Mysterium pietatis or The mysterie of godlinesse wherein the mysteries contained in the incarnation circumcision wise-men passion resurrection ascension. Of the Son of God, and comeing of the Holy-Ghost, are unfolded and applied. At Edinburgh. By Will. Annand, M.A. one of the ministers of that city, late of University Coll. Oxon.

MYSTERIUM PIETATIS OR THE MYSTERIE OF THE WISE MEN, Unfolded, and applied.

• For Epiphany-Day Ian. 6. Tolbooth Ch. 1671
• But preached-Sunday-Ian. 8. Tolbooth Ch. 1671

MATTH. 11.1.

Now when Iesus was born in Bethlehem of Iu∣dea, in the days of Herod the King, behold there came wise-men from the East to Je∣rusalem,

Saying, where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his Star in the East, and are come to worship him.

THOVGH it be said, that God is no respecter of persons; yet its to be understood, in his eternal decisi∣on and sentenceing men to hap∣pinesse, or misery, conform to the Regula∣rity,

or extravagancy, of their actions; for otherwise, he eminently signalizeth some above the masse of plebeian beauty, by signs and wonders, makeing their ingresse to, or egresse from, the world prodigious, or au∣spicious, by unusual occurrences; not to speak of the three Suns, which appeared when Nero entred upon government, or that fear∣full comet some months before his slaughter, nor of that shining bright, before many lights of the Germain Church, were extinguished by death, as being portentuous: it is upon record, that glorious worthies, have been saluted at their births, by visions from hea∣ven, auspicating the felicity of their govern∣ment, grandour of their lives, and glory of their fame, as his late Majesty (to passe old and musty Registers) of glorious memory, journeyed from his Palace to Pauls Church, to render thanks, for the birth of a Son our present Soveraign, about ten of the clock May 29. in bright-day a star was seen to shine predicting as some then said, his out-shining and breaking forth at last, though for a time, he might be out-shined by another; not to comment, God doth not always speak by his Prophets only, but by the meteors, and elements likewise, in persons especially born for government; and if in persons meerly

temporal this be, what shal indicat to the world, the birth of the King of Kings rather then a goodly star, and that in the east? by whose rayes, the Religious Magi, whether by Day, or night could spel, if not read, the birth of the King of the Jews: for as there were many new things about, and at our Sa∣viours birth on earth, and all wonderfull, as the Angels appearance, Zacharias dumbnesse, &c. It was seemly that, the Heavens should also lift up their voice and declair, that won∣derfull work of God, which lay in Iury; yet shined to Persia; coming to them who were nigh that they might be saved, and to them who were afar off that they might be re∣deemed; Therefore there came Wise—Men from the east, &c.

HAVEING seen our Lord born for, and circumcised by the Jew we should wrong our selves, if we beheld him not worshipped by the Gentiles: for though Salvation be of the Jews, Iohn 4.22. yet it's effects are to the ends of the earth; at first, the Shepherds adored, here Philosophers are come to adore, they directed by an Angel, these conducted by a star both from heaven, to him, who was to unite them in one unto himself, and of them so united, as living stones to build a Temple for the Holy Ghost, that is, a Tabernacle for himself.

IN a Mystery behold Araunah the Je∣busit offering gifts, and David the Jew, doing service to our God, for the health of both and salvation one of another; the Gentile exceed∣ing the Jewish spectators, in his the Lord thy God accept thee, he knowing the Israelite to have (as he had untill the Gospel was re∣vealed) a more peculiar interest in God, so Christ was King of the Jews, that is, emi∣nently, but not only, for he was also the God and King of that King-like Araunah, a Gentile.

ONE day, (viz.) Ianuary the sixth, hath been fam'd among the Ancients, and it's first appearance highly rever'd, because of a four-fold miracle, wrought thereon, God even the Father proving as on a Theater the Di∣vinity of Iesus his Son: for when he began to be about thirty years of age, and baptized in Iordan, the Trinity was discovered, the Fa∣ther being in the voice, the Spirit in the lik∣nesse of a dove, the Son in the flesh, and pro∣claimed to be the Son, well-beloved; whence by them that day was called Theophania, the apparition of God (viz) from heaven, that same day of the next year, he at the Mar∣riage of Cana of Galile turned water into wine, because of which, they called it Beth∣phania, the appearance of God in the house;

On the same day next year, he fed the five thousand with five loaves, and two fishes, wherefore they called it Phagiphania, the appearance of God eating, or in eating: of this last there is some more scruple then of the other; but let him be Anathema that denyes the appearance of a star unto these Wise-men, which some will have to be shining, when this King was thirteen dayes old, others will have him two years old, however the day from this was called Epiphania, the ap∣parition of God above or from the heavens, and this as being more sacred & more miracu∣lous, the Wise-men seeing, believing, journy∣ing, searching adoreing and offering, have in the Annals of the Church swallowed up, al∣most all the other, that is, for the time, he be∣ing adored now as God; which we find not to be done in the other wonders, by Jew, or Gentile, and the solemnity by the Ancients, in all ages, is especially observed upon that account; unto whose venerable, and gray-headed practice, we shall in all humility con∣form, this universal Lord, and Sun of Righ∣teousnesse, having a morning star in the East, giving intelligence of an approaching day for mans perfect Redemption, and by it good tydings to these Magi or Wise-Men, and by them to Ierusalem, and thence to all the

world, whereof we our selves are witnesses; and if I speak the language ••f the Prophet, Arise, shine, for your light is come, I hope you will obey the ensuing charge, and lift up your eyes, and see, and then as convinced shew forth the praises of the Lord, which is also foretold, and as Gentiles, come to the light, Isa. 61.

