THE OYLE OF GLADNESSE OR Musicke at the House of Mourning DELIVERED In III. severall Sermons by ROB ALLVVYN Master of Artes and Rector of Stedham cum Heyshot in the County of Sussex 1631. And now vpon Intreaty published O tast and see how gracious the Lord is LONDON Printed by B A. and T. F. for NATH BVTTER dwelling at St. Anstones Gate 1631. TO THE RIGHT WOR pfull RICHARD LEVVKEN OR Esq one of his Majesties Iustices of the Peace and Quorum and Deputy Lieutenant in the County of SVSSEX Robert Allwyn wisheth the continuance and increase of all Spirituall graces heere and the Eternall weight of glory hereafter WORTHY SIR THere are two sorts of Men that are reputed happie to whom it is given Plin. Epist Lib. 6. Epist 16. Aut Scribenda facere aut Legenda scribere Eyther to doe thinges worthy to bee written or to write what is worth the reading Were I as succesfull in the one as you in the other I might presume of a faire approbation and friendly entertainement of these few notes which I conceive fit for the presse for no other cause but that they haue already appeared in the Pulpit whence they were receiued with zealous silence deepe attention and fullnesse of affection such as I may not hope for or expect abroad For readers are not for the most part so beneuolous as hearers and I haue obserued of the eye it is farre more censorious than that sanctified sense of salvation There are many thinges that in Elocution Ambr lib 6. Epist 40. Aurem praetereunt as St Amb ose speaketh That doe passe and escape the Eare which when they come vnto publicke view are more neerely noted and more stricktly obserued not a sentence not a word but it is weighed somtimes with the false weights of misprision sinister construction and Envie weighed in the ballance and therefore it is good counsell of that Reuerend father that before wee deale out our poore endeauours wee should doe the same Trutinare discutere omnes scrupulos maleuolentiae ponderatè discussè Idem ibid. Try and proue every graine as it were and scruple against which the enuious man may except But for my selfe I acknowledge I haue beene delinquent herein this labor I leaue vnto those that haue leisure to bee curious Thus much the paines that I haue taken doe assure mee that I haue not done the worke of God negligently and yet I confesse not exactly according to the itching eares and eyes of this age It shall suffice that I haue followed the example of a more Elder and Auncient of the Primitiue fathers Qui non secundum artem scripserunt sed secundum gratiam Ambr. lib. 8. Epist 63. They deliuered what they receiued not in the intising words of mans wisdome Gal. 1.10 1 Cor. 2.4 whom if wee should seeke to please wee were not the Servants of Christ not in the intising wordes of mans wisdome but in the demonstration of the spirit In whose language I had rather speake fiue wordes and these I speake are his than ten thousand wordes in the tongue of men and Angells 1 Cor. 14.9 And truly this is my confidence that of those that are Religious and by consequence iudicious these my meditations will bee approued in that they speake in the Dialect and phrase so familiar vnto them As for the matter and subiect it is such as I suppose will afford acceptance also it is the desire of our Soule it is the ayme of our hearts Ioy. Next that which may adde audacitie and boldnesse to the Booke and life vnto the Authour it wil be your courteous Censure or of which you see I haue presumed your benigne Patronage and fauorable Tuition of it As for applause it is a thing I neither affect nor expect Pardon is fayre yet approbation better and this the summe of my desires Cyprian ad D. CorneliuÌ„ Papam de Cardinalibus virtutibus vsque ad eius ascensuÌ„ Non gloriaÌ„ mendico sed gratiam as that blessed Martyr speaketh I seeke not for fame but fauour If you may approue if not excuse mee to your selfe and others aboue others by how much your iudgement is more solid than theirs To your selfe and you honour my labours more than enough I know in respect of my immature yeres these preproperous Meditations will be reputed as the hastie fruits before the Summer Vnto this you are prompted of the Prophet how to reply Esay 65.8 Thus saith the Lord As new wine is found in the cluster and one sayth destroy it not for there is a blessing in it These Sermons though not the first of my labours are something forward I confesse yet I dare say there is blood in these grapes there is wine in the cluster Esa 63.3 and what will I but that it make glad the heart of man God grant that there may bee a blessing in it that it may cause him that is ready to perish to forget his sorow that it may comfort all that mourne in Syon that it may giue beauty for ashes and the garment of gladnesse for the Spirit of heauinesse These things haue I written to none other end but this may I bee so bold to borrow the wordes of the Apostle that their 1 Ioh. 1.4 that your Ioy might bee full As there is diffusion in the affection So with the dilatation of mine heart I wish you all the Contents of this Booke And if it may be more a stedfast continuance in the feare of the Lord which is honour and glory and gladnesse Ecclus 1.11 12. and a Crowne of Reioycing the feare of the Lord which giueth ioy and gladnesse and a long life I conclude in the benediction of St. PAVL Now the God of hope fill you with all Ioy Rom. 15.13 and peace in beleeuing that you may abound in hope through the power of the holy-Ghost vnto whom in my prayers that proceed from him I commend both you and youâ—â—â—â—â—est Your Worships observant and respective Friend Robert Allwyn THE OYLE OF GLADNES OR Musicke at the House of Mourning PHIL. 4.4 Reioyce in the Lord Alway And againe I say Reioyce AFter the shutting of the Booke the first place that my Text lights on is that of Ezechiel in the 34. Chapter Ezech. 34.4 The Diseased have yee not strengthened neither have yee healed that which is Sicke neither have yee bound vp that which is broken neither have yee brought againe that which was driven away neither have yee sought out that which was lost but with force and cruelty have yee ruled them Some such Shepheards or indeed Cyprian Non Pastores sed Lanij in the words of St. CYPRIAN they came for to kill and to steale Pseudo-Apostles and false-teachers Zanch. in locum As ZANCHY and others conceive even at the Plantation of the Gospell were crept into the Church so farre from healing the breach of the spirit from administring
with sighes that cannot be uttered as the Apostle speaketh Rom. 8.26 The halfe of the objection is not yet at an end Psal 22.14 Within you shall have an heart in the middest of his body like melting waxe Prov 18.14 His spirit is wounded and a wounded spirit who can beare Psal 51.8 Psal 141.8 Psal 38 3. For his bones they are broken and from the Crowne of the head unto the sole of the foot there is no health in his flesh by reason of his sinne In a word hee is like unto the Roll of Ezechiel Ezech. 2.10 in the which there was written within and without Lamentation weeping and mourning So that the words of St. Paul Ruth 1.20 the voyce of joy unto him call me not Naomi but call me Marah it is as laughter at the Grave it is as Musicke at the house of Mourning Vnto this we reply that the heart of a penitent knowes his owne bitternesse Prov. 14 10 and a stranger may not intermeddle with his joy The one it is as occult as invisible as the other Howbeit where sinne aboundeth there Grace aboundeth much more Rom. 5.20 So in the repentance not to be repented of our consolations are more than correspondent to our sorrowes Prov. 20.30 The blewnesse of a wound it cleanseth away evill so Repentance sin whose cuts are as it were of a two edged Sword Besides the effect the cause it is a comforter the holy Ghost that is spread abroad in our heart by whose society our penitency is made pleasant Et ut ita dicam amaritudo nostra dulcissima saith Saint Bernard Bernard Our bitternesse it is sweet not onely to the Angels that rejoyce at the conversion of a sinner but so to our owne soules Our very sighes and groanes they are like Pillars of smoake Cant. 3.6 perfumed with Mirrhe and Frankincense in the phrase of the Spirit and with all the powders of the Merchant Our teares besides their operation which is to make our sinnes melt away as the yee in the faire warme weather even in the instant that they run downe the cheekes they are as strong drinke unto him that is readie to perish they rejoyce they make glad the heart of man Fit plerumque ut in ipsis pijs fletibus illa interim gaudij claritas crumpat saith Saint Gregorie Greg. Mor. In or indeed out of the middest of our teares there ariseth light as it were out of darknesse serenitie of the Soule and brightnesse of Spirit In profuso gaudio Lachrimae