The Wonders of the Lodestone

CHAP. I. Concerning the use of the Load-stone, unknown in former ages, discovered in these latter times.

THe Learned and unlearned have seen the Load-stone, and took it into their hands, many ages ago; yea as I may say, from the very beginning of the world, the vulgar and meaner sort of people perceived not without amazement, the Virtue which it hath to draw Iron unto it, and lift it up. The Philosophers disputed subtly about the form thereof, and vehemently contended among themselves about this, whether it had a Soul or no: Both Historians and Poets have proclaimed the mystical and wonderful nature, the secret and hidden qualities thereof; yet mingling truth with falsehood, and adding to their discourses diverse vain sigments of their own, so that of one and the same stone, through errors, they made two of a contrary nature; one they called Theamedes, from the Southerne point, another Ma • nes from the Northern, but I pray to wha • good end or purpose▪ when in the mean time they were utterly ignorant of its turning toward the Pole: of its use in Navigation, and the Art of Dyalling, they not so much as dreaming darkly of these things? Surely the Lord of Nature, would have so many acute and Divine wits of Philosophers and Theologues, not to find out, as yet, such an excellent invention, and so it lay hid altogether in the secret bosom of natures Majesty, and that for five thousand years and more, until at length after the exhibiting of Christ to the world in the year of our Lord, one thousand three hundred or thereabouts. Almighty God of his goodness taking compassion uopn Man-kind, did make Mortall men happy, declaring unto them by Goias Melphitanus, the most useful and beneficial Instrument of the Mariners compass, by the help and benefit of which we do now discover many remote lands, that were unknown heretofore, and so procure all kinds of Merchants wares. Wherefore that which is commonly spoken of Aristotle's Book of Physicks, we may more justly apply to the Load-stone, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , that made public it was, and yet not made known, because that men did not yet understand the secrets thereof. Look in what manner the Lord of the world, to whom belongs the earth, & the fullness thereof, did give the Load-stone unto the world; in the very same manner did he give the world it self, and all worldly things, to such as are great and worldly people: Heaven indeed he hath reserved for himself, & for his elect, both Angels & men, but the earth he hath given to the children of men in general▪ Concerning possessions & Titles, Lawyers plead in their Courts, as Divines dispute in their Schools, concerning the right and Lordship thereof, whether unregenerate persons, since Adams fall, have any right to these earthly things; as also whether this Right be grounded upon Grace or Nature; whether it holds good in God's Law Court, or only in man's: Let these controversies be at an end for me; Let the ungodly (if God so please) hold and enjoy their large patrimonies; let worldlings keep to themselves their vain worldly wealth, so that this be out of all doubt and question, that the saving, and profitable use of such things pertains only to them that are good, in the eyes of the Lord, who by Christ, have recovered that, which was lost and forfeited by sin. And this I suppose to have been the Apostles meaning in that brief Epitome of our Magna Charta, the large charter of Christians, where he doth accurately and particularly rehearse, that ample and royal privilege of the faithful, excluding all Infidels or unbelievers: All things are yours, whether Paul, or Apollo, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come ; All, I say are yours, yours only, as touching the true spiritual and Heavenly use of the same, and ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's : So then this good blessing and gift of GOD, is proper only to those that are good, which gift the royal Preacher doth praise so much, and doth also make opposite to it, vanity, disease, disquietness, vexation of spirit, and that toilsome occupation of gathering and heaping up riches, which he notes to be the portion of sinners, & imposed as a punishment upon them by God, of which he doth else-where complain: Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool? Seeing he hath no heart or mind that is to say, to receive'e any profit thereby, or to make any good use of it? Wherefore have wretched Euclio's or Misers, the Usury of much Money, and the right use but of little?

Wherefore is unmeasurable Wealth conferred on the Covetous, which are as greedy as TANTALUS is said to have been, they being such sparing Distributers of it, and do abstain from their Wealth, as if that it were sacred and forbidden to be touched. So likewise, wherefore have the Prodigal, and wasteful spenders of their Substance, such plentiful means, which they to the destruction of their bodies and Souls, do abuse and consume in Gaming and Riotous living? Wherefore have wicked men such excellent endowments enriching their minds, quick understandings, steadfast memories, happy and fine wits, whereby they do service to Satan and their own lusts? which S. Augustine did so lamentably bewail in his Scholar Licentius, a learned and Noble young-man. Wherefore hath God infused into their hearts the habits of graces, wherefore hath he with a Liberall hand, committed these heavenly talents unto their trust, if they shall be wrapped up in Napkins, and being wrapped up be hid and perish, unless that over and above, he shall add unto these another Grace, whereby they may stir up these graces received; and set them forth to be seen of others, and exercise themselves in them, to the glory of God the giver of all grace, and to the profit of their friends and neighbors.

Man is like Iron, saith one, if you use it, it will be bright; if you do not, it will be rusty and corrupt, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , it is not the having, but the using of Books, is the means to get learning, saith Plutarch, so may one say of riches.

CHAP. II. Concerning divers uses of the Loadstone, and which is the most excellent.

AS there is a manifold & multifarious use to • e made of all things in general, so of everything in particular, and a great deal of profit that cometh thereby. Yet for the most part that is the least use to be esteemed of, & to be reckoned in the last and lowest place, which is obvious to the eyes of the behoulders, at the very first sight, is presently discovered, and doth as it were, of its own accord offer it self to be discerned.

The next and middlemost is that which is perceived by him that looks into things more fully, who layeth the object naked before his eyes, and uncovers it, as if a man should unbarke a Tree.

The best and most excellent use which should be of highest esteem, is that which is made manifest with labor, by him that doth consideratively weigh all businesses, and piercing through the very marrow of the matter, brings all things to examination deliberately, yet frequently, when he hath taken great pains in his Study, after that he hath beaten his Deske, and bitten his nails, as he saith, after that he hath poured forth his prayers to the God of heaven, and hath laboriously spent much time in searching the gold Mines of Nature.

Now that I may give light to what I have said by example; children and women, even by the secret instinct of Nature, do use herbs for to smell to, and to look upon. The Apothecaries by the help of Art, and experience, do use the same for the nourishment of bodies, and for cure of diseases. Divines having the, Spirit of God for their guide, and Christ for their Teacher, who described God's providence in a lively manner by the example of Lilies, I say, Divines make use of them, to inform men's understandings, and to instruct them in heavenly things; this very thing is more clearly seen in the holy Scripture, whereof although there be but one sense, yet hath it a threefold use; the first is literal, which is apparent in the outside of the History, the second Tropologicall, which serves for information of manners, the third, Anagogical, which doth elevate, the mind to spiritual and heavenly things, but above all, this is most clearly seen in the Loadstone, the less considerable use of it, is known to common people of the meanest capacity: It was first found out by one Nicander a Heardsman of Magnesia, when as he fed his Cattle, he observed that the point of his Pastoral staff, and the Hobnailes of his shoes, did stick in a piece of ground where Loadstones were, so that he could hardly get off, but that use is of great account and more excellent, whilst by the help and direction thereof they understand to motions and progress of stars, they measure the precious minuts of time, they direct the course of ships, and arrive at the Havens, where they would be. Further the use that is most excellent of all other is, that which (God willing) I shall recommend in that which followeth, to Christians, and especially to Divines, unto whom it is given of God, for to know and perceive the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven, and this I trust I shall do, by raising and stirring up their souls, to a more manifest knowledge of Christ, and to a sweeter meditation of his Divine grace, through the pleasing Contemplation of this marvelous Stone, and by an explication of the hidden properties and operations of it, which I hope shall not be unacceptable: Surely this is the principal and chiefest end of the creatures, that they should be as ladders and wings, wherewith our sou'es going up, and flying above the thickets and dung-hills of this world, may ascend up to heaven more easily, and come with speed to God their Creator, and indeed God hath engraven some excellency, upon things, that are of the meanest esteem, some greatness on things that are reputed least, and some visible foot-steps, of his invisible wisdom and power, on things that are supposed most obscure, he hath imprinted in the Loadstone, I dare boldly say, a lively representation of himself, a remarkable demonstration of his power, a clear character of his grace. Nature hath been nowhere more laborious, then in the Loadstone, said, that undefatigable Searcher of the Nature of things, and most diligent discoverer of Antiquity. Either he would have said, or else should have said besides, that nature hath been nowhere more miraculous and munificent, nowhere more mystical and ingenious, • o not in Pearls & precious stones in whose candour and splendor, natures Dei • y lieth hid, after a sort, which shines and glistereth in the sutty color and blackenesse in this Stone. Many makes Idols of those Gemmes, by loving them too much, and so they are Teachers of Vanities and Lyes, as the Prophet speaks; but this stone though dumb, is a master to teach us, bo • h verity and virtue, in many particulars.

CHAP. III. Of the benefit we have by the use of the Loadstone, that shows us the North, and a comparison of it with Christ.

BEfore that the virtue of the Loadstone, (that showeth the North) was revealed unto Mariners, it cannot be spoken, with what uncertain wanderings men were driven about, following doubtful conjectures; how they did indirectly float here and there, rather then sail the right way: indeed, when the weather was fair, when either the Sun or stars gave their light, they crept about the coasts of the earth, sometimes by the help of lights set in high places, for their direction, sometimes by the help of Towers and Trees, not far from the shore, yet not without incredible anxiety of mind and great danger of shipwreck; but if the heavens were cloudy, if the stars and Sun were withdrawn out of sight, and especially a tempest drawing on, they knew not whether to tune themselves, or whither to go, with what joy then shall we think that they were filed in every part, with what gladness may we suppose, that they did triumph, when first this Magneticke Neptune became the guide of their way, which showing unto them the path they should trace, through quickesands and rocks, they might discern and distinguish, even in the darkest night, and most cloudy sky, the several angles of the North, and the South, the East and the West, and might most certainly judge in what coasts of the world, in what Latitude, yea, and wanting but a litt • e, in what Longitude of places they were, as also into what parts of the earth, and into what Ports they directed the course of their shipping. Lastly by the Divine benefit of this Mercury or Guide, it came to pass, that they not staying for the pleasant gales of the Western wind, did fearelesly hoise up their sails, and went beyond the Pilars of Hercules, then those Hands, Continents, Nations and Merchants wares, which lay hid, as altogether unknown, were discovered by us, and often found out, and at length the whole Circumference of this terrestrial Globe, was in our memory several times sailed about by Francis Drake, Thomas Cavendish, and other noble spirits, which thing in former times, as it was thought impossible, so it was never heard of; Before that the light of the Gospel was revealed unto men, God suffered all people, in the Generations past, to wander in their own ways, having their cogitations darkened and estranged from the life of God, by reason of the ignorance and vanity of mind that was in them, for Philosophy doth but deceive the children and Scholars she brings up, and vouchsafeth to be their companion and guide of their way in prosperity only, but vanishing as a blazing star or lightning, in the time of adversity and perplexity, she forsakes them in the shadow of death, and leaves them destitute of comfort; If it asswage their maladies at any time, it never cures them. If it draw a skin perchance on their scars, notwithstanding it heals not within, Christ alone, who is the Light of the world, (the Way, the Life, and the Truth,) delivers those that are his, from wandering and wavering, he leads them into all truth, reveals unto them, the mysteries of salvation, lays open the secrets of the Old Testament, he alone replenisheth his servants with joy and peace, that surpasseth all understānding, when they are in tribulations & imprisonmens, when they are tormented with fires & racks; he alone brings immortality to light, wherewith he comforts his own people in the point of death, he alone by the lightsome Lantern of his word, directeth their goings, and their feet in all his ways, to which they should have well done, if they had taken heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystarre should arise in their hearts: but because they received not the love of the Truth, that they might be saved, therefore God sent them strong delusions, that they should believe lies, old wives tales, and foolish dreams of Monks. And lastly, that taking rooten Traditions, leaden Legends, for Oracles of faith, and the blind leading the blind, they should fall again into the bottomless pit of errors, wherein the whole world lay drowned, for some hundred; of years, until again it pleased the Father of mercies, almost in the same passage of time, wherein he shown the use of the Loadstone, to restore the light of his Gospel, to dispel the mists of Popery, to discover the deceits of Antichrist, to reform his Church upon earth, and in conclusion to kindle again the light of his Word, which we do with all humble reverence, beseech him again, and again, to conserve unextinguished until his glorious coming to Judgment.