IT was said of Solomon the Kings of Tarsh••sh and of the isles shall bring presents, the Kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts; its true Tarshish was never a Kingdome, but by it is prophesied, what the rich Kings up∣on the coast of the Red-Sea, near unto which Tarshish was a famous inland Town, should do, and what the Kings of Sheba a chief Cit∣ty of Ethiopia, and Seba, another in Arabia Faelix, both famous for gums, and pretious stones, should perform as tributaries or as Favorites to Solomon, a Preludium of that homage and good-will, which the world owed unto, and should repay unto him, of whom Solomon was but a shadow, even to that King whom these Wise-Men come to worship.

LET us veiw these holy pilgrims, and their pilgrimage; in there came Wise-Men from the East, the place they travelled unto Ierusalem, their Question in that place, where

is he that is born King of the Iews? their er∣rand with him, we are come to worship.

THEY are called Wise-Men of the east, otherwise Magi or Magicians, of old an ho∣norable appellation, and applied not unto vizzarts, or negromancers, as now, but to the students of Philosophy and Mathema∣ticks, observers of the motions and govern∣ment of the Luminaries, Sun, moon, or stars, inferring conclusions for orderly walking in matters of regiment and intrinsick projects of state; and got that name from Meditation detecting and diveing into natures deepest secrets, foreseeing the probability of things, & were held, of old men of renown, by Indians call'd Gymnosophists with Grecians Philoso∣phers, Caldeans in Babylon, Druydes in France Sapientes with the Latine, and with Persians Magi, who were of that high esti∣mation, that none was thought worthy to reign, except he had studyed their art; and from their Colledges were persons taken, for being petty Princes, and governours of coun∣tries, whence, it may be, sprung the conceit of these Magi, being reputed Kings.

WHENCE they came, is not yet deter∣mined, some brings them from Caldea, they worshipping the stars, others will have them of Balaam, who prophesied of a star; There

are who fetch them from the utmost parts of the earth, its most likely they came from Per∣sia, because of their gold incense &c. of their motion it was east from Ierusalem, from their learning, there being in the Citty Susan, the Kings seat, near the Palace in a stately garden, a Philosophical Colledge of Magi, students of History, Philosophy and Divinity, with whom Daniel, Ezechiel, in the captivity conversing, and by their unwearied serious∣nesse, in searching Records, and Antiquities, might arrive to the knowledge of much of the Law of Moses, the promises to Abraham, the truth of the Prophets, and of the ex∣pected Messiah, which by the weeks of Da∣niel might be by them now looked for; not omitting the wisdome, or direction of the most high, to those, whose acumen was to unty knots and Mysteries, qualifying them, to become tutors unto Daniel, in all humane literature, whose religious Zeal, in grati∣tude might bequeath some of his spiritual in∣structions, for their own, and others advan∣tage, pairing off the excrescencies of their en∣deared studies, by his life, wisdom and visi∣ons, that they might be more intent upon that one thing necessary; whence in probability flowed at this time, their worshipping of Iesus; for they believed and therefore enqui∣red, and therefore offered.

HAD they been called Philosophers it might have been conjectured, they came from Greece, but the term Magi, speaks them Persians, being given by that nation to per∣sons studious of knowledg, only if the distance of Susa from Jerusalem be computed, which is 920 miles, it would be imagin'd they could not come so soon after our Lords birth, as our observance will allow, which is but 13 days: not to speak of the swiftnesse of Dromodaries, upon which in those countries men travel'd, the star might appear sometime before the birth, and in their travel, their stay in Je∣rusalem, something more then a year might passe; for certain it is, that Herod, according to his information of the stars appearance, slew the Children of Bethlehem, from two years old and under and this interpretation seemeth more agreeable to the text; though it may be the star appeared not, untill the birth, and hast, care, zeal, with true piety, m••ght cause the journey to be expede in the alloted time, though in the appearance of the star, Herod might be mocked (there being greater slips not censured in Scripture, of more experienc'd Persons in Divinity,) the men wisely forseeing hazard to themselves, and danger to the bab.

TOVCHING their number, they being

called Wise-Men there can be no lesse suppo∣sed then two, and in regard there are three sorts of gifts, some will have them so many men, & tell you a tale of 3. Kings of Evilah, where there is much gold, of Magonia where there is much frankincense, and are so wise, that Appellius, Amarius and Damascus must be their Hebrew names, Galgalath, Mega∣lath, and Sarachin their Greek-names; Cas∣par, Balthasar, Melchior, their Roman names: more then twelve I have not found them to be thought; it is likely there was a train, a retinue of the most curious, pregnant, devout, learned in the Society, with the worshippers, for they put all Ierusalem in an uproar, and Herod himself was troubled when the intelligence of the Shepherds but six miles off for ought we read was not so much as headed by either.

THE heavens to David declaired the the glory of God, and to the Magi the birth of his Son, the Jewish shepherds had an An∣gel and tokens perswading them to belief, the Gentil Philosophers had only a star, & yet they believe, both seeing that one Christ, which was then born, and design'd a corner-stone for uniting these together; giving them his right and left hand, from the affection of his heart, both being now alike pretious to

him, because as they, he is the Son of Man. The Shepherds were nigh, the Magi a far off, yet both received, he moderating the Jews insolence, because of the synagogue, and il∣luminating the Gentiles ignorance, because of his light, joining them, as one build∣ing, himself as the corner-stone, both beau∣tifying and strengthning the structure.

AND into this Church as into the house, with the Magi, let us enter, he being our Lord; and saluting him, let us worship, they opening the door for all nations, as Ambassa∣dors of peace, offering to his greatnesse; the mercy of God in Christ giving ample assu∣rance of reconciliation, to all offenders, though Magicians, Wizzarts, consulters of witches, as to Manesseh, when so wise as to lay aside the works of darknesse, and behold his wonders in the firmament of his works, and heaven of his word, wherein they shall perceive that Christ is born, that is, the pro∣mised Messiah, in whom all the Kingdoms of the earth is, and was to be blessed; therefore in no Nation is there ground to despair.

