that hee found himselfe deserted but in him are we takē vp saued Martyrs and witnesses of the trueth haue suffered great and grievous tormentes but divine consolation from aboue did aboundantlie shine in their soules the part which tyrantes could not kill nor touch looking vnto Iesus the author and finisher of their faith who for the joy that was sett before him indured the Crosse Heb. 12.2 and despised the shame and mocking of them that stood by who turned his holie word in scornefull jest as though hee had called for Elias Christs Soule now beeing burnt vp with the wrath of God for Sinne Psal 69.22 and all the moisture of his body dryed vp with the same yet did hee not quensh his thirst vntill the wrath of his Father was satisfied Iohn 19.28 the infinite wrath of God thirsted after the blood of the mediator bearing our sins Mat. 11.2.8 Esay 12.3 was not quenshed till the Blood of the Mediator was dryed vp But blessed bee Iesus that had a spirituall thirst pleasure to obey his Father to the death Esay 55.1 to saue thy soule from hell and yet in bitter malice and scorne they tooke a watersponge and putt it to his mouth on a reede The wrath of his Father was begun to bee mitigated yet the wrath of the Iewes could not be asswaged for when hee was liuing they raged against him when hee was dead they persecut him when hee vvas in glorie they would shame him The Lord seeketh but chastismēt the wicked seeke overthrow of bodie and soule if it were possible For Evahs sweet Apple Christ must drink this bit er liquor both thy bread drinke must bee boght with the blood of Iesus To them who are sanctified all things are sanctified If thou bee not found in him thou shall bee accused as a violent possessour of what-soeuer thou hast Now thou dost heare him daylie in his members calling vpon thee I hunger I thirst Mat. 25.35 but thou convertest Gods good creatures to the fulfilling of thy lust rather bereaueth the servants of Christ that that they haue than vouchsafe anie thing on thē Christ after he had drunken cryed out in the audience of them al It is finished the work of Redemption is ended the ransome is payed to buy heaven conquere life which is the first vvorke and to put vs in possession of it which hee began at his Resurrection shall continue till his comming againe declared that no mā did take his life from him but layde it downe Iohn 10.17.18 and would tak it vp againe for he was not a cōmon man but God also to keepe his life or put it out at his pleasure Hee might haue liued lōger by the strength of Nature for the other two out-liued him and were not dead till they came and broke their legges And now when he yeelded vp the Spirit he had a divine power aboue Nature which put out the life saying Father into thine handes Psal 31.5 I commend my Spirit vvhile his Soule was loused from his bodie vvith joye Which sweete death hee did communicate vnto his Martyres Act. 7.59 as Steven all his members Consider heere vveake Soule that Christ hath purchast vnto thee the great benefite of Adoption Iohn 20 1◠For thy Brother Christ hath made his Father thy Father therfore vvil haue a Fatherly care of thee for euer For vvho is more faithfull 1. Pet. 4. 19. than our Father to vvhō vve commend our soules vvhich doe not perish but are kept by him 1. Cor. 15.21.22 while they bee joyned to the bodie at the resurrection are receiued vvhen vvee depart this life in his Armes vvho will not suffer them to be taken from his hands but vvill surelie keepe them in peace Be thou therefore carefull of thy Soule at al times but speciallie at the houre of separation for then the devil is busie to devour thee For be knoweth his time to bee short the gulfe of hell open to swallow thee vp If Iesus who had no sin be so careful for his Soule how carefull shuldst thou be who is nothing else but a masse of sinne yea he cryed so loud that the Earth quaked againe and the Temple raue asunder now to declare his Power and Victorie to terrifie the Iewes of whom hee is so mishantly handled and to bring if it were possible that stubborn people to Faith and Repentance Now hath the Doue gone out of the Arke which wil returne with an Oliue branch in signe of peace The Deludge is the wrath of God for Sinne the Arke is Christs Bodie the Doue his Soule At his Resurrection how great joye peace and comfort doeth hee purchase to man-kinde Rom. 4.25 For as he dyed for our sinnes so rose he for our righteousnesse Thē yeelded delivered hee his Spirit which was not taken from him against his vvill For hee hanging on the Crosse did make all the creatures quake and tremble Great was his humilitie beeing made obedient to his Father vnto the death euen the death of the Crosse of the vvhich thou may learne the exceeding greatnesse of his Majestie who euen then whē hee was exalted from the earth did draw all things vnto himself for where a Testament is there must bee the death of him that made the Testament Heb. 9.16 for the Testament is confirmed when men are dead for it is yet of no force as long as hee that made it is aliue So behoued this Testament leauing such an inheritance to his Saintes in that exceeding great glorie bee ratified by the blood of the Testator which is the ground of thy Salvation His death is thine honour the assurance of thy life is the assurance of his death his ignominie and shame is thy Glorie Now haue we heard of the Passion and death of Christ novv shall wee touch briefelie the thinges vvhich followed thereafter The fift Steppe of the fourth degree of the ascension of the Soule to Heauen c. THere fell out immediatly foure things of the which two did teach the people The other two the quaking of the earth renting of the Rockes did threaten destruction for no man to take all excuses away shall perish without advertisemēt The first of these the vaile of the Temple is rēt after the darkening of the Sun in Christes greatest humiliation The Father gaue greatest tokens of his Glorie who is the Lord of Life for dumbe senselesse creatures did shame the Iews and glorified their Maker The Temple was divided in two For the Priest went alwayes into the first Tabernacle and accomplished his office Heb. 9.6.7.8 but into the second went the high Priest alone once everie year not without blood which hee offered for himselfe and ignorances of the people Betwixt these was a faire vvall overgilt with fine gold vpon the which hang a glorious Tapestrie wroght curiously which did hide the Sanctuarie
