A COAL FROM THE ALTAR, TO KINDLE THE holy fire of _Zeale_. 

In a Sermon preached at a generall _Visitation at Ipswich. _

By SAM WARD Bach. Of Divinity. 

_The third Edition, corrected and much amended. _

[Greek: Theô kai humin]

_LONDON_, Printed by _E. G. _ for _Joyce Macham_, widow; and are to bee sold inPauls Church yard, at the signe of _Time_, 1628

To my reverend Friend Mr. SAMUEL WARD. 

_Sir, your Sermon which I copied partly from your mouth, and partly fromyour notes, I have adventured into the light; encouraged by theapprobation, and earnest entreaty of such, whose judgements youreverence, and whose love you embrace: who also have made bolde heereand there to varie some things, not of any great consequence, if I canjudge. I was loth to smoother such fire in my brest; but to vent it, toenflame others. If you shall blame me, I know others will thanke mee. What I have done, is out of Zeale to God and his Church. _

Your affectionate friend, _Ambrose Wood. _

Revel. 3. 19. _Be zealous. _

[Sidenote: Mat. 24. 12. ]

[Sidenote: 1 Kin. 1. 1. ]

This watch-word of Christ, if it be not now a word in season, I know notwhen ever it was, or will bee: Would he now vouchsafe to bestow a letterupon his Church heere on earth; should hee need to alter the tenour ofthis? which being the last, to the last of the seaven Churches, why mayit not (saith an Ancient, upon this text) typifie the estate of the lastAge of his Churches? the coldnesse whereof himselfe hath expresselyforetolde. And if God should now send through he earth such surveyingAngels as _Zacharie_ mentions, chapter 1. Could they returne any otherobservation of their travailes then theirs; _The whole world lies inlukewarmnesse?_ which makes mee often in my thoughts proportion theseends of time, to the like period of _Davids_ age, when no cloathes wereenough to keepe heare in him. _Faith_ I grant is a more radicall, vitall, and necessary grace; but yet not so wholly out of _grace_ withthe times, as poore _Zeale_; which yet if by any meanes it might onceagaine be reduced into favour and practice, before Time sets, and bee nomore; I doubt not but Christ would also yet once againe in this eveningof the world, come and _Sup_ with us; A favour including all other init. 

[Sidenote: 2]

My desire especially is, that this our Iland might take it to it selfe, as well as if it had by name beene directed to it; what would it hurt usto make an especiall benefit and use of it? Some of our owne, have soapplyed it; (whether out of their judgements, or affections, I say not. )Learned _Fulk_ marvels if it were not by a Propheticall spirit pennedfor us: others more resolutely have made it a singular type of purposefor us. Their warrant I know not; especially if it bee true which alltravellers tell you, _That they finde more zeale at home then abroad. _We are I grant in sundry respects equall to _Laodicea_: Even the verynames thereof, as well the first and oldest in regard of the blessingsof God, [Greek: Dios polis] Gods Darling, as the later in regard of goodLawes and Civility, _Laodicea_, How well doe they become us? As rich asthey, and that in the very same commodity of woolls; _Abounding as they_with many learned _Zenoes_ & bountifull _Hieroes_; _Parallel_ in allregards; I would I could say lukewarmnesse excepted. But I must bee afaithfull and true witnesse, and yet this is all I have to say; It was, as I conceive, _Laodicea's_ complexion and not her constitution, herpractice not her orders, personall lukewarmnesse not legall, whichChrist strikes at. That fault I finde in my text, the same I finde inour common Christians, whose spirituall condition, and state is toolike the externall situation of our Country, between the Torrid, and theFrigid Zones; neither hot nor colde: and so like _Laodicea_, that if weetake not warning, or warming, we may, I feare, in time come to be spuedout of Gods mouth. 

[Sidenote: 3]

For this present assembly of Ministers, could all the choice and time inthe world have better fitted mee then mine ordinarie Lot? If fire beeset upon the Beacons, will not the whole Countrey soone be warned andenlightned?

[Sidenote: 4]

For my selfe also, mee thinkes it will better beseeme my yeeres to heat, then to teach my Ancients; to enkindle their affections, then to enformetheir judgements. And whereas _Paul_ bids _Titus_ preach zeale with allauthoritie; though in mine owne name I crave your patience, andaudience, yet in his name that is the first of the creatures, and_Amen_, I counsell him that hath an eare, to heare what the Spirit saithto the Churches;

[Greek: Zêlôson], _Be Zealous. _

_A Coale from the Altar. _

Revel. 3. 19. [Greek: Zêlôson]: _Be Zealous. _

Zeale hath been little practized, lesse studied: this heavenly fire hathever beene a stranger upon earth. Few in all ages that have felt theheat of it, fewer that have knowne the nature of it. A description willrake it out of the embers of obscurity: and it may be that many whenthey shall know it better, will better affect it. 

2. Zeale hath many counterfets and allies. There are many strange fireswhich having sought to carry away the credit of it, have brought in anill name upon it: from these it would bee distinguished. 

3. Zeale is every where spoken against it hath many enemies and fewfriends: the world can no more abide it, then beasts can the elementaryfire, the rebukes of many have falne upon it, the Divell weaves cunninglies to bring downe the honour of it. Oh that wee could raise andmaintaine it, by setting forth the deserved praise of it; and challengeit from the false imputations of such as hate it without a cause. 

4. Zeale hath in this our earthly molde, little fuell, much quench-coale, is hardly fired, soone cooled. A good Christian therefore would bee gladto know the Incentives and preservatives of it, which might enkindle it, enflame it, feed it, and revive it when it is going out. 

5. Zeale in the worlds opinion, is as common as fire on every manshearth, no mans heart without zeale, if every man might be his ownejudge; If most might be heard there is too much of it; but the contrarywill appear if the right markes bee taken, and the true rules of trialland conviction bee observed, and the heart thereby examined. 

6. Zeale generally handled will break as lightning in the aire, and seizeupon no subject: Application must set it on mens harts, and exhortationwarme this old and colde age of the world, chiefly this temperateclimate of our nation. 

_First Part_. 

It was sayd of olde, that zeale was an _Intension of love_: of late, that it is a compound of _love and anger, or indignation_. 

The Ancients aimed right, and shot neere, if not somwhat with theshortest. The moderne well discovered the use and exercise of moreaffections, then love, within the fathome and compasse of zeale; but inhelping that default, went themselves somewhat wide, and came not closeto the marke: which I ascribe not to any defect of eye-sight in thosesharpe sighted Eagles; but onely to the want of fixed contemplation. Andto speake truth, I have oft wondered why poore _Zeale_, a vertue so highin Gods books, could never be so much beholding to mens writings as toobtain a just treatise, which hath beene the lot of many particularvertues of inferiour worth; a plaine signe of too much under-value andneglect. 

Hee that shall stedfastly view it, shall finde it not to bee a degree orintension of love, or any single affection (as the _Schooles_ ratherconfined then defined zeale) neither yet any mixt affection (as thelater, rather compounded then comprehended the nature of it) but an _hottemper, higher degree or intension of them all_. As varnish is no onecolor, but that which gives glosse & lustre to all; So the opposites ofzeale, key-coldnes and lukewarmnesse, which by the Law of contrariesmust bee of the same nature, are no affections, but severall tempers ofthem all. 

[Sidenote: Acts 26. 7. ]

_Paul_ warrants this description where hee speakes of the twelve Tribes. _They served God with intension or vehemency_. 

The roote shewes the nature of the branch. Zeale comes of [Greek: zô], a word framed of the very sound and hissing noise, which hot coales orburning iron make when they meete with their contrary. In plaineEnglish, zeale is nothing but heate: from whence it is, that zealous menare oft in Scripture sayd to burne in the spirit. [Greek: zeontespneumati]. 

Hee that doth moderately or remisly affect any thing, may be stiled_Philemon_, a lover; he that earnestly or extreamely, _Zelotes_, azelot; who to all the objects of his affections, is excessively andpassionately disposed, his love is ever fervent, his desires eager, hisdelights ravishing, his hopes longing, his hatred deadly, his angerfierce, his greefe deep, his feare terrible. The Hebrewes expresse theseIntensions by doubling the word. This being the nature of zeale ingenerall, Christian zeale of which wee desire onely to speake, differsfrom carnall and worldly, chiefly in the causes and objects. 

It is a spirituall heate wrought in the heart of man by the holy Ghost, improoving the good affections of love, joy, hope, &c. For the bestservice and furtherance of Gods glory, with all the appurtenancesthereof, his word, his house, his Saints and salvation of soules: usingthe contrarie of hatred, anger, greefe, &c as so many mastives to flieupon the throat of Gods enemies, the Divell, his Angels, sinne, theworld with the lusts thereof. By the vertue wherof a _Zealot_ may runnethrough all his affections, and with _David_, breath zeale out of everypipe, after this manner for a taste;

[Sidenote: Psalme Love. ]

_How doe I love thy Law (O Lord) more then the hony or the hony-combe, more then thousands of silver and gold!_

[Sidenote: Hatred. ]

_Thine enemies I hate with a perfect hatred. _

[Sidenote: Joy. ]

_Thy testimonies are my delight: I rejoyce more in them, then they thatfinde great spoyles, more then in my appoynted food. _

[Sidenote: Grief. ]

_Mine eyes gush out rivers of teares. Oh that my head were a fountain ofteares, because they destroy thy Law. _

[Sidenote: Hope. ]

_Mine eyes are dimme with wayting: how doe I long for thy salvation?_

[Sidenote: Feare. ]

_Thy judgements are terrible, I tremble and quake, etc. _

Look what pitch of affection the naturall man bestowes upon his dearestdarling, what unsatiable thirst the covetous worldling upon his Mammon, the ambitious upon his honour, the voluptuous upon his pleasure; thesame the Christian striveth in equall, yea, (if possible) farreexceeding tearmes to convert and conferre upon God and his worship. 