AND though some degenerat from these their religious Gentile Ancestors, either by loyttering at home in their carnal security, purposing neither to take pains for, nor travel after salvation, or play at the door in their su∣perstitious

formal idolatry; or Debauching within, by their scandals, and impure de∣portment; yet having wise Preachers, ex∣perienc'd in the study of heavenly Scriptures which as the star over the house, shew where Christ is to be found; let us unite in devotion, and being faithful, with the Saints, part with whatever lust is dear and sweet, knowing it is our wisdom so to do▪ being Christ and his Gospel are above the price of all lusts, though supposed Rubies.

LET Herod be troubled, and great men moved against submission to the scepter of Christ, (for touch the Mountains they will smoak) and Jerusalems inhabitants be in an uproar, each one about his particular concern suggesting trouble and war▪ by changeing of Kings and Governours, upon which (in all probability) their fear was grounded; for none went with the Magi from Ierusalem, either fearing to appear, despairing of suc∣cesse, or for such like cause; yet this is but the course of wordly wisdom, which being Earthly, sensual, is to be avoided by the Man of God whom neither Herodians, of ambition, nor Ierusalemits of pannick fear so far shal obscure wisdom, or occasion de∣filing of conscience, as to make him afraid of, or tremble to hear of Christs approach;

but rather calleth, why tarrieth the wheels of his Chariot, having a desire to be with Christ, obeys that sound, of heaven the charge of Ie∣rusalem his Mother, the Church, going forth to meet this King, Cant. 3 11. now crowned in his cradle, and having heard of this in Ephrata, seeks and finds him in the wood of the Cratch, and ark of the Church, rejoyce∣ing as they that find rich treasure; and good reason, for he is found in Bethlehem (i. e.) the house of bread, and under that notion, implys all happinesse to his visitants; to his Receivers, the tittle of life adding Eternity to his crums, which when enjoyed, the snars of death are avoided.

AS these Magi left Ierusalem a crafty Herod, the skilfull Scribs, who durst not de∣ny what the Scripture recorded; yet shuned to believe what the Wise revealed, bringing damnation upon their souls, the more spee∣dily, for their base ingratitude, the more de∣sparingly for their great knowledge▪ the more inexcusably for dissembling with Herod; so let us relinquish and turn our backs upon those Sirens, stopping our ears against the songs, and counsels, devices, secrets, that by the wicked witty, the demure in hypocrisy, the knowing in disobedience, are laid any way, to debar us from the regular path of Gods

revealed will; in persuance of enjoying that blessed sight, which is in the star light of a promise, offered to us, how difficult soever it may seem, to flesh and bloud, leaving the politick and carnal to their Interrogato∣ries, their Questions, their fears their scruples, what may be? what shall be? rather then what is to be done? things; which is to be feared in our days, have made our Lord to go further from us then he was once, dare I name that place to be, in Egypt?

HERODS Hypocrisie made him pro∣mise adoration, his timidity made him search and ask, not where the King of the Iews, but where Christ should be born? the Question to the Iews is made in privat, by the Gentiles it's made in publick, the reply represents and infers the Jews to have answered, where our Saviour, not where their's was to be born, be∣cause they believed not in him, nor rejoy∣ced at his birth▪ nor travel'd to his lodging; and at this day for unbelief they are a scat∣ter'd people through the earth, still behold∣ing that faith published, and gloried in, un∣to which they are enemies, which no doubt adds to their torture shame, despondency and grief▪ having neither Temple▪ Priest, nor sacrifice of their own, as other Nations, yea hardly retaining their name, but by a few ab∣surd

and ridiculous ceremonies, for which being derided by all Nations, and accounted murtherers, Iesus being deemed innocent, increaseth their astonishment, and is recko∣ned by Travellers, the formal cause of that pregnancy or rather subtility of wit, which proverbialy, is applied unto them, their Reli∣gion putting them under a general odium, they are driven, to help them-selves by base shifts, whereby bandyting themselves against the rest of mankind, they are better studyed in malice and mischief, then other men, for which each Visier, and Basha of state in Turky, keeps a Iew of his privy Council, by whose malice, wit, experience, intelli∣gence, it's thought most of that mischief is contrived, which is executed upon Christen∣dome; yet at the same time, that Iew is so hated, that would I might die a Iew, if this be so, is one great curse in Turky, and he dare not, yea cannot become Turk, unlesse first Christ be acknowledged, a true Pro∣phet, which still must edge his envy, and more ferment his spite.

IT is said one of these Magi was a Black Moor, and master-painter, limns ac∣cordingly; but I shall not swear to the truth hereof, yet there can be no danger to main∣tain to such who credite the report, that in

our addresses unto Christ, the outward ap∣pearance, the difference of, or about things external, the clearness of the souls knowledge, or doubtings in the bosome, blacknesse of the soul, contracted by fear and horrour, or dwelling in the torrid zone of persecution, affliction, or desertion, as it ought not to de∣ter from the embracements of our Lord, in the house of the Church, so neither in others, should it represent any cause, of interrupting their well intended progresse, in those reli∣gious duties, of prostration, or adoration, since the Saviour of the world is an Advoca•• with the Father, speaking peace, and shal ac∣cept of their attendance before the throne, in good and comfortable words; as be of good chear, thy sins are forgiven, whereby they shal not only be cloathed in white, but like David have a goodly and ruddy countenance, that is, be well favoured, in the serenity of a good conscience, marching forward toward their own, because desired, country, with as large strids of zeal affection and discourse; as amply how, and which way their ser∣vice was accepted, prayers heard, doubts cleared, as any of them whose complexion, (i. e.) whose soul, at fi••st setting out, was of a more amiable colour, or allureing tem∣per.

