The soul's communion with her savior. Or, The history of our Lord Jesus Christ, written by the four evangelists digested into devotional meditations. The first part.

THE Soul's Communion WITH HER SAVIOR. (Book 2)

The Second Book, (Book 2)

Containing what occurs in the First Year of his Publick Ministry.

Cap. I.* 1.1 Of His Retirement, Fasting,* 1.2 and Temtation.* 1.3

§. 1.

O Blessed Iesus, who, being* 1.4 ful of the Holy Ghost, immediatly after thy re∣turn* 1.5 from Iordan, wast led by* 1.6 the Spirit into the Wilder∣ness: [ 12]

I prais and magnify thy Name,

For thus chalking out the Way to divine and spiritual Atchiev∣ments. O thou, the only Com∣fort of all my Solitudes, giv me Grace to set apart fit times for Prayer and Contemplation, af∣ter thine Exampl, before I en∣ter upon any great Emploi∣ment; that what I undertake with du and devout Conside∣ration may be so blest and ac∣cepted by thy Goodness, as may render it succesful to thine Ho∣nor. And, whensoever it shal pleas Thee to inspire me with holy Thoughts and Resolutions, incline my Heart cheerfuly to follow the Motions of thy B. Spirit, that I may never in∣cur the Guilt of Resisting the H. Ghost.

§. 2.

O thou high and holy One of Israel, who hast abased thy self to co-habit with the wild Beasts* 1.7 of the Desert for my sake, whose [ 13] nativ fierceness was so much awed by thy Sacred Presence as left them neither Power nor In∣clination to hurt Thee:

I glorify thy Great Name,

For submitting to the discon∣solat Inconveniences of that in∣hospitabl Place and Company. Lord, disdain not to visit the un∣cultivated Wilderness of my Soul too; and subdu therin all those brutish Appetits, those untamed Passions, that would utterly de∣stroy me, til thou bring all the Imaginations of my Heart into Subjection to thy H. Will.

§. 3.

O my most Gracious Re∣deemer,* 1.8 who didst fast 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Days and forty Nights, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 afterward an hungred.

I prais thy H. Name,

For teaching me both the Du∣ty and Benefit of Fasting. Lord, let me not at any time eat or drink without such a Temper and Moderation as may better enabl me for thy Service: but on all the Seasons and Occasions of Fasting prescribed either by Thee or thy Church, make me impartialy strict and severe to my self, in Communion with thy Saints, in Sorrow for my Sins, and in Memory of Thy Sufferings; denying my self not only pleasant Bread and palata∣bl Drink, but all manner of Suste∣nance, for a time proportionabl

to my frailty, (in Conformity to thine Exampl who in those* 1.9 days 〈◊〉〈◊〉 eat nothing) as a just [ 2] Acknowledgment how unwor∣thy I am of enjoying that Privi∣ledg which the first Man's un∣ruly Appetit forfeited in Para∣dise, and a fit Occasion to re∣mind me of Hungring and Thir∣sting after Righteousness by the Sens of my bodily Wants. And whensoever thou givest me Grace or Leisure to retire my self for the Exercise of Devotion, help me both to sanctify my Retirement by Prayer and Fa∣sting, and to spend my Time in judging my self that I be not judged of the Lord, in punishing my self that Thou may'st spare me, and in turning from my Sins that thy Judgments may be averted from me. O my Dear Jesu, be thou my Company in Solitude, my Food in Fasting,

and the sublimest Joy of evry Feast I celebrat: Be thy divine Graces my choicest Viands, thy Laws my Study, thy Works my Praises, thy Mercies my Enjoy∣ments, thy Majesty my Fear, thy Lov my Comfort, thy Wis∣dom my Instruction, thy Good∣ness my Guide, and thy sacred Presence my Guard all the days of my Pilgrimage in the Wilder∣ness of this World.

§. 4.

Most Holy and Invincibl Sa∣vior, thou didst not only fast but wast forty days temted of the Devil, whose Craft and Impor∣tunity thou hast utterly defeated by the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God:

I magnify thy Name,

That being assaulted with the subtil Insinuations of Necessity,

Curiosity, Vain-glory, Presum∣tion, Ambition, &c. thou hast experimentaly discover'd with what Weapon I may best resist and subdu all manner of Temta∣tions. Lord, whensoever I am to encounter with any of those Enemies which war against my Soul, let me never be sollicitous for any other Armor of Defence than thy Word; but hav Recours therunto, in a du Sens of my own Weakness, by such devout Fasting and Prayer as may endu me with an holy Reverence to what is written, the du Remem∣brance and Application wherof may at all times secure me from the mischievous Influence of any Temtation, and succesfuly enabl me at once to resist and conquer the Temter. And since we hav an High-Priest which can be touched with the feeling of our Infirmities, having been in all

points temted like as- we are yet without Sin, so that we may com boldly to the Throne of Grace to obtain Mercy and Favor for an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Relief; I humbly be∣seech Thee, O faithful God, suf∣fer Vs not to be temted abov that we are abl, but with evry Temtation make a way for our escape, that we may be abl to bear it. Let no Arguments drawn from any sensual Wants or Comforts with-draw me from my Duty to Thee or Confidence in Thee, since it is written, that* 1.10 Man shal not liv by Bread a∣lone,* 1.11 but by evry Word that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 out of the mouth of God. Let not the bewitching Prospect of worldly Power and Glory ever make me stagger in [ 8] mine Obedience to that divine Command, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.12 shalt thou lerv: And let 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 10]

soothing Flatteries seduce me to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Lord my God by any* 1.13 unwarrantabl Act of Presumtion, [ 12] lest by leaving those Ways wher∣in [ 10] thou hast given thine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Charge over me to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 me, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 lose the Benefit of their Prote∣ction and dash my foot against [ 11] a Stone.

§. 5.

O B. Lord, With what gra∣dual Artifices did Satan attack thee? With how great a Stock of Impudence did he renew his Sollicitations? He begins to work upon thy Need, expecting that an hungry Appetit would soon induce thee to swallow his first Bait, Command that these* 1.14 Stones be made Bread: Then [ 5] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 taketh thee up into the H. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and sets 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on a Pinacl of the Templ, in hopes to see [ 6] thee cast thy self 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from

thence, craftily gilding over these two devilish Suggestions with so plausibl an Argument as that of proving whether Thou be the Son of God or no: And at last, as if the Want of Success had animated him to greater Villa∣nies, [ 8] he proceeds to shew thee all the Kingdoms of the World; falsly supposing the Glory of them might induce [ 9] thee to depend upon his falser Promise, All these things will 〈◊〉〈◊〉 giv thee, tho it were upon the basest Condition imaginabl, if thou wilt fall down and wor∣ship me.