to breake one bone of him 1. Cor. 5.7 for he is our Passeover who sacrificed for vs died was peirced with a lance yet his Legges was not broken His members may be tossed with many calamities but shall not bee utterlie forsaken for many bee the troubles of the righteous but the Lord shall deliver him out of them all Psal 34.19.20 The Lord would haue manie witnesses of his death the executioners the Souldier with his speare and the testimonye that the creatures gaue For without shedding of blood and death there had beene no remission of sins for vs They vvere enemies to the Crosse of Iesus Christ yet did they record the truth for our well Neither did this Souldier alone but mâ—nie moe now doe pierce his side Rom. 6.9 whilest he sitteth at the right haÌ„d of the Fâ—ther by mocking and contemning him in his word Mal. 3.8 Zach. 2.8 defrauding him of the meanes of his glorie Act. 9.4 for hee that toucheth his Saintes toucheth the apple of his eye as it was spoken of Paul persecuting him And this was done to confirme Gods power Zach. 12.10 and providence forespoken by the Prophet vvhich vvhich they did accomplish of meere ignorance Therefore out of his heart came Blood and Water Blood for the finest cleanest is about the heart and Water by the which liquor the heate of the heart is cooled and refreshed for as yet the Body was warme No man can liue when his heart blood is shed which is the seat of Life This signifieth a power flowing from his death to the remission of sinnes 1. Iohn 6.6 washing of our foule nature which tvvo great blessinges are represented vnto vs in two Sacraments of Baptisme the Lordes Supper Num. 20. 11. for as Moses while hee smote the Rocke water did come foorth to refresh the people So Blood and Water did gush out at Christs side for the benefite of the vvhole vvorld which is that Laver 1. Cor. 10.4 wherein our soules are purged from their inward spottes 1. Iohn 1.7 For as in Egypt when the first begotten was killed so many as had the posts of their doores marked with the blood were free so by this Lambes Blood that bringeth salvation to the world Heb. 9.13 are wee delivered by Faith from destruction that wee may serue him in righteousnes and holines And not presume to be so bold Tit. 2. 11 as by our profane life to tread his Blood vnder foote Nowe heere is a place for thee at his verie heart deare Soule where thou mayst creepe in and rest thee for as out of the side Eue was taken while Adam did sleepe so now is hee cleanseing and purifying his Church by redemption regeneration in this time of his death The fift Degree and first Steppe of the ascension of the Soule vnto Heaven by meditation of the buriall of our Lord Iesus Christ NOwe hath his verie enemies procured at Pilate that hee should bee taken from the Crosse Iohn 19.31 That blessed Corps beeing layde on the ground Ioseph a rich just godlie Disciple of Christ boldlie begged the dead Corps at the hands of Pilat that as his death was notable so should his buriall be also his glorious resurrection bee made famous Hee was not taken from the Crosse without leaue of the Magistrate nor buryed with out the same as he vvas not condemned but by the Magistrate that thou mighâ—st be fullie fred from all points of the Iustice of Gods wrath for sinne For if this power had beene in the Iewes hands they wold haue opponed themselves to heape more shame and ignominy vpon him but the Lord will haue a noble man and a notable faire place appointed to this worke that the honour of the Son and his glorie should beginne at the buriall which was shamefull in it selfe and that hee should bee instrument 1 Pet. 3.7 who shuld be hiere with him of that Kingdome of glorie and of that life All the glorie of this world pertaineth to the faithfull howsoeuer they apeare to haue least part thereof Ioseph is called to this great honour 1. Cor. 1.26 which is rare to be seene in men of like conditioÌ„ for the Lord in his death was more mightie theÌ„ in his life For when the corne of wheat lyeth in the ground and dieth as Christ foretold of the power of his death it fructifieth Iohn 12.24 and bringeth foorth much fruite for where euer the dead Carcase is thither doe the Eagles resort Of the which number this Counsellour was who looked for the Kingdome of God and there is no mention of such another great man but Nicodemus Iohn 7.50 who opponed himself to the death of Christ in the counsel for God hath his own in everie part 2. King 19 10. Rom. 11.4 of whom hee vvill bee served albeit he durst not for feare of the Iewes openlie professe â—say 42.3 yet the Lord will not breake the bruised reede nor quensh the smoaking flaxe To the supplication of Ioseph Pilat yeelded but wondred that Christ was so seene dead whose miracles was so many the shortnesse of his life vpon the Crosse floorishing time of his age which was thirtie three yeares and some od months which imported that the death of Iesus was extraordinarie Iohn 10.17 who onelie had power to lay it downe Ioseph therefore bought a fine linnen cloath to wrappe the Bodie of Iesus in and Nicodemus an hundreth pound weight of a mixture of Myrrhe Aloes The wisedome the learning and the riches of these men were cast at Christs feete vvhereof they counâ—ed much of before they had a sight of Iesus nowe they counted all but dongue Phil. 1. They felt a sweet savour and odour comming to them froÌ„ his death therfore would they meete it with a sweet savour But there needed no odours to preserue it beeing filled with the presence of God Wherefore with one concord coÌ„stantlie they accomplished his buriall after the custome of the Iewes that is honourablie Act. 9.37 for never was a more honourable Man than Christ and all these vvere ceremonies the rest of their washings were figurs of him to come vvho is the earnest of our resurrection For he shall raise all these which doe sleepe in monuments In a newe graue therefore hewen out of a stone by Ioseph to his owne vse was hee laide in a Garden neare by Ierusalem that Christs buriall might be the more honourable in how much as he was aboue all the kinges of the world separated from sinners and made higher than the heavens The Father had his loving care of him albeit he appeared to haue forsaken him on the Crosse Hee is buried in another mans Sepulchre for hee died for the sins and salvation of others that hee might sanctifie our burials by comming vnto them and from them to ascend to the heavens But remember poore Soule it
to come I doe refuse the deceitfull pleasures of this world and choose rather to suffer adversitie with the people of God than enioye the pleasures of sinne for a season Reioyce thou one of that flocke on whom it hath pleased the Father to giue a Kingdome Thou art my good Shepheard who feedeth mee with thy owne Blood that I may liue by thy life For they that liue by the infected and poysoned blood of olde Adam only are more miserable than beastes Prepare O Lord in me loue and repentance make mee cleane and purifie mine heart by Faith the onely receptacle and mansion of thy presence to receiue such a pretious Guest Put on mee the wedding Garment sith thou deare Husband Iesus will ioyne vnite thy selfe to mee never heereafter on thy part to bee dissevered make mee beware of Hypocrisie and couÌ„terfaite dealing in approaching with my body but my heart farre off betraying thee againe with a Iudas kisse The pure the contreâ—te and broken heart for the sence of Sinne laden and wearie are here invited by thee who wil not break the bruised reed nor quench the smoaking flaxe such are eased and find rest to their soules And because none oblation pleaseth thee without reconciliation with my Brother I make an attonement with him forget and forgiue him as I hope to be forgiven for his sake who hath come vnder the poore roofe of my soule by participation of his bodie on earth beginning alreadie a life in mee in heaven for whom haue I there but thee whom can I desire on earth beside thee The Israelites did eate that Manna and died but they that eate this heavenlie food shall never perish But after thou hast guided me by thy counsell wil receiue me to glorie Adams forbidden tree procured death but by thee is everlasting life agreeing heaven with earth Men with Angels as it is the fulnes of Ioy to behold thy Face feele thy presence so let my soule haue a liuelie feeling of comfort in my Christ with a growing strength in grace and in the saving knowledge of thee my God and not to losse