ARE there not persons, who with the Scribs can readily inform where Christ should be born, and that he is to be believed upon in faith working by Love; can talk of the Kingdom of God; tasting the powers of the world to come? by many fathoms go deeper, in the speculative parts of Divinity, speaking as if they had seen the Trinity, talk∣ed with God, first take wing; and then flee, out of the sight of ordinary capacities, pro∣nounceing words in talents of election, the Sons mission, Antichrists destruction▪ yet in the mean time as great strangers from true worshippers, as the black Ethiopian (yea perhaps more) whose Divinity may be is no higher then the star light of dim nature, dicta∣ting unto them an, unknown God, whom yet knowingly they might worship; And should we meet with these men, we might with the Magi get a true answer and sound direc∣tion, burthensome enough also, yet with the Magi again, must serve him with solitary de∣votion, those Pharisees refusing, to touch the enjoyned load with one of their fingers, that is, in the least, to walk according to those impositions they in a pretended strictnesse recommend to others.

IN all Zedekia's Court, there was none pleaded for, nor pittied Jeremiah; in the

Dungeon, but the black Emedm••lek only, the star was unseen to the Magi, while in Ierusalem, yet none of Ierusalem goes to worship, but they of Persia only, whose gifts when baby Iesus received, he might have said, what afterwards he did, in riper years, Verily, I have not found so great Faith, no not in Israel; the forementioned pretenders to Sanctity like the Scribs resting upon notional acquaintance with things divine, pursue their own particular; and in the end con∣clude their peace, not once going forth to negotiat for, or seek after, the pearl of price, contained in Christ, and in his merits; and it's to be feared, that young Indian Christi∣an, in the story, (I call him young, because but two years old in Christianity) who being asked what sin was? answered, It is a con∣tinual sicknesse in my heart, shal condemn thou∣sands, that wonderfully can expatiat upon, it's being a transgression of the Law.

FIND we not ignorance, attended with fervid desires, of knowledge, in the Magi? where is he say they who is born King of the Iews? which is yet infinitely prefer∣able to the knowledge of the Iews, at∣tended with supine sloath, being but a key they put in the hand of others, for opening a door of Salvation; yet not offering to turn the same for their own en∣trance

into blesse, discovering as the Angel to Hagar the fountain of life to others, yet dy∣ing of a desperat drought themselves; happy these pilgrims, though not knowing, yet asking where their Lord lay? happy the ig∣norance of those infants that dyed for him; yet inquir'd not after him, but cursed be that knowledge, that can, as a statue, demon∣strate the way to the citty of refuge; yet stand still, or as the Gnomen on a dyal shew how the Sun moves, yet still remain fixed to the plate; in Ierusalem the Prophets speak are heard, and understood, but not obeyed, in Susa the star is seen, and followed, knowing more by, and fearing more for, that, then they by the other, fulfilling that of the Prophet, For that which had not been told them, shall they see, and that which they had not heard, shal they consider, Isa. 52.15.

INDEED they had considered so well, that they question not of Christs being born, though they found him not in Ierusa∣lem, the likliest place, in the whole world for to find the King of the Jews, the Citty of the great King, and justly now expected to have been the joy of the whole Earth, their old Kings being dead, strangers rule∣ing, and a King of their own country born, and in it, among them, unto them, and not to be found in Ierusalem? is strange! and yet

it's not strange, to see Adams Sons, when leaning to their own understanding in finding out, or searching after, the marrow, con∣tained in the cavity of things mysterious, to be as it were befool'd, the plain Shepherds in Bethlehem, instructed from above, had broke this bone where is he? and saved much cost, care, and it may be lives, for that Ierusalem had been a citty of bloud, that it's temple was prophan'd, that the Law was corrupted, and in a word, that true Piety was banished it's gates, that Bethlehem Ephrata, where David was anointed the second time, South of Ie∣rusalem was to be the place of the nativity was not clear, or it may be, not known; but that he was born they knew, and that he was not heeded they wondred, where is he?

Condemning the Iews, that being subjects to others (for it was in the days of Herod the King) should know nothing of their own King, whom they, though strangers came to worship, let Herod be troubled, or the Syne∣dron either whom likely they went first unto, they say we are come from the east to worship your King, and as unwearyed we are still up∣on search, you that are wise, and understand these things, where is he? and knowing where delays not, the meannesse of the house, the poornesse of the furniture; yea the mean∣nesse

of the dresse, staggering them not into unbelief, and really, it's faith in the truths of God, that holds out longest, and only un∣belief makes men blind, neither now nor then is the union of the Gentiles to the Tribs yeelded unto, (which might be one motive for the Scribs not to travel with the Magi) or that Iesus is the Christ, though Moses be read every Sabbath in their synagogue, in which they read Moses to Mary an Ethio∣pian woman, that Iaphet must dwell in the tents of Sem, though in Abraham all the nations of the Earth were to be blessed, Mel∣chisedeck to be priest of the most high God, though Rahab the Harlot was saved, and converted at Iericho, though Iethro was Father in Law to Moses, though Moses spake of a Prophet, and speaks of the Scep∣••ers departing from Iudah, which it was, when these men came from the east for Herod was King, and that Christ was that Melchi∣sedeck read of in the Synagogue, offering in Bethlehem, the house of bread; the bread of life, and not of that in Iudah, but of that in Ephrata, (i. e.) fruitfulnesse, having store of all fruits, and what if I say of the Vine, to offer them as Melchisedeck; if they will en∣counter the Kings of their lusts; the reign∣ing of sin within them; but all these will

not do, they, yet remaining under the dark∣nesse of infidelity, which is the shadow of death, especially when attended with tene∣brous and dark calamities, which every where befalls them, yet not beholding this star, this Gospel, which is his star, newly creat∣ed, differing in cleannesse, nearnesse, and in motion from all lights, the ordinances, which God ever gave his Church.