I celebrat thy great Name,

For thine unparallel'd Patience in bearing with his irksom Im∣portunity, and that powerful Se∣verity wherwith thou didst re∣buke his Impudence. Enabl me also, I humbly beseech thee,

whensoever the Temter seeks to delude me by his glosing Falla∣cy in mincing the Truth of God revealed in Scripture, or impose upon me by any gross and ap∣parent Falshood forged in his own Mint of Lying, of the same nature with what he affirms concerning the Disposal of this World's Pomp and Power, That* 1.15 is delivered unto me, and to whomsoever I will I giv it; so to descry his Fraud and detest his I alshood as to defeat his Ma∣lice and be released from his fur∣ther Sollicitations by thy divine Aid, who didst banish him and his Temtations from thee with a word, saying unto him, Get* 1.16 thee 〈◊〉〈◊〉 me, Satan. [ 10]

§. 6.

My B. Redeemer, when the* 1.17 Devil had ended all the Tem∣tation, [ 13] thy Constancy having

rather baffled his Attemt than abated his Malice, he departed from thee for a Season; and no sooner did the Devil leav thee, but behold Angels came and 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.18 unto thee: [ 11]

I prais and magnify thy Name,

For this glorious Issu of thy Conflict with our Arch-enemy, and for the grand Encoragement thou hereby givest us to perse∣vere unto the end, having thus made that inspired Advice an ex∣perimental Truth, Resist the De∣vil and he wil flee from you. Lord, whensoever thy Grace hath suc∣cesfully armed me against the fiery Darts of the Wicked One, so that he retires with Disappoint∣ment; let me not grow secure as one ignorant of his Devices, but be the more cautious in expecta∣tion of his speedy Return, and vi∣gilant in preparing to frustrat

his next Assault; for, if when he lost the day, he did not quit the field without thoughts of rallying his shatter'd Forces a∣gainst the Captain of our Salva∣tion, What shal deterr him from re-attacquing such pusillanimous Soldiers as we are? And, as we hav all the Reason imaginabl to stand upon our Guard in respect of the danger we are in, so we hav no small Encoragement to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 our selvs like Men in regard of the Recompence attending it; for, as soon as we can get rid of the Temter's Sollicitations, we shal be refreshed with the conso∣latory presence of the Holy An∣gels, the Operations of Grace herein conforming to the Laws of Nature which admit of no Vacuity.

Cap. II. Of our Savior's Entertaining* 1.19 two of S. John's Discipls, and his Conference with Si∣mon Peter, Philip, and Na∣thanael.

§. 1.

ST. John the Baptist, who bare Record of Christ both Before and At his Baptism, did also After it repeat his Testimo∣ny, looking upon Jesus as he* 1.20 [ 35] walked; wherupon two of his [ 36] Discipls, which heard 〈◊〉〈◊〉 say [ 37] Behold the Lamb of God, fol∣lowed Jesus, and abode with [ 39, 40] him that day: One of the two [ 41] was 〈◊〉〈◊〉, who finding his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Brother Simon, both told [ 42] him this joyful News, We hav

found the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and brought him to Jesus.

I prais and magnify thy Name,

O Christ, For thine exem∣plary Clemency and ready Con∣descension to entertain such as own thee their Master and [ 38] enquire where thou dwellesf, tho it be about the tenth hour. Lord, incline my Heart not on∣ly, upon thy gracious Invita∣tion, to Com and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the place where thine Honor dwelleth, but to take up mine Abode with 〈◊〉〈◊〉; who hast given us a Taste of thine Omniscience, in that thou couldst say to Andrew's 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as soon as thou hadst 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him (without any pre∣vious Inquiry, or human Infor∣mation) Thou art Simon the Son of Jona, thou shalt be called Cephas which is by in∣terpretation, Peter.

§. 2.

The day following Iesus,* 1.21 going forth into Galilee, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 43] Philip who was of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, [ 44] and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 unto him, Fol∣low me: wherupon he believed Iesus of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the Son of [ 45] Ioseph to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of whom 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the Law, aud the Pro∣phets did write, as he soon af∣ter acquainted 〈◊〉〈◊〉, using it for a cogent Argument to draw him also to Jesus.

I prais thy H. Name,

O thou Redeemer of Israel, For the magnetick Power of thy Life and Doctrin, by virtu wher∣of Men are thus drawn to follow Thee, like one Link after ano∣ther in a wel compacted Chain. Draw me, O Lord, we wil run after thee, that as wel by mine Exampl as Arguments, I may

induce others to partake of that Blessedness which those happy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 enjoy who are admitted to convers with Thee, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 believing Thou art He of whom the Lord spake unto his Servant Moses on this wise, I wil rais them up a Prophet from among their Brethren, like unto thee, and I wil put my words in∣to his mouth; and whosoever wil not hearken unto my words which he shal speak in my Name, I wil require it of him.

§. 3.

O B: Jesus, Becaus thou saidst [ 50] unto Nathanael, I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thee un∣der the Figg-tree, he, that had lately questioned, Can there any good 〈◊〉〈◊〉 com out of 〈◊〉〈◊〉? did believ and confess, Thou art the Son of God, [ 46] Thou art the King of Israel; [ 49] 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 thou wast pleased

to encorage and confirm with a Promise that he should see grea∣ter things than these; making this plain Declaration of what sort they should be, Uerily, ve∣rily, [ 51] I say unto you, Hereafter ye shal see Heven open, and the Angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.

I magnify thy Name,

O thou tru Jacob's Ladder, in whose Person Heven and Earth are united; for whose sake the Celestial Spirits minister to the Saints who shal be Heirs of Sal∣vation; and by whose Order they either vouchsafe us their hevenly Aid and Protection, or withdraw its sacred Influence from us. Lord, wheras thou* 1.22 sawest Nathanael, before that Philip called him, when he was [ 48] under the Fig-tree, and (which

is yet a greater Miracl) didst discern his Heart before thou hadst seen his Face; make me always apprehensiv that Dark∣ness or Distance hideth not from Thee, who knowest my Down∣fitting and mine Up-rising, and understandest my Thoughts afar off; til the awful Consideration of thine Omnipresence render me an Israelite indeed, in whom [ 47] is no Guile. And, I beseech thee, let these early Manifesta∣tions of thy Divinity so quicken and confirm my Faith in Thee, that Thou maist go on to re∣ward thine own Gifts in Me with greater Graces, til my pre∣sent Knowledg of thy sacred Person and saving Office be crowned and compleated with that unspeakabl Priviledg reser∣ved for the Sons of God when it doth appear what they shal be, for then we shal see him as he is.

§. 4.

