displeased against man that nothing but the death of his own Son could asswage his wrath Besides the contrary is so necessary a property to be continued ed in all conditions that the world cannot subsist without it However I may boldly say this latter age hath not onely created strange thoughts concerning this duty but almost hourely produceth wonderful examples against the maxime however we shall set down only three common duties of this kinde proceeding from the first infancy of the world which have been made good eversince both by the Commandments of God and all Moral Documents We will first begin with that obedience that is due from Children to their Parents which setting aside Gods own immediate Precepts is an obligation challenged by way of natural right for having brought us into the world that else should have been nothing Children are bound to afford their Parents at all times and upon every fitting occasion an obsequious reverence though never so much under anothers jurisdiction as also another duty of gratitude for their education and preservation in their infancy which neverthelesse is to be esteemed more or lesse according to the care was had of their persons when they were not able to provide for themselves insomuch as no deficiency of the Parents part in my opinion can take away altogether that humane respect and honour that is due by nature As for example When a daughter is bestowed in marriage although by that means she becometh under anothers jurisdiction and in that regard cannot dispose of her self without her husbands leave towards their service yet certainly she is still obliged to afford them upon all convenient occasions a dutiful reverence neverthelesse I must confesse in these times we hold it sufficient satisfaction if children become not wholly reprobates to their own destruction without having any consideration of their Parents particular The next obligation of obedience is due from servants to their Masters which however it be limited to time and contract is not onely to be observed in Conscience according to the conditions agreed upon but also there is a civil duty of respect to be observed after the time is expired unlesse some just cause hath been given to the contrary But for that I intend to speak something more hereof in another place I shall mention onely now the last obedience which is due from the Subjects to their Prince instituted as I may say in the beginning of the world which may be divided into three kinds The first was that purchased by Nimrod being wholly usurped and therefore might have been cast off again upon the first opportunity however the continuance did perhaps render it lawful to posterity The second was domestick or voluntary verified in the person af Abraham over his pious and godly family which was approved no doubt by God Almighty when he commanded them to fight with those who had taken unjustly Lot prisoner again Abrahams Dominion was justified when he tyed his servant by an oath to provide a wife for his son and the last is that of compact and agreement which makes subjects by their own consent become under the power of rule as may be testified by Pharoah and his people which work was brought about by Ioseph when his subjects changed their liberty for subsistence and livelihood And this being contracted for and afterward confirmed by proscription could not again be cast off without incurring the penalties belonging to Rebellion For the Jews could not have avoided the lawfulnesse of the jurisdiction notwithstanding their cruel persecution and slavery but that it was the declared will of God revealed particularly to Moses this by that means they should be freed from their misery under whose power are rightly contained all the governments of the earth Ingratitude is not onely another effect of Pride but may be said to be a most ignoble property since it doth not onely defraud goodnesse of its due but seems not willingly to encourage vertue in any kind which was the reason that the wise and brave Romans ranked it amongst the worst of vices and to that purpose appointed punishments for the offehders God Almighty first fell out with Cain for his ingratitude though he afterwards condemned him for his hypocrisie Truly I may affirm this vice appears to have gotten a particular jurisdiction in this Nation at present since many of those most obliged prove the greatest Traytors to their benefactors neither is this done covertly and in the dark but most commonly is owned as a piece of excellent wit and so consequently esteemed a kinde of vertue for servants to be unfaithful in their duty or friends to deceive trusts committed unto them and so far hath private interest taken possession of honour good nature and conscience that every person that walks according to these old maxims is either esteemed a fool or a Heretick Certainly God punished the devils with the greater indignation for that in their thoughts they were unwilling to be thankful for his benefits whereas man had a condition annexed to his condemnation because it was frailty rather then an intention of ingratitude that caused him to offend however he seemed more really and punctually to have broken his Commandment For my part I hold those as worthy that raise monuments to vertue as those which good fortune hath made famous since however they may have wanted the opportunity and conveniency of acting yet neverthelesse they retain in their minds a certain intention of honour The next appetite of Pride is ambition however it is onely it but by accident or intention since nothing renders that name unlawful but either too much passion in the prosecution or over much desire by way of private interest yet some perhaps will quarrel with the name onely which I cannot but except against for as the too much coveting of honour and preferment out of a personal respect renders the desire unjustifiable and so by consequence proves to be a meer ambition so of the other side a moderate seeking of a just esteem is no more then a natural indulgency warrantable in our humane condition since without this hope for the most part our noble endeavours should want recompence whereby mens vertuous intentions would cool in the prosecution before they could come to a ripenesse fit for use or example For if our frail natures had no other object to behold then barely that reward we are to expect in the next world it is to be much feared that people would grow so slack in endeavouring of laudable nay I may say necessary things that at last all honour and vertue would be in danger to be wholly neglected by which means unworthy persons should com to be of equal Authority with the best and no priviledge at all given to industry As for example What souldier would expose himself willingly to the hazard of the Cannon without some expectation of recompence from his General or if a baser man then he were to be esteemed
