Sarah and Hagar, or, Genesis the sixteenth chapter opened in XIX sermons / being the first legitimate essay of ... Josias Shute ; published according to his own original manuscripts, circumspectly examined, and faithfully transcribed by Edward Sparke.

TO THE Conscientious Reader:

FOr if thou beest not such, (through Pride, or Ignorance, Faction, or Prophaneness) I take no further notice of thee, then to pray for thy Conversion; knowing, thou wilt think the world hath such things enough abroad already, and that the Press is as sick of that Surfet as the Pulpit: and 'twere to be wished (I confess) that neither of them were cloyed with so many nauseous and undigested Crudities. Yet, for all this, I shall not fear to adde these to the number. In things of worth, abundance is no burden: and by that time thou hast seriously perused them, I doubt not but the good Spirit will metamorphise thy Prejudice to Piety, and all thy Grudge to Gratitude.

I know the world is furnished with this and other kindes of Wri∣ting, Didactical and Polemical, even to satiety: but of those which labour the reducing Christianity to Practice, by the sad event, it seems, there are yet scarce enough. Wherein, these tendered to thee here, are eminently singular; none more natively emergent, and satisfactory in Theological extractions; ('tis a bold Truth;) none whatsoever ex∣tant, so copious and insinuative in the Applications.

Now as all Musick is but the multiplying of three parts, so is our Consort here, in this Epistle; it consisting likewise of three parts, that is, three Parties, sc. the Author, the Editor, and the Reader: each bears his part here fairly, or makes discord.

First, for the Reverend Author, Master JOSIAS SHUTE,

his very name is as a silver Trumpet to his Reputation, sounding out a Quicquid doctiorum est, assurgite huic tam colendo No∣mini: with whom 'twas, as with Job appearing, Chap. 29. The young men hid themselves, and the aged arose and stood up: when the ear heard him, then it blessed him, and when the eye saw him, it gave witness to him. His Name, I say, is an Aromatick Ointment, diffusing a more rich perfume then the choicest of our broken Boxes; such as anticipateth all Encomi∣um, and most Hyperboles; as at once forestalleth mine expressions, and contracts them: Inopem me copia fecit; a feast where I am puzled with plenty: tanquam in Coena dubia; doubtful which dish to on-set; where to begin of him, unless (as Jerome of his vertuous Paula) Clarus genere, clarior virtute.

He was descended of a Learned Race, the son of an eminent Di∣vine in York-shire, and one of five famous brother-Preachers, some∣what like those five fingers of the right hand of fellowship, Gal. 2. manus Dei, a kinde of hand of God, by which (too) he brought mighty things to pass, both for the Conversion of sinners, and Confirmation of his people: Yet he was, in the best sense, the Saul of all his brethren, (or the Paul, rather:) Fraxinus in sylvis, inter viburna cupressus: A chief of Davids Worthies; a man of that latitude of Learning, that length of Apprehension; of that depth of Iudgement, and height of Speculation; (one so compleat in all dimen∣sions, so centred in the Circle of all Piety and Learning;) that I may here justly renew that Admiration of Nazianzen, concerning Basil: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: Where was there such a mixture of rare parts and graces? what kinde of Learning was he unacquainted with? or rather, what kinde had he not, beyond hyperbole, accomplished? having so encircled all necessary Sciences, as others scarce have any one of them; and yet, again, so accurate in each, as if he had endeavoured but that onely. And though he were a man of but a single heart, (not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of an heart and an heart, Psal. 12.) yet was he one of divers Tongues, able to speak to God without an Interpreter, in his own sacred dialect; could read the Scriptures without the spectacles of Translators; both