When these Good Men had seen and spoken with the Lord, it seems som (if not all) of them soon after left Him; and tho his first Conference with them laid a sound foundation of Faith in their Hearts, yet it re∣strained not their Hands from returning to their former Oc∣cupations:

I prais and magnify thy Name,

O Christ, For graciously dis∣pensing with thy Servants Ne∣cessities, wherby thou hast gi∣ven us a satisfactory Intimation, that to believ in Thee as a privat Discipl is not at all inconsistent with the honest prosecution of our Secular Emploiments; thy Wisdom & Justice having made it our Christian Duty as wel as Liberty to be diligent in the

business of our lawful Callings. However, let me never (I ear∣nestly beseech Thee) yield mine Ear to be bored in the servil Drudgery of any anxious Cares or useless Vanities of this present World, having once found Thee whom my Soul loveth.

Cap. III. Of his turning Water into Wine.* 1.23

§. 1.

THe Mother of Iesus being [ 1] at a Marriage which was in Cana of Galilee, both [ 2] Iesus was called and his Disci∣pls to the Marriage, where the Lord of Eternal Purity did not only honor the Wedding with his: Sacred Presence but also sup∣ply the Wants of the Nuptial En∣tertainment

with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that [ 9] was made Wine; and that in a very liberal proportion, far beyond the stint of a niggardly Spirit, for there were six Water∣pots [ 6] of Stone, containing two or three firkins apiece, which he caused them to fill up to the [ 7] brim with Water, and then bid them draw out thence for the [ 8] Use of the Guests; wherof when the Ruler of the Feast had ta∣sted, [ 9] not knowing whence it was, he gave the Bride groom this publick Commendation, say∣ing unto him, Evry man at the [ 10] beginning doth set forth good Wine, and when men hav wel drunk, then that which is wors; but thou hast kept the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Wine until now.

I prais and magnify thy N••me,

O Christ, the inexhaustibl Fountain of Goodness, For this

Beginning of Miracls which [ 11] * 1.24 thou 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Cana of Galilee, wherin Thou hast at once so convincingly manifested forth thy Glory that thy Discipls be∣lieved on Thee, and withal set a Mark of Honor as wel on the Married as the Virgin state of Life. I beseech thee, bless and sanctify all Persons joined in ho∣ly Wedlock; visit them with thy supernatural Grace and Power; turn their Water into Wine; change their Natural De∣sires into Divine Affections; ex∣alt their sensual Pleasures into spiritual Delights; and refine their transitory Enjoiments into an eternal Inheritance; that by growing up from strength to strength in mutual Lov and joint Devotion, their last Days may be their best.

§. 2.

When the Mother of Jesus [ 3] said unto him, They 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉, couching under that brief Intimation a tacit Request for the Supply of what they wanted; [ 4] Jesus saith unto her, Woman, What 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I to do with Thee: Mine hour is not yet com: As if by such a slighting Answer he seem'd to check her preten∣ded Interposition and Authority in the matters of his Mediator∣ship, which som blind 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hav since endevored to persuade the World is her undoubted Right.

I prais and magnify thy H. Name,

O my sole Mediator and Ad∣vocat, For giving us this covert yet very intelligibl Expression of thy Fore-sight and Dislike of that idolatrous Copartnership with

the Holy Trinity, wherunto the inordinat Devotion of some Su∣perstitious Christians hath erro∣neously exalted and inshrined thy Virgin-Mother, in these later and more corrupt Ages of thy Church. Lord, I beseech thee, inlighten my Soul with such a discreet and tru Distinction be∣tween the Honor or Respect I may justly bear to thy Earthly Mother, or any other of thy Saints enrolled in Heven among the Spirits of Just Men made per∣fect, and that Homage and Ado∣ration which I am bound to pay unto Thy Self in the Unity of thy Hevenly Father and the E∣ternal Spirit; that while I com∣memorat the Grace Thou hast conferred on Her, whom thy H. Angel hath authorized us to call Blessed among Women, I presume not to rob God of his peculiar Honor, who declares expresly, I

wil not giv my Glory unto another. And herein I shal best comply with that Advice which She her Self gave to the Servants that attended on this Nuptial Solem∣nity, Whatsoever he saith unto* 1.25 you, do it: for, thence we may rationaly infer, That our resolved and activ Obedience to Thy Di∣vine Commands is much more likely to gratify her holy Soul in Heven, than any irregular Ex∣pression of Religious Worship unwarrantably tender'd to her Self on Earth.

Cap. IV. Of His Acts at the first* 1.26 Passover.

§. 1.

AFter this he went down to [ 12] Capernaum with his Mo∣ther, his Brethren and Discipls, but they continued [ 13] there not many days; for the Jews Passover was at hand, and therefore Jesus went up to [ 14] Jerusalem, where finding those that sold Oxen, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and Dovs, and the Changers of [ 15] mony, sitting in the Templ, he made a Scourge of small Cords and drove them all out thence, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 out the Chan∣gers Mony, and overthrew their [ 16] 〈◊〉〈◊〉; saying unto them, Take these things hence:

I prais and magnify thy Name,

O Lord of Hosts, thou Migh∣ty God of Sabaoth, who, for the more publick and notabl Decla∣ration of thy Power, didst sig∣nalize the very Commencement of thy Ministerial Function by purging thy 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Authority, from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gross Prophanation of those 〈◊〉〈◊〉 made it an Hous of 〈◊〉〈◊〉; which was an Act so ex∣traordinary [ 17] as gave thy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 occasion to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that it was written, The zeal of 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Hous hath eaten me up: May all Places religiously set apart for thy Worship be ever 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in a venerabl manner, I beseech thee, and in thy Sanctuary let evry man speak of his Honor that dwels there; that when we 〈◊〉〈◊〉 upon Thee, O God, in the midst of thy Templ, our Hearts being

〈◊〉〈◊〉 from all Sacrilegious Thoughts of Secular Negotia∣tions, which like a Cage of 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 are apt as wel to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as keep a place in thy holy Habitation, the Templ of thy more especial Presence may be (as it ought) a Hous of Prayer, not a Den of Thievs.

§. 2.

Most H. Jesus, When the* 1.27 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thou 〈◊〉〈◊〉 these [ 18] things, questioned 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Autho∣rity, saying, 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 thou unto us? Thou 〈◊〉〈◊〉 briefly make Answer unto them, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this Templ, and in [ 19] three days 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 rais it up.

I celebrat thy Sacred Name,

For the hidden Mystery and yet most undoubted Truth cou∣ched in this thy prudent Reply; which became easily intelligibl

when thou wast risen from the Dead, after that both Jew and [ 22] Gentil had employ'd their ut∣most Power and Malice to de∣stroy thee; for, then thy Disci∣pls not only remembred that Thou hadst said this unto them, but they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 understood that to be spoken of the Templ of [ 21] thy Body, which the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 misapplied to their material Templ, in the building wherof [ 20] forty and six years were elapsed. I humbly beseech thee, O Lord, That the actual Accomplish∣ment of all thy mysterious yet most infallibl Predictions may so enlighten the Understanding of thy Discipls in this later Age of thy Church, as to engage Our Faith with no less efficacy than it did that of thy primitiv Follow∣ers, [ 22] who hereupon believed the Scripture and the Word which Jesus had said.