AS Moses with them, so Christ, is day∣ly taught in our streets, and whereas we ought thereby to grow warm in our de∣sires, after the sense, and vertue, of the doc∣trine, in receiving the Holy Ghost, it's su∣spected, were the question put, the known answer would be returned, we have not so much as heard if there be any Holy Ghost, that is, heeded, or felt, what those gifts are, whereof the Holy Ghost is inspirer, which ve∣rily is the ground of all our sinful debaurds▪ (viz) our unbelief, leaving off heavenly matters, if not acquir'd by a wish, a look, hearing may be half a Sermon for a whole one, is thought infallibly to do it; yea some tarrying at home dreaming as Pilats wife, waking, give good directions, thinking all as true Revelations, what their fancy, ma∣lice or prejudice, can suggest, as was that of the Wise Men to return to their own Coun∣try,

concludes their salvation to be sealed, not considering that their wisdom, made them travel onward, embraceing difficulties chearfully, and that they saw not the star, untill they left Ierusalem, and that they had no vision in their sleep, untill they had sought out Christ, diligently, when they were a∣wake: so that in earnest, that text, which most of all, grounds the Iew in his incredu∣lity, and what they, stick most unto, in their malice against the Gospel, (viz.) neither did his brethren believe on him; may be by them, Atheistically urged but neither do his followers believe on him; and to our shame may be a dead stroak, to the point, for which they presse the former.

WE read that Simeon had revealed un∣to him by the Holy Ghost, that he shold not dy, untill he saw the Lords Christ, the occasion of which revelation, we find to be this, (vi.) He doubting of the truth of that Prophesy, A Virgin shall bring forth a Son, an angel stood by, assureing his not tasting of Death, untill he saw the accomplishment of that truth, whereof he scrupled; not to comment upon the story, it is sure, that inadvertence, idleness, and sloath, in things spiritual, are not attended with the knowledge of sacred Mysteries, Da∣niel saw the vision, & searching for the mean∣ing;

Gabriel was sent to cause him understand, when the Angel appeared to the Shepherds, they were keeping their flocks, and the star appeared to the Wise Men, at first employ∣ing their gifts for advance in learning, God deals oft with men in their own way▪ God gave Hezekia a sign from the Sun it is given out, he was a great student of the Mathema∣ticks, the second time the star was seen they were upon their journey, in Ierusalem they saw it not, there is time, and place wherein Christ is enquir'd, after, and not found, to seek consolation, in things terrene, is to seek the living among the dead, or as Ioseph, and Mary, among their kinsmen and acquain∣tance; some seek him as Herod, to destroy him, to many we may say, ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amisse, to bestow it on your lusts, there is, place and time wherein Christ is to be sought and found; Mary sought him, and found him, in the Temple, yet she was at pains three days; the woman found him in the garden, yet they sought him with tears, Zacheus sought to see and found him on the Sycamour, yet he sought him with care, and our Wise Men sought for him with care, haz∣zard, zeal, love, and cost, and found him.

FIRST let's know our selves to be Magi, Wise Men, own and know our selves to be

but MEN, that is, flesh, such as have sepa∣rated from God, worshipping stocks, and stones, and given over to direful lusts; next, let's come from the east, with Abra∣ham, Isai. 41, preferring Christ to country, kinred, despising gems, riches, and costly Jewels, chiefly to be found in the east, which as soft beds ••ull the Soul asleep, makeing flesh contemn the invitations Christ maketh for entrance and do this betimes, at the sun rising of our days; Mary Magdalen came a∣bout the sun rising, saw the sepulchre, not her Lord; and being there were several of these Wise Men, let us learn the benefits of re∣ligious Associats, for where two or three are gathered together to seek, he will be found; but our meeting must be in peace for they came, and they came together, and they came toge∣ther to Ierusalem, the vision of peace, for on∣ly when we are in peace, he will come and speak peace, saying, be not afraid I am Iesus whom ye seek.

OBSERVE there is not a state, or condi∣tion, wherein man can fall, but Christ hath been discovered and in it found, as in a mar∣ried estate, under which he was born, though not by it, in a Virgin estate, in which he was born, in a studious estate, for he was found a∣mong the Doctors, in an Artificer or handy∣craft

estate, so he was oft found with Ioseph at an honourable treat, so he was by Mary Magdalen, in a croud, or pent up, in a throng so by Zacheus in a Garden, so by the woman, in poverty, so by the Shepherds, in any place in Iudea, in Egypt, among the Samaritans, and lastly in the house, the poor house, the despi∣sed house, as by the Magi, yet still as con∣demning idlenesse, and exciting to diligence, he was found of them that sought after him.

