1. BRANCH Of the Charge.

THat as the Basiliske is chief of Serpents: so of sinners the Drunkard is chief. That Drunkennesse is of sins the Queen: as the Gowt is of diseases: even the root of all evill, the rot of all good. A sin which turns a man wholly into sin. That all sins, all beast-like, all serpentine qualities meet in a Drun­kard, as rivers in the sea: and that it were far better be a Toad, or a Serpent, then a Drunkard. That the Drunkard is like Ahab, who sold himself to work wickednesse. That he wholly dedicates, resignes, surrenders, and gives himself up to serve sin and Satan. That h [...] ­ly imploiment is to drink, drab, quarrel, swear, curse, scoffe, slander and se­duce: as i [...]to sin were his trade, and he could do nothing else; like the Di­vel, who was a sinner from the beginning, a sinner to the end. That these sons of Belial, are all for the belly: for to drink God out of their hearts, health out of their bodies, wit out of their heads, strength out of their joints, all the money out of their purses, all the drink out of the Brewers barrels, wife and children out of doors, the house out at windowes, the Land out of quiet, plen­tie ou [...] of the Nation, is all their businesse. In which their swinish swilling, they resemble so many frogs in a puddle, or water-snakes in a pond: for their whole exercise, yea, religion, is to drink; they even drown them­selves on the drie land. That they drink more spirits in one night, then their flesh and brains be worth. That more is thrown out of one swines nose, and mouth, and guts, then would maintein five sufficient families.

2. Br. That it is not to be imagined what all the Drunkards in one shire or County do devour, & worse th [...] throw away in one yeare: when it hath been known (if we may give credit to Authors, and the oaths of others) that two and thirtie in one cluster have made themselves drunk; that six and thirty have drank themselves dead in the place with carowsing of healths; that at one supper, one and fourtie have killed themselves, with striving for the co [...] ­quest: that two have drank each of them a peck at a draught: that your [...] have drank four gallons of wine at a sitting: that one man hath drank two ga [...] ­lons o [...] wine; and two more three gallons of wine a piece at a time: that one Drunkard in a few hours, drank four gallons of wine: that four antient men drank as many cups of wine at one sitting as they had lived years, which was in [Page] [...]ree hundred cups of wine amongst four men: and lastly that three women [...]e into a Tavern in Fleet street (when I was a boy take it upon Clap­ [...]ns Oath and credit, who drew the Wine) and drank fourtie nine quarts of Sack; two of them sixteen a piece, and the third to get the victorie, seventeen quarts of Sack. Which being so, what may the many millions of these ding-thrifty dearth-makers consume in a year in all the three Nations.

Nor need it seem incredible, that common drunkards should drink thus: for they can disgorge themselves at pleasure, by onely putting their finger to their throat. And they will vomit, as if they were so many live Whales spuing up the Occan; which done, they can drink afresh.

Or if not so, yet custome hath made it to passe through them, as through a tunnel, or streiner; whereby it comes out again as sheer wine as it went in, as hath been observed.

Nor hath the richest Sherrie, or old Canarie any more operation with them, then a cup of six hath with me. And no marvell for if physick be taken too oft, it will not work like physick: but nature entertains it as a friend, not as a Physitian: yea poison by a familiar use becomes natural food. As Aristotle (in an example of a Maid, who used to pick spiders off the walls and eat them,) makes plain.

3. Br. That as Drunkards have lost the prerogative of their creation, and are changed (with Nebuchadnezar, Dan. 4.16.) from men into beasts, so they turn the sanctuarie of life into the shambles of death: yea thousands (when they have made up the measure of their wickednesse) are taken away in God's [...] [...]ath in their drink; (as it were with the weapon in their bellies) it fa­ring [...] them as it did with that Pope, whom the Divel is said to have slain in the very instant of his Adulterie, and carrie him quick to hell; being sud­denly struck with death, as if the execution were no lesse intended to the soul, then to the bodie.

That by the Law of God in both Testaments; He that will not labour, should not eat, Gen. 3.19. Prov. 20.4. 2 Thes. 3.10. because he robs the Common-wealth of that which is altogether as profitable as land, or treasure. But Drunkards are not onely lazie get-nothings, but they are also riotous spend­alls; and yet these drunken drones, these gut-mongers, these Quagmirists, like vagrants and vermine, do nothing all their life-long that may tend to any good, as is storied of Margites, and yet devour more of the fat of the Land, then would plentifully maintein those millions of poor in the Nation, that are ready to famish. A thing not fit to be suffered in any Christian Common-wealth; yea far filter they were stoned to death, as by the Law of God they ought, Deut. 21.20, 21. since this might bring them to repentance; where­as now they spend their daies in mirth: and suddenly they go down into hell, Job 21.13. Drunkards being those swine, whom the legion carries headlong into the Sea, or pit of perdition.

