or if in any the partes commanded he appear negligent and cold Or to put them to any other vse than is commanded or be given to images superstitious monuments customes occasions or such like If any dishonor the name of God either in the vnreverent vsing or abusing or perverting and not vsing with that preparation before feeling at the present time fruite after which is prescribed his titles Word Sacraments works And if any prophane his Sabboth by vain pastimes going to plaies or giue not him self to the exercises appointed on that day out of the word If any neglect especial duties towards their equals superior or inferior in years gifts authothority as maisters parents ministers servāts childrē or people If any declare not a cōsciēce to fly evil anger malice contention quarelling fighting or any hurting of the person of a man either in soule or body not being carefull to succour the same according to his calling If any be found vnchast in body words countenance or gesture vntemperat in diet in apparel dissolute not caring to maintaine the contrary holines in himself and others If any care not for the goodes of another man but by falshood flatterie oppression c. diminish the same If he be negligent in increasing of his own by honest lawful means if he mispend it at cardes dice gaming c. If any care not to maintaine the good name of others but bee givē vnto vnnecessarie blasing of other mens infirmities by lying slandering backbiting tanting c. If any shewe himself careles to restrain the motiōs intisemēts vnto sin the lusts of the same Thē they shall vse the means following to redresse them The dueties which are to be applied to this rule are these Those which they must do by themselues Those which they must procure to be done by others Iam. 5.15 And the prayer of faith shall saue the sick and the Lord shal raise him vp and if he haue committed sinnes they shall be forgiuen him As this must be done for him in sicknes so in health as in this so in any other of the like nature The dueties they must do by themselues must haue two properties They must bee done with wisedom fit for those duties Patiencie fit Wisedom is that the causes may be thorowly sifted soundly reproued out of the worde of God According vnto this wisedome also vntill a fitter occasion this duetie may bee lette passe and with keeping the authoritie of the chiefe of the familie bee winked at for a time Eccles 7.21 Applie not thy minde to all the wordes that are spoken seeing thou oughtest not to heir thy servaunt cursing thee 22. For also many times thy minde is priuie that thou hast cursed others Prou. 20.21 Hee which bringeth vp his servants delicatlie shall in the end be depriued of his Children Patience fit for it is with keeping the authoritie of the chiefe of the familie to heare what can be alledged and by equitie also to allowe or dissallowe the same Contrary to which is hastines without discretion making the matter plaine that the conscience may be touched for the fault Also pride not to heare any excuse or defence deliuered in duetie submission and obedience of child or servaunt Finallie bitternesse which may provoke wrath rather then cause amendement Collos 3.21 Fathers provoke not your children to wrath least they bee discouraged Iob. 31.13 If I contemned the cause of my seruaunt or mine handmaid when they pleaded with me 14. For what shoulde I doe if the strong God should rise or if he shuld visite what should I answere him Nomb. 22.26 After the Angell of the Lord went forwarde stoode in a narrowe place where there was no place to decline either to the right hand or to the left 27. And when the Asse seeing the Angel of the Lord God lay downe vnder Baalam Balaam being kindled with wrath smote the Asse with his staffe 28. And the Lorde opened the mouth of the Asse which said vnto Baalam what haue I done vnto thee that thou hast smitten me nowe three times Baalam said vnto the Asse because thou hast mocked me I woulde there were a sworde in my hand for euen nowe would I kill thee Ephe. 6. And ye maisters do the same things towards them letting passe threatnings knowing also that your maister is in heauen neither that there is respect of persons with him And these are the properties of those duties The divers sortes are Rebuke Correction Prou. 22.15 The foolishnes which is bound vnto the hart of a Childe the rodde of instruction will remoue farre from him Prou. 23.13 Withdraw not correction from thy son when as thou shalt strike him with the rodde he shall not die thereof 14. Strike him with the rod and thou shalt deliuer his soul from the graue Prou. 20.30 Horscombes are for the evil man blewnes wounds and stripes pearcing throgh the inner partes of the bellie Prou. 29.15 The rod and rebuke giueth wisdome but the child let alone to himself shameth his mother Rebuke is a sharp admonition to take heed of the euill reprooued aright as is gathered out of that before Correction is when with a sharpe rebuk of instruction punishment is inflicted or laid vpon the offender according to their discretion cōsideration being had of the fault all circumstances of the same Yet if this at any time for some causes be omitted a greter is to be threatened and performed when they shall next deserue the same Prou. 19.19 Be thou greate in the fervencie of anger in forgiuing the faulte saying that if thou shalt deliuer him thou wilt further punishe him afterwarde Contrary to this is too much lenitie also immoderate correction Prou. 19. The rod and rebuke giueth wisedome but a sonne permitted to himselfe shamed his mother Prou. 29.16 Chastise thy childe and he shall bring thee rest he shall delight thy soule Prou. 29.19 A servaunt is not chastised