CHAP. IIII. Of divers names by which the Load -stone is called, and how that everyone of them may most conveniently be applied unto Christ.

I Am not so senseless, as that I should ascribe Divine honor unto a Stone, or think or speak of it more then it becomes me, or more then ought to be spoken, much less that I should make an equal comparison between a vile Stone and the Lord of life. Yet I see no impediment, but that I may liken the one to the other in some respects: Especially, because the Lord himself doth not disdain to denominate himself a Corner-stone, and those that are his, the living Stones of a Temple, Now that which happens to Heroicall spirits, and men that are famous for virtuous Acts, that they obtain diverse titles for increase of honor; because of their divers Dignities, and for their excellent sayings and deeds, the like happens unto the Load-stone, because of its many and notable virtues and wondrous effects, that so it might be honored and adorned with divers names, of which there is none, that may not be applied to Christ by a kind of excellency, and more aptly, then to the Loadstone it self. That name which is peculiar to the English and Dutch, was imposed upon it, by reason of Leading, directing, and showing the way; neither can any one justly doubt, but that this stone was termed a Loadstone, quasi Leadstone, which name is agreeable to none more appositely then to Christ, who is the way, and guide of the way; who is the Leadstarre that directeth and leadeth his chosen to the Haven of Heaven. Among names of the second Ranke, it was also called Magnes, because of the great force and virtue of it, and the name 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Herculean, because of the strength thereof, was famillar especially among the ancient Grecians, as also the name, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 among the Hebrews, a Retinendo, because of its retaining and holding of things. Now Christ is the true and only Hercules, the Almighty which draws unto him all things: He alone is so strong, that he overcomes that strong one the Devil, He delivers his Servants by strong hand, and frees them from bondage; Out of whose hands no man doth pluck, or is able to pluck them. The name A 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or Aymant, which is usual among the Grecians or French may be put in the third place. This Stone being so called from its invincible hardness, for it scarce feels a Sa • e, or suffers any diminution thereby. And as Christ is a Load stone to such as disagree, and a corner-stone to such as be asunder or at variance; So to his enemies or those that wrestle against him, He is an unconquerable Adamant (both which we read in the Encomiums, or praises of Athanasius ) I say he is an unconquered Adamant: No force and assaults of enemies, no not the raging fury of Satan, that roaring Lion and red Dragon, nor the gates of Hell can be able to prevail against him. The last name is Siderites, which it hath obtained from the Iron its ownenaturall Brother, bred up together in the same Bowells of their Mother Earth. For Iron is both an object, in drawing of which it delighteth, and a Medium, a means or Instrument whose attendance in drawing, it doth as it were rejoice to have. In both respects, It is a wonder how Artificially and to the Life it expresseth and imitates Christ, who embraceth us poor mean men, with Brotherly love, neither doth he refuse nor is ashamed to call us Brethren. Now as I shall explain these several things one by one, and something more at large; no man I suppose, will be so dainty, or so averse from these pleasanter Studies, that they shall be unto him, any occasion of distaste or disdain. No man I think will be so Atheologicall or void of Divinity, as to make the Load-stone a Stone of offense.

CHAP. V. Of the Load-stones elevating Virtue.

AS all other heavy things, so Iron of its own Nature goes down-wards. This, as the eldest Son of the Earth, and principal in her Love, tends with a wonderful and vehement desire, to the Center thereof, as to his Mothers bosom. So that without violence or Miracle, it never ascends to the Air, nor mounts to places above. Yet not withstanding, such is the marvelous Virtue of this wonder working Stone, that giving to the Iron but a light touch, and having once affected it, with its love, It presently forsake its common Mother, hastens to the Load-stone with a Swift violent course, and with all possible endeavor, being ready to embrace it, in the most loving manner that may be. But if it be detayn'd by force of hands or held back by a string that it cannot touch it; then as it were most vehemently longing to come to it it moves over against it, I have seen (neither did I see it without astonishment) a needle raised up by the Loadstone hanging in the air; agai • st its own nature, lifting up the point thereof towards the Load-stone, that was placit above it. I have seen the same needle being artificially placit upon a brazen Tablet, in the surface of water, swimming over to the Loadstone without the • elpe of a corke, from one side of a cauldron to another, and flying up to it. As I seriously considered these Magneticke miracles, and wonderful works of God; that came to my mind, which is recorded in sacred Scripture, about the Axe that through negligence fell down to the bottom of the River, yet at the Prophets command, came out of the deep, and swimmed up, Asalso that so Elisha forsaking his Oxen, his Plough, his friends and all that he had, and following Elias without any delay, as his Guide and companion, in a way to him as yet unknown, As also that which is writ of Peter travelling on foot to his Lord on the waves of the Sea. He that can hardly believe these histories, but leaves themto be believed of Jews and others, let him now take notice of these things, which upon experience, I speak of the Loadstone, let him give credence to me without taking my oath, or at least believe his own eyes, Magna sui faciunt, per Leviora fidem, Great works make Affidavit for themselves, by those that are less. They are blessed, I do not deny, who having not seen, do believe; yet notwithstanding these sensible helps of Faith, are not altogether to be despised, which after their manner and measure, do further and strengthen our Faith. Now that some benefit may accrue unto▪ us by these things, we must know that our souls ever since Adams fall are troubled with a wonderful drowsiness and lumpishnesse the very Heathen Poet crying out, O curvae in terras animae, & caelestium inanes, O souls of men bent to the earth, and void ofheavenly things. Saint Bernard complaing, that our souls are become carnal, and in some sort turned into flesh, S. Anselm, likening them to a bird tied to a ponderous stone, Saint Augustine, to a little Be, so drowned in abounance of honey, that it can by no means, unwind or spread forth her wings: indeed the huge w • ight of the body lies heavily upon them, the cares of the world do press them down, the lusts of the flesh do ensnare them, the allurements of pleasures entangle them, who shall ease us of this burden? who shall take away these loades, that we may clime up the ladder of Jacob with more speed and ease? Who shall give to us the wings of a Dove, that we may fly up to heaven with hast, • and have our privileged habitationthere? Surely, he alone who infused into the Loadstone such virtue; He alone who drew to him Matthew from the Custom-house, Zacchaeus from the Tree, Philip from his Chariot, the Eunuch from the Court, that they might follow him by the odour of his Oyntments; He who in time to come, shall waken us, though dead in our graves, by the sound of his Trumpet, that as Eagles to a dead body, so we may be gathered to him. To conclude, He shall do it, unto whom no man can ever come, but whom he shall draw, by his great virtue, exceeding that of the Loadstone • , Whilst that by inspiring, He creates, and by creating inspires, or breaths into the will a new power, life, and virtue.

CHAP. VI. Of the Load-stone communicating its Virtue, and Conveying it into the Iron.

AMong the least flowers and precious Stones, there is none almost, which hath not received some excellent endowment from God, the bestower of all good things; which notwithstanding it hath received, with this limitation and condition, to reserve it, and to have it inherent in it self alone, but can very hardly communicate it, and transfuse it to other things of the same nature. If you put. Mallowes to Roses, they take none of the Rosie color, or smell therefrom: If you put aflint or pumice stone to a Sapphire or Emerald, they borrow no brightness thereby. The Loadstone only inricht by nature, with a special privilege, triumphs in this, that it can endow the Iron, which is placit by it, with its virtue and power to turn, and which you may more admire, it so endowes an Iron ring with this virtue, that being next another, it shall impart the same virtue to that, a second shall do it to a third, and so forward in a long row, and as yet, which goes almost beyond all belief, it doth not only these things by apposition or the lightest touch, but also by passing over to it, as it were by a certain Divine inspiration, only with this difference, that in a quick passage, the Iron is possessed with Virtue, more weakly, and slightly, and is endued with a less power to turn, but if it stay for some longer time, it receives a greater Virtue, even such as it may draw more strongly, abide in it the longer, and be more hardly lost? therefore this one, this only stone, among all other created things, is found worthy, not only to shadow out, but also to represent to the life, the efficacy of the grace of Christ, and of his holy Spirit: Though skill in Arts, and Sciences, and Languages, is not attained unto without hard labor, and long expense of time, yet Christ did in abundant manner, give his holy Spirit, and his manifold gifts unto the Apostles, only by breathing upon them which they also conveyed over to their Brethren, as Philip to Nathanael, Paul to Timothy, in a continued course to the end of the World; and surely with less labor, not only by imposition of hands, but also by the shadow of a Body, passing by, and by the Handkerchiefes of the absent. Saul falling by the way into the company of Prophets, was touched a little for a while, with a Prophetical Spirit, But Elisha adhering diligently, and inseparably to the side of Elias, until his ascent, was replenished with a more plentiful abundance of the Spirit, even to a miracle? Those sudden prayers also, which we call Ejaculations, never return from heaven unheard, but draw down from thence some small portion of grace at the least: But if one with Moses, and Elias, should for many days together watch, and continue, all night in fastings, and prayer, he should be moistened, and refreshed with a more copious measure of grace, as it were with a great shower.

CHAP. VII. Of the Loadstones attractive Virtue, and of Christ his dra • ing of the Wisemen, Math. 2.

ADmirable truly is the Nature of some created things, but the power of the creator is always greater, especially in that Stone.

But is not Christ more to be admired then any Loadstone whatsoever? who can deny it? for the Loadstone only draws unto it, one thing, and that placit over against it: Now Christ draws all things, as well those that are far distant, as those which are near at hand; things that have life, and things without life; things endued with reason, and things void of reason; the Lo • dstone only draws Iron; Amber draweth staws only unto it What doth not Christ draw, whom doth he not draw unto himself? All things were made by him, all things moving in a circle, or comp • sse, as streams to their fountains, return unto him▪: He is the Alpha, or the beginning producing: He is the Omega, or the end, reducing all things to himself.

When I shall be lifted up from the Earth, I will draw all things unto me; So said he long ago, speaking p • rtly of his reproachful exaltation upon the Cross: p • rtly of his triumphant ascending to heaven: when he was lifted up, and laid on the Cross: He drew the Thief that was next unto • i • , and hanging as it were in a Ballance hard by him, a • though he was heavy laden with a Talent and huge burden of sin.

He drew the Centurion at the same time, and some others who having scene so many demonstrative Miracles at his death, did give Testimony of an admired r • pentance, when they returned into the City, He drew to himself the Apostles, that forsook him, and especial Peter, When h • was exalted by his ascent into the Heavens: what thing, or whom, that were capable, did he not draw to himself? He drew Saul when he was cast down from his horse, speaking to him from Heaven: presently after the Pentecost, He drew o • e while four thousand, another while six thousand, At another time he drew some others that joined themselves to the Apostles; And lastly having left Jerusalem he drew the whole Western part of the World: Oh the wonderful power of the Cross: Oh unspeakable glory of the Passion, in which there is, both the Tribunal of the Lord, and the Judgment of the World, and the power of him that was Crucified most evidently to be seen.