erumpunt Tertullian sayth Tertullian and our observation the same there are often teares in our joy and so not seldome if spirituall there is joy in our teares Lact. de ira Dei pag. 483 Orbem vitreum plenum aquâ si tenueris in Sole de lumine quod ab aquâ refulget ignis accenditur etiam in durissimo frigore saith Lactantius If you hold an hollow round glasse in the Sunne from the light that it casts an heape of coales is kindled it yeeldeth an heate that will make a fire even in the middest of Winter How true this is in Nature I know not sure I am in Grace it is so Our teares they are put into a bottle Psal 56.8 they are the lustre of Grace The Sunne of Righteousnesse shines upon them and from the heate there is derived another an influence as it were an effect of him that Baptizes with the Spirit and with fire It is a vehement desire and zeale too of those things that proceed from that godly sorrow 2. Cor. 7.12 In the second to the Corinthians it is a passion composed of griefe or at least some thing like it griefe and gladdesse of heart Poenitens de peccatis dolore gaudet He that sorroweth for his sinnes he rejoyceth for his sorrow Now for Temptation 3. Temptation it is the King of terrours it is the Artillary of Hell it is the strong mans battell Axe and his weapons of Warre and yet behold from hence there ariseth joy to the Righteous even in the extremity even in the heate and violence thereof The Angels themselves nay hee whose strength is scene in infirmities hee that lifteth up those that are cast downe hee administers Might Alacrity and consolation unto us So that our temptation it is as the Whirlewind in the first of Ezechiel Ezech. 1.4 that came out of the North a great Cloud and a fire unfolding it selfe but withall a brightnesse was about it and out of the middest thereof as it were the colour of Amber It is so with that which strikes terrour into us the temptation of Sathan there is often serenity joy and brightnesse of spirit even in the middest thereof Cogitur nos adversarius ad sua damna tentare saith St. Ambrose Ambrose The Serpent is wounded with his owne sting his temptations they are against himselfe and for the honour of Israel Luk. 10.19 for by this meanes hee and his the Divels themselves are subject unto us by this meanes we overcome the evill we tread upon Serpents and Scorpions and over all the power of the enemy Wherefore my Brethren count it all joy Iam 1.2 when yee fall into divers temptations You see now how every way you may fulfill and answer the exhortation of the Apostle There is joy in the light and joy when grosse darkenesse covers the Earth Ioy in our beds and joy in the morning in the Feild in all that wee set our hand unto There is joy in that which is our portion under the Sun the good things that God hath given us and though they be slight momentany though they be taken away joy in him that is more than they all It was the opiniō of Plato Plato that the Celestiall Orbs with their concourse and meeting they hit our harmony and make Musick not unworthy of Heaven It is assuredly so with the precious stones of Syon even here upon Earth all that wheeleth about them or indeed is as wisely ordered as sweetly disposed by that supreame Providence as the things that are above It worketh jubilation and joy the voyce of melody and gladnesse of heart Wisd 19.18 So that as in Psaltery notes change the Tunes and yet are they alwayes sounds so is it heere though our Estate doe alter though we continue at a stay though sometimes we abound and sometimes are abased though one while in affluence and health another in sicknesse and distresse all these things they are but as so many severall tunes to the Righteous there is the voyce of joy and gladnesse in them all Ioy in affliction and the Lesson of Lachrymae it is delightsome Our Harpe our Lute it is in the right tune it makes most melodious musicke heavenly harmony when it is mournfull most There is joy in Repentance and in Temptation Ioy When thou passest through the Rivers I will be with thee
value sayth that upright and Iust man Iob. 16.2 Miserable comforters are they all I looked on my right hand sayth the Prophet DAVID and there was no man that would know mee Psa 142.4 5 I had no place for to flye vnto no man cared for my Soule So in the 69. Psalme 21. verse I looked for some to have pitie vpon mee but there was no man neither found I any to comfort mee Now for our selves though wee are all right deare in our owne eyes though benevolous and well affected to felicity and joy Yet there is no man that quickeneth his owne soule all consolation it is from without If I said I will forget my complaint sayth IOB Iob 9.27 28. I will leaue off my heavinesse and comfort my selfe I am afraid of all my sorowes So the Prophet IEREMY When I would comfort my selfe against sorrow my heart is faint within me Ierem. 8.18 Ier. 8 18. The true nature of griefe it is so with all those that are in anguish of spirit as they that are fallen they need another mans hand for to lift them up O how happie then are wee that are raised from the gates of death that are comforted on euery side not of others not of our selves but by the God of all consolation and peace I say there is power and spirit there is authority there is life and emphasis in the word and hee that speakes it with a double expression will haue it deepely to be observed of vs. I even I am hee that comforteth thee who art thou that thou shouldest bee afraid Esay 51.12 Esa 51.12 Afraid of man sayth the Prophet I may adde principalities and powers such as neyther slumber nor sleepe The girdle of their loynes is not loosed nor the latchet of their shooes broken Their wheeles are like a whirlewinde and their charriots as swift as the winges of an Eagle Who art thou that thou shouldst bee afrayd of all the armies of hell Are the consolations of God small with thee said Eliphaz vnto Iob. Chap. 15. v. 11. Iob 15.11 Were our estate as his were our griefe throughly weighed and layd in the ballances together yet behold a farre more excellent a farre more immense and ponderous weight of Ioy. Hee that comforteth those that are cast downe hee thinkes towards vs thoughts of peace and with all earnestnesse he expresseth the same Heare the word of the Lord yee that tremble at his word Feare thou not for I am with thee bee not dismaid for I am thy God I will strengthen I will helpe thee yea I will vphold thee with the right hand of my righteousnesse Esay 41.10 Esa 41.10 See how full how copious is the consolation of the Lord But not a world of wordes not the tongue of men and Angels can expresse it so much as the person as this one thing that t is his Prov. 27.9 Oyntment and perfume they reioyce the heart sayth Salomon so doth the sweetnesse of a mans friend how much more the consolation of Heaven The sweetnesse of the Lord himselfe Anima lique sacta est Cant. 5.6 My soule melted when my beloued spake Cant. 2.14 His voyce it is sweet and his countenance lovely The friend of the Bridegroome which standeth and heareth him reioyceth greatly because of the bridegroomes voyce Ioh. 3.29 So at all times but especially when his voyce of joy Psal 137.4 which with us upon earth is as a Song of Syon in a strange Land in the world you shall have affliction while by the waters of Babylon untill the Lord turne againe the captivity of his people It is the Antheme of the Enemy for the most part wee heare of nothing but trouble and distresse But bee it as the Sonne of Syrach speaketh Ecclus 40.20 that Wine and musicke reioyce the heart Esa 9.3 or as the Prophet Esay That there bee a Ioy in harvest or of those that divide the spoile All these if the comforter that should relieve our Soule bee farre from us all these they are nothing at all Domino privante suo gaudio Cyril Alexandrinus quodnam potest esse gaudium saith St. Cyril If the Lord deprive us of the joy that is his alas what is our joy What but sorow But anguish and bitternesse of spirit And on the other side If hee that comforteth the wast places of Hierusalem If hee that satiates the weary Soule make vs for to heare of Ioy and gladnesse when hee giveth quietnesse who then can make trouble Iob 34.29 Iob. 34.29 Though the earth bee moved and though the hilles be carried into the middest of the Sea Psal 46.2 3 4. though the waters thereof rage and swell though the mountains shake at the tempest of the same The riuers of the floud the consolations of heauen shall make glad the cittie of God I am hee that comforteth thee who art thou that thou shouldst be afraid I say Reioyce So somtimes within by the same spirit that maketh intercession for vs with sighs that cannot be uttered he comforteth us in all our griefes hee makes us glad with the joy of his countenāce he prophesieth good things and speaketh peace to our Soules So that wee may not say now as the Children of Israell unto MOSES Speake thou with vs and wee will heare but let not the Lord speake vnto vs Exod. 20.19 least wee dye Nay rather let the Lord his voyce it is not of Law but of Gospell it is of Ioy not of feare Let the Lord as a man with his friend speake vnto vs face to face Or which is the same let his spirit talke and communicate with our spirit that our joy might be full Behold hee doth this and more also he speakes not only within but his voyce it soundeth in our eares from without from his word from the ministers of the manifold graces of God from the disposers of the unsearchable riches of the Gospell First for his Word It is almost as his voyce As in the vision of ELIAH 1. King 19.12 There was a soft and still voyce and the Lord as the Text doth imply was in it So in the word of God especially of Peace GOD in effect is that Word and therefore it speaketh with Spirit and power it is mighty and lively in operation it puts more gladnesse into our hearts than their wine and oyle than all that the Earth can yeeld Thy wordes were found and I did eate them And thy word was vnto mee the Ioy and reioycing of mine heart Ierem. 