In briefe, to open a little crevise of further light, and to give alittle glimpse of heat: Zeale is to the soule, that which the spiritsare to the bodie; wine to the spirits, putting vigour and agility intothem. Whence comes that elegant Antithesis in the Scripture. _Bee notdrunke with wine wherein is excesse, but be filled with the Spirit. _

[Sidenote: Ser. 41. In Can. 49. ]

[Sidenote: Acts 2. ]

Christ is sayd to lead his Spouse into the wine-cellar: which Simily_Bernard_ delighting oft to repeat, in two or three Sermons interpretsof a speciall measure of zeale inspired into his Church. Thus (saithhee) Christ led his Disciples into the wine cellar on the day ofPentecost; and filled them, and the house with such zeale as they cameforth like Giants refreshed with wine, and seemed to the people as mendrunke with new wine. 

[Sidenote: Heb. 1. 7. ]

It is to the soule, as wings to the foule: this also is a Scriptureembleme to picture the Angels with wings, as in the hangings of theTemple, and in the visions of the revelation, in token of their ardentand zealous execution of Gods will: whence also they have their name_Seraphim_; hee maketh his ministers a flame of fire. 

To this fire and these wings, which we in the Lords prayer desire toimitate, there is nothing in us answerable but our zeale; as wheeles tothe charriot: which makes us not goe, but runne the wayes of GodsCommandements, and so runne that we may obtaine. As sailes to the ship, and winde to the sailes, to which alludes the phrase so frequent inScripture, _Plerophorie_. 

As courage to the souldier, mettle to the horse, dust to the ground, which makes it bring forth much fruit, yea an hundredfold: vivacity toall creatures. To conclude this, this is that celestiall fire which wasshadowed out unto us by that poore element in comparison, and beggarlyrudiment, the fire (I meane) of such necessary use in the law, whichrather then it should be wanting, the Lord caused it to descend fromheaven, that it might cause the Sacrifices to ascend thither againe, asa sweet incense unto the Lord, without which no burnt offering wasacceptable. 

_The Second Part. _

But now, as then, there are certaine false fires, abhominable to God, odious to men, dangerous to the _Nadabs_ and _Abihues_ that meddle withthem, bringing thereby coales upon their owne heads, & ill favor uponall their services; & not onely so, but that which is worse, an illreport and surmize even on those that offer the right fire, & serve theLord in spirit and truth: yet for their sakes is the name of zealeblasphemed all the day long. 

Against these, as then, so now severe caveats and cleere distinctionsmust bee laid, lest such as have not their senses exercised to put adifference, mistake poysonfull weedes for wholesome hearbes, to theirowne destruction; and for the sake of the one, revile the other to thewrong of God and his Saints. 

It fares not otherwise with the soule then with the body: besides thenative & radicall heat, the principall instrument of life, there areaguish and distempered heats, the causes of sicknesse and death. 

To discerne of those, requires some skill and judgement: yet a goodEmpirick, a Christian of experience will give a shrewd ghesse at them, the easier & the better if he marke these following signes andsymptomes, common to all the kinds of false zeale, here also following. 

[Sidenote: 1 Ostentation. ]

First, they are deeply sicke of the pharisaicall humor, they love to beseene of men, and say with _Jehu, Come and see how zealous I am for theLord of hosts_: they proclaime their almes with a trumpet, paint theirgood deedes upon Church windowes, engrave their legacies upon tombes, have their acts upon record: Thus, Comets blaze more then fixed Starres. Aguish heats breede flushings, & are more seen in the face, then naturalwarmth at the heart. Schollers count hiding of Art the best Art: thegodly man studies by all meanes how to conceale the one hand from theother, in doing well; hiding of zeale is the best zeale. 

Secondly, of _Ahabs_ disease exceeding in externall humiliation, affected gestures, passionate sighes, lowdnesse of voyce, odde attires &such like: These know how to rend the garment, hang the head with thebulrush, to whip and launce their skinnes with _Baals_ Priests; and yetstrangers to a wounded spirit: not but that true and hearty zeale dothlift up the eyes, knocke the breast, dance before the Arke. Thereforethis character may deceive the unwarie; Let _Ely_ take heede of judging_Hanna's_ Spirit rashly by the mooving of her lips: yet hypocrites sousually straine nature and without a cause exceed, and that in publique, and upon the stage, that for the most part, their actions and affectionsare palpable: as _Jesuites, Cappuchins_, &c. Yea in many histrionicallProtestants: Horse-coursers jades will bound, curvet and shew moretricks, then a horse well mettled for the rode or cart. 

[Sidenote: 3 Complementall. ]

Thirdly, you may know them by their diligence and curiositie in lightermatters joyned with omission and neglect of greater, wise incircumstance, and carelesse in substance, tithing mint, straining atgnats, &c. In all cheape and easie duties, prodigall: niggardly &slothfull in the waighty things of the Law: these have at command goodwords, countenance, yea teares from their eyes, sooner then a farthingfrom their purse, having this worlds goods, and see their brother want;these sticke up feathers for the carcasse, beguiling the simple, couzening the world, but cheefly themselves. 

[Sidenote: 4 Pragmaticall. ]

[Sidenote: 5 Censorious. ]

[Sidenote: 6 Cruell. ]

Fourthly, these fires cannot keepe themselves within their owne hearths, these spirits cannot keepe themselves within their owne circles. Truezeale loves to keepe home, studieth to bee quiet in other mens Dioces:false zeale loves to be gadding, is eagle-ey'd abroad and mole-ey'd athome: Insteed of burning bright and shining cleere; like brinish lights, they sparkle & spet at others, or like ill couched fire-workes let flyon all sides: onely out of their wisdome they know how to spare _Agag_and the great ones, and bee sure they anger not their great Masters, andmeddle with their matches: whereas it is the property of fire that comesfrom above, to spare the yeelding sheath, and melt the resistingmettall, to passe by the lower roofes, and strike the towred pinacle, as_Nathan, David; Elias, Ahab; John, Herod; Jonas, Ninivie; &c. _ Notealso in all their proceeding with others, in steede of wholesomeseverity (which rightly zealous men never come unto but by compulsion, and not without compassion of the offender, weeping with _Moses_ and_Samuel_ over the people, beeing sory with the Emperour, that they knowhow to write sentences of condemnation) These delight in cruelty, thebrand of the Malignant Church; feede their eyes with Massacres, as theQueene-mother. No diet so pleasing to these ravening wolves, as thewarme blood of the sheepe. These are they that cry fire and fagot, awaywith them, not worthy to live, their very mercies are cruelty:especially in their owne cause, they heat the fornace seaven timeshotter then in Gods. 

[Sidenote: 7 Variable and inconstant. ]

Lastly, these Meteors and Vapours have no constant light, or continuedheat (as the fixed starres ever like themselves) but have onely theiraguish fits, & lunatick moods; sometimes in adversity they are goodunder the rod, as _Pharaoh_, againe in prosperity like the fat kine of_Bashan_, ingratefull and forgetfull: sometimes in prosperity when thesunne of peace shineth on them, & the favourable influence of greatones, they shoot foorth their blade with the corne on the house top, running with the streame, & sayling with the winde; sometimes theirzeale depends upon the life of _Jehoiada_; sometimes on the company ofthe Prophets: commonly in the beginning they blaze like straw-fire, butin the end goe out in smoake and smother; whereas in their entrance intoprofession, they galloped into shewes, and made some girds at hand, theytire, give in, and end in the flesh, whereas all naturall motions areswiftest toward their end. 

[Sidenote: Be not over just hath 7. Expositions heere 2. Or 3. Morehereafter. ]

The vestall fires were perpetuall, and the fire of the Altar never wentout. Spices and wefts of these evills may bee found in the sincerestChristians: but they suffer not these dead flies to lie and putrefie inthe precious boxes of true zeale; of all these the Preachers caveat maybe construed, _Be not over just_, though it may also admit otherinterpretations, as after shall appeare. 

These are the speciall notes and symptomes of strange fires: the kindsalso are many, and might be distributed into many heads; but I willreduce them into three, which are known by their names. [Greek:pseudozêlos], _counterfet Zeale, false fire_. [Greek: tuphlos zêlos]_blinde Zeale, smoakie fire, or fooles fire, ignis fatuus_. [Greek:pikros zêlos], _turbulent Zeale, wilde fire_. 

The first, wanting truth and sincerity, propounds sinister ends. 

The second, knowledge and discretion, takes wrong wayes. 

The third, love and humility, exceeds measure. 

The first abounds amongst subtile & crafty professours, and is to beabhorred and detected. 

