THough God was what he is, and in th [...] perfect fruition of his Grandeurs, befor [...] his omnipotent hand had drawn th [...] Creatures out of their Nothing▪ yet [...]i [...] Nature required Hommages, his Majesty Servi­tudes, his Glory Admirations, his Goodness Acknow­ledgments, and his Beauty Hearts and Affection [...]. It was needfull, though he were independent of all beings, immense in his extent, Eternal in his dura­tion, and infinite in all his perfections, that [...] should cause himself to be seen and felt by E [...]an [...] ­ons out of himself.

[Page 8]And here I represent unto my self how that Nature sigh'd [...]ven without Tongue or voice,The sighs of Nature. before she had a being: Methinks I [...] hear her silence, and that she speaketh th [...]s to God before h [...]r Creaton;

Sp [...]ak th [...]n, O sp [...]ak (Great God) stretch forth thy arm and c [...]st thy looks out [...]f thy self; issue forth of thy Luminous Dark [...]ss, which forms thee a day wi [...]hout Night, an [...] a Night more resplendent then the day. Give so [...]e little passage to those Ejaculations and Flames which fro [...] [...]ll Eternity are i [...]cl [...]s [...]d within thy Bosom, a [...]d which frame th [...]r [...]in a Circle [...]f Light and Love. The least of thy [...]rradiations will dissipate the shadows, and open that abys [...], in which they are burie [...]. In fine thou art a Go [...] of Love, and this love would be Cap [...]ive, if it had no [...] S [...]lli [...]s, and Eja­culations. It was not sa [...]isfied to r [...]main in thee by emi­nence, and as it were in the source of beauty and good­n [...]ss; but having made its sol [...]s wi [...]in its s [...]f by num­berl [...]ss revolutions, it must d scend up [...] external ob­jects, to attain that effect and property, which is natu­ral to Love.

Well th [...]n, Creatures, come sorth of the Mass in whi [...]h you lye co [...]fused, [...]e [...]ven, Earth, Sea, Stars, Tree [...], Fi [...]hes, Furnaces of Fire, and Flames,The first All [...]rum of Nature. vast [...]xtents of Air, Clouds, Aby [...]es, Pr [...]cipices, listen to the voice and Command of Go [...]: But in fine, this glorious and happy moment, which saw the birth of times and seasons being arrived. From that instant the World was chosen as the blanck Tabl [...], wh [...]r [...]on God resolved to draw the first stroaks of his goo [...]ness.

First Heaven, Earth, Water, and Darkness ap­peared in an instant as the Field on which all the ef­fects of a most Amorous and sage Wisdom and Pro­digality were to be displayed. It was before any other thing that this tenebrous Compound, this [Page 9] confused Medley and this heap of Water and Earth, was the object of him who alone was able to chase away its shadows, and convert its dust into Gold and Cristall. This is the Throne on which the Ti­tle of Soveraign Monarch and Lawgiver shall be seen ingraved; But what! This Theater is too ob­s [...]ure to behold therein the Birth of the World; we must expect the Aurora and the rayes of the day.

But by the way Kind Reader let me tell thee that:

NAture awake, it is time for the Wor [...] to rise, the Night hath proceeded,The firs [...] day of the Creation. and twelve hours are as it w [...]re alread [...] past since Hea [...]en and Earth have been in obs [...]ity. Behold the break of day; and those de­lightfull [Page 10] Colours, which play upon the Waters, are the Companions of thāt light, which in Pa [...]estine hath already opened the Doors and Windows of the East, and is going to spread it self upon another He­misphear. Nevertheless to finish this Carriere, to perfect this course, and to round the whole Globe twelve hours more are required; and then counting from Evening till Morning, and from Morning till Evening, you shall find all the Moments, which form the first day, a glorious day, a day illustrious for having first received the light, which gives glo­ry and splendor to all dayes.

The second day was not less glorious: For it was that in which God chose to raise up the Firmament,The se­cond Day. like a Circle of Brass, or rather like a Globe of Gold and Azure, which might serve to divide the seven Orbes of the Planets from the Empereal Heaven.

The next day God descended from Heaven upon Earth,The third Day. and it was on this day, he marked out bounds, and limits to Rivers, Streams, Seas and Torre [...]ts, so that the Waters retyring some on one side, and some on the other, just as they were shut up within their Banks, Clifts and Chanels, the Earth appeared, and imme­diatly her sides were found pierced with Caverns, and her back loaden with Mountains and Rocks which rais'd her in a stately mann [...]. Instantly her entrals were filled with Stones and Metals; and [...]hilst those four great portions of the Earth which divide the World, and all the Islands of the Ocean and Seas were Levelled to serve for Empires and possessions of men, the hand of God as just as libe­ral, did in the bosom of the Earth uphold the Ar­ches of her Prisons and Dungeons, to the end that if the Paradice of Eden was a Garden of delights and pleasures, Hell on the contrary might be an abode of dread, horror and Misery. It was likewise [Page 11] very convenient that as God had mixed Light wit [...] Darkness, he should create Wild places and desart [...] to render the Gardens, Fields and Meadows more delightful; and finally having the very same day given Plants, Herbs and Flowers for an Orna­ment to the Earth, his wise Providence mingled Thorns with Roses, and the most wholesome [...] sprung out of the same soyl with the Mandra [...] and Aconite.

The fourth day, having bin as it were the Chariot of the Sun, Moon,Th [...] Fourt [...] Day. Stars, and Planets which shine in the Heavens, may in some manner be called the day of days, since it hath bin the Origin of the fires bright­ness and flames, which are the Soul of the Day.

Then were the frozen and condensed waters ga­thered together with more light and heat to form the Body of the Planets: Next the Sun, Moon an [...] Stars began their courses, periods and revolutions, and took the tracks and ways which were traced out to them from East to W [...]st.

Let us turn them upon the Fift d [...]y, wherein God created the Birds which fly in the Air,The Fift Day. and the Fishes which swim in the Water: One must hear represent unto his thoughts some fair Summers day, and imagine that he sits in the cool upon the shore of some Island, from thence he must lift up his eyes towards Heaven, and behōld over head thousands of little feathered bo­dies, cleaving the Air with their wings, piercing the Clouds, and mingling with their flight the sweet Harmony of their warblings; He must after­wards behold at his Fe [...]t a River full of Fishes arm­ed with Scales, some of which [...]ut th [...]ir way nee [...] the surface of the water, and others through the midst of the waves; some swim alo [...]t against the stream and Current, others are carryed down at the plea­sure of the winds, and by the favour of so sweet and rapid an Element.

[Page 12]Scarce had the Morning brought news of the arrival of the Sixt day, The sixt Day. but at the same instant the Earth opene [...] her eyes unto her Su [...], and her ears unto the voice of her God. This dull heavy and insensible Mass not satisfied to have brought sorth Flowers Plants and Trees, yet farther displaid it self to produce all sorts of [...]ea [...]ts and Ani­m [...]ls, behol [...] the World in her Cradle, a [...]d Nature in her Infancy, the unmoveable Earth round about her Center is sown with Flowers, tapistr [...]d with Tur [...] and Virdures, beautified with Woods and For­rests; she is s [...]ately in her Mountains, pleasant in her Valleys, delightful in her Meadows; She is rich in h [...]r M [...]tals, [...]ertill in her Fru [...]ts, and plenti­full by her Rivers and Seas which inviron her on all parts, and form her a thousan [...] liquid transpa [...]ences. The Air incompasses her on all [...]ides, an [...] serves her [...]r a veil to temp [...]r th [...] over-hu [...]d influences of the Moon, and the too ar [...]ent R [...]y [...] of the Sun. The Heavens like pe [...]dent Roofs and rowling Ar [...]hes are strewed with Fl [...]wers, Emeraul [...]s and Rubies. What doth remain aft [...]r all these Prodigies of Power, and all these works of Love? O Power! O Love! I cannot condemn his fancy who sai [...] th [...]t Love produced Heaven out of a Chaos, and the World in six days out of a confused and undisgested Lump.

GOD now deliberates upon the enterprise of a Noble Work, and the Counce [...] is held in the Conclave of the most holy Tri [...]i [...]ie, the three Per­sons are assembled; Power, Wisdom, and Love take th [...]ir seats near the Paradi [...]e of E [...]n.

An [...] it is concerning Man and hi [...] Creation, and not concerning those proud and Rebelli [...]us Spirits, whose shamefu [...]l revolt have justly expel'd them from the Heav [...]nly I [...]rusalem, that the [...]ecree i [...] past; it is on him God Ref [...]ected, and it is he who must be substituted in the place of Angels. It is thi [...] Act which makes the World behold Gods M [...]ster-piece, the object of his Favours, and the most glorious term of his Power. O Sun stop here thy Course and [...] witness of his Birth who h [...]th bin the cause and end of thine:

It was as I conceive about high Noon,The time of Ma [...] Creatio [...]. when the Earth was resplendent with Light, that this Animated Sun was born. I [...] was by the Light of Natures greatest Bon [...]ire that God vou [...]hsafed to stoop so low as Earth to take Clay, out of which he formed the Body of the first Man.

And now Adam, and Eve too (who was yet to be formed out of one of Adams Ribs) must be the causes of our Good or Evil, and on their good or bad For­tune ours must wholy depend.

Scarce was Adam created but he found himself a Paradice; and he even from the Morning his birth, was placed under the most happy and d [...] lightfull Clymate that Nature did afford.

Goe then Adam, it is God who both calls and c [...] ducts thee. Enter happily this Garden of Eden [...] Paradise into which he leads thee; put thy self [...] [Page 16] the shelter of this Tree: For it is the Tree of Know­ledge and immortality, which he hath Planted for thee: Divert thy Eyes upon these Tulips, upon these Gilli-flowers, upon these Roses, upon these Purple Velvet flowers, and upon these Lillys; walk thou over the Daffidill, over the Thyme, over the Camomyle, and over this green Tapestry, which is so odoriferous; be not af­frighted at the sight of th [...]se Tygers, these Leopards, and of all these more furious Beasts: For God [...]ath given thee power to Rule them, and there is no [...] one in whom thy Innocence begets not respect. Take then the Rod in­to thy hand, and Govern all these Flocks and Heards, im­ [...]ose Laws on them, and Give them wha [...] Names thou pleasest,

Immediatly after God resolved to give him a Companion,The pro­duction of Eve. for it was not conve­nient that Man should be all alone: For this end he closed Adam's Eye-lids, and charmed his senses by a Heavenly Sleep, which th [...] Major part of the Greek Fathers, according to th [...] Translation of the Septuagint, call an extatick and ravishing repose. This man then thus rapt in his Extasy felt not Gods hand, which gently and with­out pain plucked out a Rib, whereof he formed the first Woman, who was immediatly brought unto Adam to be his Companion and his dear Moity.

[Page 18] Scarce had Adam cast his Eyes on her but he cryed out, Ah, these are Bones of my Bones, and this Fles [...] was drawn out of my Flesh; just as if he had said, Come O my Love, the dearest portion of my self, you shall be from henceforth my Wife, and I will be your Husband. We will be but one Heart in two Bodies; And though [...]e have two Souls we will have at least but one Mind and Will.

Wives and Husbands, learn then from hence a lesson which teacheth you the Laws of Conjugall Love,An ex­cellent les­son for Husbands and Wives. and what pow­erfull Motives you have to live in Unity, and in a most perfect and holy Union. Let Man remember that he is the Mast­er, [Page 19] but not a Tyrant. Let Women also never for­get their own extraction, and that they were not produced out of the Head as Queens, nor out of the Feet as Servants and Slaves; but out of the Side, and near the Heart, to the intent they may spend all the time of their Marriage in a most sweet Intelligence, and in a most inviolable society: To which Love ha­ving given a beginning, nothing but Death alone is able, or at least ought, to Dissolve it.

But now, the Nuptials of Adam and Eve being past, nothing remains but the Banquet. The Tables are al­ready furnished, and they need but choose amongst all the Dis [...]es of the World, that which shall appear to them the most Delicious. They are Masters of all that Flys in the Air, of all that Swims in the Water, of all that Creeps or Walks on the Earth; B [...]iefly of all Fruits that are in the Terrestiall Paradice they have the choice; and amongst all the Trees which God had Planted there, h [...] only reserved the use of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, of which he Expresly and upon pain of Death forbids these two guests to gather any Fruit.

In this Conjuncture of time the Moon began to assemble her shadows, and God finding all his Works perfect entred into his repose with the Seventh Day.

Adam and Eve enjoy then at present, all that their Hearts can desire. They possess the Monarchy of the Universe for their Inheritance and Government: Their Empire extends over all out-bounds and limits, the Winds do not blow but at their pleasure, the Rivers and Streams do not Rowl along but at their Command; the Birds do not tune their Warblin [...] Notes but to afford them delight.

In a word, they are as it were the Gods of the Terrestiall Paradise, and partake in a manner of all the delights which can be tasted in Heaven.

And now therefore we may suppose Eve thus to bespeke her Husband, or better self in the following manner. Wherein you have a brief account of what befell them after their Fall, viz.

ADam and Eve are happy, but how long will- this happiness endure? Doth Adam remem­ [...]er that he is a Man, and a Man of Earth? Doth Eve well understand that her Sex is mo [...]e Light, [...]ore frail, and less constant? Adam art thou Igno­ [...]ant that nothing is more flattering, and more cun­ [...]ing than a Woman, when her mind is excited by [...]ome passion? Beware then Adam of this Woman; [...]or my own part I imagine to have in a manner seen her [...]ehind a Tree, and to my thinking I have heard her [...]eak something unto a Serp [...]nt.

The Serpent if I mistake not first beginning to [...]ialogue with her after the following manner, viz.

Shall Eve transgress? I dare not, O I dare not.

Do.

And now Eve being thus seduc't by the Serpent, we may suppose Adam Advancing up to her, bespeak­ing her after the following manner, viz.

From whence dost tho [...] come▪ an [...] why do­est [Page 26] thou leave him all alone, who is the heart of thy heart, and the soul of thy soul? Where can be the Members without the Head, & the Head without the Members? What, doest thou not know, that I am to be wit [...]ess of all thy Actions, and that I must give an account unto God, for what thou shalt doe? what fruit is this, that thou hold'st in thy hand?

Ah my Son, my Friend, my dear Husband, would you did but know what hath happened since I was absent from you? Not far from hence I met a Serpent of a Prodigious and extraordinary shape, he also spake to me, contrary to the use of Beasts. For my part I did believe that he was a Prodigy of Heaven, and an Angel which God sent me under the form of a Serpent. He shewed me the Tree of Life, and promised me, that if I would Eat of is's Fruit, I should become like unto God, and have a perfect knowledge of Good and Evil; I told him, that God had forbid it us upon pain of death; but he pro­tested to me, that on the contrary this fruit hath the Iuice of Life and Immortality: For my part I have gather'd it. I have eaten of it, and I intreat you to tast as little of it as you please.

O God! how eloquent is the malice of a Woman▪ and what powerfull charmes and perswasions hath she? Her Lips and Mouth dis [...]ill at once both Hon­ny and Poyson; her Tongue shoots forth Arrows of Death and Life; her very looks are so many Light­nings, which she mingleth with the darts of her Passions.

This is that which destroyed the Angel of the Terrestial Paradise, the Monarch of the World, and the Father of all Mankind. He chose rather to dis­obey God, than contradict his Wife: For it was from his own Wife's hand he took this fatall Apple, which would choak his Posterity. O wretch▪ What hast thou done? Open a little thine Eyes, and blush r [...] ­ther at the sight of this Crime, than at thy Nakedness? Adam what hast thou done; why doest thou hide thy [...]?

[Page 27]Adam where art thou? God calls thee, thou must Answer, thou must appear; in vain is it to seek out [...]hades and groves, to oppose the Word who gives [...]peech to the Dumb, and those Eyes whose least glances make the day to break in the darkest Dungeons and greatest obscurities.

Adam, what answerest thou? Alas, hast thou no pitty on thy self, and all thy Children.

In con [...]lusion Adam layes the fault on his Wife, the Woman accuseth the Serpent, and instead of ac­cusing themselves, to sweeten the indignation of the Judge, they make excuses to inkindle his Wrath, and to render themselves unworthy of Pardon. Ah! How far more prudently had both of them done, if with bended Knees on the ground, with tears in their Eyes, with sighs from their Hearts, and con­ [...]ession from their Mouths, they had said unto God, Lord take pitty on us, and upon all our poor Chil­dren? But alas, they are wholy insensible, they [...]ann [...]t acknowledge their offence, wherefore no Clemency, no Pardon.

Go then Serp [...]nt accursed of God, go creep upon [...]he [...]arth, and with shame trayl thy Body and thy S [...]ales, byting the Earth with thy Teeth. It is thou [...]hat hast un [...]appily se [...]uced the first of Woman-kind, [...]nd therefore War shall be eternally inkindled be­ [...]ween thee and the Woman.