15.16 Ier. 15 16. You have seene how in the water face answeres face so doth the effect resemble the word of the Lord. Double the Exhortation of Ioy and so the Eccho vnto it double In Gods word Psal 56.10 will I reioyce In the Lords word will I comfort me saith the sweet Singer of Israel Who for all his Instruments of musicke had not his
delight had not his joy beene in the Law of the Lord had not his Statutes beene his Songs in the house of his pilgrimage he had utterly fainted in his owne phrase hee had perished in his trouble Heavinesse in the heart of man maketh it stoope Prov. 12.25 but a good word maketh it glad sayth that wise King So that from the lips of a friend so and much more if from the father of raine if from him that hath begotten the drops of dew Iob 38.24 and therefore in the multitude of the sorrowes that he had in his heart in his anxiety and distresse hee flies not to his Lute and Harpe the Pipe and the Psaltery make sweet musicke Eccles 40.21 but a pleasant tongue is beyond them both he flyes not I say vnto these but vnto that which is beyond the choyce in the booke of the Preacher of men-singers and women-singers beyond musicall Instruments and that of all sorts the word of the Lord. Psal 119. part 4. v. 4. My soule melteth away for very heavinesse O comfort thou mee according to thy word And againe in a branch of the same Psalme O thinke vpon thy seruant as concerning thy word Par. 7.1 2. v where in thou hast caused mee to put my trust The same is my comfort in my trouble for thy word hath quickeneed mee So there is a vivification there is a resurrection there is as it were a raysing from the dead in the faith of the truth in the affiance of all those promises that are Yea and Amen The words that hee spake they were spirit and life And therefore as Peter sayd sometimes Whither or to whom shall wee goe Ioh. 6.68 thou hast the wordes of Eternall life In the day of distresse in the evill houre when wee are destitute afflicted and tormented where should wee solace our selues where may wee finde any ease but in the word of mercy and truth but in the word of the Lord Sen. Epist 99 172 Infantium fletum infuso lacte compescimus sayth Seneca And our obseruation the same wee still the cry we take away the teares of our little ones with the bosome with the brest of the Mother So grace in this it imitates Nature in the anguish of the Soule in the bitternesse of Spirit to silence our sorrowes to quiet discontent wee have no other meanes but the sincere milke of the Word Mater Ecclesia Aug. Tract 3 in Epist Iohannis Sub Initio vbera eius duo testamenta divinarum Scripturarum sayth St. Augustine The Church is our Mother her breasts are the two Testaments of the Scriptures whence shee giveth her children sucke In effect wee have the same similitude in the Prophet Esay Esa 66.13 As one whom his Mother comforteth so will I comfort you Heare this yee that mourne in Syon Come hither all yee that are weary and heavie laden In the evill day in the heat of affliction in what estate soever you are Loe a hiding place from the winde Esay 32.2 a covert from a tempest a shadow of a rocke in a weary Land Wee haue Moses and the Prophets more wee haue Evangelists and the Apostles we haue a Mother that we may sucke and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolation Esay 66.11 as the Prophet speaketh Now for the nursing Fathers they are the Pastors of the Church they are the Embassadors of heauen they are the Preachers of the Gospell by whom the God of all consolation administers comfort and speakes peace vnto the wounded in spirit Zach. 4.12 They are as the olive branches in the Prophet Zacharie which our of the golden pipes empty the golden oyle out of themselues They are as the Clouds Eccles 11.3 Ecclesiastes 11. full of raine that water the earth They are as the Mountaines in Ioel that drop new wine Ioel 3.18 and as the hilles that flow with milke In a word Esa 61.1 the Comforter him selfe the Spirit of the Lord is upon them Esa 50.4 hee hath anoynted them that may know how to speake a word in his season vnto him that is weary Esay 61.2 to preach good tydings to the meeke Eccl. 17.24 to comfort those that faile in patience to repayre the breach to strengthen with the mouth and as that vpright just man speaketh Iob 16.5 with the moving of the lips to asswage greife To cause the widowes heart or that which is far more afflicted Iob 29 13. to cause the contrite and broken to sing to raise vp the soule to giue life Eccles 34.17 health and blessing All these thinges worketh one and the selfe same spirit by that which hee hath shed forth among us by the words that hee hath put into the mouth of his Sonnes of consolation of the helpers of your joy so are they stiled by Saint Paul 2. Cor. 1.24 although in your opinion not so but supercilious and austere the very death of your feasts and the interrupters of your mirth For this cause as if they were made to reprove your thoughts Wisd 2.14 15. as if they were grievous unto you to behold as if their lives were of another fashion when you would forget your sorrowes when you would bee excused of the upbraidings of your Conscience when you would shake off the terrours of the Soule you seeke the society of vaine men you joyne your selves as if Sathan could cast out Sathan unto those that can preach of Wine and strong drinke they shall be even the Prophets of this people unto those that laugh their sinnes out of countenance and deride the sorrowes and Repentance of the righteous But alas beloved what mirth but shall bee turned into sorrow what mirth but that which is the bread of mourners all that eate thereof shall bee poluted Hos 9.4 can this laughter of Fooles administer unto you Would you exile discontent Doe yee seeke after joy Ecclus 9.16 Let the Iust man as the Son of Syrach speaketh let the iust man eate and drinke with you 2 Cor. 12.14 Or at least for I will not sayth St. Paul bee burthensome vnto you doe you so with him Eate of his bread and drinke of the wine that he hath mingled Prov. 11.5 His lippes O how sweet is his breath they abound with consolation and joy and therefore how can you but affect his communication and society 2 Sam. 18.27 Hee is a good man as DAVID sayd of AHAMAAZ hee is a good man and commeth with good tydings He is a medicine of life as the Sonne of Syrach speaketh of a faithfull friend and they that feare the Lord shall finde him Eccles 6.16 Slight him as much as you may Iob â—9 25 hee is as a King in an Army saith IOB As one that comforteth the mourners hee strengthens the weake hands hee confirmes the feeble knees Esa 35.3 4. hee sayth to them that be of
