Now hee must play the Priest and suffer patientlie his death which hee would not stay Thou should vse poore Soule the opportunitie of the worde verie earnestlie while the raine thereof from Heaven doeth water the dry and thirstie soules of men and whilst it is called to day let vs not barden our hearts The Lord therefore will knowe the inventer of this accusation and in all the History wil haue every mans part knowne in this action I am no Iew said hee cleansing himselfe Thine owne Nation doeth accuse thee I count not for the Messias religion troubles me not so much The Cleargie and Church-men must take heed thereto A liuelie image of wordlings who in the matters of the earth are more thaÌ„ curious But spiritual things are spirituallie decerned For he inquireth not what a King hee was where his Kingdome was that he might haue a part and shâ—re thereof but breakes off in an accusation of Iesus if he was a King The naturall man knoweth not the thinges of the spâ—rit of God 1. Cor. 1.14 for they are fâ—clishnâ—sse to him And therefore Christ taketh the mouth of Pilat to bee witnes that hee was a King Who albeit hee was equall with the Father Phil. 2.6 and thought it no robberie made himselfe of no reputation by taking on him the forme of a servant to his Father to be witnes to the Truth He wold haue hereby wonne Pilat if it had been possible but he was interrupted for the word is euer a sweet odour to God 2. Cor. 2.15 either to salvation or damnation in mercie or Iustice. With great constancie and grauitie without respect of persons doeth Christ answere so should his servants defend Gods honour and not to turne their faile to everie Winde and therefore hee did avouch his Kingdome as anonynted of the Father Psal 2.6 and sat vpon Mâ—unt Syon his holie Mountaine Zac. 9.9 who is just and saued himselfe and his people from their sinnes Mat. 2.21 Blessed is hee that commeth in the Name of the Lord Hosanna Mat. 21.9 thou which art in the highest heavens who hath giuen vs to inherite the Kingdome prepared for vs Mat. 25.34 from the fâ—undation of the world And therefore weak Soule Why art thou affâ—aied Is it of the Devill hee can not hurt one haire of tâ—iâ—e head Mat. 8.31.32 without thy Kings will Art thou troubled with sickenesses At his command they depart Mar. 1.31 Are enemies risen against thee Hee can crushe with a Scepter of Iron Psal 2.9 and breake them in pieces like a Potters vessell Art thou astonished at Death 1. Cor. 15.55 Death is swallowed vp in victorie feare not therefore feeble Soule For it pleaseth the Father to giue thee his Kingdome Luc. 12.32 who can therfore separate thee from the loue of Christ bee perswaded that neither Death nor Life nor Angels nor Principalities nor Powers nor thinges present nor thinges to come nor hight nor deepe nor any other creature shal bee able to separate thee from the loue of God Rom. 8.35 38.39 which is in Christ Iesus our Lord for he hath al power in heaven Mat. 11. â—7 and in earth His Kingdome is not subject to change and vanitie but eternall Iohn 3.35 and reacheth aboue the heavens and the earth and the depths therof Ier. 6.7 Therefore poore Soule place thy treasâ—â—e in heaven but alace as the Fountaine casteth out her waters so doe wee cast out our malice Let the world bee crucified to vs and vs to the world Gal. 6.14 For if wee bee dead with him wee shall also liue with him 2. Tim. 2.11.22 if wee suffer with him wee shall reigne with him if wee be therefore troubled with the Children of this vvorld remember my Soule his Kingdome is not of this world Iohn 16.33 in the world thou shall suffer affliction but be of good comfort bee hath overcome the world This his Kingdome is from Sea to Sea Psal 72.8 and to the last parts of the earth and it is governed by the preaching of the Gospel Heb. 2.8 who in place of taking tribute from his subjects Luc. 24.47 hath caried vpon him our sorrowes plagued of God Esay 53.4 and smitten of God and humbled who hath giuen vs eternall goods as Righteousnesse Rom. 14.17 Peace and joye in the holie Ghost And therefore my Soule bee wise serue the Lord in feare and rejoyce in trembling Psal 2.10.11.12 kisse the Sonne least hee bee angrie and thou perish in the way when his wrath shall suddenlie burne blessed are all they that trust in him I came in the world to witnes the Trueth Iohn 14.6 who am the Way Veritie and Life to giue knowledg of salvation vnto my people by remission of their sins Luc. 1.77 that all that beleeue in mee â—ohn 3.15 should not perish but haue everlasting life Hee is therefore not onlie the Teacher of that heavenly wisedome Iohn 3.32 but is also made our wisdome from God 1. Cor. 1. 30 Receiue therefore comfortles Soule receiue his testimonie Hee that receiueth his testimony Iohn 3.33 hath sealed that God is true for hee whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God for God giueth him not the spirit by measure Iohn 8.47 he that is of the Trueth doeth heare his voice be that is not of God Iohn 10.27 heares not Gods word Iohn 12 48. for the word that hee hath spoken shall judge him in the last day Verily he that heareth his word Iohn 5.24 and beleeueth in him that sent him hath everlasting life and shall not come vnto conâ—emnation but hath passed from death vnto Life So Pilat comming from the Common-Hall testified Christs innocencie but herein hee offended that hee did not deliver him who suffred wrong from the band of the oppressor Eccl. 4.9 but was faint hearted when he judged Iam. 1.26 All this while in silence and patience our Saviour possessed his soule vseing great moderation in speeches 1. Pet. 3.10 If thou lay thy injurie poore Soule at Christs feete hee will avenge it if thy wrong hee will repare it 1. Cor. 6.7 if thy sorrow he will care it And therefore learne to suffer wrong and sustaine harme Thy Christ sad Soule is thy patron and Advocate in the presence of God who by his silence hath opened thy mouth giueÌ„ thee libertie to speak for because thou art his son hath sent forth the Spirit of his Sonne into thy heart Gal. 4.9 which cryeth Abba Father Let not therefore thy vnworthinesse dash thee so that thou should bee frighted Therefore come boldlie vnto the Throne of grace Heb. 4.16 that thou mayest receiue mercie and grace in the time of need The third Step of the third degree of the ascension of the Soule to Heaven c. NOw must Christ pas to Herod