4. Br. That every hour seems a day, and every day a month to a drunkard, that is not spent in a Tap-house; yea, they seem to have nailed their ears to the door of some Taverne, or Tap-hous, and to have agreed with Satan, Master, it is good being here. That where ever the Drunkards house is, his dwelling is at the Ale-house, except all his money be spent, and then if his wife will [...]ch him home with a lanthorne, and his men with a barrow, he comes wi [...] [...] [...]ll image had

[Page] That the pot is no sooner from their lips, but they are melancholy, and th [...] hearts as heavie, as if a milstone lay upon it. Or father they are vexed lik [...] Saul with an evil-spirit, which nothing will drive away but drink and Tobacco. They so wound their consciences with all kinde of prodigious wickednesse, and so exceedingly provoke God, that they are rackt in conscience, and tor­tured with the very flashes of hell-fire. That they drink to the end onely, that they may forget God, his threats and judgments; that they may drown consci­ence, and put off all thoughts of death, & hell; and to hearten and harden them­selves against all the messages of God, and threats of the Law: which is no o­ther in mitigating the pangs of conscience, then as a saddle of gold to a galled-horse, or a draught of poison to quench a man's thirst. That if they might have their wills, none should refuse to be drunk unpunished, or be drunk un­rewarded at the common charge. As how will they boast what they drank, and how many they conquer'd at such a meeting, making it their onely glory▪ That the utmost of a Drunkards honestie is good-fellowship: that temperance and sobrietie with them is nothing but humour and singularitie; and that they drink not for strength, or need, but for lust and pride; to shew how full of Satan they are, and how near to swine.

That though these swinish swill-bouls make their gullet their god, and sa­crifice more to their god-bellie, then those Babyloni [...] did to their god Bell, Bell & the Dragon, ver. 3. yet they will say, yea swear, that they drink not for love of drink; though they love it above health, wealth, credit, childe, wife, life, heaven, salvation, all▪ They no more care for wine, then Esau did for his pottage, for which he sold his birth-right, Isa. 56.12.

5. Br. That Drunkards are the Divels captives, at his command, and ready to do his will; and that he rules over, and workes in them his pleasure, 2 Tim. 2.26. Eph. 2.2. that he enters into them, and puts it into their hearts what he will have them to do, John 13.2. Acts 5.3. 1 Chron. 21.1. opens their mouths, speaks in and by them, Gen. 3.1, to 6. stretcheth out their hands, and they act as he will have them, Acts 12.1, 2. Rev. [...].10. he being their father, Gen. 3.15. John 8.44. their king, John 12.31. & 14.30. and their god, 2 Cor. 4.4. Eph. 2.2. And which is worst of all, that drunken­nesse not onely dulls and dams up the head and spirits with mud, but it bea­stiates the heart, and (being worse then the sting of an Aspe) poisoneth the very soul and reason of a man, whereby the faculties and organs of repen­tance and resolution are so corrupted and captivated, that it makes men ut­terly uncapable of returning, unlesse God should work a greater miracle up­on them, then was the creating of the whole world. Whence Austin com­pares it to the very pit of hell, out of which (when a man is once fallen into) there is no hope of redemption.

That Drunkennesse is like some desperate plague, which knowes no cure. As what saies Bafil, Shall we speak to drunkards? we had as good speak to livelesse-stones, or sencelesse plants, or witlesse beasts, as to them; for they no more believe the threats of Gods Word, then it some Imposter had spoken them. They will fear nothing, till they be in hell-fire; resembling the So­domites, who would take no warning, though they were all struck blinde: but [...] in their course, untill they selt fire and brimstone about their [...] [Page]That there is no washing these Blackmores white, no charming these dea [...]e Adders; blind men never blush, fools are never troubled in conscience, neither are beasts ever ashamed of their deeds.

That a man shall never hear of an habituated, insatuated, incorrigible, cau­terized Drunkard, that is reclaimed with age.

6. Br. That as at first, and before custome in sin hath hardened these Drun­kards, they suffer themselves to be transformed from men into swine; as El­penor was transformed by Circes into a hogge; so by degrees they are of swine transformed again into Divels, as Cadmus and his wife were into ser­pents, as palpably appears by their tempting to sin, and drawing to perdition.

That these Agents for the Divel, Drunkards, practise nothing but the Art of debauching men; that to turne others into beasts, they will make them­selves divels, wherein they have a notable dexteritie, as it is admirable how they will winde men in, and draw men on by drinking first a health to such a man, then to such a woman my mistris, then to every ones mistris; then to some Lord or Ladie; their master, their magistrate, their Captain, Commander, &c. and never cease, until their brains, their wits, their tongues, their eies, their feet, their sences & all their members fail them: that they will drink until they vomitup their shame again, like a filthie dog, or lie wallowing in their beastli­nesse like a bruitish swine. That they think nothing too much either to do or spend, that they may make a sober man a drunkard, or to drink another drun­kard under the table; which is to brag how far they are become the divels children: that in case they can make a sober and religious man exceed his bounds, they will sing and rejoice as in the division of a spoil; and boast that they have drenched sobrietie, and blinded the light; and ever after be a snuffing of this taper, Psal. 13.4. But what a barharous, gracelesse, and un­christian-like practice is this, to make it their glory, pastime and delight, to see God dishonored, his Spirit grieved, his Name blasphemed, his creatures a­bused, themselves and their friends souls damned. Doubtlesse such men have climbed the highest step o [...] the ladder of wickednesse; as thinking their own sins will not presse them deep enough into hell, except they load themselvs with other mens; which is Divel-like indeed! whose aime it hath ever been, seeing he must of necessitie be wretched, not to be wretched alone.

That as they make these healths serve as a pulley, or shooing-horn to draw men on to drinke more, then else they would or should do: so a health be­ing once begun, they will be sure that every one present shall pledge the same, in the same manner and measure, be they thirstie, or not thirstie, wil­ling, or not willing, able, or unable: be it against their stomachs, healths, na­tures, judgments, hearts and consciences, which do utterly abhor, and secret­ly condemne the same. That in case a man will not for company, grievous­ly sin against God, wrong his own bodie, destroy his soul, and wilfully leap into hell-fire with them; they wil hate him worse then the hangman: and will sooner adventure their blood in the field, upon refusing, or crossing their healths then in the cause and quarrel of their Countrie.