drank and derived those holy waters out of their sweeter Fountains: which however the old thick-scull'd Friers disparaged, with Viperis & serpentibus pleni, that the fountains were full of vipers and serpents, as being much corrupted by the envious Iews, (themselves more envious to all such good Letters;) yet their own Bellarmine, in that, confutes them, acknowledging the great providence of God in the Masorites restauration: and the Original (saith he) in several cases of necessity, to be made use of; as among various lections, in ambiguity of words and sentences, in errours of Impression, and when the Idiom cannot be fully rendered. Not that there was either any want of skill or faithfulness in our deservedly-admired Interpreters; but that the Hebrew (as the first-born of Languages, and spoke by God himself) challengeth an unimitable prerogative above all others: And therefore, in Saint Jeromes time, this Tongue was the ambi∣tion of both sexes, familiar to his Paula, and her Eustochium: Origen studying it in his old-age, as Saint Augustine did the Greek, dolens non licuisse Ebraeam addere; lamenting that he had not time to adde the Hebrew. So afterwards Erasmus, and others, as One Commemorates. And Luther, and Melancthon (that same golden Pair) valued their skill (saith he) in the Originals, above whole Kingdoms; in that Literaturae 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that same real Refor∣mation of Learning and Religion, (which they chiefly managed.) So our grave Author here, like a wise Merchant, was well skill'd in the Tongue of the place he traded to; at least 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, if not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; master of those three Grandmother-Languages inscribed on the Cross of Christ, besides some others of their progeny.

Filius Ecclesiae Patribus versatissimus; this son of the Church of England was most familiar with the ancient Fathers, both of the East and West. Of the Greek, Chrysostome lay in his bo∣some, (as thou wilt finde, in the ensuing Work) even till he did Pa∣trizare, become like unto him, in his flowing stile, and golden eloquence. Among the Latines, Saint Augustine did command in chief, (with him;) that Maul of Hereticks, and Fountain of the Schools. How exact an Historian was he, for Ecclesiasticals especially, those Records of the Church! (the ignorance whereof, is the mother of many of our growing miseries and indevotions) Nor was he less acquainted with the Schools, (though more delighted to sit by the still waters of Si∣loah,

Isai. 8.6. then those of Marah and Meribah, Psal. 106.32.) yet was he even Master of the Master of the Sentences, and à Secre∣tioribus unto the Councels, even of their Cabinet. And because the Flock is not onely to be fed, but cured sometime; he was a singular Casuist, and spiritual Chirurgeon, that knew well 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to set in joynt again, and to binde up the broken spirit: contrary to those Idol-shepherds, as they are termed, Zech. 11.16, 17. A soul Chirurgeon, right, for all those properties of Heart, and Hand, and Eye: none better at those several faculties, 2 Tim. 3. for Do∣ctrine, for Reproof, for Correction, for Instruction: Quàm nervosus in docendo! quàm cordatus in redar∣guendo! quàm 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in corripiendo! quàm fle∣xanimus in exhortando! How full of arrows was his quiver of Instruction! how sharp those of Reproof or Confutation! how sweet and vigorous his Exhortation! how impartial in his Reprehension! how soft and tender his hand of Consolation! He had digested so, and sorted all the Scriptures, as that he even was a walking Concordance; and, like a skill'd Apothecary, could go most readily to all the severals, as occasion challenged. 'Tis Basils comparison of that Book of Books, to such a shop well furnished: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. for there is no disease incident unto the soul of man, (saith he) wherein he may not finde for it a remedy: That was Liber Librorum to him, (as Jerome calls it) the Library of all his Books: That was his Feast, (as Ambrose calls it) his Ambrosia convivium Sapientiae, the Banquet of Wisdom, (the Flagons and Apples of the Spouse, Cant. 2.) Singuli libri, singula Fercula; where every Book's a several Course, each Chapter as a Benjamins Mess, and e∣very Verse a Morsel of the food of Angels. Above all, I say, he was most intimate with these sacred Oracles, (as though his In∣fancie had sucked none other milk.) He was another, a mightier Apollos; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, an eloquent man, and migh∣ty in the Scriptures, Acts 18. one that taught 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, di∣ligently, saith our Translation; or, accurately, as the word import∣eth: Take it which way you please; or rather, both ways: Tertulli Eloquentiam habuit, non Amaritudinem; he had the Acute∣ness, without the Acrimony of Tertullus. Theologus Rostris natus, cui suavitatis conscius semper stilus.