maye quake thy Reason bee astonished thy Vnderstanding amazed to thinke of it and so may thy Tongue to speake of it Yet may thou sorrowfull Soule rejoyce in Christ crucified Gal. 6.14 which is the onely true object of all thy solide Ioye for by vertue of his painefull Passion 1. Cor. 1.30 thine hudge ransome is payed thy running wounds are healed perfite and absolute satisfaction for all thy sinnes made The first Death converted to Life the seconde valiantlie conquered the reid Dragon Sathan 1. Pet. 5.8 that Lyon goeth about to devour thee couragiouslie subdued Rev. 20.14 Hell that gapeth for thee overcom Col. 2.14 that Obligation that was against thee cancelled sinning sinne and that sinne that hangeth so fast on Heb. 12. 1. killed thy justly offended God pacified and thou with strong cords of love and everlasting mercie betrothed and reconcealed to him Hos 2.19 And now to call to memory wretched Soule these actions which went before his Crosse mayest thou not thinke that his suffrings were exceiding great when he did sweate blood Luc. 2.7 Hee spent his Bloode in his circumcisiâ—â— in our behalfe before and now in mount Oliues beeing in an agonie kneeling downe devotelie Luc. 22 44. and praying most earnestlie drops of Blood doeth burst through his sacred Bodie It is an vsuall thing for man in anguish to sweate but to sweate bloode and that in such quantitie and aboundance that it should trickle from him vpon the grouÌ„d is a strange thinge and an vnaccustomable thing and only proper to such an eminent personage whose Griefe was vnspeakeable and Paine vntolerable And did he thus shed drops of blood for thy sinne poore Soule and canst thou not nor wilt thou not shed teares for the same thou canst bewaile and mourne for vanishing and deceiuing toyes of this earth but for thy trespasses thy eyes are dryed and shoote vp Ob that mine head were a well of water Ier. 9.1 and mine eyes a fountaine of teares that thou mayest bewaile thy blindnesse forgetfulnesse and vngratitude And truelie it was not without cause that this terrible pâ—ssion did so sease vpon him for the matter which hee had in hand Col. 1.22 was weigh ie 2. Pet. 3.13 Eph. 6.12 Eph. 2.2 the worke which hee had to accomplishe was great the conflict strong the enemies mightie Luc. 4.13 their assaultes many the worke was mans eternall redemption the battell was with detestable Sinne destroying Death devouring Sathan insatiable Hell accusing Law and with the consuming Wrath of God and would not deare Soule these enemies so manie in number so mightie in power so terrible to behold make a man to feare to tremble to sweate Truelie if Christe had beene meere man onelie hee could not haue encountred with them for hee should haue succumbed vnder the burden of his owne sinne much lesse should haue releaved others But beeing very GOD and very Man Iesus Chrâ—ste the Iust 1. Iohn 2â— hee did fight them all overcame them all led captiue all Eph. 4.8 and hath triumphed over them all it cost them all their liues for ever and h m drops of blood with strong crying and teares Heb. 5.7 What say I droppes of bloode costed him no more yes yes that which was dearest vnto him his verie Life which could not bee taken from him but laid it downe for thee Mat. 20.28 and hath the power to take it again according to his Fathers commandement But now thou seest him crowned with Glory and Honour which is made a little inferior to the Angels through the suffring of death Heb 2.9 that by Gods grace he might taste Death for all men Hee is that stronger man that entred in the strong mans house spoyled all that he had and this and much more hee did Mat. 18. 11. before hee could bring vnder so mightie enemies as man had and so accomplish so painfull a worke as Redemption is Rom. 4.10 and pacifie so great a Person as is the most hie Almightie everlasting God O my Soule diligentlie remember often cal to mind the heauenlie droppes of that inesteemable Blood which he shed for thy sake thy soule vile sinnes for thee vnworthy soule and salvation 1. Iohn â— 19. Eph. 5.5 â—sal â— Rom. 8.3 Loue him for it dearelie thanke him for it earnestlie serue him in humilitie obedience and simplicity And that thou mayst receiue deeper impression of his blood marke heere diligentlie my Soule to how many severall respects and diverse ends hee had in this worke For first Rom. 8.32 GOD the Father delivered him who spared not his owne Sonne but gaue him for vs all to death It was bee that smote the Sheepe-Heard Zach. 13. and the Sheepe was scattered For the sinnes of his people hee smote him I say Esay 53. for the Lord had laide vpon him the iniquitie of vs all And it behoued him to drinke of the cup that the Father had giuen him but what shall I say they persecute him whom they haue smitten Psal 69.26 and they adde vnto the sorrowes of them whom thou hast wounded As Iudas who