upon the practises of these times since most people seem to esteem onely private interest without any consideration either of faith affection or good nature But to shew that even nature her selfe seems in unreasonable creatures to pretend to a certaine kind of friendship or gratitude upon many occasions I shall make relation of one or two stories to that purpose which notwithstanding they may appeare in some sort past all beliefe yet are they recorded for truths in authenticall and approved Authors However put the case they are not true yet may they serve as figures for instruction The first that shall be remembred is that of Androclius the Roman slave who being cruelly used by his master fled into the Desart from his service which was a crime almost esteemed of the highest nature in those times after this flight he remained in a cave concealed for some daies hoping thereby the better to avoyd the pursuit However it hapned in the interim that a huge Lyon entred the place where he was who having by some accident gotten a thorne in his foot and perceiving the man there he presently fell at his feet as if he desired relife at his hands whereupon the fellow after some amazement and feare perceiving at last his intention and glad of the occasion undertook cure which he might more conveniently performe in regard he had brought along with him many necessaries fit for such a piece of service in that he was accustomed by those instruments to heale his own sores received from the scourges of his passionate master by whose care and industry within a short space the Lyon became not onely reasonably well recovered of his wound but daily went abroad into the Forrest as well for his own sustenance as to provide also meat for his Physician which continued them both in that posture and society untill the slave either weary of that uncouth conversation or desirous to save himselfe by a further flight took a resolution to part from the cave however in the execution of his purpose he proved so unfortunate that he was again taken and brought to Rome there to be devoured by wild beasts in the publique Theatre before all the people as a judgement conceived answerable to his crime But being exposed upon the day appointed to the fury of a huge Lyon that seemed ready prepared with open mouth to receive him of a sudden to the amazement of the spectators instead of tearing him presently in pieces as he had done many before he cast himselfe at his feet with a fawning countenance whereupon instantly enquiry was made after the reason of such a sudden change since lately he had shewed himselfe more furious then all other beasts of his kind But the slave being examined in many particulars as if he had used some inchantment towards the Lyon he declared the whole story of his flight and of his entertainment in the Cave where he cured as he said the Lyon of a hurt he had got in the foot for which act of gratitude as was conceived the beast had contracted some friendship with his person that as yet appeared not to be out of his remembrance since he had exprest it in as high a way as could be imagined towards his preservation All which being believed of the people the poore slave was not only pardoned his life but his freedom was also granted him by his master as a fitting reward for so strange an accident Another I shall also mention though not after the same manner yet may be esteemed of the like quality onely the difference is the one contracted friendship out of gratitude and obligation the other meerely by a secret instinct of nature There was a young boy who was accustomed often as he went to Schoole to passe along the Sea-shore of Bayea where there used to frequent a great Dolphin being esteemed generally the King of fishes untill at last there became such an acquaintance and familiarity between these two creatures that the fish ordinarily would take bread and other things out of the childs hand as also come at the sound of his voyce when he called him sometimes carrying him a mile or two on the Sea and after he had sported and played with him there a while would set him again on land and suffer him to depart Which custome continued untill the boy by some accident hapned to die however the Dolphin notwithstanding daily resorted to the place as it were to enquire after his companion whom he mist but at last finding he was absolutely deprived of that society having belike no hope to see him againe he violently cast himselfe upon the sands and died as it was supposed meerly for griefe and apprehension of his losse Which story however I cannot affirme for certaine yet Pliny relates it as a truth from many writers but neverthelesse taken onely for Romancy it may serve sufficiently for my purpose which is to convince people by such inducements that the bands of friendship ought not to be broken upon any condition without impiety dishonour whenas unreasonable creatures meerly by the instinct of nature have observed these ties in so much as men have been amazed at their gratitude and constancy But now since it may be thought I have been something tedious upon this subject or rather