a word of comfort in his season that they spake Law louder than Sina they made them meditate terrour they wounded such as were vexed at the heart they gave them the cup of trembling even the dregges of the furie of the Lord. Now the opportunity now the time for him that bindes up the broken-hearted for the God of consolation and comfort to lay to his hand Hence he that was the pen of that ready Writer least these young Plants should perish for want of watering lest they for whom CHRIST dyed should bee swallowed up with over much heavinesse with all earnestnesse of exhortation hee laboureth to exile anxiety to give beauty for ashes and the garment of gladnesse for the spirit of heavinesse That the bones that were broken might flourish he inculcates consolation once and againe he makes them heare of joy and gladnesse Esay 40.1 Comfort yee That is not enough hee repeates it againe Comfort yee my people saith your GOD. See here how hee replyes as it were how he ecchoes in effect to the word of life as the Lord commanded even so did hee Reioyce alwayes in the LORD Eccles 11.6 And againe hee knowes not whether may prosper this or that or whether both may bee alike good he addes line unto line and precept unto precept as the Prophet speaketh Againe I say Reioyce Esay The parts are these First an affection incited unto Act Reioyce Secondly the extent Latitude or as they that analise will have it the Longitude of it Alwayes Thirdly the Object In the LORD Fourthly the magnitude implyed or indeed expressed in the coacernation it is accumulated it is heaped together it is full pressed and running over And againe I say Reioyce Of these or some of these at this time and first of the foremost Reioyce 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Arist Eth. 2. Cap. 5. sayth the Philosopher The affections of the mind as Anger feare sorrow love delight and joy they are neyther absolutely good nor simply evill of themselves but according to the cause the object and measure they are both the one and the one and the other The fathers they are Parapathetickes in the point they are of the same opinion Affectiones ordinata virtutes sunt Bern. parvi varij Sermones Inordinatae passiones Saith Saint Bernard Our affections if not irregular if ordered aright they are vertues if not that which is opposite unto them an evill sickenesse Spirituall diseases maladies of the mind they are compared by LACTANTIVS Lactant. de vero cultu Lib. 6. Equis pernicibus unto fiery unto fleet horses If good if brought to the hand if guided aright they are as they saith Saint Ambrose that carried that caught up Elias into Heaven If evill if unbridled and wilde like the Horses in the Chariots of Pharaoh and the Egyptians they hurrie us to destruction they run away with us to the ruine and subversion of our Soules So that Ars artium it is the science of man and his greatest felicitie to order them aright not to let loose the Reines to hold them as it were with Bit and Bridle lest they fall upon thee Lactant. de vero cultu lib. 6. Quibus prave uti vitium est dirigamus in rectum sayth hee whose tongue flowed with Milke and hony Those things which to use otherwise than well it is evill Let us guide and direct in the way of truth Omitting the rest I am at this time to speake of that which though one and the selfe-same thing it varies both according to the Object and Subject It is amongst Fooles as the cracking of thornes as the phrensie of the Soule but unto the righteous it is health to their Navill and marrow to their bones Ioy it is one of the principall passions of the sensitive part yet as annext unto the Rationall proper onely to a reasonable Soule arising from an Object eyther good or seeming to bee so unto which the heart opens as a friend his armes and his bosome to imbrace a friend so this opens the hidden roomes and secret closets of it selfe to entertaine the pleasure that is presented unto it Thus in effect is the definition of nature let us heare the addition of grace It is all both essentiall and integrall it is all in the whole and all every part My Spirit Luk. 1.47 saith our blessed Virgin My Soule sayth hee Psal 35.9 that made Songs with all his might and loved him that made him Psal 82.2 My Soule shall reioyce in the God of my salvation Come we to the body My heart and my flesh rejoyce in the living God For the superficies and face Cant. 5.10 My beloved is white and ruddie and such are all they that put their trust in him Eccles 26.4 Whether he be poore or rich if hee have a good heart towards the Lord hee shall at all times rejoyce with a cheerefull countenance For his Lute and harpe Psal 118.15 for the Daughters of Musicke the voyce of joy and health is in the dwelling of the righteous And last of all for his habit Eccles 9.10 Let thy garments bee alwayes white and let thine head want no oyntment as the Preacher speaketh This Beloved Such is the Subject in my Text not streightned in himselfe but open and inlarged as the Sea For grace it is not so scantie it is nothing so narrow as nature Come we to the Object it is transcendent too It is good not apparent but absolute It is the most supreame and Soveraigne good the hony-combe with the hony Eccles 11.3 It is the chiefe of sweet things as the Sonne of Syrach speaketh Psal 73.24 Iob. 35.10 I have none in Heaven but thee and there is none in Earth that I desire in comparison of thee It is God that giveth us Songs in the night season it is the God of Consolation and Comfort And how then beloved how shall I expresse the affection how shall I open the joy that issues from hence Shall I say it is like that in Harvest or the joy of them that divide the spoyle or of such as keepe holy-day Nay there is nothing upon Earth that can so much as shadow it unto us It is as the fullnesse of Ioy Iob. 38.7 it is as theirs in Heaven as the morning starres that doe sing together and as the Sonnes of God that doe showt for joy Aug. In. Ps 99. H. Gustatur hic undè ibi satiemur saith St. Augustine It is a Cluster of Canaan it is a tast of that new Wine which wee shall drinke with him in his Kingdome Bern. de Verbis Apost Stilla guttula est de flumine illo descendens saith Saint Bernard It is as the dew of Heaven it is a draught of that River that maketh glad the Citie of GOD. What shall I say It is a pure influence flowing from the glory of the Almighty It is the brightnesse of
which Plutarch often makes mention that it was full of exultation and tryumph full of shouting and joy and withall as every towne that is taken with the enemy full of Lamentation weeping and mourning It is so with the wicked Prov. 14 13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowfull and the end nay the middest of their mirth is heavinesse Non est gaudere impijs So Saint Augustine Es 48.22 Au. Ps 96.7 Bern. de verb. Apost alibi sapius so Saint Barnard so most of the Fathers reade that place of the Prophet There is no ioy to the wicked And least beholding their prosperity you should stagger at the truth Non dicit homo sed Dominus saith the same Father It is the voyce of God and not of man Once yea twice nay a third time hath he deepely expressed himselfe in the poynt Doe but marke the Metaphors doe but observe the similitudes concerning the ungodly and you cannot but deplore the joyes of the most glorious sinner upon earth Psal 7.15 He travaileth with mischiefe he hath conceived sorrow See that which is the fruit of his wombe that for which hee takes so much paines his very pleasures they are the pangs of a woman in her travell Eccl. 14.20 Againe The iniquity of the wicked it dryeth vp the Soule though his mouth bee filled with laughter Though lasciviousnesse like oyle make him looke with a cheerfull countenance yet is hee full of heavinesse within Like some wilde Beast layed over with vermillion and paint and covered with red as the wise man speaketh Whatsoever he seemes for to be doe but enter into him and you shall see that his heart is ashes and his hope is viler than the earth all his dayes are sorrowes his delights are griefes and his soule taketh no rest in the night season Prov. 22.5 To conclude Prov. 15 Hos 2.9 Prov. 29.6 his wayes are hedged with thornes and there is a snare in all his paths In the transgression of an evill man there is a snare but the Righteous doth sing and Rejoyce The Corollarie the use that we are to make of the point it is this Eccl 21.2 To flye from sinne as from a Serpent for the poyson thereof of it drinketh up the Spirit and its venome it is the curse of the heart But joy and honour and glory and a crowne of rejoycing shall bee to every one that departeth from iniquity who is onely capable of this exhortation of S. Paul Rejoyce I proceed to the Extent or Longitude of the affection Alwayes 1. At all times as some doe interrpret or as others 2. In all Estates For the first Rejoyce in the Lord Ansel in locum Plut. Mor. Non per intervalla ut modò gaudeatis modò non gaudeatis saith Anselmus on the place not by startes not as they say of Songs that they consist of sounds times and rests betweene but continually without intermission not onely in habit but in Act. For though in Philosophy theyr blessed man per dimidium vitae Arist Eth. lib. 1. doe not differ from the wretched it is not so with us that are in the state of grace Our bed is greene sayth the Spouse in the Canticles Cant. 1.16 Even in the season of sorrow even in the most disconsolate time there springeth up light for the righteous and joyfull gladnesse for them that are true of heart Psal 97.11 While the ungodly pine away in their iniquitie They have Songs saith IOB Songs in the night season Iob. 35.10 Such as are not farre from the Hallelujahs