The second among simple & devout, is to be pitied and directed. 

The third amongst passionate and affectionate, and is to bee moderatedand corrected. 

The first is the meere vizor of zeale, looking asquint one way andtending another; pretending God and his glory, intending some privateand sinister end; first, either of honour and promotion, as _Jehu_, whomarched furiously, and his word was the Lord of hosts, but his projectwas the kingdome. 

Secondly, at filthy lucre: as _Demetrius_ and his followers, who criedgreat is _Diana_ of Ephesus; but meant her little silver shrines. Itcannot bee denied, but many such there were, who helped to pull downethe Abbyes; not out of any hatred to those uncleane cages, but to rearetheir owne houses out of the ruines, and spoyled copes to make cushions. _Judas_ complained of superfluity, but greeved it fell besides his bag:many hold temporalities tithes and glebes, unlawfull, because they areloth to forgo them: If _Jezebel_ proclaime a Fast, let _Naboth_ looke tohis vine-yard; If the Usurer & Trades-man frequent Sermons, let thebuyer & borrower look to themselves. It is too common a thing to makezeale a lure & stale, to draw customers; a bait of fraud, a net toentrap; with malicious _Doegs_, to make it a stalking horse for revengeagainst the Priest, thereby to discharge their gall at Ministers andother Christians, for the omission and commission of such things, asthemselves care not for; with the _Strumpet_ in the Proverbs, to wipetheir mouthes, and frequent the Sacrifices, that they may be free fromsuspicion. 

All these evils, have I seene under the sunne-shine of the Gospell: butby how much, zeale is more glorious then common profession, by so muchis dissembled fervency more detestable then usuall hypocrisie; yea, nobetter then divellish villany & double iniquity: such painted walles andwhited sepulchers, the Lord will breake downe. Let all _Timothies_ &_Nathanaels_ learne to descry them, and discard them: The cure of thiswas deepely forelayd by Christ; _I counsell thee to buy gold tried inthe fire_: all is not gold that glistereth, an image of faith breeds buta shew of zeale; many seemed to trust in Christ, but Christ would nottrust them: but such faith as will abide the fire, brings foorth zealethat will abide the touch-stone. 

[Sidenote: [Greek: kakozêlia]. ]

The second is erroneous or blinde zeale, not according to knowledge, Rom. 10. I beare many devout Papists witnesse (though I feare thelearnedst of them be selfe-condemned) that they have this zeale, perswading themselves they doe God best service, when they pleasethe Divell most in their will-worship. The same witnesse Ibeare many _Seperatists_; though I feare most of them be sicke ofselfe-conceitednesse, newfanglenesse, and desire of mastership: for whowould not suspect such zeale, which condemnes all reformed Churches, and refuseth communion with such as they themselves confesse to beeChristians, and consequentely such as have communion with Christ? Itwould greeve a man indeede, to see zeale misplaced, like mettle in ablinde horse; to see men take such paines, and yet fall into the pit. This made _Paul_ to wish himselfe _Anathema_, for the sake of such; andyet the multitude and common people, reason thus; Is it possible butthese men have the right? But alas, how should it bee otherwise, when ablinde company will follow a blinde sect-master; This being one propertyof blinde zeale, a fond admiration and apish imitation of some person, for some excellency they see in him, which so dazles their eyes, thatthey cannot discerne their errours and infirmities, which they oftnerinherit then their vertues; as appeares in the _Lutherans_ and theJewes, that would sacrifice their children to _Molech_, in imitation of_Abraham_: In these the Divell becomes an Angell of light, and playeththat Dragon, Revel. 12. Powring out flouds of persecution against theChurch, causing devout men and women, to raise tragedies, breath outthreatnings, and persecute without measure; then these the Divell hathno better soldiers: but when their scales fall from their eyes, and theycome into Gods tents; God hath none like unto them. The cure of thisdivinely is forelayd by Christ also, to buy eye-salve of him; Angellshave eyes as well as wings to guide their flight: when the ship is undersaile, and hath the freshest way; it hath most neede to looke to thesterage, keep the watch, have an eye to the Compasse and land-marks. 

The third kinde is turbulent zeale, called by _James_ bitter zeale, akinde of wilde-fire transporting men beyond all bounds and compasse ofmoderation; proceeding sometime of a weaknesse of nature in men, thathave no stay of their passion, like to Clockes whose springs are broken, and Cities whose walls are down. Zeale is a good servant, but an illmaster: mettle is dangerous in a head-strong horse. And so the Poets(which were the Heathens Prophets) shadowed out the cure of this, in_Minerva's_ golden bridle, wherewith she menaged her winged _Pegasus_. There is too much of this bitter zeale, of this _Hierapicra_ in all ourbookes of controversies: but especially there hath been too much in ourdomesticall warrs; some sonns of _Bichri_ have blowen the trumpet ofcontention, trumpets of anger; the Churches of God should have no suchcustome: Oh that our Churches understood that saying. 

[Sidenote: Rom. 14. 10. ]

In quarrells of this nature _Paul_ spends his zeale, not in partakingbut in parting the fray, beating downe the weapons on both sides: Whoart thou that judgest? who art thou that condemnest thy brother? as ifhee should say, The matters are not _Tanti_, wee have made the Divelltoo much sport already; who threw in these bones to set us together bythe eares, whilst hee lets in the common Enemy upon us. _Charitie, Charitie_, is the builder of Churches: Strife about trifles, hath wastedmany famous ones, and placed the temples of _Mahomet_, where the goldencandle-sticke was wont to stand. Wee pitty the former ages, contendingabout leavened and unleavened bread, keeping of Easter, fasting onSundayes, &c. The future ages, will do the like for us. Oh that theLord would put into the hearts both of the governours & parties to thesequarrells, once to make an end of these Midianitish warrs; that weemight joyntly powre out the vialls of our zeale upon the throne of thebeast. 

Thus have you heard the errors and counterfets of zeale, through whosesides, and upon the backe of which, divers of the malicious world use tobeat those whom it hates, because their workes are better then theirowne; injuriously concluding, that all Zelots are alike. Thus I haveheard our Marchants complaine, that the set up blewes have madestrangers loath the rich oaded blewes, onely in request; this is an oldesophisme. True judgement would teach us to conclude, that the bestdruggs have their adulterates; the most current coins their slipps; andthat vertue which so many hypocrites put on, to grace themselveswithall; is surely some rare and excellent jewell. 

_The third part. _

The true Zelot, whose fervency is in the spirit, not in shew; insubstance not in circumstance; for God, not himselfe; guided by theword, not with humours; tempered with charity, not with bitternesse:such a mans praise is of God though not of men: such a mans worth cannotbee set foorth with the tongues of men and Angells. 

[Sidenote: Arguments of commendation. ]

Oh that I had so much zeale, as to steep it in it owne liquour; to setit forth in it owne colours, that the Lord would touch my tongue with acoale from his Altar, that I might regaine the decayed credit of it, with the sons of men. 

[Sidenote: 1. From God's excellency whom zeale only becomes unworthilyplaced elsewhere. ]

It is good to bee zealous in a good things: and is it not best, in thebest? or is there any better then God, or the kingdome of heaven? Is itcomely what ever we do, to do it with all our might? onely uncomely whenwee serve God? Is meane and mediocrity, in all excellent Arts excluded, and onely to be admitted in religion? Were it not better to forbeare_Poetry_ or _Painting_, then to rime or dawbe? and were it not better tobee of no religion, then to be colde or lukewarme in any? Is it good tobe earnest for a friend, & cold for the Lord of hosts? For whom doestthou reserve the top of thy affections? for thy gold? for thy_Herodias_, &c. O yee adulterers and adultresses, can yee offer God abaser indignity? What ayleth the world? Is it afrayd thinke we, that Godcan have too much love; who in regard of his owne infinite beauty, & thebeames he vouchsafeth to cast upon us, deserves the best, yea all, and athousand times more then all? Ought not all the springs and brookes ofour affection, to runne into this Maine? may not hee justly disdaine, that the least Riveret should bee drained another way? that any thing inthe world should bee respected before him, equalled with him, or lovedout of him, of whom, for whom, and through whom are all things? Who, orwhat can bee sufficient for him our Maker and Saviour? In other objectsfeare excesse: here no extasie is high enough. 

[Sidenote: 2. From his spirituall nature. ]

Consider and reason thus with thy selfe (O man) canst thou brooke asluggard in thy worke, if thou bee of any spirit thy selfe? is not aslothfull messenger as vinegar to thy teeth, and as smoake to thineeyes? Hast thou any sharpnesse of wit, is not dulnesse tedious untothee? And shall hee that is all spirit (for whom the Angels are slow andcolde enough) take pleasure in thy drowzie and heavie service? Doe menchoose the forwardest Deere in the heard, and the liveliest Colt in thedrove? and is the backwardest man fittest for God? Is not all hisdelight in the quickest and cheerefullest givers and servitors? Even to_Judas_ he saith, That thou doest, doe quickely; so odious is dulnesseunto him: what else mooved him to ordaine, that the necke of theconsecrated Asse should bee broken, rather then offered up in sacrifice;doth God hate the Asse? Or is it not for the sake of the quality of thecreature; which hath ever among the Heathens beene an _Hieroglyphick_ ofheavinesse and tardity?