duty so little esteemed in these daies I will come to the last fidelity which in truth is a great deale more necessary to be observed then then the former in regard of the daily use thereof upon all occasions which is to consider what trust may be thought convenient according to the practice of other ages from servants to their patrons The nature and obligation of service THis tye of service certainly is grounded both upon divine and morall principles And our Saviour seemed himselfe to complaine most bitterly that none but he which had eate his bread should be designed to lift up his hand against him As much to say he of all others should not have been the man chosen out for the treason We read in holy Scripture that Abraham not only conjured his servant by a certaine kind of a curse by reason of those obligations which were due from the nature of his condition being one of his family to be faithfull when he sent him to seeke a wife for his son in the Countrey of Mesopotamia but also this godly and good natured person himselfe was so punctuall in observing his Lords commands and fulfilling with expedition his expectation that he could not be perswaded notwithstanding the occasion was extraordinary and the intreaty most powerfull to stay any longer then one night in the house of Bethuell Rebeceas father in regard of the speciall care was in his affectionate heart to give his Master speedy satisfaction in his imployment according to his conceived duty Neither truly it is to be supposed that Ioseph being intertained onely by a Heathen King would have been so above measure advantageable in the
the further augmentation of his torments in striking him often with the Reeds upon his already wounded head that the sharp and pricking Thorns might make the greater impressions whereby the more to increase his anguish and pain And last of all we may call to minde that when he was upon the Cross ready to yield up the Ghost he most sorrowfully beheld his ever dear beloved and honoured mother who never could finde in her heart to leave him in all his miseries though those cruel spectacles abundantly augmented her inward afflictions with eyes of no small compassion and grief standing neer him with heavy looks and most desperate passions bewailing her own losse and his suffering neither being in a condition to assist one another but by condoling language and perplexed soules since our Saviour would not make any use at all of the prerogative of his Divinity to moderate the sufferings of his humanity for as man had offended the Majesty of his father that great God could not be satisfied without an extraordinary pacification All which I say may put a full period to every consideration that can possibly be imagined by any mortal apprehension wherein I must confesse I do not more wonder at his goodnesse then at his enemies cruelties and his friends forgetfulnesse wherein would be increased my admiration if our hearts should not be touched with something more then ordinary gratitude and the rather for that we our are to receive the onely benefit of this due and needful consideration For let any man take apart these infinite sufferings setting aside the multitudes of his other mercies and but indifferently weigh the natures of them in every particular circumstance and I dare be bold to say all the stories in the world cannot paint forth the like examples of cruelty indignation and spight either done to or endured by what Martyrs or wicked persons soever much lesse should it be thought after the believing of these passions that we were created for nothing but to be delighted with ease quiet and all the sensual pleasures our roving and wild fancies can invent or covet but that we may not be without all humane testimonies to confirm God Almighties expectation concerning our duties in suffering though I intend not to make any comparison I shall instance the examples of some few of his good servants who as it should seem held it necessary upon occasions offered to sacrifice all they had to his blessed will and pleasure The Vertues of Abraham VVE shall first speak of Abraham who was as I may say the miraculous father of all the Jewish Nation a man exercising so many vertues that it is a question whether his piety valour humility obedience faith or good nature most exceeded for after that by God Almighties special command he had quitted his native Country and all his friends and acquaintance but his Nephew Lot whom he brought along with him in his Pilgrimage amongst strangers and barbarous people when both their flocks increased so exceedingly that they could not possibly longer live together by reason of the dayly contention of their herdsmen Abraham bad his Nephew chuse the best part of the Country for himself and by that means Lot inhabited in the Towns whereas his Uncle still kept the fields dwelling onely in Tents wherein appeared both love and humility Again when he had heard that Lot unfortunately was taken prisoner with al his substance he presently with a world of courage and resolution armed all his domestick servants for his speedy rescue and fighting with his enemies he delivered his Nephew and made all his opposers with their wealth captives to his mercy however after this conquest he was so far from enriching himself by the spoyls or being elated by the victory that he not onely returned the goods back again to the owners but with a great deal of humility presented the tenth part of his own to Melchizedeck the Priest as a testimony of his obedience and gratitude to God Almighty to whose honour also in every place where he came he built Altars circumcising himself and all his family according to his commandment But now growing old and finding he was not like to have any posterity by his wife he was induced by her importunity to take her handmaid into his bed by whom he had issue neverthelesse when it was the will of God to make him the happy father of his legitimate son Isaac in whom all Nations were to be blest he drove both Hagar and