As for thee O Wo [...]an▪ who wert the Origine and [...]urce of Evil, know that thy m [...]series shall dayly find [...]plorable incre [...]ses: Mo [...]over thou shalt conceive with [...]in, and shalt not [...] forth th [...] Fruit but amidst the [...]hrows of a painful Labour. In fine, thou shall be un­ [...]er the Command of Man: And he shall be not only [...]hy Master, [...] someti [...]es thy Tyrant.

As for th [...], O Man! Remove far from this Sa­ [...]red aboad: Go seek thy Bread at the price of thy [...]weat and Blood; go follow the Plow and Cart, to [...]e the Companion of Beasts, and to cultivate the [Page 28] Earth, which thy pride hath swollen up with Winds, and covered with Thorns, Brambles, and Bryers. Go whether thou pleasest: but know that thy life shall be but a large course of misfortunes, and a dis­astrous list, where thou must continually wrastle with all Creatures, and be the fatall mark of all sorts of accidents and mis-haps, which in f [...]ne will give thee no repose till thou shalt return into the Bosom of the Earth. For dust thou art, and to Dust thou shalt return.

Scarce were these destroying Thunder-bolts darted upon the head of Adam and Eve, and consequently on all Mankind, but an Angel invironed with Fire and Flames, seized on the gate of Paradise, and shut it for ever against these miserable and exiled Persons. Alas! why would not the Earth have rather swallowed them up? And why would not that beautiful Garden, which had been the Throne of their Innocence, become at least the Sepulcher of their Sin?

‘But seeing it was not so, Ah! Poor Children of Adam, pittyful Reliques of an unfortunate Fa­ther, let me addresse my self to you, behold then your Patrimony, the Rights of your Families, and what Adam and Eve have left you for Lega­cies. Let no Man hereafter be astonisht to see you wandring about Countries like Pilgrims,Adams lega­cies to all his Children. and going from door to door in Cities, with Tears in your Eyes, sighs in your Hearts, with dusty Hair, and Sun-burnt Faces; Let no Man [...]e any more astonished to see you go bare-Headed, and bare-Footed, a Wallet on your [Page 29] Sho [...]lders, and a Staff in your Hand: for these are the portions of Sin. Miserable Mortals, the Earth from henceforth shall be to you but a Dark Prison, Life but a Gally, and the World but a great Chain of Misfortunes. The Elements shall joyn in Arms against you. The Fire shall inkindle frightfull Comets over your Heads; The Air shall dart forth merciless Thunder-bolts upon your Houses; The Sea shall raise its Billows against your Towers, and the Earth shall be the Theater of Wars, the Meadow in which the Plague shall Mow, and the Field of Battail, where all the powers of the World, and Hell it self shall deliver you up to Tragick Combats. In fine your Bodies shall be Subject to all sorts of Mala­ [...]ies▪ and your minds to all kinds of Passions.’

But Heark! Heark! Methinks now I hear alrea­dy E [...]vy grumbling and murmuring in the Heart of Cain. I hear methinks the cry of Abel. Let us ther [...] ­fore observe a while what passeth.

ABEL was from his Birth, of so sweet and fa­cile, so plyant, and tractable a disposition, a [Page 30] A [...]am and Eve were even inforced to bestow on him their most tender affections. Cain on the contrary▪ who was his Elder Brother, appeared to be of s [...] fierce, and imperious a Nature, that at length t [...] sweeten it, they resolved to oblige him to cultivat [...] the Earth, that his spirit might learn how to softe [...] the hardest of Elemens, and to temper the harshnes [...] of his Courage.

Abel at the same time employed himself in keep­ing Sheep, and guiding his Fathers Flo [...]ks amidst the Pastures: His mind in repose, and amidst the silenc [...] of the Field [...], began to take his flight to Heaven.

Upon which we may now suppose the cruel & monstrous TyrantSin setting forth on his first Travels into t [...]eWorld,Sin began his first Travels. Apolly­on following him close at his he [...]ls▪ to see him do his business effectually, and to assist him in every enterprize; and so it fell out, just as he began his Journey, Cain and Abel were offering Sacrifices; and having intelligence of both their Dispositions, he made up to Cain's door, and there lay co [...]ching down, like a hurtful Beast, ready to devour; and secretly whispering in to his Ear, to spare the best of his substance to enrich himself; and also intimated to him, that all that he offered to the Lord was lost, and would never be rewarded; and Faith not being in Cain's House, he harkned to this cursed stranger, and did accordingly; yet he brought his Offering, least he should displease his Father A [...]am, who, it is thought, at that time, was high Priest, which Office, afterwards, fell to the First-born in the Family. But when Cain saw his Offering was not excepted, and his Brothers was, this Enemy being near, knocked at h [...]s door.

Who is there?

Have you, Sir, any Room for a Tra­ [...]eller.

What are you?

A Friend, one that loves you dearly, and am troubled to [...]ee how you are abused and basely dealt with, by your younger Brother. Can you bear the thoughts that he should be in the favour of his Maker, and be the only Darling of his Fa­ther, and you slighted and contemned in this sort?

By this, I cannot but think tho [...] art indeed a Friend, and dost bear good will to me; pray come in:

A [...]d he presently lo [...]g'd him in the best Room he had: neither do I read of any opposition made a­gainst him, by any in the H [...]e.

He had no sooner receiv'd him, but immediately (by secret in [...]tigatio [...] and Instructions from Apolly­on, who was glad to see him entertain'd) he apply [...]ed himself to him after this manner:

Let this Villain Ab [...]l, be the object of thy hatre [...]: never speak friendly to him more in love; but let thy Wrath out against him to the uttermost: shall he be accepted; what's he; art not thou better th [...]n him? He will ere long (though thy younger Brother) be come thy Lord and Master, and Rule [...]ver thee; and thou shalt be made a meer Under­ling.

I am truly of your mind; my Father and Mothers Heart. I find alrea [...]y i [...] taken f [...]om me, and s [...]t upon this ca [...]ing Suppla [...]ter.

I hate him as [...] [...]te a Toa [...], neither can I [...]ndure to see him: Thu [...] Cain was [...]ll'd with Wrath, and his countenance [...]ll; i. e. he shewed himself s [...]ll of Rage and Dis [...]ontent.

Most Noble C [...]i [...], Heir of the World; I have a Business of great Importance to imp [...]rt to thee.

Sir, what is it?

I am a Servant to a mighty Prince, whose Power and Kingdom, 'tis like thou hast not heard of it: And he hath a dear and cordial love for th [...], [Page 32] and hath sent me to thee, with certain instructions, to put thee in a way to be rid of this your Canting Bro­ther; and I will assure you, 'tis high time, for he is now at Prayer, and begins to grow more and more in favour, &c.

I am Glad ro hear this News: But which way can the thing [...]e done?

Sir, you will nev [...]r be at Peace, nor have any Ground to con [...]lude your Fa [...]h [...]r will mak [...] you his Heir▪ or indeed ever r [...]gard you, untill he be rid out of the World: But if this be once done, all is your own.

But how shall I do to get rid of him?

Why, since there is none you can employ secretly, to do it; do you kill him; and then de­ [...]lare [...]e murder'd himself, being overcome with [...]e [...]anch [...]lly, or blown up with Pride and self- [...]on­ [...]it up [...]n his late ambitiou [...] th [...]ghts, in aspiring after Rule and Government. Ill warrant you Sir, this will hide the Fact and you shall never be dis­cover'd.

Presently upon this motion, Conscience stept in; and spoke after this m [...]nn [...]r:

Sir, do not this evil Deed; he is your [...]nly Brother and hi [...] Blood will cry for Ven­g [...]ance.

What dost do my Cain; why dost t [...]ou m [...]ke a [...]?

I am hin [...]r'd by a timorous F [...]llow in my H [...]se, whom I know n [...]t: some Body I think hath [...] h [...]m hither, on purpose to be a Plague to me.

Re [...]ard him n [...]t, I will undertake to stis [...]e him, [...]d spoil his telling Tales. Go call thy Bro­ther s [...]th, and walk together in the [...]ields. Be sure [...]ar [...]y it lov [...]ingly to him, lest he mistrust thee: and I warra [...]t you he will talk with you about Religion, and condemn your way of Worship: and though he be your younger Brother, yet will undertake to [Page 33] teach thee: and if thou wilt be a Fool, and suffer it, do.

I will try that, so far I am resolv'd to take thy Counsel.

And immediatly, away he went and call'd his Brother forth; and they walked together in the Field.

Brother, what a vast Fabrick is here? This World in which we are placed is full of great Won­ders and excellent Rarieties; and all after our Father Adam is dead will be ours; all the Riches, I mean, and Glory thereof: and my Heart Brother, is won­derfully pleas'd with the thoughts of it: I desire no greater Glory, nor Happiness; though I have heard my Father talk of a Future state beyond the Grave, that exceeds all things here below.

Brother, this World, and all the Wonders we do behold, doth shew sorth the Glory and han­dy Works of Iehovah our Blessed God and Creator; whose we are, and whom we should serve: for he is a jealous God; and executes Righteousness and Ju­stice in the Earth: and is a Rewarder of all those who diligently seek him.

You are a Fool; I do not believe there is any Reward for Justice and Righteousness, nor Vengeance for Vngodl [...]ness.

Brother it grieves me to hear you speak af­ter this manner, for I have had evidence of his Mer­ [...]y, and favourable Acceptance already. I am afraid, truly, you are misled by some Enemy: The way you go in Brother is not good; Think upon the World to come.

Wisdom is only with you: I see how you are swoln up with Pride; and what you aim at; leave off your talking of a World to come, for I believe none.

Brother, you shew a very wicked, naughty, and unbelieving Heart; I am ashamed to hear your Discourse.

[Page 34]Some things of this Nature, 'tis rationally sup­pos'd they might discourse of: And Cain being a [...]re [...]h mov'd to Wrath thereby, took the Devils counsel, and rose up and murthered him,

See Reverend Mr. Answorth upon this Matter:

Thus this Tyrant and Monster prevail'd; and in a second attempt▪ over came the Fourth part of the World. But see how Sin and the Devil deceiv'd Cain: The Murther was soon discovered; for lo▪ on a sudden, a mighty Cry was heard; Vengeance! Vengeance! God, who is the searcher out of Blood, cryes, Where is. Abel thy Borther? Nothing can be hid from his Eye. Murther shall not go unpunished: The Voice of thy Brother's Blood cryes to me from the Ground. Guilt follows his Sin with the dreadful Wrath of God; And now thou art cursed from the Face of the Earth, &c.

At this stroak the Heart of Cain becomes a little sen­sible, and the hardness of his Soul, although too late, begins to soften.

Alas Lord! (said he) my Iniquity is greater than thy Mercies, and my Sin is too enormous to hop [...] for Par­don. I confess it, and from this very moment I depart from hence like a banished Man to wander day by day without peace or relaxation. Besides, my Brothers Ghost persues and torments me, with too much severity: Even thy self, O my God, and my Iudge, chasest me away far from thy Countenance, and far from the plea­sing glances which issue from thine Eyes. Ah then let the Sun and Moon cease to enlighten the World, and let me for ever wander amidst the Murtherous shades of Abel, and let my life pine away in obscurity: Other­wise I fear (saith he) that at the first sight and encoun­ter, some one may kill, and treat me according to my deserts.

No no, Cain, saith God, nothing of what thou [...]earest shall happen to thee; and if any one be so rash to attempt on thee, I will make him feel the [Page 35] excess of my Wrath▪ For this effect God imprinted a sensible mark upon his forehead, which served him for a safe-guard against all the Assaults of his Ene­mies. This done, the poor wretch went away all alone, pale, trembling,The dis­quiets and the banish­ment of Cain. pur­sued by the stings of his Soul: And af­ter some wan [...]rings arrived in the L [...]nd of Ede [...], lyi [...] Eastward. It was under this Cl [...]m [...]te, and near unto Mount Li­banus, that this fugitive at last made his retreat: There it was, where he built a City, and had by his Wife a very numerous posterity.

THe Decree is now given, and I see nothin [...] that is able to with-hold an arm wholely irri­tat [...]d.

[Page 36]God repents himself for having created Man, and bestowed on him all his labour, and affection; he repents himself, and his Heart riseth at the sight and thought of this Object: In fine, being no longer able to restrain his Wrath and indignation, I swear b [...] my self, saith he, that I will d [...]stroy Man, and ef­ [...]ace hi [...] name and memory over the face of the Vniverse. I will not spare ev [...]n Be [...]sts and Birds: To the end, that what hath been a wi [...]ess, complice, or even a slave of his crime; shall also be the Companion of the pain and punishment which is ordained him. This said and done: Of so many men, who then lived upon the Earth, and of so many Families, that only of No [...]h deserved favour, and was freed from Shipwrack.

God then calls this Holy Man, an [...] great P [...]triark, [...]o advertise, and communi [...]ate his whole de [...]ign un­to him.

Fri [...]nd, [...]aith God, the World is in its agony, and my [...]ustice shall put an end to this Work, whi [...]h my Love began. All my patience and delays h [...]e on­ly served to make way for evil; and my cl [...]mency is converted into rigour; after all, my good [...]ess is tired, and I am resolv'd to open all the Torre [...]ts of my Wrath; that the World being no longer [...]ut a great Abyss, and a vast Sepul [...]her, may be drowned in it sel [...], and that there may n [...]ver be more m [...]n­ [...]ion of it.

Go then Noah, and build an Ark of Timb [...]r and Planks: Make small apartments in it, and pitch it [...]oth within and without. Let it be [...]hr [...]e h [...]dre [...] Cu­bits in length, and fifty in brea [...]t [...], and thirty in [...]ight: Make th [...]n a Win [...]ow a Cu [...]it h [...]gh, [...]nd in the s [...]e contri [...]e a do [...]r to go in and out; dispose also Ch [...]mb [...]rs therein, and be car [...]full, that the wh [...]le be [...]ivided in [...]o three St [...]i [...]s, t [...] the [...]nd the Body of [...]is l [...]r [...]e st [...]u [...]ture may be the more commodio [...]s, and [...]etter proportioned. Afterwards I will make my accord a [...]d p [...]ct with thee: And thou shalt presently enter in with thy Wife, Chil­dren, [Page 37] and Cattle. Besides thou shalt conduct into this Sanctuary all sorts of Beasts and Birds, with this di­stinction, that amongst the clean thou shalt choose seven of every sp [...]cies; and of the unclean, two only: Pair­ing alw [...]yes the Male and Femal [...], that they may repair the Earth and Air by their Copulations.

This good Man performed exactly all that God had commanded him; he is already in the Ark, and he bu [...]ieth himself in disposing and nourishing all these different Species of Beasts, and Birds.

Seven dayes were spent about these preparations▪ and in the miraculous inclosure of this new House: At the e [...]d whereof the Heavens opened on all side [...]; and the Sun, Moon, and Stars, seem'd to be chang'd into Sources and Chanels, the Air and Clouds be­came a Sea, and all the [...]lements joyned together to make of the who [...]e Worl [...] an Ocean without [...]hoars, without bottom, without H [...]ven, and without limit,

M [...]an while, where are you the unhappy Inhabit [...]nt [...] of the City of Enos? Poor Heirs of Cain, Children of Men, eff [...]minate Spirits, wa [...]ton Souls, where are you? The Heavens f [...]ll on your Heads, the Air stifles you, the Water swall [...]ws you up, and the Earth vanish­eth away. Fath [...]rs, Moth [...]rs, Children, Husba [...]s and Wives, Brothers and Sisters, Kindred, Friends wh [...]re are you? I behold, I behold your Towers bu­r [...]ed u [...]d [...]r the Waves: I hear your cryes, your sighs, and yo [...]r voices notwithst [...]nding the Te [...]pest; in fin [...] yo [...]r flo [...]ting Bo [...]ies and your dying Souls ack [...]owledg [...] [...]ut too l [...]te the excess of your Sins.

Ah sin, sin, these are thy spoyls, and this is the [Page 38] tempest thou hast raised; sin do'st thou discern the state into which thou hast reduc'd the World, the Air, the Earth, and the Heavens?

O God! Must all the Elements weep forty dayes, and [...]s many Nights: And in fine must all Nature be in Mourning, or rather in Tryumph? Since eve­ry where she erects Trophies, and Mountains of Water to swallow up the most shameful, and most insolent of all Vices.

During this Triumph, and mourning, Noah stears his Vessel, his Family, and Troops, upon the Bil­lows. This holy man enjoyes a Calm, and say [...] securely over these Storms and Billows. He behol [...]s the Day in the midst of Night; and the Tempe [...]t, which sinks the whole World even as low as Hell, lifteth him up even as high as the Heavens.