Thou Oh Lord, hast drawn all things unto thee; and when thou didst stretch out thy hands all the day to a people not believing, but contradicting thee, then the whole World besides, was sensible of thy praise-worthy Majesty.

Thou didst, Oh Lord, draw all things unto thee; when in abomination of the Jewish wickedness, the Elements unanimously pronounct one, and the same sentence against them: when the lights of Heaven were darkened, when the day was turned into night, when the Earth also was shaken with unusual quakings, and when every Creature denied the use of it self, to the ungodly: Oh Lord thou diddest draw all things unto thee, that what was covered in the Temple of Judea, in shadowed significations, the devotion of all Nations in every place might celebrate in a plenary, and plain Sacrament, for now the order of the Levites is more glorious, and Sacred. The anointing of Priests makes up one Kingdom of every Nation.

As the wind Caecias, draws to it the Clouds; S • Christ drew the people unto him, Somtimes one Nation, sometimes another: For as this wind alone, which is called Caeci • s, whereof Pliny writes, that it blo • es between the South, and the East, contrary to the Nature of other Northern winds, drives not away, but rather draws the Clouds unto it: So Christ from every quarter, and every way doeth call, lead and draw all unto him, I will draw all things unto myself, saith he, and not only so, but everything that comes unto m • e I will not cast forth.

Our Savior was glorious indeed, by the conversion of so many, and by drawing such a multitude of people unto him: but at this time, by his drawing of the Wisemen, and their adoring of him, He is become more glorious then himself at other times: Oh my good Jesus, draw me also unto thyself; Convert me, and I shall be Converted, otherwise no man comes unto thee, unless thou, and the Father draw him.

The drawing of the Wisemen is more excellent, then the rest, in regard of the Situation, or place where Christ was, and of his age, when he drew them unto him, and in respect of the Majesty, Dignity, and multitude of those that were drawn. First this drawing of the Wisemen is more excellent in regard of the Situation, or place where Christ was, for indeed upon the Cross he drew but one, one that was near him, one that hanged by him, one almost fastened to his side, sixth together with him: But now in his very Cradle, He drew the Wisemen, and in them whole Nations, dwelling almost in the extreme parts of the East; He drew them by one Star, as it were with some trifle, to play withal, as if they had been enticed to come, as Children are, by those things wherein they delight.

After his ascension into heaven, what wonder, that from the Throne of his glory, and the Right-hand of his Father, he drew so many, and draweth to this day: But now, that he should draw from the Stable; how full of astonishment is it?

Secondly this drawing of the Wisemen, is more excellent in respect of his Age: At another time, when he was come to Maturity, and convenient age; He drew to him Fishermen: But now being but an Infant, and as it were, but of one day upon the Earth: He drew unto him Priests, Philosophers, and Kings: This was foretold long ago; that before the Child should know his Father, or Mother, the riches of Damascus, and the spoil of Samaria, should be taken away before the King of Assyria.

As when Hercules being in his Cradle killed (as they say) two Serpents, he was paradventure, a more glorious Conqueror then he was, when being come to riper years, he vanquished in the Nemaean Forest, a Lyon of huge bigness: Or when in Erimanthus a Mountain of Arcadia, he took a live, a terrible Boar, that wasted that Border: So Christ was more illustrious, when he drew to him Kings to adore him at his Cradle, where he was yet a little Child, Then when raining in Heaven, He drew first such as Paul, and afterward such as Constantine was.

Thirdly this drawing of the Wisemen is more excellent in respect of his Majesty; He drew other persons when he had shown many Miracles, and was still adding to the number of them, as the Earthquake, the Rending of Rocks, Darkness throughout the whole World &c. Now He hath done a most wondrous work, being but an Infant, very tender, and not able to endure any hardiness, crying as yet in his Cradle, and should not have been known, unless the Angels had made him manifest to the Sheepheards; the Starr to the Gentiles, and his crying to Strangers behold here those Peers, and great Kings of Persia, which otherwise would not confess themselves to be men, are constrained to stand before him in a Stable, as it were in a Court: They are forced to appear as upon a day appointed, by the Summons of a Star as it were an Apparitor, that they should as it were plead their cause, and become Suppliants in a black mourning habit: He draws, he constrains them, whether they will or no: O Loadstone, O thou that drawest, I confess thou art at this day truly to be admired.

Fourthly, The drawing of the Wisemen was more excellent in respect of their dignity that were drawn, at another time he drew but one Thief, or a murderer, the Centurion and some few others: Then after that, the common people promiscuously, But now he draws persons of the highest quality, Philosophers and Kings of the East, they were none of the lowest rank, they were at least the Ambassadors of Kings, or Kings in their Ambassadors, if so be we believe not that they were Kings in their own persons.

Fifthly, the drawing of the Wisemen was more excellent in respect of the multitude that was drawn together with them; at other times he drew but a few, one, or two this day, tomorow a thousand. But now out of his very Cradle he drew three Kingdoms together of the Chaldeans, Arabians, and Sabaeans.

The common people with equal paces for the most part follow their Kings, Whether they be converted, averted, or perverted: what manner of Child think ye, shall this be? Assuredly, Assuredly, there is more then Solomon here. They came indeed from Sheba to Solomon, and brought him gifts, but when he was something aged, and such a one as was well spoken of, for the Fame of his Wisdom. But it was a woman, that came, although a Queen (and one of the Sibills in the opinion of some) yet a woman. But now when Christ was but a Little Child; lying hid in a Stable, and compassed about with Straw, in the midst of two beasts, very Famous men Kings and Chief Rulers of sacred things, and Philosophers came with hast, from the furthest parts of the East; as it is probable, that they might know him.

This Child is not only greater then Solomo • , but now he is greater then himself: That is, greater in Glory being but a Child, then when he was come to man's estate, a Child he was and took our infirmities upon him, not through any weakness in him or necessity, but only according to his own pleasure and voluntary dispensation; For he did all things both in Heaven and Earth whatsoever he would, and whensoever he pleased.

So then, O Lord thou haste drawn all things unto thee; The whole East with the Kings thereof. Yea all Nations • in these three men, whom Saint Chrysostom calls the Progenitous of the Church, whom we also (not amiss as I suppose) do term the first fruits of the Gentiles, or the seed, or the first branches and flowers of the Church among the heathen.

CHAP. VIII. Of the Load-stones attractive Virtue, compared with the power of Ministers and Preachers in converting Souls unto Christ.

IF a free choice in asking whatsoever he pleased were granted to any Christian, especially, to a Minister of God's word; as it was granted heretofore unto Solomon when he had offered a Thousand burnt offerings in Gibeon. What think you, ought to be principal and chiefest of his desires, but that he should receive from God a large portion of that attractive and Load-stone -like Virtue: which in times past he imparted to Peter and Paul, and to the rest of the Apostles, whom he made Fishers of men, by whose help he drew to him the world, & converted it. For what can be more acceptable to an Emperor then that he should save many Citizens, and bring many enemies into Captivity? What is more acceptable to a Fisher-man, then that he should draw from the Sea to the shore, and include in his Net, a great Multitude of Fishes. There is a common report and opinion, which is strongly maintained amongst the Vulgar, concerning the Fatt of an Osprey, that there is such virtue in it, that all the Fishes in a Poole will Swimme to it, and turn their bellies upwards: And, as it were half a sleep, will suffer themselves to be easily taken and handled: which if it were true, how diligently would Fishers inquire for it, and at how, great a price would they purchase it? But Christ is not only able, but also useth to furnish his Ministers with that power, & to endue them with that drawing virtue, whereby they may bring back to him his wandering Sheep, that they may gain straying Souls, and save themselves and those that hear them. That they may keep the Flock committed unto them in the Faith and Sheep-fold of Christ. Which gift, to whomsoever it is granted, what greater thing should they desire for themselves, or what may they better envy others?

CHAP. IX. Concerning the Load-stones neglecting of Silver & Gold, but uniting Iron unto it self, compared with Christ passing by the Angels, as not regarding them, but electing men.

GOld and Silver, what are they else, but the Monarchs of this Sublunary world, commanding the rest of all the Mettalls after the fashion of King and Queen, whose companions and Peers, are those Stones which are called precious? Brasse and Tynne are of an inferior Ranke, as it were of the order of Knight-hood. But Lead and Iron are the mere vulgar sort. With that an unreasonable love of Gold and Silver do men burn? And how much are precious stones esteemed with Princes and great ones? Gemmes and Peares, in what honor and estimation are they held? For they have their Splendour as the rest of the Mettals, whereby they may allure the eyes of beholders and bewitch their minds. Iron, in the mean time, because it hath no bright Colour, and is of little estimation, is disregarded by all in comparison of all other Metalls, and is everywhere sold for little, it is trodden in every place almost under feet, and hath but the lowest place and rank, amongst all those Metalls all which notwithstanding, the Load-sto • e altogether despising and counting as nothing, the other Mettals which are so bright and excellent in their own nature, hath made choice of the Iron above them all; which it draws unto it with a violent and greedy affection, which it embraceth with a strait bond of love, whose company and union it only desires, of whose friendship and neighbor-hood, it is wondrously glad, of whose fellow-ship and service it doth perpetually make use, and as counting it an honor, would be termed by the name of Siderites which is derived from the Iron.

You which admire this excellent sympathy, cast your eyes, upon the love of God towards man, and upon our Election: the Angels that fell likewise, if they be compared to us poor men, what wonderfully glorious creatures are they, what noble Spirits, whose knowledge how many degrees goes it beyond our blindness? whose power, • ow fa • re doth it exceed our weakness? whose honor & dignity, how much doth it surpass our obscurity and meannes: But Christ our Lord, did not take on him the nature of th • se, but passing by them, as they lay in the Lake of sulphur & prison of hell, He elected us poor worms, even dust and ashes, H • e loved us wretched creatures. He was made o • a woman, bone of our bone, flesh of our flesh, He carried up the human • nature above the Cherubims & Seraphim, and made it to sit in the heavenly places, to be adored of Angels and Archangels. He hath adopted us, and made us the sons of God, that we should be • eires, yea coheirs with him. He hath made us partakers of the Divine Nature, of grace and glory. Who would not here cry out with Saint Chrysostom 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 &c. Behold the love of our Lord toward mankind, do not think this to be a thing of small moment or value, it being indeed a thing to be wondered at, and full of astonish, And I taking this often into my consideration, do • conceive and imagine great m • tters, as touching mankind. Do you also my brethren, see your calling, how that not many wise and mighty according to the flesh, not many sprung of illustrious Progeny, but God hath chosen the base and foolish things of the world, that he might confound the wise.

CHAP. X. Of the Loadstones indifferency, and of a Christians not respecting of persons.