7. Br. How they are so pernicious, that to damne their own souls is the least part of their mischief; and that they draw vengeance upon thousands, by seducing some, and giving ill example to others▪ That one Drunk [...] [...] [Page]a multitude; being like the Bramble, Judg. 9.15. which first set it self on fire and then fired all the Wood. Or like a malicious man, sick of the plague, that runs into the throng to disperse his infection; whose mischief out weigh's all penaltie. And this shews, that they not onely partake of the Divels na­ture, but that they are very divels in the likenesse of men: and that the very wickednesse of one that feareth God, is far better then the good intreaty of a Drunkard.

That with sweet words they will tole men on to destruction, as we tole beasts with fodder to the slaughter-house; And that to take away all suspiti­on, they will so mollifie the stiffnesse of a man's prejudice, so temper and fit him to their own mould; that once to suspect them, requires the spirit of discerning. And that withall they so confirme the profession of their love with oaths, protestations and promises, that you would think Jona­than's love to David nothing to it. That these pernicious seducers, divels in the shape of men, have learned to handle a man so sweetly, that one would think it a pleasure to bee seduced.

But little do they think! how they advance their own damnations: when the blood of so many souls as they have drawn away, will be required at their hands. For know this thou tempter, that thou doest not more in­crease other mens wickednesse on earth, (whether by perswasion, or provocation, or example) then their wickedness shall increase thy damnation in hell, Luk. 16.27.28. Non fratres dilexit, sed seipsum respexit. And this let me say to the horror of their consciences, that make merchandise of souls; that it is a question when such an one coms to hell, whether Judas himself would change torments with him.

8. Br. That the Drunkard is so pleasing a murtherer, that he tickles a man to death, and makes him (like Solomons fool) die laughing. Whence it is, that many who hate their other enemies (yea, and their friends too) imbrace this enemy, because he kisseth when he betraieth. And indeed what fence? for a pistol charged with the bullet of friendship. Hence it is also, that thou­sands have confest at the Gallowes, I had never come to this but for such and such a Drunkard. For commonly the Drunkards progresse is, from luxury to beggerie, from beggerie to thieverie, from the Taverne to Tyborne, from the Ale-house to the Gallows. Briefly; That these Bawds and Panders of vice breath nothing but infection, and studie nothing but their own, and other mens destruction. That the Drunkard is like Julian, who never did a man a good turn, but it was to damne his soul. That his proffers are like the fow­lers shrape, when he casts meat to birds, which is not out of pitie to relieve, but out of treacherie to insnare them. Or like traps we set for vermine, seem­ing charitable, when they intend to kill, Jer. 5.26. And thou maist answer these cursed tempters, who delight in the murther of souls, as the woman of Endor did Saul, 1 Sam. 28. Wherefore seekst thou to take me in a snare, to cause me to die, Vers. 9.

That he is another Absalom, who made a feast for Amnon whom he meant to kill. And there is no subtlety like that which deceives a man, and hath thanks for the labour. For as our Saviour saith, Blessed is the man that is not [Page 6]with their wiles. For herein alone consists the difference, He whom the Lor [...] loves, shall be delivered from their meretricious allurements. Eccles. 7.26. And he whom the Lord abhors, shall fall into their snares, Prov. 22.14.

9. Br. That Taverns and Tap-houses are the drinking schools where they learne this their skill, and are trained up in this trade of tempting. For Satan does not work them to this heighth of impietie all at once, but by degrees: When custome of sin hath deaded all remorse for sin; as it is admirable how the soul that takes delight in lewdnesse, is gained upon by custome. They grow up in sin, as worldlings grow in wealth and honour. They waxe worse and worse, saies the Apostle, 2 Tim. 3.13. they go first over shoo's, then over hoots, then over shoulders; and at length over head and ears in sin, as some do in debt. Now these Tap-houses are their meeting-places, where they hear the Divels lectures read; the shops and markets where Satan drives his trade; the s [...]hools where they take their degrees: these are the Guild-halls where all sorts of sinners gather together, as the humours do into the stomach before an Ague sit, and where is projected all the wickednesse that breaks forth in the Nation, as our reverend Judges do finde in their several Circuits.

That these Taverns and Ale-houses (or rather hell-houses) are the foun­tains and well-heads from whence spring all our miseries and mischiefs: these are the Nurseries af all riot, excesse and idlenesse, making our Land another Sodom, and furnishing yearly our Jayls and Gallowses. Here they sit all day in troops, doing that in earnest which we have seen boies do in sport; stand on their heads, and shake their heels against heaven; where, even to hear how the Name of the Lord Jesus is pearced, and God's Name blasphemed, would make a dumbe-man speak, a dead-man almost to quake.