Range then O Noah, range upon the Waters [...]f the Deluge, and expect the day and moment [...] ▪ w [...]en God shall land thee in the Haven. And thou O Ark that carryest the World, and its Spoyls, behold how the Sea makes a halt at thy approa [...]h, and keeps back its suspended Waves as it were out of compl [...] ­ [...]ency, and an orderly respect. Holy Hous [...] of God; Fortunate Sanctuary of all Mankind! Float on with­out Oars or Sayles, float on, for it is the Spirit of God, and the hand of the justest of men which di­rects and Guides thee.

In effect, scarce were the Forty days expired, when in an instant the Heavens dried up their sources; the air appearded most serrene▪ and the great drops of Rain were turned into Pearls and Dew as it were to give notice of the return of the Sun and Morning. At length, after seven Months contest and conflict, this wandring Island, which carried Noah and his Family, landed upon the Mountains of Armenia expecting till the tenth Month, when the other Hils shew'd their heads & tops: Forty dayes after which, this most Holy and wise Pilot, who had almost spent a whole year in the [Page 39] pleasing obs [...]urities of his prison, still victorious and triumpha [...]t, resolv'd at last to op [...]n its window to give flight and p [...]ssage to a Grow, which indeed went forth but never returned, There needed then a purer and more faithfull Messenger: Noah chose a Dove amongst all the Birds, that she might discover whe­ther the waters were quite retir [...]d. But this inno­cent Creature, and a [...]iable Spye, finding no resting place clean enough, re [...]urned pres [...]ntly into the Ark and advertis'd Noah that the waters of the Deluge were not wholly de [...]reased. It was this news that obliged Noah to expect yet the space of Seaven dayes, after which he took the Dove again and in­stantly gave her leave to take her Liberty and Flight.

Noah in expectation, stands one while himself, [...]n other some one of his Children, at the Window to see whether this Angel of peace would return or no.

Behold good news, the Dove is returned; I have a glimse of her with the Olive-branch she carries in her Beak.

Noah what say'st thou? Make hast I pree-thee▪ Receive this little Lega [...], and take from his mouth the earnest of peace; And if thou hast a mind t [...] have more certain assurances, the term of seven daye [...] will put a period to all thy desires.

And as soon as the seaven dayes were expired, No­ah cast out again the Dove to the mercy of the Wa­ters, of the Air and Earth, where having at las [...] sound footing, she resolv'd to abide.

[Page 40] Noah seeing what had passed uncover'd the roof of his Ark, and presently perceived the Earth, the Islands, the Haven, the Fields, and the dryedup wayes. He heard God also commanding him to depart out of the Ark with all his Company, that he might re-people the universe. And here I leave it unto the curious to imagin what pleasure Noah had at the opening of his Cage: when he saw Ea­gles, Vultures, Austridges, and all Birds take their flight; following the track which was to carry them unto their own Climate; God knows also how the Sheep fled far from the Wol [...]e, the Lyon from the Co [...]k, the Hare [...]rom the Dog, which nevertheless by secret and devine charms, held in the Ark a Cor­respondence without Noyse, War, or Enmity.

In sine, during this Iayle delivery, and these separa­tions, Noah was carefull not to do like Seafaring men, who during the Storm and Tempest, invoke all the Saints of Paradise, and make a thousand vows unto them, which nevertheless they perform not in the Haven, and calm, but by an infinity of Blasphemies, and by the continuati­on of their Impieties.

Scarce was this eminent Man (chosen by God for the conservation of the World) descended out of the Ark, but he instantly built an Altar, on which he of­fered Holocausts and victimes in honor of him who had so sweetly, and by such marvellous wayes, con­ducted him to the shore and harbour.

It is then peradventure for this cause God pro­miseth unto men and Noah, that the Earth shall be no more accursed for their sake: He assures them that his revenging hand shall never take the Rod so universally to scourge all sinners: that from hence­forth Winter and Summer, Cold and Heat, Day and Night, shall have their courses, periods, motions, and vicissitudes, with order, and by regular inter­vals.

GOD resolving to confirm the Oath▪ and Covenant he had made with Noah, was so good and gratious as to imprint the Seal of his con­tract in the Clouds, to the end the malice of men might never be able to efface it, and that on the contrary he might be oblig'd never to make war against them, when he should see between him and the World, those illustrious characters of Love▪ and those magnificent Articles of truce, pardon, and peace. Moreover this sign, which appeared in the Heavens, was but a Bow without Arrows; it was a resplendent Arch, and a Circle beset with Dia­monds, Emeraulds, and Rubies; it was a chain of Gold, Silver, and Pearls; it was a Scarf interwoven with the most lively splendors and the most sensible lights of the Sun and Day. It was the portraict of Peace which appeared under feign'd and imaginary colours, or to express in a word all that can be thought, and said when we cast our Eyes on this wonder of the Air; it was the Diadem which St. [Page 42] Iohn discover'd on the Head of Almighty God: and which therefore was to be for all eternity the Crown of a God, who can never change, but will everlastingly conserve this Garland and Diadem of peace.

IT is true; that Men were never more at Pe [...]ce, the Earth never more pure, and Heaven never powred down so many savours as it shed upon the Earth and the Children of Noah. Nevertheless in the mid'st of Pleasure, Peace, Concord, Love, Joy, and all sorts of Benedictions, this poor Man, whom all the Waters of the World, and of the Deluge, could not vanquish, was drown'd at last in a Glass of Wine.

O God! What scandall, what shame, what dis­quiet, and what disorder in the Family of Noah? This good old Man, fell cold and stiff on the ground, and it is not known whether he be dead or alive. His Children run presently to help him, but as if the s [...]ne of the Wine, which their Father-had [Page 43] taken too inconsiderately, had dazel'd and blinded the youngest of them; instead of casting ashes, and Water on the Flaming Coals, which consum'd his poor Father, he made a Bone-fire of Mirth, and scorn about his Nakedness: And with an unparal­leld impudence discover'd to the Eyes of all his Bre­thren, what Nature hath concealed. His Brothers nevertheless were more respectfull, and prudent than himself: For immediatly Piety cast veyls over their Eyes, and Love, though Blind, found out Ar­tifices to cover an Object which was neither decent nor Lawfull to behold. It was in recompence of these chast duties, that No [...]h being returne [...] out of that Abyss, into whi [...]h Wi [...]e had precipitated him, open'd the Eyes of his Bo [...]y, and Soul, and a [...]ter­wards perceiving the unnatural impudence of Cham, he darted forth the Thunder of his malediction against his Son Canaan, beseeching likewise God to bless, and fill Sem, Iaphet, and all their Progeny, with his Graces. It was from their Posterity all the Generations of the World are descended; and they were the Persons who laid the foundation of Sodom, Ninivie, Salem, and Gomorrha; as also of so many other Famous Cities, from whence afterwards Arts, [...]epublicks, Policies, Governments, and all the Empires of the Universe took their Rise.

SO it happened not long after this that the Inhabi­tants of the Earth feeling the Justice of their own Consciences, and they not calling upon God, they feared the comming of another Deluge, so they re­solv'd to build a Tower, and raise the top of it even as high as the Clouds. The chief Under­taker of this famous Structure was the Gyant [...]m­rod, Grandchild to that Reprobate Cham, who dis­covered his Fathers shame. This Architect was of a proud Nature, and of a Capricious humour, be­lieving that his enterprises, and his designs, were to be executed without the least opposition.

[Page 45]In effect, never was any work undertaken, and advanced with more Expedition, nor with more Ar­dor, Zeal, and Submission. But the Grand design­er of the World, the Architect of the Universe, and the generall Producer of all things, who takes de­light to confound the Wisdom of the Wi [...]e, and to overthrow the Plots, and Enterpri [...]es of the most Powerfull, beholding these Fortifications rais'd neer mid-way, and being able no longer to endure this Audacity, and these presumptuous Attempts, re­solv'd at last to overturn all these Fort [...], and to cast a generall confusion of Tongues amongst the Car­penters, and Masons. This made a Tower of Ba­bel, that is to say of Disorder, War, and Confusion. This Stately Building, this lofty Cittadell, this im­pregnable Fort, was but a Labyrinth of deaf and dumb people, who spake without hearing one ano­ther, & cry'd out when it was not in any mans pow­er [...] help them.

Behold the Enterprises and Designs of the World▪ [Page 46] Behold the Structure of the Gyants of the Earth, and the Sanctuary of their Pride.

Vanity of this World! Glory of a few dayes! Phantasms of the Earth! seeming beauties! Men, what doe you think? and why I beseech you, so ma­ny Houses, so many Castles, Cities and Villages? cast your Eyes on the Tower of Babel, and dread at least the fate of the like disast [...]r. Finally then make your Wills, Ingrave your Epitaphs, seek out six or seaven Foot of Earth, and from henceforth think on­ly on erecting your Tombs. Go, consult your Ancestors, your Fathers, and Masters; cast your selves at their Feet, enter into their Sepulchers, search into the bottom of their Monuments, and be not affrighted to behold so many ravell'd Crowns, so many broken Scepters, and so much Purple ser­ving only to cover Worms.

NOw it was, by the Favour and Splendor of conquering Lights,The calling of Abraham. and Victorious voices, that Abraham [Page 47] was chosen amongst Men, as the Person who would be the most obedient, most faithfull, and most con­formable to the will of God. And now it was as we may suppose by means of an Angel cloathed with an humane Body, that Abraham heard distinctly the Voice of God, which said unto him,

Abraham, It is time to leave thy Countrey, and Kindred, and to abandon thy Fathers House.

Follow me then, and repair unto a Land, and under a Clymate, which I will shew thee; every where I will be thy Star, thy Pole, and my Eye shall serve as a Guide, and Torch to conduct thee to thy Haven and Landing-place.

Well then Abraham, get thee out of thine own Count [...]y, leave all thy Friends, and break those many tyes, which Bloo [...] hath woven in thy Veins and Heart. The Milk thou hast suck'd is from hence forth no other than p [...]son, the Nourishment [...] hast received from t [...]y Parents doth but sustain thy Body, and stifle thy Soul: In sine the Light an [...] Brightness of Heaven cannot be seen ami [...]st the Shades and Smoak of thy Countrey.

But what! must poor Abraham leave himself? O my God! why dost thou oblige him to forsake [...]is beloved Chaldea, and why woul [...]st thou have him separate himself from his near Kindre [...] and dearest Friends. He wants nothing at home, and it may come to pass, that every thing will sayl him amongst Strangers.

But now these were motives too weak to break the Desires, and designs of a Soul which God court­eth. It is a delicious thing to leave the streams for their source, and to forsake our selves and Friends, to give our selves unto our Maker.

Abraham understood all these veryties from the very morning of his vo [...]ation; and at the first over­ture of the savours which God imparted to him, he took a Staff in his Hand, and became a Pilgrm in the World, su [...]iciently discovering, that the life of Man is but a Pilgrimage, and that a Man shall first, or last, reach to the Port.

And now methi [...]k [...] the Sun doth not rise, but to present unto him a thousand Portraictures of those whom he hath left behind. The Moon, and the Stars, shew him by Night, and in his sleep, nothing but the Images of those whom he hath abandoned, and he awakes a Thousand times with sighs from his Heart, and tears in his Eyes, to embrace the shadows, and Phantasmes of his dearest Friends.

And now this poor man is not gone a Musket-shot from the City, and scarce hath lost the sight of his steeple, but he presently resumes his former wayes, [Page] and returns with an intent to build his [...] rather his Tomb, on his Chimney's [...]

March then Abraham: Carry with [...] Sara, who makes up the moity of [...] till God shall please to give thee [...] be the Son and be thou a Father to [...]

Farwell then for ever dear Land of [...] you Lot, Abraham, and Sara go joy [...].

They are already gon, and I see [...] out of the Territories of Sichem to [...] directly unt [...] [...] plains of Moret [...] [...]ere God a secon [...] time appe [...]red to Abrah [...]m, and there also he gave him both [...], and possession of the Land of Ca­naan for himself and his posterity.

Is not this a most admirable draught of Gods sage prodigality and illustrious Magnificence, who in ex­change of a foot of ground gives intire Worlds? He will have the Heart, and for the Heart he gives himself, and in him the Creator of Souls, and the Soul of all Hearts. Alas! what is a corner of the Earth compar­ed with the Land of promise? What is a Countrey and City in respect of the Firmament? And where shall we find Brethren, Kindred, or Friends, without preten­sion, interest, or any suspition of deceipt, as are found in Heaven?

It remains then for all thos [...], who he hath taken by the hand, as he did Abraham, and led them over the Banks of Iordan, and through the shades of Hermon, [...]o build there an Altar on which they might offer Sa [...]rifices of Love, and Acknowledgments, as Abr [...] ­ [...]am did.

ABRAHAM now leaving his own Countrey, instantly cast up his eyes, and well resolv'd to follow God every where, who served him for a Master, a Conductor, a Sanctuary and Countrey. He left then the plains and val [...]ies, to ascend the Moun­tains, as still desireous alwaies to make new progres­ses, and to advance without any intermission.

It is he then whom I see spreading his Pavillions on the top of a Mountain, and erecting an Altar to invoke the name, and assistance of God his Con­ductor.

Listen a while, and hear from his Mouth the thoughts of his Soul!

Great God! I have forsaken all for thee, A farewell to the World. and at the first command I recei­ved, I obeyed the voice of thy most ami­able providence; at length b [...]hol [...] me here out of my Countrey, f [...]r from my own Poss [...]ssi [...]ns, and severed from my [...] Friends: I am ig [...]orant, where I am; but [...] only [...]ow that I am with th [...]e. It sufficeth me, O my God, all my desires are pleased, and my Soul is ful­ly s [...]i [...]fied. Farewell all my K [...]dred, farewell my Frien [...]s, f [...]rewell my Coun [...]rey. O my God! me t [...]nk [...] at ev [...]ry st [...]p I make, I Conquer a Kingdom, all m [...] [Page 51] Guests are Kindred, the little Hills are my Dungeons [...]he F [...]elds my Ci [...]i [...]s, and all t [...]t the day discovers to [...] of Earth, of Rivers, of Air, and of Seas, is my Countrey, my House, an [...] my pl [...]e of Entertainment.

And now without further d [...]lay I leave the east to [...]vance unto the South.

Now I no wayes doubt, but our Pilgrim in his [...]urneys, towards the South [...]eels also more resplen­ [...]nt ardors, and more infired lightnings, which [...] him with more violent, and more lively [...] and designs.

Mean while a general [...]amine came over all the [...]and of Canaan ▪ in so much a [...]our h [...]ppy Traveller is [...]forc'd to take a farther jo [...]rney, and to descend [...]to Egypt.

This Man Wholy inlightn'd by God, and who [...] in the Bosome of his faithfull moity, the [...], and most holy flames of his Love, beheld a far [...] the smoak of a most dangerous fire, and fearing [...] his dear Sara should be there either by mishap [...] force surprised, he thought it h [...] to say unto her [...] the manner following:

Abraham. Dear Wife, we are h [...]re on the Confines of [...]ypt: But yet I am afraid, least these Souls a thousand: [...] more [...]l [...]ck than their Bodies, [...] not s [...]me blemish o [...]: [...]. Tell them then I pray the [...], th [...] thou ar [...], [...] Sister, and [...]hat I [...] [...]hy Brother▪ [...]o th [...] [...] may [...]pe by this [...] Stratagem.

All these for [...]asts were not grounded on a vain [...], and some erroneous Judgment; for scarce [...]re these [...] Doves of Chaldea, these two Turtles, [...] these two chast Lover [...] [...]tred into Eg [...]pt [...]; but [...] the Pr [...]uces of Phar [...]oh, who [...] the [...] impurities, carried away the chast Sara, [...] brough [...] her to Court; whi [...]h was a Saraglio of [...]. But however c [...]urage! co [...]rage Abraham, [...] no wayes doubt but the fidelity which thy Sara [...] [...]ow'd unto thee will be proportionable to that [Page 52] thou rendrest unto God. Lay aside therefore now all thy fears, and thou also Sara do the like, for thy Heart is a Sanctuary of Peace, and a Temple of Love, of which God alone, and Abraham keep the Keys.

And now let us return to Pharaoh, who was really constrain'd to stifle his unlawfull loves in the Ocean of his miseries, and who at last restor'd to Abraham the flower, which had been cruelly wrested from him.

THo Holy Abraham seemed to have some just cause to commence a sute, and to wage war against Lot for the preservation of his rights, and authority, which might receive some prejudice by the strife, which arose between his Servants, and those of Lot, their design being to become Masters, contrary to Justice and reason. Which Abraham see­ing, to prevent all the disorders which might ensue on this first design, he saith unto Lot.

