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
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
their administration of houshold matters is altogether civill not religious For the familie the dutie which regardeth them is to keepe them in subjection for the performance of al duties of holines and religion and for the diligent performance of those woorks and labors which are fit for everie one 1. Tim. 3.4 Which may governe well his house which may keepe his children in subjection with all honestie 1. Tim. 3. If any be vnblameable the husbande of one wife having faithfull children which are not slaundered of riot either stubborne Psal 101.1 I will sing mercie judgment vnto thee ô Lord will I sing 2 I wil mark in an vpright way when thou shalt come vnto me I wil cōtinuallie walk in the soundnesse of my mind in the middest of mine house 3 I will not set before mine eies a wicked thing I haue hated the workes of them that decline it shall not cleaue vnto me 4 A froward minde shal depart from me I will not acknowledge evill 5 The tongue that privilie hurteth his neighbour I will cut out him that is proud in his eies and swelling in his mind I shal not be able to suffer 6 Mine eies shall waite vpon the faithfull of the land that they may abide with me He that walketh in the sounde way shall minister vnto me 8 The deceitfull man shall not dwell within mine house he that telleth lies shall not be established before mine eies Now for the performance of this general duetie two sorts are required which are Such as wher they most cōmonly go before them direct them Such as they must performe vnto them Gen. 35.2 Wherfore Iacob gaue commandement vnto his familie to all that were with him Put away the goddes of the people which are amongst you cleanse your selues changing your garmēts 3 Afterward arising let vs ascend to Bethel that there I may make an Altar to that strong God which heard me in the day of my distresse and was present with me in the way wherein I went 4 Which when they had given vnto Iacob all the gods of the strāge people which were in their hands and the earings which were in their eares Iacob hid them vnder that Oke which is beside Shechem Where we see that Iacob doth both instruct them what to doe and in the dooing of these things directeth them Such as wherein they must only goe before them and direct them are those which only ought to be done jointlie of the whol familie and then the superiours must bee there the chiefe directors of them otherwise when they are absent they must cause them to be done as in prayer before and after their labor in thanksgiving before after meate Iam. 5.13 Is any amongst you sick in mind Let him pray Is any man cheerefull Let him sing Psal 127. Vnlesse the Lord build the house their labour is but lost that builde it Vnlesse the Lorde keep the citie the keeper is diligent in vain 2. Let them bee in vaine vnto you which rise betimes which sit down slowlie which are fed with the meat of sorrowes so he giveth sleepe to his beloved Psal 55.18 In the evening and morning and at noon dayes will I meditate and make a noise vntill he hath heard my voice 1. Tim. 4.4 For whatsoever God hath created is good neither is anie thing to be refused if it bee taken with thanksgiving Luke 22.17 And he tooke the cup and when hee had given thanks he said take this and devide it amongst you So Abrahams servaunt saide Gen. 24.12 O Lord God of my maister Abraham cause I beseech thee that it com vnto me this day and exercise this goodnesse towardes my maister Abraham 48 And I bowed downe and worshipped the Lord blessed the Lorde God of my maister Abraham because he had brought me by the right way to take my maisters brothers daughter for his sonne And vpon any great judgment on the familie Church or common wealth to direct them in fastings and praiers with readings meditations and vse of the woord as may serue to giue especiall cause of humbling and especial cause fit of cōfort for that work Hest 4.16 Goe gather together all the Iewes which are at Susan and fast for me neither eat nor drinke those three daies night nor day I likewise and my maides wil fast so at length I will goe in to the King which is not according to the commandement and when I shall perish I will perish Nehe. 1.4 And it came to passe when I hearde these wordes I sate downe and wept and mourned certaine daies in which I fasted and prayed before the God of heaven 5. And I said I beseech thee ô Lord God of heaven most strong God greatest chieflie to be feared Keeping covenant mercie to them that loue him and keepe his cōmandemēts 6. Let thine eare be attētiue thine eies be open to harkē to the praier of thy servaunt which I pray before thee at this time day night for the Israelites thy servants I confesse the sins of the Israelits wherwith we haue sinned against thee I also the house of my fathers c. For as it is their duety in their own private fast to doe this by themselues so to direct others in the same when they doe it with them Contrarie to this is the vnchristian prophanesse in such cases Also the vnchristian shamfastnes of some and common negligence in others in these duties Such as