affirm that here they are breathed upon to dispose their minds already sanctified for the Spirits reception in a more solemn manner in the dayes of Pentecost MOREOVER a religious melancholy seazing on the vitals of their Spirits and belief of their Masters proceeding from or ascending to the Father in and for their behalf the Spirit being a pledge of Salvation the strength and life of the Soul is here given by an apt similitude of a breath foâ— as the visiâ—le body of Christ was not God so neither is the breath here felt to be estimate the spirit to confirm them that as the breath came from him so should or so did the Spirit proceed from him likewise which the Greek Church to this day denys affirming his procedure from the Father only which is seen say some in their punishment in looâ—ing their Imperiable Citty Constantinople their Emperour Crown and Kingdome being taken by the Turk upon this day in the Calendar An. Dom. 1237. wherein the nature gifts and proceeding of the Holy Ghost are taught explained and truly commemorat in the Orthodox and Latine Church MANY good things our Saviour had taught especialy about his Death and Resurrection which the Spirit was appointed to bring to their Remembrance the brain of man in it self being naturally dull hereby is cleared and as his birth purifieth ours as his life instructeth ours as his death destroyeth ours as his Resurrection preceedeth ours and as his Ascension prepareth ours so his sending down of the Holy Ghost helpeth us mightily in the reflecting upon these things against all infirmity whatso-ever oyling the wheels of the Soul makeing that lift up it self being otherwise bowed down and by this is said Woman or man thou art loosed from thy infirmity causing them still look forward oâ— like a religious pulley stil haleing or pulling the soul heaven-ward to a loveing of spiritual things contrary to the carnal mind spiritually hence the Sunday betwixt his Ascension and the Spirits descension is called from the entrance of the twenty eight Psalm Dominica exaudi as if from that time the Church of old and yet now had been still calling praying for and expecting a fuller portion of the Spirit this breath being but the first fruits untill the harvest a taste only of Canaeans grapes a warm breath a refreshing gale untill the mightier and rushing wind should blow when Iesus had been glorified THERE are two principal parts of the body viz. head and heart to which in the soul corresponds the understanding and the will it being led and moved by these as greater wheels and God in his Church hath to both of these in resemblance Christ and the Spirit the head and heart of his Congregation for understanding of and being guided unto the things concerning life and by these we know he loveth us and by that knowledge procureth in us Love and Ioy by divine illumination toward himself the Spirit being that Regius or great Divinity Professor teaching from within the mysteries of God for what ever David the Psalmist Amos the Prophet Daniel the Prince Peâ—er the fisher Samuel the Sâ—er or any other Priest Prophet or Patriarch taught were but lecturs of his composing words of his frameing sentences of his drawing up directing how to believe how to live how to walk and how to talk how to love and how to adore how to weep and how to pray all with admireable wisdom holy zeal and fervent charity THE Spirit was here given about the Resurrection before the Ascension after which the spâ—ce of ten dayes reckoning from the fortieâ—h that is from the Passeover for he was given again so that we are to observe the feast of Pentecost when the HOLY GHOST came from heaven whereby they as all good men are made to look up before which we must meet and assemble so receiveing it in the Word breathed upon us on Earth this doubling of the Spirit being like the two-fold Commandement of loveing God who is in heaven and loving man who abideth upon Earth yet it 's but one command acting on different objects so it s also one Spirit given and acting for differâ—nt things or for discovery of that one great thing the Trinity FOR the Son having been visibly known among men the Father also revealed by the things that are seen there remained one thing to enforce the certainty and existance of three Persons that was the appearance of the HOLY GHOST who had once come as unto Noahs ark like a dove in the evening of the world upon Christ the Lord expressing the meeknesse peaceablnesse harmlesnesse of them who are as houses inhabited by him this was at his baptisme the next as is thought was in a cloud strengthning his constancy glorifying his purity and heating his fervency this was at his transfiguration A third was by a breath for animating a perplexed little flock about the removeal of himself from them a few dayes before his Ascension A fourth was in fire in tongues and this was after his glorious Session at the right hand of the Majesty on high giving them a noon-day knowledge to understand all Scripture power over all Devils wisdom against all Philosophers Eloquence against all Orators Patience against all Torments Gifts to convert all Nations Confidence in the love of God for subduing of unruly lusts Grace for persevering in all good works Lastly Ioy in the peace of a good conscience through Christ and him crucified whence it is sayd they were al filled with the HOLY-GHOST in contradistinction to those portions or draughts they had received before so diminute that it s said the HOLY-GHOST was not yet given q. d. in that ample and miraculous measure because Iesus was not glorified John 7.19 WHICH when done they are quasi overcharged and Speaking were thought drunk that is intoxicated which in a trope they were but not as the Jews â—uppos'd with wine but with the new-wine of the Spirit wherewith the old bottles of corrupâ—ed self could not be brimmed the Vine whence it flowed being above the liquor whereof stupâ—fied not the braine but transmented the Soul noâ— causing staggering but confiâ—ming in faith and joy as in the Citty by that River which maketh glad the Citty of God which they renewed by wind fire and tongues were capacitate to drink of the one blowing away the chaff the other heating the Spirit giving light also to the dark chamber of vain Imagination the last promoting to speak refinedly perswadingly being cleansed from carnall sordidness and earthly selfishness delighting in no talk but of the wonderfull works of God IT is usuall with Expositors to shew the analogy between things themselves and that which is represented by those things In how many wayes the Paschall Lamb and Christ doth agree the Red-Sea and baptisme the Cross and the brazeâ— Serpent Iesus and Aaron David and Ioseph is not of our province but how aptly doth wind represent the operation of the HOLY GHOST in those upon whom he cometh