her son absolutely out of his Dominions and protection which however as it may be believed strook the old man to the heart with a most passionate grief yet he was so far from being disobedient that he resolved with a ready willingnesse rather to endure any discontent inwardly then outwardly to displease his wife whom he knew had received a particular blessing from God And now we must come to the grand master-piece both of his faith and resignation when God Almighty enjoyned him to Sacrifice the life of his onely son and heir both spiritually and temporally the first in that he was promised to be made the father of the people of the Jewes and the other for that Abraham had no more issue to inherit his worldly substance here it will be convenient to reflect upon his many supposed humane passions in the prosecution of this action however as it appeared he overcame them all by his ready obedience and abundant confidence in God in regard of his extraordinary desire to fulfil his will and pleasure in every thing first therefore it may be believed that he could not but apprehend greatly the horrid and amazed discontents he should give his wife whom he was alwayes so willing to please when the first report should be made unto her not onely of the death of her sole childe in whose promising towardlinesse she received dayly so much comfort besides her divine assurance of his hopeful prosperity but to consider him slaughtered by the cruel hands of his own father for no known cause could be imagined Next what a perplexity was there amongst his own thoughts sometimes perhaps a little staggering in the right understanding of Gods promises when he supposed it was unpossible for him to have any more children by reason of her extraordinary age and so by consequence had little hope left him of peopling of Nations out of his loynes much less to propagate the Church of God by his issue which until then he never doubted Thirdly may be imagined the natural and divine strife that was within his bosome by reason of the passions of love pitty faith confidence obedience and improbability joyned also with worldly interests of which he could not chuse out of humanity but be sensible and yet notwithstanding all these furious torments and combustions in his minde this great and most confident servant of God as it is related in holy Scripture went on to this strange Sacrifice with a quiet and gentle demeanour
execution of his office in buying of all the Land of Egypt to his Lords proper use but rather have made a benefit of his prophesying spirit towards the enriching of himselfe and friend if he had not thought it at leastwise a morall obligation belonging to his charge We read that the Angell that accompanied young Tobit in his journey promised an extraordinary care and diligence in his behalfe being hired thereunto which truly in my opinion may be taken as a figure or example of service However there were other high mysteries contained in that speciall progresse ordained by God Almighty Furthermore in this morall duty the Turkes are so punctuall in conserving all manner of trusts that the very souldiers themselves that are accustomed to wait upon travellers for wages wil not in their own persons do them any manner of injury but rather defend them with a most constant violence from all such affronts intended them from others to which purpose I shall in this place make relation of a remarkable passage to this effect Some yeers since there was a company of English men travelling in Turkey to informe themselves of the curiosity of those Countries to that purpose for their better defence they had hired three or four souldiers to be their guard whereby to prevent all affronts and injuries that might be offered to their persons amongst the barbarous Arabians in which office as I said before they are extreame faithfull and diligent However it so hapned that one of our Countreymen having belike drunk more then was convenient either for his present commodity or appearing safety and by that means committed many extravagant and most ridiculous insolencies in his journey untill at last he fell violently upon his own souldier not onely with abusive language but also in his madd choler gave him many blowes whereat the company was something astonished as well as displeased and the rather for that notwithstanding he pursued the fellow in a most furious manner yet the discreet patient Janizary was so far from revenging the injury that he onely endeavoured to avoyd his strokes by flight But at last the businesse being composed and the quarrell taken up the souldier was demanded by some of the company how he could possibly endure such affronts and injuries from a stranger especially when he was in his power and under his protection Whereupon he presently answered that however he was abused by anothers insolency and indiscretion yet in regard he had been hired with money to be faithfull in his office he himselfe would not commit so great a wickednesse as any way to deceive his trust by anothers example but was resolved rather to suffer more prejudice personally then to be injust in his own duty By which very act we may perceive what opinion the Turkes have of this obligation of service being contracted for in any kind believing as it should seem there depends upon this duty not only a tye of trust and diligence but of humility and sufferance whilst they remaine under that condition Other examples to this effect might be brought almost in all ages to shew the nature and practise of this obligation when as contemptible slaves have not onely oftentimes refused liberty and preferment but have bit out their own tongues upon occasions being tormented rather then they would accuse their masters by that means as it were depriving themselves of the capacity to reveale their secrets in any kind Others again in the warres have exposed their naked bodies to the fury of weapons and darts when they perceived their masters person in eminent danger only to save them from slaughter