Abraham. Nephew I pree-thee remember, that [...]therto I have not treated thee as an Vncle, but rather as a Brother; what a scandal would it be, if we should begin to live together either like Strangers, or else as Enemies? I had rather lose all the goods of the World▪ than that of thy Friendship: But I see clearly that these Sheepherds and mercenary Friends, are the Person [...] who endeavour to engage our passions with their inte­rests: it would then be more prud [...]n [...]ly done to sever [Page 53] our Flocks, than to disunite our minds, and therefore dear Nephew take what you please. of thou goest to the right hand, I will take the left: and if the left, I will pass to the right. Oh let ther be no difference between thee and me, for we are brethren.

My God! These are generous, and hero­ick thoughts; to hear them, A pleasant description of the Gol­den Age. I conceive my self to be in those golden Ages when men car­ry'd their hearts on their Lips, Crowns of Olive-branches on their heads, hornes of plenty in their hands, their eyes in each part of their Body, and the Chains of a holy friendship as bracelets and collers of Gold; Finally where the goods of the Earth were troden under foot as common to all men. And this caused that plenty of all things was carry'd every where upon a Triumphant Chariot, casting Gold and Silver to all that would but take the pains to gather it. God himself Governed the Reigns of this fortunate Cha­riot, and as if he had a purpose to make every man a Monarch of the Vniverse, he said the very same to them [Page 54] as to Abraham, when the love of Concord and Peace had sever'd him from Lot.

BUt now who would have believed, that Abra­ [...]ams humour, and courage▪ [...]ad been of a valour­ous temper, when he was only seen to take Lot by the Hand, and say unto him▪ that all his goods belong­ed unto him, and that to avoi [...] War he gave the World for a Field of Peace, an [...] for an assured t [...]sti­mony, that he pref [...]r'd a quiet Life before all pre­tensions whatsoev [...]r.

Nevertheless when news was brought him, that the King of Sennay, the King of the El [...]mites, the [...]ing of Pont [...]s, and he that was commonly calle [...] the King of Nations, were become Masters of the Field, and of the Sodomites Countrey, (who were his cons [...]erat [...] ▪) and that even after the taking o [...] Sodom, poor Lot, who fell into their Hands, wa [...] lead by their command into a sad captivity; at th [...] very same instant this p [...]aceable Traveller, instea [...] [Page 55] of a Staff, took Arms into his Hands, and having selected three hundred and eighteen of his bravest Servants, he went forraging the Country, and so couragiously pursued his Enemies, that afterward being come to the confines of Iudea near the Foun­tains of Iordan, and finding them still wholy puffed up with the success of their Victories, and loaden with their booty, he set upon them with so great courage, and dexterity, as at last he put them to a shamefull rout, and gave th [...]m so general a defeat, that he brought back both Lot, and all his Goods, with the remainder of the spoyls of all the Assyrians, who were all either dead or put to flight.

After this defeat Melchisedeck, who was King of Salem, and also high Priest of the most high, of­fered Bread, and Wine, as a thansgiving for the Victories he had gained: Afterwards he gave his benediction to Abraham, who also presented him with the tenths of his spoyls and of [...]is whole booty.

The King of the So [...]omites too fayled not to ren­der his duties unto this Conqu [...]ror.

After this God made Abraham come out of his Pa­villion, and then not satisfied with having promised him a Posterity numerous as the Sands of the Sea, he shewed him the Heavens, with promise that the number of his Children should equal the Planets and Stars of the Firmament. Adding to him afterwards, that suddainly he should have a Son by his dear Sara, who should be the Heir of his poss [...]ssions, and the Ornament of his Family.

Notwithstanding all these Assurances and pro­mises Sara who felt her self Barre [...] permitted her Husband what the Law and Custome of that time allowed; and much more, for this chast Wife hum­bly intreated, that Agar though a Servant, might share with her in his Bed and affections: But Agar was no sooner become a Mother, but she would be at the same time also a Mistress.

[Page 56]So Agar having been disgracefully driven out of Abraham's and Sara's House, when her wandring heart had leasure to entertain more humble and mild thoughts; God who hath fatherly tendernesses for those who place their whole strength and Con­solation in Meekness and Humility, immediately sent an Angel to her, who promised her a favoura­ble return; and besides, gave her assurances that shortly she should have a Son, who should be called Ishmael: In effect, she conceived, and was deliver­ed, as the Angel had said, Abraham being no less than fourscore and six years old or near upon.

But what! was it not sufficient to have even run for the spa [...]e of Ninty and [...]ine years, and been in a Continual journey during the whole course of his life? Was it not time to make a halt, when he saw himself near the shore, and that his life was arri­ved almost in the Haven?

It imports not (saith God unto him) it is I that speak, and thou must obey: On then Abraham, pass farther, I will be a Spectator of thy Voyages, and of the Progresses thou shalt make in the way of per­fection.

Presently after, as if this f [...]rtunate and glorious Name had been the Seal of the Contract, and of the Allyance which God made with Abraham, he would render it more sensible. and add to these Cyphers of Love an Impression of Grie [...], and a Charactor of Blood.

Then was Circumcision com­manded not only for Abraham, Commandement for Circumcision but for all his Children▪ and Servants, and in general for all those that should be numbred amongst his Generations; provided nevertheless they were Males; for Women were exempted from the Law: Concerning the time prefixed for tho ac­complishment of this precept, it was not to pass the term of Eight dayes; and the proposed end [Page 57] was no other than mens accord and peace with God.

GOD gives himself entirely to Abraham, and Abraham hath nothing which he gives not for his sake.

He made this evidently appear, when being in the Valley of Mambre at the opening of his Tents, about high Noon, he saw three Pilgrims tann'd with the Ardors of the Sun, and tyred at least in appear­ance with the pains and toyl of their journey: for immediately this magnificent, cordiall, and devout Man, who bore God and men in his heart, prevent­ed these travellors, and his Soul which allwayes dis­covered truth amidst shadows, ador'd the Majesty of one God hidden under the habit of these three Pilgrims. Afterwards he offered them his Table and House and not satisfied with these profers, he treated them in words and deeds, and then to render his duties more perfect he mixed them with so much sweetness, so much cordiality, and so much rever­ence, that afterwards he would needs wash their feet, honouring them not only as guests, but also as Masters of his House.

This Heavenly practise is in a word, as Solomon said, to cast ones Bread upon the torrent of Waves to receive it in aeternity.

In [...]ffect, these three guests whom Abraham re­ [...]eived into his tents with so much affection, zeal, [Page 58] and reverence, made a Paradise under one Pavillion; these were also Angels of Heaven, having only the shape and countenance of Men; from whence I ga­ther, that under Ragged Garments, and a skin torn with Ulcers, and eaten up with Cankers, God and his Angels often conceal themselves; but to proceed when the crimes and execrations of So [...]om and Go­ [...]o [...]rha pres [...]i [...]gly ca [...]e [...] upon Gods Justice, and when the bl [...]ckest vapor [...] of these horrid [...] ascen [...]ed even as high as Heaven, this most a [...]lure Judge, who makes [...] de [...]tive decrees withou [...] d [...]n­dence or [...]ounsell demeaned hims [...]lf as if he dur [...]t [...]ot doe it witho [...]t the advice of A [...]raham.

Ah wh [...]t! saith he, c [...]n I con [...]l my d [...]signs an [...] thoughts from my dear Abraham, who is to b [...] th [...] Pil­lar, of the Worl [...], and the Father of so m [...]ny Na [...]io [...]s? No certainly, but I m [...]st discharge part of my displea­sure into his b [...]s [...]me, th [...] he may shar [...] with me in my d [...]signs as well as in my cont [...]tm [...]nts.

H [...]arken then Abraham, dost thou well un [...]erstand, [...] God, what p [...]sseth? For my part I hear a con­fused [...]. which daily sounds louder and louder; it is surely the Voice of my Justice which requires vengeance ag [...]inst the [...]habitants of Sodom and Go­morrha, which have re [...]red their Cities an Abyss of horrors and abominations. Dost thou not hear these impure Mouths, these poy [...]us Tongues, these bewitched Hearts, these fleshy Sou [...]s, these Soul-less Bo [...]ies, an [...] these ungodly Men without Faith, without Law, and without Honour?

Abraham, But what my God! hast thou not Eyes whic [...] pi [...]rce from the highest Heaven, even into the cen­ter of Hell? And is not the least of thy gl [...]nces abl [...] to diss [...]pate all the shadows of the Night. Why dost tho [...] t [...]en say [...]ou wilt descend into Sodom, and s [...]e in per­s [...]n what p [...]ss [...]th before thine Eyes. But now whe [...] A [...]raham himself at last beh [...]ld the Lighted Torche [...] which were to be the Instruments of this sad Incer­dium, [Page 59] the Sanctity and freeness of his Heart per­mitted him to say. [...]

Ah! What great God! Could it possibly happen that thy indignation should be Blind, and that thy Thunder­bolts should equally fall upon the Iust and Sinners? God of Goodness canst thou behold the innocent in the midst of punishments, without some touch of Compas­sion? Alas Lord! Wilt thou not pardon this Criminall City, if in c [...]se but fifty innocent Persons be found in it; is not this a Motive powerfull enough to invite thee unto Commiseration? Ah! Let it be never then said, that thy just providence, which extends it self over all the Empires of the World, hath stifled Vice and Vertue under the same Ashes.

Is not this an innocent freedom, and capable of moving even the Bowels of Gods mercy? Indeed God promised him to deliver all those that were invelaped in that [...]rime, in case there were s [...]und not fif [...]y, but ten only worthy of pardon.

But it seems the iniquity of Men is so much the more enormous, as the goodness of God is immense and admirable. And who would believe that Ver­tue and Piety are in such sort banished from the Earth as some good Men may not be found in it? It is then for this cause God advanced towards Sodom, to cha [...]tise their Vices, and to extinguish the lust of their Women with a Deluge of Fire.

AND here behold the Portraict of Gods Ju­sti [...]e, her Scepter hath not been seen hitherto in the Land of Sodom and Gomor [...]ha, but upon the Wings of a Stork, that is to say, by Clemency and Meekness. But too long have the horrors of Sodom irritated and provoked God: The night already approacheth, and there remains no day but to be­hold two Angels in the habit of Pilgrims, who seek out Lot even at the Gates of Sodom; observe how welcome they are, and certainly, they have met with an Heart who perfectly understands the rights of Hospitality; observe what hast he makes to them, how he casts himself at their Feet, how he conjures them to spend at least one night in his House: In fine, after some refusals and Comple­ments, he inforceth them by his charitable impor­tunities to shelter themselves in his Lodging; they enter into it, and nothing but Feasts and congratu­lations are seen in this House. But they were no sooner risen from the Table, and preparing to take some repose, when immediatly Sodomites came from a [...]l parts like inraged Wolves howling and trembling as if they had already felt the Agony of Death, and [Page 61] the Flames which were ready to devour them.

Mean while Lot is very much afflicted; for these Cyclops of Hell are come out of a Furnace of obscu­rities with Hammers and Iron Bars in their Hand [...] to break his Gate in a thousand pieces, to destroy Fathers and Children, Masters and Servants.

Mean while the night slips away, and from the break of day, as if the Sun should have served to inkindle the Pyle of Sodom, two Angels delegated for the preservation of Lot, taking him by the Hand with his Wife and two Daughters, constrained them to depart together out of the City, advertizing them that to preserve their lives, and to enjoy the benefit they had received, they must seek out a re­fuge upon some high Mountain, without turning their Heads or Eyes towards the unhappy Sodom, least some Whirlwind of Flames should chance to surprise and devour them.

Behold then Lot much astonished: Nevertheless he conjures these amiable Spirits to afford him a retreat in a little Town not far from thence; the Angels granted all he desired, and the Village as­sign'd him for a Sanctuary was also freed from the Flames for his sake.

But as there is nothing weaker and more wavering than a Womans mind, Lot had not power enough to hinder her Head, which was filled only with Wind, from moving at the sight of the first Lightnings which preceeded this Storm; so in testimony of her inconstan­cy she was transformed into a Pillar of Salt, as if Go [...] intended by this exemplary punishment to leave unto over light Souls a Tragick monument of inconstancy, and a dreadfull effect of Temerity.

Mean while the [...]eavens are no longer but a live­ly source of Flames and Fires: The Sun, Moon and Stars are so many Chanels through which God powres down upon Sodom and Gomorrha all the Thunderbolts of his wrath. The Clouds are the [Page 62] Torrents of Thunder which makes a hideous noise which tears the Skyes and carries away all without pitty; nothing is seen in the Air but Flaming ob­scurities and ardent shadows heaped upon one an­other, which form a Hears-cloath to cover the shamefull Reliques of these loathsome Coals.

The Earth on the other side is an inlivened gulph of burning Coals, which vomit forth so many Fire­brands and Torches, as at length one would be­lieve that the Air, the Skyes, the Clouds, and the Earth were no other than a Hell. Nothing is heard there but Clamors, Sobs, Rages, Blasphemies and roarings out.

What a spectacle is it to see Men and Women with Bodies all on fire running through the Streets, their Hair flaming, their Eyes sparkling, their Mouths burning, and their Hearts filled with Sul­phur? What a Monstrous Spectacle is it to behold an Infant in his Mothers bosom, and in his Nurses Arms like a lump of Sulphur which is consumed with the flash of a Torch? Who hath ever heard that the World was watred with a rain of Sulphur, with a Deluge of Fire, and with an Inundation of burning Coals and Flames? What Thunder, what spoyl, what desolation of Wood-piles, of Houses, and Fur­naces? Beds, Tables, Cubbords, Gold, Iron, Mar­bles, and Diamonds turned into Fire-brands? Alas! where are the H [...]avens? Where is the Air? Where is the Sea and Earth, when the whole World is on Fire? Ah poor Lot! What is become of thy Wife, and where are thy Kindred, and what may thy Daughters think beholding the smoak of that Fire which devours the Bodies of their unfortunate Hus­bands.

Me thinks I see him with his Daughters in the foulds of a Mountain, where he endeavours to shel­ter himself from these frightfull inundations, which burn and desolate all his Country. But with what [Page 63] grief will Abrahams chast Heart be touch'd when he knows that the Daughters of Lot are consumed with an other Fire, and they inkindle such black Flames, as even hinder them from knowing their own Fa­ther, or at least from treating him with that respect which Nature and piety required?

None but Abraham remains constant in his sincerity; he is still in the same place where God spake to him with so much tenderness and privacy.

Faithfull Friend of God, Father of all Nations, support of men, Vice-King of the Earth, Abraham, canst thou behold this dreadfull fire without Sighs and Tears? Weep then Abraham, weep to quench these Flames; but rather inkindle some pile to swallow up these Monsters which infect the World by the con­tagious shasts of their incestuous brutalities.

IN fine, Heaven hath heard the vows and prayers of Abraham: Isaack is born, and Sara is so much [Page 64] ravished at the sight of this happy prodigy that she can hardly believe what she sees.

What a wonder is it to see this Child of Tears and Desires become an object of a ravishing Joy. Sara art thou afraid that the life of thy Son will bring thee death, and that the excess of a joy so little expected, will even melt thy heart? For my part I allready ap­prehend lest the pastime of Isaack and Ishmael prove the occasion of a quarel, and that at last either the Mother or Child must be chased away: In effect, Sara could not endure the sight of Agar and Ishmael, she intreats Abraham to put both of them out of his House. But Abraham who hath the tenderness of a Father for Ishmael, cannot condescend to her desires. It seems to this good Man that the severing of Isaack and Ishmael would even cut his heart in two. There is a necessity Nevertheless of obeying the request of Sara, for God commands Abraham in this occasion to execute all his injunctions, with promise that notwithstanding all contrary appearances Isaack and Ishmael shall be the first Seeds of a most ample and happy posterity.

What pitty was it to see this poor Handmaid enter with her Son into a solitary and uninhabited Desart, and leave a plentifull House, where she had ever lived as a Mistriss?

What pitty was it to see Agar and Ishmael in the de­sarts of Bersheba with hunger and thirst, and in a gener­all want of all the conveniencies of Nature, will not men believe them to be as it were dead in the World, and a­live in a Tomb? What hope is there amongst Stones and Rocks? What society in the midst of Woods, where no­thing is heard but cryes, and roarings of Monsters? What succour amidst Wild places, and out of the Road of men? What light under the shades of Pits and Caverns, where the Sun dares not approach? What means of Livelihood, where all Animals are dead? Where nothing but fright­full Dens are seen, but aride sandes, and some old Trunk [Page 65] of a Tree, without Branches, Leaves; or Fruits?