[Sidenote: 3. Effects of zeale. Revel. 12. ]

[Sidenote: Opus operatum. ]

Thirdly, this zeale is so gracious a favorite with God, that it graceswith him all the rest of his graces. Prayer if it bee fervent, prevaileth much: the zealous witnesses had power to shut and openheaven: by this, _Israel_ wrastled with God, overcame, and was called aPrince with God: this strengthned the heart of _Moses_ (as _Aaron_ and_Hur_ supported his hands) till the Lord sayd, Let me alone: this made_Cornelius_ his prayer to come into heaven; whither our colde sutes canno more ascend, then vapours from the Still, unlesse there bee fireunder it: Repentance, a needefull and primary grace, which the Baptistso urged: but then wee must bee zealous and repent (as my text joynesthem) or else no repentance pleaseth God; nor are there fruits worthyrepentance. Almes and good deeds are sacrifices pleasing to God; butwithout zeale, the widowes mites are no better then the rest; It is thecheerefull loose, that doubleth the gift. Generally, as some mans markeand name, furthereth the sale of his commodity; so zeale inhanceth allthe graces of God. It pittieth me for _Laodicea_ that lost so much cost;had as many vertues, did as many duties as other Churches: but for wantof this, Christ could not sup with them. Furnish a table with theprincipallest fare, and daintiest dishes that may be had; let them berosted & boyled to the halves, or stand on the table till they beelukewarme; what will the guests say? All that we can doe is but thedeede done, unlesse zeale conferre grace. 

[Sidenote: 4. Baptismus Flaminis & Fluminis. ]

Fourthly, zeale is the richest evidence of faith, and the cleerestdemonstration of the Spirit: The Baptisme of water, is but a cold proofeof a mans Christendome; being common to all commers: but if any beebaptized with fire, the same is sealed up to the day of Redemption. Ifany shall say, friend, what doest thou professe a religion without it;how can hee choose but bee strucke dumb? Can wee suppose worme-woodwithout bitternesse, a man without reason? then may wee imagine areligion, and a Christian, without spirit and zeale. 

The Jesuite saith, I am zealous; the Separatist, I am zealous; theirplea is more probable, then the lukewarme worldlings, that serve Godwithout life. If the colour bee pale and wan, and the motion insensible, the party is dead or in a swoune; if good and swift, wee make noquestion. The zealous Christian is never to seeke for a proofe of hissalvation: what makes one Christian differ from another in grace, asstarrs doe in glory; but zeale? All beleevers have a like preciousfaith: All true Christians have all graces in their seedes; but thedegrees of them are no way better discerned then by zeale: Men of placedistinguish themselves, by glistering pearles: A Christian of degreesshines above other in zeale. Comparisons I know are odious to the world, that faine would have all alike: but the righteous is better then hisneighbour: All Christians are the excellent of the earth, the Zelotsurmounteth them all, as _Saul_ the people by the head and shoulders;hee is ever striving to excell and exceeds others and himselfe. 

One of these is worth a thousand others, one doth the worke of many:which made him speake of _Elisha_ in the plurall number, _The horsemenand Charriots of Israel_; besides his owne worke, hee winns and procuresothers, makes Proselytes. It is the nature of fire to multiply, onecoale kindles another: his worke so shines, that others come in andglorifie God; marvelling and enquiring what such forwardnesse shouldmeane, concluding with _Nebuchadnezzar, Surely the servants of the mosthigh God. _

These are good Factors and Agents, doing God as good service, asBoutesewes doe the Divell, and Jesuites the Pope, sparing no cost, norlabour; and what they cannot doe themselves, they doe by their friends, _Who is on my side, who? &c. _

As for lets and impediments, they over-looke and over-leape them, asfire passeth from one house to another; neither is there any standingfor any Gods enemies before them: they make havock of their owne andothers corruptions. If you will rightly conceive of _Peters_ zeale inconverting & confounding, you must imagine (saith _Chrysostome_) a manmade all of fire walking in stubble. All difficulties are but whetstonesof their fortitude. The sluggard saith, _There is a Lyon in the way_;tell _Samson_ & _David_ so, they will the rather goe out to meet them. Tell _Nehemiah of Samballat_, hee answereth, _Shall such a man as Ifeare?_ Tell _Caleb_ there are _Anakims_, and hee will say, _Let us goeupp at once, &c_. Let _Agabus_ put off his girdle and binde _Paul_, lethim be told in every City, that bonds await him, hee is not onely readyfor bonds, but for death; tell _Jubentius_, hee must lay downe his life, he is as willing as to lay off his clothes: tell _Luther_ of enemies in_Wormes_, hee will goe if all the tiles of the houses were Divells. Thehorse neighs at the trumpet; the Leviathan laughs at the speare. Theythat meane to take the Kingdome of God by violence, provide themselvesto goe through fire and water, carry their lives in their hands, embrace faggots; they say to father and mother, _I know you not_: tocarnall Counsellers and friendly enemies, _Get you behinde mee Sathan. _Zeale is as strong as death, hot as the coales of Juniper; flouds ofmany waters cannot quench it. _Agar_, Pro. 30. Speakes of foure things, stately in their kinde; I will make bold to add a fift, comprehendingand excelling them all namely the zealous Christian, strong and bold asthe Lyon; not turning his head for any; as swift as the grey-hound inthe waies of Gods commandements; in the race to heaven, as nimble as theGoat climbing the steepe and craggy mountaines of pietie and vertue; Avictorious King, overcoming the world and his lusts: _Salomon_ in allhis royalty, is not cloathed like one of these in his fiery Charriot. 

To cut off the infinite praises of zeale, let us heare what honourabletestimonies and glorious rewards, it pleaseth God to conferre upon it;_Davids_ ruddy complexion and his skill in musique, made him amiable inthe eyes of men: but the zeale of his heart, stiled him a man after Godsowne heart; and the sweet Singer of Israel. _Abraham_, that could findein his heart to sacrifice his _Isaack_, was called the friend of God. The same vertue denominated _Jacob_ a Prince with God. _Elisha_, TheCharriots and horse-men. _Paul_, A chosen vessell, &c. 

[Sidenote: Revel. 12. ]

[Sidenote: Revel. 7. 3. Ezek. 9. Exod. 12. ]

Neither doth God put them off, with names and empty favours, but uponthese he bestowes his graces: _David_ dedicateth his Psalmes to him thatexcelled: God in dispensing of favours, observeth the same rule, to himthat overcommeth will I give, &c, To him that hath, shall bee given. Husbandmen cast their seede uppon the fertilest ground, which returnesit with the greatest interest: God gives most talents to those thatimproove them in the best banke. _Joseph_ shall have a party colouredcoat, of all kindes of graces and blessings: And because he knowes thiswill purchase them hatred and envy, hee takes them into specialltuition; if any will hurt his zealous witnesses, there goeth out a fireout of their mouthes, to devoure their enemies. A man were better angerall the witches in the world then one of these. If God bring any commonjudgements, he sets his seale and _Thau_ on their fore-heads, &sprinkles their posts; snatcheth _Lot_ out of the fire (who burneth inzeale, as _Sodome_ in lust) as men doe their plate whiles they let thebaser stuffe burne. In fine, hee taketh _Enoch_ and _Eliah_ intriumphant Charriots up to heaven, and after their labours and toyles, setteth them in speciall Thrones, to rest in glory; The Apostles intheir twelve, the rest in their order, according to their zeale. Andthough hee may well reckon the best of these, unprofitable servants;yet such congruity (not of merits, but of favour) it pleaseth him toobserve in crowning his graces, that the most zealous heere, are themost glorious there. 

Who would not now wonder, how ever this royall vertue should have lostit grace with the world; how ever any should admit a low thought of it?But what? Shall all the indignity which hell can cast upon it, make itvile in our eyes? or rather, shall wee not reason from the opposition, as _Tertullian_ did of _Nero:_ That religion which _Nero_ so persecutes, must needs be excellent. 

[Sidenote: 1 Object. Zeale is madd, and makes men mad. ]

[Sidenote: Acts 26. 24 1 Cor. ]

If zeale were not some admirable good, the Divell and World would not sohate it; Yet lest silence should bee thought to baulke some unanswerablereasons, let us see how they labour to be madd with reason: Let _Festus_bee the Speaker for the rest, for hee speakes what all the rest thinke;you know his madd objection, and _Pauls_ sober answer in that place, andthe like, 2 Cor. 5. 13. Whether hee bee madd or sober, it is for God andyou. 

This text bids us bee zealous and repent; the word signifies be wiseagaine, or returne to your wits. The prodigall is sayd to come tohimselfe, when he was first heat with this fire. Wee may well answer theworld as old men doe young: You thinke us Christians to bee madd thatfollow heaven so eagerly; but we know you to bee madd, that runa-madding so after vanity. 

[Sidenote: Acts. 2. ]

[Sidenote: Acts. 7. ]

A Christian indeed is never right, till he seeme to the world to bebeside himselfe; Christs owne kindred were afrayd of him. The Apostlesare sayd to be full of new wine; besides, with these the world is madd:they runn with _Stephan_ like madd men; _Nichodemus_ and such as he, never offends them. 