a good conscience for the trash of this world and as thou willes me to remember thy Sonnes death O Fâ—ther bee thou as thou hast promised and wilt performe mindfull of mee in the riches of thy mercie to the ending of my life in Iesus To whom with thee and the holy Ghost bee praise and honour for now and euer So bee it A Prayer and Thankesgiuing afâ—er the receiuing of the holy Supper of our LORD O LORD GOD Father Almightie I yeelde thee heartie thankes for thine inestimable loue and favour towards mee miserable Sinner not onely for that I haue my being moving and living in thee and from thee but also because it hath pleased thee of thy meere mercie to redeeme me from eternall damnation wherein I was cast by reason of transgressions and that by the Blood of thy Sonne our Lord Iesus Christ as of a Lambe vndefiled and without spot that I might liue with thee in that thy Kingdome in the Heaveâ—s Let not the effusion thereof be in value towards mee but still feede and nourish my soule by participation of the Body of thy Son Christ Iesus as an effectuall pawnde earnest of that glory which shall follow And now what shall I render vnto thee for all thy spirituall and temporall blessinges thou hast vouchsafed on mee And what doth the Lord my God require of me but to feare thee to walke in all thy wayes and to loue thee and serue thee with all mine heart and with all my soule Command mee Lord what thou wilt and doe in mee that thou commandest The most detestable vice is ingratitude and greater honour can be giuen to none than to bee called the Childe of God Thou hast the Son of thy delight with whom thou mightst haue contented thy selfe and hast thou not the holy Angels which doe readily thy will yet it hath pleased thee to adopt man-kinde O suffer me not holy Father to degenerate from thee and to turne to my former nature Giue me an vnderstanding heart to doe thy will and preserue mee as the apple of thine eye Remoue my sins which are as a clowde betwixt thee and mee O my God which art my light my life and salvation albeit I find in my selfe great temptations and grievous assaultes of Sathan the flesh and the world Thogh thou euen thou my deare God wold kill mee yet will I trust in thee for I know thou canst reviue me and when thou woundest canst heale mee Grant I never doubt of thy promises through vnbeliefe but beeing confirmed in Faith giue glorie to thee as fully perswaded that thou that promisest art also able to doe it For it is the greatest punishment that can befall man to forsake thy word and admonitions not to relye on thy promises but harden the heart by obstinacy and rebellion Take not thy Spirit from me but fasten mine heart to thee Show mee the light of thy countenance that I wander not from thee and sleepe in sinne but I may gather in this last age of the world Manna for that great and everlasting Sabbath in the Heavens that Ierusalem aboue the Citie of the living God where I shall find peace and rest for ever hauing accesse and entrie to that light of Glorie which hath broken and overthrowne the kingdome of Sathan For I know as thou strengthenest and fortifiest thy secreâ— ones thou redoublest their temptations Oâ— but hard is the combate when thou striuâ—â— against vs and seemest to bee our adversariâ—â— for how should dust and ashes stand beforâ— thee Strengthen guide me by thy might that encouraged by thy promises I may conquere and bee conpassed with ioyfull deliverances Great infirmitie and weakenesse doth remaine in mee I am full of vexation and anguish of minde but let mee never yeelde noâ— waxe faint but sustained and vpholded by thy grace and power that bâ—eing pressed I bee not oppressed but rise againe as the Palme tree For as the seede dead and rotten in the earth bringeth foorth greater aboundance so tribulation is the seed of the Church Assist me therfore by thy heavenly grace to try how much more precious the tryall of my Faith is than gold which bringeth so great a glorie when thou shalt change my teares into ioye my mourning into mirth my sorrow into solace my death into life Make my delite to bee always in thy word which being eternall can make mee also eternall I choose it to be my Treasure that mine heart may be alwayes therein for he that will liue must needes know thee hee that will reigne must needs serue thee that he wil haue ioy of heart must needes praise thee for thou art that Ladder by which Angels come downe to vs and wâ—â— ascend vp to Heaven to them Thou art the Way the Veritie and Life no man commeth to the Father but by Thee Quicken â—â—e therefore in thy Blood that I may bee of the number of thy Children and true member of the bodie of thy Church and never forget this Covenant I haue now bouÌ„d vp with thee who hath giuen mee that Inheritance by thy Will and Testament wherof this holy Supper is a true pledge Nowe hence foorth I am fullie deliberated to obey willinglie thy Statutes and persevere ioyefullie vnto the death and suffer crosses patiently sith thou my Saviour art my life To thee therefore with the Father and the holie Ghost Triniâ—â—e in Vnitie bee all praise and glorie and honour for nowe and euer Amen
By the Passion of Iesus Christ And first wherein the holie and saving meditation thereof consisteth secondly which bee the principall parts of the Historie whereof some not all are handled THat worthely thou mayest vnder-stand these two thinges are necessarie First the knowledge of the History which is common to the Elect and the Reprobat Secondlie the spirituall notice and application thereof to thy selfe The first is necessarie for all that purpose to be saved but it is not enough and sufficient For how canst thou apply the passion of the Lord Iesus to thy selfe vnlesse thou be instructed therein Rom. 10.14 For how can they call vpon him in whom they haue not beleeued And how can they beleeue in him of whom they haue not heard And how shall they heare without a Preacher Iohn 8.56 Abraham had long agoe cognition heereof as Christ witnesseth Your father Abraham rejoyced to see my day and hee saw it and was glad So David in his 7.2 Psal and manie moe as if he had bene staÌ„ding by that wooden crosse and heard these words of Christs own mouth And Esay in his 53. hath clearlie the historie of the Passion as if he had beene at Golgotha in proper person yet this historicall knowledge doth shoot short For the Devils beleeue Iam. 1. and they tremble that is haue a simple naked knowledge Our looking vp to Heaven doth not transport vs thither So that bare knowledge doeth not joyne thee with GOD vnlesse there be added a spirituall mediâ—ation and speciall application of his death to thy selfe such as was in Abraham David and Esaias The Priestes and Elders the Pharisees Scribes and their servantes Pilate Herod and Iudas and innumerable moe knew this Historie whereof they were presidents and actours but never one of them voide of fault shall bee saved Heb. 11.6 yea it hade beene more tolerable to them never to haue seene nor heard of Christ Iohn 8 24. which maketh them the more inexcuseable For if hee bad not come and declared his Fathers will Mat. 11.21 they would haue had some clocke to pretend but now they haue none Remember all thy life-time is short Iam. 4.14 and insufficient for the true knowledge of this so high a mysterie of salvation which cannot be accordingly â—o the worth thereof expressed by any mortall and neither canst thou be fully ravished in admiration heereof It