§. 3.

O B. Jesus, tho many 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 23] in thy Name, when they saw the Miracls which thou didst in Jerusalem at the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, in the Feast-day; yet didst [ 24] not thou commit thy Self unto them, becaus thou knewest all Men:

I glorify thy great Name,

For this eminent Expression of the Divinity of the Son of Man, who was so far abov the necessity of depending or rely∣ing on the faithless or feebl Ge∣neration of Adam, that He 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.28 not that any should testify of [ 25] them; for He knew what was in Man, even while he vouch∣safed to be conversant with them upon Earth in the likeness of Men. I humbly beseech Thee, O Christ, let the same Spirit

which rested upon Thee be my Comfort and Support, that from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I lean not on any Child of Man, for there is no Hope no Help in them, but fully settl my whol Trust in God, and commit the Keeping of my Soul to Him in Wel-doing, as unto a faithful Cre∣ator. And further teach me, by this thine instructiv Exampl, so much discreet Caution, both in my Dealings with Men, as may prevent the betraying of my Self to their deceitful Pra∣ctices, and in my Deportment towards God, as may ever ex∣press me duly sensibl of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Omniscience.

Cap. V. Of His Conference with Nicodemus.* 1.29

§. I.

WHen a man of the [ 1] Pharisees, named Nicodemus, came to [ 2] Thee O Jesus by night, with a privat Acknowledgment of thy Sacred Mission and unparallel'd Miracls, which he wanted the Corage to avow in publick, Thou wast gracioufly pleased (with∣out upbraiding either his Infir∣mity or Ignorance) to discours the Mysteries of Regeneration to him in such a new and unheard∣of manner as far exceeded the [ 10] Knowledg of any Master of Israel:

I prais thy H. Name,

For all the profound and sin∣gular Excellencies of thy heven∣ly Doctrin, wherby we know* 1.30 Thou art a Teacher com from God; and for that convincing Method Thou hast made Use of to confirm it, which was of force enough to make a Ruler of the Jews confess, No man can do these Miracls that thou dost, except God be with him. Tho the Laws of Nature do not allow a Man to be born when he is [ 4] old, or enter the second time into his Mother's Womb; yet, by the Power of thy Grace, let me (I beseech thee) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 born [ 7] agen, not of Water only, but [ 5] of the Spirit too; that as I am [ 6] naturally Flesh born of the Flesh, so I may becom really Spirit born of the Spirit, and be therby qualified both to 〈◊〉〈◊〉

and to enter into the Kingdom [ 3, 5] of God.

§. 2.

O most holy and hevenly Do∣ctor, who didst represent to Ni∣codemus the unaccountabl yet apparent Motions of the H. Ghost in the mysterious Regene∣ration [ 8] of evry one that is born of the Spirit, by this apt Simi∣litude, The wind 〈◊〉〈◊〉 where it listeth, and thou hearest the Sound therof, canst not tell whence it cometh and whi∣ther it goeth; which drew him that was learned in the Matters of the Law to own his Ignorance in the Method of the Gospel, by [ 9] putting this Question, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 can these things be:

I magnify thy Glorious Name,

For speaking that Thou dost [ 11] know, and testifying that Thou

hast seen, tho we receiv not thy Witness. I earnestly beseech Thee, O Jesus, how backward soever Thou findest us to believ [ 12] when thou hast told us earthly things, vouchsafe to tell us of hevenly things, and to exhibit as wel the powerful Efficacy of thy whol Doctrin as the indispu∣tabl Truth of the most abstruse parts of it, help Thou our Un∣belief: That, notwithstanding my inability to satisfy my Self or Others How the Birth from abov is wrought in my Heart, yet I may palpably evidence to the whol World, both in Word and Deed, What it is to be a new Creature, and make it appear that the Spirit of God hath breathed upon my Soul, tho I cannot determin the precise Time nor describe the exact Manner of his graciousOpera∣tion.

§. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

O thou Son of Man which* 1.31 art in Heven, whither no man [ 13] hath ascended up but he that came down from thence; who, to convince us that whatever thou hast suffer'd upon Earth was of thine own voluntary Resolu∣tion and Praescience, didst ex∣presly foretel as wel the particu∣lar Circumstance as the gracious Design of thy Death, in these [ 14] plain Tearms, As Moses lifted up the Serpent in the Wilder∣ness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; that whoso∣ever [ 15] believeth in him should not perish, but hav eternal Life:

I prais and magnify thy Name,

Becaus God so loved the [ 16] World, that he gave his on∣ly begotten Son, that whoso∣ever believeth in Him should not

perish, but hav everlasting life. I humbly beseech Thee, O Jesu, [ 17] since God sent not his Son into the World to condemn it, but that the World throu him might be saved, establish my Soul in this Faith, and qualify me for that happy End of it by an unblamabl Conversation, that Impiety may not temt me to Infidelity and Unbelief consign me to Damnation: for, (as thy* 1.32 unerring Truth assures us) he that believeth not, is condem∣ned [ 18] already; the preposterous Occasion of the Guilt being justly applied to aggravat and ascertain the Condemnation, That Light is com into the [ 19] World, and yet Men loved Darkness rather than Light, becaus their Deeds were evil; [ 20] for, evry one that doth evil hates and shuns the Light lest his Deeds should be reproved;

wheras he that doth Truth, who rightly believs and acts accor∣ding to the Principls of a sound Faith, cometh to the Light, [ 21] wherby his Deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God.

Cap. VI. Of His Baptizing in Judea,* 1.33 and the Dispute that arose therupon between St. John's Discipls and the Jews.

§. I.

AFter these things, the H. [ 22] Jesus and his Discipls came into the Land of Ju∣dea, where he tarried with them baptizing.

Prais thou the Lord, O my Soul,

For perfecting the Design of S. John's Baptism by the succee∣ding Administration of Thine, even whilst he was also 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 23] in Enon near to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, becaus much Water was there; Giving us therby a tacit yet sig∣nificant Intimation of thy for∣wardness to prosecute the Work of our Redemtion, which would rather shorten the Night by the hasty Approach of thy Day of Grace, than 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Rising of the Sun til the Setting of thy Morning-Star, for, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was [ 24] not yet cast into Prison. I hum∣bly implore thee, O Christ, let us draw near unto thy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ordinances with a tru Heart, in ful Assurance of Faith, having our Hearts sprinkled from an evil Conscience as wel as our Bo∣dies washed with pure Water:

And, Oh! that whol Rivers of Waters might be employ'd and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for the baptizing great Multitudes of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from a∣mongst all Nations, and Kin∣dreds, and Peepl, and Tongs throu out the World, to accom∣plish the Number of thine Elect and hasten thy Kingdom.