said What will yee giue mee Mat. 28.15 and I will deliver him vnto you not assisting or cooperating to Gods will but perfecting his owne maliciousnesse as did the rest The Iewes also tooke him Iohn 18 13. and bound him and ledde him away vnto Annas Pilate also delivered him to bee crucified at their owne will Yea Iohn 19 16. Sathan had a enterest heerein who from the his Nativitie persued him euen to his Baptisme Mat. 4. where he hand to hand combated him but got the foyle and now hath entered in Iudas O! Eph. 5.2 but most of all deare Christ thou gauest thy selfe to death for the loue of thy Church for thou loued thy Church and gaue thy selfe for it Truelie Psal 1â— 3. thou mightest haue said The snares of Death compassed mee and the grieues of the Graue caught mee I haue found trouble and sorrow Psal 22. many young Bulles haue compassed mee mighty Bulles of Basan haue closed mee about they gape vpon mee with their mouthes as a ramping and roaring Lyon Dogges haue compassed mee and the assemblie of the wicked haue inclosed mee The chiefe Priestes who should haue defeÌ„ded the Shepe-Heard Bishop of our Soules 1. Pet. 2.25 1. Cor. 8.2.3 who pretended knowledge in whose handes were the Oracles of God most of all both privatlie and publicklie did procure his Death For Envy corrupted the whole masse of their learning They knew where Christ should bee borne Mat. 2.4 they had ofttimes disputed with him after that Iohn had testified of him Iohn 1.19 hee himselfe confessed and denyed not that hee was the Son of God Luc. 22.67.69.70 yet they never pretermitted no opportunitie while they had his life It is good to vnderstand according to sobrietie
keeping faith and a good conscience in surrendring obedience in holinesse to God Charitie to thy neighbour puritie of life and diligence in thy calling that the Lord may direct thy steps in his Trueth may guyde thee by his Counsell and reserve thee to his Glorie For thy Armour are Teares and Prayers other-wise thou neither can resist nor possiblie prevaile Iacob against Esau vsed these spirituall meanes Patience and Devotion for a slender and light wind of temptation can shortlie cut vs off from confidence for Peter was a deseâ—bler a lyar and perjure vntill that grace reduced him So man is nothing yea hee is much in himselfe to his owne minde vntill hee haue the experience of his owne deficiencie but beeing tempted hee will learne from whom hee hath receiued strength and with howe much vigilancie hee should keepe the same For who denyeth mee before men I will denye him saith hee before my Father which is in Heaven hee that denyeth him by mouth doeth not beleeâ—e by â—eart the faith in the hearte is the roote of confession confession is the fruite of Faith while the Roote is liuing there are blossomes and leaues if not dead For â—y the hearte wee beleeue to righteousnes Rom. 10.10 and by the mouth wee confesse to salvation And therefore Soule the confession of the mouth without faith in heart neither faith in heart without confession of the mouth availeth Lord giue that thou askest and aske what thou wilt Peter was prompt in promising fearefull in keeping but diligent in amending greatest spirits gather strength to themselves the greatest occasion of sinne If we consider how feeble we are to resist evill and changeable to persever in goodnes we wold quake But O dead Soule thou art nothing else than a vanitie and shaddow of death and gulfe of darknesse in earth without forme and voyde which without Gods blessing can bring out no good thing I haue confusion sinne and death of my self whilest I stand it is by thy gift if I fall it is of me and ever should lye vnlesse thou raised mee Blinde am I vnlesse thou enlighten me and when I fell vnlesse thou laid thine hand vnder mee there should I haue lyen yea ever haue fallen vnlesse thou had sustained mee oft-times perished vnlesse thou hadst governed mee And now dead Soule remember the occasion of this Peter his fall Preachers are Cockes to crow the glad tythinges of salvation so Nathan to David Ier. 7.26 and Ionas to the Ninivites but yee would not heare me nor incline thine eare but hardened the necke saith hee The Lord looke on vs with the eyes of his mercie that we may bitterly worthilie weep for our transgressions applying the merites of Iesus Christ by a true faith vnto our soules for wee haue many sweete promises of salvation and favour of our God offered vnto vs who came not to call the righteous Mat. 9.13.14 but sinners to repentance for the whole need not a Physician but these that are sicke For it is not onelie requisite that thou accuse thy selfe for sin but thou first accuse thy selfe and looke not for rebuking from others but who can build without God keepe witho t God begin without God O! Rom. 11.33 the vnsearcheable and infinite and vnspeakable goodnesse of God! amongst the railinges of the Priestes falshoodes of witnesses against Christ being buft and bespitted Christ casteth a glanse of his eye vnto Peters tossed faith Turne vnto mee beleeue in mee followe mee this is the tyme of my Passion the tyme of my marriage wilt thou followe mee bee not afrayed thou shalt overcome let not the infirmitie that I haue taken for thy sake make thee swarue bee strong in me Thus he that sleepeth is wakened the feeble confirmed the casten downe raised out of the dry rock of his heart floods of teares doe spring once beeing touched with the rod meditation of his bitter Passion For Thou art hee who will not the death of a Sinner but rather to convert and liue for Thou camest not into the world to judge it but to saue it THE SECOND DEgree in this