the sweet relish of reconcilement to his Lordâ— after the sour and bitter herbs of his tears and undissembled sorrow WHICH yet the tydings of the Resurrâ—ction communicats to all who remember and genuinely confesse their fearful falls from a fair profession their frequenting the company of ungodly scorners biasphemers without a check oâ— abhorrence of their crime lastly who by the crowing or rather sounding of the Gospel minde the errour of their ways and accordingly renounce forbidden pleasuâ—es for if by that the sentence of death be past upon the Soul the Resurrection like the Prophets lump of sigs cureth the boyl and by signs from heaven assuâ—es the prolonging of his days his going up unto the Temple of the Lord dâ—scovering the line of his years hereafter shal run pararel to eternity of which the promise of Canaan was buâ— a sign and the certainty the dying fruitlesse or childlesse mad had of having seed raised up unto himself by his brother or next kinsman in Israel was a dark representation NAMAN was perfectly cured by his washing seven times in Iordan and likewise was the leper cleansed by being sprinkled seven times with blood by the same number in appearing unto his Disciples did Christ cure heal and remove the diseases wherewith sin and his passion being misconstructed had infected their minds and perplexed their souls about thoughts of him creating in them and by that shewing his purpose towards all converts for the future such graces by seven times manifesting himself as must be had of the Spirit for more fixing of the Soul in it's doubts and spiritual attendance as first of the fear of the Lord in appearing to the woman for they were affraid next of the love of himself for he appeared to Simon whom he knew as he knew all things loved him next the Spirit of knowledge when he opened the Scriptures unto the two going to Emmans of Might next in his opening the door when he appeared to the eleven next that of Counsel when he advised to cast the net from the right side of the Ship and of understanding while he opened unto them once more the Scriptures and then of wisdom when they saw him taken up where he was before THOVGH there are who subdividing some of these again will have him to represent the mode of that assurance he yet bequeaths to believers in the vertue of his Resurrection makeing his first appearance to Mary Magdalen to be the comforts he principally intends to the most noted if mouthful and penitent offender his being seen of those women returning from the sepulchre who held him by the feet mystically to discover his acceptance of the meek and lowly his beeing seen of Peter either as he returned from or entred his grave or in the place where he did weep manifests his intentions to the willing and obedient for Simon by interpretation is obedience Again he appeared when they were gathered together for fear of the Jews shewing the happinesse design'd for those who unite in one and his zeal to be found of them who sought him ON different daves and times he appeared also aâ— when Thomas was present hinting that the unbeliever at last shal increase in faith and afterward as they were fishing typifying that abundance of converts should by their ministry be gathered to the Church yet not by their labours or studies for they had toyled all night and got nothing but by his blessing accompanying their pains through obedience HIS Disciples saw him on a mâ—unt it 's thought Tabor where he was transfigured and how have comforts been multiplied upon retirednesse for religious contemplation his upbraiding the eleven as they sat at meat is but a lesson construing his call to sinners at the eleventh hour for though such be suffered to dwell in sin they shall in mercy be reclaimed and their wisest acts not being done in love and fear to God shall be by themselves deemed foolish and unwise HIS last appeaâ—ance or being seen on mount Olivet shadoweth that the oâ—le of mâ—rcy given to the merciful shal as a scale be a means to ascend up or as lâ—mp light shew them how to work the work of God burning in or carried unto them by the conduits of earthy vessels that iâ— earthy enjoyments which as a ladder shal more fit them for easy accesse unto heaven godlinesse haveing the promise of this life and that which is to come and giveth more Grace BY the way observe that Christ first of all appeared to women blameing such who rant and curse at that sex as being Mother to sin whereas had they been in Evah's happinesse their felicity may be had been sooner forfeted for a cup then hers was for a bite but such ought to understand that God is wiser then Satan and stronger too and hath now made that sex to intimate the world to be redeemed and that unto men moving them to tendernesse thereby our lapsed estate being wholly restored by a woman by women out of a garden through the report of an Angel Christ and believe acting together making our Salvation more sure and better grounded then when it stood either upon Adams or Evah's behaviour MARY Magdalen a notorious sinner saw him first why then should attrocious crimes in Male or Female deter the affected from accosting that throne where mercy sits and benevolence invits to crave a remission in her saying unto all be not affraid not resting there ordering them to proclaim his rising to their and to his Brethren that the womans blot of the fall might eternally be obliterat FOR though first in the transgression she is again and first also at the Resurrection the history whereof when read we shall find that women as most deserving were first comforted and employed for when men thought it good to sleep in a whole skin were they laying out their money watching from sleep hazarding their persons to anoint his body not fearing but undervaluing the sword of the keepers these women saw two Angels yet it 's thought he on the right side cloathed in a long white garment the same it may be who rolleâ— away the stone said be not afraid I know whom you seek c. aâ—d the right is the hand by which the Church is embraced the hand of nimblenesse and action without which support the present whitenesse or seeming comforts of this petishing earth might fascinat and bewitch the heart into flaunting purposes were it not told that the comfort we seek is not here to be found or deject it into desponding and fearfull meditations were it not informed by the power of the Resurrection where Iesus a Saviour might be spoke unto and treated withall A Doctâ—ine never capable of infirmity or old age which is darkly seen in the Angels appearing as young men still enlivning with fresh supplys of grace and ordering a retreat to whatsoever thought amuseth or amazeth the inquisitive or self-sâ—arching heart causing it still to be cloathed in white by
most august serene Lord Iesus who was by the Spirit given to this woman and by whom is published Heaven to be at peace with men and women uniting these two together and both unto it self that peace might be on Earth and goodwil towards each other and both give glory by submission unto God ceasing from contention Salvation comeing by Iesus and Honour with Christ to men who are but dust and ashes WHEN the Almighty doth wonderously men should be surably affected here is a Prophet created a King anointed a Priest consecrated a Phisician born what more a Saviour encompassed let this be your tydings Christ is born in Bethlehem and leave your flocks ascending to him who came down in your heart and love for in your Salvation there is utility in his Vnction swavity in his INCARNATION Majesty for he hath bowed the heavens and is to be found in the swadling cloâ—ths of Precepts Sacraments and Promises of all which the Angels of the Church have told you because of which heavenly testimonies expect not a star in the air I mean a new miracle or a new good way of your own chuseing but draw near and behold this new thing proclaiming it to each other as the two cousings Mary and Eâ—izabeth that Jew and Gentile may both rejoice together in the birth of their common Saviour and that with hast our Saviours birth as his doctrinâ— being prolifick dischargeth oscitancy and slouth having a proper work which must industriously be gone about viz. Sanctiâ—y the digâ—ity of the Spirits working in thiâ— supernatural manner having morally a coercive power to suspend terâ—en matters and carry the soul to the hilly Country by affection