of Angels Though not vocall though they may not be heard they are celestiall heavenly and divine As whē an holy solemnity is kept and gladnesse of heart Esay 30.29 As when one goeth with a pipe to come into the Mountaine of the Lord the mighty one of Israel the God of consolation well may they lay them downe and take their rest the Comforter himselfe he illuminates he inlightens with that which is a thousand times more clearer than the Sunne with the spirit of Wisedome with the Revelation of himselfe and him whom he hath sent IESUS CHRIST So he giveth his beloved sleepe And therefore Let the Saints bee joyfull with glory Psal 149.5 let them rejoyce in their beds as the Prophet David speaketh Now for the day Not a Moment but administers matters of joy Lament 3.22.23 Behold saith the Prophet his compassions faile not They are new every morning There is a continuall flowing There is an incessant supply of that which maketh glad the heart of man Iob. 29.20 Our glory to speake with that upright and Iust man our glory it is fresh within us And our bowe it is renewed in our hand Our strength is restored and in our body there is spirit and life Goe we forth to our labours Eccles 2.24 Ibid. 3.22 Behold a blessing in the Field and he that is with us injoynes us to joy therein Deut. 12.18 Thou shalt Rejoyce before the Lord in all that thou puttest thine hand unto Doe we behold the dew of Heaven and the fat of the earth The things that concerne the body they are to put gladnesse into our hearts Psal 4.8 Thou shalt rejoyce in every good thing that the Lord thy God hath given thee Thou and thine house not onely without but within Deut. 26 11 where the Lord hath crowned thee with blessings and plentifully expressed himselfe in his bounty unto thee Thou hast annointed mine head with Oyle and my Cup shall be full Psal 23.5 But all these things they are nothing unto that which immediately followes Thy loving kindnesse and mercy Ibid. shall follow mee all the dayes of my life For the things that concerne our corporall Estate for the glorious beautie that is in the fat of the Valley Esay 2◠4 in thy Barne Wine presse or something nearer unto thee it is as the fading flower or as the hasty fruit before the Summer which when he that looketh upon it and seeth it even while it is in his hand hee eateth it up But though these things perish though they bee taken away though there were a famine in the Land yet have wee the food of Angels meate and drinke that you know not of Although the Figge-tree shall not blossome neyther shall fruit be in the Vine Though the labour of the Olive shall faile neyther the Field shall yeeld any meate the flocke shall be cut off from the Fold and there shall bee no heard in the stalles Yet I will rejoyce in the Lord I will joy in the God of my Salvation Hab. 3.19 Hab. 3.17.18 Heare a fountaine indeficient heare an object that makes our joyes as the dayes of Heaven Though it be the 3. part of my Text I cannot but incroach upon it forasmuch as our affection would faile if not fastened aright for how could we rejoyce alwayes but in
are under their feet so that they cannot obscure they may not darken their day The consolation of GOD it is alwayes with them as the Raine-bow giving light in the bright cloudes Ecclus 50.7 as the Sonne of Syrach speaketh It is the Covenant that hee hath established with all those that are his In whose afflictions so hee speaketh by the mouth of his Prophet hee himselfe is afflicted Esa 63.9 and they on the other side are partakers of his Ioy. Heare the difference between the best estate of the ungodly and the worst of the righteous Thus saith the Lord Behold my Servants shall eate but yee shall be hungry Esa 65.13 14 15 Behold my servants shall drinke but yee shall be thirsty Behold my servants shall reioyce but yee shall bee ashamed Behold my servants shall sing for ioy of heart and yee shall cry for sorrow of heart and shall howle for vexation of spirit Esa 65.13 14 15. And thus much of the particulars of the parts of the Repitition Reioyce in hope and Reioyce in tribulation Now for the use and application wee are to make of the word Againe I say Reioyce Affectus contrarios discutimus contrarijs affectibus Rod. Agric. Dial. lib. 3. saith Rodulphus Agricola As in the diseases of the body so in the affections of the minde the cure for the most it is wrought by the contraries So that the Repetition the earnestnesse of the Exhortation it may be as a medicine to heale the broken in heart to salve the breach of the spirit and on the other side to cure the phrensie of the Soule The mirth or which is more proper the madnesse of fooles both these wee may remove we are to take them away with the strong perswasion of the true and reall of the sollide and substantiall Ioy. Bernd Serm. 59. parva varij Sermones Revertere primo ab inepta laetitiâ secundô abinutili tristitiâ sayth St. BERNARD Rejoyce alwayes in the Lord and againe it is a double exhortation and in effect it dehorts on every side it dehorts from a two fold evill Returne first from your vaine from your foolish fond and frivolous joy and againe from that in which their is no profit that which drinketh up the Spirit that which dryeth up the bones sorrow and heavinesse of heart For the first Aquin. 12. d Quest 31. articum 8. Aquinas in his Summes concludes That there are some delights as those of the body that are adverse and contrary to those of the Soule So that the opposites of joy and gladnesse they are not onely Sorrow but Ioy. Such as that in the 16. of St. Iohn Ioh. 16.20 The Ioy of the world Wee have the same or the like at least in the 15. Prov. 15.21 of the Proverbes Folly is Ioy vnto him that is destitute of wisedome And againe Prov. 10.23 It is a sport as the Wise-man speaketh to a Foole for to doe mischiefe That which cloathes with shame and covers with confusion of face that which swallowes up with sorrow even Sinne it selfe it is the glory and the boasting it is the recreation and the pleasure of the wicked When hee doth evill than hee rejoyceth As a mad man that casteth firebrands arrowes death and saith am I not in sport So is every one that sinneth at his pleasure that delighteth in the workes of iniquity he is be sides himselfe he is not in his right mind So that wee may not but mourne at his mirth we cannot but weepe for to see him laugh This evill it is greater thā the other he is sick and he knowes it not his soule it draweth nigh unto hell and yet hee is insensible of it more than an Enemy he laughs at his owne calamity Plinie Latinus Paeatus inter Opera Plin. Ad eorum vicem qui degustato Sardorum graminum succo feruntur in morte ridere They write of a certaine herbe in Sardania of which whosoever tasteth hee dyeth not long after laughing It is so with the Iovialists so with the Drunkards in these our dayes their grapes are grapes of gall and their clusters bitter Deut. 32.32 Their wine it is the poyson of Dragons and the cruell venome of Aspes They beare about them the death not onely of the body but of the Soule and yet who can but wonder they spend their dayes in mirth though in a moment they goe downe into hell Esa 23.16 Their mouthes are filled with laughter and as the Harlot in the 23. of Esay They sing many Songs that they may be remembred Sen. Epist But all this it is but hilaris insania as the Stoicke speaketh And as a wiser than he I said of laughter it is mad and of mirth Eccles 2.2 what is this that thou doest With a kind of indignation and sorrow may our eyes gush out with teares at these wretched deplored joyes of the world with which wee are to haue no community no society but in griefe and compassion Thou man of God flee these things and follow after Righteousnesse peace and joy in the holy Ghost but at the pleasures of this life Psa 137.1 by the waters of Babylon sit downe and weepe or at least take heed that thou doe not taste thereof What hast thou to doe in the way of Aegypt to drinke the waters of Sihor Ier. 2.18 Or what hast thou to doe in the way of Assyria to drinke the waters of the River Behold that which is of the Land of Promise that which overfloweth his bankes in the time of Harvest we have fountaines of life wee have floods of joy Esay 8.6 wee haue the waters of Siloh that runne softly as a deepe riuer though they make not so much noyse they are farre beneath they are farre aboue the obstreperous joyes of the wicked And therefore drinke of these waters above the heavens they are never deficient they are neyther fastidious nor unpleasant Drinke as it is in the Song of Songs yea drinke abundantly Cant. 5.1 O my beloved Reioyce alwayes in the Lord and againe I say Reioyce In the second place with this double exhortation wee are to take away the other extreame sorrow it is a sore evill it is the supreame sicknesse of the soule not onely in respect of passion but of action It affronts both the estate of grace and glory Of that which concernes us Grace It is the effect of a Comforter it is spread abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us and therefore it requireth alacrity and cheerefulnesse joy and gladnesse spirit and life in all our sacrifices in the whole service of GOD. If you offer the Lame and the Sicke is it not evill Malac. 1.8 sayth the Prophet Malachy Our oblations are odious if in our prayers and praise if in our supplication and giving of thanks we be over-whelmed with heavinesse and swallowed up with sorrow The living saith