and destruction offering their own lives as affectionate sacrifices to expresse the better their entire love and fidelity It is recorded in some stories that Leeimachus one of Alexanders souldiers continued so faithfull to his master the King that however falling into his displeasure for relieving of the Philosopher Calistines in his necessities contrary to his command he was condemned singly to encounter a Lyon yet when the King was in danger to be lost being out of his way in a vast Desart he runne a foot by his horse side a whole day together to the hazzard of his own life until he had brought again him safe unto the Army which act of courage and fidelity procured him so much favour from Alexander that he became at last of such eminency that he proved one of those Captaines that after the Kings death had in a manner the World divided between them Neither can we but wonder at the strange examples of fidelity that are daily produced amongst the Indians which opinion as it should seem hath been so ingrafted in their natures and practises arising onely from their rude principles in religion and morality that we know it hath been the ancient custome if not at this day in many places to cast themselves in the fire with the bodies of their dead Lords there also to be consumed as if they thought it either an essentiall point belonging to their duty or an undoubted part of their happinesse to accompany them in another world But for a more neerer testimony of their naturall trust and affection we may reflect upon the relation of the businesse of Amboyne wherein some Iapan servants endured most intolerable torments by the Dutch because they would not accuse their English masters All which in my opinion are apparent evidences either by the light of nature or from some customary principles in religion or morality even barbarous people conceive a certaine duty belonging to those that tye themselves to such a condition However for the most part servants of this age are so farre from performing their duty in this kind that they doe commonly designe themselves under such a condition but onely for their own pleasures and commomodities as if there were no other obligations to be performed then to be called servants And yet perhaps at last will violently presse for rewards when as at best their service never merited one single yeers wages which indeed makes the governing of families almost intolerable though I must confesse masters also may be sometimes deficient in their own obligations But I will conclude this discourse with a story of a poore woman notwithstanding her sex might have been excused in shewing forth such testimonies of magnanimity and fidelity which story relates much after this manner When that most wicked and bloudy Tyrant of the World the Emperour Nero put on a resolution to marry Popea it was thought something necessary by his favourites to forge false accusations against his lawfull wife Octavia not onely in regard of the nobility of her blood and extraction but for fear lest the people might be overmuch scandalized at the action to which purpose a mayd-servant of hers being brought to the Rack before Tygellinus that infamous and cruell bawd after many furious and intolerable torments which she suffered in defence of her Ladies chastity
had beheld in his travaile which may be conceived gave him not that rest that was accustomed to refresh his Spirits in the wildernesse being free from such diversity of imaginations However after a very little sleep waking very early in the morning he was suddenly saluted by the young man that had been his companion with this unexpected language when his thoughts were preparing for a new journey You must know said he I am an Angel sent by Almighty God not onely to shew you these mysteries that passed in our travels but according to your desires and supplications to let you see more plainly his divine waies and inscrutable judgements sometimes hapning against all appearance of humane sense and reason though alwaies tending to good and profitable purposes if mans unhappy condition could make use of the benefit which often times he doth not doe by reason of the corruption of his depraved nature and the want of that competent grace his diligence and religious industry should have purchased at Gods hands for his advantage To which effect therefore be advertised that this figurative story is thus meant for your better confirmation The first man at whose house we hapned to lodge that gave us seeming kind entertainment with all humanity from whose possession however I took a Silver Goblet at our departure onely signifieth men competently good in this world upon whose condition notwithstanding God Almighty is pleased to lay earthly affliction by may considerable losses whereby the better to retaine their actions and desires in a moderate temper And therefore not seldome bestows their goods upon people lesse deserving which is plainly demonstrated by the other rough and harsh personage unto whom I gave the Goblet though he could no way claime any just or deserved right thereunto it being all the benefit such shall receive either in this world or the next by reason of the small portion of grace their covetous and ill-natured actions have purchased at Gods hands notwithstanding they may not be esteemed the wickedst sort of men Next concerning the Nobleman who appeared to our apprehension both rich religious and courteous by him may be figured those persons who joyn devotion with the glory of this life without any intention in their minds either to offend God or prejudice their neighbours however lest they may be too much transported by degrees with any over-violent desires and objects of this world as children honour or the like God Almighty is pleased oftentimes to take away the occasion by depriving them of something they most esteem which is signified by my private destroying the life of that good mans onely sonne and heire in regard he seemed to have placed too much passionate appetite