[Sidenote: 2 Object. ]

[Sidenote: A makebate. ]

[Sidenote: Tenterden steeple. ]

You know also what _Ahab_ laid to the charge of _Eliah_; with theApologie hee made for himselfe. This is a stale imputation in ages. _Haman_ accused _Mordechay_ and the Jewes of it. The Apostles are saydto bee troubles of the whole earth. In the Primitive Church all mutiniesand contentions were layd to the Martyrs. True it is, where zeale is, there is opposition, and so consequently troubles: Christ sets this fireon earth, not as an author, but by accident: The theefe is the authourof the fray, though the true man strike never so many blowes: but the_Ahabs_ of the world, trouble Israel; then, complaine of _Eliah:_ ThePapists will blow upp the State, then father it upon the Puritans. It isnot for any wise man, to beleeve the tythe of the tales and slanders, which flie abroad of the zealous: Lewd men would fain strike at allgoodnes through their sides. 

[Sidenote: 3 Object. Proud. ]

You may remember also _Eliabs_ uncharitable censure of _David_, I knowthe pride of thine heart. So doe all worldlings measure others by theirowne length; if they see any forwardnesse in the peaceablest spirit, they ascribe it either to vaine-glory, or covetousnesse; the onelysprings that set their wheeles on going: but of this the knower of thehearts must judge betweene us. 

[Sidenote: 4 Object. They keep no meane. ]

When slaundering will not serve, then fall they to glavering, cunninglyglancing at zeale, whiles they commend the golden meane wherein vertueconsists. But Christians, take heede none spoyle you through suchPhilosophy; or rather Sopistry: for true Philosophy will tell you thatthe meane wherein vertue is placed, is the middle betwixt two kindes, and not degrees: And it is but meane vertue that loves the meane intheir sense. 

[Sidenote: 5 Object. Undiscreet. ]

Oh say they, but some discretion would doe well; It is true, but takewithall _Calvins_ caveat to _Melancthon_: That he affect not so the nameof a moderate man, and listen to such Syrens songs, till he lose hiszeale. 

I have observed, that which the world miscalls discretion, to eat uppzeale, as that which they call policy, doth wisdome. As _Joab_ stabbed_Abner_ under a colour of friendship: Antichrist undermineth Christ, bypretending to be his Vicar. The feare of overdoing makes most come tooshort; of the two extreamities, wee should most feare lukewarmnesse:rather let your milke boyle over then be raw. 

From glavering, they fall to scoffing; yong Saints, will prove but oldeDivels; these hot-spurrs will soone runne themselves out of breath. Butwee say, such were never right bred; such as proove falling starres, never were ought but meteors; the other never lose light or motion:spirituall motions may be violent and perpetuall. 

When none of these will take, they fal to right downe rayling; thesePuritans, these singular fellowes, &c. Unfit for all honest company. Ihope the states Puritan, and the common Puritan bee two creatures. Forwith that staffe the multitude beats all that are better thenthemselves, & lets fly at all that have any shew of goodnes. But withthat which most call Puritanisme, I desire to worship God. Forsingularity, Christs calls for it, and presseth & urgeth it; Whatsingular thing doe you, or what odde thing doe you? Shall Gods peculiarpeople, doe nothing peculiar? The world thinkes it strange, wee runnenot with them into excesses, and doe not as most doe, that wee mightescape derision: Judge you which of these men shall please: I beleevenone shall ever please Christ, till they appeare odde, strange andprecise men, to the common sort; and yet neede not bee over just neitherLet them that have tender eares stop them against the charmes of theworld, and scornes of _Michol_, unlesse they were wiser: Let him thathath a right eare, heare what Christ saith to the Churches, _Bezealous_. 

_The fourth part. _

[Sidenote: Incentives. ]

Yea, but by what meanes shall a Christian attaine this fire, andmaintaine it when he hath gotten it. 

Say not in thine heart, What _Prometheus_ shall ascend into heaven andfetch it thence; thou mayest fetch it thence by thine owne prayer: asdid _Elias_ and the Apostles, men of infirmities as well as thy selfe;pray continually, and instantly: the Lord that breathed first thy souleinto thee, will also breath on thy soule: I speake not of miraculous(which was but a type) but of ordinarie inspiration. Prayer and zealeare as water and ice: mutually producing each other; when it is oncecome downe upon thine altar; though no water can quench it, yet must itbee preserved fresh, by ordinarie fuell; especially the Priests lippsmust keepe it alive. 

Sermons are bellowes ordained for this purpose. The word read is ofdivine use, but doth not with that motion stirre these coales. 

Experience sheweth, the best oration will not so much moove as themeanest Orator. 

After the sparkles once by these meanes kindled, cherish and feede themby reading the word: Let it dwell richly in thine heart, excite thydulnesse by spirituall Hymnes. Love-songs enflame not lust, more, thenthe Song of Songs doth zeale: Reade or sing the 119. Psalme; and if thoubeest not zealous, every verse will checke thee in thy throat:Meditation is another helpe, approoved by _Isaacks_ and _Davids_practice: An Art lately so taught, as I shall neede onely to poynt atthe choyce theames, suiting and furthering this argument. I need not goefar to fetch this fire: I may strike it out of every word of thisEpistle to _Laodicea_. Behold the Lord God, especially thy Lord Christin his glorious titles and Majesty; for so hee beginnes his visions to_John_; and his Epistles to the Churches, exciting their dull hearts. Bysuch apparitions did hee set on fire the heart of _Moses_ in the burningbush; and enflamed _Stephan_, his first Martyr: answerable andproportionable to which, are our serious contemplations. Behold him asone that seeth thee, and knoweth thy workes; the rouzing preface of allthese Letters. _Casars_ eye made his souldiers prodigall of their blood. The Atheist thinks God takes as much notice of him and his prayers, ashee doth of the humming of Flyes and Bees; and therefore, no marvell ifhis service bee formall and fashionable. The faithfull Christian byfaiths prospective sees him at home, and heares him saying, Well donethou good servant; which maketh him to worke out his heart. Behold himas the beginning of creatures, especially of the new creature. Oh! whatlove hath hee shewed thee in thy redemption? out of what misery, intowhat happinesse, by what a price, to what end; but that thou shouldestbee zealous of good workes? Behold him as the faithfull witnesse, thatwitnessed himselfe for thee a good witnesse, and heere faithfullycounsels thee to follow his patterne. Behold him as a speedie and royallrewarder of his followers. Take thy selfe into paradise, represent tothy selfe thy crowne, thy throne, thy white robes; looke not on thethings that are seene, but on the farre most excellent wait of glory;looke upon these, and faint if thou canst. Behold also hee is aconsuming fire, a zealous God, hating lukewarmnesse not onely destroying_Sodome_ with fire and brimstone, and providing _Tophet_ for hisenemies; but awaking also his drowzie servants, by judgements (as_Absolon Joab_ by firing his corne) his Israelites by fiery serpents:whom hee loveth, hee chasteneth, and keepeth them in the fornace offiery trialls, till they come to their right temper. Hee standeth andknocketh: if nothing will arouze us, a time will come, when heaven andearth shall burne with fire, and Christ shall come in flaming fire, torender vengeance with fire unquenchable. Wee therefore that know theterrour of that day, What manner of persons ought we to bee?

From God turne thine eyes unto man: set before thee the pillar, andclowde of fiery examples, that have led us the way into Canaan. Hee isbut a dull lade that will not follow: The stories of the Scriptures, thelives of the Fathers, the acts and monuments of the Church, have aspeciall vertue for this effect. The very pictures of the fires, andMartyrs, cannot but warme thee. If thou canst meete with any livingexamples, follow them, as they follow Christ, frequent their company:even _Saul_ amongst the Prophets, will prophesie. No bangling hawke, but with a high flyer will mend her pitch: the poorest good companion, will doe thee some good; when _Silas_ came, _Paul_ burnt in the spirit:a lesser sticke may fire a billet; If thou findest none, let thecoldnesse of the times heat thee, as frosts doe the fire; Let everyindignation make thee zealous, as the dunstery of the Monkes, made_Erasmus_ studious: one way to bee rich in times of dearth, is toengrosse a rare commodity, such as zeale is: now, if ever, _they havedestroyed thy Law_; It is now high time to be zealous. 

Consider and emulate the children of this generation, to see how eagerevery _Demas_ is for worldly promotion. How did that worthy Bishopdisdaine to see an harlot, more curiously to adorne her body unto sinneand death, then hee could his soule unto life everlasting. It angred_Demosthenes_ to see a Smith earlier at his anvile, then he was at hisdeske. 

When thou hast thus heat thy selfe, take heede of catching coldeagaine, as many have done, and brought their zeale to deaths doore. 

[Sidenote: Zeales extinguishers. ]

This fire may goe out divers wayes: first by subtraction of fewell; if aman forbeare his accustomed meales, will not his naturall heat decay?The _Levites_ that kept Gods watch in the Temple, were chargedexpressely, morning & evening, if not oftner, to looke to the lights andthe fire. Hee that shall forget (at the least) with the _Curfeau-bell_in the evening to rake uppe his zeale by prayer, and with the day-bellin the morning to stirre up & kindle the same, if not oftner with_Daniel_; I cannot conceive how hee can possibly keepe fire in hisheart. Will God blesse such, as bid him not so much as good-morrow andgood-even?