10. Br. That it were endless to repeat their vain babling, scurrilous jesting, wicked talking, impious swearing and cursing: that when the drink that once bit them, and set their tongues at libertie, their hearts come up as easily as some of their drink; yea, their limitlesse tongues do then clatter like so ma­ny windows loose in the winde, and you may assoon perswade a stone to speak, as them to be silent; it faring with their clappers as with a sick-mans pulse, which alwaies beats, but ever out of order. That one Drunkard hath tongue enough for twentie men; for let but three of them be in a room, they will make a noise, as if all the thirtie bells in Antwerpe steeple were rung at once: or do but passe by the door, you would think your self in the Land of Parrats. That it is the propertie of a drunkard to disgorge his bosome with his stomach, to emptie his minde with his maw: His tongue resembles Bac­chus his Liber pater, and goes like the sayle of a Winde-mill: For as a great gale of winde whirleth the sayls about, so abundance of drink whirleth his tongue about, and keeps it in continual motion. Now he rayls, now he scoffs now he lies, now he slanders, now he seduces, talks bawdy, swears, bans, foams, and cannot be quiet, till his tongue be wormed. So that from the be­ginning to the end, he belcheth forth nothing, but what is as far from tru [...] pietie, reason, modestie; as that the Moon came down from heaven to vi [...] Mahomet: As oh! the beastlinesse which burns in their unchaste and in [...]ure mindes, that smokes out at their polluted mouthes! A man would th [...] [Page 7]his mouth run over with falshoods against both Magistrates, Ministers, and Christians▪ what speaks he lesse then whoredoms, adulteries, incests at every word; yea, hear two or three of them talke, you would change the Lycaoni­ans lang [...]e, and say, Divels are come up in the likenesse of Men.

11. Br. [...]hat at these places men learn to contemne Authority, as boies grown ta [...]l and stubborn, contemne the rod: Here it is that they utter swelling and proud words against such as are in Dignitie, as Saint Peter, and Saint Jude have it. They set their mouthes against heaven, and their tongues walk through the earth, Psal. 73.9. So that many a good Minister and Christian may say with holy David, I became a song of the drunkards, Psal 69.12. And in case any of them have wit, here they will shew it in scoffing at Religion, and flowting at holinesse. From whence it is, that we have so many Atheists, and so few Christians amongst us (notwithstanding our so much means of grace); and that the Magistracie & Ministrie are so wofully contemned by all sorts of people.

That these tippling Tap-houses are the common Quagmires of all filthinesse, where too many drawing their patrimonies through their throats, exhaust and lavish out their substance, and lay plots and devices how to get more. For hence they fall, either to open courses of violence, or secret mischief, till at last the Jayle prepares them for the Gibbet; for lightly they sing through a red Lattise, before they crie through a Grate.

12 Br. I speak not of all, I know the calling to be good, and that there are good of that calling, (and these will thank me, because what I have said, makes for their honour and profit too) but sure I am, too many of these drinking-houses are the very dens and shops, yea the thrones of Satan; very sinks of sin, which like so many Common-shores, refuse not to welcome and incourage any, in the most loathsome pollutions they are able to invent, and put in practice. As did you but hear, and see, and smell, and know what is done in these Taverns and Ale-houses, you would wonder that the earth could bear the howses, or the Sun indure to look upon them. That least they should not in all this do homage enough to Satan, they not seldom drink their healths upon their knees, as the Heathen Witches and Sorcerers (of whom these have learned it) used to do, when they offered drink-offerings to Be­ebzebub the prince of Divels, and other their Devil-gods.

That these godlesse Ale drapers, and other sellers of drink, in entertain­ing into their houses, and complying with those traiters against God, and in suffering so much impietie to rest within their walls, do make themselves guiltie of all, by suffering the same; and that a fearful curse hangs over their heads, so long as they remain such. For if one sin of theft, or perjurie is enough to not the rafters, to grinde the stones, to level the walls and roof of any house with the ground; as it is Zech. 5.4. What are the oathes, the lies, the thefts, the whoredoms, the murthers, the damnable drunkennesse, the numberlesse, and namelesse abominations that are committed there. For these Ale-house kee­pers are accessarie to the drunkards sin, and have a fearful account to give for their tollerating such, since they might, and ought to redresse it: so that their gain is most unjust, and all they have is by the sins of the people; as Diogenes said of the strumpet Phrine.

[...] of all seducing drunkards these Drink-sellers are the chief; their wh [...]le [Page] [...]e being nought else but a vicissitude of devouring and venting, and th [...] whole studie how to toule in customers, and then egg them on to drink; [...] as if drinking and tempting were their trade: they are alwaies guzling wit [...] in doors, or else tempting at the door, where they spend their vacant hou [...] ▪ watching for a companion, as a spider would watch for a poor flie; or a [...] the whorish woman in the Proverbs laid wait for the young novice, unt [...] with her great craft, and flattertng lips, she had caused him to yeeld, Prov. 7.6. to 24. Though when he sees a drunka [...]d, if hee but hold up his finger, the other follows him into his burrough, just like a fool to the stocks, and as an O [...] to the slaughter-house, having no power to withstand the temptation. So i [...] hee goes, and there continues as one bewitch'd, or conjur'd with a spell; out of which hee returns not, untill he hath emptied his purse of money, and his head of reason: while in the mean time his poor wife, children and servants want bread.

That did sellers of drinkaime at the glory of God, & good of others, as they ought, 1 Cor. 10.31. there would not bee an hundreth part of the drun­kards, beggars, brawls, and famished-families there are: whereas now thou­sands do in sheer drink, spend all the cloathes on their beds and backs. As be they poor labouring men, that must dearly earne it before they have it, these Ale-house keepers, these vice-breeders, these soul-murtherers will make them drink away as much in a day, as they can get in a week; spend twelve pence, sooner then earne two-pence, as S. Ambrose observs.