BEhold • urther the indifferency and the not respecting of persons, which may be seen both in the L • adstone, and every true Christian; for the Loadstone doth acknowledge and draw Iron unto it, as well when it is shut up in a wooden chest, as in a golden casket, in a leaden sheath as in a silken scabbard. It is the Iron on • lie which it respects, it regards not the ornament, and clothing of Iron, whatsoever it be. It is the Iron that it seeks, that it embraceth, not the golden trappings or gilding with which it is covered about, wherefore brethren, let us be ashamed to have the Faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons, so that if one come into your company, having a gold ring, or gorgeous attire, and there come in a poor man in vile • ayment, and ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and shall say to him, sit thou here in a good place, and say to the poor, stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool, are ye not become Judges that determine perversely? are ye not partial in yourselves? are ye not become Judges of evil thoughts, and make a wrongful difference? Hath not God chosen the poor of this world, that they might be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom, which he hath promised to them that love him? wherefore, beholding rather, and considering this difference, and not respecting of persons, both in the Lord, and in the Load-stone, be sure to follow both, and prefer before the worldly wise and wealthy, such Christians as are counted ignoble, idiots, poor, and such as are despised of the great ones of this world, choose them only for your companions, your friends and yoke fellows in the Lord, love them, and hold friendship with them upon earth with whom ye are to live everlastingly in heaven, for this is well-pleasing and acceptable to the Lord our God, with whom there is neither male nor female, neither Barbarian nor Grecian, but a new creature in Christ, is all in all.

CHAP. XI. That the Loadstone, draws a great • and heavier weight then Jet.

HEE that once saw a Loadstone with admiration drawing to it, not only small remnants and pieces of iron, but also taking up easily, and lifting up from the ground a great and weighty burden thereof; as for example, an Anchour weighing twenty pounds: with what, contempt will he behold Jet or Amber drawing staws unto them, or little motes, and that after they have been heated by much rubbing; As great, yea a far greater difference, is to be seen between the souls of wise men and fools, of holy and carnal men, whereof these only care for, and meditate upon these things which are of great moment, that pertain to the Kingdom of God, and their everlasting salvation; but these seek after the vanities and trifles of this world. Surely there is no less difference between them, then there is between Merchants that buy wares of great value, and tri •• e-selling Pedlers, which carry about gewgawes, Pinnes, and Rattles, for children to play withal. Then there is between Spiders that catch Flies, and Eagles that pursue after Hares and Heron, then there is between fowlers that shoot at Pigeons, and children that follow after Butterflies.

CHAP. XII. Of that cleanness which the Loadstone and the Spirit of Christ require in their object • .

HOwever the Loadstone hath a desire and inclination to iron, yet will it not draw it, unless it be clean and polished, and it wonderfully loves and affects cleanness, but hates and loathes filthiness very much, whereupon it comes to pass, that if you do apply it, to the rusty side of an Anchour, or that which is besprinkled with dust, either it will not at all put forth and exercise upon it the virtue thereof, or very unwillingly and weakly, but if you apply the same Loadstone to a clean and well polished side, it will greedily draw it with all the power it hath, and will strongly lift it up, most like in this, to the Dove-like holy Spirit, which dwells only in pure hearts, and clean roofs, abstains and flies from them, that are unclean and foul. The Royal Prophet knew this to his great loss and grief, who after he had polluted his body with adultery, his soul with murder, and both with blood, obtained not the return and reentry of that Spirit, before that he had cleansed and purged them both with tears and repentance.

Chap. 13. Of the Irons first motions to the Loadstone, as also of the slowness of men's souls in their first coming to Christ, and their readiness to follow him afterwards.

THere is a great and manifest difference between the first motions of the Iron to the Magnetick Poles, and all the latter that arise from the first. For at the first touching and drawing, the Iron is rather a Patient than an Agent; the Iron indeed is drawn, being untouched, but approacheth softly and slowly, unwillingly, as it were by violence. Before the contract, either no friendship at all passeth between the Iron and the Loadstone, no respective verticity, or proneness to turn to the Poles, or it is so weak, and as it were so soundly asleep, that it can scarce be perceived by the senses; which being once stirred up and awakened by the Loadstones, coupling with it, and breathing upon it, runs of its own accord, and very speedily, at the command, and as it were at the least call of the Loadstone. A greater and more manifest difference there is, between those Arts and motions which go before, and accompany our conversion, and those which follow it, as the fruits and effects thereof; for in those precedent Arts, our will behaves it self in an hostile and passive manner: all familiarity with God is not only laid asleep in us, but also quite dead; neither were we only estranged from him, but also altogether averse, and his enemies, hateful, and hating God; but in these slips and sins which are committed after our conversion, some like things happens to us, as doth to the dust of Iron, long burnt in the fire, or defiled with filth, or corrupted with rust; for the clammy inward moisture of the Iron is corrupted by these, and the strength of it diminished, which as in a sick body is with more difficulty raised up by the Loadstone; such Iron is hardly drawn by it, neither can it be done in such a distance, nor with such a speedy pace: Now the very same thing happens to Apostate's, those that sin unto death, and against the holy Ghost, as to the same Iron dust strongly and vehemently burnt in a close Furnace of reverberation, where the flame is beaten back, and so is turned into Crocus Martis, as some call it, or calcin'd in red powder, whose inclination to turn, is renewed by no power of the Loadstone, nor can be revoked by any Inchantments, as being wholly and utterly deformed; So it is impossible that those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again to repentance.

Chap. 14. Of the Irons slow motion to the Loadstone, when it is far off, and the speed it makes when it approacheth towards it.

Iron in the adverse part of a vessel removed somewhat far from the Loadstone, turns to it more slowly, and goes toward it with a softer motion, but by how much the nearer it approacheth, by so much the more it hastens its pace, and flies to it more speedily; for the virtue increaseth more and more, and so their coming together is hastened: No otherwise was the condition of those Fathers who lived before the Deluge, and after, about the time of Moses, who saw before hand the coming of Christ in the flesh, which was to be many ages after; for they desired his coming in a more lukewarm & languishing manner: but such as lived some few years before his Nativity, as Zacharias and Simeon, and saw the same, as it were, now ready to rise; They were carried towards him with the whole bent of their affections, as it were with full Sails: The same fervent mind, and ardent desire should be in us, who are fallen upon the ends of the world, towards his second coming to Judgment, which is now at the doors: The same mind should be in Christians well stricken in age, whose salvation and glory is nearer than when they were newly converted and believed at first; no otherwise than as the stream and violence of Rivolets is much more swift near the Ocean, than hard by the Fountain; it is now time (saith aged Zanchius to Sturmius, another decrepit old man) that we should hasten from earth unto Christ, to the Starry sky, knowing that we shall be there very shortly with the Lord.

Chap. 15. Of Needles not returning to the Loadstone, and of souls not returning to Christ, without trembling, after departure from either of them.

IF you place a Loadstone in a round wooden vessel, as a Mariner in a boat, so that it may freely float here and there at pleasure upon the surface of the water in a tunnel, or any large vessel, it will forthwith oftentimes turn it self round about together with the vessel, nor will it rest, until it hath looked just toward both the Celestial Poles; from which, if you remove it with force of hands, it will whirl about, as in a circle, with reiterated turnings, nor will it put an end to this trembling motion, until it hath found again the same Poles; the like you may see in a Needle touched with the Loadstone, which if you shake off from the polar points, will fly about unquietly thorough the several corners of the Compass, and of the world; nor will it stand toward the Poles without some kind of trembling before. God hath put the same condition upon our souls, after that by sinning we have broken away from him, then as Exiles with Cain we wander up & down, here and there, we are tost with troublesome removals in the land of Nod, that is to say, of disquietness; we pass away our time unprofitably, we build, we pluck down; we are inconstant, like sick men, we tumble in our beds on every side; or, as Solomon, we vex our spirits with innumerable vanities, not knowing whither to turn ourselves, until at length being perfectly taught, by the Dove-like spirit, we return to the Arkof Noah, that is to say, of rest, we cast ourselves down trembling, with the Jailor, at the feet of our Ministers, and learn the song of David? Why doest thou cast down thyself, why doest thou trouble thyself, my poor, wandering, wretch • d soul? why doest thou murmur? why art thou so disquieted within me? put thy trust in God, cast thy burden upon thy Savior, take his light burden upon thy shoulders, and thou shalt find everlasting rest:

Chap. 16. Concerning the thickness of a Medium interposed, or a substance placed in the midst between the Object and the Loadstone; not hindering the drawing of it.

OF all the Loadstones miraculous operations, there is none that makes the eyes of the beholders more astonished, than that the virtue thereof penetrates and passeth thorough thick boards, vessels of clay, marble, and other metals; so that there is nothing so thick or solid, no not gold, which goeth beyond other metals in thickness; nor walls, nor Brick-chimneyes (believe me that have experience of it) nor the body of the fattest man: There is nothing, I say, the interposition whereof may so fence the way, and stop the efficacy, and hinder the virtue of this stone, that it shall not move a piece of Iron, or the Needle of the Compasle, and drive it where it pleaseth, and draw it from whence it listeth: neither can plates of brass, silver, or tin, though very thick, hinder and retard, or make slow the attraction of it; That is beyond belief, saith St. Augustine, which I have learnt of my br • there and fellow Bishop, Severus Milevita • us, concerning this stone; for he related, that he himself saw Bathanarius, a Count of Africa, when this Bishop feasted with him, bringing forth the same stone, placing it under silver, and putting Iron upon the Silver; then as he moved his hand, wherein he held the stone, under these presently the Iron was moved from above, the Silver being in the midst, and suffering nothing; beneath, the stone was speedily drawn by the man; above, the Iron was drawn by the Stone; I have declared, saith he, that which I heard from him, whom I believed, as if I had seen it myself. Do thou also, O Reader, if thou pleasest, believe me without taking an oath, who have seen often before sufficient witnesses; yea, now as I write these things, do see a Loadstone with these eyes of mine; which, under a table six inches thick, on the other side of a Brickwall, doth speedily turn here and there the Needle of a Compass upon a table, as also in a little vessel of water, which when I see with mine eyes, and consider with my mind, I do altogether cease to wonder, that no perils were so terrible, no kind of torment so cruel; no, not prisons, fire, or wracks, which could separate the Saints and the faithful from the love of Christ, or hinder them any way, that they should not follow the Lamb whithersoever he went, nor cause that they should forsake the profession of his Name, or defense of his faith; neither do these things a little increase and corroborate, or strengthen our faith about the Article of the resurrection, nor do they suffer us so much as to doubt a little, whether the Monuments and Sepulchers, whether the depth of sea and land may be an impediment to them that are dead in the faith of Christ, that they may not hear the voice of Christ, and the noise of the Angelical Trumpet, that they may not rise again to life, and be speedily gathered together as Eagles are to the Carkase: And this is the end and scope which that holy Father p • opounded to himself in relating these wondrous t • ings, that by sense he might inform the understanding, and so by a visible mir • cle, make the Article of the resurrection to be credible.

Chap. 17. Of the wonderful concatenation or chaining together of Rings touched by the Loadstone, as also of the spiritual & admirable concatenation or conjunction of Christians.