Hee that shall despise or neglect prophesie, must hee not needes quenchthe spirit? have I not marked glorious professors, who for some farmesake, or other commodities, have flitted from Jerusalem to Jericho;where the situation was good, but the waters nought; and their zealehath perished, because vision hath failed?

Such as reade the Bible by fits upon rainy dayes, not eating the bookewith _John_, but tasting onely with the tippe of the tongue: Such asmeditate by snatches, never chewing the cud and digesting their meat, they may happily get a smackering, for discourse and table-talke; butnot enough to keepe soule & life together, much lesse for strength andvigour. Such as forsake the best fellowship, and wax strange to holyassemblies, (as now the manner of many is) how can they but take colde?Can one coale alone keepe it selfe glowing?

Though it goe not out for want of matter, yet may it bee put out bysundry accidents; when it is newly kindled, it may be put out withscoffes and reproaches, if _Peter_ take not heede, and fence himselfewell against them; but if once throughly growne, such breath will butspred and encrease it. 

It is possible fire may bee oppressed with too much wood, and heatsuffocated with too much nourishment: over-much prayer, reading, andstudy, may bee a wearinesse both to flesh and spirit: but it so rarelyhappeneth, that I neede not mention it; and yet the soule hath itssatiety. There be some such perchance over-nice men in this sense also, who have not learned that God will have them mercifull to themselves: Itis often smoothered for want of vent and exercise. Let such as use notand expresse not their zeale, bragge of their good hearts; surely theyhave none such, or not like to have them such. If _Nicodemus_ had notburied Christ by day, we might have feared his zeale had gone out, forall his comming by night. 

Yet this is not so ordinary, as to extinguish it by the quench-coale ofsinne; grosse sinne every man knowes will waste the conscience, and makeshipwracke of zeale: but I say, the least known evill unrepented of, isas a theefe in the candle, or an obstruction in the liver. I feare, _David_ served God but reasonably, till hee published his repentance;hee that steales his meat, though poverty tempt him, yet giveth thankesbut coldly: zeale and sinne, will soone expell the one or the other outof their subject; Can you imagine in the same roofe, God and Beliall, the Arke and Dagon? Lastly, and most commonly, forraine heat willextract the inward, and adventicious heat consume the naturall. 

The Sunne will put out the fire; and so will the love of the world, thelove of the Father, they cannot stand together in intense degrees, onecannot serve both these matters with such affection as both would have. Seldome seest thou a man make haste to bee rich, and thrive in religion. Christs message to _John_ holds true; The poore are most forward inreceiving and following the Gospell: as thou lovest thy zeale, beware ofresolving to bee rich, lest gain proove thy godlinesse; take heede ofambitious aspiring, lest Courts and great places, proove ill aires forzeale, whither it is as easie to go zealous, as to returne wise:_Peter_ whiles hee warmed his hands, cooled his heart; Not thatgreatnesse and zeale cannot agree; but for that our weaknes many timessevers them. If thou beest willing to die poore in estate, thou mayestthe more easily live rich in grace. _Smyrna_, the poorest of the sevenCandle-stickes, hath the richest price upon it. 

The diligent practise of these courses will make easie the practise ofthis counsell, _Be zealous, &c_. 

_The fift part. _

[Sidenote: 1 Object. ]

But heere mee thinke I heare the lukewarme worldling of our times, fume& chafe, and aske what needs all this adoe for zeale, as if all Godspeople were not zealous enough. 

[Sidenote: Answer. ]

Such as thinke they are, or can bee zealous enough, neede no otherconviction to bee poore, blinde, naked, wretched and pittifull_Laodiceans_: Fire is ever climbing and aspiring higher; zeale is everaiming at that which is before; carried towards perfection; thinkingmeanely of that which is past, and already attained, condemning hisunprofitable service, as _Calvin_ his last Will: this rule tries fullconceited Christians. 

[Sidenote: 2 Object. ]

What would you have us doe? wee professe, keepe our Church, heareSermons, as Christians ought to doe. 

[Sidenote: Answer. ]

Affectionate friendship and service is not onely for publique shew andpomp, upon festivall dayes, in Chambers of Presence; but fordomesticall, ordinary, and private use; to such holy-day and Churchretainers, God may well say, Let us have some of this zeale at home andapart. 

All affections are most passionate, without a witnesse. Such as whosefamilies, closets, fields, beds, walkes, doe testifie of their worship, as well as temples & Synagogues, are right servitors: God much respectstheir devotions; and they have strong proofe of the power of godlinesse. 

[Sidenote: 3 Object. ]

Wee would you should know, that wee are such as have prayer sayd or readin our families and housholds; or else we say some to our selves at ourlying downe, and uprising and more then that, say you what you will, weeholde more then needs. 

[Sidenote: Answer. ]

First, know that zeale knowes no such unmannerly courses, as to slubberover a few prayers, whiles you are dressing and undressing your selves, as most doe, halfe asleepe, halfe awake; know further, that such as holdonely a certaine stint of daily duties, as malt-horses their pace, ormill-horses their round, out of custome or forme, are far from thatmettle which is ever putting forward, growing from strength to strength, and instant in duties, in season, out of season: and this sayes hard tolazy Christians. 

[Sidenote: 4 Object. ]

May not wee goe too far on the right hand?

[Sidenote: Answer. ]

It is true: but liberality baulkes, and feares covetousnesse andniggardize, more a great deale then prodigallity; so does zealelukewarmnes and coldnesse, more then too much heate and forwardnesse;the defect is more opposite and dangerous to some vertues, then theexcesse. 

[Sidenote: 5 Object. ]

Why? are not some thinke you, too straight laced, that dare not usetheir Christian liberty in some recreations? sware by small oathes, orlend money for reasonable use? hath not God left many thingsindifferent, wherein some shew themselves more nice then wise?

[Sidenote: Answer. ]

Zeale will cut of the right hand, if it cause to offend; much more topare the nayles and superfluities: it consumes the strongest, dearestcorruptions; much more will it singe off such haire and drosse as these:If ought be praise worthy, it imbraceth such things; if any bedoubtfull, carrying shew of evill, of ill reporte, it dares not meddlewith them; it feares that some of these are as indifferent, asfornication was among the heathen. 

[Sidenote: 6 Object. ]

There are but few such, no not of the better sort, as you speake of. 

[Sidenote: Answer. ]

Graunt there bee any, and zealous emulation culleth the highestexamples. Such as meane to excell in any Art, travell to find out therarest workemen, purchase the choysest Copies; hee that hath true zeale, will strive to purge himselfe, as Christ is pure. 

[Sidenote: 7 Object. ]

Will you have us runne before our neighbours, or live without example orcompany?

[Sidenote: Answer. ]

Cowards and cravens, stand and look who goes first: souldiers of couragewill cast lots for the onset and fore-rank, for desperat services, andsingle combats. Lades will not go without the way be led. 

[Sidenote: 8 Object. ]

So we may soone come to trouble, and danger enough. 

[Sidenote: Answer. ]

What daunger can there bee, of an honest, peaceable, religiousforwardnesse?

The slug or snaile, puts out the tender horne to feele for lets in theway, and puls them in where there is no cause; so doe the fearfull thatshall be without: but zeale either findes no dangers, or makes themnone; it neither feares to doe well, or to reproove ill doers, let whoso will be displeased. 

Some indeed care not whome they offend, they are so harsh and fiery, they can beare with nothing. 

[Sidenote: 9 Object. ]

Will true Christianity allow us to beare with any sinne?

[Sidenote: Answer. ]

Can tinne, or hot iron choose but hisse againe, if cold water be cast onit? can a righteous soul choose but vexe it selfe at open evill? SuchOstriches as can digest oathes, prophane and filthie speeches, shew whatmettle they have for the Lord of hosts; who yet will be ready enough tooffer the challenge, or stab, for the least disgrace to themselves, ortheir mistresse: _Phineas_ had rather, if it were lawfull, fight in Godsquarrels then his owne. 

[Sidenote: 10 Object. ]

All are not by nature of so hot dispositions, or so fiery-spirited, asothers. 

[Sidenote: Answer. ]

If there bee such a dull flegmaticke creature as hath no life norspirite in any thing hee goes about, or whome nothing will moove; heemay plead complexion, and yet grace is above nature: but the best wayis; See every man compare his devotion in matters of God, with hisspirits and mettle in other affayres, wherein his element or delightlies; if the one equall not the other, the fault is not in nature: theoldest man hath memory enough for his gold, and the coldest constitutionheate enough where it likes. 

[Sidenote: 11 Object. ]

Well, our harts may bee as good as the best though we cannot shew it. 

[Sidenote: Answer. ]

Fire cannot be long smothered, it will either finde a vent, or goe out;zeale will either finde word, or deede, to expresse it selfe withall. 

[Sidenote: 12 Object. ]

All have not the gift of utterance. 

[Sidenote: Answer. ]

Violent affections have made the dumbe to finde a tongue; If it be lowewater the mille may stand; but aboundance of heart will set the wheeleson going What earnest discourses will unlearned Mariners make of theirvoiages? Huntsmen of their game, &c. 

[Sidenote: 13 Object. ]

All have not ability and meanes: many have great charges. 