That thousands of these Labouring men may be found in the very Sub­urbs of this Citie, that drink the very blood of their wives and children, who are near famished, to satisfie the drunkards throat, or gut, wherein they are worse then Infidels, or Cannibals, 1 Tim. 5.8. who again are justly met with­all: For as if God would pay them in their own coyn, how oft shall yee see ver­mine sacking the drunkards blood, as fast as he the others.

14. Br. That these Drunkards & Ale-drapers are alwaies laying their heads together, plotting and consulting how to charme and tame their poor wives (for the Drunkard and his wife agree like the harpe and the harrow) which if maids did but hear, they would rather make choise of an Ape-carrier, or a Jakes-farmers servant, then of one who will be drawn to the Ale house. For let them take this for a rule, he that is a tame Divel abroad, will bee a roaring Divel at home; and hee that hath begun to be a Drunkard, will ever be a Drunkard. True, they will promise a maid fair, and binde themselves by an hundred oaths and protestations; and shee (when love hath blinded and besotted her) will believe them; yea, promise her self the victorie, not doubting but she shall reclaim him from his evil company; but not one of a thousand, scarce one of ten thousand that ever findes it so, but the contrary. For let Drunkards promise, yea and purpose what they will; experience shews, that they mend as sowre Ale does in Summer; or as a dead hedge, which the longer it stands is the rottener. And how should it be other, when they cannot go the length of a street, but they must passe by, perhaps an hundred Alehouses, where they shall be called in. And all the while they are in the drinking-school, they are bound by their law of good fellowship to be powring in at their mouths, or whissing out at their noses: one serving as a shooing-horn [Page]to the other; which makes them like ratsban'd Rats, drink and vent, vent and drink, Sellengers round, and the same again. Oh that a maids fore-wit were but so good as her after-wit! then the drunkard should never have wise more to make a slave of, nor wives such cause to curse Ale-house keepers, as now they have. And indeed if I may speak my thoughts, or what reason propounds to me; drunkards, are such children and fools (to what go­vernors of families ought to be) that a rod is fitter for them then a wife. But of this by the way onely, that maids may not so miserably cast away themselves: for they had better bee buried alive, then so married, as most poor men's wives can inform them.

15. Br. That to speak to these Demetriuses, that get their wealth by drinking; yea, by helping to consume their drink, & that live onely by sin, and the sins of the people, were to speed as Paul did at Ephesus, after some one of them had told the rest of their occupation. Yea to expect amendment from such, in a manner were to expect amendment from a Witch, who hath already given her soul to the Divel. That to what hath been spoken of drunkards and drink-sellers, in the particular cases of drinking and tempting, might be added seventie times seven more of the like abominations. For the drunkard is like some putrid grave, the deeper you digg, the fuller you shall finde him both of stench and horrour: Or like Hercules's monster, wherein were fresh heads still ari­sing one after the cutting off of another. But there needs no more then this taste, to make any wise man (or any that love their own souls) to detest and beware these Bawds and Pandors of vice, that breath nothing but infecti­on, and studie nothing but their own, and other mens destruction. These Bro­kers of villany, whose very acquaintance is destruction: as how can they be other then dangerously infectious? and desperately wicked? whose very mer­cies are crueltie.

16. Br. That I have unmasked their faces, is to infatuate their purpose: that I have inveighed and declaimed against drunkennesse, is to keep men sober, For vices true picture, makes us vice detest.

O that I had dehortation answerable to my detestation of it! Only here is a discovery how drunkards tempt: if you will see directions how to avoid their temptations, read my Sovereign Antidote against the contagion of evil company. Onely take notice for the present, that the best way to avoid evill, is to shun the occasions: Do not onely shun drunkennesse, but the means to come to it: and to avoid hurt, keep thy self out of shot; come not in drunken company, nor to drinking places: As for their love and friendship, consider but whose Factors they are, and thou wilt surely hate them. Consider what I say, and the Lord give you understanding in all things.