What then will Agar doe, she hath no more Wa­ter nor Bread? And mean while her life, her Love and hear dear Ishmael can no longer endure the tor­ments of hunger and thirst; he is already constrain­ed to stay at the foot of a Tree, and there to cast forth loud cryes; Distressed Mother, what will you do? What a happiness would it be for you to die first that you might not die twice? Sara what have you done? Abraham where are you? Ah God! What grief is it unto a Mother to see between her Arms the Tomb of her Son?

Ismael hath now lost his speech, he is without hope, and Agar abandons him as no longer able to live, seeing her heart half dead before her Eyes.

Farewell Ismael, farewell poor Orphan, farewell all the affections and hopes of Agar.

And when any Man shall chance to pass by this solitary place, let him ingrave upon this Trunk, that here Agar and her Son found their exile, their Death, and at lengt [...] their Monument.

Agar what do you say? Is this the hope you repose in God? And are these the promises he made unto A­braham? Ah! do you not know that Heaven hath Eyes alwayes open to Innocency, and the least of Ishmaels sighs is able to draw God into this Desart?

In effect, when Agar was removed a flight shot, from Ishmael, as she sent forth her Cryes after the Moanings of her Son, an Angel called her by her Name, and said unto her,

Goe Agar, and return to thy Son, take him by the [Page 66] hand, and reanimate this little dying Body. O God! who will not admire thy sage Providence, and the miraculous conduct of thy Designs.

THe Faith of Abraham is excellently well dis­coursed of by an eminent Minister of Christs, now with God, saith he.

Abraham feared God, but was not afraid of God; his Faith was all tried, but not at all tired but he re­joyced [Page 71] as a strong man to run his Race; which is the more to be admired, if we consider what seeming reasonable Objections and fair Excuses Abraham might have made, when God tempted Abraham, and said,

Abraham my Servant, my Friend: where art thou? Come forth, attend to execute my Com­ [...]ands.

Behold, here I am, speak Lord, for thy [...]vant heareth; I am wholly at thy Command and Ser­vice, do with me and mine what seemeth thee good; if thou bid me go, and if thou bid me come I will come; whatsoev [...]r thou bidst me do I will do it.

Go then, saith God, take now thy Son, thine only Son Isaack, whom thou lovest, and get thee to the L [...]nd of Moriah, and offer him there as a Burnt-Offering upon one of the Mountains which I t [...]ll thee of.

To this he did not, but might have pleaded▪ Why Lord, thou art Bl [...]ssed in thy self, and n [...]edest not any thing; thou d [...]sir [...]st not Sacrifice, [...]se would I gi [...]e it thee; and thou [...]elightest not in Burnt-Offerings: 'Tis true Lord, thy Sacrifices are a broken an [...] a contri [...]e Spirit, and that I will willingly offer; [...]o not despise bu [...] accept thereof.

But saith God, Offer thy Son.

L [...]rd [...] thou wilt have an Offering, all my [...]rds and Fl [...]cks [...]re at thy Ser [...]ice: Beh [...]ld (as long [...] th [...]s Ar [...]u [...]ah s [...]id to Davi [...]) here ar [...] Oxen for [...]rnt S [...]rifices, an [...] [...] Instruments▪ and other [...]struments for Woo [...]: all th [...]se things will I give unto [...] King, and the Lo [...] m [...] G [...] accep [...] it.

N [...] s [...]th God. I w [...]l t [...]ke no Bullock out [...] thine H [...]use, nor [...]- [...]ats out of thy Flock; [...] [...]very Bea [...]t of the Forr [...]st is mine, and the Cat­ [...]le o [...] a thousand Hi [...]s▪ [...] all the Fowls of [...] Mountains and the Wil [...] Be [...]sts of the Fields are [...]: If [...] were an hungry I would not tell thee for [...] World is mine, an [...] the [...]ulness thereof: Will I [Page 72] eat the Flesh of Bulls, or drink the Blood of Goats? No Abraham, no, but offer thy Son.

Lord, it's true, thou art above these things, and he that offers thee Praise, honours thee; and therefore thou callest upon us to offer unto God Thanksgiving, and to pay our Vows to the most high; and Lord I am willing to pay my Vows in the great Congregation; accept of my thanks, and I will tha [...] thee the more; receive these Vows as part of the [...] and I will vow and pay thee more.

No, saith God, nothing but thy Son, offer Abraham, offer thy Son.

Lord if thou wilt have the Flesh of Man to be Sacrificed, and his Blood to be powred out, then take one of [...] Servants: Do not call my sins to re­membrance and slay my Son; Good Lord spare my Son.

No, saith God, offer up thy Son.

Lord if thou wilt have a Son▪ take Is [...] ­mael; spare mine Isaac, Lord spare mine Isaac.

No, saith God, take thy Son, even Isaac.

Lord he is my only Son; he hath not a Brother, nor are there any more in Sarah's Womb: Lord I beg only this, spare mine only Son.

No, saith God, take thine only Son.

Why Lord, I have had him but a little while; if thou wilt take him, yet good Lord let mine Isaac and I rejoyce together yet a while.

No, saith God, take him now.

But ah Lord I love him, and so to take Isaac, is to take my Life, which is bound up in th [...] Life of the Lad; and if thou take him away, thou wilt bring down my Gray Hairs with sorrow to the Grave.

Well, said God, I know thou lovest him, but must not you love me better: Offer up this Son, this only Son Isaack whom thou lovest.

But Lord, though thou art righteous, when I plead with thee, yet let me talk with thee of thy Iudg­m [...]ts▪ what wi [...]l the wicked say, w [...]en they shall hear [Page 73] [...]hat thou delightest in Blood, and that thy Servants must offer their Children to the Lord; who will serve thee at [...]his rate?

Well, but, saith God, is not all the Earth mine own, and may not I do with mine own what I please; I that give may take: and therefore mind not you what the World will say, but what I say; and I say offer thy Son.

But Lord hast thou not commanded me to do [...]o Murther, and must I now embrue my Hands in Blood [...]nd in mine own Blood too: Oh happ [...] me, might my Blood [...]o for his: Oh! Isaack, Isaack, my Son Isaack; my [...]on, my Son, would to Go [...] I might die for thee: Oh! [...]saack, my Son, my Son. Lord how can this stand with [...]he Law that thou hast given me?

Abraham, saith▪ God, such things are not first [...]st, and then willed by me; but willed by me, and [...]erefore just. A [...]raham, Do not you know that I [...]an repeal or make exceptions? 'Tis I that say it▪ [...]h [...]refore do it: Who is this that dark [...]neth counsel [...]y words without knowledge? Gird up now thy [...]oins like a Man; s [...]ite him, kill him? Have not I [...]ommanded thee? be couragious, and a Son of va­ [...]our: Go offer thy Son.

But goo [...] Lord, thou hast made this ex­ [...]ption when thou di [...]st shew Man what was good and [...]asing in thine Eyes; thou woul [...]st not [...]ha [...] he shoul [...] [...]ive his first-born for his Transgression, [...]or the fruit of [...]is Body for the sin of his Soul▪ but to do justly, an [...] to [...]ve Mercy, and to walk humbl [...] with his God: To [...]bey (thou sa [...]st it) is better than Sacrifice, and to [...]earken than the sat of Lambs.

Well then, saith God, hearken an [...] o [...]ey: [...]is is to do Justice, this is (oh wonder) to shew Mer­ [...], this is to walk humbly with thy God.

Seeing I have taken upon me to speak unto [...] Lord, I will yet say: Lord he is the Son of the Pro­ [...]ise, in whom thou hast said, that all the Nations of [Page 74] the Earth shall be blessed: Now Lord if he die, an [...] die a Child without Children; where is then the blessed [...]ness thou speakest of: what will become of the Blessing?

Well Abraham, saith God▪ perform what [...] command, and I will perform what I promise: what will Abraham, who was once not weak in Faith, an [...] considered not his own Body, nor Sara's, when twic [...] dead, who staggered not through unbelief at m [...] Promise, but was strong in Faith, and gave me Glo [...]ry; w [...]o was fully perswaded that what I promise [...] I was able to perform, an [...] was not disappointed o [...] his Hope, though against Hope: Will this Abraha [...] now call me in question? Hast thou known my Name [...]punc; and wilt thou not trust in me? Am not I the Lor [...] which change not? Have I said it is, and shall it no [...] come to pass? Is there any thing too hard for God▪ Am not I able even of Stones to raise up Children unto Abraham? Cannot I say to dry Bones Live, tho [...] hast received him from the Dead in a Figure; an [...] were Isaack in the Grave, could not I, who am the Resurrection from the Dead, say, Isaack come forth arise and walk, that thy Father may receive th [...] with double joy; saying, Isaack my Son, who wa [...] dead, yea, who was twice dead, is now alive? There [...]fore Abraham offer thy Son.

My dear Lord, seeing I who am but Du [...] and Ashes, have taken upon me to speak unto thee, O [...] let not my Lord be angry if I speak once more: If I ma [...] not prevail (oh that I might prevail) to save Isaack [...]live; yet let me intreat th [...] that I may not be the Pries [...] let not mine hand be upon him: Can I see the death [...] the Child? Good Lord let som [...] other do it: Surely [...] cannot lif [...] up my Hand, or if I do, shall I not wish [...] may wither, or be turned into a stone? Will not thes [...] Eyes run down with Rivers of Tears? Ah Lord! I ca [...] speak no more; my h [...]art will break, my hand will sh [...]k [...] send by whom thou wilt send, but let not me, Oh let [...] m [...] go.

Yes Abraham, thou, take him thou, and go thou, and offer him thou, none but thou.

Ah Lord! Yet once more, but this once more and I have done. I am old and full of dayes, past Travail; spare me a little, let me not go so far as the Land of Moria; let it (if it must be done) be done at home.

No Abraham, Take now thy Son, thine on­ [...]y Son Isaack, whom thou lovest, get thee into the Land of Moria, and offer him there, no where but there.

He is then all alone upon the way with his Son [...]nd his two Servants, and he advanceth directly to Mount Moria as to the appointed place.

My dear Reader, I leave unto thy imagination what pa [...]ed for the space of three dayes this journey [...]sted; repre [...]ent unto thy self, I beseech thee, [...]hat thou art with him, whom thou dost love above [...]ll men, thou seest him, thou speakest to him, thou [...]rinkest to him, and sleepest with him, how will it [...]e if at thy departure thou must see him die? And [...]f thou thy self must present him the Poyson which [...] to stifle him? Husbands and Wives, Fathers and M [...]thers, Brothers, Kindred, A [...]ociats, Friends, what Torments? What despairs? What punish­ [...]ents? When you stand at the Beds Feet, where [...]ou shall behold your dearest affections, and your [...]ost pleasing delights in the Agony of Death, what combats,Duel of Grief and Love. and what Duels [...]f Love, and Grief? What strength and [...]esolutions to receive the last wor [...]s and [...]ghs of a dying Mouth, to whi [...]h a thou­ [...]nd and a thousand chast kisses have been given, [...]d whose least breath was able to wipe aw [...]y all [...]orts of sorrows? What Prodigy of constancy to [...]ose with your Hands two Eyes which served as [...] in the saddest obscurities of Life, which is but [...]o much intermingled with mourning and plea­sure? [Page 76] In fine, how can we see with out dying, an [...] other self at the point of death?

Nevertheless, this was but th [...] image of a dying life,Martyrdom for three dayes. which Abraha [...] led for the space of three dayes; on [...] would swear that God had underta­ken to make him dye ten thousand times upon thi [...] sad way; every glance of Isaack was a mortal Jave [...]lin, which pierced his Heart, and yet he must hav [...] him three times four an [...] [...]wenty hours before hi [...] Eyes▪ there was a necessity of eating, drinking▪ and speaking with him: were not these entertain­ments, and Feast of Death? He was constraine during the night to lay on his Breast, and in his Bo [...]som, that Head he was to cut off with his ow [...] Hands: was not this a murthering sleep and a crue [...] repose? In sine, he must render all the duties of [...] Father to so amiable a Son, before he was to be hi [...] Executioner, and he must needs hear almost ever [...] moment the voice of Isaack calling him Father, wh [...] went to m [...]rther him.

My God! What Preludes of death? What prepar [...]tion to a Martyrdom, what Dialogue of Passions? Wh [...] affections, what dissimulations, what sorrows, wh [...] pleasures, what hopes, and what despairs? A Fat [...]e [...] a Son, a Priest, a Victim, Wood, Fire, a Swor [...] I [...]aacks Eyes and Heart are fixed on his Father, a [...] Abraham lost not the sight of Isaack but to behold b [...] God. At every step this poor old Man sends a sigh [...] Heaven to evaporate grief, which being shut up redo [...]bl [...]s the mor [...].

Surely my Heart even bleeds upon the ba [...] thought of this pittifull object. Alas! How cou [...] Ab [...]aham look on the criminal Sword which was [...] give the stro [...]k? Where did he carry this [...]nstr [...]ment of Gods Justi [...]e? Me thinks I hear Isaack ▪ every step saying, My Father: and Abrah [...] a [...]swering Son, take courage, let us go my de [...] Child, we draw near to Moria.

[Page 77]O God! what vision and what approaches? Mountain of Moria hast thou no compassion, will not thy Tops, thy Rocks, and thy Stones mollifie ri­gours, at the fight of [...]o tragick an act, and which [...]eems so unnaturall? Mountain of Moria become thou a plain rather than put this poor old Man, and this young Child to the trouble of ascending thy Top, where they are going to erect an Altar, and hew a Tomb.

But what! Nature cannot be sensible when her God deprives her of feeling, and Moria must not have greater tenderne [...]es than the Heart of Abra­ham.

Let Abraham then perform resolutely the Office of God the Father, and l [...]t not Isaack be ashamed with his own Blood, to mark out the way unto Ie­sus, (of whom he was an Image and Figure) Let Abraham take his Sword to strike off Isaacks Head, and let Isaack take the Wood on his Shoulders which was provided to consume him.

THe most smiling prosperities often swim amidst Tears; the clearest and most serene dayes are followed sometimes by the most obscurest & dusky Nights: Bodies for Companions have their own sha­dows, Roses are mixed with Thorns, and even the Life of Man never ends but in Death. To see Abra­ham, Sara, and Isaack, after their deliverance, and the tryals God had of their fidelity, would not one have believed them almost immortall and exempted from all the miseries of Life? And yet scarce were they returned to their own home, but Abraham and Isaack met with a new occasion of grief for the Death of Sara. But so it is, the strictest unions must break, the sincerest friendships must have an end, and even M [...]rriages themselves of which God was the sacred knot, must at length make a Tragick Divorce upon a Bed which is the most common Theater of the blind furies of Death.

We ought to confess nevertheless that it is a spect­acle able to excite the constancy of a good Courage, when we shall behold this unmercifull Murdress which snacheth away Daughters out of their Mo­thers Bosoms, and Sons in the sight of their Fathers, and Wifes between the Arms of their Husbands.

In such a case, if Nature had not some tenderness, she would be unnaturall, and we must have Hearts of Marble not to be touched with some sense of grief and pitty: Abraham had then just cause to testifie by his tears, the regret he had for his dear Sara's Death; and surely since he lost so rare a blessing, well might he disconsolately bewayl it.

[Page 85]This mourning was not yet blameable, and he was very carefull not to doe like those, who bury all their affections in the preparation of a Funerall pomp, and who have but a shadowed meen, or else not being able sufficiently to disguise their looks, strive to hide under the Veils and shadows of a Bed or dark Chamber, the shame of their insensibility.

Abraham shed more tears from his Heart, than by his Eyes, and in rendring all duties to Nature and his Wife, he most amply satisfied God, and his own piety: while he was a Pilgrim and stranger in the Land of Canaan, Sara being Dead in the City of He­bron, he went directly into the place where his Wifes Body reposed.

There he offered up his Prayers unto God, and kiss'd a thousand times those amiable reliques, wa­tering them from time to time with his tears.

He presently intreated Ephron to sell him a double Cave which was close by the vale of Mambre to in­terr Sara in that place.

Ephron is willing to grant what he asketh; but be­ing at last as it were inforced to take a sum of Money for the purchace of his Land, Abraham became Ma­ster of the Field and Groat in which he laid the Bo­dy of his dear moity.

It is in this monument where the most generous Woman of her time reposeth; and under this Rock of Diamond will be found a Diamantine Heart in the Body of Sara, who was a perfect pattern of Constancy and Fidelity.

THis poor Man Abraham was in the Hands of God and Providence, as a feather in the Air, which serves for sport unto the Winds, and as a Planet in the Heavens, which never rests, or as a Wheel in the Water, which is alwayes turning and in a continual motion: God led him out of Chaldea, Mesopotamia, Canaan and Egypt; from thence he causeth him to return unto the Cananites, where he stays for some time in the City of Sichem, sometime in that of Hebron, afterwards in [...]erara, and then in Bersheba, and again in Hebron, as if he could not live but in Travelling, during whose Voyages Heaven is pleased to afford him a thousand Combats, and as many occasions of Victory.