Ladder of the ascension of the Soule to Heaven by the meditatioÌ„ of the Passion of Iesus Christ And the first Steppe thereof INto this Garden then in Mounte Olives over the Brooke Kedron came out a multitude with Iudas and bound Christ and caried him to Annas the high Priest Heere hast thou deepe matter poore Soule of spirituall contemplation thy Saviour of his wisedome did see all these thinges yea the verie houre of his death But hee that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh Psal 2.4 and haue his enemies in derision For their counsells are not hid from him who by his word onlie was able to cast them to the ground Which is like a fire Iâ—r 5.14 and men as woode to devour them for it is liuelie and mightie in opereation and sharper than any two edged sword and entreth through even vnto the dividing asuâ—â—â—er of thâ— Soule Heb. 4.12 and the Spirit and of the joyntes and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the hearte If such a mylde worde did cast his enemies downe what shall become of them in that day Psal 37.12.13 when hee shall rebuke them in his wrath so the wicked practised them against the just Mat. 25.47 but the Lord shall laugh him to scorne for hee seeth his day commeth Neither is our sweete Saviour so much moued with his owne cause as indeed hee was verie much that hee did forget his Fatherly care over his own Disciples Let these goe Iob. 1.10 The Lord hath a hedge about his owne against Sathan Zach. 2.5 hee is I say a wall of fire round about his owne yea hee is patient and long suffering with his enemies who beeing cast downe hee permitteth to ryse and not to bee swallowed vp of the earth Num. 16.32 with Corah Dathan and Abiram Thou canst not marveill sufficieÌ„tly on the blindnes of this companie they had oft-ten seene him before yet Iudas to be sure that Christ should not escape as by his divinitie hee had done sundrie times gaue them the signe of a kisse The Lord can keepe his owne and not suffer them to bee exposed to the pleasure of their foes They that sought for Lot were smitten with blindnesse by the Angels Gen. 19.11 and so the Lord did to the Syrians at the word 2. King 6.28 of Elisha but small was their power against him for how soone Christ professed that it was hee they fell and beeing risen againe are no whit bettered but persevere in their wicked course O! the riches of the mercie of God Ezek. 33. 11. as I liue sayeth the Lord I desire not the death of the wicked but that bee turne from his way and liue Ier. 20.12 Turne you turne you from your evill way for why will ye die yee house of Israel Hee might
sinning whose breath is in their nose-thirles and whose helpe is vaine They would not acknowledg that it beloÌ„ged to them surelie both they and their posterity feele the smarte of that Innocent Blood Which men though they know the Law of God how that they which committe such things are worthie of death yet not onelie doe they sinne Rom. 1.32 but also favour them that doe them For to sin by himselfe or by another is all one and he that consenteth is accessâ—â—ie to the fact But heere is their great blindnesse that they did not revoke and retreat their sentence hearing his innocencie justie by the traitor confessed In no ways speake thou against the word of Trueth my Soule but bee ashamed of the lyes of thine ignorance striue for the Trueth vnto death Eccl. 4.25.28 and defend Iustice for thy life and the Lord God shall sight for thee against thine enimies But hardest of all is that rough answere that Iudas receiued they ministred no comfort vnto him but increased the flamme of despare that was kindled in the heart of him The weak haue ye not strengthned EZek. 34.4 as he complaineth justly of them the sicke ye haue not healed neither haue ye bund vp the broken nor broght againe that which was dryven away neither haue yee sought that which was lost but with cruelty rigor haue ye ruled them But the good Sbepherd never resteth but goeth after that which was lost while he find it Luc. 15.4.6 and maketh his rejoycing the compensation of his trauell He did cast the money in the Temple from him which was so deere vnto him that for it hee post-poned the life of his Master Now he became so execrable that he gained nothing of it but a conscience burnt with an hote yron evill acquired goods shall neuer benefite the possessor nor the posteritie 1. King 21.16 Achab beleeued all was well when by violence and fraud hee had obtained Naboths Vine-yard which hee lost with his life and the favour of God most of all For what availeth it to gaine the whole world Mat. 16.26 and losse his soule And what fruit haue they then in those thinges Rom. 6. 21. whereof they are now ashamed for the end of these thinges are death But terrible was his execution for when hee had throwen downe himselfe head-longs hee burst asunder in the middes Act. 1.18 and all his bowels gushed out how great destruction doth abide them that serve the vncleane spirit this was not an evasion by death from Gods judgement but a more short compendious way therto Let not Sathan by his deceit allure thee neither for feare of Ignominie as hee did Saul or with loathsomnesse of thy life to such abominable practises But alace many now adayes doe harden their hearts at wholesome exhortation whereby they make the Lord to cut the threed of this life adjudge them vnto eternall death besids that many by drinking and gluttonie doeth shorten their dayes And doth not whoredome vitious venery procure sudden death What can bee said of Avarice and Covetousnesse which whiles it thirsts for the blood of others they are pearsed by that