is not the saving vse of this Tragicall historie often to speake of it or with teares and lamentations Iohn 14. Luc. 23. or such humane feeling and sense to bewaile that the most righteous Sonne of God should haue vndergone such cruell and vndeserved punishmentes a most shamefull death it selfe much lesse to fall out in bitter imprecations and spitefull cursings against Pilate or Iudas remnant which contriued this innocent Lambes death but it should pearse deeper in thine heart and soule that his grace assisting draw and moue thee to earnest repentance 2. Cor. 10. not to be repented of patience in affliction thankfulnesse and brotherlie loue to abhorre and detest sinne for which our Saviour was so tormented never to dispare since for thy sake hee hath given him out of the deepe and gulfe of his love who was his enemie but seeing whilst thou was a sinner Rom. 5.8 Christ died for thee much more beeing now justified by his Blood shall thou bee saved from wrath through him For thou mayest bee perswaded that if when thou was a foe was reconcealed to God by the death of his Son Rom. 8.32 much more beeing reconcealed shalt thou bee saued by his Life for bee that gaue thee his Sonne will not hee giue thee all things also Especiallie during the time of thy life carie a thankfull heart to thy Redeemer that for maintainance and defence of his glorie Act. 21. â— thou would suffer all calamitie and miserie whatsoeuer yea death it selfe thus if it were possible to make a requitall to him But alwayes which is most acceptable in his sight by true faith establish thy confidence that after all the distresses of this wretched world are finished thy Redeemer shall stand the last on the earth Iob. 1 25.26 and though after thy skinne wormes destroy thy bodie yet shalt thou see GOD in thy flesh whom thou thy selfe shall see and thy eyes shall behold and none other for thee and so enjoye eternall felicitie with thy Christ in the Heavens who shall bee All in All. THE FIRST STEPPE in this Ladder to ascend are of thinges which went before his Crosse HERE consider my Soule how hee was betrayed by Iudas with a kisse Mat. 26.48 Whose delight was to be with the children of men Pro. 8.31 Accused of the Iewes who is the Iudge of the World Condemned vnder Pilate who would all to be saued 1. Tim. 2.4 and come to the knowledge of Trueth Crucified between two malefactors who is among the middest and in the middest of two or three gathered in his Name his Soule sore troubled Luc. 2.25 who is the consolation of his owne secrete ones his heart grieved who is the joye and mirth of his Elect Psal 66.1 his Bodie tormented with the nailing of his blessed Hands and Feete who created the Heavens and the Earth Deut. 32 18. Psal 110 1. and these bee the workes of his hands whose enemies shall bee made his foote-stoole With the pearcing of his gracious side which yeelded streames of Iordan-like blood Mat. 26.28 and water to cleanse our leprosie whereof one drop was sufficient satisfaction for infinite worlds be reason of the personall vnion of the Deitie therewith 1. Pet. 1.12 The bespitting and beating of that Face on which the Angels of the Heaven take pleasure to behold So the Son of God the Lord of glorie the Prince of peace was hainouslie ignominiouslie and cruellie entreated of miserable miscreants so hee which knew no sinne was made a sacrifice for sinne 2. Cor. 5.21 that wee might bee made the righteousnesse of God through him The Devill the prince of this world albeit a Lyar Iohn 8.44 a man-slayer from the beginning came and found in him nothing Iohn 8.46 yea who could rebuke him of sinne Now if the vaile of the Temple of senslesse stones was rent if the Earth did tremble which of it selfe was so firmelie sounded Psal 104.4 that it could not bee moued to condole the manifestatioun of that strange passion and hard Rockes raue asunder which thunder-boltes and Earthquakes could not divide If these creatures I say voyde of reason and sense expressed their sorrow reverence and obedience thus to their Creator Phil. 2.8 who had emptied and abased himselfe so to bee handled by the children of darknesse how can it be but thou my Soule who did the same and for whome it was done should bee much affected and feelinglie take to heart these vndeserved favours purchased for thee thy Bowells
Rom. 12 13. Mat. 11 25. Luc. 10.21 Iohn 7.4.46.49 1. Cor. 13.2 The Lord did bide those thinges from the wise and learned and reveiled them to Babes They were blind leaders of the blind learning profiteth not vnlesse it bee accompanied with Humilitie and Love Thus seeing they see not and groping they finde nothing Act. 17.17 The Athenian Philosophers Epicures and stoicks Act. 2.13 most of al withstood Paul The religious of everie Nation vnder heauen mocked Peter The Syrenians Act. 6.12 they of AlexaÌ„dria desputed with Steven and falslie accused him And finally the whole Iewish nation at Ierusalem 〈◊〉 little handful only excepted which did not dreame of 〈◊〉 spirituall Kingdome combined to conclude his death as was fore-spoken The people raged Psal 2. 1. the kinges of thâ— earth band themselues and the Princes are assembled togetheâ— against the Lord and againsâ— his Christ Destitute of aâ— Consolation Col. 1.16 in so much a the Creator of the Armeis oâ— Angels had neede of one oâ— them Heb. 2.7 Luc. 22.43 Luc. 16.22 O! but One frâ—â— Heaven to comfort him so greatlie was hee forsaken of hiâ— Father for our sinnes Neither yet shall the Angels leave thee in the like houre of death and necessitie of helpe if thou trust in him which alwayes beholde the face of his Father in Heaven Mat 18.10 By which Christ evidentlie declared it was no jest nor collusion betwixt his Father him but that in deed in truth he was terriblie astonished and agast Mat. 26.37 while his Bloode did so copiouslie runne from him but his Father was highlie offended Psal 6. 1. and greatly inraged at our sinnes for hee is a GOD Psal 11.5 that loveth righteousnesse but the wicked and him that loueth iniquitie doth his Soule hate Wherefore Christ was wounded for our transgressions Esay 53.7 hee was broken for our iniquities the chastisement of our peace was vpon him though hee had done no wickednesse neither was there fraude in his mouth Despise not thou deare Soule those who at the feare of Death are most dejected humbled and stupefied neither yet judge those to haue the better cause who yeelde themselves foolishlie and too boldlie to Death But bee thou taught to bee god-lie afrayed of the separation of the Soule Luc. 12.40 from the Body and ever as Death were instant to foresee the same and learne to die which followeth thee at the heeles as the shaddow doeth the Body LORD Psal 90.12 teach vs to number our dayes and apply our hearts to wisedome For the meditation of Death is greatest Philosophie Remember my Soule thine ende and thou wilt not sinne for euer and the more the outwarde man decay be thou renewed strengthened in the inner-man And heere the first and second Adam doe meete for the first in the Garden made a beginning of our miserie Gen. 3.2 and the second builded the ground of his Passion for our Redemption in the Garden 2. Cor. 5.18 That is I say that amongst greatest pleasures meditate of thy mortalitie There Christ was taken and bound Iohn 18.2 the place was knowne to Iudas because Christe would not shunne the occasion of our deliverance but hee would not haue him to know the person with whom hee was to eate the