5. Head of this Deliverance, we called Addition, or Increase.

The present great worke of Mercy is so full of rich parti∣culars, that 'tis like a speciall messe of meat, which we may turne againe and againe, and still find in it another choise or delicate morsell; and therefore though we have heard of Stop∣page, Removall, Prevention, and Continuance, already; yet there is a fifth list [of Additions] now to be spread before your eyes. In setting them forth I may chance to touch upon some instances or particulars which have been named before, but if I doe, it shall be under another Notion, and to a different end.

How common an objection is it (especially amongst Atheists and Delinquents) that they see no such great things already done for us by this present Parliament, [Object.] as some over-working heads doe seeme to intimate?

I answer (first) to the Persons, [Sol.] perhaps those men doe look through the wrong end of the Perspectiveglasse, [ 1] and then great things may seem very little unto them. Perhaps their Organ is vitiated, their judgement is corrupted, and then they put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter.

But (secondly) to the point it self I answer, [ 2] he that hath the heart of a Protestant, the mind of a good Subject, or the eyes of a reasonable Creature, and doth not wincke with those eyes that he might not see, he must both see and say, that the Lord hath done many great things for us already, for which we have cause to rejoyce. If any man ask me for an exact Enumeration of them? I answer as he—Oceani fluctus me numerare jubes—In Scripture phrase; they are more then J am able to expresse, I must give them in by heaps.

We heard before of a Paralell to all the ten plagues of Aegypt; but what if I should now shew a Catalogue of great works of this Parliament, out-stripping, yea doubling that number? I will not over-lay your attentions before hand with a promise of prolixity, but let us observe some famous particulars done al∣ready, and those for the Glory of our God, the perpetuall Honor of our dread Soveraigne, and the lasting praise of this Parliament.

1. The first observable Addition must be that Act for the Con∣firmation of the Treaty of Pacification.

I cannot but set it in the fore-front of my catalogue, as the first lincke in this golden chaine, and the basis of all the rest of our late mercies. The whole Act is true, 'tis large, but to me so much the sweeter; let him that can (for me) reade it over with dry eyes, (I meane, for joy: for) I thinke that Act is looked upon by diverse sorts of men, as was the foun∣dation of the second Temple among the Jewes. 'Tis said that Many wept with a loud voyce, and many shouted aloud for joy.* So, doubtlesse, all that wish well to our Zion and Jerusalem, to Church and State, they cannot but rejoyce in reading thereof: but as many as are contrary-minded, (like enough) doe repine and howle in secret, to see so blessed a close of so perilous a businesse. Brethren, let me commend the se∣rious reading or hearing of that Act, to every judicious and fit Protestant and Subject now present, and also (if they please) to all those which have bin so loud, fierce and active heretofore, against our Bretheren of Scotland, Oh let these latter reade, blush, repent, and change their minds, with shame and sorrow: but the former, let them be confirmed and lifted up in their holy, loyall intentions and proceedings.

The substance of the whole Act, or Statute, may be reduced to these three heads.

First, [ 1] there are (I doe not trifle away holy time about secular things) the Commissions upon which that treaty at Rippon was grounded. As oft as I reade them over, and doe looke upon the names of the Commissioners of both sides; so often (me thinks) there commeth into my minde, the trans∣action and transactors of that businesse, betwixt the Israelites,* and those other two tribes and halfe, beyond Jordan, it was concerning an Altar of Testimony which these latter had builded. Great danger there was at first of a bloudy, Reli∣gious-civill warre, but afterwards, by the prudence of the Commissioners on both sides, they rightly understanding each others meaning, all is concluded in a firmer peace then be∣fore, the bone is stronger after setting, then it was before the dislocation; and the Altar is called [Ed.] a witnesse:Page  48Some thinks we may write the word [Ed. a witnesse] upon every ensigne, gunne, speare and sword, that hath bin lifted up on either side, in those late Northerne expeditions; and each weapon may be kept as a testimony of the Lords mercy, our Soveraigns goodnesse, the Parliaments wisdome, and the Com∣missioners noble service on both sides.

Secondly, There is the Act it selfe, all the Demands, De∣sires, Articles, with their severall Grants, Answers and Con∣clusions,* like apples of gold, in studds of silver; and all this is closed and crowned, * with a day of publique thankesgiving. Let us adde those words of the Psalmist, Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth. In other Kingdomes desolations: * but in ours, He maketh warres to cease, he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the speare in sunder,*he burneth the Chariot in the fire. The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge, Selah.