LIke to this, and no less wonderful is that which S. Augustine in the same place confesseth, that when he saw it at first, he was afraid very much; I saw, saith he an Iron Ring drawn by the Loadstone, and hanged up, then as having given its own virtue to the Iron which it had drawn and communicated force unto, the same Ring was put to another Ring, and so hanged that, and as the first Ring did stick fast to the stone, so the second Ring did cleave to that former Ring; a third was added in the same manner, and so likewise a fourth, I do testify that I saw twelve of them chained together in this order; now the circles being mutually joined together, there did hang as it were, a chain of Rings, not inwardly inwrapt within one another, but fastened one to another outwardly: Who would not be abashed at such virtue, w ^ch was not only inherent in the stone, but past through so many things that were hanged, and tied them together with invisible bonds; Gregory Nazianzen, who in his life time deserved to be called among all, by the name of Divine, had a contemplation on the like Chaine, with the like admiration, but with a deeper m • dic • tion, for so he began that Oration, of his which he uttered before the men of Consta • inople, when he came first to his Archbishopric; I cannot, saith he, but wonder what comes into your mind, as touching my Sermons, for what cause you are • o taken with our ill pronounced and small low voice, having nothing amiable in it, yet you seem to be affected towards me, in that sort as the Iron is towards the Loadstone, for you do both depend upon me, and also adhere one to another by mutual connection, and all of you depend upon God, from whom & to whom are all things. O wonderful chain! to be never sufficiently praised, which is fastened together with most firm bonds, which the spirit of God joins, which is made not with hand of Art, but by God's own finger, more refined than golden chains, more firm than Adamantine, more precious than those of gems. An Orator, both of an excellent spirit & speech, hath enumerated, or rather excogitated, three allegorical chains, wherewith all the common friendship that is in the world is joined together: One of pleasure, which he made of roses, violets, and pleasant flowers, as if it were a garland provided for Bacchus his feasts: Another of profit, which he composed of silver and gold-rings: A third of honor, which he framed of gems and precious stones, all of them but vile chains, and easily broken. The friendships that are joined together with these, what are they but bricas glass, or Potters ware, if they be compared to this spiritual, indivisible, undefiled, immortal chain. Here is no filthy glue of lust, no sordid cement of avarice, no tempering together of ambition, nor of other ill humors and vices. Only this is that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , the bōd of perfection, which kep those first Apostles and Christians of that truly golden age in unity among themselves, when all believers abiding in the same place, had all things common, they sold their possessions and substance, and imparted to everyone as he had need, continuing daily in the Temple with one accord, breaking bread from house to house, eating their meat with gladness, and singleness of heart, praising God, and giving thanks before all the people. Doubtless, this Loadstone like chain of charity purchased them favor among the Gentiles, and daily drew brethren, and adjoined new Converts unto them: which agreement of theirs, the very Pagans beholding, cried out, See how the Christians love one another, see how they are ready to die one for another. This is that celestial and spiritual bond of charity, which so straightly bound that Royal and Noble couple of friends, I mean David and Jonathan, whereof the one loved the▪ other to the death, with a love greater than that of Women, he loved him more than himself, nay, more than his • ereditary Kingdom: The life of those two, no age among the Ethnics ever knew; no Philosophy ever bred the like, in comparison of whose friendship, that of Scipio and Laelius, of Pylades and Oresies, and other couples of the like condition; what doth it deserve to be termed but a shadowy carcass, and counterfeit semblance of a true and vehement love.

Chap. 18. That the Loadstone and our Savior Christ, effect more by an Instrument, than by their own immediate virtue.

THe Loadstone, as it is an exceeding marvelous, so is it in a special manner, a mystical Stone, no less famous for secret ways of working, than for mighty works; that though it be the fountain and principal seat of attractive and elevating virtue, yet doth it, as it were, on set purpose, transfer all the honor of it upon the Iron; for this very Stone being destitute of company, and by it self, draws little or nothing; but armed with Iron, will lift up a huge weight of Iron. I myself have seen a Loadstone, which being unarmed, would scarce take up s • aven Ounces, but covered or capt with Iron (as the rud • of speech use to say) it lif •• d up strongly and easily, two and twenty pounds, r • sembling God in this, who is natures principal workman, and the first mover of all things, who although he be the Father of light, yet he illuminates this visible world by the Sun, himself being invisible in the heavens, and (which is our blindness and madness) not worshipped and praised of many. He doth also redeem, save and judge men, by the Son of man; he doth delegate or commit unto him a power to supply his room, both in heaven and earth, whose God-head and Majesty lay hid in the veil of his flesh, as a light in a dark Lantern; insomuch that he was not made manifest, but to his own people, and but to few of them, and that by miracles; who now also hiding himself in the Heavens, using the Minist • ry of men, as the Loadstone the help of Iron, calls, draws, and converts men unto him by a fit Instrument of the same kind, taking his Ministers into fellowship of honor with him; He that receiveth you, saith he, receiveth me; nay, he pass • hover, and commits a more ample power to th • m: He that believes in me, shall do greater works than I have done. We do not read of Christ, that he converted so many as a hundred at one Sermon; But it is expressed of Peter, Act. 2. That he converted three thousand; which love of his towards man, doth, in a manner, surpass all his miracles. As it is the greatest Art of Arts, and Artists to conceal their Art and skill, so it is the principal praise and virtue of a good man, to derive praise unto others, himself being concealed; Neither is there anything, wherein men may come nearer to God, than this. Let men admire and praise in Ioah, someone thing, some another, among all his honorable Arts: I never thought that heroical or noble demonstration or proof of his virtue to be the principal, that he both would and could transfer upon the head of David the glory and Crown of a Victory, purchased by his own valor; for the rest of his deeds, he overcame others, in this, himself; which was far more honorable, than if he had triumphed a hundred • imes over Rabba and the Ammonites.

Chap. 19. That the Loadstone draws ten times more weight, by two points or Caps, than by so many several points by themselves.

NOw will I put you in mind by the way, and that not unseasonably, that the Loadstone doth transfuse the force and virtue thereof into the Medium, or Instrument, that it imparts but a small portion of it, to one Cap or polar point by it self; but a large and ample virtue to two join'd together. Of which when I took experiment, and made trial in a strong stone, and applied the iron to one of the points, it took up two or three pounds, and that very hardly. But when I had applied the iron to both together, it lifted up two and twenty pounds without any difficulty: so that the saying of Solomon is not only true, Two are better than one; for it they lie together, they sooner have heat; if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: But also that common saying understood of them that have least knowledge, That forces united will become the stronger. For who doth not see & acknowledge, that forces by such union are twice the stronger; but that they should be ten times stronger, this is both rare and singular, and to be seen only in these experiments of the Loadstone: That it is no wonder (as Origen observes on the first of Genesis) that God made most things double, and joined them together by two and two; as when it is recorded in the sacred Histories, That God created together the Heaven and the Earth, the Sun and the Moon, the Man and the Woman; and that Christ sent his Disciples, not one by one, but two and two: That as one foot, or one hand helps another, so they should yield to one another mutual help, that their forces and purposes being joined together, they might courageously and prosperously draw living stones unto Christ, and build upon him.

Chap. 20. That those Instruments are more prevalent, and can do more, which stick closely; than those which stick loosely, to Christ, or the Loadstone.

I Do not think it fit to pass over in silence the great difference, that is between that armor and furniture, which is tied negligently to the Magnetick poles or points of the Loadstone, and that which is tied to the same more fitly and closely. For if there be but the least gap or space between them, it is endued with much less virtue, and draws the burden more unsuccessively, weakly, and sluggishly; neither will it lift up half that weight, which it would most easily lift up, if it were united and joined together exactly, without the least cleft between it, and that which is tied to it. Now this reason is wont to be assigned by Divines, why the manhood of Christ is so anointed and replenished with the oil of the Spirit, above all mean and measure, because it is hypostatically and corporally united with the Deity, in such sort, and with such a strict bond, that it cannot be conceived, or expressed by men. Again, it is rendered for a reason, why those Saints did prevail more with God, who did walk incessantly with him, as Enoch ; who inseparably cleaved unto God, as Elisha did to Elias, from whose side he would not depart, no, not for the least distance: As also why amson wrought so many miracles, while he kept unbroaken the Seal of the Covenant, & his union with G • d, which being once violated, and lost by shaving of his hair, he became weak, as other mortal men, and was made a prey to his enemies. Lastly, it is assigned for a reason, why the chiefest good of a Christian is affirmed to consist in this, namely, with David to cleave to his God, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , that is, To be inseparably joined to God, and to rest upon the Lord with a firm purpose of heart.

Chap. 21. That the Loadstone is better armed with polished Iron than with bright Gold, and so are Sermons of Divines better furnished with testimonies of Scripture and solid strength of reasons than with Rhetorical flowers.

MOreover it is not unworthy of our consideration, that as in the object, so likewise in the Medium or Instrument; the Load Stone doth not so much require resplendency as comeliness, not so much gaudy brightness, as cleanlynesse, for it doth not love to be armed with Gold or Silver, but only with Iron, yet not such as is drossy or rusty, but cleansed and polished; which kind of Armor, the Apostle, by his own example, both prescribes and commends unto Preachers, Namely, such as doth not consist in excellency of words, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, for we are not the Sons or Scholars of Orators, but of Fishermen, as that great Divine said to Libanius the Rhetorician; Neither must we fight with Carnal reasons against Heretic, but with strong Arguments to the subversion of Towers and strong holds, and to the throwing down of every height that lifts it self up against the knowledge of God. Wherefore we do not so much arm or furnish our Sermons and writings with Poetical or Philosophical subtleties, as with the Oracles of Scripture, and unresistable strength of reasons, being mindful, that the Walls of Jericho were blown down and demolisht, Not with Golden or Silver Trumpets, but with Trumpets of Horne and Rammes Horns; which things are not spoken by me, as if the Gospel did affect sluttishnesse and stammering, much less Barbarismes and Solaecismes, But that comeliness and clearness of speech, which Lactantius both commanded to be used, and followed himself: that the Silverlike or pure Candour of words should include the Golden Apples of Scripture: that sweetness of speaking should accompany soundness and wholesomenesse of matter: that the clothing and trimming of a Theological speech, should not be youthful, but elderly; Not gaudy, but grave and Matron-like; Not painted and effeminate, or wanton and foolish; but natural, Masculine, perfect and wise; Our Lord drew more to him, being armed with his Cross, than it may be, he should have done with his Scepter; More with his Crown of Thorns, than if he had been adorned with a Crown of Gold.

Chap. 22. That all the praise of drawing is due to the Loadstone, not to the Iron, and the praise of good works to Christ, not to men.

IN that cruel war, of accursed memory, which was heretofore between the Church and the Pelagians, it was wont to be often and very much questioned, To whom the Faith whereby we do believe in God, and the good works which we do to his Glory, should be imputed; of whom they ought to be most truly predicated and declared to proceed; whether they were to be ascribed wholly, to divine Grace, or to our free will, or partly to the one, and partly to the other, an equal division being made between both; for if these things be true (saith Pelagius ) which you do declare, concerning the self power and liberty of our will, that it is altogether dead and of no efficacy, it followeth, That it is not the man that believes, but God, That it is not the man which shows mercy and is liberal, That it is not he that bestows Alms, but God; and therefore surely there is not the least portion of praise or reward due thereby unto man, or to be expected by man. But all things are wholly to be ascribed to God, by whose sufficiency and assistance, all things which we seem to do are effected: And this is that strong Argument of which they bragged that no man could answer it; they labou • ed also as much as they could, to do St. Jerome and St. Augustine a spite, and to bring them into hatred, among those that were ignorant; which is plainly all one, as if somebody should stir up and cherrish such a contention as this, touching the Loadstone and Iron, To which of these two the power of drawing and lifting up things should be ascribed, Whether we should say properly, that the Iron or the Loadstone doth draw: Now if the power to give sentence should be in the Eyes or outward senses, all th ••• praise should happen to the Iron, for if you put any weight upon the Loadstone it falls, but if upon the Iron wherewith it is armed, it is lifted and held up that it cannot fall, and an ignorant Rustic, being admitted to see, cries out, behold the Loadstone is sluggish, draws little or nothing, it is the Iron which doth lift up and draw to it; But on the other side, if the Judgment of this cause be commit • ed to understanding and reason, all the praise of this power to draw, shall be restored and given to the Loadstone; For a Philosopher and learned Arbitrator concludes, That the Iron doth nothing here, by its own particular powers, but by those of the Loadstone, by the abilities that proceed from the same. And a man being overcome by the same reason will confess, that we being wrought upon by God, do perform all those things by divine assistance, which we do fulfill as we should, And that all the praise and Glory, of faith and good works, is to be acknowledged as due unto God; Wherefore this Gordian knot which otherwise seems unpossible to be loosed, is easily cut asunder, by this strong sword, unless a man had rather draw still up and down the same Sawe of Contention, and lengthen the Cord of strife without end; for I pray, what if one, before men of understanding, should show a Loadstone armed or harnessed with an Iron Helmet, drawing to it a huge burden, would not all of them cast their eyes upon the Loadstone, and would not they be amazed and declare the virtue of it? on the contrary, would they not be silent, and not so much as mutter a little about the virtue of the Iron? Surely they would, and that not unjustly, for if the Iron were a living Creature, endued with reason and speech, it would most willingly break out into commendation of the Loadstone, and most gladly profess openly, That it could do nothing by its own natural power, That the ability which it hath is from another; That it is but a power and virtue communicated by the Loadstone, and infused into it no otherwise, than as the Moon must acknowledge, that she doth not shine by her own, but by the beams of the Sun; or a woman, that she is ennobled by the dignity of her husband. Hence it was, that the Apostles, when they had healed a lame man before the door of the Temple, did so much refuse all popular applause, saying; Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or, Why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power and holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob ; the God of our fathers hath glorified his Son Jesus. Nor did St Paul deal in this case less warily and prudently: Not I (saith he) but Christ was mighty in me, by whose grace I am, what I am : who is Paul? who is Apollo? who is Cephas? but Instruments and Ministers of God, by whom ye believed? Even as the Lord gave to every man, I have planted, Apollo watered, but God gave the increase. He that planteth is nothing, the vineyard is Solomon's. He let out the vineyard to vine-dressers, & keepers; a thousand shekels or pieces of silver belong to Solomon ; two hundred to those that keep the fruit.