they must perform vnto them are duties of Instruction Reforming Pro. 13.24 He which keepeth back his rod hateth his sonne but he which loveth him doth giue him instructions betimes Pro. 15.32 He which withdraweth himselfe from instruction dispiseth his soule but he that hearkeneth vnto rebuke possesseth his soule The dueties of instruction are that by a familiar most plaine maner of teaching they may growe in the knowledge of that truth which is according to godlines Gē 18.19 When as I haue knowne him shuld I not reveale it for this cause that hee may command his children and houshold after him that they may keepe the way of the Lord by exercising righteousnesse judgment and that the Lord may performe vnto Abraham that which he hath promised vnto him Genes 14.14 When Abraham had heard that his kinsman was taken hee armed his men instructed 318. and followed them vnto Dan. Deut. 20. They are for Continuall daily instruction That which respecteth the publike ministerie Exod. 12.25.26 Let it be therefore when ye shal come into the land which the Lord shall giue vnto you as he hath said shall obserue this worship Let it be I say when your children ask you what signifieth this worship vnto you that ye say it is the Sacrifice the passeover of the Lord who passing by the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt when he slew the Egiptians he deliuered our families Exod. 13.14 And let it be when thy sonne shall ask thee
hereafter saying what meaneth this that thou say vnto him with a strong hand hath the Lord brought vs out of Egypt out of the house of servaunts For it came to passe whē Pharao shewed himself cruel in letting vs go that the Lord slewe every first borne of men vnto the first borne of beasts Therfore I kill vnto the Lorde the males of all that open the womb but every first borne of my children I redeeme Dueties for daily instruction are Instruction out of the Scriptures Instruction drawen frō Gods workes Psalm 87.1 Receiue with your eares my people my doctrine incline your eare vnto the words of my mouth 2. I will open my mouth in a parable I wil powre foorth hid things which haue bene of olde tyme. 3. which wee haue heard and knowne as our Elders haue told vnto vs. 4. wee will not hide it from their children the after generation 5. being about to declare the praises of the Lord his might and his wonders which he hath done For he hath set a testimonie in Iacob and put a lawe in Israel which he commanded our Elders to make knowne to their Children 6. That the after generation the sonnes which should be borne rising vppe might declare it to their sonnes 7. And they may sette their hope on God nor might forget the woorkes of the strong God but keepe his commandements 8. Nor that they bee not as their elders a stubborn and rebellious generation a generation which hath not prepared their minde and whose spirit was not constant towardes the strong God Instruction out of the scripture is by the dailie reading of the same with them both to make them acquainted with the course of them so that they may marke the same for their better profiting by the allegations of the publike ministery also to refer those things which are plaine and easie or which they haue learned from the publike ministerie vnto such plaine instruction as they instructed may vnderstand know how to bring it in vse 2. Tim. 3.15 Thou hast knowne the Scriptures from a childe which can not be spoken of a thorow knowledge no not such as belongeth to the olde men who should bee sound in faith much lesse such as belongeth to a minister but such as this in being made acquainted with it and caused to marke as he was able the course of it and to learne for vse and practise such as his parents were able to note vnto him and he fit to receiue by dailie practise Deu. 6.6 And let these words which I command thee this day be in thy heart 7 And put them pearcinglie into thy children and speake of them when thou sittest in thine house when thou walkest by any way when thou liest down and when thou risest vp 8 Also bind thē for a signe vpon thine hand let them be for frontlets between thine eies 9 Brieflie write them on the postes of thine house on thy gates Contrarie to this is first that they are vtterly negligent ignorāt how they shuld doe this Then that some presume aboue this rule and goe beyond their calling especiallie that their housholde is not trained by this meanes nor made fit for the publike ministerie to amend their liues by such Christian exercises Instruction drawen from Gods works is by applying the works of God past or present to mooue them the better to confidence and trust in God by workes of his mercie to feare to offend God by works of his justice and so to sowe the verie seed of true religion and good conscience in them Gen. 18.19 When as I haue knowen him shoulde I not reveale it For this cause that he may commaund his children houshold after him that they keepe the way of the Lord by exercising justice judgment that the Lord may performe vnto Abraham that which he hath promised vnto him The dutie which respecteth the publike ministerie is Double First concerning the obeying of it The secōd