Passover by name least he should had sought meanes to prevent the same which hee could not because his houre was not come The second Step to ascend by SEcoundlie thou mayest conceive poore Soule that thy Spouse suffering was exceeding great when beeing sorrowfull and grieuouslie troubled hee said Mar. 14.34 My Soule is heavie even vnto death Hee that said vnto his servant in the Prison Act. 23.11 Bee of good courage now is afrayed of his imminent passion beeing like to vs in soule and bodie and infirmities Heb. 4.15 and all thinges Sinne excepted As God hath said I am the Life and restoreth the dead to life exhorting his Disciples Iohn 5.25 not to feare them that can kill the bodie but not harme the soule as God I say howe can hee bee afrayed to whome the Sainctes doe sing The Lord is with mee Psal 117.6 therefore I will not feare what man can doe vnto mee The humane nature was borne to suffer and to bee partaker of all our afflictions that hee might communicate solide constancie of his power to vs for vnto the world hee came as a rich Marchant traffecting with vs that of his fulnesse wee might all receiue Iohn 1.16 taking ours by a marveilous translation Col. 1.13 and exchange Iam. 1.5 Mat. 26.53 and giving his most liberallie and reproached no man giuing I say for shame Honour Salvation for Dolour for Death Life and though hee might command moe than twelue Legions of Angels to aide him hee had rather receiue our feare than exercise his owne power yea it aggreged his griefe Mat. 26.24.31 Iohn 13.1 Iudas treason the scandall of the Apostles whom hee loved to the end rejection of the Iewes Esay 48.4 for whome hee had done so much And the fearfull destruction of Ierusalem on which there was not to bee left a stone vpon a stone Mat. 23.38 So that hee had forewarned the mourners thereof Luc. 23.28 weepe not for mee but weepe for your sevels sayeth hee and your children When thy Loue beloved Soule was transfigured on mount Tabor Mat. 17.2 his face shined as the Sunne but now he is despised and esteemed nothing both pale and wan for there was no bewtie in him now who before was fairer Esay 53.2.3 than the Chrildren of men but now despised Psal 45.2 and rejected of men A man full of sorrowes and bad experience of infirmities that by sufferinges hee might learne obedience And he who taught his Disciples to pray for vs and for himselfe Iohn 16.26 Heb. 7.25 9.24 practised the same lesson by blessing prayer by his owne mouth not once in that short moment of time but thrice according to the weight of that imminent necessitie O Father Mat. 26.39 if it bee possible let this Cuppe passe from mee meaning his bitter passion and the dregges of the vialles of Gods wrath not that hee was vnwilling to drinke therof for hee went alwayes about his Fathers bussinesse Mat. 3.15 and it was meate for him to doe his Fathers will submitting himselfe that hee might fulfill all righteousnes But these earnest speeches declared the heavie burthen of sinne which lay on him the painful griefe which hee endured the greatest tormentes and terrors which hee sustained for thee vnthankefull Soule and his Elect. The Soule of thy Bride-groome was from Heaven Mat. 1.20 heavenlie never bespotted and defyled with any vncleannesse 1. Pet. 1.19 Act. 2.27 but pure without corruption Notwithstanding that it was sadde and touched with the feare of Death for thee which hath deserved the same 1. Pet.
not see or hee that chastiseth the nations Psal 94.7.8.9.10 shall bee not correct hee that teacheth men knowledge shall bee not know yea the Lord knoweth the thoughtes of men that they are vanitie But heere is a notable image of eternall punishment represented vnto vs which wee ha e deserved in bodie and soule for if we examine our life and conversation not to speake of our thoughtes and weigh them in the ballance of Gods Law wee cannot but judge our selves to bee worthie of eternall contempt rebuke and shame if we would not with euerlasting punishments be plagued let vs in all possible haste repent and turne our selves But here is abundant consolations offered against persecution contumelies which the wicked doe inflicte on the godlie His shame was changed in an vnspeakeable glorie the ignominie redunded on the head of his enemies so shall the persecutions of his members receiue a coÌ„pensation of eternall life Rejoyce therefore in asmuch as ye are partakers of Christs suffrings that when his Glorie shall appeare yee may bee glad and rejoyce if yee bee railed on for the Name of Christ blessed are yee for the Spirit of Glorie and of God resteth on you which on their part is evill spoken of 1. Pet. 4.13.14 but on your part is glorified O! but heere hâ—ue wee a notable defence against the wrath of God and everlasting coÌ„demnation for if God hadde suted vs before his judgement and appointed the due punishment for vs wee should not haue beene thoght worthy of a temporal but an everlasting confusioÌ„ But Christ such was his mercie hath become debter for vs and hath remoued al our shame and ignominie sanctified and cleansed vs that he might make vs vnto himselfe a glorious Church holie and without blame What shall wee â—ander vnto the Lord for all his goodnesse bestowed vpon vs most vndeservedlie Psal 116.12 wee will take the cup of salvation and call on his Name in presenting to him a mindfull and thankefull heart By the spetle therefore that hee was defiled with hath he washt the face of our soule by the covering of his face hath he taken away the veile from our heartes his head was beaten that all his members might receiue spirituall motion life sense influence and with Fists was hee rigorouslie stricken that we may render glorie praise and honour vnto him with heart and clapping of our hands THE THIRD DEGREE and first Step of the ascension of the Soule vnto heaveÌ„ by comtemplation of Christs exaltation on the Crosse ANd now heere consider the hie Priests Elders their diligence in conveening their Counsell Mat. 27. Iudas the tratour his conterfeit Repentance Mar. 15. whose end was desperation and the consultation of the Elders Luc. 23. for buying a Potters fielde They pretermitted no time so speedily would they haue yea even before the Sunne arose the Sunne of righteousnes dispatched fearing least hee should escape the more short deliberation take they for killing of him althogh their meeting did hold by the 70. and one which was their Sanhendrin for the which cause the kingdome was taken from them the Scepter from Iuda Gen. 49.10 Iudgement and the Priesthood from that Nation Hos 13.9 Thy destruction is from thee O Israel Esay 5.4 What more could he haue done to his Vine-yarde than he hath done Gen. 3.11 That which Adam had commited our Saviour payed Christs silence made a defence for Adam for hee heard from Euah that whicâ— was not lawfull and spake things also which he should not hee heard and obeyed his wife counselling wrongouslie excused himselfe when the Lord accused him But contrarily Christ accused by the wicked holdeth his peace as a deafe man neglecteth their forgeries for well knew he their malice to come to such hight that neither would they heare him nor put him to liberty and yet constaÌ„tly professed himselfe Luc. 22.69 to bee Son of man the Sonne of God and one that should sit at the right hand of â—he Majâ—stie in Heaven Mat. 26.64 which to make a way to their ovvne decree against him as hauing testimonie out of his owne mouth vvith many vvords they insult