Thirdly, There is the Act of Oblivion, a dramme of Lethe, to close up all, that so all Acts and Monuments of hostility, may be buried in everlasting forgetfullnesse.

2. Addition or messe of Deliverance (already served in un∣to us) is that Declaration of the Commons in Parliament last September, containing these foure heads.

1. For removing the Communion table, taking away the Railes, levelling of Chancells, &c. 2. For abolishing of Crucifixes, Scandalous pictures of Persons of the Trinity, Images of the Virgin, taking away of Tapers, Candlestickes, Basons, &c. 3. Against Corporall bowing, both at the name (Jesus) and towards the East. 4. For Sanctification of the Sabbath, &c. I am forced by the generall neglect and con∣tempt of this Declaration to make it my next Addition, though it be in time one of the last. I have but two things breefely to shew in this poynt.

1. Gods great goodnesse to us, in granting such an Order.

2. Our vile and base unthankfulnesse shewed to him, in the entertainement thereof.

First, this Declaration was a great mercy: for some of the things there to be removed, were a part of our late Inno∣vations, they have bin some of the rocks and sands, which Page  49have wracked multitudes of our conscientious and powerfull Ministers. In short, are they not (at least some of them) maine grounds of Papists hopes, and other Protestants des∣paires, touching communion with us? and yet lo, now (by this Declaration) a price is put into our hands, to re∣move this rocke, and to take away these sands, to cause other reformed Churches to hope, and the Romish to despaire, of our returne towards them, and is not this a precious ad∣vantage? a wonderfull favour? especially if we consider how strongly those superfluities of our Religion were back'd of late. Why, they were the rising Ceremonies, the very roade to preferment from some; he that could but fill his hands, yea his Church, with these, was by them made a Priest of the High places: and now to have such things abolished and downed by Authority from Parliament, yea, to have but free permission from all the Commonalty of the Kingdome to doe it, I say, 'tis a thing which for a while since was incredible.

2. But now how is this golden opportunity improved? Brethren, it doth even sicken my body, and sadden my spi∣rit, to observe how dully, nay how contemptuously this mercy of God, and goodnesse of that Honourable House is entertained amongst us, amongst us I say againe. Some god∣ly forward Parishes indeed there are in this place; but I speake onely of the guilty. Hath the Lord placed this City in the midst of our County, as a Beacon upon an hill, yea, as the Center, heart and head of the West, and shall this beacon not blaze by it's example, in every part, when there is ho∣ly, loyall, refining fire put into it, by so great Authority? nay, shall this heart and head of the West (in great part) convay nothing but dullnesse and drowsinesse to that whole body? In a word, are we the Redeemed people, the Mayden City, faithfull for ever to our King, and doe many of us now thus requite the Lord that preserved us? Are, or can they be thus unthankefull to the King of Kings, in this great trust and service? Oh let all whom this concernes immediately, and all others who may have any hand in it more remotely, let them all take home these words of a grieved Minister, Page  50with shame and sorrow, yea let them goe home and sinne no longer.

But you will say, you must first answer our doubts and Ob∣jections, before you presse thus vehemently upon our conscien∣ces and affections; and these our Objections are many.

1. [Obiect. 1] Is, touching the Authority of this Declaration, it came not (say they) from both Houses, and therefore is no con∣strayning Law?

I answer severally to both parts of the Obiection.

First, [Answ. 1] Suppose that it came not from both Houses, yet 1. Ye need not doubt but that there is Authority in it suffi∣cient, to beare out every man in the exact execution of that Order against any one that shall oppose him: and the truth of this Answer I beleeve the vilest caviller durst not to que∣stion. 2. The House of Commons (which some doe ig∣norantly or basely nick-name the Lower-House) they are our selves, we in them (in this sence) and they in us: so that we may say touching this self-nesse, as the Tribe of Judah said to David, they are (as it were) neere of kinne to us, I meane, that as our Votes were in their Elections: so 'tis fit that our Wills should be bound up in their In∣junctions and Declarations. 3. And where is he that durst to sow a jealous or evill surmise of disagreement be∣twixt the two Houses of Parliament, concerning their In∣junctions?