vnrighteâ—us MaÌ„mon whereby they are â—beacked and killed And what shal be thought of those who provoke the single combat thinketh it a great indignitie vnlesse they kill not themselves or their neighbour Lord grant everie moment while wee enjoye this life wee may consecraâ—e it to the glorie of the Giuer that wee may bee readie at all occasions to giue an account of our times speÌ„t here that we may say with Simeon Now let thy servant depart in peace Luâ— 2.29 according to thy word for my eyes haue seene my salvation Then learne heere my Soule by this his desperation the nature of sinne for before it bee perfected it maketh men drunke but being put in executioÌ„ the pleasure is extinguished the conscience remaineth heavier than Leed which vnlesse the Lord prevent maye dryue thee to despaire For the deceitfulnesse of sinne and delite thereof for a season maketh men so brutish that they can not decerne betwixt good and evill yea causeth them beleuee they are most blessed in greatest sinnes And therfore my Soule resist the Devill and hee will flee from thee whilst thou dost not resist the custome of sinning it brings necessitie vpon thee for it hardneth the senses that they caÌ„not clearlie see it blindeth the vnderstanding lest punishment should terrifie it fettereth the heart to make filthie thinges pleasant it weakeneth the strength that beeing overcome they succumbe The sicknes of their Soule is much more sensible than the diseases of the bodie There is no greater dolour than the wound of the conscience for sin nor any greater burden than the heavie weight of our vile transgressions Heere Sathan is a great politician for he changeth himselfe into an Angel of light while hee lessens our sins extenuateth theÌ„ intysing meÌ„ to fall But when the deede is done like lightening hee shineth in meÌ„ casting his sins suddenlie before him at the which thunderbolt he is benummed stupified feeling the bitter pangues of an euill conscience and doth so cast him downe with this great stroke that hee who before gloried in sinne now thinks himselfe secluded from mercie and salvation Lord hide thy face from my sinnes Psal 51.9 10.11 and put away all mine iniquities creat in mee â— cleane heart O God and renew a right spirit within mee Cast mee not away from thy presence and take not thy holy Spirite from mee But diligentlie perpend Peters and Iudas repentance by comparing them together that thou mayst vnderstand deare Soule in what state their iniquity was coÌ„mitted Their falls heavily wounded their coÌ„sciences doubtlesse for Peter not onelie denyed Christ but bound himselfe to cursings if hee had known him which was a sin almost to death And the other Iudas did commit an haynous trespasse worthy of everlasting condemnation but Peters was of frailtie of the flesh and feare of death But Iudas was of set purpose and of destinate malice did atempt that detestable fact And Peters againe not in a cause of it selfe so much blameable but of immoderate timeritie conjoyned therewith And to Iudas desperat malice was an insatiable greedinesse annexed but the forgetfulnesse of the word of God was the fountaine of both their falls It concerneth vs euer to pray the liuing God to giue vs ears to hear to lay vp in our hearts his promises threatnings to strengtheÌ„ vs or beat down our pride to say Esay 50.5 The Lord hath opened my eare I was not rebellious neither turned I back But as their fall was so was not their repentance both were Apostles both had woundes of conscience and frighted with the sting therof but Iudas gaue such place to the overburdeÌ„ing streÌ„gth thereof that hee despared of Gods mercie But Peter belieued that Christ is the reconciliation of our sins 1.
Vicegerents and Leiu-tenants of God and to bee obeyed by heartie subjection of their people For he that resisteth the Power resisteth the ordinance of God 1. Pet 2.13 and shall receiue to themselves judgement And now Pilate is not offended at his answere nor provoked to revenge vpon Christ but taketh a course how hee might put him to libertie And yet there is some spuncke of Iustice lying vnder the corrupt ashes of feare and dread our in Pilates heart wherfore the Iewes giueth an peremptorie instance If thou deliver him thou art not Caesars friend Before they laide the cryme of treason to Iesus charge Now they devolue that accusation against Pilate who studied to keepe a good conscience tovvardes the Innocent Iesus But the tentation growes the more for it is impossible to keepe a good conscience without temptation either inwardlie or outwardlie For Pilate must either lose his good conscience or his life for hee is challenged of treason but alace hee savv no better life than this present life for Caesar was his god That natural conscience of his vvas not vnderpropped and supported by Faith vvith better and higher things than these of this vvorld Rev. 3.11 Hee shall bee crowned that perseuereth to the end for whosoeuer will saue his life shall lose it and whosoeuer shall lose his life for my sake shall finde it Mat. 16.26.27 For what shall it profite a man though hee should winne the whole Worlde if hee lose his owne soule Happie is the man that hath his conscience strengthened vvith faith in Iesus Christ and hath a sight of heaven of God That man onlie shall stand in temptation against the Devill and the vvorld This assault was so vehemēt that hee beginneth by little litle to lose his conscience for he is astonished bringeth foorth Iesus crowned to the people sitteth down in his Tribunal vvhere he beginneth to shrink decline from justifying Christs innocencie vvhere he had a privy battell