Nor is it enough, once to have drank in his fluent Exercitations, though with thirsty Ears: unless the Eye likewise may thus peruse them, one Sense would quarrel t'other, and the Schools take exceptions at the Church. Our Author had accomplished Saint Pauls Charge, 2 Tim. 2. approving himself, both towards God and Man, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a work-man that need not be ashamed; right∣ly dividing the Word of truth. And as he did 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, so likewise did he 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, walk answerably to his Dictations, (wherein few are so happie:) He came up, in practice, to his own In∣structions; (as Nazianzen said of Basil) He did thunder in his Doctrine, and lighten in his Life: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Joh. 5. His light shined before men: nor onely that of Know∣ledge, but also of Example; Example both of Piety and Charity: Piety was the Altar sanctified the gold of all his eminencies; and Charity, of both kindes, his well-pleasing sacrifice, Heb. 13. Of strict and severe life he was; yet affable, and full of sweet deportment; nec tantùm ab illicitis, sed etiam à concefsis abstinens; scarce in∣dulging himself necessary Relaxations, from rolling a Sisyphian stone; like Socrates, envying any man should be earlier at his Trade, then he at his Studie; thinking it, in health, good manners still to usher in the rising Sun, and wait on his recess with lucubrations: And all this, with unwearied constancie, with perseverance to his End.

His End, (which was the eccho of this well-tun'd Cymbal) you have heard of: so that I cannot better sum up all here, and give you a total view of his full splendor, then by that apt Comparison (of Na∣zianzen concerning Basil) to the Sun: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: that is, His Vertue was his Brightness, his Learning was his Greatness, and his Course too, was from East to West; of his whole Life, and all Divinity; and his Influence was the sowing and distribution of his Doctrine: And therefore pity 'tis, (as that Father there goes on) but the rest should be added; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, but that his sound should go forth into all lands, (as did his Fame) especially thorowout our own.

But let not these jejune Eulogies of mine seem his Disparagement: for my Designe was but to hint a Character of him, and not write his

Life: Nemo Ciceronem, nisi Cicero: That indeed would re∣quire his own faculties, not mine, —linguae si centum, sint oraque centum; if every member were a tongue, (as Jerome of his egre∣gious Paula:) But to give onely a brief 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to the unacquaint∣ed Reader; onely an Essay of his Worth, as of his Works; Testi∣monium Veritatis, & non Amicitiae; an Attestation more of Truth then Friendship. None of his friends therefore shall need one∣ly so lament him, (as Alexander bemoaned himself at the Tomb of Achilles) that there was not another Homer to bestrew his Hearse: for, such a man was this, that were there such another Poet, Homer himself, if present, aut invideret Materiae, aut succumberet; would here either envie his own Subject, or come short on't.

But now (Reader) as for thy Self, and Me, far fewer words will serve. First, give a friend leave to caution thee of one main Adver∣sary, (as Quintilian calls it;) and that is, an over-high Expecta∣tion: No Hercules able to cope with it; no Parts can reach it: mean∣est abilities can look for more then the sublimest can perform: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Not that I would take off that edge I have set on thee; or think it can be failed, but that Thou weigh the Substance with its Circumstances, (as thy best Gold with Grains:) Read; but withal, consider the multiplied tasks of this our Author; Labor actus in orbem; by whose burden, thou shalt know the Atlas: Preaching three times a week by constant course, (whereof These some of his Wednesday-Lectures;) besides all accidentals, which with him were many; being 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (as the Hebrew phrase is) a man of Desires, a kinde of Centre of circumferent affections. Be∣sides, (thou knowest) a prudent Orator, (Divine especially) must imi∣tate a wise Physitian, must agere ad patiens; not to flee always his own pitch, (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, an eagle in the clouds) but to act in pro∣portion to his Patient: And so did he here, (like the God he preached) oft use a 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that figure of Condescension; stooping to the capacity of meanest Auditours: yet not without strong meat for abler digestions; and sweet-meats too, for the more quaint attentions. Omnia factus omnibus; a true Saint Paul to all; as he was oft wont to say, in that Apostles phrase, that he was a debtor unto both the wise, and the unwise, Rom. 1. and therefore was not rash with his mouth, when he entred into the house of God;

(as the manner of some is, to serve Him of that which cost them nothing: I speak this to their shame:) But he, in all his holy Disquisitions, —miscuit utile dulci, so tempered the wine and oil together, that none (but through his own default) might go away unbettered: His speech distilled like the dew, and his words like the drops of rain; his Sermons showers of Manna, pleasing each good palate.