SEeing, and fore-seeing the sad effects of men's crying down Books, Learning, th [...] Ministery, Sanctification, &c. if this their deep, and divellish design do me [...] with no stop: and seeing we should specially prepare for defence, where Sat [...] specially prepares for offence. Considering also the numberlesse number of tho [...] that by professing themselves Protestants, discredit the Protestant Religion: Wh [...] because they have been Christened, as Simon Magus was, received the Sacram [...] of the Lord's Supper, like Judas; and for company go to Church also as Dogs do, a [...] called Christians, as we call the Heathen Images gods: yea, and ( being blinded [...] the Prince of darknesse, 2 Cor. 4.4.) think to be saved by Christ, though they ta [...] up Arms against him; and are no more like Christians▪ then Michols Image [...] Goats hair was like David: Who make the world only their god, and pleasure or pr [...] ­fit alone their Religion: Who are so gracelesse, that God is not in all their though [...] except to blaspheme him, and to spend his daies in the Divel's service: Who [...] ­ing Christians in name, will scoffe at a Christian indeed: Who honour the d [...] Saints in a cold profession, while they worrey the living Saints in a cruel persecuti [...] Who so hate Holiness, that they will hate a man for it; and say of good living [...] [Page 12]of a good man, as some stomachs will rise at the sight of sweet meats: Whose [...] ­ligion is to oppose the power of Religion; and whose knowledge of the Truth, [...] know how to argue against the Truth: Who justifie the wicked, and condemne [...] just: who call Zeal, madness; and Religion, foolishness: Who love their sins so m [...] above their souls, that they will not onely mock their Admonisher, scoff at [...] means to be saved, and make themselves merry with their own damnations; [...] even hate one to the death, for shewing them the way to eternal life: who [...] condemne all for Round-heads, that have more Religion then an Heathen, or kno [...] ­ledg of heavenly things then a childe in the womb hath of the things of this life or conscience then an Atheist; or care of his soul, then a Beast, and are mocke [...] of all that march not under the pay of the Divel: Who with Adam, will becom [...] Satans bond-slaves for an Apple; and like Esau, sell their Birth-right of Grace her [...] and their Blessing of Glory hereafter for a messe of Pottage: Who prefer the ple [...] ­sing of their palates before the saving of their souls: who have not onely cast of Religion, that should make them good men; but reason also, that should make them men: Who waste virtues faster then riches, and riches faster then any virtues ca [...] get them: Who do nothing else but sin, and make others sin too: who spend thei [...] time and patrimonies in Riot; and upon Dice, Drabs, Drunkennesse; who place all their felicity in a Tavern or Brothel house, where Harlots and Sycophants ri [...]e their Estates, and then send them to rob: Who will borrow of every one, but ne­ver intend to satisfie any one: Who glory in their shame, and are ashamed of that which should and would be their glory: Who desire not the reputation of ho­nesty, but of good fellowship: Who instead of quenching their thirst, drown their senses; and had rather leave their wits then the wine behinde them: Who place their paradise in their throats, heaven in their guts: and make their belly, their god: Who pour their Patrimonies down their throats, and throw the house so long out at windows, that at length their house throws them out of doors: Who [...]hink every one exorbitant that walks not after their rule: Who will traduce [...]ll whom they cannot seduce; even condemning with their tongues, what they [...]ommend in their consciences: Who, as they have no reason, so they will hear [...]one: Who are not more blinde to their own faults, then quick-sighted in other [...]ens: Who being displeased with others, will flie in their Makers face, and tear [...]heir Saviours Name in pieces with oaths and execrations, as being worse then any [...]ad dog that flies in his Masters face that keeps him: Who swear and curse even [...]ut of custome, as Currs bark; yea, they have so sworn away all grace, that they [...]ount it a grace to swear; and being reproved for swearing, they will swear that [...]hey swore not.

Or perhaps they are covetous Cormorants, greedy Gripers, miserly Muck-worms; [...]l whose reaches are at riches: Who make gold their god, and commodity the [...]ern of their consciences: Who hold every thing lawful, if it be gainful: Who [...]efer a little base pelf before God, and their own salvations; and who being [...]ted with Gods blessings, do spurn at his precepts: Who like men sleeping in a [...]at, are carried down the stream of this World, until they arrive at their graves­ [...] [Death] without once waking to bethink themselves whether they are a go­ [...] [to Heaven or Hell].

Or Ignorant and Formal Hypocrites: who do as they see others do, without ei­ [...] conscience of sin, or guidance of reason: Who do what is [...] [Page 13]for fear of the Law, then for love of the Gospel: Who fear the Magistrate more then they fear God or the Divel; regard more the blasts of men's breath, then the fire of God's wrath; will tremble more at the thought of a Bayliffe, or a Prison; then of Satan, or Hell, and everlasting perdition: Who will say, they love God and Christ, yet hate all that any way resemble him; are flint unto God, wax to Satan; have their ears alwaies open to the Tempter, shut to their Maker and Re­deemer; will chuse rather to disobey God, then displease great Ones; fear more the Worlds scorns, then His anger, and rather then abridge themselves of their pleasure, will incur the displeasure of God: Who will do what God forbids, yet confidently hope to escape what He threatens: Who will do the Divels work [...] onely, and yet look for Christs wages; expect that Heaven will meet them at thei [...] last hour, when all their life long they have galloped in the beaten Road towards Hell: Who expect to have Christ their Redeemer and Advocate; when their con­sciences tell them, that they seldom remember him, but to blaspheme him; and mote often name him in their Oaths and Curses, then in their Praiers: Who will persecute Honest and Orthodox Christians; and say, they mean base and dissem­bling Hypocrites: Who think they do God service in killing his servants, Joh. 16.2. Who will boast of a strong faith, and yet fall short of the Divels in believing, Jam. 2.19. Who turn the grace of God into wantonness; as if a condemned person should head his Drum of Rebellion with his Pardon; resolving to be evil, because God is good: Who will not believe what is written, till they feel what is writ­ten; and whom nothing will confute, but fire and brimstone: Who think their villainy is unseen, because it is unpunished; and therefore live like beasts, because they think they shall die like beasts.

Considering the swarms, Legions, Millions of these, I say, and many the like, which I cannot stand to repeat. As also in reference to Levit. 19.17. Isa. 58.1. And out of compassion to their pretious souls; there are above twenty several Books purposely composed, wherein are proper remedies (of the same alloy) for each soul seduced, or afflicted; to be had without any expence: which Books (like Glasses) will shew them (from Gods Word) the very faces of their hearts: And (like Peter to Cornelius, Acts 11.) tell them words whereby (with blessing from a­bove) both they, and their Associates (by their means) may be saved. Vers. 14.

And that they might the better recompence the Readers pains; whether he pro­pound to himself pleasure or profit: they are (as many Reverend Divines deem) a brief Collection of the most winning and convincing Arguments out of the choi­cest Authors; very pithily, orderly, and elegantly conveyed, and embellished; with much both variety of graceful and delightful illustration. Yea, if such as they concern, shall be pleased to make use of them; they may (with God's bles­sing) not onely have their vices lessened, their knowledg increased, and their mindes cheered and comforted: but probably they shall finde in them the flower, cream, or quintessence, of what would otherwise cost them twenty years reading to extract.