§. 2.

Upon this Occasion there 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.34 a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 between som of [ 25] John's Discipls and the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, about Purifying; and they came unto 〈◊〉〈◊〉, saying, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, He [ 26] that was with thee beyond 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to whom thou 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Wit∣ness, behold, the same 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and all men com to 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Wherupon thy Servant John gave this further Testimony 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Thee, O Jesus, pub∣lickly confessing in the audience of the peepl, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 your 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 [ 28]

me Witness that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the [ 29] Bride is the Bride-groom; but the Friend of the Bride groom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly becaus of the Bride-groom's 〈◊〉〈◊〉: This my 〈◊〉〈◊〉 therefore is fulfilled. He must increas but I must decreas: [ 30] for, He that cometh from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 31] is abov all; and altho He that is of the Earth is Earthly, and speaketh of the Earth, yet He that cometh from 〈◊〉〈◊〉, what He hath seen and heard, that [ 32] He testifieth, tho no man receiv his Testimony. But he that [ 33] hath received his Testimony hath set to his Seal that God is tru: for, He whom God hath [ 34] sent, speaketh the words of God; which we may boldly re∣ly upon, in regard God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto

Him: nay, the Father so loveth* 1.35 the Son that He hath given All [ 35] things into His hand; and re∣solvs our Fate shal be according to the Faith we bear Him; for, He that believeth on the Son [ 36] hath everlasting Life; wheras he that believeth not the Son, shal not see Life, but the Wrath of God abideth on him.

I adore thy Sacred Name,

O thou whom my Soul lov∣eth, For the great Understand∣ing this thy Servant had touch∣ing the Knowledg of thine Eter∣nal God-head, and the whol Mystery of thine Everlasting Gospel, which he hath thus clear∣ly expressed in this his excellent Sermon left upon Record for my Instruction. Lord, I. beseech Thee, since a Man can 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 27] nothing except it be given him from heven, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 such a measure

of thy Spirit, and the Grace he conveys from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into the Hearts of the faithful, possess and affect my Soul, that I, in Com∣munion with thy Servant John, may likewise rejoice in hearing the Bride-groom's Voice audibly utter'd in His holy Word, and be ravished with delight in the privat Contemplation of the hap∣py Union solemnized between my Lord Christ and his Spous the Church: So as at last thou mayst vouchsafe to admit me in∣to the Fulness of that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which doth attend the Marriage of the Lamb, and impart unto me the Interest and Affection of a Friend in the Consummation of thy Glory, which wil qualify me as wel to taste of the Pleasures as congratulat the Perpetuity of thine Eternal Lov.

Cap. VII.* 1.36 On the Imprisonment of* 1.37 St. John the Baptist.* 1.38

§. 1.

O My only-wise God and Savior, who, to render thy Messenger S. John the more conformabl to the Author and Finisher of that Faith which he was sent to usher in by his Mi∣nistry, didst permit Herod the* 1.39 [ 3] Tetrach to lay hold on him, and,* 1.40 having bound him, shut him up [ 17] * 1.41 in Prison, that he might as wel [ 20] be a Precedent of thine unde∣served Sufferings as the Pre∣cursor of thy divine Person and Doctrin:

I prais and magnify thy Name,

For that undaunted Freedom wherwith this thy Servant re∣proved the Vices of the Grea∣test, not fearing to assert the Truth and Obligation of thy ho∣ly Commandments even before Kings; for, John said unto He∣rod,* 1.42 [ 18] It is not lawful for 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 hav thy Brother's Wife. I humbly beseech Thee, O Je∣su, let the just Reproofs which thy Ministers impartially de∣nounce against all Ungodliness and Unrighteousness of men, en∣gage me to unfeigned Repen∣tance in obedience to the Au∣thority of thy H. Word, instead of provoking me to any im∣pious Design of Revenge in compliance with my own un∣hallowed Lusts and Passions: And enabl Them and Me so to follow the Doctrin and Practice

Practice of this first Preacher of the Gospel, that after his Ex∣ampl we may constantly speak the Truth, boldly rebuke Vice, and patiently suffer for the Truth's sake, whatever Loss either of Life or Liberty ensu therupon.

§. 2.

O thou Protector of thy Saints, from whose restraining Power it came to pass that tho 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had therfore an in∣ward* 1.43 〈◊〉〈◊〉 against thy Servant [ 19] John, and would hav killed him, but she could not:

I bless and prais thy Name,

For those effectual and yet invisibl Means wherby thine Al∣mighty Arm doth curb the Power and check the Projects of the Ungodly and Malicious, who would fain do mischief to the

faithful Witnesses of thy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Truth; and in particular, for that tacit Aw and Reverence which the unreprovabl Life and Doctrin of thy Holy Ones doth inevi∣tably fix upon the minds even of those that hate both their Persons and Reproofs; for, He∣rod [ 20] feared Iohn, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and did not only save but ob∣serv him, which he sufficiently expressed in that he did many things when he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him, and heard him gladly. Lord, accom∣pany the Ministration of thy H. Ordinances with such an Influ∣ence of thy hevenly Grace as may not only win our Liking, but engage our Lov too, that what we rejoice in for a time we may be delighted with for ever: And let that Esteem which the unblamabl Deportment of persons eminently Religious and

Exemplary hath generally ob∣tained in the World, be a power∣ful Encoragement 〈◊〉〈◊〉 our Imi∣tation of their laudabl Qualities; so that those things which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 venerabl, lovly, and of good Re∣port, may engage us to Virtu∣ous and Godly Practices at least throu the forcibl Bent of our nativ Inclinations, in case what∣soever things are tru, just, and pure, fail of their du Influence upon the Account of Thy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Authority: For, even such as think not on these things be∣caus of any Virtu, yet are com∣monly render'd more considerat if there be any Prais.

Cap. VIII. On our Savior's Conference with* 1.44 [ 12] the Woman of Samaria.* 1.45

§. 1.

NOw when Iesus 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.46 heard that Iohn was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into prison 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de∣parted into Galilee; but be∣fore [ 1] He left Iudea, the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Iesus made and baptized 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Discipls than [ 2] Iohn, tho He himself 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not.