Chap. 23. That the Iron, though unworthy in it self, is ennobled by conjunction with the Loadstone, and that we wretched men are ennobled by our spiritual union with Christ.

THere are everywhere veins of Iron in exceeding great plenty, shops of Iron are open almost in eve • ie village and Country-town; it serves for exceeding many uses of men; but such as are common, and of small estimation among many, divers kinds of Instruments are made of it, but such as are ordinary, as Horse-shoes, Keys, Lockes, Nailes, Sawes, Mattocks, Plow-shares, to say nothing of Warlike Slings, Guns, Bullets, and such instruments as are so pestilent unto men, all the honor and dignity of the Iron ariseth and accrewes to it, from the Loadstone, which assuredly confers more Noblenesse upon the Iron, than that Egyptian King, did upon gold when he made of his Chamber pots, Graven Images for the gods, which he constrained his Noble-men to worship; for Iron being stirred up by the Loadstone, it can hardly be expressed, how many and what great Commodities it brings unto men. So that your Alchemists are vain in this, when they dream that nature would perfect all other Metalls, by changing them into Gold; for who doth not perceive, that we owe more to those Needles used in Navigation and the Art of Dialling, than to all the gold and precious Stones, that are anywhere to be found? as by whose help and benefit we procure all these, and other wares of all sorts; So that it should not seem strange unto us, that the Iron doth so much desire, go about, or seek for to compass this honorable match with the Loadstone, that having seen it, as it were, it flies to it with speedy pace, as that by whose complying, and communicating with it, it becomes so full of wonders and strength. Now to make some use of this; who is so blockish and dull, that beholding and deeply considering these things, doth not with a sorrowful remembrance, call to mind that former wretched estate and condition in which we were borne, as that in which we were vessels of wrath and dishonor, Slaves of the world, of Satan, of our own filthy lust▪ whose god was their belly, whose glory their shame, and whose end was damnation? who is so hard and flinty hearted, who can so moderate himself, as to abstain from tears, when he calls to mind how unserviceable he is in performing all duties which are due both to God and man? how unapt for anything, unless it be to consume and devour God's good creatures, the fruits of the earth, to employ good hours amiss to fulfill the lusts of the flesh, to treasure up wrath against the day of wrath? Who is so frozen and Icy cold, that when seriously, though overlate, he thinks upon, and weighs these things with himself that is not enflamed and wholly burns with desire of that heavenly Wedlock with Christ, whereby he may obtain t • is favor not only to be c • lled, but also to be the Son of God, Cohei • e with Christ, a Citizen and free Denizon of Heaven? What soul is so brutish and so base, that it had rather wallow, as yet in flesh and blood, than by the inspiration of God's holy Spirit, to be raised and lifted up, and be made quick and fit to undergo Spiritual and Angelical duties, whereby it may save both it self, and also others, and perform those good works by which it may attain everlasting Salvation & the Kingdom of heaven? Who is so deaf and disobedient, that will not open his Immortal Gates, through which the King of Life and Glory may enter in, by whose entering in, and dwelling with him, he may be encouraged and strengthened to accomplish all Duties?

Chap. 24. A Comparison between the Loadstone and other precious Stones, in respect of virtue and beauty.

GOld hath a Sun-like shining; The Silver a Moon-light brightness; Brasse and Copper have a sightly yellowish color; Tin and Lead have a clearness, like that of Quicksilver; Pearls have their Candour and lightsome smoothness, the Diamond hath a sparkling and shining clear color, as also other precious stones have a color that is most pleasing and lightsome, wherewith they draw unto them, and bewitch the eyes of the beholders; But the aspect of the Loadstone, is like that of rusty Iron, blewish, sad, pale and dark, which notwithstanding the Lord of Nature hath enriched and endowed with a marvelous inward virtue: in the mean while for other Stones, he would have their outward beauty to serve their turns, besides which, he bestowed nothing upon them, whereby they might procure estimation and honor with men; and surely this order is most excellent▪ this ordinance most just, which in distributing his Gifts, he hath prescribed to himself to be constantly observed, not conferring upon any, either all his gifts, or many of them, in a superabundant manner; but he imparteth se •• rall endowments to sever • ll things, so that everyone of them may have something singular, wherein they may be em ••• nt without either injury or envy of the rest, you may discern a notable proof and pattern of this ordering of things, as in stones, so likewise in men; for in both of them it is rare to find a conjunction and concord of outward beauty and inward virtue; It is not altogether usual to have beauty and strength inherent in one and the same party: It is difficult to find a man that excels in strength of body and prudence of mind; Now beauty and splendor is such an endowment, as doth not lie hid, but is forth with outwardly manifest, and presents it self to the eyes of the beholders; but prudence & strength do not disclose and declare themselves without many Arts and exercises: you shall meet with many in Histories, that surpassed in beauty, yet were not famous for any excellent Art, for beauty doth effeminate the possessors of it, persuades them to be idle, and to take their pleasure, as not wanting any other glory. On the contrary, Christ our Lord was a man of sorrows, acquainted with gri • fe, by reason of his sufferings, there was no beauty or bravery in him, that we should desire him, he was a worm and no man, one who the people made no account of: But as touching the fullness of his Spirit, he was above the Sons of men, upon whom rested the spirit of wisdom and counsel, in whom were all the treasures of wisdom, who by the smell of his good ointments, did provoke and draw men to come unto him; whose good examples let us always follow; If we have beauty, let us not much regard it, if we have it not, let us not be sorry for it, nor envy others that have it; let us rather rejoice for our inward virtues and good works; Let us clothe ourselves with the silk of honesty, with the fine clothe of Sanctity, with the Purple of Chastity, being so adorned, & trimly set forth, we shall have God for our Paramour, holy people for our Imitators or followers, The Angels for our Spectators and praisers.

Chap. 25. That God useth to be more admired in little Loadstones, and weak Christians, than in great ones.

THere is as much difference between Loadstone and Loadstone, as there is between man and man. Among those of human race, the first difference is in vigor, in which respect some are male, some are female: The second difference is in greatness, in which respect some are Giants, some Dwarffs: So likewise there are some stones, great in quantity, but weak in strength; such as scarcely, & very hardly lift up a weight that is but equal to themselves: Some again are small and little, not exceeding the quantity of a Filberd, that lift up their weight threescore times, nay, an hundred times multiplied. God useth to be of greater power in small, than in great things. It is said there is greater life in Emmets than in Elephants, in Dwarffs than in Giants. If there were some great Loadstone, that could lift up its own weight fifty times multiplied; there were some danger lest it should be adored as an Idol: Among poor people that have but slender possessions, and small abilities, you may see many that • xcel, and are very famous for godliness and holiness of life, that if any such should be met withal among the Nobles, among the learned and mighty of this world, he should be counted a rare wonder; and it were to be feared, lest the common people should imagine him to have some Deity within him, and so worship him, as if he were some half God. Further, there are manifest tokens, by which the stronger and more lively stones are differenced from the weak and sluggish. First, that they do finish their task with more expedition, that they tu • ne more speedily towa • ds the Poles, that they draw more strongly, & more hardly let go. Secondly, that they lift heavier burdens with more ease, that they can hold up more nails and rings. Thirdly, that they have a larger sphere of activity; That they can extend their virtue to an object more remote and and distant; There are likewise just as many signs, whereby noble and heroical Christians are discerned from those that are luke-warm and vulgar. They are more quick spirited and nimble to perform good works, they go not about holy duties, groaning and lamenting, with an ill will, like those kine that drew the Ark, which lowed on the way as they went. Secondly, they can endure the cross more courageously, and bear those temptations that are more grievous than ordinary, like Samson, who without much ado took up the brazen gates on his shoulders. Lastly, they do endeavor to win and draw, not one, or two, or a few; but many souls unto Christ: for so it is mentioned of Barnabas, that he was a good man, and that many were converted unto God by his means.

Chap. 26. All the Circles are found in the least Loadstone, although not in the same largen • sse; and all the habits, though not the same degrees of graces in the least Christians.

THough a Loadstone, which is strong, doth surpass a weak one in virtue, by many degrees, yet all of them, both strong and weak, do agree in this; That the two polar points, and so many Tropicall Circles, and one Aequinoctiall are seen in each of them, as they are seen in the Globe of Heaven and Earth. So if you cut some great Loadinto a thousand pieces, there will be none of them so small; but that you may find in it all the forenamed Mathematical Circles; So likewise, there is not any Christian of so little faith, of so small stature in Christianity, but that he hath received from the fullness of Christ, grace for grace, although all of them have not the same measure, and degree of several graces; yet they have the same number, the same seed-plot of all virtues, no otherwise than as the several members & lineaments of the parents, may be clearly seen in an infant but one day old.

Chap. 27. One Loadstone helps another, that is conveniently, or fitly placed by it; but hurts it, if otherwise: the like happeneth in the familiar entercourses, both good and bad, that men have one with another.

IF you gather a thousand flints into an heap, one flint will neither receive damage, or profit by another: The case is far otherwise with Loadstones, of which, if you place one by another, or if you cast many of them confusedly into one heap, the one must needs draw either some loss and impediment, or some virtue or benefit from that which is next unto it; for if they do accord in respect of the Magnetick rules, and meet in terms or points convenient, for each ones natures; so that the Southerne point of the one, be disposed toward the Northern point of the other, the weak shall be drawn, and cherished, & strength • ed by the strong; But if it be placed in contrary, and inconvenient terms, it shall be driven away, and much weakened. There happens in the friendship and society of men, something that is like unto this; some good doth always befall to a man by means of a good neighbor, and some evil by means of an ill neighbor; for wicked • communications corrupt good manners; but good communications correct & confirm whatsoever is amiss: the wicked will fasten upon us some vice or another; but the good and virtuous will infuse into us some virtue; There was a little cloud in the form of a pillar, which was in the midst between the Egyptians and the Israelites, as they travelled in the wilderness; the hindermost thereof, which was dark and misty, the Egyptians followed after; but the foremost, which was lightsome and bright, the Israelites beheld▪ Whatsoever thing we have in us, that is spotted and worthy of dispraise, they which are the children of darkness do imitate that; but whatsoever is excellent and praiseworthy, that they do follow, which are the children of light, and led by the Spirit of God.

