesus Christ is King of Saints 2. He is so upon his sufferings 3. He puts forth his power as King of the World for his people to whom he is King of Saints Rev. 12. 16. Isa 43. 14. 4. Christ shall have more glory in this World 5. All Governments have their bitternesse that Christs Government may be rendred desirable 6. Christ poureth on his people a spirit of prayer Psal 76. 3. 7. Christ shall have a willing people 8. Some Kings shall be among this willing people 9. Christ shall mightily stir up his people to be active 10. Righteousnesse shall be exalted in Kingdoms 11. Saints shall have Conquests over their enemies 12. These things shall be by degrees 1. Vse of Instruction 1. Christs Title 1. By Election 2. By Donation Psal 2. 8. 3. By Birth 4. By Purchase 5. By Conquest 2. Christs qualifications greatest Col. 2. 9. Col. 2. 3. Psal 45. 7. 3. Christs administrations highest Joel 2. 20 21. 4. Christ his communications are largest Properties of Christ's Kingdome 1. It is spiritual 2. It s Vniversal 3. It s Eternal 4. Brings in perfect peace 3. The excellency of Saints 1. They shall be more Saints 2. Saints shall live safely 3. Their enemies shall be ruined 2. Vse of Exhortation 1. To know him 2. To feare him 3. Trust in him 4. Embrace him with love 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 5. We must be like him 6. We must glorifie him Psal 45. 1. V. 3. 4. 7. Christ must be obeyed in his Laws 1. Peace is to be sought 2. Stand to your Covenants 3. You must be thankful 4. We must serve one another 5. We must be merciful and forgive 6. Reproach not one another Which is when men 1. accuse fasly 2. Disclose causlesly 3. Aggravating unduely 4. Blaming the intention We repreach about good 1. When we deny it 2. Hiding the grace of others 3. When we lessen them 4. By coldly commending 7. Law against pride 8. Law to be just 9. Deale well with the means of your peace 10. Enemies must be opposed Joh. 3. 5. 1 Pet. 1. 3. 2 Cor. 5. 17. 2 Pet. 1. 4. Eph. 2. 10. Col. 1. 9. Eph. 1. 17. V. 18. Rom. 12. 2. Eph. 3. 19. Eph. 6. 24. Math. 5. 6. Acts 9. 31. Acts 16. 31. Rom. 4. 18 20. Phil. 4. 4. Eph. 4. 29. Eph. 4. 4. Col. 4. 6. Jam. 3. 2. 1. 26 27. Jam. 1. 22. Mat. 16. 24. Tit. 2. 14. 2 Cor. 7. 1. Phil. 2. 12. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Joh. 5. 35. Phil. 2. 15. Math. 5. 16. Joh. 15. 8. 1 Cor. 15. 58. Phil. 1. 11. 2 Pet. 1. 5 6 7. Rom. 6. 17. 1 Cor. 10. 31. Col. 3. 17. Col. 3. 22. 23. Levit. 10. 3. Joh. 4. 24. Eph. 6. 18. Eph. 3. 12. Eph. 6. 18. 1. Pet. 2. 1. 2. Act. 17. 11. Luke 8. 15. Heb. 2. 1. Heb. 13. 16. Phil. 1. 29. Jam. 1. 4. Rom. 5. 3. Math. 5. 11. 12. Col. 1. 11. 1 Pet. 4. 16. 1. Stars have a ruling excellency 2. Stars worke alteration in the Aire 3. Stars affect diversly the compound bodies 4. Stars are for Times and Seasons 5. There may be som e present predictions 1. Stars have no power over the Reason or Will 2. Men can not from Stars make Predictions about contingent Arg. 1. It s derogatory to Gods providence Things contingent what Agr. 2. From Gods word Arg. 3. from the nature of the Stars Argu. 4. From the Nature of Art Argu. 5. From that part of Astrology that concerns weather Arg. 6. from the excellent frame of Man Argu. 7. From the nature of Contingent things Obj. What they foretel comes to passe Sol. 1. They have not so many experiences 2. They come not from any causing virtue in the Stars 3. They may have their doubtful termes applied to some events 5. It may come to passe in vengeance Vse 1. To professors of the Mathematicks Vse to those who are learners of Astrology Against figure-casting 1. It s hard to know the momeut of Birth 2. They make an Image of heaven in a table houses for the Stars 3. They pretend to shew in what houses the Stars are 4. To tell you who reigned when you were born 5. What aspect the other planets have 6. Hence pretend to strange Predictions