with wordes c. That which they must procure to bee done by other is that when the former meanes will not serue they do according to S. Iames his rule send for the elders of the Churche that they may by new admonitions rebukes and censures of the Church draw them to repentance and if that serue not to bring them to the Magistrate and so those which they may to discharge them from the familie vnlesse they amend and those which they may not to kepe them in such order till God or the common-wealth cut them of Iam. 5.15 And the praier of fayth shall saue the sicke and the Lorde shall raise him vp and if hee haue committed sinnes they shalbe forgiven him Mat. 18.16 But if he shal not hear thee take yet with thee one or two that of the mouth of two or three witnesses the whole matter may be confirmed Deut. 21.18 If any man shall haue a stubburne and rebellious sonne
instructed him 2. What shall I say my sonne What thing O sonne of my wombe And what O sonn of my desires 3. Giue not thy strength vnto women and to those that worke that kinges may be abolished Here the Church may not bee deprived for honour gaine or such fleshly respectes of meet Ministers In their ripe age their dutie is to giue their children that which may help them in this life and also if they haue not the gift of continencie to counsel them to governe them vnto a fit and religious wife such as is fit for the duties afore-named 1. Cor. 12.14 For I seek not yours but you For children ought not to gather treasures for their prarents but the parēts for the children Gen. 24.2 Put thine hand vnder my thigh 3. That I may bind thee with an oth by the Lord God of heaven and the God of the earth that thou wilt not take a wife vnto my sonne of the daughters of the Cananites amongst whom I dwel 3. But that thou wilt goe vnto my country and to my kindred and take a wife vnto my sonne Izhak Ruth 3.1 Afterward Naomi her mother in law said vnto her Should I not seeke rest vnto thee that it may be well with thee So 1. Cor. 7. c. Contrarie to this is the neglect of their life to come to make matches only for carnall respects suffering them to liue wantonlie and vncleanly not seeking the remedie appointed The proper duties of both is commonly towards them in their infancie The fathers dutie is with al convenient speed that may be according to the assemblie of the cōgregatiō to present the child for the first Sacrament and there to giue a name in the mother tongue which may haue a godly significatiō fit for that work Contrarie to this is deferring of that work for trifles or vnmeet causes a giving of a name in another tongue a prophane name Gen. 25 25. And the firste came foorth roughe being all over as an hairy gowne and they called his name Esau 26. Afterwards his brother came forth whose hand held the heele of Esau therfore everie one called his name Iacob Luke 1.59 And it was so on the eight day they came to circumcise the babe and called him Zacharias after the name of his father 62. Then they made signes to his father how hee would haue him called 63. So he asked for writing tables and wrote saying His name is Iohn and they marveiled all Gen. 4.25 And after Adam knew his wife which brought foorth a son and called his name Sheth For said she God hath laid vp for mee another seede for Abel whome Kain slew Gen. 19.11 Furthermore the Angel of the Lord said vnto her Behold thou art with child and thou shalt shortly bear a sonne therfore call his name Ismael because the Lord considereth thine affliction 15. Therfore Hagar brought foorth vnto Abraham a sonne Abraham called the name of the sonne which Agar brought foorth vnto him Ismael So the Greekes in Greek as Timothie The feare of God Act. 16. Then came he to Derbe and to Listra and behold a certain Disciple was there named Timotheus a womans son which was a Iewesse but his father was a Grecian And the Latines in Latine as Tertius Rom. 16.22 I Tertius which wrote out this Epistle salute you in the Lord. The proper dutie of the mother is to nourish it vp if she be able with her owne milke and to waine it and performe all such motherly care and dutie 1. Tim. 5.10 If she haue nourished her children if she haue lodged strangers c. Gen. 21.7 Furthermore she said Who would haue said vnto Abraham Surely Sarah shal giue children sucke but I haue borne a sonne in his old age 8 And the babe grew and was wayned Abraham made a great feast what day Isaac was wained 1. Sam. 1.29 So the woman abode that shee might nurse her sonne vntill shee had brought him vp Luc. 2.12 And this shall bee a signe vnto you you shal finde the child swadled and laid in a cratch Contrarie to this is the tendernesse of many mothers that bring on them the threatning of the Prophet willinglie of barren breasts which should go only with a barren womb Hitherto of their duties as they be parents Now followeth their duties as they bee maisters and maistresses where besides these common both to children and servants this is proper in regard of servants that not onely according to justice they pay them their due wages but also otherwise helpe them comfort them liberally reward them as far as christianitie liberalitie in equalitie shall binde them Contrary to this is to retain their wages to exact of them to oppresse thē or onely reward them strictly according to the exact deserving Coloss 4.1 Ye maisters doe vnto your seruauntes that which is iust and equal knowing that ye also haue a maister in heauen And these are the duties which they must performe in their life time Al which must be shut vp with setting order for al things at their death with especiall exhortations and praiers for religion for vprightnes in their callings for peace order after