WE have seen his star in the east (say the Magi) but whether they in the east saw it over Ierusalem, or over themselves in the east, or if it was an Angel as a star, or a star and a Child in it, is not worthy of search, or refutation, for it's, we have seen, and are come, exemplifying promptnesse, that with Lot we should not linger, when by some se∣cret inspiration, we are warned of removeal, as Lot did, when advised to leave Sodom, but as Simeon, when the spirit excits to enter the temple, remembring also Lots wife, seasoning our selves by her salt, that corruption being exsic••at in our mortal bodys, we may go for∣ward, in our spiritual progresse, at the re∣moving of the Ark, or moving of the cloud, it's motion being not for satisfying of our sight, but for putting forward our feet; not to stand by, but to follow after (i. e.) these

Wise Men untill we see our Lord, and who shall by the noise of the worlds confusion. Jerusalems trouble, or by the beauty of g••u∣dy pictures, of appearing benefits, slight the powerfull documents of the Gospel, de∣spise the beautiful face of an amiable Iesus, will be condemned by these Philosophers, who in duty set their face as though they would go to Ierusalem, not fearing the wrath of the King, though enquiring after another then he, or Augustus either, though over the Iews they had made themselves Kings, whereas he whom they seek was a King born, and exceed∣ing Sapores of Persia who yet was crowned in the belly, the crown being set upon his Mothers womb, for suppressing faction, but this, was a King, and so conceived, and therefore named, before he was conceived in the womb, had a star, to indicat his regality, which they call his star as being deputed for that office, others, being made for times, and seasons, yet this, for this time, to shine, to move, to stand, according as our progresse toward him advanceth, or is impeded, and when that is done, to withdraw it's shining;

NO ways giving countenance to these two-peny, I mean Mercenary Astrologers, who pretend from the stars, to judge the futurity of events, depending not so much

upon natural causes, as reasons, and deliberat consultation, seconded by providence, assist∣ing, or mar••ing the design, it were no puz∣zeling question, to demand if the Magi by this star ordained to signifie our Lords Nati∣vity Solely, knew or foresaw our Lords crosses, temptations, poverty slights, melancholy, so to speak, since we read of his weeping, (not of his laughing) torture, death, burial, &c. The probability of the contrary being so evident, or apparent: This is not spoken to disgrace that noble Art, whether Astronomy, or Astrology, being perswaded that the stars are both for seasons, and signs, and works on this inferior world by natural qualities, and operations, as our herbs do growing in our garden, known to the learned Phisician, in their vertue, upon man; yet as this pours no honour on the head of cheating Mounte∣banks, or Empericks, so nor the other, upon them whose covetousnesse, ambition, arro∣gance, or other selfish interest, hath made them pry into acts of Kings, Counsels, Armies, and as they desired, have made the heavens speak, to the discredit of the Ingeni∣ous Artist, and could they blush to their own confusion, we are sure, to their scorn and re∣proach we have seen this star-gazer so oft, to erect Schemes, for such different purposes,

with different tones, unskilful prophesies, that laying him aside, let us worship GOD in love, reverence and fear, as the Magi.

THIS King, we have not the star of his birth; that evanishing the sun of righteous∣nesse himself, shining with meridian luster, in ordinances, and means, yet no industry in the work of God, among us, but contem∣ning Religion, revileing piety, scandalously by cleaving to the earth, refusing to eye the heavens, though the signs of the Son of Man, be come, wars, and rumors of wars, scarce faith on the Earth, and the love of many waxing cold. These men of the east shall rise up against us, and condemn us, who it may be repented, at the preaching of this single Star, and arising from their bed, awakeing as men out of sleep, came and worshipped.

WHAT more? all here is Mysterious Christ being born in Bethlehem, which is sup∣posed to be the center, or midle part of the earth, that the vertue of the Son of Man might be more regularly diffused to the Cir∣cumference of the utmost bounds of the glob, and he again to be their object, as equally near as equally dear, uniting in him, who is called the desire of all nations, the impulse or star lead∣ing to the house, is that lively▪ and heavenly gift of Faith, by which the serious, and in∣dustrious,

shal be led for embraceing of save∣ing truths, the Air, heavens, or firma∣ment, in which that star was, and the star it ••elf again, speaking as it were with a tongue Christ to be born, is the Church, and the Prophets, Apostles Ministers thereof crea∣ted, that is, qualified, for that end (viz.) edifying of the Church, untill she come, to the stature of Iesus Christ. The Ethnick Magi honouring Christ more then, and far above, the Iew, tipifys the amplitude of the Gentiles conversion, and prognosticks, it shall be more then that of the Iew, Herods slaughtering of the infants to the number of an hundreth fourty four thousand, (not to be thought incredible in so populous a place as Iu∣dea) though others shrink this full mouth'd number, into fourteen thousand, where of his own son was one, man••festly shews the Devils rage, his emissaries fury▪ against the Church of God, and of his Christ in all ages, yet as Christ was preserved in Idolatrous Egypt (in which by the by, it's said the Idols fell at his entry) so shall his Gospel out live all hea∣then vanities, Christianity, at last, enjoyn∣ing all Idolatry, as holy Alexander in the Tripartit did the Pagan Philosopher at Con∣stantinople, who preparing to dispute, was charged thus in the name of the Lord Iesus, I

command thee to be silent, and the Philosopher immediatly was mute, so great shall be the force of truth, of Christian verity.

THE Magi were Wise Men, Kings say some, Ambassadors from Kings, say others, how ever good-men, and who perceives not, that not Manners with Wickams motto, but Religion makes the man, the prophane have∣ing, but an external sign of Man hood, a Fool, a Mad-man, as beside himself, for though Reason make a man with the Philo∣sopher, Honour with the Herauld, yet Reli∣gion is all in all with God and good men, hence these are called Wise Men.

WHEN the Magi entred the house, they found saith the Holy Ghost the Child & his Mother; it cannot be granted to them, who thinks, there was a good providence here, that Ioseph was absent, least he should have been taken for the Childs Father; since that same Spirit, that revealed so great a matter, and inspiring them in so high a way, as to adore him, did in likly-hood forestale any such surmise, yea possibly every punctilio of the conception, might not be reveal'd to them and so her Virginity not thought upon, for the scruple about the Father, might have come in their heads whether Ioseph was pre∣sent or no; the Mother may be only named

here, as in other places afterward, she be∣ing indeed real mother to Christ; Ioseph not named, not from his absence, but as haveing no relation to that Child before whom they fell, and worshipped, first next opening their Treasures, presented unto him Gold, Frankin∣cense and Myrhe.