It remains onely, that the Patients, for whom this Physick is proper, be pre­vailed withall to take it. For although here is all necessary provision made, and the Guests lovingly invited, yet (of themselves) they will refuse to come, as in that Parable of the Lords Supper, Luke 14.16. to 25. Because, as good meats are un­ [...] [...] persons▪ so is good counsel to obstinate sinners. Here is [...] but [Page 14]they love darkness rather then light; lest their deeds which are evil, should be re [...] ­ved. Onely they that do well, and love truth, will come to the light; that t [...] deeds may be made manifest, John 3.19, 20, 21. Also many young novices in sin [...] entertain them as Lot did those Angels, that came to fetch him out of Sod [...] Gen. 19. And probably some Parents and Masters will desire them, to preve [...] the spreading of these Gangrenes in their Children and Servants. But as for [...] parties principally concerned and invited, and that stand in the greatest need, [...] are most to be pitied; they will even storm at this very Offer of Help, and hiss [...] Serpents, because it troubles their Nests. Being like him, Luke 8.27, 28. who l [...] ­ving been possest with Divels a long time, was at length very loath to part wi [...] his Guests.

Indeed, if some, whose hearts God hath already changed, would put them i [...] to their hands, and use their best Art to make them relished: (For like Bab [...] [...]neat must not onely be given them, but prepared too, and put into their mouths some return of good might happily come thereof. As weak means shall serve th [...] [...]urn, where God intends success. Even a word seasonably spoken ( God blessing i [...] [...]ike a Rudder, somtimes steers a man quite into another Course. Antiochus by he [...] ­ing from a poor man, all the faults which he and his Favorites had committe [...] carried himself most virtuously ever after. Antoninus amended his future life an [...] manners, by onely hearing what the people spake of him. The very crowing of [...] Cock occasioned Peters repentance. Augustine that famous Doctor, was converte [...] by onely reading that Text, Rom. 13.13. Let us walk honestly, as in the day-time [...] &c. Learned Junius, with reading the first Chapter of Saint Johns Gospel, was wo [...] to the faith of Christ. And Melancthon much after the same manner. I have rea [...] of two famous Strumpets, that were suddenly converted by this onely Argument [...] That God seeth all things, even in the dark; when the doors are shut, and th [...] curtains drawn. And Mountain tells of a libidinous Gentleman, that sporting with a Courtizan in a house of sin, happened to ask her name, which she said was Mary whereat he was so stricken with reverence and remorse; that he instantly both cast off the Harlot, and amended his whole future life. Bilney's Confession con­verted Latimer: yea, Adrianus was not onely converted, but became a Martyr too, by only hearing a Martyr at the Stake allege that text, Eye hath not seen, nor Ea [...] heard, &c. 1 Cor. 2.9. Yea, it was an observation of M ^r John Lindsay, that th [...] very smoke of M ^r Hamilton converted as many as it blew upon. Yea, even tho [...] Jews that crucified the Son of God, were converted by hearing those few words o [...] Peter, Act. 2. And it pleased God, when I, my self, was in as hopelesse a condi­ [...]ion, as any of those Sensualists before-mentioned; (I mean, as much fore-stalled with prejudice against Religion, and the Religious) that a poor man's perswading [...]ne to leave reading of Poetrie, and fall upon the Bible, was a means of changing my heart, before I had read out Genesis, being but twenty years of age: Who [...] [...] more bless God for, then for my Parents from whom I received life. And this [...] because I know no better way to express my thankfulness to him, who hath free [...] [...]d me from frying in Hell-flames for ever and ever, then by endeavouring to wi [...] [...]hers from Satans Standart to Christs) makes me do the like to others. For [...] [...]dom hear any one swear or scoff, or see any drunk, or the like, but I prefe [...] [...]em with one of these fore-mentioned Messages, from that God, whom they [...] [...]a [...]ingly and audaciously provoke. Nor do I alwaies miss the mark at which I [...] [Page 15] [...]nd I tell it you, because many discreet ones are apt to wonder, that I for make my [...]elf a scorn and gazing stock to fools: Though I shall never think it a shame to me, which was the onely glory of him, that was a man after God's own heart, as you [...]ay very often hear him profess, as in Psalm 50.15. & 71.17, 18, 19, 24. & 51. [...]4. & 119.171. & 22.22. & 35.18. and many the like; see Luke 8.38, 39.

I also mention it, that I may (if possible in this covetous, cold and dull Age) [...]rovoke others to do the same; or at least somthing for the saving of these poor, [...]gnorant, and impotent wretches; that are neither able nor willing to help them­ [...]elves. Though a one would think, (for I speak to enlightned souls) they should [...]ot need spurring, nor prompting to this Duty: For what heart would it not [...]ake to bleed, that hath any Christian blood in his veins, to see what multitudes [...]ere are, that go blinde-fold to destruction; And no man offer to stop or [...]heck them before they arrive there, from whence there is no Redem­ [...]tion. Matth. 7.13, 14. 1 Joh. 5.19. Rev. 20.8. & 13.16. Isa. 10.22. Ro­ [...]an. 9.27. 2 Tim. 2.26. 2 Cor. 4.4. Eph. 2.1, to 4. Phil. 3.18. Joh. 8.44. & 14.30.