them Esai 38.1 In those daies Hezechiah was sicke vnto death Esaiah the sonne of Amos the Prophet came and said vnto him so saith the Lord Giue precepts vnto thy familie for thou shalt shortly die and shalt not liue 1. King 2.1 And when the daies of David drewe neere that hee should die he commanded Schelomon his son saying 2. I shall shortly depart after the maner of all the world but be strong and be a man 3. And keep the ordinances of the Lord thy God by walking in his waies keeping his statutes commandements and his judgments and his testimonies as it is written in the lawe of Moses that thou maiest prosper in whatsoever thou shalt doe and whither soever thou shalt turne thy selfe 4. That the Lord may perform the woorde which hee promised mee saying If thy children shall keepe my way by walking before me in faith from their whole heart and their whole mind saying I say there shall not be cut off vnto thee a man from the seate of Israell 5. Moreover thou knowest what Ioab the sonne of Zerviah hath done vnto me what he hath done to the two Captaines of the hoste of Israell Abner the sonne of Ner and Hamasa the sonne of Iether whom he slewe appointing slaughter of warre in peace as he hath put the bloud of slaughter of warre on his girdle which was about his loines and in his shoes which were vpon his feete 6. Wherefore doe according to thy wisedome neither suffer his white head to goe down to the graue in peace 7. But exercise mercie towardes the sonnes of Barzillai the Gileadite let them be amongst those that eat meate at thy table because likewise they came vnto me when I fled from Absolon thy brother 8. To be short Schimmhi the sonne of Gera
her father hold his peace concerning her let it be established 6. But if her father shall make her to breake it in what day he shal heare it let none of her vowes or bandes wherewith shee hath bound her selfe be established the Lord shal forgiue her because her father hath made that she should breake it 1. Cor. 7.36 But if any man thinke hee haue committed some vncomely thing against his virgin if she passe the flower of her age and that it ought to be done let him doe what he wil he sinneth not Let thē be joyned in mariage 37. But hee which abideth firme in heart neither is driven by necessitie but hath his owne will in his power and hath decreed this in his heart that he may keep his virgine he doth well 38. Therefore he that giveth her in mariage doth wel but he that giveth her not in mariage doth better Gen. 24.51 Behold Ribkah is before thee take her and go thy way that she may be a wife vnto the son of thy Lord as the Lord hath spoken Laban the sonne having the goverment of his father being olde was the chiefe in this businesse Gen. 24.55 And the brother of Ribkah her mother said let this maid tary with vs a few daies at the least ten afterward goe thy wayes 57. Then they said let vs call the maide aske of her mouth Their especiall recompence is to relieue and maintain them or any other which is knit vnto them in any especiall care and dutie as farre as their ability or duty towardes the wife and care of the familie will suffer Contrarie to this is contempt of your parēts grieving of them neglecting to help succour them c. 1. Tim. 5.4 But if any widow haue children or Nephewes let them learne first to shew godlines towards their own house and to recompence their owne kindred for that is an honest thing and acceptable before God Mat. 15.4 For God hath commanded saying Honour thy father and thy mother and hee that curseth father or mother let him die the death 5. But ye say whosoever shall say to father and mother by the gift that is offered by me thou maist haue profite 6. Though hee honour not his father or his mother shall be free thus haue you made the commandemēt of God of none authority by your traditions Gen. 47.12 And Ioseph nourished his father and his brethren and all the houshould of his father with meat as putting it into the mouth of the children The especiall dutie of servantes is to doe all thinges which their maister shal according to Gods wil giue them in charge Col. 3.22 Servants be obedient to them that are your maisters according to the flesh in all thinges not with eie-service as men-pleasers but in singlenesse of heart fearing God Luk. 17.7 Who is it also of you that hauing a servant plowing or feeding cattell would say vnto him by and by when he were come frō field goe and sit down at the table 8. And would not rather say vnto him Dresse wherwith I may supp and gird thy selfe and serue mee till I haue eaten and drunken and after eat thou drink thou 9. Doth he thank that seruāt because he did that which was commanded him I trowe not Contrarie to which is that some will do one thing only at this time and which pleaseth him The manner of dooing this hath two partes Diligence Faithfulnesse Tit. 2.9 Let seruants be subiect to their maisters and please them in al things not answering again neither pickers but that they shew all good faithfulnesse that they may adorne the doctrine of God our Saviour in all thinges Their diligence is in a single heart as to the Lord not only by labour and travel but praier religious care and all good means to perform the things laid on them Contrarie to this is eie-service Col. 3.22 Servants be obedient to thē that are your maishers according to the flesh in all thinges not with eie-service as men-pleasers but with singlenes of heart fearing God 23. And whatsoever ye doe do it hartily as to the Lord and not vnto men Ephe. 6.5 Servants be obedient vnto them which are your maisters according to the flesh with feare and trembling in singlenes of your hearts as vnto Christ 6. Not with service to the eie as