in the sweetest Cell of the Souls complacency and thence again to issue orders unto all faculties to abstain from filthinesse to Love the Lord to speak good of his Name CHRIST being as at this time born as at this time the Angels sang the Heavenly host praised the Shepherds glorified which in our leading pious holy and Religious lives shal also satisfactory to God and Jesus our Lord be performâ—d for which this new thing was created the World being grown old exceeding old that is thin crazy and bare Adams disobedience the Angels fall Cain's slaughter Lamech's Murder Nimrod's oppression the Giants Impurity Babels Confusion c. had so marred the visage of this Earth that the heavens groaned to be delivered from its aspect from its scent as if Mezuntus Tyranny had been anticipated who tyed living men to stinking carcasses for their death and his own sport But at last God sent his Son in flesh with water that the Earth as the Garden of the Lord being well watered and as Pharao'hs Kine made fresh faire and well favoured or as David of a goodly countenance in imitation of this woman by humility for though she was Mother of our Lord she visited First in charity for she came to help the aged Elizabeth to assist the conceived and comfort her cousing now impregnat in her dolors burthens longings faintings and domestick affairs in her Modesty she was a teeming woman and at the time of her delivery Mary the Virgin returned home in her Oratory she spake so well that the Bab of grace leaped in the others womb And lastly in her Civility for she saluted Elizabeth no question but with civil honour and Religious reverence for the Mother salutes the cousing the cousing Mary and the Baptist both all with earnestnesse and serious holinesse mixed with joy or if you please in imitation of the MAN in Love for as the Son of our Mother he is come down that we may kiss him with the kisses of our mouth in comforting the shepherds when cloathed with darknesse and it may be with sadnesse were comforted with joyfull tydings in suffering he endured the worst a stable a manger for all his innate worth and former glory he fretted not at 〈◊〉 he cryed it was for mans sorrow in doing he went about doing good and so let us compasâ— each other with Religious delight celebratâ—ing this feast very near as old as the Gospel not now only but alwayes with the Church â— Virgin yet the Lambs wife by Faith hope and Charity that they being found with us 〈◊〉 Ioseph Mary and the Bab were by the shepâ—herds may live as they soberly righteously and godlily which perfected we shal not be cast out of the heaven of the Church with Lucifer nor out of the paradise of powerâ—full ordinances with Adam but enter into the new Ierusalem which is above by vertue of this new thing created in Ierusalem beâ—neath THE method of obtaining which 〈◊〉 included in the marrow and significancy 〈◊〉 such names whose bearers were more peculiarly grandiz'd in the history of Incarnation Ioseph by interpretation is addition Mary bitternesse Zacharias minding the Lord Elizabeth peace of my God Gabriel strength or man of God and Iohn gracious now a good Name is in Herauldry accounted an accomplishment gentilizing the vertuous And we find in godly saints accrewment of honour to be attended with change of names for the case in hand let this days solemnity add one cubit to the stature of your knowledge touching the pravity and bitternesse of natural self by reflecting upon what the Lord hath now done for our indwelling with him becomeing men of God inspirited with peace when the Spirit shall write on the table of the heart Grace Grace teaching us all our life long to celebrat on Christmas that is Christs-feast in the old Saxon the holy Eve of that Eternal yule or Iubile in the holy Hebrew where old Emanuel now Iesus shal be worshipped with everlasting Jubilation FROM this MANS encompassing the Holy Ghost pleads for Israels returning and 〈◊〉 this back-sliding age would suffer a word of Exhortation I should motive for Modesty now Pharaoch's physicians wold sense a childs â—onfinement in the womb a womans nourishing of her fruit or how the Egyptian midwives would retail the particulars couched in the expression I presume not to know but there is a MAN and a WOMAN in the text and the copula joining them together is chast and comely there is mention made of the attire of an Harlot Prov. 7. and we read of the solicitations of a whore Gen. 39. but the knowledge of Christ ought to instill sobriety in all our converse Men Woman Women Men at meeting or a part contriving the contexture of their discourse the Methods of their thoughts the sentiments of their soul to be spirited with that vertue A Father observes that Ioseph gave no assistance to Mary she swadling she laying him in a manger he not dareing to touch so holy a Bab whom he Knew to be none oâ— his It 's also and there from incumbent 〈◊〉 the mystical beholding of our Lord to returâ— from our irreverent behaviour and give hiâ— his just devoir how unseemingly wil soâ—â— touch Christ in the Supper as if the 〈◊〉 were their own bread and wine when it
mad and Heliodorus thought a witch but he call'd my Charmes my Art my Craft is Christ and demanding respite for three days to advise what to do he repaired to the Idols Temple and in fervent prayer obtained from heaven the falling of them all like Dagon for which being set upon a fresh he made ample confession of the truth of Christ yea his tongue being cut he preached heaven-ward with his hand untill he was slâ—in rejoyceing in hopes to see God in his flesh desireing also to depart and to be with Christ. BY the Resurrection the Believer hath a privative and a possessive good the first containeth an abolishment of hell and death that they be not the portion of his cup Christs appearing to be the Son of God by it haveing brought life and immortality to light is the substance of the other 2 Tim. 1. opening the gates of Death a typ of the resuscitation of our mortal bodies having made out peace by defraying as a surity or cautioner what we were endebted to justice whereby we are accounted just and righteous before God his egressâ— from the prison of the grave testifying a discharge and maâ—s assâ—ilment whence still to our being condemâ—d there is oppos'd his rising for who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect it is Christ that dyed yea rather who is risen again and in this righteousnesse it is wherein S. Paul desire to be found makeing it his own by faith and rejoyceing in his own security thereby blessing God for that victory which in Chrâ—st he himself obtained the day book of his sins being crossed and the head of his advâ—rsary bruised by the substance of the Crosse in the power of the Resurrection which so far virtuats his life that as raised in Christ he accounts not himself any more in this world haveing his conversation in heaven not regarding the knowledge even of Christ after the flesh as did not a latter Saint who seeming to behold his Saviour in bodily shape visionally cryed out Lord keep that sight from me here but let me behold it in thy own Kingdom in the other world RISE therefore from your vain conversation from your graves of lust your reward is slighting Christ or selling Christ being no other then what the Patriarchs had when they sold Ioseph or what Iudas got when he betray'd Iesus viz. shame and fear which whoso would avoid must follow him who is the way to young beginners the truth to such as affirm and life to those that persevere the way to them that ask the truth to such is have found the life to those who passe the way to