Wherefore we must not only take heed with whom we converse, but upon what terms and conditions, with a great deal of care in the choice of our friends, and diligent circumspectnesse; unless that we be willing to endure thereby a dangerous corruption of manners.

Chap. 28. As the Poles of the Loadstone have their strength in divers regions, so good and bad men have their regiment or rule in divers ages.

THere is as much difference between the Poles of the Loadstone, as is between the right hand and the left; for they have a different power in different regions of the earth: In t • e Northern parts of • he world, there is a manifest difference of the Northern point; for it lifts up a greater piece of Iron, than the Southerne Pole can do in the same parts.

In this world the flesh prevails against the spirit, the body doth here press down the soul: The sons of Belial domineer in this life, everyone hath his place, his government assigned him by God.

Chap. 29. Christ doth diligently purge his floor in that sort, as Goldsmiths do their Tables.

GOldsmiths have an admirable cunning to cleanse their tables, upon which small dust of Iron is everywhere mingled with golden dust, which fall from their files and hammers, as they polish those things which they make: For they carry about on the Table a Loadstone. of great virtue within a fingers distance, which readily separates, without any damage, the small pieces of Iron f • om those of gold; when passing by, and leaving the golden, it draws those of Iron unto it. After the very same manner the Lord shall purge his floor in that great day of judgment; for when two shall be together in one bed, one shall be taken, and the other shall be left; when two shall be grinding in one mill, one shall be taken, the other left; for the Lord knoweth those that are his, he shall separate the Goats from the Sheep, and shall winnow the chaff from the wheat. Neither ought it to seem more difficult, or wonderful unto us, That the several members, and small parts of the deceased, should return again to their bodies, than that several Bees in the hive do know their cels; that several young Lambs in a flock do distinctly knew their own Dams, and that several pieces of Iron should fly towards the Loadstone.

Chap. 30. The Loadstone, and Christ together, with their virtue, do impart gravity, or weight, to those persons and things that are drawn by them.

FUrther, we may be pleased to note by the way; That the Loadstone, together with the virtues observed, doth infuse and put a certain weightiness into the Iron: For that point of the Needle, which is touched and stirred up, doth plainly out-weigh that which is untouched, and is inclined towards the earth: So likewise doth Christ add gravity to those virtues, wherewith he is pleased to endow his Servants: and surely it is no less profitable and necessary to the soul of man, than ballasting is to a ship. And although Gravity is not numbered by Philosophers among the virtues, yet it is the ornament and defense of them all. Now a grave man is he which is steadfast in his purpose, is firmly fixed upon his intent, as a statu • or image upon the base thereof, and without variation doth always persist in the same mind; neither is he carried away with every popular wind of applause, nor changed into new forms, by any new doctrine or example; as other light vain men are used to be.

Chap. 31. The Loadstone, for love of the earth, turns aside from the poles of heaven; as we also being moved by the authority of men, do of • en times turn aside from the truth of God.

WHeresoever the Loadstone doth enjoy a free and natural motion, there it looks straight towards bo • h the Poles, the North • rn and Southerne, and departs not a whit from the Meridian; but it happeneth in many places, both of land and sea, that it turns aside, and goes out of the way, towards some point of the Horizon which is near to the true Meridian, and departs from the Poles point towards the East & West, which is distant by some degrees. This irregularite is by the Mariners called Variation, it ariseth, and is caused by large, high, and strong Continents of the land, unto which the Loadstone inclines, whilst that it turns it self to the eminent parts of its mother, the Earth: and forsakes the Celestial Poles, for love of them, which Variation breeds a troublesome uncertainty among the Mariners: Not unlike to that which befalls the Pastors and Christian flock, in discussing and determining Divinity controversies; in which as long as they observe the rule of the Scripture, and are not moved from the immovable foundation, and infallible Canon of the Prophets and Apostles, so long do they retain verity▪ & unity, and peace in the Church; but as soon as they are divided, and earnestly bend their minds to maintain particular factions, and do join themselves to that company, or Sect of learned men, which excel (as they suppose) in authority and knowledge, and attribute more to their judgments and opinions, than to the undoubted Oracles of God. Hereupon grow so many schisms, so many here • ies, and so many more than civil wars in the Church. Against which mischiefs, no better remedy can be thought upon, or desired, than that they should admit the voice of Christ, that speaks in the Scripture; for the true and living rule, both of faith and life of manners and doctrine, and for the Supreame J • dge of all doubts: Then they walking according to this rule, there shall be peace in the Israel of God.

Chap. 32. Men are deceived in the estimation of Stones, and other things, while they est • eme of them not according to their use, but according to their outward appearance.

IF those things be true which the Roman Ce •• our supposed concerning the valuation of things: That whatsoever is not profitable for mankind, is too dear, though you pay but the least piece of money for it; That whatsoever is unserviceable, is of no worth, and that which is of no use, is of no estimation; Then surely shall they be guilty of the greatest vanity, that are unequal prizers of things, who with the loss of their patrimonies and large possessions, do purchase to themselves Gemms and precious Stone • , which bring them no substantial advantage, and can profit them nothing, unless it be for superfluous splendor, and outward adorning, whereby no benefit comes, either to body or soul; when in the mean while, they make no great account of the Loadstone, and suppose it worth little, though it be remarkable for so many virtues, and ordained by nature for so many uses, and serviceable for so many necessary occasions of men: Now if we believe Raimundus, it belongs unto God alone, who cannot increase within, who wants no inward augmentation and accomplishment, to seek an estimation of himself in men's hearts; a name and praise by their tongues; and finally that honor & glory which is outward. But that man who only wants inward perfection and the increase of real good things, the more he seeks that honor which is placed in the breast of others, the more he pursues after vanity, emptiness, unprofitableness, and is by so much more wretched and poor; more remote from solid perfection and bliss; which things if they be examined according to the rule of truth, peradventure they may seem too harsh and to savor of Cynicall a • d Stoicall rigor▪ for it is lawful and allowed unto men by God himself, to se • ke in a moderate way, those things that pertain unto outward ornament; yet profusely to spend such huge sums of money, for to procure them, to put upon them such an excess of price, beyond all measure, despising and contemning those things that are of greater use, and enriched with more endowments: I do not see but that it is extreme folly, if I may not say madness.

Chap. 33. Of that Emulation and desire to excel one another, which is among Loadstones and likewise among Christians.

THere is not anywhere such manifest concord or discord, no such vehement and irreconciliable envying, either in vegetative or sensitive, nor scarcely in things endued with reason, as there is among Loadstones; they do so greedily desire the polar point, and go about to enjoy it wholly everyone to it self, after the fashion of Rivalls, that for the obtaining thereof, they do express either wonderful friendship or hatred among themselves; for if you hang two long pieces of Iron, and sharp pointed over the Poles of the earth or Loadstone, they forthwith concur and accord in their lowest points, but in their highest points, they avoid and drive one another away: On the contrary, if they be short and blunt, they will turn one from the other in their lowest points, and as it were mutually kiss and embrace one another in the highest. So likewise in human things, the least gain is such an Apple of contention, or occasion of strife among the covetous, that because of this, one mean man is ready to hate another: A common whore is an occasion of contention among the lascivious; That these wretched Miscreants do mutually wound and • ab one another: Principality and favor of Princes, is an occasion of contention among the ambitious, for which Courtiers do strive by treacheries and poisoning one of another: In the mean time true Christians spend all their love of honor, love of pleasure, and love of money another way that they m • y enjoy Christ, serve him and please him. Peter and John having received news of Christ's Resurrection, contended among themselves, and ran forte together, but the beloved Disciple out ran Peter, and came before him unto the Sepulcher, and modestly concealing his name, he did write the History of this holy Emulation: The like fit of contention wa • between Paul and Barnabas, and it m • y be for the like cause, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , Such contention is profitable for mortal men. Jacob, that he might take away from Esau the blessing and birth-right, supplanted him by his own craft and his mothers help.

Chap. 34. The contrary points of the Loadstone st • ive among themselves, and mutually • xpelone another from their subjects; So it is likewise between the flesh and the Spirit.

IF one whet a Knife on the Northern point of a Loadstone, it receives hereupon the virtue of the Loadstone, whereby it both draws and lifts up Iron: But if he shall apply the same to the contrary and Southerne point, the Knife will be deprived of the virtue which it had before, it will be subject to a whirling or turning round, that it can neither draw nor lift up Iron. The like happens to them who do imitate the vices of those whose manners they do admire; and to those who have attentively heard a Sermon, and fervently poured forth their prayers at Church, they conceiving good motions and intentions upon this occasion, do intend to change their former course of life, and turn to a better; yet falling into the fellowship of ungodly persons by going into some Stews or Tavern, they return by and by, as dogs to their vomit, or as Swine to their wallowing in the mire; as if one after the taking of wholesome meat, should immediately drink poison, or eat Hemlock, or some other poisonous herb; or having washed himself in a Bath, should tumble himself into the dirt, the end of such people, is worse than their beginning, having begun in the spirit, and ended in the flesh; for the devil, that envious one, takes from them the wholesome seed of the Word, which had never taken deep root in them, and so pours into them his deadly poison, whereby he makes them unapt, and reprobate to every good work.

Chap. 35. As the Needle is between two Loadstones, So is one that wavers between two opinions.

AS it is a thing familiarly used among those goers about which do use the art of J • gling, and present merry plays and sights to the people for money, to place in a Cauldron an Iron Needle, between two Loadstones which they carry hid in their hands, that it runs here and there uncertainly waving between both, one while following the stone which draws it unto it at first, another while that stone which draws it back, but comes at neither of them, and cleaves to neither: So doth the devil show the like sports, the like spectacles unto the world, when he turns those men like a Windmill, with every wind of Doctrine, whom the Apostle calls 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , double minded unstable men, termed by S'. Cyprian, a • cipites palpato • es, hypocritical dangerous Flatterers and Cheaters of the times, constant only in their inconstancy; such as Ecibolius was in times past, and of late, the Archbishop of Split, with others, whose names I spare: Such men as hang between heaven and earth, halting between God and Baal one while serving God, another while Mammon; one while embracing this present world, another while, that which is to come, neither acceptable to God nor good men; whom Carpenter likens to a hungry dog between two hares, or to one that runs up and down between two Feasts, one while this way, another while that way, and so comes at neither of them, but misseth them both.

Chap. 36. Effects of the same love in Christ and the Loadstone, contrary to their fir •• actions and demeaners.

THe Loadstone is wholly composed of humbleness & love, breathes out mere love, void of all gall and bitterness; It was created for the use and benefit of mankind, and brings no damage or detriment to any; If at any time it seems to drive away Iron, and expel it, it doth it not out of any pride, nor induced by any hatred; but to this end only drives it away, that being better affected and disposed in convenient terms or points, it may then recall it, and reduce it to itself, by certain windings and turnings. So our Lord who is wholly and only good, as transcendent in love and goodness, as he is in greatness, who was borne for the salvation of mankind, drew all unto him, he cast not any away that came unto him; He gave a Repulse indeed to the woman of Canaan, he chid her, as if she had been but a dog, yet to no other end, but that she might make supplication unto him mo • e earnestly, hasten to him more vehemently, and cleave to him more closely; and with that mind doth he rebuke those that are his, that he may not punish them: he threatens that he may not smite them; he judgeth them in this world, that he may not condemn them in the wor • d to come.