in the contemplation of his earthly succession which considerations oftentimes distracted his thoughts from the necessary cogitatious belonging to his salvation Again the Traveller we met upon the narrow bridge that I seemed so uncharitably and inhumanly to overthrow was at that time going to perform a wicked action that would indubitably have cast away his soule unlesse it had been prevented in the interim by his sudden death wherefore the intention being foreseen by the providence and mercy of God I was by his goodnesse commanded to that office and execution And for the other party that so passionately begged our direction in his journey I was constrained to turne him out of his right way to avoyd his falling upon many bloody thieves that would not onely have robbed him of his money but also have taken away his life which onely that happy diversion changed into prevention and safety And now concerning the mystery of those blasphemous Bandits we met in our last Inne in whose company I appeared to take so much complacency and delight I did that onely to retaine their persons the longer in that place who else would have quickly departed as foreseeing the next morning they should be apprehended by Officers of justice which else they would avoyd and so consequently followed their deserved and condigne punishment not onely in recompence of their many hainous wickednesses but for the more entire preservation of the honest Countrey people that would have suffered by their escape infinite dammage and many injuries in regard of their violence and oppression But now last of all to come to the explanation of this great riotous and vicious City confused with noise and replenished with extraordinary glory and splendour at whose gate we found onely one Divell asleep though the manners comportment of the inhabitants seemed to be governed by the directions and instigations of millions of infernall spirits You must know that however their multitudes of wickednesses may pretend to all Hellish conversation yet Lucifer finding there is so little need of diligence to corrupt their conversations already sufficiently depraved to his purpose being drowned also in security imployeth his chiefe care and industry for the perverting of this poore Monasterie which he very well knows is imployed night and day in nothing but Prayers Fastings and other extraordinary mortifications wherefore and by reason of which it continually warres against the power and deceipt of his infernall Kingdom so that necessarily it behooveth him to that purpose to imploy all the instruments and subjects he can possibly to undermine the thoughts and actions of these godly and painfull people being the onely cause that so many Divels in every corner are to be found in this simple habitation to your wonder and admiration And thus according to my duty since I am commanded thereunto by the will of Almighty God have I not onely shewed you these mysteries in our journey but thereby explained and proposed to your condition henceforth to rest absolutely satisfied with the Decrees of Heaven concerning his proceedings in humane affaires notwithstanding how contrary soever they may appeare to your appetite or conception for having sufficiently revealed principles of religion whereon to ground your faith and to direct your actions you need no more for your salvation and morall conversation To which purpose I must again tell you and conclude with this saying that as the intention of Almighty God is one thing and the waies of man oftentimes another so are you obliged to leave off your curiosities in that behalfe and with these words presently vanished from his sight As I suppose this relation well considered may be of sufficient force to perswade any persons reason to the conformity with Gods will in all things without examining the mysteries of his secret judgements so of the other side however sometimes they appeare strange to our apprehensions yet is he alwaies mercifull and just in the execution of his intentions which for the most part are very good and profitable for our condition if we have grace and confidence enough to make use of the benefits of such determinations since he is accustomed to turne those things that seem most against our desires and naturall appetites into the greatest blessings that can possibly
when as he would not seem to countenance acts of so unworthy a nature though himself was to reap the onely benefit Moreover he was so far in his own person from being unfaithful to Saul when he lived that notwithstanding he alwayes persecuted him most spightfully for his life he thought it a kinde of impiety to have cut a piece of his garment though it were but to let him know he had him in his power without doing him any other prejudice But however Scripture examples are of best Authority for our instructions yet we may reflect a little upon Heathen practises as farther testimonies of morality Amongst which number we may consider that Alexander the Great was so just and noble in his disposition concerning this duty of trust that when he understood Darius after his defeat was cruelly murthered by his chief Commander Bessus he never left prosecuting of the wicked Traytor until he delivered him bound to the brother of the King who executed him with many torments according to his deserts When of the contrary this generous Prince used those with all manner of honour and repect who had proved faithful and constant to their dead Master until his last end For example There was an old Nobleman of special trust about Darius person who being brought to his presence and not able to light off his horse by reason of his age and many infirmities he himself walked a foot conferring courteously with him in the sight of his whole Army until perceiving the man something out of countenance to see the King in that posture whilst himself rid presently Alexander called for his horse to accompany him with more freedome and conveniency Another act of magnanimity and justice I shall mention