the everlasting light and that unspotted mirror of Heaven All these things which in some measure may expresse the affection they plucke off the covering from the face of the Saints Esay 64.5 and the vaile from such as mourne in Syon Thou meetest him that rejoyceth and worketh righteousnesse as the Lord doth us so we the Lord both by nature and Grace doe we goe out as it were doe we meet him in this Injunction of Ioy. Ita se beatos esse omnes velle consonant quemadmodum consonarent Aug. Conf. lib. 10. Si hoc interrogetur se velle gaudere saith Saint Augustine in his Confessions As all men doe affect felicitie so that which is the Diamond in the Ring that which is inclosed within it Ioy and gladnesse of heart O how happy then are we how good and gracious is the Lord that enjoynes that which is the desire of our soules that which we so earnestly seeke of our selves Opto vt ea potissimum iubear Plin Epist quae me deceat vel sponte fecisse saith Plinie and it is the wish of the world too Who but would willingly bee injoyned that which is the Ioy and reioycing of his heart Let the Lord command us what he will so that we will but what hee commands Ioh. 5.3 Mat. 11.30 Psal 19.8 Praecepta cius non sunt gravia his yoake is easie and his burthen light His Statutes are right and rejoyce the heart All that he requires of man it is his felicitie it is his happinesse it is his Heaven upon Earth To reioyce Eccles 3.12 and to doe good in our life Both these as they are united by the Spirit so they may not bee severed by a man for as there is no good under the Sun but to rejoyce so there is no Ioy but in doing good Let the righteous saith the Prophet David once and againe nay a third time hee names in effect who they are unto whom our Apostle speakes Psal 68.3 Let the righteous be glad and reioyce before God let them also be merry and ioyfull See how affluent how exundant is the joy of the Saints how full and copious is the Prophet in the point Though not a cypher in the Psalmes he hath many words to expresse one and the selfe-same thing This is the Dialect of the Holy Ghost these things are written That his Ioy which no man can expresse Ioh. 15.11 but he that hath it nay hee that hath it cannot expresse it might bee fulfilled in us Bee glad Psal 32.12 ô yee righteous and rejoyce in the Lord and be joyfull all yee that are true of heart There are many moe places that I might produce to shew you the superabundance the streames of consolation the joyfull gladnesse of such as are in the state of Grace but as St. Paul to his Corinthians Ye are our Epistle 2. Cor. 3.2 So I unto you yee are the proofes you your selves are the places unto which I referre you Have yee received the first-fruits of the Spirit Have you tasted of the heavenly gift Have you beene made pertakers of the powers to come the Songs of Syon the Anthemes of Heaven they are more than written within you A stranger may not intermeddle with neyther can hee possibly conceive this joy It is farre beyond that of the Sonnes of men Prae consortibus Psal 45.8 true not onely of Christ but of all those that are his They that love righteousnesse and hate iniquitie they are anoynted with the Oyle of Gladnesse above their fellowes for the worke of righteousnesse it is peace Esay 32.17 Is not that enough It is more quietnesse and assurance for ever Oh how erronious then is the opinion of such as imbrace this present world Such as suppose all our wayes to be grievous That imagine Religion to be nothing but melancholy full of anxietie vexation and feares Oh that they would but turne into her that they would but repose their Soules with her without doubt they should find more pleasure than in that which they so eagerly pursue Her consolation hath no bitternesse and to live with her hath no sorrow Prov. 3.17 but mirth and joy Her wayes are wayes of pleasantnesse and all her paths are peace Bern. de vit solitar pag. 1027. Delectationes enim non perdimus sed mutamus de corpore ad animum de sensibus ad conscientiam saith St. Bernard We doe not lose our delights but wee change not for the worse but for the better from the body to the soule from the senses to the Conscience In stead of the pleasures of Pharaohs Court we have those of the Land of Canaan for the delights of the Sonnes of men we have the consolations of God Quietnesse Peace and Ioy in the Holy-Ghost joy unspeakable and full of Glory Goe to then you that rejoyce in that which is naught You that spend the time in mirth Iob. 21.13 and in a moment goe downe to the Grave you that say as they in the second of Wisedome Wisd 2.6.9 Come on let us inioy the good things that are present let none of us passe without part of our voluptuousnes let us leave the tokens of our ioy in every place Doe but joyne your selves to the Saints doe but adhere to Heaven Let your soules but cleave unto God and he shall give you the desire of your hearts you shall be satisfied with the plenteousnesse with the pleasures of the life that now is and of that which is to come even in this Valley of teares Psal 36.8 He shall give you drinke out of his pleasures as out of a River Wherefore you that have wearied your selves in the wayes of wickednesse and destruction returne unto your rest and for famine Lu. 15.15.25 huskes and Swine or if you will strange women Harlots and the like you shall heare of joy and gladnesse you shall be received with musicke and dancing not onely of others but of your owne Soules Doe this then Haec ante omnia fac sayth Seneca as divinely as if he had beene St. PAVLS Disciple indeed Above all things doe this Disce gaudere Sen. Epist 23 Learne to Rejoyce It is a lesson unto which though we are incited of our selves though we are schollers by nature yet no man attaines unto it but he that breaks off his transgression hee that forsakes his sinne he that purgeth his conscience from dead workes to serve the living God who hath reserved the bloud of the grape the purest pleasure for piety and appropriated his joy unto those that are his But as for the ungodly he writes bitter things against them and in the middest of their mirth he makes them to possesse the sinnes of their youth so that as their mercies are cruell so their very joyes are but Wine mingled with Mirrhe Plut. Moral de Audiendis poetis alibi saepius They are like the City in Sophocles of
the Sonne of Syrach the living and sound in heart shal praise the Lord. Ecclesiasticus 17.28 Cum sit Lilium inter lilia commoratur cum sit candor delectatur candidis Bern. in Cant. Serm. 71. My beloved is white and ruddy and as hee is so he loves to be among the Lillies Hee rejoyceth to be with them that rejoyce The troubled spirit 〈◊〉 confesse the broken and the contrite it is a sacrifice to God and so without doubt so is the merry and joyfull In the 8. of Nehemiah you may see Neh. 8.9 That the sanctity of Ioy it is not inferiour to say no more it is not inferiour unto that of sorrow This day say the Levites that taught the people This day is holy vnto the Lord your GOD mourne not nor weepe Do but observe the words and you shall perceive not only an imparity betweene the affections but a kinde of difference betweene sanctification and sorrow betweene Holinesse and griefe of mind which for the most part interrupts and hinders all divine and heavenly exercise So that though it be the curse of the heart though it breaketh the strength though it dryeth up the bones it is nothing so prejudiciall to the body as it is unto the health of the Soule in that which is her spirit and life Preaching and Prayer For the first Gregogius propter tristitiam Intermi sit Ezechielis Expositionem saith Aquinas Aquinas That blessed Byshop a Master a nursing father in Israel by reason of overmuch sorrow hee desisted from opening the book that is sealed from the Interpretation of EZECHIEL the Prophet Now for the disciple and hearer If affliction and sorrow be extreame it so oppresseth the heart it straightens it so that a Barnabas that hee that knoweth how to administer a word of comfort in his season the Sonne of consolation himselfe is not able to open it Though