I prais and magnify thy Sacred Name,

O my Meek and Prudent Sa∣vior, For setting us this instru∣ctiv Exampl, which doth at

once direct and authorize us to flee from such Dangers as may prov injurious either to the Bo∣dy or the Mind. Lord, when Persecution ariseth, endu me with the seasonabl Prudence to make a timely Retreat from the impendent Storm that threatens to invade my Life or Liberty, yet accompanied with an un∣movabl Resolution to part with either, rather than relinquish the Practice of that Piety which be∣coms a Christian: for, I may change my Place, tho not my Principls; nay, a discreet Cau∣tion in quitting the one may be a necessary and succesful means to preserv the other inviolabl; and he that retires from the insi∣nuating temtations unto Pride or Vain-glory, which the getting of a Name in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is apt to occasion, may wel be estee∣med a no less pious and discern∣ing

Soul than he that with∣draws from the rougher Hard∣ship of a 〈◊〉〈◊〉, since this can only confine the Body, wheras that may also contaminat the Mind.

§. 2.

The H. Jesus, in his way from Judea into Galilee, com∣eth to a City of Samaria (which he must 〈◊〉〈◊〉 go throu)* 1.47 called Sychar; and being wea∣ried [ 4, 5] with his Iourny, about Noon, he sat on Iacob's Well [ 6] which was there, not far from the parcel of Ground that the Patriarch gave to his Son Io∣seph.

I adore and prais thy Name,

O Christ, For submitting to the Toil and Labor of this our Flesh subject to Weariness, wherin thou hast not only conformed

to the common Infirmities of a Man, but even to the very Form of a Servant, walking on 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from one place to another, tho evry Beast of the Forrest is thine and the Cattl upon a thousand hills, while the Great Ones of the Earth are carried in state and ease upon their Chariots or Hor∣ses; to assure us that as wel by Experience as Compassion Thou art touched with the Sens of their Wants who hav been hun∣gry and thirsty til their Soul fainted in them. Let me not therfore repine at my scant Al∣lowance of Outward Conveni∣ences, while my wealthy Neigh∣bor's Cup o'rflows, and his Ta∣bl is spred with all the gustful Rarities of Art and Nature, but rest content and thankful under the Dispensations of that Provi∣dence which feeds me with Food convenient for me; remembring

that thou O Iesus hadst occa∣sion [ 7] to ask a Woman of Sama∣ria to giv thee Drink, to reliev thy Thirst; thy Discipls being gon away at the same time unto [ 8] the City to buy Meat, for the redress of thine Hunger.

§. 3.

When she put the Question, [ 9] How is it that thou being a Iew askest drink of me who am a woman of Samaria? The B. Iesus answer'd her, If thou [ 10] knewest the Gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee Giv me to drink, thou wouldst hav asked of him and he would hav given thee living Water.

I glorify thy Name,

O thou inexhaustible Foun∣tain of Goodness, For thus ma∣nifesting thy Self greater than* 1.48 their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Iacob who gave [ 12]

Well to his posterity and drank therof himself. Lord, instead of questioning Whence thou hast that living Water, as the woman did, seeing thou hadst [ 11] nothing to draw with out of that deep Well; let me (I be∣seech thee) thirst after and be satiated with that Water which [ 14] whosoever drinketh of shal ne∣ver thirst, that I may taste and see how gracious the Lord is in fulfilling that Request of hers unto my Soul, Sir, giv me this [ 15] Water that I thirst not; so as to pass this thy Promise into an experimental Truth, that it shal be in me a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of water spring∣ing up into everlasting Life. And, to evidence the Power of thy Grace dwelling in my heart by Faith, make it issu out thence into such wholsom Streams of universal Charity as may write a practical Comment on that

Text of thine Apostle St. Paul, There is neither Greek nor Jew, Circumcision nor Uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond, nor free; but Christ is all and in all; since thou hast broken down the middl Wall of partition between us, having abolished the Enmity, not only by thy Death but in thy Life; thine Exampl as wel as Precept engaging us to lay aside those distinctions wherby Schism and Faction curtail our Kindness and hinder our mutual Edifica∣tion. And tho unnecessary Con∣versation with leight or scanda∣Ious persons is to be industriously avoided and very warily admit∣ted, yet when a just Occasion or accidental Providence brings a vicious person into my Com∣pany, let me rather improv the Opportunity to reclaim an Of∣fendor, than be deterr'd from u∣sing my best endevor to save a

Soul from death, throu the Shame or Fear of being cen∣sured a Friend of Publicans and Sinners, as thou my Lord and Master hast often been; who like a merciful Physitian wouldst rather inspect our very Corrup∣tions than neglect the Cure even of a lascivious Harlot, such as this Samaritan seems to be: for, when thou didst bid her, Go, call thy husband, and she re∣plyed, I hav no husband; thou* 1.49 couldst tell her, In that thou [ 16] saidst truly; for, thou hast had [ 17] five husbands, and he whom [ 18] thou now hast is not thy hus∣band: implying, that in case he were husband to some other, she lived in Adultery; if not, yet she lived in Fornication with one not espoused to her self.

§. 4.

This particular Discovery of the privat Transactions of her own life, made by one that was wholy a Stranger both to her Country and Person, induced [ 19] the Woman to confess unto him, Sir, I perceiv that thou art a Prophet, and on that con∣sideration, she enters upon the Debate of a publick Controversy which had been so violently maintained between their two Nations, that the Iews would hav no Dealings with the Sa∣maritans; supposing a person so extraordinarily qualified, very fit to decide the matter in Dis∣pute, [ 20] which she states thus, Our 〈◊〉〈◊〉 worshipped in this Mountain, and ye say, that in Ierusalem is the place where men ought to worship.

I prais thy Holy Name,

O thou Reconciler of the World, not only For asserting the Truth of the Jewish Church and the Error of the Samaritan, in this thy positiv Reply, Ye [ 22] worship ye know not what; we know what we worship; for Salvation is of the Iews: but likewise, for opening a way un∣to their Reconciliation, and re∣moving the Occasion of the Difference, by saying unto the* 1.50 Woman, Believ me, the hour [ 21] cometh and now is, when ye shal neither in this Mountain, nor yet at Ierusalem, worship the Father; but the tru Wor∣shippers [ 23] shal worship the Fa∣ther in Spirit and in Truth. Lord, since thou hast no longer, confined thine Adorers to attend thy Service in one determinat place, but dost will that men

pray evry where lifting up holy hands, I humbly beseech thee, let this our Christian 〈◊〉〈◊〉 engage us to the more hearty and sincere Attendance as wel on thy publick Ordinances as our privat Offices of Religion, remembring that God is a Spi∣rit, [ 24] and they that worship him, must worship him in Spirit and in truth; for the Father seéketh such to worship him.

§. 5.

The Woman, being hereby [ 25] convinced of her Error, the better to express her readiness to embrace the further Revelation of the Gospel, saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh which is called Christ; when He is com, he will tell us all things.