of a Roman Consul who having besieged a great Town in Italy whereupon a trayterous and false Schoole-Master that had most of the Noble youths of the City under his charge and care thinking to make a benefit to himself of their persons in that necessity one day leading the boyes into the fields according to his custom pretending onely their recreation when he had them at a convenient distance for an escape he suddainly contrary to their expectation brought them into the enemies Camp and presented them with great joy unto the General as an acceptable service deserving as he thought both reward and commendation But the Noble Commander reflecting upon the wickednesse of the fact and false intention of the Master as also noting the dejectednesse of the countenances of so many youths of principal families instantly gave order to have the fellow stript of his cloaths in his presence causing also his hands to be bound behind him and being in this posture he willed a good rod to be delivered to every one of the Scholars commanding them to drive again their Trayterous Master into the City with whips and scourges there to receive further punishment according to the discretion of their injured parents This truly was an act both of extraordinary justice and courage since as he was willing to punish Treason notwithstanding the benefit might have redounded to himself if he had pleased so of the other side did he shew a bravery in his own disposition that he would not darken the glory of his actions by any such base wayes and means though the opportunity was offered unto him I shall remember one act more of justice done by a person of the same Nation not differing much from the former in nature and manner There was a certain young woman of birth and quality who living in a Town that was besieged by the Romans promised for a competent sum of gold to deliver the place without any further trouble into the possession of the enemy which being effected without any condition in the bargain made for her own life she presently went to the General to demand the performance of the contract whereupon he commanded so much mony and other rich Jewels to be brought into the place as had been promised for her recompence where when she was ready to receive the possession of the wealth according to the greedinesse of her appetite who for such a gain had sold her friends kindred and Country he suddainly caused the souldiers of his Guard and to cast it all upon her at an instant whereby instead of enjoying the benefit of the riches answerable to her covetous expectation she became intombed for her wickednesse and Treason as a memorable sacrifice offered to right and equity In this single act appeared a double justice The one in bestowing upon her what was promised punctually to perform the agreement The other in putting her to death for her crime she not being priviledged by the Law of Arms from slaughter in regard there was no condition made for her safety These stories I mention to shew how hateful breaches of trust have been alwayes esteemed by Heathens and Infidels when as the greatest and worst Tyrants were never willing to countenance acts of this nature Witnesse in part our Richard the third of England who however he promised the reward of a thousand pounds to that person that should bring forth the Duke of Buckingham his esteemed mortal enemy yet when he understood he was betrayed by Banister one whose obligations to his Lord should have made him trusty against all provokements by way of gratitude if not fidelity he not onely refused him the reward promised but delivered this opinion of the action that he that could dispence with his conscience to deceive his trust concerning the protection of so good a Master flying to his assistance in his necessity it was unpossible but he would do the like with his King if it were in his power Neither did God Almighty himself forbear the punishment of this unworthy wretch as appeared by most remarkable judgements not long after For presently his eldest son fell mad his second was drowned in a puddle of water his onely daughter was strook with a most loathsome Leprosie and himself in his declining age was arraigned and condemned for Felony thouh with much ado he was saved by his Clergy All which truly in my opinion were apparant testimonies of Gods anger against the nature of this base sin since it cannot be conceived by any that lived in those times that he was so punished in his family for other cause then that he had betrayed that trust that was committed to him grounded upon reasons of obligation and promise Wherefore when I consider the strange kinde of breaches of trusts now a dayes I know not whether I should more wonder that people are suffered to live by God Almighty in regard of their falshood or be scandalized at their so little apprehensivenesse of their own intolerable basenesse in this nature for it is generally noted those who have been most obliged either by courtesies or duty take the first occasion in these distracted times to prejudice other mens fortunes and estates But however according to my
own opinion I have spoke sufficiently concerning this duty in the general yet I think it not amisse to declare some Divine Natural and Moral examples belonging to two obligations in particular Which are the ties of friendship and service that have been in all ages held necessary ties to be observed For without the first it is unpossible almost to be secure in any conversation and being deceived in the latter no person can be well assisted in affairs appertaining to every mans condition though I do not affirm they are alwayes to be practised in this high nature I shall mention but presidents ought still to be of the best stamp and workmanship left they be too slightly imitated and so consequently prove not profitable for those that have a mind to do well The nature and property of entire friendship WE will speak first of friendship contracted either by nature or upon obligation such as past between