them who travel the truth to them who rest and the life the righteous do enjoy all procured by the death Christ underwent IT is said the lyons whelps lying as dead three days after birth are awakned by the roaring of the Syre certain it is that after three days this lyon of Iudahs trib was raised by God the Faâ—her for thogh his rising be attributed to the Spirit of holinesse Rom. 1. as also to himself having a power to take up as well as to lay down his life John 10. yet it is also expressed to originat from the Father for God said Peter raised up Iesus Acts 2. scattering the least mist could arise from doubts temptations or surmise improving faith against all stumbling blocks the holy Trinity joining in one for Christs manumission from the grave all being reconcil'd to man in his Saviours actings upon that particular the Lord God who had sentenc'd Adam raising the Son who was God and by the Spirit who with the Father and the Son is one all equally willing equally appearing for and equally approveing what by the determinat counsel of the Father was under agitation in that affair SHEWING withall that as Christs manhood was raised by God through the Spirit of holinesse so the quickning of man against the deadnesse of sin ignorance and unbelief is the sole work of Omnipotency which alone can remand back the Spirit of sanctified illumination men possessed in the loins of their Father Adam and adapt them by a receive the holy Ghost to walk as Sons of God not of men yet as nothing quickens except it dy so neither can the sinfulnesse of sin be taken away untill man know he is sold under it and by it betrayd as by a Iudas into the hands of the Devil who hath the power of death that is of execuâ—ing not sentenceing which conviction of heart only maketh man to dy with Christ and necessarily must preceed a rising with him TO some it is true Christ is not yet born such are the lofty Spirits the touring souls behaving themselves not as Children weaned from the mothers breast but as so many Gyants begotten of some Goliah and born of some radiant Amazon which conceit maketh them conceive themselves some great body and being contrary to our Lord who was born a Child that is for humility and meeknesse debonaire and affable towards all soar in their carriage and Pea-cock like moutting in the sun-shine of their own vain glorious imagination as if with the Pea-hen all must then be in love with their mistaken transcendency and couch to the shadow of their greatnesse whereas quite contrary self denyal religious pensivenesse for the losse we have had for the things we want a reversing of the Escutcheon of that excellency which fortune or parts have bestowed because ensigns of our mysery and badges of our poverty tokens of the infamy because sinfulnesse of our birth are still in those true Children moraly and in their own esteem little ones to whom belongs the Kingdome of heaven TO others he is not yet dead these are the carnal the fearful the sensual minds who desireing to live in the affluence of flâ—shly pleasures flye from the Crosse as a bugbear and sailing in the Pleasure-boat of a bare profession in the least cloud gets into the coast snugging under the wind of alluring comforts hat 's nothing more then to ride out a storm with the warelik builded and storm prepared for Christian knowing he cannot weather out the tempest and judgeing himself no further in safety then that the next step lands him on the shore of ease delight and ticklish pleasure where loving this present world he embraceth it with both arms saying to tribulation at a more convenient time I will hear thee again in this matter and so with Peter denying any soul saveing knowledge of Iesus chuseth the warmth which the fire of the Mammon of this present world doth affoord accounting beloved Paul mad for because of the Gospel enduring a storm or abideing a night and a day in the deep judging the cargo of a soul not to be valued at so high a rate that the losse of the vessel of the body which is but the hâ—ll of man should be suffered to endure such hardship for it's security TO others he is not risen these are the
day we may truly pronounce that the Godlesse are not this day raised the communication of those two who went to Emmaus discovers the truth of this who though sadned at their Masters Death yet were not Spiteful at the instruments thereof speaking how the chief Priests and the Rulers delivered him to be condemned without any other epithet expressing rancour there be who will have these Luke and Cleophas Luke is rising up and Cleophas hath glory in his name and surely the rising from darknesse and deadnesse with the desire of being glorious is to go to Emmaus which by interpretation is desire of counsel and how happy were it if this age would advise with and about it self touching the verity of Christ and Him risen together with the duties dâ—pending thereupon leaving Ierusalem and all its gâ—udinesse to walk those sixty furlongs Morally these two physically trod it is a number arising from multiplying of ten by six The Ten Commandments being appointed by IEHOVAH for the rule of our Actings and the renouncing this present World amending our Lives crucifying Self voyding Hypocrisie keeping of the Heart wâ—tching over the door of our Lips being the six paces to be observed in our going over the moral Law We cannot chuse but have Christ with us and our eyes to see Him with great â—oy where now because glorified He shal not only eat bread with us as in the History but shall sup with us and we with him as in the Revelation unto which a serious reflection and deep meditaâ—ion upon the Cross and sufferings of our LORD this passage examplifies to be a fertil-mean LAY your ear to the holy Communication these two had and it 's properly a devout imagination to conceit Luke speaking Brother Cleophas can you forget the clamour of the Priests against our Master when Pilat was determined to let Him go how they cryed away with Him crucifie Him not this Man but Barabbas yea a murtherer whereas our Master shed no mans bloud but went about doing good to every body and that in such a way by commanding praying advising that I should have sworn he had been the Son of God whereas now I conjecture his Faâ—her haâ— smitten them with blindnesse as he did he Sodomites with Hemroids as the Philistens with fire as did Elisha the Capâ—aiâ—s oâ— sâ—me other way had been found as by a vâ—ice from heaven for his sons delivery but to lay hold on that tattle of his appearance to the women is to be swallowed up of errour Luk 24.11 their brains their early rising their â—eaâ— hath certainly disturbed them and made them fancy they saw God knows what and as some think the bells Clâ—â—k Dear Brotheâ— might Clâ—ophas say I should almost be of yâ—ur mind but when I remember of Lazarus whom you mind me of for you know we heard a voice from Heaven I sâ—y when I think upon him How fresh how well-coloured he was raised by a Loud not Cheâ—ping voice with words we understood not dark Phrases as Conjurers and Charmers 〈◊〉 to do I must conclude him to bâ— the Son of God though I confesse I marvel he wrought no miracle to save himself from scâ—urging from dying and since he said he was King of the Iews he came not down from the Crosse that they might believe this I confesse sticks with me this I am sure of if he be alive this day he will be so to morrow and next day also and we shall see it and know it his goodnesse sweetnesse kindnesse and merciful disposition towards all in distresse but especialy to us makes me confident he will not concâ—al himself long but will come