For his Method, let no nice Philologist distaste it, as too Calvi∣nistical; it being as profitable, as perspicuous; as faithful, as fami∣liar; and, as he ordered it, like rarest Needle-works grounded upon Canvas; while many others set but their slight Frost-works upon Sattin. He was that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that well-instruct∣ed Scribe, Matth. 13.52. who brought forth of his treasure things new and old; that is, Vetera Legis, & nova Evan∣gelii, (as the Fathers on the place;) the old terrours of the Law, to humble sinners; and the new comforts of the Gospel, to raise droop∣ing spirits: the sound instructions both of the Old and the New Testa∣ment; not any of the old Heresies new drest, or any new Phangles of these wilder times. A true Evangelist, and Messenger of Peace; not preaching Evangelium sanguinis, as was objected (by them that more deserved it) unto some passionate Lutherans: But, therein, rather of Erasmus temper, (who lived in Times like ours) and that was, neither cold, nor luke-warm neither; but piously prudent. A somno prorsus expergefaciēdus erat orbis; Indeed, the world was to be rouzed out of the sleep of Sin and Errour, & scintilla vi∣goris Evangelici resuscitanda; and the spark of Truth Evange∣lical to be re-kindled, and blown from forth the choaking ashes: Sed utinam eâ mansuetudine, curâque quâ decuerat agi negoti∣um omnium sanctissimum; but Oh, would to God (saith he) it had been done with that same Christian care, meekness, and moderation, wherewith so holy a business ought to have been transacted; and that there needed not be added, Habent semper in ore Evangelium, Verbum Dei, Fidem, Christum, Spiritum sanctum; atsi mo∣res spectes, illi longè aliud loquuntur: their words softer then Butter, (saith he;) but War in their hearts; open hostility 'twixt their words and actions, even to desperate contradictions: as he pro∣secutes it home; and is worth thy consulting, in his 113 Epistle. So

was our candid Author here, more for the Bucket then the Bellou••s, in such times of Conflagration; oft pouring out the water of his tears upon our common Flames, which others ventilated. He was the Apo∣stles 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 1 Pet. 3.8. a man of yerning bowels, like Jeremiah, that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Propheta, (as Jerome calls him) a Prophet of most soft affections; one after Davids melting heart, as he was after Gods: still spake he of Peace, but, &c.—praestat componere fluctus!

I had rather spend my time in Admiration of him, then Apologie: for surely, there is nothing in his Works but savours extasie, and spiri∣tual ravishment. And no thoughts (I confess) did ever steal away my time more sweetly, then those herein employed; (the Comfort making me forget the Travel:) and, with Gods blessing on them, none (I think) may more benefit others; and especially, if read (judicio, & non praejudicio) but with that spirit of judgement and candour that he writ them; that is, Animas magis alloquens, quàm Aures; with more reference unto Souls, then Senses. 'Tis true, these are no strawberry-Sermons, pick'd and cull'd out with long vagaries, (like some, whose brain, as the Elephant, goes two yeers with young;) but they are wholsome Food, and healthy Medicine; prepared and administred in due season. Not Almanack-discourses, calculated for any singular Meridian of Persons, Ends, or Humours; but for the ge∣neral elevation of the Pole of Vertue; for the common good of Chri∣stian Conversation.

Read them then, but with such a grain of salt as intimated, and thou shalt light off from them like a laden Bee, the hive both of thine head and heart enriched, from this flowery garden: so shalt thoure turn home unto thy self, like a stor'd Merchant from the Isles of Spices, or the Golden Indies.

But if thou wilt be snarling at the Author, (bit by the mad dog of the Times) thou wilt but hurt thine own teeth: if thou wilt needs be justling against his firm sides, thou wilt endanger thine own empty pitcher: For all Apollo's Quire, the whole Lettered Common∣wealth, have deservedly already crowned him, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: To which if thou subscribest, thou dost thy self an honour. But, not to tell you of a Banquet, and make you Tantalize, I draw toward a Close.

For the Publisher, no great matter whether known to thee, or not, so this be, That he hath been faithful to his Vndertaking: wherein, hadst thou but seen the dark Originals, thou wouldst (perhaps) have readily enough acknowledged, That 'tis no less honour to Redeem, then to Create: and, as Erasmus sometime said, touching his Edition of Saint Jerome, Tantum operis in Emendatione, quan∣tum ille in Compositione; that there's almost as much travel in the Restitution, as the Author spent upon his Composition.