To that other clause, [Answ. 2] that denyeth this Declaration to have any Constraining power. I answer,

First, And is it come to that now, that we doe need force and constraint to make us reforme things amisse? I had thought for a yeere agoe, that bare permission and liberty to remove such things as these, would have beene a sufficient inducement unto us all. Little, little, did I then dreame that Protestants, would have needed compulsion to such a reforming worke as this. 2. But however, know this, ye that slight this Declaration, as an Arrow without an head, know (I say) that ye are like to feele a penalty for your neg∣lect. You which are resolved (it seemes) to try the power and authority of that Honourable Assembly, and will needs Page  51see what they can doe: let me warne you, that there may be such a sting in the end of this your contempt, upon Certificate thereof, as may pierce thorow your beloved estates, even in this world, besides that other sting of Conscience which may for ever goare you in another world, for scorning such an op∣portunity of Reformation.

Scruples of Conscience are pretended. [Obiect. 2] We stick in Conscience (say they) concerning some of these particulars, whether it be lawfull and fit by Gods word to abolish them?

And have you more wisedome to judge of such Scruples or more Conscience to sticke at them, then hath that great, [Answ. 1] grave, religious Assembly, which have enjoyned this aboli∣tion? or then all the reformed Churches in the world, which have long since abolished those remainders as Super∣stitious and Popish? 'Tis well, if that Conscience of yours doth also stick at other things which are notoriously abho∣minable, doe you also sticke at oathes, at Sabbath breaking, and at Usury? 'tis well if you doe. But (my Brethren) com∣monly these mens Consciences are true taper-wax (as we say) that is, if they are small and straight at this end, then ordina∣rily they are very broad at the other end.

But to descend to particulars. [Answ. 2] Where is it I pray you that your Consciences doe stick so tenderly? what,

1. Is it at removing the Communion Table, taking away the Railes, and Levelling the Chancells, &c. All these things are but Innovations and Superstitious attendants of tran- and con∣substantiation, of which I could shew you the whole pe∣digree: but this in short, and to our purpose. First, for∣scoth, the Chancells must be separated from the body of the Church, and so be made a More holy place, for the seating and burialls of more sacred persons, for the Clergy only. Next, the Table was brought up to them, as belonging most properly to the Priests. Then, let them alone for Mounting, Al∣taring, Railing, Crucifixes, Bowing, and at last there is made up a Sacrifice, to sort with the Priest and the Altar. And doe your consciences scruple to remove these things?

2. Or is it at taking away of Crucifixes, scandalous pi∣ctures, &c. Of Tapers, Candlesticks, Basons, that you stick? Page  52These are attendants and promoters of the Masse, they are against the Second Commandement, and are abolished in other reformed Churches.