unto us and God who in the simplicity of our heart doth know we followed him not for any lucre we got by it shal setle us in the truth at last and reward us according to the integrity of our hearts therefore be not affraid at our return we shal know more and your bells clink may be retorted unto turned by a Crosse Proverb before the lame post make much of one there is few good a true axiome and holds here the women being of excellent endowments formeth hope of future comfort by a certainty of all things SVCH communication administrats such grace that it is no wonder if the fiery chariot of Religious gifts hasten to come down for conveying the heart aloft and the Spirit as at Pentecost to come with full information of all sâ—ving truths takeing the Scalls of doubtings from the eyes of the mind as Saul did from those of his body makeing it to be known for a truth that Christ is risen indeed and if he should seem as though he were to depart in the coldnesse of the heart to those conferences then be instant with thy Mane â—obiscum abide with us Luk. 24.29 the evening of thy dark and cold surmises clouds temptations and other perplexities being approaching and if serious he shal continue to the end and make appear that he is no stranger to thy affairs but well acquainted with whatso-ever hath shall or can befall thee comforting thy soul in all and all because of the Resurrection IT was a Iwell expression that fell from the mouth of the golden-mouth'd Father that at the Sun rising upon the day of the Resurrection it was defraying of just debt to begin teaching of brotherly kindness and charity applying the power of the Resurrection for cementing the hearts of men one towards another it appearing to unite God and Man yea gloriously procured it but how can these things be without a conformity to his death Not such as is fabled in the Legend of that Popish Saint Francis who is said to have the print of the nails and spear in his feet hands and side or such either as is recorded of the herb Granadille in America in which if we believe report the instruments of the Passion to the whip the piller and the thorns are visibly seen in the flour nor it may be with St. Paul to have the wales of the persecutors rod upon the flesh the gore blood lying and not cured in the blewness of the stripe upon the skin the Fellowship of his suffering even to his condemning by Pilat being to be answered by a severe sentenceing our selves singling out every sin and processing it before the barr of Conscience according to the judgement God makes thereof causing execution to follow with as much Zeal and as little delay as did the Jews after the Governours sentence of of which take one Coppy in record Take you Iesus of Nazareth a contemner of Cesar and one who calleth himself the Mesâ—iâ—h as hath been proved by the Testimony of his own Nation to the Common place of execution and in derision of his Kingly Majesty fasten him to the Cross but to evidence the uncertainty of this History â—ake it as another Coppy sayes it was I Pilat President of Ierusalem adjuageth thee Iesus of Nazareth for making thy self a King and for calling
a voiding so dreadfull an arrow as sentence to eternall flames or formidable mischief from so omnipotent â—n arm who can even cloathed in flesh make us feel the sting of his displeasure in first blowing and then kindling the very first streams of hell within us as he did in desparing Iudas and vagabonding Cain IT is true we pretend much to the Spirit and braves out reproof yea censure upon that score anticipating in conceit Heavens joy by the assurances we brag already to have possessed from especiall evidence above as if the mighty wind had already blown upon us whereas we are yet carnal and sold under sin having not that noted nimblenesse to perform all Religious exercise clearly observed to be in them who answer the Spirits call for though with the Publican we may come down from the tree of some conceited excellencies possibly our due and birth-right by washing the Saints feet visiting the sick feeding the hungry binding up the wounded yet really we sadly behold that through some opinion or nice punctilio we adjourn attendance upon God in expresse duty either altogether or approach with reluctancy untill with him in the Gospel We first bury our father Matth. 8.21 which equally with him maketh us unfit for the Kingdome of God for no sooner did the wind blow then the Apostles were inspired immediately not about the restoring of the Kingdome to Israel but of Israels enjoyment of the Kingome the promise vâ—z of Heaven not of the Earth being to them and to their children the Spirit hateing dull delay wherefore it was also a sudden sound from Heaven making them straight heavenly the sound being before the spirit for gathering in of their Spirits causing intense attendance upon that which was to be revealed the sound from Heaven making them heavenly minded the sound from Heaven coming suddenly confirmes the Doctrine of the spirits aversnesse from sloath the sound from Heaven that came suddenly was of a rushing mighty wind the wind rushing causing spirituall awe mighty to excit their depressed and it may be desponding souls and wind to purge their hearts from filth and blow away what in them was lurking to detard from that employment which by the Spirit they were intended for and for which like full vessels they were filled so as no earthly thing could enter there wanting room no temptation make them rail sound or roar as empty they being filled WHICH deliberatly consider'd deplorable inferences must be inferred touching the sad mistake of too â—oo many whose opinion only is the alone significant thing before others causing them to be accounted Saints or some conceit in themselves which groundâ— only to themselves the certainty of their future glory which errour shall be to it's possessors I might say Admirers what the voluptuous life of the Sophist Isaeus was to him which how delightful soever at first yet at last bâ—moned his being Tantaliz'd that is supposed to find good and rejoyced in its proximity yet still went without and was at last frustrate of all hopes thereby being but dreams and shadows for as all is not gold that gâ—â—sters so neither is every thing that ravishes by and by to be termed Divine Nor whaâ— affects yea comforts the heart to be presently surnamed types of Heaven yet where Dexterity Agility in the things of God are accompanied with Purity Peace Ioy and Heavenly mindednesse as in the Apostles here its a pâ—â—gnant proof of the in-being of the Spirit and coming down of the HOLY-GHOST whence comforts truly originat and flâ—w c. TWO thousand and odd years had mans Ambition exposed him to infamy Lewdnesse and Idolatry by Gods confounding languages at Babel stopping then from perfecting that joyntly intended Tower by dividing their speech which at this day again was transferred by plurality of tongues unto a blessing the Spirit diverssifying the Apostles tongues not to disturb the world bâ—t advance the Church in propagating Faith the readier that there needed no Interpreter every Preacher being furnished with the gift of every tongue to speak to the multitude of the devout that Iesus was the Christ Uniting them again to be of one mind and one accord for edifying themselves in love and one another in the holy Faith which is a strong Tower of defence as the Name of the LORD Prov. 18.10 and whose top indeed reacheth up to Heaven each Convert being as a stone to the building and united by the Cement of the Blood of the Eternall Covenant laid on by the hand of the Spirit who