I celebrat thy Gracious Name,

O Iesus, For saying unto her, [ 26] I that speak unto thee, am He. With what plainness dost thou own the truth and power of that thine Office to this Alien, nay, Enemy, to the Commonwealth of Israel; which thou didst with so much care reserv from the No∣tice of thine own Peepl? the Mystery which thou didst couch under obscure Parabls and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sayings in thy many publick Sermons to them, thou hast clearly unvailed in one short and plain Expression to this Sama∣ritan. O the depth of the Riches both of the Wisdom and Knowledg of God! how unsearchabl are his Judgments, and his Ways past finding out! My Gracious God, since thou hast thus reduced in∣to Practice what thou hadst long before professed to thy Ser∣vant

Moses, I will have Mercy on whom I will hav Mercy, I hum∣bly beseech thee, hav Compas∣sion on my Soul, and vouchsafe to make thy self effectually known unto me, who am wors than a Samaritan by Nature, a Sinner of the Gentils in Conver∣sation.

§. 6.

As soon as thou, O Christ, hadst given her this open Evi∣dence and Acknowledgment of thine Office and Authority; the Woman (as having forgot her* 1.51 corporal Necessities, and tasted [ 28] the Grant of the Request she had made unto thee, Sir, giv me this Water that I thirst not, neither com 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to draw) left 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Water-pot and went her way into the City, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the Men that-lived in her Neigh∣borhood, [ 29] Com and see a man

which told me all things that ever I did: Is not this the Christ?

I magnify thy Name,

For the communicativ Virtu of the Christian-Faith, and the gradual Propagation of thy Gos∣pel therby: Many of the Sa∣maritans of that City having [ 39] believed on Thee, for the Say∣ing of the Woman which testi∣fied, He told me all that ever I did. Let those apparent No∣tices of thy Will, O my God, which hav enlightned mine Un∣derstanding and engaged mine Affections in the Profession of the tru Faith, render me zealous and succesful in publishing those sacred Truths wherof I my self am convinced, that I may be∣com an happy and industrious Instrument to promote thy Glo∣ry and the Good of others, whe∣ther

they be my Brethren and Neighbors in the flesh, or not; since throu him who came and preached peace to us which were afar off, as wel as to them that were nigh, we are no more Stran∣gers and Foreiners, but are made capabl of becoming fellow Citi∣zens with the Saints and of the hous-hold of God, by being built upon the foundation of the Apo∣stls and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner∣stone.

§. 7.

In the mean while, his Disci∣pls,* 1.52 who were newly returned [ 27] with the Provisions which they went unto the City to buy, and marvelled that He talked with the Woman, prayed him saying, Master, eat: But he said un∣to [ 31] them, I hav meat to eat that [ 32] ye know not of.

I prais and magnify thy Name,

O Jesus, Becaus, (wheras thy Discipls were apt to mistake thy words in a carnal sence, as appears by their questioning one [ 33] with another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?) thou hast fully explained the spiritual Meaning therof by this thy gracious Declaration, My Meat is to do the Will of him [ 34] that sent me, and to finish his Work. O hevenly Father, cre∣ate in me (I beseech thee) the same Mind which was in thy Son Christ Jesus; that I also may prefer doing good in my Gene∣ration before my necessary Food, and esteem the Performance of those things which are agreeabl to the Will of thy Holiness my chief Repast and Satisfaction; such Acts of Obedience and Charity being capabl to 〈◊〉〈◊〉

my Soul unto Everlasting Life; while the daily Bread which my Body stands in need of doth pe∣rish in the using.

§. 8.

O Lord of the Univers, All the Nations of the Earth are thy Fields, wheron thou requirest thine Apostls and Ministers to lift up their Eys and lock; and they are white already to Hat∣vest;

I giv Thee Thanks and Prais,

Becaus he that reapeth, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Wages and gathereth* 1.53 Fruit unto Life Eternal. As [ 36] my fleshly Eys behold the fields of Corn before my face, Lord enabl me to view other fields far more excellent and glorious with the Ey of Faith, even all the Cities and Kingdoms of the World ready to be gathered into

thy Barn: And let the hopes of such desirable Wages engage my utmost Industry to further the Welfare of Souls, for which we, upon whom the Ends of the World are com, hav abundant Encorage∣ment; for, other men labored, [ 38] and we are enter'd upon their labors, whatsoever Christ our Lord and his H. Apostls hav don or suffer'd for the Promulgation of the Gospel, redounding to our Advantage and Instruction, be it improvabl either to our own Soul's health or to make us In∣strumental for the Salvation of others: So that in us that [ 37] Saying provs tru, One 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and another reapeth; and the Benefit is so equally con∣veyed throu out all the Mem∣bers of Christ's Body the Church in all Ages, That both he that* 1.54 soweth and he that reapeth may [ 36] rejoyce together.

§. 9.

When the Samaritans went [ 30] out of the City and were com unto him; upon their Request that he would tarry with them, [ 40] he abode there two days.

I adore thy saving Name,

O Jesus, For this thy gracious Condescension and the powerful Effect of thy Presence among them, many mo having belie∣ved becaus of thy Word; who [ 41] said unto the Woman, Now [ 42] we believ, not because of thy Saying: for, we 〈◊〉〈◊〉 heard him our selvs, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the World. Tho thy Spous, O Christ, which is the Church of the Living God, the Pillar and Ground of Truth, by the Catholick Profession of thy Gos∣pel givs so rational an Invita∣tion

to the Apostat World as is persuasiv enough to win many Proselyts to enter into the Com∣munion of Saints upon a general Conviction; yet when, throu the personal Experiment and Participation of thy Saving Or∣dinances, they are once enl ght∣ned and hav tasted of the hevenly Gift, the good Word of God, and the Powers of the World to com, they no longer rely upon the bare Credit of thy Church, but are established in the Faith by the full persuasion of their own Conscience. Let me not therefore at any time con∣tent my self with hearing the Operations of thy Grace or the Demonstration of thy Power re∣ported at second hand, but make my personal Address to the Mi∣nistry of thy Word and Sacra∣ments, that having heard Thee my self, my Soul also may know

experimentally, that Thou art indeed The CHRIST, the Sa∣vior of the World.

Cap. IX. Of His Departure into Galilee,* 1.55 and his Reception there.

§. 1.

NOw after two days he [ 43] departed thence, and went into Galilee: not directly unto his own City Na∣zareth; for, Iesus himself testi∣fied, [ 44] that a Prophet hath no honor in his own Country; but He came again into Cana [ 46] of Galilee where he had made the Water Wine.