MOSES and AARON bee fitted and prepared of the Lord though they bring unto Israel glad tydings of great joy yet they wil not hearken unto them and the reason it is giuen for anguish of spirit and cruell bondage Exod. 6.9 Now for Prayer Muscae morientes corrumpunt vnguentum Eccles 10. sayth the wise King Dead Flies cause the oyntment of the Apothecary to send forth a stinking sauour So doth bitternesse and vexation of spirit so doth anxiety and sorow it pollutes it corrupts that which is as oyntment powred out That which for the most part is a sacrifice of a sweet smelling savour supplication and prayer Yee have not yet halfe the Evill or the Sinne of sorow Semper malitiatur contristat Spiritum sanctum Athan apud Bern. de moâ—dâ— bene vovendi Serm. 11. sayth Auncient ATHANASIVS It is the poyson of Dragons and the cruell venome of Aspes it is full of envie and malice it grieves the Holy-Ghost by which we are sealed to the purchased possession And not onely so but it takes off or at least it defaces the Seale of the spirit Aug. apud Aquin. in Gen. 12. IACOB sayth Saint AVGVSTINE vpon Genesis Hoc timuisse videtur ne tristitia sic perturbaretur vt non ad regnum beatorum iret sed ad inferos peccatorum Hee that was an heyre of the promise the royall seed of the father of the faithfull by reason of our much heavinesse drew nigh unto hell hee was affraid hee should not goe unto the place of blisse not unto ABRAHAMS bosome but unto the Region of death unto the Land of darknesse The ground of this opinion I cannot conceiue how be it it is certaine there is a diffidence and distrust there is feare and trembling horrour and euen almost despaire in the sorrow not onely for crosses and afflictions but for transgression and Sinne. In the sorowes of the Saints what aduantage Sathan hath taken by the griefe which causeth Repentance not to bee repented of by the hearty contrition for sinnes committed against GOD the neere approaching of so many afflicted soules unto death whom the conscience of Sinne sayth that venerable Hooker hath brought unto the very brinke of extreame dispaire Hooker Serus doth but too abundantly expresse deepe disconsolate and something diffident is the sorow of such as mourne in Syon they sayle lower than the Grave by the gates of hell They sayle unto Heaven heare I pray you their inundation their Sea of anxiety and sorow Hee hath given vs waters of gall to drinke Ierem. 8.14 because wee have sinned against him Ier. 8.14 So the Prophet DAVID though hee were of a sanguine complexion and by consequence naturally cheerfull though hee were acquainted with the instrument of musick yet see how his Harpe is turned into mourning and his Organ into the voyce of them that weepe There is no health in my flesh because of thy displeasure Psal 38.3 neyther is there any rest in my bones because of my sinne Psal 38.3 And againe The sorrowes of death compassed mee and the overflowing of vngodlinesse made me afraid Psa 18.3.4 The paines of death came about me and the snares of Hell overtooke mee These and the like are the voyce of the mourning Turtles the Lamentations and Threnes even of the Saints themselves unto whom not as if I did disswade from repentance let them weepe still and still desire to weepe but let their teares be as the rayne in the Sun-shine comfortable and hopefull We are to inculcate consolation Dr. Hall to preach the good and acceptable yeare of the Lord to make them heare of joy and gladnesse that the bones that were broken might flourish give strong drinke the double exhortation in my Text give strong drinke unto him that is ready to perish Prov. 31.6 and wine to those that are of heavie hearts If the Apostle wrote to the Corinthians 2. Cor. 2.7 concerning him that was guilty of a sinne that was not so much as named amongst the Gentiles themselves to comfort him least peradventure such an one bee swallowed up with overmuch sorow how should we powre out our soules How should we heape our consolation on those that come short of his sinne and yet in sorrow doe exceed Comfort yee Esay 4.1.2 comfort yee my people saith your God speake yee comfortably to Hierusalem and cry vnto her that her warfare is accomplished and that her sinne is pardoned See there is remission there is forgivenesse for Man and there is mercy with God it is over all his works so and much more over ours We cannot offend so much as he is able to forgive Neyther may wee imagine that our sorrow is sufficient for sinne were our head a fountaine of water were our breach as the Sea did our eyes gush out with teares should wee weepe as much as the cloudes from the beginning of the world untill this very day it were too little to make our agreement with God too little to wash away the least of our sinnes Wee have
a fearefull heart Esa 21.14 be strong feare not he brings wine to the thirsty and prevents those that faint for bread These beloved such are they whose wayes are grievous unto you the Preachers of peace the ministers of the Spirit And how is it then will some man say Nay it is the demaund of the Lord himselfe How is it that the health of the Daughter of my people is not recovered Ier. 8.22 Iob 24.12 Behold the teares of the oppressed and they have no Comforter men groane out of the Citie and the soule of the wounded cryeth out There is Lamentation and mourning there are sighs even to the breaking of the loynes There are threnes of the poore in spirit and yet as if they may not bee comforted as if their wounds were incurable there is none to binde them up Ier. 30.13 Esa 1.6 They have no healing medicines as the Prophet speaketh for such as should bee Physitians in Israel they are as St. Cyprian saith of Novatian they are like the Levite or the Priest in the Gospell that are so farre from powring Oyle into the wounds of the poore Samaritane Cyprian ad Novationum Haereticum Epist Vt Ingeniosâ novâ potiùs crudelitate occiderent They speake the piercings of swords their teeth are speares and arrowes and their lips of knives nothing but Law and that louder than Synai nothing but thundring but a storme and tempest is sounded in the eares of the bruised Spirit in the hearing of the wounded Soule Plinij Epist lib. 20. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Pliny hath it of Pericles Such sonnes of Thunder as these Solatium aeternae spei adimunt arborem à radice subvertunt Cyprian navem ad scopulos ne perveniat illidunt They take away all hope of salvation They overturne the tree by the rootes They dash the ship least it should come to the haven where it should bee they dash it against the rockes If the Lord be angry yea but a little they helpe forward the affliction they binde one evill to another they persecute him whom sinne hath smitten and they talke how they may vexe those whom their owne Conscience have wounded So that in the labour of Repentance in the travell of contrition to multiply sorowes there are they that are ready to strangle the fruit of the Soule I have heard a voyce Ier. 4 31. as of a woman in travell sayth the Lord as of her that bringeth forth her first Child saying The voyce of the Daughter of Syon Ier. 4 31. that bewayleth herselfe that spreadeth her hands saying Woe is mee because of murderers Ier. 4 3◠There are such as these even untill this very day there are man-slayers of the Soule there are bloudy Preachers that if it were possible would murther Saints themselves with the edge of their wordes their tongues that are set on fire of hell That speake nothing but despaire nothing but death and destruction And what then beloved What shall we judge of these Doe they bring tydings from a farre Countrey Are they come out from God No they bring a vision of their owne and not of the mouth of the Lord whose song it is of Mercy and Iudgment Psal 101.1 Though of Iudgement a Song and for the most part his mercy rejoyceth against it Iam. 2.13 Heare I pray you how hee bemones his people Ierem. 