can as here turn ill to good by drawing good from it whether for mans profit or his Makers honour as Levi's curse in being scattered occasionally through grace made the Lord to be his portion and be sanctified for Priest unto the Tribes Numb 3.12 CONFOVNDING of Languages made the whole Earth to be peopled each company flocking planting building together according to that understanding they had of their neighbours speach which now brought great things to passe for the Almighties praise all Nations beholding these unletter'd men from Heaven in an instant promptly uttering the good things of Peace and Reconciliation with Him who first confounded them and of Reconciliation and Peace with all who were confounded with them all tongues expressing this one thing Love the Brethren 1 Pet 3.8 As Christ hath loved you and given himself for you THE tongue is a purifying mundifying member it can lick out viscuous matter can suck out putrid and infections corruption from the body as did that of the Lady Ellenor wife to that Prince of Chivalry Edward Prince afterward Edward the first of England her Lord being engâ—gâ—d and fortunate in the Holy war was almost assassiâ—nate by a Turk being wounded with a poysoned kniffe with which the Prince slew the Attemper but Physicians despairing of his own recovery the noble Lady her Lord sleeping is said to suck and draw the venome forth recovering her Husband she her self not being endangered thereby The tongue is a tasting member by iâ— we know the white of an egg to be unsavory it is a speaking member the Hierogliphick of a word among the Egyptians was a tongue and by it we blesse God at this day and alasse by it also we curse men setting it on fire as from hell to reform which and virtuate the doctrine of the Gospel for drawing forth of the Soul the deadly poyson of Atheism and Prophannesse by pravity and exemple thrust upon us and put in us by those watchful lusts and vigilant adversaries of our Lord and of our souls because we would regain that Ierusalem that Royal City of pure and Holy peace with God which hath been wrested out of our hands by Turk-like force Tyrrany and Cunning FOR draining us of such putrid filthiness and the whole world is the Spirit represented in that shape the first fruits whereof appeared in that first and Famous Sermon of S. Peter whose tongue had been but a few weeks before so glib for
yet with this excellent and comfortable difference that as Moses yeelds to Christ so must Sinai to Sion here was fire only their fire and smoak there was clouds darknesse and earth-quakes accompanâ—'d with fear and trembling Sinai it self quaking But in Sion only a sound as of a mighty wind to prepare the receivers and cloven tongues uniting Iew and Gentile the boundiary of the wilderness being pulled up and variety of tongues perswaded the scattered abroad that God had given the Kingdoms of this world to his dear Son that in a spirituall sence not Israel only but the Earth might become the Lords and the fullnesse thereof typified by that multitude gathered and converted by the heat fireynesse yet harmlesnesse of the Saints charity and ardor having received the remission of sin and that from heaven the self same day their Fathers received the law against which they had transgressed for both was at the time oâ— Pentecost as may be demonstrated in computing the time thus THE people came from Egypt on the 14 day of the month there therefore remained 16 dayes for travell the Hebrews always reckoning 30 dayes for a month the first day of the third month they came to Sinai 30 dayes of the second month being accounted there will with this be found 47 dayes then the Peoples encamping Moses goeing up to God his returning again to the people for clear calculation is called one day which is 48 in which going up again to the Mount he is ordered by God to order the peoples being ready against the third day which will make the 50. â—n which God appeared for reckoniâ—g from the peoples want of bread or fall of Mannah is uncertain and may be erronious this is more clear and evidenceth the Anology better betwixt that fire from God by the Ministry of Angels and writting his law on tables of stone and that by fire in the descending of the Spirit that came one the 50 day after the slaying of the Passover Christ Iesus writting his law upon the tables of the hearts of men in a fuller fairer larger and more clear Character typ or impression but note this reckoning is inclusive the other not THE Persians and some other nations adored the fire for a god because of its excessive power and force in resolving matters combustible how great so-ever into it's own substance and being and usually it 's accounted the most noble among elements being as the heavens among bodies the sun among planets yea it 's purgeing operation made it of old to be the heirogliphick of purity as if they had known the world it self was to be cleansed thereby but how hath the fire of the Spirit from Ierusalem enlarged it self making the frosted heart of the unbelieving world even to glow while it talks of the Cross from heaven which is one of the three things by wise men admired in the earth looking upon the Resurrection and Ascension far short in comparison of that conquest the Holy Ghost hath made of the Grandees of the Nations in their honourable receiving of that doctrine from the mouths of plain men so contrary to the hair of natural inclination and mark it where ever the Spirit cometh it comes ordinarly by the sound of the Gospel and by it's heat we are assured of his reception a heart touched a heart pricked is but a heart heated a heart open'd when a man crys what shall I do with Peters converts Acts 2.37 or take away the iniquity of thy Servant with David 2 Sam. 24.10 surtiship may be offered that the Spirit hatâ— spoken in a saveing way but if it be a complaint of the punishment with Cain or a remove the â—râ—gs with Pharaoh be not rash in Cautoâ—ry this being a Legal not a Gospel expression far from that request of creating a clean heart which the Iews compareth to the Holy of Holies to Solomonâ— throne to Mosesâ—ables â—ables and truly displays that the wickednesse is done away by the Spiriâ—s inhabiting his resting therein and writting thereupon the doctrine of pardon and remission provyding the man seperate himself from an untoward generation Acts 2.40 IT 'S said the Spirit sat upon each of them in which it differs from that unclean Spirit that goeth about compassing the earth to and fro seeking rest but findeth none whereas holinesse is pacifique serene tranquilling consolidating the heart in which he dwels makeing it calm in it self and causing quietnesse towards all others condemning Ambition Covetousnesse Hatred Envy Vanity and what ever els tends to the Churches disturbance in which the Spirit rests sitting in it as upon a Throne purposing to reign as on a Tribunal resolving to judge as on a Chair purposing to instruct for all which in all ages to come he represented his undertakeing on this day establishing himself upon the Apostles heads as by fire clearing them from the rust of Errour the filth of Corruption that as Patterns as well as Preachers they might be exâ—mples of Sanctity to their own generation and give infallible rules for obtaining happinesse unto all posterity for ever COMPVNCTION of heart and remission of sin are both from the Spirit of God and is that new wine which shall only be put in the new bottles of a regenerated soul whereby they shal do and speak as the Spirit shall prompt them I had almost said as the Spirit give them utterance as here the