In fine, after the deliverance of his Son, and the death of his Wife, he feeling himself wholy broken with old age, and upon the point of following the happy lot of Sara, resolved to seek a Wife for Isaack, and for that end he calls one of the most Faithfull Servants of his House called Eliezer, and having commanded him to lay his Hand under his Thigh, he conjured him by the name of God to seek a match for his Son in the Land of Haram.

[Page 87]Which being done, this wise Embassador chosen amongst the Domesticks of Abraham, began his jour­ney to execute the designs and Commission of his Master, and departing from Bersheba he went di­rectly to Mesopotamia carrying with him ten large Camels loaden with the rarest and most magnifi­cent presents which were in Abrahams House.

Behold him then in the City of Nachor meditat­ing with himself upon all the readiest and most fa­cile means to expedite what had been given him in charge. What will he do?

First he departs out of the City and repairing where Women in their turns were wont to draw Water, he there rest his Camels, expecting untill Heaven should offer the opportunity he desired.

During this expectation he offered up his prayers unto God, saying▪ Lord God of Abraham, cast I beseech thee some propitious and favourable looks upon the designs of my Master.

Great God take pitty of Abrah [...]m thy Faithfull Ser­vant, it is by his appointmen [...] I am in these territo­ries, I expect here but the hour when the Maid shall come to draw Water out of this Fountain; i [...] then, My God, thou dost give me this advice, I resolve no entreat the first which shall approach it▪ to afford me some Water to drink, if she grant me this favour, by this sign I shall presently believe▪ that it is doubtless she, whom thy holy Providence hath appointed for Isaacks Spouse.

Scarce had Eliezer ended his Coloquie, when a Mal [...] called Rebecca appeared, fair and chast as the Day▪ [Page 88] who carried under her Arm an Earthen Pitcher to take up Water, Eliezer presented himself, humbly beseeching her to afford him some drink, to which Rebecca pre­sently assented performing all that Curtesie and Charitie required.

The holy Scripture observes, that Eliezer very seriously contemplated all the actions of Rebecca, as being a Myrrour, in which he was to discern the marks of Gods conduct concerning Abraham and Isaack.

In fine, this prudent Man chose a fit time to pre­sent unto Rebecca some Ear-rings and Bracelets. Af­terwards he informed himself of the conveniencies which were in the House of his Maids Parents who spake unto him. Being then well instructed con­cerning the alliances of Rebecca, and what was in her House, seeing also that all corresponded with his desires, he threw himself on the ground to render thanks unto his God, and to adore his ineffable goodness towards Abraham.

Mean while Rebecca hastens to her Parents to bring them the first news of what had passed, where­of her Brother whose name was Laban, having taken notice, he went presently unto the Well from whence Rebecca came.

Finding Eliezer, he most affectionatly intreated him to visit his Fathers House, and having conduct­ed him thither, he immediately gave Hay and Straw to his Camels, afterwards he washed his Feet, as also the Feet of those who came with him. Then Eliezer took occasion to publish the Commission which had been given him, and the artifices he had used to bring them to a Head, and to understand whether it were the will of God that Rebecca should be Isaacks Wife.

Eliezer could not doubt it, and Rebecca but too much testified by her silence that her desires con­sented thereunto. Bathuel and Laban were also of [Page 89] this opinion, and therefore they were to dispose themselves to the commands of God.

The promise then of Marriage being given on both sides; Eliezer made presents to Rebecca and her Bre­thren; after this there was nothing but Feasts and adieus to the Kindred of this new promise; briefly some Dayes must be spent in rendring those duties which Honour and Nature required.

At last Rebecca took leave of her Mother and Bre­thren, she with Eliezer and his Servants got up upon Camels, and they advanced with the best diligence they could to arrive at A [...]rahams House.

Isaack, who was allwayes in expe [...]tation, first recei­ved the news of Rebecca's arrival. I leave to your thoughts what Ioy, what Kisses, and what Embraces. However it were, Rebecca is brought into the same a­partment which Sara had w [...]ile she lived, and immedi­ately the Marriage of Isaack with Rebecca was accom­plished according to the Ordinances of Heaven, and the desires of Abraham, who after this Marriage took a Wife called Ketura, by whom he had six Children, who served to carry their Fathers Name and Blood through numerous Generations.

But here by the way we may suppose Isaack to Sa­lute Rebecca upon her first Arrival, after the follow­ing manner, viz.

AT the earnest request of Isaack Heaven was obliged to grant that at last, which a long time before God had promised him; and in conclu­sion therefore, behold Rebecca great with Child and ready to lye down. But as the pleasures of the World are not durable, so she quickly feels the ap­proaches of her labour; They are no other than pains and throws, and her Womb seemed to be a thick Cloud of Thunders, and a Field of Battle, in which two little Children begin an intestine War against each other, which cannot end but by the Destruction of the Mother, or the death of her Children.

However it were, she consulted God; and God answered her, that she bore too Nations in her Womb, and that two People should issue forth of her Bowels, one of which should Triumph over the other, and the Elder be slave unto the Younger; And Iacob though the Younger, supplanted Esau who was his Elder Brother.

For this reason Iacob received his name; for as his Elder Brother was stiled Esau because his whole Body was covered with rough Hair; so Iacob was called Iacob, because at the issuing sorth of his Mo­thers Womb he h [...]ld Esau by the soal of his Foot, to testify that he would supplant him?

Is not this an early beginning to War with each [Page 93] other, since in their Mothers Womb they began the intestine Duel?

But what ever happens, Iacob shall be vanquisher; for Heaven is on his side, and the supplanting of Esau shall rather proceed from the Hand of God than that of Iacob.

But alas! What strife? What Victory? What [...]riumphs? When the Crowns we gain are but Roses staind with Blood, and Lawrels which wither in a moment, and transform themselves into eter­ [...]all Thorns.

It is not for this prize Iacob sought in his Mothers Womb, but he assaults and supplants Esau for the purchase of Immortal Crowns.

WE need not be over much versed in Phy­siog [...]omy, to fo [...]t [...]ll what Esau would prove; for in hi [...] Birth he gave so many evident [...]gns, as we cannot be ignorant of his future incli­nations. His Body Hairy like a Bear, could not be animated but by the Soul of a Beast.

Iacob on the contrary had only the qualities of a Dove, and his Heart had less Gall than a Lamb. He [Page 94] went scarce ever out of the House, and shewed so much simplicity, sweetness, and moderation, as but to see him a Man was constrained to love him.

Notwithstanding Isaack had more violent inclina­tions towards his Eldest Son: And this Love was only grounded upon Esau's constant custome in bringing him every Day some piece of Venison.

However it were, the Liberty Isaack gave to Esau of running all the day long through Woods and For­rests, was the occasion which brought him to his first misfortune: For this poor Chaser comming one day weary and Hungry from hunting, and meeting with Iacob who had c [...]used some Pulse to be sod, he intrea­ted him to give him a share of it; to which Iacob willingly agreeded, upon Condition he would yield up to him his right of Primogeniture.

Alas! [...] dye for very hu [...]er answ [...]red Esau, what will this Right avail thee after my death? if it be so replyed Iacob, take an Oath that thou wilt give it me; Well, in truth then I swear it (saith Esau) and I acknowledge thee in quality of my Elder Brother: whereupon this poor wretch took immediately Bread and Pulse from his Bro [...]hers Hand, little valueing the loss he had made of the first advantage wherewith God and Nature had [...]voured him.

ISaack waxing old amidst many misfortunes, insen­sibly felt the approaches of Death, and as if his [...]yes abhor'd to serve as witnesses to the disasters of his old age, they covered themselves with the Darkness of a lamentable Blindness.

Amongst these Accident [...] his Eyes being shut a­gainst all the Claritie [...] of Life, his Soul went pene­trating the shade and Night of the Tomb. He calls Esau, and sayes to him with a pittifull Tone, Alas my Son! I am upon the Brink of my Grave, and yet I know not when I shall discend into it.

This good man feeling his life to extinguish as a Lamp whose Oyl begins to fail, [...]alled Esau, and com­manded him to take his Quiver▪ his Bow and Arrows, and to go a hunting that [...] might bring him some­thing to eat, with this promise, that at his return he would give him his be [...]ediction before his Death. Esau immediatly performing what his Father com­manded him, Rebecca who heard Isaacks whole dis­course, made use of her time very seasonably to do [...] what the Spirit of God directed her.

Ah! how ingenious is vertu [...]! and how dexterous [Page 96] is Love when it follows the will of God! who would believe that a Woman durst undertake what Rebec­ca did? Her Artifi [...]es then were innocent, and her intentions very just and holy, when she disguised Ia­cob to deceive Isaack and frustrate Esau of the bles­sing he expected.

Goe then my Son (saith she) and make choice amongst our Flocks of the two fa [...]test Kids you shall find, I will so dress them, that I will make them ser [...]e for your Fa­thers repast, to the end having fed on them, he may bless you before his death.

But what replyed Iacob? Mother you know that my Body is not Hairy like my Brothers; I am fearfull then lest my Father touch me, and believe I intend to mock him, lay on me his malediction.

But Iacob would never have been so adventurous as to undertake an action which might irritate the goo [...]ness of Isaack, if Rebecca had not relieved him in his fear, and if she had not made appear to him that her Wiles were very just, and her design most innocent. Ah! s [...]ith she, my Son, leave unto me this fear: I will preserve thee from this danger thou apprehendest, and if any ill chance to happen, I wish it may fall on me; do then boldly what I shall say unto thee.

She presently apparelled him in Esau's Garments, covered his Neck and Hands with Skins which had some resemblance of his Brothers, and gave him such Bread and Meat as she knew would be pleasing to Isaacks tast.

Iacob presents them unto his Father, who hear­ing his voyce asked if he were Esau; he answered that he was his Eldest Son, and that having exactly performed all his commands, he besought him to eat of the Venison he had prepared for him▪ But what? Said Isaack to him▪ how couldst thou take and provide it in so short a time? Iacob answers, it is God who hath so dispos'd it, and made it as it [Page 97] were fall into my Hands. If it be so, approach my [...]on, and give me thy Hands that I may to [...]ch them, and feel whether thou art my Son Es [...]u or not. Ia­cob obeyed, and after Isaa [...]k had touched him, he saith unto him, surely this is the voice of Iacob I hear, but if I be not deceived these are the Hands and Hair of Esau I feel: Notwithstanding this doubt Isaack gave his benediction to Iacob and mad [...] good cheer of all he had presented to him.

Imagine whether Rebecca stood not watching to observe all that passed. I represent unto my self that she incourag'd Iacob with Gestures and Signs which made up a good part of this action: The time must needs seem long unto her out of the fear she might have lest Esau should come in and disturb the [...]ourse of Divine providence, and the conduct of her prudent designs.

Approach my Son saith Isaack, and bestow a Kiss [...] thy poor Father: Presently Iacob leaps on his [...]eck, embraces him, huggs him, and layes his eyes, [...]is lips, and mouth on him; and then Isaack thus [...]le [...]e [...] him, viz.

Be thou blessed then for all Eternity, my most dear [...], let God b [...]stow on thee the Dew of Heaven, the [...] of the Earth, Wheat and Wine in abundance: Let [...] Nations be subject to thee, and let all the Tribe odore [...]. Be thou Lord over thy Brethren, let them bo [...] [...] Knees before thee: Let those that give thee their. [...]nediction be Blessed; and if any one Curse thee let [...] be also Cursed.

AND now unhappy Esau! where are the privi [...]ledges of thy Birth, where is the right of th [...] Primogeniture, and the Blessing thou doest expect Who art thou? In vain is it for thee to say thou [...] Esau, and the Eldest Son of Isaack, Iacob hath sup [...]planted thee, and when thou didest hunt he foun [...] at home what thou soughtest abroad. Iacob sayin [...] that he was Esau and the Eldest Son, knew we [...] enough that in effect and according to the right [...] Nature, he was Iacob and the Younger Brothe [...] Nevertheless Isaack stood in admiration even to rapture, and at first he could hardly imagin, that I [...]cob had deceived him: but at last in the extasie his astonishment, God shewed him as St. Austin b [...]lieved, his manner of conduct in Iacobs proceedin [...] He saw the just intentions of this unmalitious dec [...]ver: And at length he discerned that the Benedic [...]on he had given him was valid.

Iacob is then the Elder Brother, and from hen [...] forth his Brethren shall be his Servants. It is in [...] for Esau to [...]ear his Heart with a thousand sighs, [...] to no purpose for him to lament and roar lik [...] Lion.

His sorrows and roarings may well excite [...] pitty in his Fath [...]rs Soul. But this poor old M [...]n [...] no other thing to give him but some drops of Dew, and at best but some humid and clammy pours which [...]atten the Earth.

ISaack though blind clearly discerned what his wife pretended; and then feeling some touches of this wise hand which managed the whole business, he [...]ommanded Iacobs presence, to give him his Bless­ [...]g, and to express unto him his trouble to see him [...]ep [...]rt out of his house before his death: But never­ [...]heless since time pre [...]sed him for his [...]arriage, it [...]as most convenient to take the way Mesopotamia to [...]btain one of Labans Da [...]ghters for his Wife.

Go then my dear Chil [...], said this good old Man, [...], and let the God of Abraham be thy Guide, during [...] whole Voyage▪ For my part, I beseech him to aug­ [...]ent on thee the benedictions I have most willingly gi­ [...]n thee. Above all I b [...]g of him to multiply thy off­ [...]ring, and to put thee in poss [...]ssion of the Countrey where [...]ou shalt be as a S [...]ranger or Pilgrim.

Farewell th [...]n my m [...]st dear Son, far [...]well all my Ioy, [...]nd all the Love of my House; which said, he Kiss [...]th [...], he Embraces him, he [...] him with his Tears. [...]everthel [...]ss Rebecca to who [...] all Moments were longer [...] Day [...]s, endevoured speedily to draw him thence, [...] she might put him in th [...] Equipage of a Traveller, [...] give him her farewell, l [...]ast Esau should disturb the [...]parture and the design of this Voyage. It was indeed [Page 100] a tryall of constancy for this poor Mother, when she must leave this Son, but at last she bad him adieu, and brought him on his way after she had spoken to him some few words which issued less from her Mouth, than from her Heart.

I wonder how the Father, Mother, and Son did not die upon this sad Separation.

In fine, the wise Providence of God expects Ia­cob at his resting place, and intends by the favour o [...] the Night visibly to discover the manner of his con­duct, and the Model of his Government.

Iacob is gone then from Barsheba, and travels [...] alone under the protection of Heaven, and with th [...] confidence that God would never abandon him.

But what! Behold Night already sounding the re [...]treat, and shutting up all passages to our Pilgrim, [...] beheld the Sun stealing from his Eyes, and the Mo [...] giving no light but to discover to him on the Plai [...] of Bethel a bed of Earth, and some stones to ser [...] him for a Bolster. Poor Iacob! What Bed? Wh [...] Bolster? What Night? And what Inn?

Repose then Iacob, and spend all the Night in s [...]curity, since God hath been pleased to Assign yo [...] this Lodging.

O happy Retreat! O pleasing Night! O delici [...] Bed! O divine Repose?

Iacob is faln a sleep, but God, who allways wat [...]eth, shewed him a Prodigious Ladder which touc [...] the Earth with one end and the Heavens with the [...], Angels by turns descended and ascended [...] Ladder▪ and on the top God himself appeared as were supported by it.

But behold indeed a strange Spectacle upo [...] Theator of Sanctity. I am not astonished if [...] Iacob had taken his rest he awaked at this [...] bearing God in his Mouth and Heart▪ He calls H [...]ven to witness, and prote [...]ts that Bethel is the [...] of God where the most glorious rayes of his [...] [Page 101] are seen. Ah saith he, how venerable is this place, and how full of a holy terror, it is the Gate of Hea­ven! And if Iacob could live a hundred-thousand years, he would have no other God, than he that appeared to him.

In fine, under the protection of the Divine Pro­vidence, Iacob pursues his design, and this was the promise made him during his Vision. Yes Iacob, saith God, I am the Lord of thy Progenitors, Abra­ham and Isaack ▪ and I will bestow the Land where [...]hou repos [...]st, on thy self and all thy Chil [...]ren: I will multiply them as grains of Sand which are upon [...]he Earth· and their Progeny shall extend as far [...]s the four Corners of the Universe. I my self will [...] thy Guardian during all thy Voyages, and will [...]ring thee back to thine own House.