men-pleasers but as the servants of Christ doing the wil of God from the hart 7. With good wil serving the Lord not men Gen. 24.9 Therefore the servant putting his hand vnder his thigh sware vnto him concerning this matter 10. Afterward the servant tooke ten Camels of the Camels of his maister that he might goe on his journey for hee had al the goods of his maister in his hand And rising he went vnto Syria between the rivers vnto the citie of Nachor 11. Where causing the Camels to rest without the citie beside a wel of water in the evening at what time the woman came foorth to draw 12. And he said O Lord God of my maister Abraham bring to passe I pray thee that it may come to passe vnto mee this day and shew this mercie vnto my maister Abraham 26. And he inclined his face to the ground bowed himselfe to the Lord saying Blessed bee the Lorde of my maister Abraham which hath not left his mercy and faithfulnesse towards my maister His diligence also appeared greatly when he said I wil not eat til I haue spoken my words or matter ver 33. in making speed he said Stay me not seeing the Lord hath prospered my way Send me backe that I may goe vnto my Lord c. Faithfulnes in their labor charges to seeke the vttermost they can the commodity and benefite of their maisters Contrary to which is picking turning another way in banquetting feasting riot c. This appeareth most liuely in the description which Iacob doth make of his faithfull service to Laban This is the twentith yeare since I haue bene with you thy sheep thy goats haue not left their young and the rammes of thy flocke haue I not eaten The torne I brought vnto thee but made it good my selfe at my hand thou diddest require it Likewise the stolen by day and the stolen by night I was about my woorke when the heat consumed mee by day and the frost by night and sleepe departed from mine eies Gen. 31.38.39.40 And thus much for the order of houshold which is prescribed by the word of God THE RESOLVTION AND INTERpretation of the Lordes praier out of Math. 6.9 and Luke 11.2 OVR Saviour Christ being both desired of his Disciples to be taught how to pray having reprooved the abuse of vnnecessarie vain repetitions of one and the same thing giveth his disciples commandement to pray as he taught them in this prayer Saying Pray thus and when you pray say Our Father c. that is let the things which you require giue thanks for the differēce which
accomplished at the commandement of her husband for which Christian watchfulnes proper to a mistresse of the house it requireth euen to be his eies foot and mouth when hee is away in espying looking admonishing rebuking also giving almes to the poore Pro. 31.20 She openeth the palm of her hand vnto the poore she stretcheth out her hands vnto the needie 26. She openeth her mouth wiselie the doctrine of mercie is set on her tongue The second especiall dutie of the wife so called by the signe of it is to bee an image of the authoritie and wisedom of her husband in her whole administration and so to be his glorie honor and from a meek and quiet spirit in all her behavior of words deedes apparel countenance gesture c. to signifie plainely she hath a feeling of him in her heart as of the image of Gods majestie glorie and perfection Gen. 24.63 For Isaac had gone forth to pray in a certaine field in the evening and when hee lifted vp his eies and beheld Behold the Cammelles came 64. Rebekka also lifting vp her eies whē she saw Isaak she discended from the Cammel 65. For Rebekkah saying vnto the servant who is that man which walketh by the field to meet vs The servant answered It is my maister And she took a vaile and covered her selfe Gen. 20.16 And vnto Sarah he said Behold I haue given a thousande Cicles of silver vnto thy brother behold he is vnto thee a covering of the eies anongst all that are with thee 1. Pet. 3.6 As Sarah obeyed Abraham calling him Lord whose daughters ye are made as long as ye doe wel evē whē ye are not terrified with any fear Where Sarah speaking of her husband but in her heart the Apostle saith shee did as of her Lord. Contrarie to this is the pride and vntamed affection of the wife their vncomely gestures their hot and chiding answeres towards their husbands their vnshamefast and vnequallike lookes finally whatsoever is contrarie to the former rules And hitherto of the duties which are betweene themselues now followe the duties towards others They are double As they are parents As they are maisters and maistresses Colos 3.21 Fathers prouoke not your children to wrath least they be discouraged Col. 4.1 Ye masters giue right and equalitie vnto your servants knowing that you haue a maister in heaven Tit. 2.4 The duty of parents must be performed moderately of the father with great gravitie authority Gene. 22.7 And Isaak speaking vnto Abraham his father said My father which said Behold here I am my sonne Then said Isaak Behold here is fire and wood but where is the small beast for the sacrifice Vnto whom Abraham saide God shal provide for himself a smal beast for the sacrifice my son when they went both together Pro. 4.3 When I was a son with my father tender and only beloved before my mother 4. He teaching me said vnto me Let thy mind hold my words keep my commandements and liue 5. Get wisdome get vnderstanding forget not neither decline from the word of my mouth Of a mother with that chearful easines of a mother which keepeth her authoritie Pro. 31.1 The gathering together of the words of Lemuel the king wherewith his mother had instructed him 2. What shall I say my sonne What thing ô sonne of my wombe And what ô sonne of my desires 3. Giue not thy strength vnto women to those that work that kings may be