cōcerning the vse of it First concernig the obeying of it they must if it be possible in their place calling adjoyn them to a set ministerie if not to bestow at least the Sabboth daies yea other also in seeking to the ministers and prophets of God to hear the word of God This is manifest first Because we must firste seek the kingdom of God wherof this is a part Esa 32.1 Beholde a king shall rule justlie and excellent ones shal govern according to the rule the eies of them who see shall not wink but the eares of them who hear shal hearken the mind of the hastie shall vnderstand knowledge and the tongue of the stutterer shall readilie speake shining thinges When Saviors to wit ministers of the doctrin of salvation shall ascende in the mountaine of the Lord to judge the mountain of Esau the kingdome shall bee to the Lorde Hobad 21. Divers administrations but one Lord. 1. Cor. 12. Wee are the Embassadors of Christ to beseech you to be reconciled 2. Cor. 5. Secondly it is the ordinarie meanes to beget and nourish faith in vs. How can they beleeue except they hear how can they heare without a Preacher how can hee preach without he bee sent Rom. 10. He hath given Pastors Doctors for the gathering together of the church the worke of the ministerie and building them vp to a perfect age in Christ that they be not as children wavering and caried about with everie wind of doctrine Ephe. 4. Attend to reading exhortation and doctrine in these continue in these things bee for in so dooing thou shalt saue thy selfe and others 1. Tim. 4. Secondly because it is the greatest blessing to haue it and the greatest plague to want it Iere. 23. having threatned them that they feed not the people he saith after I will gather the rest of my sheepe out of all the land whither I had driven them and I will bring them backe vnto their sheepcots where they shall multiplie and increase and I wil set over them Pastors which shall feed them so that they shal feare no more nor shall be wāting saith the Lord. Ier. 3. I will bring you to Sion where I wil giue you Pastors after my hart who shal feed you with knowledg and vnderstanding God will giue you indeed the bread of affliction water of oppression but none of my teachers shall bee shut vp anie more in a corner but thy eies shall see thy teachers and thy eares shall heare a voice behinde vs saying Here is the way walk in it Esa 30.20 A famine of breade nor a thirste of water but hearing the word of the Lord c. Mat. 8. But when he saw the multitude he had compassion on them because they were dispersed and scattered abroad as sheep having no Shepherd Then he said Surely the harvest is great but the labourers few c. Which sheweth howe miserable they are which want this benefite It alloweth also this dutie of seeking 2. King 4.22
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
flesh by a part put for the whole is that most near and holy society with the power and vse of the bodies one of another in purity whereby the man in an especiall manner is become the head of the wife and the wife another help to the husband likewise Gen. 2.28 And the Lord said It is not good that the man shoulde be alone I wil make him an help meet for him Pro. 2 17. Which forsaketh the guide of her youh forgetteth the covenant of her God Math. 19.9 Therefore they are no more two but one flesh That therefore which God hath ioyned together let no man seperate Ephes 5.21 Therefore shall man leaue father and mother and shall bee ioyned to his wife and they which were two shal become one flesh Therefore in the whol government of the familie The husband is the chiefe or fore-governour The wife is a fellowe helper To be a fore-governour is in the whole administration of houshold government to be over all persons and matters in the house and even the wife 1. Tim. 3.5 For if any man knoweth not how to governe his owne house how shal he care for the Church of God And to looke as the chief owner to al revenews the estate of the good things of this life especially to care for the keeping increasing of it Diligently know the estate of thy heardes c. Prov. 27.23 To be a fellow helper is to yeeld help to her husband especially at home in all the matters of the familie 1. Tim. 5.14 I wil therfore that the yonger women marie and bring forth children and gouerne the house and giue no occasion vnto the adversarie to speake evil Tit. 2.5 That they be temperate pure tarying at home good subject to their husbands least that the word of God be blasphemed Iudg. 5.24 Blessed be Iahel the wife of Ghebar the Kenite before all women which abide in the tents Pro. 31.5 Who shall find a woman of strength seeing her price farre exceedeth the Carbuâ—cles 12. She doth him good not evil all the daies of her life Gen. 18.6 Therefore Abraham going hastily into the tent vnto Sarah said Make ready at once three measures of corn take fine meale kneade it and make cakes baked vnder the ashes c. Contrarie to which is that we keepe not authority and chiefdome in all matters that women vsurp any part of it that they be given to gadding to meddle with matters not fit for their labor travel 1. Tim. 5. They will go from house c. Pro. 