I prais and magnify thy Name,

O my Gracious Redeemer, for this prudential Dispensation of thy Ministry, not brooking to mis-spend thy Doctrin and Mi∣racls upon such as would ren∣der them useless by their Neg∣lect or Dis-esteem; but directing the Labors of thy Lov to those who, by having du Regard ther∣unto, were most likely to re∣verence thy Person and reap the intended Benefit of thy marvellous Works: for, when [ 45] thou wast com into Galilee, the Galileans of those parts recei∣ved thee, having seen all the things that thou hadst don at Ierusalem, for they also were there at the Feast. Lord, let not any prejudice of Familiarity, which commonly breeds Con∣temt; or Envy, which unreaso∣nably surmiseth the Advance∣ment

of our Equals or Acquain∣tance insupportabl; or foolish Custom, which is apt to set an higher valu upon any forein unknown Commodity than on the more useful Product of our own Growth and Neighbor∣hood; hinder my paying the du Respect or making a reli∣gious Improvement of those Gifts and Graces wherwith thou shalt think fit to qualify any of my Country-men or fellow-Citizens to do good in his Generation. And render (I beseech thee) the manifest Evidences of thy Grace no less effectual at this day to creat in me that Esteem and Reverence which is du to Thee in thy Members, than the supernatural Operations of thy Power, ex∣hibited before their Eys in for∣mer times, were available to pre∣pare a way for thine honorabl

Reception among the Galileans; that receiving those who bear thine Image, as wel with a glad Heart as a cheerful Aspect, thou mayst think or make me wor∣thy of thy beätifick Presence for ever.

Cap. X. Of His Healing the Son of* 1.56 a certain Nobl-man.

§. 1.

WHen a certain Nobl∣man, [ 46] whose. Son was [ 47] sick, at Capernaum, heard that Iesus was com out of Iudea into Galilee, he went unto him and besought him that He would com down and heal his Son; for he was at

the point of Death. Then said Iesus unto him, Except ye see [ 48] Signs and Wonders ye 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not believ: wherin He did only delay, not deny, the desired Answer to his Request reflecting on the gross Infidelity of his Countrymen together with the great End for which his Mira∣cls were wrought; for, as soon as the Nobl man repeated his* 1.57 Petition in these Tearms, Sir, [ 49] com down ere my Child dy, the Holy Iesus made him this gra∣cious [ 50] Reply, Go thy way, thy Son 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

I prais thy Sacred Name.

Becaus the man believed the word that thou, O Iesus, hadst spoken unto him, wherof he gav an evident Demonstration in that he went his way, as fully satisfied and contented in the Assurance of thy Goodness and

Power. Let not (I beseech thee) the transitory Affairs of this de∣caying Body take up all my Thoughts, but make me deeply affected with the future State and Eternal Concernments of my diseased Soul: I confess my Hope is weak, my Charity faint and heartless, and my Faith wel∣nigh dead, without those Works by which it should be made per∣fect. Lord, com down and heal my spiritual Infirmities; say un∣to me, Thy Soul liveth, with that Word of Power which is abl to revive all its faculties to their du Use and Vigor. And, tho thou defer to grant the Re∣quest of my Lips, yet wil I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 make my Prayer unto Thee, and wil look up, until thou hav Mercy upon me.

§. 2.

His Servants that met him [ 51] as he was going down, having told him, Thy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 liveth; hr [ 52] enquired of them the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 when he began to amend: and they said unto him, Yesterday at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 seventh hour the Fever [ 53] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him. So the Father knew it was at the same hour in which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had said unto him, Thy Son liveth.

I prais and magnify thy Name,

O Christ, For this exact No∣tice of the punctual Execution of thine Almighty Word, and for the saving 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of this* 1.58 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 that thou didst [ 54] in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as wel upon the Minds of the Sound as the Body of the Sick. Lord, let evry Act of Power or Goodness signalized in thy Providence, and each Ex∣pression

of the good Pleasure of thy Will signified in the Word of thy Grace, hav the same Ef∣fect upon Me which this had upon the Father of the Child thus supernaturally recover'd, who himself believed, & brought his whol Hous unto the Obe∣dience of Faith; that not only the Hot-fitts of my irregular Passions may be quencht or prevented, but my personal Con∣victions may likewise becom so exemplary and persuasiv to all my Relations as to render old Joshua's pious Resolution both our Practice and Priviledg, As for Me and my hous we wil serv the Lord.

The End of the Second 〈◊〉〈◊〉

Notes

• * 1.1

  S. Mat. 4. 1, — 11.
• * 1.2

  S. Mark. 1. 12, 13.
• * 1.3

  S. Luke 4. 1, — 13.
• * 1.4

  S. Luke 4. 1,
• * 1.5

  S. Mat. 4. 1,
• * 1.6

  S. Mark 1.
• * 1.7

  S. Mark 1.
• * 1.8

  S. Mat. 4. 2,
• * 1.9

  S. Luke 4.
• * 1.10

  S. Mat. 4. 4,
• * 1.11

  S. Luke 4. 4,
• * 1.12

  S. Mat. 4.
• * 1.13

  S. Luke 4.
• * 1.14

  S. Mat. 4. 3,
• * 1.15

  Luke 4. 6,
• * 1.16

  S. Mat. 4.
• * 1.17

  S. Luke 4.
• * 1.18

  S. Mat. 4.
• * 1.19

  S. Joh. 1. 35, — 51.
• * 1.20

  S. Joh. 1.
• * 1.21

  S. Joh. 1.
• * 1.22

  S. John 1.
• * 1.23

  S. Joh. 2. 1, — 11,
• * 1.24

  S. Joh. 2.
• * 1.25

  S. Joh. 2. 5.
• * 1.26

  S. Joh. 2. 12, — 25,
• * 1.27

  S. Joh. 2.
• * 1.28

  S. Joh. 2.
• * 1.29

  S. Joh. 3. 1, — 21.
• * 1.30

  S. Joh. 3. 2;
• * 1.31

  S. Joh. 3.
• * 1.32

  S. Joh. 3.
• * 1.33

  S. Joh. 3. 22, — 36.
• * 1.34

  S. Joh. 3.
• * 1.35

  S. Joh. 3.
• * 1.36

  S. Mat. 14. 3, — 5.
• * 1.37

  S. Mark 6. 17, — 20.
• * 1.38

  S. Luke 3. 19, 20
• * 1.39

  S. Mat. 14.
• * 1.40

  S. Mark 6.
• * 1.41

  S. Luke 3.
• * 1.42

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. Mark. 6.
• * 1.43

  S. Mark 6.
• * 1.44

  S. Mat. 4.
• * 1.45

  S. Joh. 4. 1, — 42.
• * 1.46

  S. Joh. 4. 3,
• * 1.47

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 Joh. 4.
• * 1.48

  S. Joh. 4.
• * 1.49

  S. Joh. 4.
• * 1.50

  S. Joh. 4.
• * 1.51

  S. Joh. 4.
• * 1.52

  S. Joh. 4.
• * 1.53

  S. Joh. 4.
• * 1.54

  S. Joh. 4.
• * 1.55

  S. Joh. 4. 43, — 46,
• * 1.56

  S. Joh. 4. 46, — 54.
• * 1.57

  S. Joh. 4.
• * 1.58

  〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, 4.