abolished The duties are Common to both Proper to each Common to both from the first conception of children to take care of them euen to the end of their liues as appeareth by the partes following The special parts of this duty are these Which respect Their tender age Their youth Gal. 4.1 This I say the heire as long as he is a child differeth not from a servant though he be Lord of all 2. But is vnder tutors and governors vntil the time appointed of his father The duty in their tender age is according to their yeares and abiltie to nurse them vp in discipline fit for children and admonitions of the Lord. Ephe. 6.4 And you fathers provoke not your children to wrath but bring them vp in doctrines and admonitions of the Lord. Prov. 22.6 Instruct thy childe according to his capacitie yea when he shall be olde it shall not depart from him Discipline fit for children is when by intisements allurements corrections c. fit for thē they are framed to good The giving of the admonitions is by litle and litle by often repetitions in greatest plainnesse which may bee to make them vnderstand some chiefe grounds seeds of religion of good maners and behavior towards al and so to begin some conscience in them Esay 28.10 When as there shall bee added precept vnto precept precept vnto precept line vnto line line vnto line here a litle ther a litle 2. Timoth. 3.15 That thou hast learned the holy Scriptures of a childe which are able to make thee wise vnto salvation which is in Christ Iesus Heb. 5.12 For you which for a time ought to be better learned haue need to bee taught againe what are the principles of the worde of God and ye are become those which had need of milk not of strong meat 13. For everie one that vseth milke is vnexpert of the word of righteousnesse for he is a babe Pro. 20.11 Let a child make himself knowne in his works whether his work be pure right Contrary to this is to let them haue their wil from the beginning to discourage them by severitie to let the common ignoraunce of the world be rooted in them and not in this care to frame them to trueth and goodnesse and to prepare them to be apt to receiue profite from the publike ministerie Their duty towardes them in their youth is Either in the entrance of their youth Or in their ripe age Their dutie in the entrance of their youth is according to their gifts diversity of them to prepare them vnto som profitable calling in the Church by applying them vnto it beating into them the gifts and conscionable vse of the gifts which is required 1. Chron. 28.9 Then also Salomon my sonne know the God of thy father and worship him with an vndefiled body and with a careful mind because God doth search all hearts and doth vnderstand euerie imagination of the thoughts if thou shalt seeke him he will be found of thee but if thou shalt forsake him he wil forsake thee for euer 10. Behold now seeing the Lord hath chosen thee to build an house for a Sanctuarie bee thou strong and doe it 11. Then Dauid gaue to Salomon the patern of the porch and of the houses thereof and the treasure houses thereof and of the parloure thereof and of the inner chambers thereof and of the place of the mercie-seat Pro. 31.1 The gathering together of the words of Lemuell the king wherein his mother had
3 That it may be well with thee and that thou maiest liue long on earth 4. And ye Fathers provoke not your children to wrath but bring them vp in instruction and information of the lord 5 Servants be obedient vnto them that are your maisters according to the flesh with feare and humbling in singlenes of your hearts as vnto Christ 6 Not with service to the eie as men pleasers but as the servants of Christ doing the wil of God from the heart Colos 4.20.21.22.23.24 Those which governe the familie are those superiors who haue authoritie in the same Their generall and common duetie is to order their house according to the former rule Yet one may being vrged by the great care of a Magistracie or for such like haue a steward that is one to governe his houshold according to the rules he prescribeth Contrarie to this is the common and whole casting off of this care vnlesse in worldly matters The first part of this rule is prooved by these places I will haue the yonger woman to marie and govern their houshold 1. Tim. 5. If one rule not his houshold wel how shal he care for the Church 1. Tim. 3.5 The exāple of David Psal 101.4.1 Salomons mother Pro. 31.1.2.3 c The second part of this rule is prooved by the example of Abraham who had his elder servant in his house who was over all that he had and to whome hee committed the waightie dutie of providing a wife for his sonne Genes 24.2 Then Abraham spake vnto the elder servaunt of his houshold which was over all that he had saying Put now thy hand vnder my thigh 3 that I may binde thee with an othe by the Lord God of heaven God of the earth that thou wilt not take a wife vnto my son of the daughters of the Cananits amongst whom I dwell 4. But that thou wilt goe vnto my countrie vnto my kindred and take a wife for my sonne Isaac So Ioseph in Putiphars house This government must bee perfourmed with all comelinesse fit for the houshould which is that agreable fitnesse or cōveniencie which woorthily becommeth the diversitie of persons in the familie as Superiors inferiors equals of sexe male female of age childhood youth ripe age old years of matters as some concerning God some man of time the day the night For all these haue not one and the same rule of decencie therefore the Apostle saith Which ruleth his house which kepeth his children in subjection with all comelines 1. Tim. 3.4 Nowe as there is comelinesse peculiar to the subjection of Children so of servauntes