7.11 Her feet dwell not in the house The dutyes of maried folk in the familie are of two sorts First mutuall Then towardes others Pro. 31.12.15 Who shal find a strong woman wheÌ„ as her price exceedeth the Carbuncles And rising whilest it is yet night she giveth food to her house and a taske vnto her maides Mutual duties are those which are to be performed one to another of them They are Common to both Proper to each Exod. 21.10 If he shall take another vnto himself let him not diminish her food her clothing benevolence due vnto her Tit. 2.3 Likewise vnto the old women that they weare such apparell as may become holines not slanderers not given to much wine but teachers of honest things 4. That they may make the yong women wise that they may loue their husbaÌ„ds and children 5. That they may bee temperate chast tarying at home good subject to their husbaÌ„ds that the word of God be not blasphemed Common to both is that which both owe to each other and it is dwelling together Mutual good proceedinges from thence 1. Cor. 7.12 If any brother haue an vnbeleeving wife and she be content to dwell with him let him not forsake her 13. And the wife which hath an vnbeleeving husband which is conteÌ„t to dwel with her let her not forsak him Dwelling together is to be ordinarilie in a dwelling place for the better perfourmance of each other mutuall duties Math. 1.18 For his mother Marie was betrothed to Ioseph before they came together shee was founde with childe by the holie Ghost 1. Cor. 7.10 And to the maried I command not I but the Lord Let not the wife seperat her selfe from her husband But to the reÌ„nant I say and not the Lord if any brother haue an vnbeleeving wife she be content to dwell with him let him not forsake her 13. And the wife which hath an vnbeleeving husband which is content to dwell with her let her not forsake him 1. Pet. 3.7 Likewise let the men dwell together as becommeth them that haue knowledge giving honor vnto the womans vessell as to the weaker that wheÌ„ as ye be heires jointlie of the grace of life your praiers be not interrupted Ruth 4.11 Vnto whom al the people that were in the gate the Elders said we are witnesses the Lord make this woman which shal come into thine house like vnto Rahel Leah which both did build the house of Israell and get thou the riches of Ephrata and let the name of Bethlehem be renowmed 12. Let thine house be as the house of Peretz whom Thamar bare vnto Iudah of that seed which the lord shal giue thee of this maid Yet the Scripture alloweth vppon necessarie occasioÌ„ of warfar service to the coÌ„mon wealth church or necessarie affaires of their own somtimes a long absence Deut. 20.7 What man soever hath espoused a wife and yet hath not maried her let him go and return to his house that he die not in this battell and another man marie her 8. And let the Governors proceed further to speake vnto the people What man is he that is soft and fearefull in heart let him depart and returne to his house that he make not the hearts of his brethren to melte as doth his heart 9. Then when the Governors shall cease to speake vnto the people they shal make princes of bandes of warre in the heads of the people 2. Sam. 11.11 And Vriah saide vnto David The Arke and Israel and Iuda abide in the tentes and Ioab my Lord and the servantes of my Lord haue their Tents in the plain field and should I enter into mine house to eate and drinke and lie with my wife As thou livest and as thy soule liveth I wil not do this thing Pro. 17.19 For mine husband is not at home hee is gone a farre jorney at the appointed day he wil returne againe Contrarie to this is the ordinarie abuse and negligence of this dutie which bringeth manifolde inconueniences The mutual good proceeding froÌ„ dwelling together is that which consisteth in a sweet coÌ„municating of the persons and goods for the mutuall necessitie and consolation one of another 1. Cor. 7.3 Let the husband giue vnto the wife due benevoleÌ„ce and likewise the wife vnto the husband 4. The wife hath not power over her owne bodie but the husband and likewise the husband hath not power over his
own bodie but the wife 5. Defraud not one another vnlesse it be by consent for a time that ye may applie your selues to fasting praier come together againe least Sathan tēpt you for your incontinencie It is not good for man to be alone Genes 2. Here also must be considered the parts of this dutie first due benevolence which is the honorable possession of their vessels in holinesse one towards another for avoiding of sin bringing forth a seede of God and the honest and proper delight which ought to bee betweene the man and the wife Hebr. 13.4 Mariage is honorable among all men and the bed vndefiled but whoremongers and adulterers God shall condemne Mala. 2.14 And ye say wherefore Because the Lord hath witnessed between thee and the wife of thy youth against whome thou dost vnfaithfully whereas she is thy companion and joyned in covenant vnto thee Esa 62.7 As when a young man marieth a virgin when thy children doe marie wiues as in the joy I say of the bridegrome with the bride so shall the Lord rejoice with thee Genes 26.8 And