against him But what is Iudas part seeing that thus Christ had incurred their sentence of coÌ„demnation Mat. 27.3.4.6.7 whose Conscience being raised from sleepe by the sting thereof and sense of Gods fierce anger rendered the money and testified Christes innocencie which they imployed for a buriall for strangers Well beleeued Iudas that he had bene in a good cace when hee once had receiued the money but hauing done this mishant fact his eyes vvere so opened that he not onely did feele his abominable offence but also is tormeÌ„ted with such horrour in soule that he beleeued no no remedie to bee left but hanging of himselfe But more particularlie poore Soule examine these circumstances the time wheÌ„ hee did see Christ adjudged to death soone enough if wel enough late repentance is seldome true but true repentance is never late Ezek. 18.27.28 For when the wicked turneth away froÌ„ his wickednesse that hee hath committed and doeth that which is lawfull and right he shal saue his soule aliue because hee considereth and turneth away froÌ„ all his transgressions that hee hath committed Ezek. 23.16 hee shall surelie liue not die for none of his sinnes that hee hath committed shall be mentioned vnto him as is evident in the Malefactor that hang on Christes right hand But this goodnesse of God should not breed security in thee abyde not nor prolong the time Rom. 2.4 when thou shalt not bee master of thy owne thoughts They that are in Fever raue before they coole and many die before they intend to repent because the time Luc. 12.40 and houre of death is vncertaine Consider he brought the thirtie silver pieces and restored them Ezek. 33.15 which sometimes was a vndoubted token of repentance as in Zacheus Luc. 19.8.10 But he was destitute of true Faith in applying to him the mercie of God Who came to seeke and saue that which was lost Mat. 18.14 Hee also made a free confession of his sinne which is very requisit in repentance but it was not to the Priests but to God and to his onlie begotten Sonne What marveile therefore he be voyde of comfort And this hee proclamed in the verie Temple but alace many doe we find who doth not come so far off although their wickednesse witnesse to their face Psal 3.8 but doe deny or threaten those which admonish them of it But this is remarkable that he bare record of Chirsts innocencie for such an high Priest it became vs to haue which is holie harmelesse vndefiled Heb. 7.26 separate from Sinners The high Priests did answere What is that to vs looke thou to it Neither for promise norrewarde or pleasure of any man fall vnder the wrath of God by
Iohn 2.3 and not for ours onelie but for the sins of the whole world by Faith applying the merites of Christe vnto himselfe to doe this businesse whereof Iudas destitute contemning the deepenesse of his mercie and riches of grace lost hope of recovering no man can seriouslie repent but he that looketh for forgiuenes And therefore to wrestle with temptation is first to look to the promises of God which is so sure and certaine that it is more easie that beaven earth should passe away Luc. 16.17 than they should faile or that any title of the Law should faile For the Lord is strong Exod. 34.6.7 mercifull and gracious slow to anger and aboundant in goodnes anâ— truth reserving mercie for thousandes forgiuing iniquities and transgressions and sinnes for the Lord is gracious and mercifull slow to anger Psal 145.89 and of great mercie the Lord is good to all and his mercie is over all his workes In this conflict cast the eyes of thy faith on Christ Iesus to whom a voyce from Heauen came Saying Mat. 3.17 This is my beloued Sonne in whom I am wel pleased For hee receiued of God the Father honour and glorie 2. Pet. 1 17 and there came such a voyce to him fâ—om the excellent It is reported that Alexander the Great when he saw Iaddus the hie Priest with his priestlie apparel meeting him ceased from his rage against Tyrus and also richlie rewarded him How much more when our euerlasting Priest Iesuâ— Christ who is just yea our righteousnesse shall appeare in the sight of God his Father making intercession for vs to mitigate his wrath Heb. 7.26 and shall giue vs forgiuenesse of sins and life everlasting for he is able perfectlie to saue them that are able to come vnto God by him seeing hee ever liueth to make intercession for them Let not therefore Sathan bereaue thee of Gods loue mercie towardes thee the merite of his passion efficacie of his death For the gift is not so as is the offence for if by the offence of one many bee dead much more the grace of God Rom. 5. 15. and the gift by grace which is by one Man Iesus Christ hath abouÌ„ded vnto many Moreouer neuer sinner yet to this day desiring to bee reconcealed with his God was euer secluded froÌ„ mercie if the sinne be great his mercies is aboundantlie more and so much more as all the whole globe of the Sea exceedeth the smallest droppe of water If thy sinne be old which thou hast drunken in from thy mothers breast and in processe of time hath euer augmented the same bee thinke thee of Gods mercie is from al eternitie if thy iniquity bee latelie committed Gods mercies are daylie renewed which euerie moment hee poureth vpon vs. And therfore poore Soule because of the savour of thy Bridgromes oyntmeÌ„ts Cant. 1.2.3 his Name is as an oyntment poured out therefore the Virgines love him draw mee wee will runne after thee the King hath brought mee vnto his chamber wee will rejoyce and bee glad in thee wee will remember thy loue more than wine the righteous doe loue thee yea thou despysest not the poore sinner thou abhorredst not the confessing Thiefe neither the weeping woman neither her that was found in adulterie neither him that sate at the receipt of custome nor the humble Publican nor the denying Disciple nor the persecuting Paul yea not these that crucified thee but prayed for them Strengthen thy faith therfore in the spirituall fight by the holy meditation vse of the Sacraments for whosoeuer are baptized in Christ Gal. 3.27 hath put on Christ he covereth our nakednesse and doth wash away the filth of our Soules whose sinnes if they were as Crimson Esay 1.18 shall bee made white as Snow for it is the â—lood of Iesus Christ that cleanseth vs from all sinne 1. â—ohn 1.7 Bee not therefore affraied sinful Soule Art thou baptized in Christ hee will hâ—ue care of thy cause as if it were his proper owne The Rainebow was a signe of the Covenant betwixt God and man That the earth shâ—uld never be destroyed by deluge of water therafter Gen. 9.13 So baptisme is a vndoubted seale of our purgation by Christ at Gods hand he made a league with vs for our foule sins never to bee cast from his presence But in the Sacrament of the blood bodie of Iesus haue we a most certaine and liuelie pawne which is our Passeover offred for vs who by his obedience hath delivered vs from the Tyrannie of death and made vs partakers of life eternall It was worthie of consideration how precislie Peters falles are registrate in the booke God For whatsoeuer thinges are written afore-time are written for our learning Rom. 15. 