[Sidenote: Answer. ]

Love and zeale are munificent, make money their servant, not theirmaster: wheresoever the heart is enlarged, the hand cannot beestraightned; where the bowells are open, the purse is not shut. _Herod_for his pleasure, cares not for halfe his kingdome; what will not someGentle-men give for hawks and hounds? not onely the poore woman thatspent the rich oyntment on Christ, the widow that gave all hersubstance, the converts that solde all, and threw all at the feet of theApostles, but even the bounty of the superstitious Papists shall rise injudgement against such as professe a religion, wil give it good words &countenance; but bee at no cost with it, and know a cheaper way to savecharge withall. 

[Sidenote: 14 Object. ]

All have not so much leisure to spend, so much time and study, aboutmatters of religion, they have somewhat else to doe. 

[Sidenote: Answer. ]

There are indeede many vanities, which distract and divide the minde ofworldlings; but zeale counts one thing needefull, to which it makes allother veile and stand by. Is there any so good an husband of his time, that will not steale some houre for his pleasure; that cannot spare hisGod and his soule halfe an houre, morning and evening; that bestowes notidly, as much time as a Sermon or two would take upp in the weeke? Thesoule I confesse hath his satiety, as well as the body; but why shouldwe sit on thornes, more at a Sermon then at a Play; thinke the Sabothslonger then holi-daies; but for want of zeale? If thou beest not a vaineand willing deceiver of thy selfe, and others; deale honestly & plainlywith thy soule, try thy selfe by these few rules; and if thou judgestthy selfe to come short of them, amend and _be Zealous_. 

_The sixt part. _

Which little round fire-ball comming to hand, as _Davids_ small stone, by ordinary lot, knowing the insufficiency of mine owne; I pray that Godwith his arme would scatter it farre and wide into those wilde parts ofthe world without the pale of Christendome, which lie so frozen andbenummed in their Paganisme, that they feele not the coldnesse of theirreligions; as also in those regions that being within the Tropickes ofthe Church, have just so much, and so little heat, as to thinke theyhave enough, and neede no more: Cheefly mine affections burne within meefor the good of mine owne Nation, for which I would I had but so muchzeale as truely to wish my selfe _Anathema_, upon condition it had heatsutable to the light. For I must beare it record, it hath knowledge, Iwould I could say, according to zeale. But the spirit, knowing thatwhich is spoken to all to bee in effect as spoken to none, directs meewhat I should speake to Churches, to speake to particular Angels. Nowthe principall in our Church, under that Archangell of the covenant, Imost willingly acknowledge to bee my Lord the King, as an Angell oflight. And why not that very Angell, who by his writing hath begunne topowre out the fift viall upon the throne of the beast, darkned hisKingdome, caused them to gnaw their tongues for greefe, and blasphemefor the smart of their wounds; though as yet they will not repent oftheir errours? The Lord annoynt him more and more with this oyle aboveall the Princes of the earth, that from his head, it may runne downeupon our skirts; make him shine in zeale above all other starres, to thewarming & enlightning of this whole Horizon; set him up as a standardfor his people; cloath him with zeale, as with a cloake, to recompencethe fury of the adversaries, that he may strike the Aramites, not threebut five times till they be consumed; that he may put the Ammonitesunder the yron sawes, harrowes, axes, which have provoked him as much, as ever they did _David_, 2. Sam. 12. But yet as in the time of the oldTestament the custody of the fire and light was the charge of thePriest; so here I observe Christ to lay it upon his Ministers, interpreting his rule by his practise, _Tell the church, Tell the Angellof the Church_; honouring that despised office, with that stately stile;intimating the union betwene People and Minister, that they should beeas one: what is spoken to the one, is spoken to the other; not as some, that ever make Clergy and Layty two members, in division and opposition;neither yet as some spirites that lay all level, but implying aproperty, especially in grace and zeale in the Ministers, whom thePreacher calls the master of the assemblies; that they should exceede asfarre the people, as Angels doe men, and that he will reckon with themfor the religion of the people, because colde Priests make boldesinners; zealous _Jehoiada_ may mak _Jehoash_ the King zealous, so longas hee lives with him. Wee therefore men and brethren, or rather menand Angels, upon whom it lies to keepe life and heat in the devotion ofthe world, to consume the drosse of vices and heresies, that have falleninto the sinke of our times; wee that are to make ready our people forthe second comming of Christ, is the spirit of _Ely_ thinke weesufficient for us? What manner of persons ought we to bee, burning inspirit, fervent in prayer, thundring in preaching, shining in life andconversation? Why is it then my brethren (oh let my plainest rebukes beethe fruits and signes of my best love to mine owne Tribe; let them notbee as breakings of the head, but as precious balme to those whosehonour with the people, I preferre to my life) why is it that some of uspray so rarely and so coldly in private (the evills of our times willnot out but by frequent fasting and fervent prayer) in publique sobriefly, so perfunctorily, and feebly, that wee scarce have anywitnesses of what wee say? Why are there yet remaining any Mutesamongst us? Why are ther any tounges that dare speake against often orzealous preaching? Doth not _Paul_ adjure us before him that shall judgethe elect Angels, that we preach instantly, in season, and out ofseason? Reade wee the commentaries of that text, or let the practise ofAncients expound it; and tell mee if ever old or new interpreted thatcharge, of bare reading, of quarterly, or monethly, yea, or of once onthe Sabbath preaching onely, as if that were fully sufficient, withoutendeavoring or desiring any more. If alwaies often preaching beeprating, what meant the practise I say, not onely of _Calvin_, and_Beza_ but of _Chrysostome_, _Basil_, _Ambrose_ with other of theFathers, preaching every day in the weeke, some of them twise in theweeke, none of them so seldome, as such would bear the world in hand. What meant sundry ancient Councells, (the eleventh of _Tolet_ in Spaine)yea even of Trent it selfe, to excite the torpor of the Bishoppes oftheir times, as their Canons speake, enjoyning frequent preaching, calling for more then almost any man is able to performe?

But heere I may turne reprooving into rejoycing, that preaching isgrowne in any better fashion and grace with our times, by royall andreverend, both examples and countenance: only I wish that every_Archippus_ may fulfill his Ministery, be instant and constant inpreaching. _Salomon_ the older, and wiser hee grew, the more hee taughtthe people, sharpened his goads, and fastned his nails; whereas manyamongst us are so wise in their youth, as to affect the foolishnes ofpreaching; but in their dotage, Ease slayes the foole; when the doore isoyled, it leaves creaking; they must then fall to make much ofthemselves, till contrary with the Prophet they cry out, My fatnesse, myfatnesse, my belly, my belly; so favouring their lungs, that they willbee sure never to die of _Davids_ consumption of zeale; let such preach, say they, that want livings: and if for shame they preach at all, itmust bee rarely and easily, for breaking of their winde (my meaning isnot to tax such, whom God disinables by weaknesse of body; or such asrecompence their rarity with industry, as _Perkins_, &c. ) and yetforsooth these thinke they may justly challenge, and weare the doublehonor of countenance and maintenance; I marvell with what right, or withwhat face, so long as there remaineth expresse Canon of Scripture, bequeathing it to those, that toyle in word and doctrine. Neither willzeale set us on worke onely to preach, or to preach often to avoyd theinfamy of bare readers; but it will teach us to preach painefully, andthat in the evidence and demonstration, not so much of art, or nature, as of the spirit and grace; regarding onely, that the people know Christand him crucified; not caring whether they know what wee have read, howmany quotations our memory will carry levell, how roundly wee can utterour minde in new minted words, in like sounding, idle, vaine, andoffensive _Paranomasies_; I blush to fall into the least touch of thatkinde: yet at once to shew and reproove that childish folly, It is avaine of vaine preaching, turning sound preaching into a sound ofpreaching, tickling mens eares, like a tinckling cymball, feeding them, [Greek: hêdusmati kai ouk edesmasi], spoyling the plaine song, withdescant and division: what is this but to shew our owne levitie and wantof true Art; indeede affecting such a dancing, piperly and effeminateeloquence (as _Tully, Demosthenes_, or any Masculine Oratour wouldscorne) in steade of that divine powerfull deliverie, which becommethhim, that speakes the Oracles of God. If ever wee meane to doe any good, wee must exhort and reproove, with all vehemency and authority; liftingupp our voyce as a trumpet, as the sonnes of thunder; pearcing theireares, witnessing, striving and contending, according to our giftwhatsoever it bee, to manifest our affections, that wee may worke uponthe people; which all the Art in the world will not teach us to doe:onely zeale at the heart will naturally produce it, without straining oraffecting. If God require the heart as well as the head; why should weenot labour to moove the affections, as well as enforme the judgement;There is a doctrinall, and as some tearme it, a Doctorly kinde ofpreaching, which is admired of some that understand it not; of othersthat could be content with the Masse againe, because it was gentle, andhad no teeth in it. And such Sermons I have sometimes heard, for mattervoyd of exception, but so delivered, as if one were acting a part, orsaying a lesson by heart. It hath called to minde a song which sometimesI have met withall, excellently composed, full of sweet ayre, surely andtruely sung; but with flat and dead voyces without spirit, which hathmarred the musique: Of such a Sermon and Preacher, the Countreymansverdict did well, that said, this man may bee a great scholler, but heewants beetle and wedges to heaw our knotted timber withall, our greenewood will not burn unlesse it be better blown; you shall sometimes seean excellent horse of shape and colour, having many of those markes _DuBartes_ describes in _Caines_ supposed horse; which yet wanting mettlehath beene of little worth, and lesse use. If there were no otherPreachers then these, which hold themselves the onely profound andlearned Preachers, I muse what should become of conversion of soules, which they that covet; must come with the spirit of _Elias_, to turnethe hearts of the fathers to their children, I may in truth, and I hopewith modesty speake with the Preacher, that in observing I haveobserved, and have found, that divers great Clarkes have had but littlefruit of their ministery; but hardly any truely zealous man of God(though of lesser gifts) but have had much comfort of their labours, intheir owne and bordering parishes, being in this likened by _Gregorie_, to the yron on the Smiths anvile sparkling round about. And if for thisany bordering neighbours, whose cold labours worke not the likesuccesse, shall accuse them of some kinde (I know not what) of policiein bewitching the people; they may well reply, Behold our zealousaffections are our charmes, and zeale all our witchcraft, as _Latimer_well answered one that accused the people of partiality, for notaffecting him that preached one of his printed Sermons, that hee hadindeede his Sticke, but wanted his Rosen; meaning his zealous manner ofpreaching and living, without which last, all the former will doe butlittle good, if a good ensample of life accompany not their doctrine, aslightning doth thunder. For there are some (I speake with sorrow ofheart) that seeme to have fire in their preaching, but carry water intheir life; being notoriously proud, covetous, or debauched, stainedwith odious vices. Let us heare the summ of all. Doe wee love Christmore then ordinary? would wee give proofe of our trebble love to him?Let us then feede his flocke with a trebble zeale, expressed in ourprayer, preaching and living: Let us make it appeare to the consciencesof all, that the top of our ambition is Gods glory: and that wee preferrthe winning of soules, to the winning of the world. 