And as there is comlinesse for subjection so for equalitie and as for behauior of those of the house so to those not of the house so likewise in all other the former respects as shal appeare by the shining light or eie of this general rule in everie part of housholde government Of the duties of ordering the houshold by the chiefe of the same There are two sorts The first regardeth those in the houshould The other strangers or guests comming into the same 1. Tim. 5.10 If she haue brought vp her children wel If she haue bin giuen to hospitalitie Iob. 31.31 If the men of my tent haue not saide O that some woulde giue vs of this flesh wee are not satisfied because the straunger did not lodge abroad I opened my dores to the waifairing man So he caused his seruants to giue place to strangers which sheweth this diversitie of duties Now both of these are in regard of Christian holines The things of this life Pro. 31.15 She openeth her mouth in wisdom and the doctrin of mercy is on her tongue And rising while it is yet night she giveth meat to her house a taske to her maides And Exod. 18.5 And Iethro the father in law of Mosche comming with his children and with his wife vnto Mosche into that desert where hee had placed his tents to wit to the mount of God 6. He said vnto Mosche I thy father in lawe Iethro do come vnto thee also thy wife and her two sonnes with her 7 Then Mosche went foorth to meet his father in law and bowing himselfe hee kissed him and they asked one another of his welfare after-terward they went into his Tent. 8 Where Mosche declaring vnto his father in lawe whatsoever things the Lord had done vnto Pharaoh and the Aegyptians for Israell al the troubles which had happened vnto them in that way from whence the Lord had delivered them 9 Iethro rejoiced for all those benefits which the Lord had done vnto Israel because he had delivered them out of the hands of the Egyptians 10 And Iethro said Blessed be the Lord God which hath delivered you out of the hands of the Aegyptians and out of the hands of Pharaoh Which hath delivered his people from vnder the hands of the Aegyptians 11 Now I know that the Lorde is greater than all goddes for in that thing wherein they wer proud he is aboue thē 12 Therefore Iethro the father in law of Mosche tooke and offered sacrifices and a burnt offering vnto God and Aaron and all the Elders of Israel came to eat meat with Iethro Mosche his father in lawe before God 13 And it came to passe the next day Mosche sitting to judge the people when as the people stood about Mosche from the morning of that day vnto the evening 14 That the Father in law of Mosche beheld all that he did vnto the people and said What is this that thou doest vnto this people Why sittest thou alone and al the people stand before thee from the morning vnto the evening 15 Then Mosche said vnto his father in law Because this people come vnto me to aske counsell at God 16 When there is any busines betwen thē everie one commeth vnto mee that I may judge betweene both and I make knowne the Statutes of God and his lawes 17 But Iethro his father in law said the thing is not good which thou doest 18 Thou wilt altogether faint both thou and the people that is with thee for this thing is too heavie for thee thou canst not performe it alone And this ariseth from a double respect the commoditie they receiue and the dutie they owe to the cōmon state wherein they are that as they haue of their children servants guests not onelie bodilie service and friendship but that which is of conscience and commeth from their faith and religion and their praier and the blessing in them Math. 10.41 so they must giue them this double recompence Also to the common state they are boūd by covenant not onely as much as in them lieth by their houshold government to further the peace and tranquillity of the common wealth but also of religion true holinesse 2. King 11.17 Contrarie to this is their best care to be most exquisit in the latter and altogether negligent in the former which is the chiefest So that
And he said wherefore wilt thou goe to him meaning the Prophet to day It is neither newe Moone nor Sabboth day Which sheweth that in the scarcitie of the preaching ministerie they went on those dayes to the Prophetes to heare the word of God The second dutie is to cause them to doe that which is commanded them in the third Commandement to that purpose Which although it be not proper to this place yet for the simpler sort it is thus set downe First to prepare themselues to the preaching of the worde by consideration of Gods ordinance and promise and their corruption so that laying aside al superfluitie of evil that they may with all meeknesse receiue the word Iam. 1.17 Luk. 8.8 Take heed therefore howe ye heare for whosoever hath it shall be given vnto him and who so hath not euen that which he seemeth to haue shal be taken from him And for the Sacramentes to consider Gods institution their ministerie his mercie in Christ their faith their repentāce and their wants and so seeking the assurance of grace of reconciliation and comfort to com vnto the table of the Lord. 1. Cor. 11.28 But let everie one prooue himselfe and so let him eate of that bread and drinke of that cup. Esa 1.16 Wash your selues purifie your selues put away the wickednesse of your actions and cease to doe evill before mine eies Esa 66.2 But vppon him doe I looke that is poore and contrite in spirite and trembleth at my words Mat. 5.23 Therefore if thou hast brought thy gift to the altar and there remembrest that thy brother hath ought against thee 24 Leaue there thy gift before the altar go thy waies First bee reconciled to thy brother and then come and offer thy gift Secondly in the workes themselues with reverence vnderstanding to heare and receiue the word to be touched according to the matter and with joy and assurance of fayth receiue solace and increase of grace by the right vse of the Sacraments and after to cal to minde and try by the Scripture thinges delivered and so hold fast the good to applie the comfort of the sacraments vnto al temptations afterward Psal 78.2 Heare my doctrine O my people incline thine eare to the wordes of my mouth Nehem. 