it came to passe when they had bene there many daies that Abimileck king of the Philistims looked by the window and saw that behold Isaak played with Rebekka his wife wherfore calling Isaak he said to him Surely behold she is thy wife Pro. 5.18 Let thy fountaine bee blessed and rejoice with the wife of thy youth 19. Let her be as the loving Hind and pleasant wilde goate let her breastes satisfie thee at all times and wander in her loue continuallie 20 And wherefore shouldest thou wander my son with a strange woman or imbrace the bosome of a stranger Contrarie to this is the abuse of their libertie between themselues communicating that which is proper to the husband to other in whoring dancing vncomely familiaritie with other The second is their mutual helpe or labour one towards another in word deed and communicating of good things for the mutual norishing one of another Ephes 5.29 For no man ever hated his owne flesh but nourisheth cherisheth it as Christ also doth the Church Pro. 31.28 Her children do rise and call her blessed her husbād also doth praise her saying Many women haue done stoutly but thou exceedest them all And these are the common duties of one towards another the proper do follow They are duties one of them in severall to another They are of the Husband to the wife Wife to the husband Ephes 5.33 But also particularly everie one so loue his wife as himselfe and let the wife feare her husband The proper duties of the husbād are A proper care for his wife The applying of the generall dutie of all men towards their wiues 1. Pet. 3.7 Likewise let men dwell together with them giving honor vnto the womans vessel as vnto the weaker seeing that ye are heires together of the grace of life that your prayers be not hindered The proper care for the wife is to cover her that is to provide all thinges meete for a mate so neerely joyned in full blessing to him and thus according to their condition to giue honour to her as the fittest for him in heauen in earth with a patient covering or bearing of her infirmities 1. Pet. 3.7 Exod. 21. If hee shall take another vnto him let him not diminish her foode her cloathing and benevolence due vnto her Gene. 30.16 And vnto Sarah he said Behold I haue given a thousand Cicles of silver vnto thy brother behold he is the covering of thine eies amongst all that are with thee Let it be knowen amongst all and be thou instructed Ruth 3.9 Vnto whom he said who art thou which said I am Ruth thy handmaid that thou maist spreade thy wing over thine handmaid because thou art the kinsman Esa 3 28. In that day shall seven women take hold of one man saying We will eate our owne meate and put on our owne cloathes onely that wee may be called by thy name Take away our reproch The applying of the general dutie of al men in regard of care towards his wife is when in a special maner the image of Gods glorie and wisdome doth shine in the government of the husband towards his wife the glorie which God hath in the same shineth in the honor and glory which the man in al thinges taketh from the wife 1. Cor. 11.3 I wil that you knowe that Christ is the heade of every man and the man the womans head God is Christs head 7. For the man ought not to cover his head because he is the image glory of God but the woman is the glorie of the man 8. For the man is not of the woman but the woman of the man c. Contrary to this is when men are vndiscreet childish fond lose their authoritie or keepe it not but also their hardnesse bitternes want of wisdom in framing them to perfection in obedience The proper duties of the wife are Recōpence of her husbands care The applying of that general duty of al womē in regard of men in peculiar maner to him which is called to haue him that covering of her eies before al men The recompence of the husbands care is by obeying him in all good things and by her advise sweet counsel labor and travell to be a cōfort and help vnto him Pro. 31.11 The soul of her husband doth trust her and the spoiles do not faile 12. She doth him good and not evil all the daies of her life 13. She seeketh woolle or flax maketh it for the pleasure of her husband 14. She is like to the marchants ships she bringeth meat from far 17. Shee girdeth her loines with strength confirmeth her armes She tasting her merchandize to bee good her candle is not put out by night She putteth her handes to the wharue and her maides do hold the spindle The labor is double Either in matters of this life or Christian holines Pro. 31.26 She openeth her mouth wisely and the doctrine of mercie sitteth on her tongue 28. She beholdeth the waies of her family and eateth not the bread of slothfulnes The matters of this life are her labour In regard of her family And her owne worke For the family she must ouersee all the waies of them and both set them worke and taske also giue them their meat and other necessaries in due season Pro. 31.15 And rising whilest it is yet night she giveth food to her house and a taske to her maides 16. She considereth a field and taketh it of the fruites of her hands she planteth a vineyard 17. Shee girdeth her loynes with strength confirmeth her armes 21. She is not afraid of her houshold because of the snow for al her houshold is clothed with double cloakes Her own worke is to labour diligentlie early and late in something of profite for the familie Pro. 31.13.14.15.17.19.22 Her labour for Christian holines is to see all duties