Apostles for we find the whole house was filled with the rushing wind the Majesty of the Holy Ghost excluding all in-maets and though each Apostle had the sanctifyed operation of the Spirit filling every angle and corner of the soul as the understanding with Faith the will with Love and that sin or Devil might be exiled the hands with Promptitude the feet with Solicitude the eyes with Modesty the tongue with Eloquence the whole man with Prudence the Faculty Concupiscible being filled with good the Irascible with courage the Rational with verity though they had all gifts and were all filled yet they spake as the spirit gave them utterance some had five others had two talents and S. Paul abounded and spake with tongues more then they all whereby he who expects the gifts bestowed unto all ought not to caresse himself or hug and embrace himself in the deceiving hopes of a rich ample and perfect possession of the Spirit here but rest satisfied with his gift and with being one of the eleven not envying Peters singularity for he is particularly spoken of and eminency since a pinnace a small yaught shall land as wel as a great ship with full sail under the conduct and flag of the Admiral VPON the coast of the Whit-sea there is a cap called Pentecost and somewhat east of that there is another called Bonae Fortunae q d. good-luck let this day be any mans Pentecost a time of gathering in that is of heeding the law offering the first fruits of strength unto the Lord as the Jews did this day of their
corn it shall as Godlinesse hath the promise enrich both for heaven and earth doing good to him and not evill all the days of his life by pardon the alteration of the coast and similitude giving him a trade wind for the port of his desired rest IN this last age we are not to look for miracles by a sensible feeling of the rite or significant ceremony here used yet still Christ breaths on the Elect enlargeing to that degree their bowels of Love that they â—hew him always their faces being averse neither to his Doctrine nor to his Crosse yet forget not that he ascended before the mighty strong wind blew in upon them and that there may be no mistake there are some â—pon whom the Spirit comes never being â—eft in the ignorance of nature coldnesse of the Earth rawnesse of the flesh there are oâ—hers upon whom he comes but abides not â—lowing only upon them and no more heats â—hem indeed but as warm water they are â—older soon after he washeth them yet afterward they go to the puddle and are offensive â—s before to others he cometh and abideth â—itteth upon them liveth in them fills them outwardly with heavenly ardor celestial â—eat and by fire from above causes them seem â—peaking Seraphims and inwardly with wisâ—ome understanding knowledge in the â—eepnesse whereof they may be stiled Cheâ—ubims yea gods in the liknesse of men and â—hose fiery ones too this was for the Apostles BVT alas we see not those signs to passe â—he fiery tongues of too many in this age atâ—nded with smoak and brimstone the known fewel of Hel flames it is but one of a Citty and two of a Trib in whom we see the love of God an evidence of the Spirit which is known chiefly by the loveing of man who being ready for good works to both and patient in suffering and enduring evill from both and makeing progresse from one degree of vertue to another not falling back into perdition in the sight of either this is for us unto whom the Disciples are as lights after they received the promise of the Father as a gift from Iesus in his triumphant chariot the right hand of the Father the Captain of our Salvation haveing led Captivity captive giveing gifts to men to those then to us now more dureable treasures then those offered by the Roman conquerors of old as Sanctity in fire Purity in wind Eloqution in tongues that a Hebrew man might in Roman Oratory and with Attick Eloquence publish Salvation to the respective people and even perswade and reason them by the Spirit into everlasting blesse I say by the Spirit for unlesse he signifie unto the heart the preaching in the Air wil little avail neither shal ever he be Oraly instructed for laying aside the weight that so easely besets whose mind by the Spirit is not perfectly anointed for discovering the reward designed for observers of the Law he being the principale Master Clearing the memory Refining the Reason Inclining the will by the first alwayes minding us of God by the second directing how to apply him for our good because to him that knoweth his Masters will and doth it not there are appointed double strips by the third he sweetly willingly and powerfully draws us to the practise of the good we know for our souls sake and by the mercy of Iesus and by the fellowship of the Spirit and this alwayes for tongues being the organ of expressing words manifests the perpetuity of the things heard which as by fire are to be engraven and melted into their head and heart for their subsistance in them who are sanctified as is published in the Multitude of converts their joy their union their increase though under persecution AFTER the Disciples return from Olivet we find them enter into an upper roome continuing in prayer by some learned thought to be the place where our Saviour instituted the blessed Sacrament of his body confirmed Thomas in the faith of the Resurrection and where the HOLY GHOST came down in fire upon this day And was as antiquity records the Church and Synod-house of the Apostles in Ierusalem called Coenaculum Sion being first hallowed by our Lords supper and consecrate by other appearances for holy use and service a Church being builded thereupon called the Church of Sion on the top of the mount whereof there yet remaineth some reliques confirming the History and Tradition In this place the multitude of believers about an hundreth and twentie some of them possibly of our Saviours own kinred converts and acquaintance in Jerusalem mett prayed for the Election of Mathias at which time surely God loved the gates of Sion more then all the dwellings in Ierusalem his foundation being in this Holy mount 87. Psal. 1.2 Here was Mary the Mother of Jesus it may be Martha Mary Lazarus who ever they were they continued in one accord in prayer Acts 1.14 for if men give bread when their Children importunatly ask from them and afectionatly being at peace among themselves How much more shall our heavenly Father give the Spirit to such who call for him especially if in sound faith upright heart chast bosoms holy groanings innocent thinkings with unwearied solicitings Which unweariedness is intimated in the words they continued the fire of the Spirit burning up the stinging wither'd Nettles of contention the Thorns of worldly cares the Heath or Heather of â—â—ars and dejectments opening the ground of soul and Spirit for the seed of the good husband man that they might be inriched with â—nd bring forth fruit meet for repentance and â—mendment of life blowing away as with wind the sandy vanâ—ty of self-conceit and opinion hindring growth in grace and knowledge and all triviall trash sordidness being either burned or scattered while the world is Sataniz'd by lust continuing in Gluttony Drunkenness Excess Wantoness and Pride these continue in prayer peace and expecting the promise in high and â—ervent love for the Spirit came down and filled the house where they were sitting that is in quietness together iniquity passionatness talkativenesse itch of disputing about words which gender strif contention and debate the HOLY GHOST purposeng eternaly to be estranged from THAT being known to them and of us to be heeded the Spirit expresseth more then once after the Ascension that the multitude met together in one accord sueing for the acomplishment of the promise which in few dayes that is ten they received haveing asked with the mouth for they prayed with the heart for being heavenly endowed they wenâ— no more a fishing but about the fullfilling of the Scripture Judas being gone to his own place THEY were in Ierusalem likewise which is by interpretation a City of Peace being commanded not to depart thence untill they received the promise of the Father Acts 1.4 Christ purposing to glorifie his Ascension yea all his actings with the greater splendour for there was his greatest humiliation the greatest powring forth of his