[...]ACOB being now wak'd out of this mysterious sleep and Divine rapture, in which God had [...]ept him for the space of a whole Night on the [...]ains of Bethel, he took his way towards the East, [...]here a while after near unto a Well, he met with [...]ocks of Sheep and Sheep-herds, of whom he en­ [...]ired whether they were not acquainted with La­ban, [Page 102] and whether they knew not his House. Behold, at the same time a Rachel approaching, the second Daughter of Laban, who kept her Fathers Sheep, and led them to drink where Iacob stay'd.

And here we may suppose Iacob thus to bespeak his fair Rachel, upon his first approches to her, viz.

THe Wife of Potiphar, to whom Ioseph was sold by the Ishmaelites, made it sufficiently appear, when she was so impudent, as to attempt the Chastity of her Servant; this Female Wolf had only Eyes to gaze on this Lamb, all his gestures and motions were artifices to intrap him; and she would have willingly preferred the inthrallment of Ioseph before the Command over her Husband▪ All her bonds of Marriage were but Chains which kept her in Captivity, and the most just, and most holy Laws imposed on her, a Yoke which rendred all the duties of fidelity, which Wives own unto their Husbands, insupportable to her.

It is a strange thing that we can hardly trust our selves, and that the Tongue dare not speak a word, or at least if she speaks, it is but after she hath pon­dered all her discourses. Wherefore the Eyes are the first solicitours of Evil, and then their silence hath an Eloquent voice, which is yet not heard, but by those that are Confederates.

It is no wonder then, if Ioseph heard not this un­chast language, when his Mistriss speak to him more from her Eyes than her Mouth. This impudent Creature cast a thousand glances on him: But the heart of Ioseph was a piece of Marble, which could not be pierced, all the Flames of this Egyptian Wo­man fell into a dead Sea, and all her lightnings found nothing but water which instantly quenched them.

We must pass then further, and see whether the Mouth peradventure will have more powerfull per­swasions than the Eyes. This shameless Woman [...] [Page 140] so much inraged as to declare her design.

Courage then Ioseph, it is a Woman who assaults and sollicites you! she is light, be you constant▪ she hath stratagems, be you prudent; she is bold, be you generous; she runs, fly away; she Flatters, dis­dain her; she asks, refuse her. Ioseph what do you say?

For my part, saith he, I neither can nor will consent unto a Womans Lascivi­ous desires, Victorious Innocence. nor submit unto her will, pre­ferring it before that of my Master; and I should not be what I am, if I forfeited the qu [...]lity of a f [...]ithfull Servant, and of a Person to whom the honour and re­membrance of the favours I have received from him, is a thousand times more precious than Life. If I have been sold, it was only for my Innocency, and the chains of my Captivity could never force the constancy an He­brew ought to have in the way of virtue. I am Jacobs Son, and my Actions shall never [...]ely my Birth, I am a Servant, I ought to dye for fidelity: Yo [...]r Husband trusts me with all his Goods, and with all his Wealth, which the favour of the King, and his own meri [...]s have b [...]stow­ed on him; he reserved only to himself the soly Enjoy­ing you: it is not for me then to r [...]vish from him what is due by so many titles. Command me with Iustice, and I will serve you with sincerity; perform all that you ought, and I will omit no part of my duty to you. Keep your self within the Laws of Marri [...]ge, and leave me in the duties of my condition. I should be ungratefull if I abused the favours of my Master, I should be a thief if I stole away his fairest goods, and no death could be cruel enough to punish me, if I should attempt on that which is more dear to him than life. All you flames can find in me but a heart of water and yce, and all your eyes cannot inthrall the liberty of my min [...], and your ri­gors will never molifie a soul on which God hath im­printed his love and fear. Know then that I would ra­ther choose to dye free from blame, than to live a complice in your disloyalty. I prefer my bondage if it be innocent, [Page 141] before all unjust Powers; and what misfortune soever befall me, I shall be too happy▪ if I remain innocent. It was in the power of my Brethren to sell my Body, but they could not ingage my Soul; I may serve without prostituting my self, and my glory will ever be illustrious enough if I shall do no dishonourable act, and unworthy of my Extraction. In fine, I adore a God who hath most pure eyes, and should all Creatures be blind, it sa­tisfies me, that he be the witness of my actions; I re­verence all his decrees, and if all the Iudges of [...]he World could authorise vice, it would comfort me to have a God alwayes armed to punish them. How can you wish me then to bring Adultery into your Family, and to change your bed, which ought to be the Altar of your glory, Angelicall Resolution. into an infamous Pile? No, no Madam, either leave honour to me with life, or take from me my life, & leave me my honour.

Is not this to speak like an Angel, and to have the sentiments of those spirits who live in flames without being consumed, and amidst Lightnings without be­ing dazled.

But now such was the Devil of this E­pyptian Woman,The Devil of Egypt. who so eagerly persu­ed Ioseph, he was an insolent▪ importunate & furious companion. His rage notwithstanding had by fits some relaxation, he knew the art of dissembling, and to be silent for a time; his Element was solitude, and the night his refuge, he sighed alwayes after Ioseph, and nothing pleased him when he was absent. In fine, he seems to have the power, to possess this Soul if she be alone, and if all witnesses be drawn aside.

Beware then Ioseph, what you doe; you are alone, you are young, you are beautifull, and Esteemed. Remember that the eyes of Women dart as many lightnings as glances; call to mind that their mouths shed honey and poison, and that their tongues cast more dangerous darts than Adders: Contemn then what ever this impudent Creature can say unto you.

[Page 142] She will peradventure say she is your Mistriss, and that you ought to obey her; And that if she affect you, you cannot hate her; and if she seek you, you have no reason to flye from her; she will conjure you to tell her, what in her displeaseth you. Since she omits nothing that may content you, and without injustice you cannot refuse her one single favour she expects from you; espe­cially she being ready, on her part, to grant all that you can ask of her. There is no colour, she will not employ to represent unto you her passion; and her Eyes though silent, will swear to you, that they have often enough spoken to you, when her mouth durst not utter a word: that if it were possible, she would believe that she hath by her words manifested to you all the thoughts of her Soul, when they might have been kept secret: Besides, she will flatter you, saying, you have refused her that out of prudence, which now you ought to grant her through love and goodness. Moreover, if you fear any thing, she will assure you that she hath foreseen all that may expose you unto danger.

In fine, she will intreat, that if she hath no fortunes in the World, which are not at your disposure, you would yet receive her respect and affections to render you mor [...] absolute and independent, concluding by all these rea­sons, that you must at last satisfie her, either by violence, or sweetnesse, and that she will have either honour or life, death or consent.

Mean while let us see I beseech you, what strong endeavours are used to stay him. They flatter him, they praise him, they love him, they honour him, they conjure him, they threaten him, they make him promises. What will you have, and what more can be done to gain him, and po [...]ess his affections? Entreaties have hitherto received but refusalls, Alurements disdains, and threats constancy, and neglect.

In fine, this furious Woman being no longer able to restrain her passion, an attempt must be made o [...] [Page 143] the life of him whose honour she could not wound▪ she leaps on his neck, as it were to strangle him, but presently Ioseph flies away, and leaving his garment in her hands, she had but the Feathers of this Bird which she thought to detain in her nests.

Behold then all her designs defeated; Ioseph i [...] escaped, he is in safety, and out of the reach of this ravenous She-wolf, which pursued him.

This inraged Woman seeing then that Ioseph wa [...] fled, and that he had only left her his Cloak, re­solved at the instant to revenge this affront, and accuse him whom she knew to be too pure to excuse himself.

This Dame cryed out first, and the fear she hath to be accused, is the occasion she takes those for Witnesses of her innocency, who could have pre­vented her. After all, seeing her Husband at her Door, help saith she, to what am I reduced? A [...] ▪ who hath given me for a Servant an importunate Devil, who persecutes me beyond measure? Ah▪ my Husband, my Friend, what have you done? And what a perfidious man have you given me? Is it peradventure to try my Loyalty and Vertue? tell me, I pray, what is your intention? and whether you keep him in the quality of a Servant or Compa­nion? For my part I esteem it as a great honour to be your Hand-maid, and yet I conceive not my self obliged to obey your meanest Servant. He hath been nevertheless so presumptuous in your absence to sport with me, and take the place you hold in my heart. No, I swear by the respect I owe you, that I would have strangled him if my strength had been answerable to my will; but he is escaped, and see­ing I called for help, he left his garment in my hands.

Immediatly this man giving too much credit to the discourse of his Wife, without inquiry, whe­ther what she said was true or false, caused Ioseph [Page 144] [...] stayed, and commanded him to be put in [...]

AND now methinks I see Pharaoh with all his Egyptian forces ready to be swallowed up in the Billows of an unexorable Element, which will open its waves to make a dreadfull Sepulcher [...] [...]his cruel and disastrous Tyrant, about whom [...] most holy sweetness and the most amiable patience [...]f Heaven is wearied.

Having then received news that the Israel [...] [...]ere incamped upon the side of a little Hill situated [...]etween the Fort of Magdalin and the Red-Sea, and [...]ery near Mount Beelsophon: He believed this wa [...] [...]e best way to surround them; and that in [...] [...]ese Rocks, Dungeons and Seas, serve but for [...] [...]rge▪ Grave to bury them, and to extinguish [...] the name and memory of this People, which [...] occasion'd to him so many misfortunes. He sa [...] [...]em at least in a condition to dye of Hunger and [...]hirst, after he had ingaged them all in 'these bad [...]ssages, or re [...]uced them to the necessity of yield [...], and returning unto the same servitude out o [...] [...]ich they thought themselves delivered: But no­ [...]ng being able to resist this wise hand which levels [...] most rugged pathes, makes straight all crooke [...] [...]ys, and Armes invisible Troops, and the [...] [...]erfull squadrons, went on conducting this [...] Prince directly into the Abyss, where he [...] to precipitate the Israelites; and the I [...] in which he prepares to inclose these [...] was the sepulchre of his life, and the [...] [Page 146] Rock towards which his power and greatness ad­vanced to be dash [...]d in pieces.

P [...]or Worldly Men, unhappy Egyptians, you who bandy against Heaven, and make Warr against the Almighty, how we [...]k are your designes, and how rash are your enterprises? Whither think you to go with so great a train, with such a convoy, with so much Baggage, and so much noise? whither think you to conduct all the [...]e Instruments of horrour and threats? Are you not afraid that the lightnings of Heaven and the Billows of the Ocean, will conspire agains [...] you? And that at length the same lot will befall yo [...] as unto Pharaoh, who being accompanied with hi [...] bravest Captains, and followed by all the Chariot of Egypt, went pursuing Moses and the Hebrew [...] when these poor People no longer knowing on wh [...] side to turn themselves, and with an Eye of pitt [...] beholding their Conductor, began to say unto hi [...] with weeping and trembling hearts.

Ah Moses! Why have you brought us into this So [...] ­tary place? Are there not Tombs enough in Egy [...] without coming to seek them in this de [...]art? Alas! whe [...] are we? and did we not tell you, that it were much b [...]ter to live in the service of the Egyptians, than to [...] in these savage places desti [...]ute of all hum [...]ne S [...]cours?

Courage my Friends, answred Moses, you must [...] nothing, for God hath determined to make his power [...]pear in your favour, and all these En [...]mies which p [...]sue you, are even ready to perish b [...]fore your Eyes; [...] when you hold your Arms across, and your Mouth is [...] vengeance will Thund [...]r over their Heads, and [...] which hath a thousand armed hands will [...] in an instant.

In effect, [...] soon as Moses had lifted up his [...] Mouth and hands towards Heaven, his voice [...] made so loud an Echo, as God himself [...], what moved him to such violent Clam [...] [Page 147]though he were not ignorant of it; But he did this to excite him the more, and more strongly to invite him to pass the sea.

Thus then did Moses cry out speaking unto God, and his prayer, saith Josephus, was in this manner.

O Lord, these Seas, and these Mountains are yours, and ready to obey the least of your Commands. They may [...] us then to pass; and it rests only in you, that we [...] our flight in the Air like Birds, and find a Sanctu­ary in every place where you ordain.

No, no, Moses, saith God, March in the head of your Troops, and when you approach neer the Sea, lift up your Rod, stretch forth your arm upon the billows, that [...] may cut them in two, and cause all your Company to [...] over without wetting their f [...]t. Mean-while I will harden pharoah's heart, who following you, shall [...] as a subject unto my Glory, to raise unto it self [...] eternal trophy upon the [...] of this proud Element; which must submit unto my Laws and Commands. Hence- [...] Lord, and that when I please, I can make [...], and their whole train become the [...] of an eternal reproach.

At the same time the Angel of God which conduct­ed the people of Israel [...] during the [...], and by a Christ in the day, we [...]t to a place [...] between the two Armies, casting forth rayes slight, and a pleasing shallow upon the Israel­ [...], whilst it [...] the Egyptians with a tenebrous [...], and a thick darknes [...], which left them only [...] glimmering to follow their enemies, whom ne­ [...]ertheless they could not discern.

In [...], as this [...] Light and Darkness [...] to the orders it hath received, the Spi­ [...]t which animated this miraculous body, divided the [...] in two parts, and made a large passage through [...] Waves, to cause all these troops to march in safe­ [...], which were usher'd by a hot and violent wind [Page 148] which left not one drop of water upon the Sand. This was an admirable prospec [...], and a spectacle worthy the eyes and h [...]nds of the Almighty God. And truly when did we e [...]er see so many millions of men (without counting their baggage) pa [...]sing from midnight till morning between banks of Christ [...]ll, and mountains of Water, where by means of the light and rayes of this i [...]luminate [...] Pillar, a man would have sworn that there had been a thousand little Suns?

Let us look now upon Pharoah, who having rang­ed his Tribes by compani [...], and in order, begins to lift up his hand toward the Sea, which at the same time made all these liquid bulwarks, and floating ar­ches, it had suspended in the Air, to roul down, so that all the Egyptians, who had advanced too far, were swallowed up, with all their Chariots an [...] bag­gage. The great God of Moses, and of the Israe­ [...]lites, having made use of this miraculous elevation of the Waves, to make for them a deep Abyss, and to erect a trophy for those who have but the Vict­ims of their fury; it was also through the flames which formed the Pillar of fire, that the reve [...]ging looks of Justice gave them their last assignations, and that her hand overthrew their Chariots, a d dis­mounted all theis Wheels, to make a lamentable shipwrack of all their pompous and magnificent pre­paration which attended them. In si [...]e, these blind people discern'd that God was again [...]t them, and for the Israelites; but too late, for whe [...] th [...]y thought to escape by flight, they perceived that the elements, and totall nature had revolted against th [...]m, and that they could have no longer any refuge or retreit, but under the waves of the Ocean.

In fine, Pharoah is drown [...]d, this great Dragon is dead, his rage is satiated; he hath h [...]ard the voice of Thun [...]er, and Thunder hath broken the wheeles of his Chario [...]; He is no more, or at l [...]ast is groaning and dis­pairing[Page 149]in a Pool of Sulphar, in a Sea of flames, and in an Eternity of Punishment. Moses and the Israelites on the banks of the shore, and in a Paradise of delights [...] Canticles of joy and Songs of triumph, to render thanks unto God for their deliverance. Which they do in the following manner: Saying,

Let us sing, Let us sing Victory: And let it be every where known, that it is the great God of Israel who hath freed us from Irons, and from the slavery under which we have so [...]. He hath loosned our fetters, he hath brok [...]n our Chains, and thrown both Horses and Ri [...]rs, Pharoah and his Troops, Egypt and [...]er Chari­ [...]ts, into the bottom of the Sea.

Grant then, O Lord! that at the entry into this desert, our Enemies may [...] such a horror as may render them insens [...]le, and unable to hurt us, untill we are on [...] Land of Promise, and in our Country where thou wilt [...] us as flow [...]rs of Paradise, and as so many slips of [...]. Our Conquerours are already vanquished, and all strangers are affrighted. The Philistians already [...], all the Princes of [...] are [...]: Fear hath [...] on the minds of the most Couragious, and the [...] even of [...] are become as bodyes with­ [...]ut So [...]ls or resentment.

[...] them with f [...]ar and terrour, whilst we shall [...] with joy and delight into thy Sanctuary. Mean­ [...] reign in the Ages of Ages, and if it may be, even [...]yond Eternity: For in fine, Pharaoh is no more, and [...] all that he ever was, there scarse remains so much as [...] of it, and none but Mariners shall find some [...] of those Chariots, which shall be seen upon this [...], where he intended to erect his Trophey, his Throne, [...] fairest hopes.

Well then my faithfull Companions, let us sing victo­ [...], l [...]t us sing together you chast Virgins of Iudea, [...] Daughters of Sion, holy Souls, let us sing Canticles [...] joy, in honour of him who is our Redeemer; Lucifer [...] fallen from his Throne; the Dragon is swallowed up [Page 148] [...] [Page 149] [...] [Page 150] in the billows of the Sea, and all these Traytors, who intended to drown us, are overwhelmed with the waves, and wher [...] they thought to gather Laurels, and P [...]lms, they found nothing but an harvest over-spread with Cy­pres, and a vast Sepulcher in the bottom of the Sea, where they prop [...]se to themselves to erect a Theater of [...], and a field of Triumph.