Ionathan and David in the very infancy of their acquaintance which was so in violably maintained and conserved by these two godly and Noble persons that it seemed to weigh down all the considerations of humane and worldly concernments when as neither the competition of Crowns nor the losse of Scepters was able to work differences but of the contrary such a Religious sympathy continued alwayes in their hearts as if they had coveted more each others happinesse and prosperity then their own Neither certainly could this love and friendship proceed from Ionathan out of any weaknesse of nature or want of valour since he was known upon all occasions to expresse courage and shew wisdom in matters of greatest difficulty and necessity For however he had in his resolutions so wholly submitted himself to the will of God that he was content to transfer his fathers kingdom to David and his posterity as appeared by the compact made between them wherein it was agreed that he should have a care of his issue yet in the last bat tail that was fought with the Philistins he most valiantly sacrificed his own life in defence of his Country and Religion to shew that notwithstanding he expected no Dominion in his own particular yet he would faithfully perform that office in the general that belonged to his honour and Conscience concerning the just defence of the people But for that it may be thought these actions proceeded chiefly from the inspirations of Heaven as no doubt they did I shall recount some more humane examples to shew that this duty hath been ever esteemed of a most high nature amongst Heathens and Philosophers To which purpose I shall mention this remarkable president of two Learned friends in the the time of Dionysius the Tyrant The one of them being wrongfully accused by the Kings suspicion had liberty notwithstanding given him to follow his occasions upon security undertaken by the other that if his friend did not return at the day appointed to yeeld his body to the stroak of the executioner himself should pay the forfeiture of his offence by the same punishment Whereupon he failing something of the time appointed for his appearance his companion was brought out into the Market-place to suffer death according to the agreement but the other hasting to the place before the Executioner had done his office and finding his dear friend in that posture being so neer his destruction suddainly cast himself at the feet of Dionysius demanding his discharge in regard he was ready as he said to be sacrificed to his indignation and cruelty The other that was prepared for the slaughter being desirous to redeem his friends life by his own losse seemed not onely extreamly troubled at his appearance but more perplexed a great deale at his offer telling the Judge that now the limited time was expired he conceived that none but himselfe was lyable to the judgement and therefore accordingly expected the execution Whereupon his companion being transported with the feare of his friends danger conjured the tyrannicall King to consider not onely with compassion but some justice that himselfe was the guilty person and therefore it could not stand with the rules either of equity or humanity that an innocent should suffer when the faulty appeared ready to satisfie for the offence The other also being in a manner beyond his senses finding the King was inclinable to perform his friends request in regard he seemed to have more reason in his pleadings presently turned to the people and desired their assistance in his request alledging that his friend could not now justly suffer for that himselfe had punctually contracted for his penalty and redemption But whilst the strange and unexampled contention continued to the no small amazement of the spectators who could not but wonder at so rare and excellent a friendship Dionysius himselfe after something a long pause rise from his seat not onely pardoning them hoth their lives but with all earnestnesse intreating them to take him also as a third person into their admirable society and friendship which he vowed he would esteeme as a principall honour and happinesse In this story may be noted not onely the wonderfull effects of an intire friendship but the power of such examples to soften the stony hearts of the most cruellest Tyrants in the world Which shews that even perversest natures may be overcome by those noble passions though according to the practice of this age these and the like relations may be esteemed no other then as ridiculous fancies proceeding from extravagant inventions but give me leave to say that notwithstanding we are not bound upon all occasions to imitate these high presidents yet certainly we are not to abandon all manner of good nature and friendship dissolving every obligation onely upon interest commodity without other consideration since both divine and morall principles meerly by the rules of charity and gratitude seem to challenge respects due from us to others as well as to our selves And our Saviour Christ when he lived here upon earth was so farre from disdaining this humane passion that he seemed to love one Disciple above all the rest with a naturall affection As I have related this remarkable example of constant friendship so shall I in this place relate another of admirable love and affection acted by a Heathen Prince wherein he absolutely overcame his own earthly passions meerly to satisfie his sons desires There was a King raigning in Persia who having married a most beautifull young Lady it fortuned his sonne a gallant and generous Prince being taken with her rare and excellent parts fell of a sudden so excessively in love with his faire mother in law that he had no power either to master his own passions or to conserve so intirely as he desired his former approved duty and obedience to his father in so much as contending strongly for some time between these two extreames at last being wholy overcome rather by nature then reason he waxed sick which by degrees increased so