This title of Angels why may it not also be extended to Magistrates, aswell as that higher stile, of Gods; Sure I am, that the scarlet robe ofzeale would exceeding well become them. _Jethro_ maketh it their primeand essentiall character; God and _Moses_, their onely and sole, in thecharge and commission to _Jehoshuah_ so oft repeated; _Onely be of goodcourage_. And if _David_ were now to re-pen his Psalme; I thinke heemight alter the forme of his counsell, and say, _Bee zealous yee Rulersand Judges of the world_, and not wise and politique: or rather underthe tearmes of wisdome, hee comprehends indeede the zeale wee call for, the most now adayes being _Gallio's_, wise onely for the matters of theCommonwealth; not having a sparke of that spirit which was in _Phineas, Daniel_, and _Nehemias_, &c. For the Lord of hosts, or to his Lawes andCommandements; as if God had made Magistrates keepers onely of thesecond Table, governours of men, and not of Christians; guardians onelyof civill societies, and not of his Church, and shepheards also of hisflocke. Are Idolatries, blasphemies, prophaning of Saboths, no sinns?Why then either have not the lawes force and strength enough in them (assometime wee are answered when wee complaine) or why are they notexecuted for the suppressing of these raging sins? are not all theypunished with death in the Scriptures, as well as breaches of the secondtable? Blood I leave to the malignant Church, and admire clemency inRulers, as much as any; but yet I know the prophane dissolutenesse ofthe times, requires a three stringed whipp of severity to purge our_Augean_ stable of the soule abuses, whipt often with penns andtongues, but spared by them that beare the sword (a man may say of manyGovernours) altogether in vaine for matters of religion. Are not kingsof the earth charg'd to render double to the bloody strumpet of Rome?Why then doth the hurtfull pitty of our times imbolden and increasetheir numbers? _Laodicea_ it selfe, I doubt not, for matters of mine andthine, had (as their name imports) good civill justice and justicers;but what was God the neerer for it? doth hee not threaten for all thatto spue them out of his mouth? shall hee not curse those that doe hisworke negligently, fearfully & partially? Our times complaine of twospeciall canker wormes of justice, which eat up zeale in Magistrates. The first is _Covetousnesse_, which makes men of place to transgressefor a morsell of bread; the zeale of their owne houses consumes thezeale of Gods house: The building of great houses, keeping of greathouses, and matching with great houses, raising and leaving of greathouses behinde them, makes them so ravenous, that they devoure so much, as choakes all their zeale; which would teach them to shake their lapsof bribes, and scorne to accept gifts, though men would augment them forthe perverting of judgement. The other is _Cowardice_ and _Fearfulnes_:which how unfit, and base a quality did _Nehemiah_ thinke it for a manof his place? no better then shynesse in a fore-horse, whose eyes menfence on both sides, that they may lead the way, and goe withoutstarting; unto which, zeale is answerable in Magistrates, causing themonely to see him that is invisible, without casting a squint eye at men;to sing to God onely of judgement and mercy, without tuning their songsto mans eare; to walke in the perfect way, without turning, either tothe right or left hand for feare of favour. Oh that there were such anheart in our leaders; how easily would our people follow! what a springtide of zeale should wee have, if the Sunne and Moone would cast out abenigne aspect upon them! Doth it not flourish in all those shires andtownes, where the Word and Sword doe joyntly cherish it? In others whichare the greatest number, how doth it languish and wane away, and hangdowne the head? where is it in diverse places of the land to bee seene?I had almost sayd in my haste and heat, there is none that hath zeale, no not one, there is no courage for the truth; but that I remember that_Eliah_ was checked for over-shooting himselfe in his too short andquicke computation. I hope the Lord hath his fifties amongst us, thoughbut thinn sowne in comparison of the swarmes of professed Recusants, andChurch-Papists, of prophane Atheists, key-cold worldlings, and lukewarmeprofessors. The bodies of our many severall Congregations, yea even ofthe better sort, whereunto have they beene likened by our separatedadversaries; but unto the Prophet _Hosea_ his cake, halfe baked upon thehearth, having one side, that is, the one side to the world-ward, inpublique service, scorched a little and browned over; but the inside toGod-ward, in private, and family-duties, no better then dough; many ofthem making indeede some shew, as the out-landish fruits that areplashed upon our walls, but wanting heat never come to maturity. If weeshould make good their resemblances, how then should wee please thestomacke of God? who hath indeede brooked and borne us a long time, Idoubt but wamblingly. How neare were wee going in 88. And in the powdertreason? Doe we thinke he will ever digest us, in the temper wee are in?which (to confesse the truth of the fashionable Christian) what is itbut a state of neutrality, indifferency, or such a mediocrity, as willjust serve the time, satisfie Law, or stand with reputation ofneighbours? beyond which, if any step a little forward, do not the resthunt upon the stop? If there hap to breake out a sparkle of zeale in anyone house in a parish; is not the whole towne in an uprore, as when thebells ring awke every man brings his bucket, to the quenching of thisfire? If hell bee in an Ale-house, who cryes out of it? & as for ourSundayes Church-service, which is all that God gets at our hands; howperfunctorily, and fashionably is it slubbered over; how are his Sabothsmade the voyder and dung-hill for all refuse businesse, divided betweenethe Church and the Ale-house, the May-pole commonly beguiling thePulpit? What man would not spue to see God thus worshipped? This want ofdevotion makes the foule mouthed Papists to spet at us: this want ofreformation, makes the queasie-stomacked Brownists cast themselves outof the Church; and shall God alwayes suffer the land to beare us? Butbehold, he stands at the door & knocks, by treasons, by plagues, by thehammer of dearths, discontents, fires, inundations, especially by theword; his locks are wet with waiting. Oh before hee shake off the dustof his feet against us, and turne to some other nation more worthy, letus open the doore, that hee may come in and sup with us; if hee love us, hee will purge us, and scoure us, by one chastizement or other: if heehave no pleasure in us, hee cannot but unburthen his stomacke of us; Ifall the land besides should turne the deafe eare, yet let mee entreatand charge you of my flock to heare his voyce, & be zealous. Since mycomming amongst you, I have handled some bookes of the olde Testament, the Epistles to the Romanes, to the Hebrewes, of Saint _James_, _Peter_and _John_, out of them taught the doctrine of the Law, of Faith, Loveand good Workes: now in the choyce of this Epistle of Christ to_Laodicea_, my desire was to boyle up the former to their just temper:in which worke I can willingly bee content to spend my strength, anddayes, if God see it fit. I cannot be a better sacrifice then to God, and for you, if I waste my selfe, so you may have light & heat; whatelse is the end of my life? God hath given you a name, your zeale isgone abroad, & I hope you have many names among you; the Lord encreasetheir number and zeale. If but one of us this day, shall open thisdoore of his heart with _Jehoshuah_, let others chuse, I and my housewill serve the Lord more zealously then heeretofore; neither I nor heeshall have lost our labours. A lively picture casts the eye upon everyone that comes neere it: such is the word with whom, and with which wehave to do; Let him that is now colde, grow colder & colder; but let himthat hath an eare, heare what hath beene sayd to the Churches; and bezealous and amend. 

The Lord give us not onely understanding, but zeale in all things: hebaptize us with fire: hee breath on us, and inspire into us the spiritof life & power, &c. So shall wee runn the wayes of his commandements. 

FINIS.