8.10 After Nehemiah to witte the Kinges Embassadour and Ezra the Priest and Scribe and the Levits teaching the people said vnto al the people This is the day sanctified vnto the Lord your God mourne not neither weepe for all the people wept when they hard the words of the Law 1. Thess 1.5 Because our Gospel abode with you not in speach only but also in power both in the holy Ghost as also with much sure persuasion as ye haue knowne what maner of men we haue bin amongst you for your sakes Math. 26. And when they had song a Psalme they went out into the mount Olivet 1. Thess 5.20 Quench not the Spirit Set not light by preaching Trie al things Hold fast that which is good For obedience of life it behooveth them to teach them call on them and see them do this which they learn that the publike ministerie private vse of the word be not contemned neglected vnprofitable vnto them and so God provoked not onely against their familie but also the Church of which they are Cōtrarie to this is that men both themselues and their families goe to the publike ministerie as to a common matter let it fall after to the ground without any looking into the certaintie of doctrine the power practise of it and some with the ministerie of the the word become worse both they and their housholdes than those which neuer heard it Exod. 13.1 And declare vnto thy son in that day saying For this hath the Lorde done these thinges vnto me when I went out of Aegypt 9 So shal it bee vnto thee for a signe vpon thine hand for a monument betweene thine eies that the doctrine of the Lord may be in thy mouth to wit that the Lord with a strōg hand brought thee out of Aegypt Which with the rest of the law sheweth that at those times this must be done and that so throughlie that this worke by this meanes may bee a liuelie signe and the doctrine be so vnderstood that it may more fruitfullie and liuelie be communicated by conference one to another Also Act. 10.24 And the other day after they entred into Caesarea And Cornelius waited for them having gathered together his kinsmen and speciall friendes Nehem. 8.13 And all the people came to eate and drinke and to sende portions and to make great joy because they vnderstood those words which they had made knowen vnto thē 1. King 13.31 And it came to passe after they had buried him that he gaue commandement vnto his sonnes saying When I shall be dead burie me likewise in the sepulchre in the which that man of God is buried place my bones besides his bones 33. For surely the things which he hath foreshewed by the worde of the Lord against the altar which is at Bethel against all the high places which are in the Cities of Schomron shall come to passe Iob. 1.5 After it came to passe when they had finished the daies of the banquet that Iob sent and sanctified them and rising early he offered a sacrifice according to the number of them al. For Iob said Peradventure my sonnes haue sinned or cursed God in their heart So Iob did every of those daies Which sheweth he called on them to do their duties in sanctifying them selues and their families and preparing them according to the manner prescribed The duties in reforming are those duties wherby they must labor to reform everie thing amisse which is espied for Gods glorie their good and least it creepe further Contrarie to this is that many corruptions are not accounted of that they are winked at Iob. 1.5 Psal 101.3.4.5 I will not set before mine eies a wicked thing I hate the works of those that decline it shal not cleaue vnto me A froward mind shal depart from me I wil not acknowledge evill That tongue that privilie hurteth his neighbor I will cut out Him that is proude in look swelling in mind I cannot suffer The rule of this must be the meaning of the the ten commandements which because it is necessarie for the simple though not so proper for this place it is brieflie set downe They shal suffer none in their house vnrefourmed which either in judgmēt is known to erre from the truth of the worde of God or in maners from the practise of the same But if any delight in the ignorāce of god be careles to approue himselfe as one that wholly depēdeth on him loveth him feareth him reverenceth him laboreth to approue al his waies before him If any be given to idolatrie superstition c. and careth not in everie part of the worship of God to follow his revealed wil