be in thy remembrance which cursed me with a most bitter curse what day I went to Machananijm who discending to meet me to Iordan I haue sworne vnto him by the Lord saying I wil not slay thee with the sword 9. But now discharge not him being guilty seeing thou art a wise man but know what thou shalt doe vnto him that thou maist bring down his white head vnto the graue with bloud 10. After David slept with his fathers and was buried in the citie of David Gene. 49.30 Then he commanded charged them saying When I shal be gathered to my people burie me with my fathers in the caue which is in the field of Hephron the Hittite Hitherto of the firste parte of housholders which concerneth the government of the same by the superiors in it Now followeth the duty of the inferiours The inferiours are those which are vnder the rest in the houshold are called of Peter those of the houshold or houshold fellowes Their duties are towards The housholde governours Or others Tit. 1.6 If any be vnreprooueable the husband of one wife hauing faithful children which are not slandered of riot neither are disobedient Toward the houshold governors to Be helpful to them in outward behaviour Be in subjection and obedience Luk. 2.51 Then he went downe with them came to Nazareth and was subiect to them The first is by outward behaviour to acknowledge their authority such as shal be prescribed vnto them as of cap legge maner of speaking Contrary to this is vnmanerlines answering again giving cutted answers c. 1. Tim. 6.2 And they which haue beleeving maisters let them nor dispise thē because they are brethrē but rather doe service because they are faithfull and beloved and partakers of the benefite Tit. 2.9 Let servāts be subject to their maisters in all things not answering again 10. Neither pickers but that they shew all faithfulnes that they may adorne the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things 1. Pet. 2.18 Servants be subject to your maisters with all feare not only to the good curteous but also to the froward The second duty of obedience is in all commandements cōcernig the aforenamed duties of the superiors towards them willingly to perfourme them and to submit themselues to rebukes to admonitions corrections such like with meeknes Pro. 4.1 Heare ô children the instruction of the father and giue eare to learn vnderstanding 2. For I giue vnto you good discipline forsake not my doctrine 20. My son attend vnto my words and incline thine eare to my speach Nomb. 12.14 And the Lorde spake vnto Moses If her father had spit in her face shuld she not haue bene ashamed 7. daies The dutie to be helpfull is by their example and perswasions one to another and by revealing things which by admonition wil not be amended to be helpful to the Superiours in the former duties Contrary to this is evill example evill perswasions hiding things which ought to be revealed Gen. 37.2 Ioseph being 17. year old fed the flocke with his brethren for hee was a child with the sonnes of Bilhah and with the sonnes of Zilpah the wiues of their father and he brought vnto his father their evill reporte Gen. 27.44 And when it had bene tolde vnto Ribkah all the wordes of Hesau her eldest son she sending called Iacob her youngest sonne and said vnto him c. The duties towards others is Amongst themselues Towards other besides thēselues Amongst themselues that with peace and quietnesse they haue their mutuall equalitie beare one with another and help one another as far as is lawfull Contrarie to which is vnquiet mindes pride jarres lifting vp aboue others not keping the place or difference made by the chiefe of the familie Towards others is that they so order themselues towards al as they are taught out of the commandements and towards guests strangers rich and poore high and low as they bee taught out of the fift cōmandement And thus of the common duties of all inferiors of the family and this is prooved by the commaundements and sentences going before Geness 45.24 And letting his brethren goe he saide vnto thē be not mooved or stirred one against another in the way Inferiors in the family are Children Servantes Childrens dutie is from their beginning to their ending to be subject obedient and helpfull to their parents Contrarie to this is the rejecting of these duties at some yeares Luke 2.51 And he descended with them and came to Nazereth and was subject to them Ioh. 19.26 When Iesus therfore saw his mother and the Disciple standing whom he loved he said vnto his mother Woman behold thy son 1. King 2.19 And when Bathshebah came vnto the king that she might speake vnto him for Adonijah the King rose to meet her and bowed himselfe to her sitting in his throne he commaunded a throne to be placed for the mother of the king which sate at his right hand Gen. 47.29 And whē the daies of Israel drew nigh that he shuld die he sent for his sonne Ioseph and saide vnto