Chap. 37. A regenerate soul, and a needle touched with the Loadstone, are of the same condition; so likewise an unreg • nerate soul, and a needle of iron untouched.

A Needle which is altogether of • ron, and not touched with the Loadstone, hath an equal aspect to all the parts of the world and resteth equally in all, as it falls out. If at any time it hath an aspect toward the Poles, and doth rest towards them, it is only by casualty, or mere chance, without any instinct of nature, without any proper virtue. But being touched, and having once received virtue from the Loadstone, then doth it always only tend towards the Poles, and turns not aside to any other place, unless it be overcome with love of the earth, or constrained by external force of another: So likewise the merely natural, and unregenerate soul, is always prone and e • clined to wicked and sinful Arts. If peradventure at any time it performs any work materially good, it doth it not out of any set purpose, much less by habit, but by haphazard, as they are wont to say, with a blind endeavor, as one that wants both sight and skill, yet with his dart or javelin hits a Crow or a mark. Now the same soul inspired, instructed, and wrought upon by God, doth constantly direct all its actions to the glory of God; according to the precepts of virtue, and according to the Canon▪ or rule of God's word; from which scope or mark, if the regenerate man at any time err by infirmity, or by force of some strong temptation, that comes to pass altogether besides his intention, and against the design of his will. Hence it is, that the works of carnal, and merely civil men, although outwardly glorious, and goodly to see to, are little acceptable to God: But the works of holy men, though imperfect, and besprinkled with spots, do not only find pardon, but also favor in God's sight, and that for Christ his sake, not for any merit of theirs; for God is wont to weigh their works, not so much by their acts, as by their ends.

Chap. 38. Of the small estimation and scarcenesse of Loadstones & Christians, and of their native places.

THere are now abundance of Loadstones in several places so that their too much familiarity, or frequency, hath brought them into contempt among the vulgar, with whom nothing is counted precious, but that which is scarce. There is no Region almost, no Iron-mine, wherein Loadstones may not be found; that is to say, common Loadstones of no note, of no virtue; there are few very excellent, notable, and strong. In like sort there are abundance of men in every place; but few noble, learned, and wise: Of Christians, in name and title, there is no small store, and they are very cheap: But of such as are truly faithful, and behave themselves as worthy of so great a title; there is a great deal of scarcity and dearth in all places. If any inquire of the place & Region, where the best kind of Load-stones are bred? In times past Magnesia did yield the most famous, from whence it is acknowledged their name is derived: But now in that place, there are either none at all, or such as are very barren in virtue; the ordinary sort are brought from E • be and Norway ; but the best and such as are of the strongest sort, are brought hither from Bengala and China, and from those places that are more than usually hot: It is most certain, that there is not any particular Nation or Land, that doth perpetually enjoy this privilege; but as it pleaseth the God of nature, he doth sometimes bless one Country, sometimes another with this condition. In like manner at Antioch, in those ancient times, the first Christians obtained both their name and Seat; but in Berea were the most Noble: England is reputed of late, a most plentiful Island, and most happy Mother of holy and learned men, yet notwithstanding God hath his freedom, to honor at his pleasure any other Church with this renowned Praerogative.

Chap. 39. We do not search out the causes of hidden things to no purpose; though we do it subtly, yet it is but unprofitably: Divines and Philosophers may more easily, & more successfully find out the effects and use of the same.

IF any one inquire a reason, why I have not as yet produced any opinion of mine own, concerning the causes and reasons of the wonderful & secret effects of the Loadstone; Let him know that this is the cause, For that it seems to Boetius and others, not only very hard, but also • ltogether unpossible to assign a certain and determinate reason thereof; Nature would have many things to be hid in the bosom and lap of her Majesty, which it would not have the un • erstanding of man to attain to the knowledge thereof, and which it hath left rather to be admired, than to be searched out: Yet there want not some who imagine, that the affinity which it hath with the Iron, is an evident and sufficient reason of the Loadstones drawing of it; Others affirm that certain incorporall and Spiritual evaporations and issues that proceed out of the Loadstone, are the causes thereof; most do fly to that common Sanctuary of Philosophe • s, holding th • t a secret quality, engendered naturally in the Loadstone, by the spirit that wrought in the composing of stones, is the cause of it. We poor mortals are not only pur blind as Owls, but as Moles, we are almost quite blind in searching out the causes of things, we labor in vain in these subtle disquisitions, and spend the strength of our wits to no end: How much more uprofitably, and unprosperously▪ have the School men employed their hours and endeavors▪ in searching out, and declaring the causes of Go • s election, and man's vocation, whilst they excogitated that the reason hereof was God's fore-seeing of men's saith, or their works▪ or affirmed that anything else, out of G • d was the cause of thi • divine decree • , and distinct •• n or difference made between men. T • e mysteries of his Empire must be reserved and left unto God, who will not suffer his servants, without punishment, to look so curiously into the Ark of his secrets; the Bethshemites in times past suffered for this pride and folly: Predestination is an incomprehensible impenetrable depth, and bottomless pit: Some divine mysteries are unsearchable, and cannot be found out, which if God had revealed unto us, peradventure he would have forbidden them to be published and discovered: and surely, men might with greater commendation and profit, employ the strength of their wits more earnestly and intentively about those things which pertain to the practice and use of human life, and such as tend to the confirmation, and making sure of our election and calling, than about these things: If a man happens to meet with a fruitful tree, he neither digs up the earth that is about it, nor uncovers the root; but looks upon the fruit with longing eyes, and plucks them with greedy hands. And indeed it had turned less to the destruction of Adam and his offspring, and more to their salvation, if he had eaten the fruit of the Tree of life, and had not tasted at all of the fruit of the Tree of knowledge.

Chap. 40. Of the slanders and abuse • , to • hich Loadstones, as also great men and their affairs, are liable.

HItherto have I con • inued in rehearsing the various and • xcellent uses of the Loadstone, hereafter I will comprehend in few words, the abuses thereof, and those fables also which passing to and fro through the mouths of men, have gotten some belief among the credulous multitude; especially such as that is, concerning Muhammad's Iron Tomb, that hangs, as they say, in the Air, in a Chapel sceiled with Loadstones, which they who travail as far as Mecha, do constantly affirm to be false. This I conjecture to be sprung from another fable, somewhat near of kin unto it, which Pliny relates of that Master-Builder Dinocrates, who began to cover with Loadstones the roof of Arsinoe's Temple at Alexandria, that her Image or Picture might seem to hang in the Air; in the mean time it fell out that the Artificer died, and Ptolemy also, who commanded this to be made for his Sister. Of the same kind are those feigned tales of Serapion, that he could open doors and locks, that he could stay Ships in the midst of their course, that he could extract nails out of them, by the help of a Loadstone: Like unto this is that of Arnoldus de villa nova, who affirmed that the devils might be put to flight by this means, and that of Marbodaeus Gallus, who said it was the best Philter or Medic • ne to procure love, and that wives are by it reconciled to their husbands, and husbands reconciled to their wives; unto which his Commentator Pictorius, adds, this for a Surplusage; that it makes the possessors of it very acceptable to Princes▪ and eloquent; It is also an usual thing with Couseners of plain Country people, and for Mountebancks, under pretence of the virtues and effects thereof, to seek earnestly for credit and estimation to that plaster, which in Latin is termed Armarium, and is commonly called the weapon salve, having Sympathy with other things, & wrought upon by the Stars. Besides Famianus Strada, a man excellent for penning any kind of discourse, hath feigned a notable couple of Tales, (and as I believe) to exercise his wit, and practice his writing, which because they are brief and pleasant, or full of mirth, I shall not think much to set them down here fully: The first is according to the Pattern of Lucretius his Verse, and treats of a most expedite nere way to write unto friends, without any Carrier, or sending of Letters, and that only by the help of a Loadstone after this manner.

There is another Fable that follows after this, of a Loadstone called Chrysos, which doth not draw Iron, but Gold; and is framed according to the language and mind of Ovid :

These and the like feigned Inventions, as all false rumors for the most part, so have they some truth or something likely to be true; for their original from whence they rise, and their foundation whereupon they rely; for experience hath taught me, that by the help of the Loadstone, and an Instrument fitted for that purpose, it is possible that a friend may intimate his mind to another friend, being in the next Chamber, and that through a wall which is two foot broad in thickness, that he may thus impart to the other his intent and purpose, and answer to those things which shall be propounded unto him. This exploit was either never heard of before, or seemed altogether incredible. But that a man should by this Sympatheticall Needle communicate in speeches with his absent friend, as it were by an Epistle or Letter, his friend being in parts of the world so far distant, and placed out of the Loadstones Sphere of activity; It is a mere fable, and deceitful imposture.

But that which happens to the Loadstone, the same is fatal, and doth▪ usually befall great affai ••• 〈◊〉 all great men that are famous for their virtue, they lie open to many abuses and slanders, and are debased thereby.

What hath been extant in any place, or at any time, which Nature ordained for excellent uses, that either the devils cunning, or men's Leger de main, hath not perverted to most horrible abuses? What man was ever famous for works and miracles, of whom Histories have declared anything true and wonderful, upon whom fabulous reports have not fastened many absurdities & falsehoods which they added unto the truth?

What are the lives of Saints, and those golden Legends, as they call them, but confused heaps of lies, feigned and written by men of brazen faces, and Leaden brains, I am easily induced to believe, that, concerning Gregory, surnamed Thaumaturgus, and other men, to be reverenced for the power they had to work Miracles, their Cotempararies, and other approved Authors, have written many things that were true; But that I should give credit to all things which the Monks of following ages have added, I can never be persuaded; Therefore it shall be a wise man's part, neither to deny belief unto those things that are true, because of the mixture of things that are false; nor rashly to give credence unto things that are false, for the sake of those things that are true, but like a Sieve, to retain those things that are weighty and solid, and to reject those things that are vain and light.

Chap. 41. There is no less power in Christ and the Load •• one to retain things, than to draw them at first.

THe Loadstone doth not only by Invincible provocations sweetly draw Iron unto it, but strongly retains it by indissoluble bands when it is drawn, until it be plucked away from it by violent hands; you may see Anchors in Goldsmiths shops hanging by the Loadstone whole months and years together; and put the case that a Loadstone of such great virtue might be had, that it could not be violently wrought upon by outward force, it would follow hereupon, that the Anchors should perpetually cleave to the Loadstone: Now just in the same manner doth Jesus the Corner Stone, the stone of our help, work in our wills, it is by his grace that we are assisted in all things, and he causeth that it may not be refused though we know not after what manner, as Augustine often declares. He doth also pour into the hearts of his chosen, such love and fear, such good acceptance of his favors, that they will never depart from him, and doth always take heed lest there should be in any of them any unbelieving heart, to fall away from the living God. There remains, we deny not in elect and regenerate, not only a power, but also a proneness and inclination to become Apostate's, to fall away totally and finally from God; but faithful is he which hath called us, and preserves our whole Spirit and Body, until his glorious Comming, by whom we are comprehended rather than comprehend him: Having our foundation upon this Magnetick • ock, no showers or winds shall to our confusion, dash and shake us, no man shall snatch us out of his hand; nothing, whether present or to come, shall separte us from his love. Now unto him that is able to keep from falling those that are his, and so present us faultless in his presence with exceeding great joy, be ascribed all glory, strength, and power, forever and ever. Amen.