Yea, how should it not make all, that are themselves got out of Satan's clutches, [...]lot, study, and contrive all they can; to draw others of their brethten after them.

We read that Andrew was no sooner converted, and become Christ's Disciple, at instantly he drew others after him to the same Faith, John 1.41. and the like [...] Philip, ver. 45. and of the woman of Samaria, John 4.28, to 41. And of Peter, [...]uke 22.32. Acts 2.41. and 3 Chap. and 4.4. And so of all the Apostles. Yea, [...]oses so thirsted after the salvation of Israel, that rather then he would be saved [...]ithout them, he desired the Lord to blot him out of the Book of life, Exod. 32.32. [...]nd Paul to this purpose saith, I could wish my self to be separated from Christ, for [...] brethren; that are my kinsmen according to the flesh: meaning the Jews, Rom. 9.3. [...]nd indeed, all heavenly hearts are charitable. Neither are we of the Communion of [...]ants, if we desire not the blessednesse of others: it being an inseparable adjunct, or [...]ative to grace; for none but a Cain will say, Am I my brother's keeper? Yea, where [...]e heart is thankful, and inflamed with the love of God, and our neighbour, this will [...] the principal aim: As by my sins, and bad example, I have drawn others from God, [...] now I will, all I can, draw others with my self to God. Saul converted, will build [...] as fast as ever he plucked down, and preach as zealously as ever he persecuted. And [...] are no whit thankful for our own salvation, if we do not look with charitie and [...] upon the gross mis-opinious and misprisions of our Brethren. And what though [...] cannot do what we would? yet we must labour to do what we can to win o­ [...]ers; not to merit by it, but to express our thanks. Besides, it were very honorable to Christ not to do so. Did you ever know that wicked men; Thiev [...], [...]unkards, Adulterers, Persecuters, false Prophets, or the like, would be damned [...]e? no, they mis-lead all they can, as desiring to have companions. Yea, the [...] arisees would take great pains, compass sea and land, to make others two-sold [...]re the children of hell then themselvs, as our Saviour expresly witnesseth, Mat. [...] 15. which may cast a blush upon our cheeks, who are nothing so industrious [...]vin souls to God. And what a shame is it! that our God should not have as [...]ful servants, as he hath unfaithful enemies: That wicked men should be at [...]e cost and and pains to please an ill master, then we can afford to please so [...]l a God, so gracious, and so loving a Father? Shall they labour so hard, for which will but inhance their damnation? and shall [...] think [...] [Page 16] [...]ch for that, which will add to the weight of our eternal glory and salvation.

And what though their case be not onely desperate, but almost hopeless? (as [...]ason, that sin is past cure, which strives against the cure: nor would these drow [...] ­ [...]ng men refuse help, were they not wilful murtherers of their own souls) yet the [...] [...] a mercie due even to them: And it is our duty to use the means; leaving t [...] ­ssue to him who is able to quicken the dead, and to make even of stones children [...] [...]oraham? Witness Manasses in the Old Testament, and Paul in the New. Yea [...] [...]ippose, that this their sad condition, calls for our more then ordinance compassio [...] [...]ince they have precious souls, that must everlastingly lives [...] or wo. A [...] [...]ence it is, that the Angels are said to rejoice more at the con [...] of such a si [...] [...]ier, then for the building up of ninety and nine that are already converted, Luk. 1 [...] because he to whom God hath given a new heart, and spiritual life, will be sure [...] seek out for, and use the means of growing in grace, and in the knowledge of [...] Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Whereas the former, are not onely dead in [...] but so buried in the grave of long custome, that they cannot stir the least joint; [...] not so much as feel their deadness, nor desire life; but resist all means tending the [...] unto. Insomuch, that the conversion of such an one is held by Divines a grea [...] work, or Miracle, then the creating of the whole World: For in every New Cr [...] ­ture are a number of Miracles; A blinde man is restored to sight: A deaf man to he [...] ­ing, A man possest with many Divels, dis-possest, Yea, A dead man raised from [...] dead; and in every one a stone turned into flesh: in all which God meets with [...] thing but opposition, which in the Creation he met not with.

Wherefore you, that (by calling to mind your own former blindness, and [...] dage) are able to know how it fares with them; and accordingly to pity th [...] you that fear God, or have any bowels of compassion towards their precious s [...] use your utmost indeavour to reduce them; earnestly admonish them; draw the [...] hear some Boanerges, that preaches with power and authority, and not as the Scri [...] Perswade them also to read Books that are convincing, &c. So shall you disch [...] your Duty to God, shew your love to them, your thankfulness to your Redeemer; [...] not a little pleasure your selves. For if you do gain them, you shall shine as the [...] in Heaven, for ever and ever, Dan. 12.3. Or in case you cannot reclaim them [...] he who requires it at your hands, Will return the same into your own bosomes, [...] 49.4, 5. Prov. 11.18. and 25.22.

But I were as good knock at a deaf mans door, as press or perswade the most [...] duty, though thus necessary: for those two Idols, Discretion & cursed Covetou [...] heare a greater sway with the common Prosessors of this Age; then either thei [...] ker or Redeemer: Though confident I am, others will do more then I say, Phile [...].

Melancthon having found the Word, most easily to prevail with him; dou [...] not but his Preaching should do wonders upon others: but having trie [...] found and confest, That old Adam, was too strong for young Melancthon.

Many Lepers were in Israel, in the time of Elizeus the Prophet: but none of [...] was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian, Luke 4.22. to 29.

Many are called, but few are chosen, Matth. 22.14.