The Christians zodiake, or, Twelve signes of predestination unto life everlasting written in Lattin by Ieremie Drexelius.

The 6 Paragraph.

THough Physitians most common∣ly use not to give over t eir pati∣ents till they see them so faint as they require a tombe (as it were) to leane their bones against; yet the••e are some maladies so pestiferous as at first sight of the patient, the can say, He is but a dead m••n, go and provide him a grave. In like manner though in this life we are not to dispaire of the salvation of any, how wicked so∣ever they be; notwithstanding this is such an incurable disease, wher the vitiated bowels even swim with gal, and the m••nde is tortured with the pangs of hatred, and desire of revenge, that St. Iohn plainly declares his opi∣nion of such an one: Make ready a Sepulcher for this miserable wretch, for his sinne is mortall, and to the death; neither would I advise any to pray for him. They rarely recover who are once obstinate in revenge, and there is no sense, where there is nothing but bitternesse. But although all the wise and learned men in the world crye out against us: though all the Prophets threaten us, Angels ex∣hort us to bury our iniuries in for∣getfulnesse, and enter into league of friendship with our enemies, yet

we despise them all, and desperatly persever in pursuit of our revenge. La•••• of all, the Learnedst and wisest of all wise and learned men, the in∣struction of Prophets, and King of Angels with soveraigne power, su∣preame authority, doth visit us him∣selfe not so much by way of perswa∣sion as by authority to bring vs to ac∣cord, not to give us counsaile, but an absolute law, and yet with extreame audacity we remaine still obstinate. But mark this Dialogue, how Christ our Soveraigne King commands, and how his subiects contrary his cōmand. Here stands our Saviour Christ, & in his fathers name com••ands them: Ego autem dico vobis, diligite inimicos ve∣stros: I say unto you, love your enemies. ••here stands his rebellious subiects, and answer him presumptuously a∣gain: O Christ this is lost labour you do command in vaine. To you I spe••ke, to you who are Christians. Wee side our selves presently with Hea∣thens, and none gives eare to Christ. I say unto you, resist not evill; So we shall be counted cowards and weak spirited. Pray for those who persecute & calumniate you. How seldome, & how cold this prayer is; That you may be Sons of your Father who is in Heaven.

We shall buy this title at too deere a price. Doe good to those who hate you. It is against our natures, O Lord command us somewhat more tolle∣rable. Forgive others, and you shal be forgiven your selves. It is impossible, content your self, we cannot do it. In briefe, we will not restrain our anger, bridle our selves, nor containe our hands; as for our thoughts, how is it possible to governe them? If you shal remit to men their offences, your hea∣venly father will remit you yours. For us, we are resolved to perish, so our enemies perish with us.

Notes

• 1 Iohn 5.
• Eccl. 22.
• Matth. 5. Luke 6.