The Book, indeed, is somewhat slender, (like the encouragements of Learning;) yet a childe capable of growth, if any thing well used abroad; if it be estimable: Iewels of value may be vented singly: if otherwise, the Greek Proverb is prevented; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, That a great Book is a great Mischief: Pro captu Lecto∣rum habent sua fata Libelli. Such Books (like the best liquors) may be wronged by foul vessels: Yet, if not too much tainted, this (I dare say) will cleanse and sweeten the vessel of that heart receives it. These holy waters, I will not parallel with those of the well of Beth∣lehem, 2 Sam. 23. (though not a little long'd for, nor fetch'd without some danger; and therefore thus poured out unto the Lord:) but (methinks) somewhat they resemble Samsons Riddle, Judg. 14. save onely, as many yeers, well neer, as he set days, being unresolved; which none could hitherto perfectly unfold, till at length, plowing with his heifer, meeting with some of his own Ma∣nuscripts, and long acquainted with his Genius, I have untied the Knot, How out of the eater came forth meat; for he was He∣luo Librorum, voracious onely of his books; whence came forth meat of spiritual nutriment, nourishing to eternal life: And, out of the strong came forth sweetness; that is, out of his strong Abilities, both of Grace and Nature, the sweets of plausible and pro∣fitable Instructions.

And now all the recompence I beg of God, is, (for my self and others) not any change of raiment, but of sinful habit, Da∣vids change of heart, Psal. 50.10. Such Publike good, is the sole scope my Labours; in a contented self-denial, burying mine own poor Notions, thus to revive His, as a far more eminent and eligible good. I, He was the wise Builder; I have but set a Bill upon the door, or at most, onely let the House: He was the Fountain head; I but the

Conduit-pipe that trustily delivers the same waters; yet perhaps some∣what cleared in the Running: He was the expert Husbandman; I but one of the Reapers: He the accurate Limmer, that drew so to life; I but withdraw the Curtain, and present you the fair Por∣traicture: He the Archinaupegus, the unimitable Ship wright that built this Ark of God; I but the careful Pilot, thus to Lanch it forth into the Main. And if it shall scape shipwrack in these stormy days, and God but prosper the Adventurers; there may be an endea∣vour of a further Voyage: which I shall crave of him, in the Authors own close of every Sermon; Det Deus ut perficiam, God grant that I may perfect it: which second with thy Prayers for

The Churches, and Thy faithful servant in the LORD, EDWARD SPARKE.

Notes

• Job 29.7, 8, 9, 10, &c.
• Lib. 3. Ep. Ep. ad Eustochium.
• Gal. 2.9. James, Cephas, John, Paul, and Barnabas.
• Greg. Naz. in laudem Basi∣lii magni.
• Psal. 12.2.
• Lib. 2. de Verbo Dei, c. 2.
• Lib. 2. Epist. Ep. 27.
• Sixtinus A∣mama in Parae∣nesi, Ling. He∣breae.
• Gal. 6.1.
• Isai. 61.1.
• 2 Tim. 3.16.
• A Character of the Au∣thor.
• Lib. Epist.
• Lib. 1. Offic. c. 32.
• Cant. 2.5.
• Acts 18.24.
• Chap. 24.2.
• 2 Tim. 2.15.
• 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, The Motto of the Reverend Bishop Andrews.
• Heb. 13.16.
• Oratione in laudem Basilii.
• Psal. 19.4.
• Lib. 3. Epist. in vita Paulae.
• Cicero de Arc. Poet.
• Jeron. l. 3. Ep. in vita Hilar.
• Magna Expe∣ctatio, magnus Adversarius.
• Cautions to the Reader.
• His usual Me∣thod being Ob∣servation and Application.
• Jerom in lo∣cum, Tom. 9. Hilar. Can. 14.
• Vide Erasmi Epist. 107. Ep. ad Lit. D.
• Erasmus Epist. lib. 19. Ep. 113. ad lit D. p. 950.
• That is, swallowed up, as it were, of Learn∣ing, and all kinds of Vertue.
• In Praefatione in Editionem Jeronimi.
• Yea, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: now adays, oft a small Book, is a grand Evil.
• Judg. 14.
• An Account of the Editor.