3. Or cannot you find in your Consciences to forbeare bowing, what, towards the East? I answer, that is Will-worship forbidden in the second Commandement, and it is too well like unto that which is called the greater abhomina∣tion by God to Ezekiel.* Or what else? is it corporall bowing at the name [Jesus?] Yes, here is the Scruple. And why? because forsooth the Scripture commands it that at the name of (Jesus) every knee should bow,* &c. I answer the Text from the Text: for in that verse (as they reade it) I find a Mis-Englishing, a Mis-sencing, and an Absurdity. 1. A Mis-Englishing: for how comes the word [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] in the Originall, to be translated [at?] whereas it doth properly signifie [in] and is so rendred in other places. But you will say [in] and [at] are both one? Then 'tis both one to say in that place of Mathew Lord,*Lord, have we not pro∣phesied [at] thy name, and [at] thy name cast out Divels, &c. 2. There is a Mis-Sencing of that word [name,] the name of Jesus: for who knowes not that in Scripture by the names of God, or of any person of the Trinity, is commonly meant their essence. Brethren, you can all say the Lords prayer, what is meant there by hallowing of Gods [name?] You can also say the Ten Commandements, what is meant in the third, by taking Gods [name] in vaine? But 3. There is also an Absurdity, in their reading of that verse of S. Paul: for what knees have Angels (good and evill?) how can Birds, Beasts and Fishes, bow the knee corporally? And there∣fore some of the wisest of that tribe of Word-worshippers, have given over this text as improper for their purpose, and doe fly to an ancient and laudible custome to hold by? To which I answer, 1. Antiquity without verity is but an in∣veterate error. 2. And this being but a humane invention, how can it be true, and pure worship? That's enough to satisfy your Consciences. And now the same staffe is in my hand, yea, let me presse it upon your Consciences (if they are so tender) and charge you to give over your unwarran∣table, Page  53devised and partiall worship of God. I call it partiall, both because it seemes to give more honour to the second Per∣son then to the rest, and in the second Person it bestowes more worship upon one name of his then upon another. Thus (as I conceive) all colourable Objections and Pretences are quite blowne off. But now, are these orders obeyed? is all this done? No, but this Order, though according to the expresse Word of God, though comming from so Honourable and Blessed a Court, though pressed so earnestly with Reasons and Scripture by our faithfull Pastours, yet this Order (I say still) is neglected, in most Churches wholly, in others partially, e∣ven in despight of God, Governours and Ministers. The Pi∣ctures in the windows, do still out-face us in our Pulpits. The Railes or Tables, stand as they did, and the bowings are continued. Is this our requitall to the Lord for late Deliveran∣ces? Is this our forwardnesse to Reformation so long desired? What? hath God stopped so many bloody issues? hath he re∣mooved so many Aegyptian plagues? Hath he prevented so much Treason in both Kingdomes? and is this our fruit, our Requitall for all these wonders? Cannot we yet finde in our hearts to pull down a scandalous Puppet, to breake an Idoll, or to give over a superstition for his sake, yea, and that even then when we have Authority on our side? O stubborne, ingrate∣full, uncapable Nation, a people I had almost said incurable! Sure I am that many amongst us doe hate to be reformed. What can I say more, but only to sly and cry to the Lord for his par∣don and assistance? O thou the just and jealous God that visitest the iniquities of Idolatrous Parents upon their children to the third and fourth generations, pardon this great sinne unto us, and our posterity, and lay it not to our charge in the day when thou shalt visit our sinnes upon us, neither let it hinder good things from us, &c. Brethren, let me speake freely, there is not any one thing that doth make me so much to feare what will be the issue of the present good worke of mercy, and to doubt least this faire weather may be over-cast againe with bloudy showers, then doth this Epidemicall generall back∣wardnesse, to take the opportunities and execute the Orders which are sent downe for Reformation. Turn we sadly to that Page  54place of Ezekiell.*She hath wearied her selfe with lies, and her great scum went not forth out of her: Her scum shall be in the fire. In thy filthinesse is lewdnesse, because J have purged thee and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthinesse any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee. I the Lord have spoken it, it shall come to passe, and I will do it, I will not goe backe, neither will I spare, neither will I re∣pent. Let me apply these words to the present times, yea to this Kingdome, Country, City, in respect of divers Parishes and persons, Because I have purged thee and thou wast not purged, that is, I have offered unto thee (may the Lord say) many faire, lawfull Opportunities and Advantages of Reforming, As 1. I have given thee liberty and incouragement to enter into a sa∣cred Obligation and Protestation against Popery, but thou hast not accepted it in one Parish of twenty through the Ringdom. 2. I have given thee an Order for due Observation of the Sab∣bath, but generally thou hast not spread nor read it. 3. I have sent to thee a Declaration, in which I gave thee authority to take downe Crucifixes, &c. but there they stand to this day. Thus thou wast not purged. And therfore (may God say) Now thou shalt not be purged from thy filthinesse any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee. Go drinke and be drunken, and spue and fall and rise no more. Go take your bellies full of Images and Altars, and Cringings, and Masse and all. Let your belo∣ved nest-eggs hatch and bring forth Cockatrises, let your dar∣ling relicts and decoi-ducks bring in the whole swarm and flock of Idols and Idolathites after them. Farewell England, incor∣rigible England. And now let me goe try the naked Indians and barbarous Blackamoores, whether or no they will prove so rebellious as thou, after so much meanes, goodnesse and pati∣ence. So much touching the Declaration.

And thus by my largenesse in these two Branches of Additi∣ons, you may guesse how much time all the rest of these, twise ten particulars might take up; but I must therfore contract my very contractions, and am resolved to do with the rest, as they use to doe at your sumptuous over-flowing Feasts and Ban∣quets, they put two Phesants in a dish, and doe serve in double sweet-meats for every guest: So shall I serve in the rest of Page  55these Additions, even by clusters, by pairs and couples, and those very succinctly too. We have had one paire already, viz. 1. The Act for confirmation of the Treaty, &c. 2. The late De∣claration.