and by shoting at that most profitable end which hee hath appointed for everie one All which we must consider in everie of theÌ„ seuerallie first in those thinges which having imprinted his name in them he hath giuen vs and those which are directlie attributed to him his titles and works His titles according to the double vse of them simplie or in an oth hath double caution sett downe in the word In the simple vse we must be prepared either by premeditation or els by some occasion going before which doth stirre vp the severall affections of the heart in the vse of them Rom. 9.5 1. Tim. 4.17 2. Chro. 24.22 Here is forbidden the vsual taking vp of the titles of God not having our affection prepared to the revereÌ„t vse of theÌ„ by any of these means the proper affection here must be according to the tytle vse of it as in the example of Zach. 2. Chron. 24.22 Being led by the occasion of their vnjust and vnmercifull dealing with him had a full perswasion and feeling of the sight and justice of the Lord and so made vse of that glorious title the Lord to terrifie theÌ„ bring them to repeÌ„tance The vse of his titles must be either to set forth directly the honour of God his nature power mercie justice c. as Rom. 9 5. Tit. 2.13 Or to make profit vnto men either our selues or others to be more moued with the feeling of the mercie justice power authority of the Lord in any waightie matter to be streÌ„gthned amongst vs. Here is forbiddeÌ„ the vse of the name of God when wee haue no such end as we do commonly at everie trifâ—le if but vnawares we let fall a thing or when we vtter some troubled affection as Gen. 15.5 Or a falshood is confirmed as Gen. 27.22 2 Sam. 16.8 Or in blasphemie Levit. 14.11 When we vse the name of God in an oath according to the excellencie of this dutie wee must bee diligeÌ„tlie prepared by earnest and sufficient consideration of the person of the Lorde to whose judgement wee must commit our selues of the cause and matter whereabout we sweare with all other circumstances appertaining thereto Eccle. 5.2 Gen. 24.5 Wherto appertained the ceremonie of lifting vp their handes vnto the Lord which called them to mind with whome they had in this cause to deale Gen. 14.22 So sometimes they added or put in steade of the creatures of life heauen earth afflictions or sufferings not to giue the honor of an oath vnto them which were abhominable Deut. 6.13 Esa 18.18 1. King 8.31 Heb. 16.17 But to affect their heartes the more with reverence of him his glorie or power or mercie or justice which were most sensible in those things 1. SaÌ„ 20.3 Mat. 5.34 1. Cor. 15.31 To which if the names of Idols be added as it taketh away this vse so it is abhominable Hag. 8.14 Zephan 1.5 Here is forbidden all carelesnes rushing to othes without due consideration yea though the causes be just Eccle. 9.4 Ier. 4.2 The secoÌ„d thing is with all revereÌ„t behavior in the action it selfe to haue a syncere and vpright heart as wel in the feare of God to hallow his name as to help the trueth in necessitie which is called swearing in trueth Ier. 4.2 The end is to make knowne a very waighty truth which cannot by any other means be so conveniently knowne And this is to sweare for a just cause Ierem. 4.2 Heb. 6.16 Here againe is forbidden rash and common oathes not taken vp for such a cause Eccle. 9.4 Mat. 5.34 False oathes perjurie Lev. 19.12 Deu. 5.11 And thus much of titles Now followeth of the works of God For the workes of God any speciall preparation besides that which is not general I haue not found The affection which is proper in the diligent consideration of them is great reverence and sweet feeling of the glorie of God which any manner of way is found in them Psal 64.9.10 104.34 We contrariewise either wholly neglect theÌ„ as Esai 6.12 or els in lightnes c. in which sort we speak somtime of women sometime of holy matrimony yea sometime of the joyes of heaven and paines of hell making foolish and vaine plaies of these thinges The vse or end of al the work of the Lord towards him to preach and set forth the power and glorie of the eternall kingdome of God Psal 145.11.12 To vs that we and our posteritie may better knowe trust loue and feare the Lord. Psal 78.7 Deut. 4.9 But contrariwise we neuer make any such vse but harden our hearts against al his works both of justice and mercie thereby declaring our palpable blindnes in such light Psal 111.2 92.6.7 10.5 And thus much for the true sanctifying of the name of God in those things which are directlie attributed vnto him Now followeth the other in the private exercise of his word in reading conferring c. Wee must be prepared in our hearts by a great reverence of the most heavenlie most constant and profitable wisedome of the Lord for vs contained therein Psal 119.129 By a sure hope to finde vnderstanding in the plaine light of the Lord Psa 119.130 Pro. 8.9 By an earnest prayer vnto the Lord for the true vnderstanding feeling and practise of the same proceeding from an hungrie soule after these graces Psal 119.131 c. Here is condemned our great want in all these things which come commonly at all adventure without any due consideration of this most holy exercise in the reading conferring c. it selfe wee must drawe our whole soule to marke weigh and attend vpon whollie which is set foorth by lifting vp our handes vnto the Lawe to meditate in it by searching turning c. Psal 119.48 Also a bowing downe to look vnto it Iam. 1.25 Psal 119.15 To incline our heart to vnderstanding to crie after wisdome to serch for it as for hid treasure Pro. 2.3 Here againe our great coldnes wavering minds and multitude of other like infirmities is condemned The end is that we may apply all vnto our selues examine our hearts by it and so in calling on the Lord wholly to indevour our selues to put it in practise Psal 19.26.27 and 59.60 Prov. 2.1 Here is condemned the prophane abusing of the same in jestes playes c. Pro. 13.14 In the order of the Church as the means are more glorious and excellent so wee must prepare our selues more earnestly on everie side Eccle. 5.1 To the Lord in the person of the Minister whoÌ„ we must receiue as the Lord. Rom. 10.15 2. Cor. 5.19.20 speaking his word truly Deut. 18.18.19 Or admonishing or interpreting or censuring In themselues that they sift their hearts to receiue with pure affection the true vse of them severallie in the exercise it selfe reverently behaving our selues according to the nature of it and in our hearts to feel the power and force of them afterward also