THAT which is here called worship, is in our civil adoration called homage; which in Scripture language is Kissing of the Son, and unto Kings, is a symbole of subjection, ac∣knowledged here above customary salutati∣ons, exceeding all court-ceremony, being a paying of homage to Divinity and respects both soul and body, adoring the Word, in flesh, wisdom in infancy, the truth of the Deity, truly in humanity, the blessed Lord hideing these things from the wise and prudent, who at the birth of a King, had looked for pom∣puous trains, splendid attendance, stately lodgings, ravishing musick, but these men had not so learned Christ, falling down, give∣ing (as is the custom yet in Eastern countries) head and knee, hand, eye, and love, zeal, and true adoration, preferring him to them∣selves, their learning, their possessions, pre∣senting with some of the fruits of their land, as Gold, and Frankincense and Myrhe.

THE two last being plentifully offered

to God under the law, which being now fi∣nished, the reserve, and store, is returned to Christ, there being no more offering for sin up∣on the altar; but the Gold, typifies their trampling upon secular, or worlely wealth, in comparison of those riches they had ac∣quir'd by his advent, which proceeded not from inspection into glasses, books, or maps; but from heavens inspiration, that giving the sign, gave also the thing signified, the Myrhe which preserves the dead from pu∣trifaction; offered to him, is in the Mystery acknowledging both ours, and their hoped for Resurrection, to proceed from him alone; Gold the price of our Redemption, to be told down by his satisfaction, and righteousnesse, the incense (a perfume used in sacrifice with both Jews and Heathens) given to him; shadoweth abolishment of all legal offerings▪ and diabolical services, that he (viz.) Christ may be all in all.

A King they asked for, a King they found, and like unto a King they offered, Herod said seek (not the King but) the Child and I will worship him, in scorn at them, in scorn of him, yet willing to secure himself a Christ▪ being to be born, Go seek and I will worship but just as Iehu would worship Baal, these sought the young Child, the King of the

Iews, found the young King at which God, made them old in knowledge, they giving gold to him, as a King, Incense, they know∣ing him to be a Priest, Myrhe they saw him to be a Prophet, Gold they gave him because he was great, incense, because he was God, and Myrhe for they knew him to be a man. To have brought gold only, his mothers po∣verty considered, had caused men to suspect her supply; had only been regarded, or at most his education, but Myrhe and Incense, intuats that his paternal eradiation is concer∣ned, yet all the three a help to their indi∣gency in going down to Egypt, for in all the highest matters of heavens acquisition, the necessities of men, may be turned upon, and behold, and then it's our duty to relieve them.

AMONG the Persians it was thought dishonourable to salute, and therefore there was a Law, against, accosting, the King without a present, whereby to procure his friendship, or his Grace, wherefor one Si∣netes, in travel meeting Artazarxes, and having nothing, ran to the river Cyrus filling both his hands with water as being at that time the readiest present, which the King caused to be received from him in a golden cup then, and sent afterwards to him greater

presents, as a persian Vest, a golden cup, wherewith to bring water always from the river so acceptable are presents, that they e∣ven reconcile an Esaw to a Iacob and mak∣eth the Queen of the south more acceptable to Solomon, which these men knew, and from their own country custome offered, yet led by a higher law, having either heard of or read, or inspired with that law of God, com∣manding none to appear before him empty handed, Exod. 23. prompting the Magi to obey, and in them gives order, against un∣charitable devotion.

THREE gifts are mentioned, if it be questi∣oned, whether all gave three, or each one, one to allow in this the wise mens number to be three it's sure they either had particular trea∣sures, or then several treasures for all in one, which were first closed, then opened, Faith closed up in the heart, without confession of the mouth, being of no avail; but that each one g••ve for himself, may be drawn (with some) from the gifts given, they shadowing in him, the union of God, and Man, which each one particularly believed, as also the three persons of the Trinity, and if delivered by one to the Baby Iesus, makes the heart reflect upon their unity among themselves, Christs three fold office of King Priest and

Prophet, being also believed by each, hath som influence for this belief, they worship∣ing whole Christ all of Christ, first in body they fell down next in mind they worshipped, thirdly, in goods, they presented unto him.

GOLD the best of mettals, and most re∣spected, and which looseth nothing in the fire, earthy its true it is, but if well managed, can be beat out, unto a heavenly length, and to be parted withall, when Christs poor members are in want: yet remember, it's a proper gift for a King, therefore offered here with worshiping, for untill we depart from evill, by fearing the Lord, our alms, and charity cannot be accepted frankincense used in sacrifice to God, and so necessary for per∣fumeing, that the prayers of the Saints in the Revelation Chap. 8. are said to be sweetned thereby, and Cornelius prayers, and Alms came up together, for a memorial before God, Myrhe, a bettrr yet conserving gumme, used in enbalming of the dead, and prayer, when at∣tended with mortification of flesh, is then most savory, and sweet, it's as it were the tears of a tree, woozed out, and how preva∣lent Piters bitter tears were woozing from the bitternesse of his heart, is known yet each Wise Man had all these three, or the most part of the Ancients are out of the way; and

in the assurance of our Saviours Divinity, Hu∣manity his Priest-hood, Prophetick, and Re∣gal office, each believer for himself, must offer up, to him, and for him, praise, pray∣er, and Alms; the oyntment of Myrhe in ho∣ly and brotherly communion, that being gi∣ven in charity to the dead the incense of a sweet and innocent report, which we ow to our liveing brother, the gold of a bright, pure, and shineing conscience, which we ow to our great Creator King of all the earth.