8.22 Is there no balme in Gilead Is there no Physitian in Israel And againe these thinges are come vpon thee Esa 51.19 desolation and destruction and the famine the sword by whom shall I comfort thee How much more is hee solicitous about the consolation of those that are prest aboue measure that are crusht with the weight of their sinnes that are affrighted with the horror of hell With a feareful expectation not of these light and momentany not of temporall but eternall judgments To him that is afflicted pitty should bee shewed from his friend so sayth Nature it selfe Iob 6.14 So Grace So the Lord by the mouth of his seruant Iob. How much more is it his pleasure in a case of conscience that the plaister should couer the wound That consolation should spread and effectually answeare the anguish of the Soule the sorrow of his Saincts Hence the large the exundant command to his Prophet Esa 33.21 hence that place of broad waters and streames Comfort yee Comfort yee my people sayth your God Esa 40.1 2. Speake ye comfortably to Hierusalem And againe O Hierusalem that bringest glad tydings lift vp thy voyce Esay 40 9. lift it vp with strength Now beloued you haue the person exhorting I say First hee speakes by himselfe Secondly hee speakes by his word And thirdly by those that tread out the new wine by those that breathe as it were the Holy ghost vpō vs. So you Vse 1 see to vse the wordes of the Apostle how on euery side hee confirmes his loue towards you 2. Cor. 2.8 And how then to make some vse of the poynt how shall we grieue that God that comforteth vs in all our griefes how shall wee doe despight vnto the Spirit that at all times that in euery place administers joy and consolation vnto vs. Doe yee remember how inhumane was the Act of Haman in the 2. Sam. when David sent to comfort him by the hand of his seruants Hee returned hatred for his good-will 2 Sam. 10.4 Hee euill intreated the messengers Hee shaued the halfe of their beards and cut off their garments in the middle Beloved as much as in vs lyes wee doe the same The same and more also When with sinnes of malice wee affront his goodnesse When wee oppose with presumptuous wickednesse the comforts that hee administers vnto vs wee doe despight that is the word we doe despight vnto the spirit of Grace and so to our selues wee sinne against our owne Soules So that instead of a comforter for joy and gladnesse what can wee expect but a trembling heart but fayling of eyes and sorow of mind What can we expect but the same which happened vnto Hanun and more also Sen. Epist That the Lord vt à nobis tractatur ita nos tractat That the Lord set himselfe in array against vs that hee muster vp his charriots and come foorth with all his armies that are created for vengeance They rebelled saith the Prophet of the house of Israel they rebelled and vexed his Spirit Heare what immediately followes Therefore was hee turned to bee their enemy and fought against them Esa 63.10 Esay 63.10 Vse 2 The next use we are to make of the point it is in our straites in our sorrow and distresse to have recourse unto the author unto the Orator of our joy When I am in heavinesse I will thinke vpon God Psal 77.4 sayth he that had as much as a Kingdome can yeeld for to comfort his soule but all these things it should
him that is with out variablenesse and shadow of changing How could we alway Rejoyce but in him that abideth for ever Bern. Serm. de Nimia falla pras vita Gaudium in Re convertibili mutari necesse est Re mutata saith St. Bernard Now you know all the glory of the world it is as a Morning Cloud and as the early dew it fades away Hence I suppose the followers of Pharaoh Court being conscious of this inconstancy are so solicitous for the season Wisd 2.7.8 so carefull that they loose no time Let no Flower of the Spring passe by us say they in the second of Wisedome Let us crowne our selves with rose-buds before they bee withered See how short how inconstant are the Ioyes of a Summer who sayes the most when he compares them unto the lasting of a flower unto the life of a Rose Wisd 5.4 They are indeed but as the dust that is blowne away of the Winde Like the thin froth that is driven with a storme Like as a smoake which is dispersed heere and there with a tempest In a word the tryumphing of the wicked is short and the ioy of the hypocrite is but for a moment To ascend something higher to speake of that which concernes the visible Church Our Feasts they are but solemnities for seasons They are but dayes of joy for set and appoynted times Eccles 43.7 From the Moone sayth the Sonne of Syrach is the signe of Feasts A light that decreaseth in her perfection A right Embleme of some such as will seeme to bee of us Howbeit they halt betweene God and the World their joy it is not univocall nor even it is neyther true nor constant But he that hath a good conscience saith Salomon Prov. 15.15 In the Old translation it is a good conscience in the new a merry hart And as if they were convertible termes hee that hath a merry heart hath a continuall Feast For the Moone whatsoever is obnoxious unto change for all that is mutable is under his feet Animus sapientis velut mundi status super Lunam Sen. Epist 59 semper illùc screnum est It was a speech too high for an Heathen it is onely fulfilled in the soule of a Christian which is as that place above the Moone where there is neyther thunder nor lightning neyther storme nor tempest nor any such thing Nothing there but a glorious splendor a delightsome light a continuall calme a setled Quietnesse and tranquilitie for ever Thus much for the time Now in the second place there are some that understand it of all Estates Alwayes Not onely when the Candle of God shines over our heads not onely when we behold the Sunne in his brightnesse but in the evill day in the time of trouble and affliction we are to rejoyce We are to take pleasure as St. PAUL saith in infirmities 2. Cor. 12.10 in reproaches in necessities in Persecutions and anguish For these things they come not forth of the dust Iob. 5.6 neyther doth trouble spring forth of the ground no it is inflicted of a Father it is praeordayned of him that worketh all things for the best unto those that are his Rom. 8.28 And howbeit no correction for the time seemeth joyous but grievous Heb. 12.11 yet when the hand of the Lord is heavie upon us hee remembreth our soules in trouble Psal 31.8 Act. 16.25 he compasseth us about with songs in the prison hee administreth matter of joy Psal 23.4 Baculus virga Thy Rod and thy staffe comfort me Not onely in respect of the fruit and effect but the plentifull expression of the Spirit who is most copious of his consolation in the fierie tryall In the heat of pressure and affliction Psal 94.19 Secundum multitudinem dolorum so the Latines reade it According to the multitude of sorrowes that I had in mine heart thy comforts have refreshed my soule Where suffrings abound there consolations also abound much more I am filled with comfort saith St. Paul I am exceeding ioyfull in all our tribulation 2. Cor. 7.4 O the blessed O the happy Estate of all the Elect whose very sorrowes are sweeter than the joyes of the wicked whose afflictions are to bee preferred before the pleasures of the ungodly Vinum aquâ factum Bern. de verbis Apostoli Non est regnum Dei Esca to use the allusion of St. Bernard they drinke more than the blood of the grape their water is turned into wine The best farre more pleasant than that which is naturally so For the affliction you object it is not worth the naming It is lesse than nothing in respect of that secret comfort of the hidden treasure of the heart Velut nubes levis transit to sanctifie the words of the Stoicke It is but as the morning mist before the Sunne Sen. Epist â—0 or indeed not so much It is but Quasi some thing as it were Quasi tristes saith Saint Paul as sorrowfull 2 Cor. 6.10 yet we alwayes reioyce See tristitia nostra habet Quasi gaudium nostrum non habet Quasi Aug. in Psa 48. tr 2. g.h. saith St. Augustine Our sorrow it is as the shadow of a dreame at the most it is but something as it were but our joy it is so indeed it is both compleat and constant it is full and perfect it may not be removed no not so much as interrupted As timber guirt and bound together in building may not bee loosed with shaking Eccl. 22. so is the soule that is knit unto the Lord in whom all the fabricke is fitly framed it is established it standeth fast and will not shrinke it is strengthened with all might according to that glorious power unto all patience and Long-suffering with joyfulnesse Coloss 1.11 I have satisfied what happily might be objected from affliction the poynt is as yet beset with opposition by Repentance and Temptation First for Repentance It should seeme that it is wholly averse that it is cleane contrary unto this exhortation of St. PAVL For the picture of a Penitent in the phrase of the holy-Ghost it is this First for his habit Ion. 3.5 it is sackcloth it is the garment of anguish and mourning For his Site Lament 3. he lyes downe in his sorrowes he wallowes in ashes For his Person his head is full of water his eyes are a Fountaine of teares Ierem 9.1 his face is soule with weeping and on his eye-lid is the shadow of death Iob. 16.16 For his fare he is fed with Wormwood and his wine is water of Gall he eates ashes as it were bread and mingleth his drinke with weeping Psal 102.9 To come something nearer unto him for his speech it answeres the originall it is contrite and broken it is often interrupted with sighes Even to the breaking of the loynes Ezech 24 as the Prophet speaketh Gemitibus inenarrabilibus