betvvixt the spuncke of his conscience the malice of his heart Hee had a doubt in his heart and did not first pronounce the sentence but said Beholde your King This strife of conscience albeit it bee once dumbe yet will it come againe and will fasten it selfe in thy soule that it can not bee shaken off Pilate by this concludes al that ever he can or would doe for Christ whē hee hath sought all the shiftes hee could he would say alas this is a silly King who wold think that euer he wold seek a Kingdome much lesse this of Caesars But all will not availe Christ must goe to the tree to please his Father and end willinglie the great worke of our Salvation Lev. 19.15 But the Iudges should not doe vnjustly in judgement thou shalt not favour the person of the poore nor honour the person of the mightie but thou shall judge thy neighbour justlie But woe bee to him which justifieth the wicked for a reward Esay 5.23 and taketh away the righteousnesse of the righteous from him It was verie true as Pilate said that hee was their King and promised Messias of whom all the Prophetes did beare witnesse so doth the Lord direct the speeches of his enemies to the glorie of his Name for as in an armie diverse are the intentions designes of the Souldiers some for spoile riches some for glorie and promotion some for hatred and revenge yet all doe fight for their Prince and for victorie so did both good evill wills of men serve Gods purpose whose decree can by no meanes bee illuded And seeing him at the decay swerving from conscience they multiplied the tentation and spake no more modestlie but vvith forcible exclamations cryed Away with him away with him crucifie him crucifie him It is diligentlie to bee observed poore Soule to keep a strong watch over thy conscience for if Sathan once get thy cōscience in a weake case he benummeth stupifieth thee besiedging thee with double triple temptations making thee like an Horse Mule Psal 32.9 that hath no vnderstanding or like a deafe Adder that will not beare the voyce of the inchanter much like these idolaters who burnt their children and when they wept they caused Timbrelles to sound that they might not heare their lamentable out cryes Great was this blindnesse and malice of the Iewes yea vnremeidable for the worse worse is their mindes kindled in spyte against Christ by how much more testimonies of his innocencie are exhibited euen as clay is hardned at the heate of the Sunne And truelie if thou wilt not slatter thy selfe poore Soule thou vvilt confesse thine own contumacie to bee as great because the brightnes of the Evangel doth shine to thee Luc. 1.79 As a owle at the light of the Sunne so art thou blinded in perfecting the works of darknesse And what else is the greatest part of vs all but hypocrites hauing Iesus in our mouth but serving wickednes against the known Trueth Iohn 8.34 Rom. 4.20 2. Pet. 2.19 approaching to him with our lips but our hearts are farre from him But this is worthie of admiration that these hardened Iewes rather will obey the cōmandement of Caesar than be the servants of Iesus Christ They say wee haue none other King but Caesar Woe to them that renounce such a King Hee and Caesar might both haue beene their King But loued the Iewes Caesar No but pretended his authoritie to kill the Iudges consciences and to crucifie Christ They that loue not God will never loue their King nor the Church Easie was this yock which the Iewes did cast off thē Mat. 11.30 vvhich their posteritie feeles this day Let vs not therfore beeing taught by their example withdraw our selves from his obedience for if God spared not the naturall branches thinkest thou that hee will spare the wilde Oliue Deut. 32.15.29 O Israel thou hast forsaken God who made thee and regarded not the strong God of thy salvation Oh! that they had beene wise then they would vnderstand this they would consider their latter end my people haue done two euill things they left mee the fountaine of liuing water Ierem. 2. and digged vnto themselves broken cisternes which cā hold none And to ridde and transferre the burden from Pilate they laid it vpon themselves and their posterities For malice joyned with ignorance is euer temerarious the blinder the man is the more rashlie will hee endanger himselfe they had the light of Nature and the Light that came dovvne from heaven his Word which they contraveined as Steven vpbraided them Yee alway resist the holie Ghoste Act. 7.51 as did your fathers so doe you for they killed the Lord Iesus and their owne Prophets and haue persecuted the Apostles and God they please not 1. Thess 2.14.15.16 and are contrarie to all men and forbid to preach vnto the Gentiles that they may fulfill their sinnes alwayes For the vvrath of
as by a courtaine from â—he sight of the people and Priests But at Christs suffering these shadows were taken away no more vse of that Vaile Whereby the holie Ghoste signifieeth this that the way into the boliest of all was not yet opened whilest as yet the first Tabernacle was standing this earthlie vaile rave asunder at the voyce of the Lord. But the Iewes mindes are hardened for vntill this day remaineth the covering vntaken away 2. Cor. 3. 