blood the lowest bowing down of his Head there at the Pasover in sight of the Nations did his Soul fly upward into Paradise leaving a naked body in the hands of the Souldiers and there again was his greatest exaltation pouring forth his Spirit at the Feast of Pentecost upon his despised Associats the firstlings of whose conversion by his power whom the Rulers had slain but fifty days before in that same City not only reviveing his memory proveing his innocency but convincing their Auditors the inhabitants of bloodinesse and sinfulnesse they thereby becomming adorers of the Cross manageing the vertue and merits thereof in gratifying the Father that is glorifying and pleasing God by rejoycing because of and in the same and of its extension unto all the world the Iew rejoycing in his own pardon for crucifying the Lord of glory the Gentile being glad in partaking of that Salvation which was from the Iews Ioh. 4.22 both now understanding the Prophet in his Out of Zion shall go forth the Law Isa. 2.3 and whence can it come fitter since it s a Law making peace then from Ierusalem a vision of peace where Christ the Prince of peace said once peace be unto you and again peace be unto you Joh. 20.21 that is as I have found you in peace I leave you in peace and abiding in peace the spirit of peace shall abide with you for which receive ye the HOLY GHOST THE Trumpets of the Temple sounded every morning at the opening of the Gates for assembling the devout unto Divine service the Spirit being breathed upon the Apostles here keep'd them together untill the sound of a mighty winde alarâ—m'd them and prepared them for more ample manifestation of his appearance And surely what the Trumpet did our Bells doth now each ting and toll saying Gather your selves together Joel 2.2 and though gathering by many be not regarded and by severall reasoned and printed against yet our falling from the shadow of Religious deportment in shutting our ears against such solemne invitations to our Churches hath not had among us such alluring mercies such beamings of heavens acceptance such self-denying and sin-subduing characters such warme breathings of Ghostly consolations nor such examples impulses to purity and good works but that yet we should go up to the house of the Lord and call upon his Name with the remnant that are left OVR Fiery tongues against Assemblies and the Masters thereof being indeed such that is fiery rather then like as fire God by them being dishonoured and the multitude of the Nations enforced to conclude there from that mystically we be drunk with the wine of astonishment and spirit of giddinesse having a knack of cursing what ever we see contrary to our intentions though urgently sought by us or wishedly endeavoured for what ever Providence doth with us though it may be in the main conform to our prayers and fasts yet in the end we pray and fast yea curse and ly against it since it is so well known the Gall which now imbitters our lives even to separation is no other then that same Gall that hath disrelished our former enjoyments Our disquiet proceeding not so much from this or that object as from our heeding the devil who is come down yea invited down amongst us having great wrath so that in some meetings there is it may be a mighty rushing wind and the sound of that throughout the land but our sitting that is our abideing in that harmonious concord peace and love attested as a badge of the Spirits future coming not being seen its fallacious to inferre the possession of Holinesse though they should speak with Tongues and prophesie OFT did the HOLY GHOST appear but never in the shape of a ravening beast or bird of prey Oyle is soft a Dove is not invective and the fire that came down at Pentecost was without smoak for that hurts the eyes and likewise without natural heat for it sindged not a hair of the head neither did the smell of fire passe on the Apostles it being but like fire an Element in which God had oft appeared as to Moses to Elias the nature of it being adapt to signifie the operation of the Spirit within these men for their own good and benefiteing of others which ardently they pursued prudently instructing and by Grace infusing in others their own acquiâ—'d and infused perfections as by fire melting the hard heart inlightning the ignorant cleansing as from rust the idle and sluggish Soul heating all through the love of ascending towards Heaven which love as oyle keepeth always aloft and without mixing it self with the affecting of things here below they being cast out as by a sink and not to be heeded that is beloved for nauseating the Soul which by the pledge or troth here received as by a Ring hath betrothed it self purely unto God HENCE we may pronounce their piety but formality and shall be more confounding then flat Atheisme who obtruds upon the world their rough hands enflamed cheeks tearing nailes their pilfring humour their slandering tongue to be constituent parts of those multiplicated gifts effused and shed abroad upon their heart by that Spirit which descended in these dayes the pernicity whereof to discover would long detain us from our Port but that of our Saviour detects the insolence by their fruits ye shall know them Matth. â— 16 Rapaciousness and blood-thirstinesse being equally remote from the soul of Him in whom the HOLY GHOST dwells as are the contentions and blasphemies of Hell and the joyes concord and peace in the highest Heavens SVCH who expect visits from great men fits their houses for reception possibly by perfuming pots the Disciples prepared for the Spirit by Vnion Prayer and Love embrace the Pattern imitate the Coppy with repeated acts of incense-like mortification of lust prejudice animositie or whatsoever savours of such nastinesse Using in opposition to these the strowings with the sweet herbs of Brotherly kindnesse meeknesse patience charity and love to God the house I should say the Soul thus scented is disposed for his admission he loving purity and religious cleanlinesse being the only delectable property he pursueth and expecteth THE Church is said to have Doves eyes Cant. 4.1 and the Dove is both a sociable and harmlesse creature refusing to nest in that cote where rottennesse or stench breeds annoyance being delighted with that house most which is furnished with glasses the bird delighting in her own shadow and rejoycing to behold it even in water The Doves eyes indeed properly unsolds the chastity of the Church looking only upon her beloved as a true Turtle and her not following strange lovers but the other known properties of that fowle countercharms the witchcraft-like enchantments that are in this age men caressing that is hugging themselves in a whimsical solitude not desiring to have a discovery of themselves unto themselves least they should relinquish their imbib'd opinions falsely called a principle and say O! who