FINALY by gold, understand thy self exorted to rejoice in, and love God, for the good things he hath performed towards thee, by incense, religious thankfulnesse, for the good he hath prepared for thee, by Myrhe unfeigned sorrow, for what evill hath been done by thee, the sincerity whereof is best discovered, if thou separat thy self from sin∣ners, and thy life from bloudy men, in not returning to thy old companions or sinful counsellours, as the Magi did not to Herod, nor liveing in thy old path of vitious courses, as they returned another way (I shall not say, lodging in caves, and dens, for fear of He∣rod) into their own Country, the birth of him whom they visited in it••s purity, innocency, harmlesse simplicicy, perswading to tempe∣rance, and the Magi as the first fruits of the

Gentiles by their gifts, in coming and go∣ing, inforceing retirednesse from carnal ease; sinful sloath, cruel intentions reverent acti∣ons, Religious obedience, which once ac∣quir'd by pains in study, prayer, and medi∣tation, with practise, though but with star light, yet untill we see him who is invisible, we shall have Angels (not to say dreams as the Magi had) to direct us from hurting o∣thers, or our selves, growing in familiarity with God as they also did being afterward baptized by S. Thomas, one who could as sensibly assure them, of our Lords Passion and Resurrection as they him, of his Nativity, and being born, of all which being well per∣swaded, they proved instrumental in saveing the Souls of many, in their own country as the Eunuch after them is also said to do) preaching the truth of that Iesus, whom they sought, and savingly found, according to that promise, he made to his, They that seek me early shall find me.

CONCERNING the death of these Wise Men we have not any probability in re∣cord, but the reported death, the cost, care, diligence used by Queen Helene, in getting, yea gathering of their bodies, bringing them unto Constantinople, for honourable sepul∣ture, there translation afterward to Millain,

their removeal the third time, to Colen, whence Vulgarly they are called the three Kings of Colen, being there worshiped, with great reverence and pilgramages, made unto them, by the ignorant, and superstitious hath no Mystery, save that of Iniquity, and of lying Vanity, therefore not of our province; being also perswaded, were the bones, or dust, of these Magi there, and could speak, they would be so good, so Wise as to say to their simple worshipers, Dearly beloved flee from the Idolatry, 1 Cor. 10.14.

IN the Kingdom of France of old, an order of Knighthood was institute, called, of the Star, which in the days of Charles the seventh, became contemptible, the Honour becomeing dishonourable, being given to pages, yeoman of the guard, and other at∣tendants; so that the Knights laid asside the badge, and cognisance of the Star, whereup∣on the order evanished; the Magi in a holy, and respectfull sence, might be termed of the Star; but Religion in Gospel preaching having descended unto the poor, many great in their own esteem (as the Iews repineing at the Gentile) shifts off devotion to their Chaplain, and servants menial; and in a distinguishable sense, is it not sadly visible, that the poor have the Gospel preached un∣to

them? great men▪ landed men Wise men, or men (for any thing) of renown, gilding their sword, garnishing their board, embroi∣dering their apparel, as if birth-right, nobili∣ty and gallantry, did ipso facto, and of it self, qualify for glory; piety, and religion, in the mean while, exposed to nakednesse, and con∣tempt, bleeding, and trod-underfoot, as in∣jurious unto (because debasing) greatnesse, and suiting rather the Tenents, then the Land-Lords habitation, whose revenue provyding, against course fair, hard beds, shifts off pray∣er, reading, holy living, as inept guests, or complemented with a dinner, and then fare∣well.

VPON this score, not many wise, after the flesh, not many mighty not many noble, are called, 1 Cor. 1.26. yet because their are not many, it would seem, their are some mighty and some noble called, wherefore free∣ing your souls from this abuse, embrace ho∣linesse as an honourable inmate as the Crown embellishing al your vertues, the preservative of al your excellencies, the engine, mean, or instrument, to augment your fortunes, enlarge dominions, dignifie your issue, protect your dwellings, guard your persons, secure your consciences, and acquire glo••y, for Godli∣nesse hath the promise, and the sinner will dy accursed.

THE Natural Sons of the Kings of Spa••n, by law are never to enter the gates of Ma∣drid, Don Iohn, (as we read) was never nearer it, then a league, the court leaving the pallace, that that mighty Austian, might be capable to give a visit to his Catholick Majesty; as if their were so black a stain, or so thick a fi∣bre, somewhere in that great body, that roy∣al blood could not so encircle the person, as to nobiliat, and on all quarters, in all parts, properly make him, his Highnesse, his Serene Highnesse; just so it is with wickednesse, and unbelief, no gold can beautify it, no silver adorne it, nor throne, honour it nor greatness make it, or the breast in which it lodgeth, to be capable to see the face of God, or admit it to his holy Habitation.

INDEED God condescends so far, as to descend to sinners and by them may be visited, and spoak withal, in the acts of his worship and temple of his Son, as Christ, was beheld by the Magi, but so, as we find not first, and second; he as Death▪ makeing no difference between Rich, and poor, High and low, and if any, it is to the poorest, (that is) in Spirit, all before, and in comparison of him, being but dust, and ashes, and he who is loosest upon the earth (that is puft up) is because such, soonest, and easiest blown away;

all epithets declairing greatnesse, being un∣succesfull▪ fading, and evanishing, as smoak, from the tunnels of their own well furnish'd kitchins: known it seems to Ioan Queen of Spain who gave on a glob a moulting pea∣cock with Vanitas encircled, as if all earthly glory, without the coronet of Sanctity, and piety, were but like the splendor of that fowl and beauty of his train, which a rainy day, will cause to disappear, and a warm spring (a smal calamity) shall make the prey of any baser born, scattering them in the path, of this world's contingencies, to adorn the cap's, of it may be their own Skip-Jacks, followers, and footmen.