Chorazin and Bethsaida's vvoe, or warning peece A judicious and learned sermon on Math. II. vers. 21. Preached at St. Maries in Oxford, by tha[t] renowned and famous divine, Mr. Nathanael Carpenter, Batchellor in Divinity, sometime Fellow of Exceter Colledge; late chaplaine to my Lords Grace of Armah in Ireland.

To the worshipfull Thomas Winneffe D^r. of Di∣vinity, and Deane of S^t. Pauls in London.

The blessings of this life, and that which is to come, &c.

THere is nothing in this Continent, or within the Content of the vast world, that hath not in it some quality which may benefit other creatures; The ayre yeelds fowles, the water. fish, the earth fruits. Much more may it bee verified of persons than of things; of creatures intelligible, than of insensible; of learned men, more than ignorant: who may edifie aud profit many by their owne knowledge. The Author here∣of was unto me both a Tutor, and a neere affine: somewhat therefore may, much ought not (without en∣trenching

on the bounds of modesty) be said of him. Hee was a Micro∣cosme, a little world within the He∣misphere of this greater, that seemed for his naturall endowments of know∣ledge, reason, judgement, wisedome, and all supernaturall gifts, to out∣strip many of his equall-contempora∣ries, and superiors both in age and place. He it was whom Oxford so much admired for industry, ingenui∣ty, rationability, and judicious soli∣dity in things pertaining to the libe∣rall sciences; And the Church at this day in Achitophel the wicked Poli∣titian (composed by this Author) stands stupified and amazed, won∣dring at the subtility and pollicy hu∣mane, together with the knowledge and speculations divine, which the God of Heaven exhibited unto him in such an exuberant and aboundant measure. Disastrous occurrents at∣tempted often the stifeling hereof be∣fore the birth: for had not a kinsemans (Io. Ca.) friendly hand given it safe

conduct over the Surges of the Oce∣an, in all likelyhood it had perished on the Netherland shores, (as his indefa∣tigable labours, witnessed by his in∣dustrious vigilancy in the Opticks; made shipwrack in the Irish Sea, the irrecuperable losse whereof is much to be deplored. Well, I'le welcome this the more, objected to my view, & peruse. Now having read it, & perceiving by the stile thereof, as also by the testi∣mony and certaine approbation of that famous and learned Divine M^r. Matthias Stile, the Authors most in∣deared and intimate friend, that this is not any adulterate and illegiti∣mate, but genuine and naturall brood, his off-spring; (to speake in the Poets, & Apostles phrase) I thought my selfe (by a blessed enjoyment of tuition and instruction from him) not more by gifts enabled, than in duty and con∣science obliged; to endeavour to illu∣strate the good parts of him, whose fame (maugre malignity) will with great designements contend for per∣petuity.

This Sermon, or rather two dayes worke; preached before the lear∣ned Vniversity at S^t. Maries in Ox∣ford, being afterwards reviewed, and contracted, was intended (as may be supposed by the passages therein) for a Pauls-Crosse Sermon: And had not deaths properation and dismall ap∣proach in a strange land prevented the Authors preparation, and antici∣pated a seasonable opportunity, it would not at this time have stood in neede, of a Schollers, friends, or kinse∣mans helpe and assistance, eyther to have fitted, or furthered it for the Presse. Now although the vast vni∣verse might present unto my conside∣rate choise, many renowned worthy Patrons that would receive this Or∣phane to house, and give it habitati∣on, countenance, and protection; yet af∣ter consultation, and some deliberati∣on, I humbly dedicate these Excogita¦tions, and divine oratories of my kinseman and Allie the Author, unto your learned selfe; which I should not

(to confesse ingenuously) have done, had not your Schollership, soundnesse, sinceri∣ty, and integrity bin more eminent than your Deanry or dignity. That I have prefixed your name, was it because sometimes your Worship was of the same Colledge with the Author, and contem∣porary with him, and consequently might be thought an approoved instru∣ment, if not to propagate, yet preserve this off-spring? Or was it a fond sup∣posall of adding ought to your (not more desired than deserved) exaltation? No∣thing lesse: but of gaining somewhat from your selfe unto the worke, that be∣ing so inscribed, it might carry with it some shew of innate worth, which shines so apparently from the splendor of your learned bosome. Let the eminency of your place and person give it lustre, re∣putation, and authority: so shall not af∣ter-ages finde a grave to bury it in the darkenesse of oblivion. Anspiciously regarding it, be you a patron and guard unto it: imitating the goodnesse of the all-sufficient-and-efficient-blessing

and preserving essence; who unto his beloved ones, though not meriting fa∣vorites; is a Sunne and a Shield; a Sunne to comfort, and a Shield to pro∣tect. So I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inhe∣ritance amongst all them that are sanctified. The God of heaven perpe∣tuate not onely your present exaltation, but improve it to your further advance∣ment here: The Lord guide you by his Counsaile, and after that receive you to glory.

Your Worships in his sincerest affections, and utmost endea∣vours to command, N. H.