15 for the Vaile is laid over their hearts but when their heartes shall bee turned to the Lord the Vaile shall bee taken away So hard and evill it is to doe against the knowledge and conscience wherof coÌ„meth a reprobate sense which is past all-feeling that sooner a stone shall heare thaÌ„ they will obey They were admonished of the subversioÌ„ of the Temple and of their Citie and that there was no difference now betwixt Iew nor Gentile Gal. 3.28 but the partition wall beeing demolished they had â—like communion by faith in Iesus Christ Act. 10.34 The Earth also did tremble whilst the Soule of the Lord separated from his Bodie threatening to swallow them vp Num. 16.32 as it had done to other rebellious obstinate before which were not worthie that the earth shouldst beare but either to receiue them in her mouth to consume them or else to spew them out according to the Lordes commination in his Law Lev. 20.22 Thus the Earth did preach groane Rom. 8.22 and travell in pain but they hardened their neckes and would no returne to bee healed It quaked the foundations of the Mountaines moued shooke Psal 18.7 because bee was angrie at their obduration And should not the Land tremble for this and euerie one mourne that dwelleth therein Amos. 8.8 The Mountaines also did cleaue to fall on them which would not suffer the dishonour of their Maker but they were nothing moued with it so much were they voyde of light in their soule A mighty strong wind rent the Mountains and broke the Rockes before the Lord but this people 1. King 9. 11. neither by the word of God by natural sense or creatures voyd of reason will be taught no even then vvhen the Dead did rise for the Graues did ly open from three a clocke afternoone about which time the Lord gaue vp the ghost all that day all that night the nixt day the nixt night till that day in the morning that the Lord did rise by vertue of whose resurectioÌ„ Hos 13.14 the Saints arose and went into the Citie lowsing the bandes of the Graue 1. Co. 15.54.55 by his death but their hearts could not be opened But it behoueth vs all to compeare before his Tribunall Seate to receiue what we haue done in the bodie 2. Cor. 5.10 Rom. 14.10 good or evill The Saintes I say arose for his glorious resurrection belonged onelie to them vvhich beeing sanctified in Christ did die in the Lord and they all shall goe into that holy Citie Dan. 12.25 even that Ierusalem Gal. 4.26 the Mother of vs all which is aboue to abide with Christ for euer 1. Thess 4.6 The senselesse creatures the Saintes departed the Gentiles Centurion and Officers did all testifie of Christ everie one in their owne degre but the Pharises Scribes and Elders vvere no whit moued For this Centurion confessed of a suretie that this man was just And such as before lacked the feare of God feared greatlie saying Truelie this man is the Sonne of God the poore multitud which cried Crucifie him went smiting their breasts but the Priests wer not touched neither by worde nor vvorke they had judgment and vnderstanding had read the Prophetes yet repined against the holâ—e Ghost Act. 7.51 and against their conscience opponing themselves to the knowne trueth The Centurion was rather prickt in his soule as the Iewes were at Peters Sermon and Christ is glorified of him Act. 2.37 when hee appeared to be quite forgotten and gotte moe friendes in his death than in his life for this precious Sacrifice hanging on the Crosse did cast such a sweete smell on the earth that they wâ—o vvere his enemies went away mourning beating their breastes Luc. 18.13 testifying their dolour resolving that if God wold deale with them in his judgement Psal 143.2 they were worthy of eternal damnation Neither were women ashamed to beare record of the Loue and Faith they had to the Lord Iesus for some stood so neare that hee did speak to them froÌ„ the crosse and they heard him and wheÌ„ he was dead Luc. 23.59 they would not depart froÌ„ him their hearts were so linked with him he who is a sweete perfume incense in the nose thirles of the Father is a fragrant odour and smell vnto them For moe of them followed Christ to the Crosse than men which were favourers of him did minister to him on their own charges Christs innocencie made them not to shrink but constantly to fight vnto the end against al temptations 2. Tim. 4.7.8 that they may receiue the Crowne They vvere fed vvith that Bread of Life that came out of his mouth 1. Tim. 5.17.18 and they communicated vnto him freely liberallie that which they had Christ was poore 2. Cor. 8.9 to mak vs rich Iohn and Peter had not a farthing to giue the Creple Act. 3.6 and Paul wrought vvith his hands for his bread Act. 18.3 That that thou can not doe to Christ in his owne person 1. Cor. 4.10 11. doe to his members But this is remarkable that these vvomen haue the honour to be ey witnesses of the death and resurrection of Iesus Christe Deu. 15. 11 and themselves to bee preachers of it to the Apostles Esay 51.7 and to haue the names of some of them to bee registrated perpetuallie to their everlasting praise yea and to bee written in heaven eternallie for so it falls out often that the weaker and simpler the sex bee the more spiritually it is disposed and affectionated to heavenlie thinges for if any man seeme to bee wise in this world 1. Cor. 3.18 let him bee a foole that hee may bee wise Novv the taking down of his Bodie from the Crosse commeth by a request made by his enemies to Pilate Deut. 21.23 That there shuld not be a breach of the Law for these that were hanged They straine a gnat Mat. 23.23 and swallow a camel they were spoilde of all power they can neither put on nor tak off the crosse slaues were they which wold not acknowledge the true King of Glorie vvho would haue made theÌ„ free And this petition they sought not for any pittie they had on him but the Lord so appointed it Exod. 12.46 that hee should not lacke even the support of his foes yet it lay not in their hands
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
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.