HOly▪ Daniel was once chief in commission un­der great Darius, the very first Minister of [...]tate. Thus you have him in the Zenith of his Ho­nours, Lord high President over all the Kings, Councils and Treasures, next and immediatly under himself supreme Governour, together with [...]he reason which justifies the Kings great Prudence [...]nd Policy in promoting him to so high degree, viz. [Page 159] Because an Excellent Spirit was found in him—. He was every [...] qualified for his station.

But this mighty pre [...]erment soon contracts an uni [...]versal E [...]vy upon him from those whose dim Eye could n [...]t see, or whose cank [...]ed Spirits would no [...] weigh his merits in a Righte [...]s S [...]ale.‘The Hi [...] of H [...]nour i [...] dangerously tro [...], though by neve [...] so [...]air and meritori [...]us Fe [...]t.’ Envious Men hat [...] to a [...]knowle [...]ge a worth beyond their own, and loo [...] with a squint Eye on all above themselves. The pro [...]motion that f [...]lls not [...]n their own Heads, grieve [...] their Hearts, an [...] i [...] plotted against.

‘Yet safely may the Heavenly Aspirer fix h [...] steps while he has no Competitor to contend wit [...] him; and few are emulo [...]s of the Celestial Crown The four and twenty▪ [...]lders may pass an Eternit [...] e'ro any below disturb their Honours, while wea [...] Eyes wax sore at the sight but of a Corone [...] though Darius hims [...]lf had stuck it on.’

They soug [...]t to find occ [...]sion, &c. And methinks fancy them sitting in [...]lose Consult [...]gainst him, an [...] ransacking every In [...]h of his Life and Manners. N [...] an un [...]r-Officer, but is brought in and strictly ex [...]min'd upon Oath, if possibly the l [...]ast defect mig [...] be found in his Managements or Accounts: And pe [...]h [...]ps the very Attendants of his Family Brib'd [...] Menac'd into an unreserved con [...]ession and discl [...]sure of the dayly Customs of his House, nay [...] those of his very Oratory and Bed-chamber. [...] must the freedom of his Table [...]e allowed him u [...]purge [...]. [...]f probably even there but a Syllable mig [...] escape him, which may be A [...]tificially interpret [...] into Treason, or wrench'd (but) into the mispris [...] of it; or but any thing which might bear the lea [...] shadow or Reflection of dish [...]nour or damage to t [...] great P [...]rson, Dignity or Int [...]rest of his Roy [...] Master.

But when now after all this, nothing is squeez [...] [Page 160] out that can (though but) colour [...]bly charge him; how do they fret and vex, and are ready to indict even his Care and his Caution? And are vext that they want Eyes to penetrate into the v [...]ry recesses of his Soul. For it may be, there might sculk some Trayterous and Disloyal thought, which gladly would they tear out from his Heart, and produce in evidence against him. But if, even that he White and Innocent too, they again wax mad, and curse his very Loyalty and Truth, and could wi [...]h that his Snowy Innocence would take a Crimson Dye, and be (though but superficially) Criminal▪ They [...]ought occasion but could find none, forasmuch as he was [...]aithful— Neither was there any err [...]ur or fault found in him, Chap. 6.4.

But now what a plague is it to envy innocence, and [...]o make anothers Health ones own Disease? Is the thine Eye evil because mine is Good?

Yet for ever [...]e it remarqu'd, to the Honour of [...]hese eager Conspirators, that the height of this [...]eavourish rage did not distemper them into the [...]istraction of perjurious Revenges, nor the detest­ [...]ble contrivances of Subornation against Daniel. They will not Damn Souls to destroy Bodies. Their [...]ery Heathen Cons [...]iences boggled at that Hellish [...]ractice.

And now very despair make these Plotters witty, [...]hey alt [...]r the measu [...]es of their Counsels. And [...]nce nothing can be discovered defective in his alle­ [...]iance to his Prince, they will weave a Net that [...]hall ensnare him in the exactness of his ob [...]dience [...]o his God. Hi [...] very Devotions shall be twisted [...]to a Cord t [...]at shall strangl [...] him. And if he dare [...]y servi [...] to [...]is M [...]ker, even that shall be High [...]reason ag [...]inst his King And (to s [...]ve [...]hem the la­ [...]our) h [...] sh [...]ll [...] [...]im [...]lf [...]nto the Gr [...]ve. For, [...] th [...]se men, w [...] sh [...]ll find n [...] o [...]sion against this [...]aniel, except we find it ag [...]i [...]st him concerning the [...]w of his God, verse 5.

[Page 161] ‘But I would wish no greater Judgment upon Plotters than to find them bending their Wits against Heaven, whi [...]h is ever engaged to destroy them, f [...]r its own security and Honour. Nor can an Arrow be shot against Piety without hitting God himself direc [...]ly in the Face. Since all that is in the Worl [...] is but his reflection upon the Soul, and he is as much in one Beam or Ray of his Holy­ness that shines in the Creature below, as in the whole Sun of it that makes Glory above. The Ma­lic [...] that wounds a Saint, would destroy the Deity if it could.’

How do I see them Chuckle, and [...]less their Wits in this new contrivan [...]e. A Plot so exquisitely wo­ven, that there is no room for so much as the least fear or jealousie of its miscarriage and failure. They question not the success in the least. Daniel must turn Atheist to prevent the danger; and forsake his God, or his Life.

‘Projecting Heads may Plot together, and jum­ble out a decree of Death. Y [...]t to as little Repu­tation or Issue, as a Club of Physicians that vote that disease to be Mortal, which Heaven cures by a [...]igg.’

The Decree is universally agreed on by Daniels Enemies. And the Monarch address'd for his Royal A [...]ent. They Enact him a God (by Law) upon Earth, and make it Death to acknowledge another in Heaven. They put a trouble upon hi [...], to receive all the addresses of Men, and [...] thirty Holy-dayes for all his fellow Deities to re [...]t i [...]: Whosoever shall ask [...] Petition of any God [...]r Man f [...]r thirty Dayes, save of thee, O Kin [...]. &c. vers. 7.

D [...]rius consults not his Cabal to unriddle this Flattery in his No [...]les, mu [...]h less d [...]e▪ he apprehend any treacherous design in the bottom, but is willing to interpret it pure Loyalty, and a Politick advance of his Glory, and greater security in his Empire [Page 162] now at his first approaches u [...]to it; and therefore easily inclines to the proffered Honour; and (since they will have it so) is content to justle out his Ma­ker from his Throne for a Month. Therefore God punish'd his rash and unadvised Folly and Pride, whose hand Signs the Decree which afterwards makes his Soul to Ake, and because he did not sleep on't, a-non cannot; and endanger'd the breaking his Heart, as well as his sleep.

The Sagacious Daniel qui [...]kly penetrates through this shallow desig [...]. He easily sees the Warrant for his own Execution written on the back-side of this plausible De [...]ree, yet will not prevent it. His great Soul bids defiance to it, and them that fram'd it. He scorns to live when he [...]annot serve his God▪ y [...]t will serve him: though he dye for it. He will not neglect his Duty for thirty dayes tog [...]ther, no not to save his Bloo [...]. But r [...]solves rather to pass into Immortality to serve him there.

The King having pass'd the Law— The Tre­panners begin to s [...]eak about D [...]ni [...]ls Lodgings. Malice degen [...]rate [...] them into Eve [...]- [...]roppers, they creep up and down un [...]er his very Win [...]ows. If the Casement chance to s [...]ye open, the project thriv [...]s, their hopes swell, and the Blood capers in their Veins. And he (brave Spirit) opens it on purpose, to let them see and know that he dreaded not their impious Law, nor would slack an A [...]e of his dayly Zeal and devotion to his God; and thi [...] he di [...], When he knew, that the Writing was sign'd, vers 10. 'Twas below his great Person and Spirit to deny or dissemble his Religion. Faith and Love makes him trusty to it, against all Conspiracies of Men or De [...]vils.

And what know we, but some were so impudent as to steal up Stairs and peep through the very Key­hole to discover (but) the first motion towards a Genuflection. But when those Sacred joynts incline [Page 163] to bend to the resolved Worship, how greedily do they suck in the very first Spiration, and preparato­ry [...]ighs?

But (brave Belshazzar!) how little do we know what various Passions agitate thy Sacred Breast at this time? What contests between Nature and Gr [...]e, [...]lesh and Spirit? Or wer't thou all Soul and transported beyond the cares and remembrance of thy Mo [...]tal and su [...]fering part, that I hear thee [...] i [...]to su [...]h Rap [...]ures as the [...]e?

Wha [...]! a [...]d must I fors [...]ke my God now, or not Live?Spirit.and fors [...]ke him too upon such un­happy Terms as th [...]se, to gratifie the wishes of these malicious con [...]ederating Heathens? Is Devotion become fatal, and must Pra [...]er it self kill? Cannot I go to my God, but the next st [...]p must be to the Grave? 'Tis worse than D [...]ath to live [...]ut one day, without him who i [...] the Life of my Soul▪ how then sh [...]ll I live thirty? Must I w [...]ar thes [...] [...] upon min [...] affections and [...]ips, which th [...]se Men [...] envy and can [...]ing h [...]ve clapt on me, with design to enslave me f [...]r ever? R [...]ther let [...] Beasts tear [...]p [...]n a pa [...]sage for this Captive within me [...] p [...]ss into th [...] liberties of e [...]erl [...]stingness, than thus to b [...] Cag'd up in so insufferable a V [...]ssalage! Do they think to immure up my Soul? Let th [...]m r [...]n [...] me from the Court of Da [...]iu [...], my Heaven is not there, as is [...]eirs; my Bod [...] is the Kings to his pleasure and ser­vice, but my Soul is Gods unto his. [...] venture an in­ [...]rg [...]ment into the Bowels of the Lio [...]s, e're they shall [...]l [...]ry over mine Ap [...]stacy from my Religion and my God.

But hold! whither does this Noble but Te­merarious Zeal transport th [...]e Daniel?Flesh. Is this th [...] kindness to thy dearest self? An [...] hast thou no re­gard to the Glorious and sweets [...]f Life? Is that Holy Fire, that devours its own Altar? And call [...]st thou that [Page 164] Zeal that hurls thee into nothing, and temps thee to an Annihilation? Is Death so d [...]sireable? and such a Death as will gratifie thine Enemies too? Whose M [...]lice will Feast it self on thy Ruines, with greater Luxury than the Lyons Banqu [...]t on thy Flesh? What is this but to Execute the Plot against thine own Life, which they can­not p [...]rf [...]ct without thee? and will thy God thank thee for destroying thy s [...]lf, and throwing [...]way thy life for [...] Nicety, the Ceremony an [...] Cark [...] of Devotion, which his Grace is so r [...]ady to disp [...]nce with, an [...] for so little [...] time as a M [...]nth too? Is he not the Father of Spirits, and regards more the Orator [...] of a sigh than all the lusci­ou [...] Expr ssions of the Lips? Vn [...]erst [...]nds he not the Lan­guage of the Soul, [...]n [...] heark [...]ns to the very desires of the Humble? Maist thou not Offer up the pur [...]r Sacrifice from the s [...]cret Altar of a Flaming [...], and be safe? What an advantage hast thou to [...] the Conspiracy by a Mental▪ Devotion, an [...] to Countermine the Villa [...]s of th [...]ir Cursed Policy by looking up thy Soul in its self?

Ah no! The brave Vot [...]ry s [...]orns to compound with his God for his Life,Spirit pre­vails. nor will save himself by so mu [...]h as Latching the Door of his Lips; he will not [...]ti [...]le the vent of his Soul, tho it self were sure to fly through it: He will glorifie God with his speech, tho he speak himself into Air; he will not di [...]figure the Bo­dy of his Duty, to save his own from mangling; and would rather the Lyons should open their Mouths to swallow him, than he by shutting up his, to [...]m­prison his Zealand Affections. He resolve [...] that his Mouth shall Confess unto God (and the World) [...]hat his Heart believ [...]th unto Salvation; and (while his Enemies were watching) imagine this devout Sup­plicant thus pouring out his Soul unto God.

[...] Noise interrupt [...] him: The [...] cry out amain,The [...]. [...] Traitor a [...]ai [...]st our [...] and his [...], away with him to the Lyo [...]s, Darius [...]s [...]lf cannot sav [...] hi [...].

Th [...]se, we may su [...]pose, were the Evide [...] to Swe [...]r against him▪ who could safely [...] (without fear of Perjury) that they h [...] [Page 166] making his Petitions to the God of Heaven, and so breaki [...]g the Decree.)

And now ha [...] the Plot taken effect, the Inno [...]ent man falls by the Councils of the Wicked: [...] art thou O Lord, yet le [...] me talk with th [...]e of [...]: Wher [...]fore d [...]th the [...] of the Wicked prosper? Wher [...]fore are [...]hey happ [...] [...]? Jer. 12.1. So foolish was I and ignorant—Surely thou didst set them in slippery [...], thou cast est them down in [...]o [...] are they brou [...]ht into D [...] ­sol [...]ion as in a [...] wi [...]h Terrours, P [...]l. 73.1 [...], 19.22.

Now may you see them troop together with j [...]y and speed to Darius Court, where they subti [...]y r [...] ­pe [...]t th [...] Co [...]ent [...] of the Law to the King, with a Cursed P [...]licy of d [...]signing to oblige him to a sacred and inviolable observance of his own E [...]ict, e're ever they discover the Transgressor, who (they knew) was so dear to him, that (for hi [...] sak [...]) he might have strai [...]'d hi [...] Prerogative unto the length of a Pa [...]don, (i [...]po [...]ble.) But having once oblig'd him by the honour of his Royal word to confirm the de­cr [...]e, then they presume to produce the Indictment and thus A [...]res [...]:

Now is the King almost dead, with sorrow, the fatal News m [...]re wounds his Royal Heart than the P [...]i [...]oners: The King himself suffers in this Plot, and is persecuted in the Captive; and now is basely betrayed to sign the Decree, which Seals his own vexation and trouble: For 'tis they, and not Daniel ▪ were guilty of the Treason ag [...]inst his Royal tranquility and peace.

Unhappy Dani [...]l! to b [...] so lov'd and so hated! so pa sionately lov'd by Darius, so universally [...] by his Nobles. Here [...] n [...]t one of all the Peers h [...]s a pitty for thee, they joy [...]ly address for thy [...] Executi [...]n; (N [...]min [...] Co [...]tradicent [...].) The King, singly demures, and while he does so, they imp [...]tientl [...] ad [...]r [...]ss a second time, (and had not so [...]erously [...] hithe [...]to. now to [...] thei [...] Plot to perish in [...]m [...]rio.) [...] makes them fo [...]et good mann [...]rs, they [...] and uncourly▪ [...] O Ki [...], that the L [...]w [...] the [...] and [...] it, that no Decr [...]e nor [...] which the King [...], v. 15. q. [...] ‘We have [...] a B [...]y, [...] Re [...]el may no [...] be pardoned, t [...]e Laws of t [...]y Kingdom will not [Page 168] bear it, tho thou wouldst; therefore in vain dost thou labour to [...]eliver him, for dye he must and shall.’

But now met [...]nks how do I see the great Darius hugging him in his A [...]ms; whilst he beholding him (as he fears) with his last Eyes, breaths out his very Heart to him in such dear Expressions as these?

‘Daniel, my dearest Dani [...]l, the brightest Star that ever illustrated a Princes Court; the faith­fullest Servant that ever bless'd a Master; the ve­ry Glory and Flow [...]r of my Kingdom and Palace, who art passing up into those more glorious Man­sions, where only dwell su [...]h Spirits▪ as thine. Thou wi [...]t no more envy the toys of Regality, nor need the aiery Honours of an Earthly Palace; I am distre [...]sed fo [...] thee my dearest Daniel; how willingly could I uncloath my self from these vain Badges of Majesty to pass into Spirit with thee? But [...]tay, may not thy God meet thee in the Den, as (I have heard) Sha [...]rach's did him in the Fur­nace; and methinks I have Faith to believe he will; and least thine Enemies should think so too, and send in Russians more cruel than the Beasts to de­stroy thee, my care shall obviate that danger▪ while I Seal thee up under the Protection of Hea­ven and thy God.’

How stately passes the Captive [...] the Den,He passes to the Den. richl [...] laden with the Troph [...] of his Princes affections, and the gra­ces of his God! He leaves nothing behind him, th [...] he should take to Heaven with him, but the thought [...]f Revenge.