4 that wee through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might haue hope Peter therefore denyed his Master seven times Foure times to Maides Mat. 26.69 and three times to men First to Maides I say when he sate without the Hall and the Maide came vnto him saying that Thou wast with Iesus of Galile Secondlie as Peter was beneath in the Hall for now hee had entered but before hee was not come in There came one of the Maides of the high Priests Mar. 14.66 and when shee saw Peter warming him shee looked on him and said Thou wast also with Iesus of Nazareth Thirdlie then a Maide saw him againe and began to say to them that stood by This is one of them Fourthlie when hee went out into the Porch from the common Hall And another Maide saw him and said vnto them that were there Mat. 26.71 This man was also with Iesus of Nazareth Thus foure times denyed he his Master before these weak Vessels Man never should be courageous stout in his owne conceite The Lord is my strength my buckler and the horne of my salvation If the Lord leaue vs to our selues wee are a prey to Sathan to euerie winde and blast of temptation Thrice also denyed he before men and first Iohn 18.25 before the Souldiers standing and warming himselfe Iohn 18.26 Secondlie hee denyed before Malohus coosen whose eare hee smote off Thirdlie hee denyed him anone to them that stood by who saide vnto him againe Mat. 26.70 Mar. 14.70 Surelie thou art one of them for thou art of Galile and thy speech is like Neither doe I so punctually set these dolorours spectacles before thine eyes sinful Soule to dig vp the Sepulchres of these glorious Saints which are in heauen who repented and weeped bitterlie for their sinnes who were patterns to others not to distrust And thou Peter being converted confirme thy brethren And Dauid after his fall did teach the Lordes wayes vnto the wicked Psal 51.13 that sinners might bee converted to him The beleeving and repenting sinner therefore may be perswaded that there is euer mercie to bee found how great soever his sins
Beleeuest thou that wheÌ„ the Sonne of man shall come that bee shall find faith and trueth in the earth They therefore desire this bloodie Fellow to bee put to liberty Deut. 11.12.13 that against the Law and the Innocent to be condemned Whosoeuer in place of Iustice doth not stay sin when hee may by his over-sight giueth waye to it Punish thou them therefore that thou bee not punisht for them How odious is this comparison Mat. 12.2 Christ the Author and Prince of Peace and Salvation Barabbas a mutinous bloodie Rogue Christ the Physician of al our sores the restorer of the dead vnto life Barabbas a inflicter of wouÌ„ds and man slayer Christ a most perfite and absolute Patron 1. Pet. 2.21 and example of all vertue Barabbas filthily defiled within with our with all kind of vices Infinite is the difference betwixt them and yet Barabas by vote and voyce of the people is delivered The punishment of One Rom. 5. 15. doth satisfie for the wickednesse of many So the libertie to sin breedes occasion to verie many to doe the like better burne and cut one member rather than the whole bodie perish Thus is the prophesie fulfilled Esay 53.12 Hee hath poured out his Soule vnto death hee was counted with the transgâ—essors and bee bare the sinnes of many and prayed for the trespassers Consider heere my Soule howe vile and filthie a thing Sinne is which did dryue Christ to such deepe ignominy that hee is judged more contemptiblie than a common Briggand and Villane But this is thy sure coÌ„fort against the wrath of God that heereby hee hath delivered thee from euerlasting shame and giuen thee a beautifull and happie Inheritance in the heavens For it doeth not appeare now what wee are but when this corruption shall put on incorruption 1. Cor. 15.53 and bee translated in the glorious libertie of the Sonnes of God Rom. 8. 21. then shall wee bee like vnto him gathered from the shame of eternall death to the Citie of the liuing God the celestiall Ierusalem into the companie of innumerable Angels and to God the Iudge of all and to the spirites of just and perfect men Heb. 12.22.23 and to Iesus the Mediator of the New-Testament to the Blood of sprinkling And not onelie Herods resembling the Iew and Pilate representing the Gentile two supreame Magistrates but al so Pilates vvife hauing her dreame gouerned by Gods providence giueth testimonie of Christs innocencie to make both Iudge Iewes the more inexcuseable A Woman truelie for modestie to bee commended that did not take vpon her Esay 45.24 any civile government but made intimation by message to her husband not to medle with Iesus Christ And for Counsell admirable farre contrarie to Iezabel 1. King â—1 7.8 who gaue advyse to idolatrous Achab how to possesse himselfe in Naboths Vine-yard for the which impietie shee was justlie punished and not shee onlie but the whole house and posteritie of Achab destroyed Let women here learne what it is to giue their husbandes bad and sinistrous informations lest the iniquitie redownd to both their posterities Indeede womens counsell is not to bee rejected but wiselie to bee ballanced Such was Abigall her counsell to Dauid 1. Sam. 25.23.24 which broght great loue before God and credite before men Men should not always ly vnder the directioÌ„ of their wiues but they shuld bee a sounding bell in their eares not to sin against Chrâ—st his members Pilat should haue pittied Christ if hee had loved his wife who had suffred much for him Now it is to be fulfilled which was prophesied He looked for judgment but behold oppression Esay 5.7 for righteousnesse behold a crying And againe I haue forsaken my house I haue left mine heritage I haue giuen the dearlie beloued of my Soule vnto the hands of enemies mine heritage is vnto mee as a Lyon in the Forrest it cryeth out against mee therefore haue I bated it But beholde Pilate heere greatly contraveened the law of Iustice hee knew of malicious envie Christ to bee accused yet to mitigate the Iewes mind so highlie incensed against our Saviour and to free him from the punishmeÌ„t of death commanded him to be whipped If they had known the God of Glorie 1. Cor. 2.8 they had not delt so contumeliouslie with him Great things such as are heavenlie and spirituall are contemned by the worlde But vanitie and such as are foolish deceitfulnesse and pleasures heere belowe are in great admiration but far other ways was Moses choice wheÌ„ he came to age refused to be called the sonne of Pharaohs daughter and choose rather to suffer adversitie with the people of God Heb. 11.24 25.26 than to enjoye the pleasures of sinne for a season esteeming the rebuke of Christ great riches more than the treasures of Egypt for hee had respect vnto the recompense of the reward And heere consider my Soule that Christ was scourged not of one but of many this shame would thy Cautioner vnder-goe Mat. 5 1â— not onelie to leaue thee heere an exsample of his patience Act. 5.41 11 1â— 11.15 but also to sanctifie the diseases sicknesses which hee vseth as scourges to daunt and chastise thy wantonesse Now a crowne of Thornes is platted on his head for the Lord vseth their hands Psal 1. 16. for his Coronation Heere meditate my Soule the reparation of Adams curse Gen. 3. 18. to whom thornes and briers for his rebellion was a punishment 1. Cor. 1â— 56.57 and the point and sharpnesse of our sinnes are blunted by his satisfaction for them which are briers to pierce vs through Come forth yee Daughters of Syon and behold thy King Salomon a type of Christ with the crown wherwith his mother the Iewish Church crowned him in the day of his marriage Cant. 3. 11. and in the day of the gladnesse of his heart for earnestlie desired be to eate that Pascall Lambe with them his greatest triumph is in his sufferings Hee is cloathed with a Purple garment the signe of Labour wrestling and victorie for hee was all imbrodered with his own blood This combat with Death he tooke in hand for vs for it was we that clad him there with all And all our life here is nothing else but a continuall war-fare but in the end we shall be more than Conquerours by him who loueth vs Rom. 8 3â— and washed vs in that Lambes blood He is buffetted that we should not bee plagued euerlastingly with Sathan There is a Râ—ed put in his right haÌ„d in place of a kinglie Scepter wherby they wold insinuate that his Kingdome was waste and voyde and brittle subject to euery winde and blast of stormie tempest as the Râ—ede is And that his Kingdome was not guarded with anie humane helpe far are they deceiued His Kingdome is an euerlasting Kingdome for hee hath receiued the Heathen for his Inheritance