2.22 24. all which were fastned on his shoulders and hee did beare them who never displeased God nor offended man and of whom his verie enemies did confesse He had done all thinges well yet did the Lorde broke him and made him subject to infirmities Esay 53.10 and layd vpon him the iniquities of vs all And what griefe thinkest thou was hee in when hee sweate so powerfully and prayed so ferventlie No doubt he felt the vnsupportable weight of thy sinne Mat. 11.28 the fierce wrath of God against it Rom. 2.8 the justice of the righteous God requiring due punishment for it 1. Thess 1.10 the killing power of the Law Rom. 5.12 pronuncing condemnation to it the strong force of Death Rom. 7.11 the Stipend and reward addebted to it the tyrannie of Sathan Iohn 8.34 insulting on thee for it the infinite and eternall tormentes of Hell 1. Pet. 2.19 just desert to it which no tongue can expresse 1. Pet. 3.19 Mat. 24.41 Mat. 13.42 nor heart conceiue where the worme dieth not and the fire not quenched where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth This I say made thy sweete Saviour in anguish of spirit so to bemone himselfe Iohn 3.16 yet to show that God so loved the world that bee gave his onely begotten Sonne for it And that bee came hither to save sinners Ioh. 12.47 for whom hee was contented to die Hee yeelded his wil to Gods saying neverthelesse not as I will but as thou wilt THE THIRD STEP to ascend by THirdlie this did aggravate his miseries that hee was betrayed by his familiar friend whom he trusted Psal 44.9 which did eate of his bread his own Purse-master Iohn 13.12 whose feete hee had washed and that with a kisse speaking as the custome of this worlde is peaâ—eablie with his mouth Ier. 9.8 but in his heart bee layed waite for his neighbour Psal 28.3 Bee thou not drawne away poore Soule with the wicked Psal 120.2 and with the workers of iniquitie which speakes friendlie to their neighbours Psal 105. 17.18 when malice is in their heart Deliver my Soule O Lord from the lying lippes and from a deceitfull tongue So did Ioab kill Amasa 2. Sam. 20.4 Iudg. 16.20 and Cain slewe Abel Sampson is betrayed by Philistimes so Ioseph was solde for a slaue they helde his feete in stockes vntill his appointed time came and the counsell of the Lord had tryed him Hypocriticall was thy salutation O sonne of perdition Sayest thou Haile Master Thy Master Iudas whom thou wast bound to defend But what will not the hungrie desire of money doe by it hee lost Christ Col. 3.5 hee lost his Soule hee lost Heauen Iohn 3.36 and damned himselfe The Traitor had a fit end hee hanged himselfe but that was not all hee hanges in Hell perpetuallie for it 2. Thess 1.6.7 Iudg. 1.7 Gen. 9.6 as hee deserved so is hee served for blood will have blood for had hee repented truely he had not put hands in himselfe the word was in his mouthe but the thing was not in his heart Such is the force of conscience setting before him the hainousnesse of his fact the grievousnes of GODS vvrath judgement without mercie and hells fire without redemption For an evill conscience is a Witnesse a Summonder a Iudge a Tormenter a Prison of sinners What thing more grieuous thaÌ„ day and night to cary about such a one a man may avoide all thinges but his owne heart for whither soeuer he goeth it goeth with him either to accuse or excuse Rom. 2.15 The testimonie of a good conscience is a continuall feast which maketh a man alvvayes merrie 1. Tim. 1 19. The putting avvay of a good conscience maketh ship-vvracke of Faith Endevour therefore O my Soule to haue a cleare Conscience towardes GOD and towardes man For if thy heart condemne thee God is greater than thine hearte and knoweth all thinges But if thine heart condemne thee not then hast thou boldnesse towards him and whatsoeuer thou seekest in faith shall thou receiue from him A sicke conscience can no Physician in the world cure but that heavenlie Physician Iesus 1. Tim. 6.10 Thou seest the desire of money is the roote of all mischiefe they who are poysoned therwith doe erre from the Faith Pro. 27.20 these pierce themselves through with many sorrowes they fall into tentations into snares into manie foolish and noysome lustes which drowne men in perdition and destruction which is too evident in this miserable creature Iudas But thou my Soule flie thou those thinges Tim. 6.11.12 and follow after righteousnesse godlinesse faith love patience meeknesse laying hold on eternall Life wherevnto thou art called Thus there is no griefe to that of thy minde no losse to that of life no feare to that of destruction so there is no enemie to a covetous and a dissembling friend no treachrie to that which one of a mans own may practise Iudas was amongst the Apostles by externall vocation but not of them by inwarde sanctification as Christ often foretold them that twelue hee had chosen Iohn 6.70 and one of them was a devill Where the Lordes mercie is evident and thy prodigious malice manifest neither did the faith and firmitie of the Apostles fall by reason of this Traitours defection for what though some did not belieue Rom. 3.3.4 shall their vnbeliefe make the promises of GOD without effect God forbid Let GOD bee true and all men lyears Hee departed from Christ the rest did abide vnto the end they that continued Luc. 23.28 shall bee saved He went to the chiefe Priestes hee might haue knowne Psal 1.1 That blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsell of the wicked And Iacob in the spirite of prophesie saw this Tragedie and abhorred the Actors Simeon and Levi Gen. 49.5.6 brethren in evill the instruments of crueltie are in their habitations vnto their secrets let not my soule come my glorie bee not thou joyned with their assemblies for in their wrath they slew the man Christ and in their selfe-will they digged downe a wall Hee vvent I say not called or sent for or seduced by his Lordes enemies but vvillingly offered himselfe the sinne is more tolerable that hath a preceeding cause Adam was deceiued by the Serpent but the Devill hatched and brotched these venemous contagions of himself and in himselfe No man motioned this businesse to him hee intruded himselfe separating himselfe in soule and bodie from his Master It is good to haue the heart established by grace Heb. 13.9 and alwayes to cleaue vnto the Lord. Hee would recompense the losse hee had by the pouring out of Maries box of Oyntment but hee came short Neither seeketh he a certain summe as to gain much by the bargane but as selling a vyle slaue or base thing referreth the price to themselves what they would giue