woundes salue for my sores whose mercies are infinitelie more than my detestable sinnes can bee I haue wandred alace like a lost sheepe Good Sheepheard seeke mee and bring me home againe O Lambe of God who taketh away the sinnes of the world let the light of thy countenance shine on me and looke on mee as thou didst on Peter By dying thou hast overcome Death and brought agâ—ine Life by rysing therefrom If I had the knowledge of Angels and all my members were converted into tongs never should I be able worthily to magnifie the boweles of thy compassion extended to mee wretched sinner which passeth all vnderstanding Thou didst not take deare Christ the Angels but the seed of Abraham beeing made like vnto mee in all things Sinne excepted which nature thou hast glorified in the heavens Now since it is humane nature wherein thou raignest I beleeue also to reigne and bee glorified with thee And albeit my sins hinder me in the constant course of my Salvation yet thy loue this Commnuion and coniunction taketh all lettes out of the way Thou art not so hard O Lord as to despise mee since thy Sonne hath caried my nature vnto heaven Canst thou forget that which thou hast fast by thee No truelie thou art slow to anger full of mercie with thee is plentifull redemption Most louing art thou for no man hateth his owne flesh at any time thou O God louest thy Sonne and they that are his which are risen with him and placed by Faith hope in heavenlie places I was not worthie to bee thy servant but thou hast made mee thy Sonne and fellow-Heire with my Brother Christ Consider the paines of my Redeemer and pardon the redeemed his offences Why did he so obedientlie suffer the punishment of disobedience but onelie to saue mee and thine Elect There was no goodnesse in mee that could induce thee to the same it was thy bountie and free mercie and now thine hand is not shortned but it can saue mee Wil thou then try thy power against straw and stubble against mee who am but a shaddow and lighter than vanitie My sinnes are alwayes in my sight still representing before me thy anger I feele the grievous burthen of them thy iudgements against them but thou will not the death of a Sinner but that hee should turne and liue Enter not therefore in iudgement with mee O Lord for no flesh shall bee iustified in thy sight for thy Christ whom I imbrace by a true Faith is made vnto mee righteousnes wisedome and redemption To whom with thee and the holie Ghost bee all glorie and praise for euer Amen A PRAYER BEFORE the Communion WOunderfull must thy loue bee O Lord towards mee poore and miserable Sinner that thou woldest haue thy deare and onelie Sonne to suffer all tormentes and death for mee and to take vpon him all my infirmities and miseries yet not contented therewith wouldest haue the remembrance of this thy great mercie least it should be forgotten razed out of mine heart and that my Faith should not waxe faint sith thy Sonne hath ascended vp to Heaven after a strange and wonderfull manner fed and nourished mee and distilled in mee that spirituall Life by the meanes of his Bodie making the Crosse the wine-presse out of the which those grapes liquor of eternall life are drawne out Giue me thy holy Spirit that I may haue streÌ„gth against Sathan the World the Flesh Grant spirituall life to abide in mee as the branches hath that naturall from the wine that forsaking my selfe louing of my selfe I may liue in thee by thee and for thee vntill I come vnto thee where I shall see thee face to face True it is O Lord no reasoÌ„ can reach to this spirituall food but Faith onely doeth goe through for by those visible Elements I dâ—e apprehend spirituall and invisible graces and that not by imagination for as Breade doeth nourish the body so doest thou O Christe the soule And as Flesh is a substance so thou Sonne of God incarnate is the cause of this substantiall nourishment of my soule As life is in the bodie so Christ by his Blood shall giue mee life and is my life the condition estate of my flesh my blood and my whole life was more than miserable but by throgh and in thee O Christ all things were restored and made perfect in me The forebidden blood of beastes in the Law should make me shunne a brutish and a beastlie life But thy Blood teacheth mee to liue a Christian holie righteous and sober life For it is not nowe I that liueth but thou in mee who is only consubstantiall with the Father and holy Ghost yea this vnion I haue with thee by true faith as the head with the members an vnion I say of affections wittes participation of heavenlie and eternall blessednesse that I liue not to my selfe but to thee O Lord who loued me and gaue thy selfe for me For they that liue on sweet meates haue sweete breath so they haue a sweet odour in all their words works who taste of this spirituall and heavenlie food in whome Christe doeth spiritually dwell by faith O Christ thy manhood was seene on earth but the God-head not at all yet did great wonderfull things without changing or coÌ„founding of natures so in these Symboles Christs bodie I see not which notwithstanding worketh in me a beginning and grouth of renovation The body of the Sunnes light aboue is in it selfe whole albeit it bee dispersed heere beneath so thou O Christ is aboue in heaven whole yet dost communicate to everie belieuer to bee partaker of thy Body and Blood but diminution or weakening of thy selfe which thou offeredst for me weak not inclosed in me when thou is receiued of mee without any dishonour at all to thy Maiestie when thou commeth vnto this my sinfull cottage hauing mine heart to be thy Temple and dwelling place who filleth the heavens and the earth thy Footstoole O happy is he that doth eate the flesh of my Lord and Saviour with earnest desire to obey his will and stayeth on his promises trusting alwayeâ— on him In this earth am I partaker of Christ by the helpe of his word Sacraments But in heaven aboue without any externall meanes I shall feede on that heavenlie Breade and drinke of that spirituall drinke feeling in effect his presence and enioying that glorious life fulfilled in the Kingdome of God where I shall hunger no more neither thirst any more neither shall the Sun light on mee neither any heate For thou O Lambe which is in the midst of the Throne shall governe mee and lead me vnto the liuelie fountaines of waters And thou sweete Saviour shall wype away all teares from my eyes O happy day when I shall feede on that heavenlie Manna the food of thy holy Angels in that Paradise and thrise happie am I in Christ to taste of the sweetnesse of the life