him If now I haue found favour in thine eies put I pray thee thine hand vnder my thigh exercise this kindnes faith towards me bury me not in Aegypt but when I shall rest with my fathers carie me out of Aegypt and burie me in their sepulchre Which said I will doe according to thy word Gen. 49.29 After he willed and commanded them saying When I shall be gathered to my people burie mee with my fathers in that caue which is in the fielde of Hephron the Hittite 30. In that caue which is in the field of Macpela which is on the other side of Mamre in the land of Canaan which Abraham bought with the fielde of Hephron the Hittite for a possession to burie in The proper or especiall partes of this dutie is in their proper Obedience Recompence which they must make The proper obediēce is that which springeth from a cheerfull naturall continuall child-like loue and reverence Contrarie to this is disobedience vnnaturall behaviours or affections c. 2. Tim. 3.2 For men shall bee lovers of themselues covetous boasters proud evill speakers disobedient to parents vnthankfull prophane Collos 3.20 Children harken vnto your parēts in al things for this is acceptable vnto the Lord. Ephe. 6.1 Children giue eare vnto your parentes in the Lord for that is just This obedience must shewe it self especiallie in being governed by them in the matter of calling mariage according to the rules prescribed in the word of God all such matters of waight and moment Chiefly vntill by the fathers authority and consent more full power be geven to their childrē because of their yeers and discretion Nomb. 30.4 When a woman hath vowed a vow vnto the Lord or bound her self by a bond at her fathers hous in her youth 5. If when her father heareth her vowe or the bond wherewith she hath bound her selfe and
to vse all this to the several profite and end for which these are ordained as we will shewe in some of the principal particulars In the exercise of the word preached being the way to open trueth to our judgment and vnderstanding to plant it and to root it in our heartes and affections We are cōmanded to put away all other things out of our mind and all superfluitie or malice or filthinesse whatsoever and be ready swift to heare yea and to receiue the worde of the Lord by his minister his husbandman is ready to ingraft in our soules Iam. 1.18 Luke 8.18 In the action it selfe we must with all attentiuenes so giue our heart as we must haue a present touch and feeling of those thinges which are deliuered that The vse afterward is by repeating examining by the scripture and applying to bring in promises we may rejoice receiue comfort and strength in his threatnings we may throughly feele our owne estate miserie and so be humbled for the same to practise of life conversation 1. Thess 5.20 Acts. 17.11 In the preparation is forbidden the great loosnes carelesnes of men once to think about what they are the vnreuerence litle regard of the mighty furniture of the Lord in his servants yea sometimes the captious proud stubborne malicious purpose in hearing In the action it self we see by that is forbidden our heades ful of other matters running vpō our profits pleasures c. the great hypocrisie of many who taking some delight in the thinge outwardlye haue no true feeling wrought by it when they hear Ezec. 33 31.32 The brawnie and fat heart which being never a whit moved never or to small purpose repeateth examineth applieth or practiseth Ezec. 33.31 Zeph. 2.1 2. Sam 12. Mark 6.20 In the Sacraments the preparation is an examination of our faith in Christ 1. Cor. 11.28 Iob. 1.5 of repentance Esa 1.16 66.2 speciallie also in reconciliation of our brother Mat. 5.2 Here great ignorance slothfulnes blockishnes which without al awe reverence to presume to pertake the same to our great judgment 1. Cor. 11.28 Gen. 4.5.7 In the action or work it self we must feel a most sweet sure confirmation of our faith of receiuing of Iesus Christ with his wisdom righteousnes sanctificaton redēption that by the liuely feeling of this wee should be throughlie inflamed to giue praise thāks vnto the Lord with the Church Mat. 26 30. The vse is after al tēptations to receiue comfort relief by them Psal 51.9 Of one correction for the rest as of excommunication the preparation is by the authoritie majestie of Christ the action a fearful sentence with majestie justlie pronounced the vse for the sleying of the flesh that the spirite might bee saued in the day of the Lord. 1. Cor. 5.4 The reason followeth For he wil not hold him innocent that taketh his name in vaine That is he wil condemne him as S. Iames and S. Paule write the one against rash swearing the other of the abuse of the Sacramentes interpreteth Aboue all thinges sweare not my brethren c. least you fall into condemnation Iam. 5 12. 1. Cor. 11.29.34 4. Commaund Hitherto these precepts which commaund duties in the worship of the Lorde which wee owe everie day vnto him Now followeth that dutie which one day in seuen must be given vnto the Lord in the sanctification of his Saboth Remember So he seemeth to speake because when as this commaundement was before given they had neglected the same The Saboth day to sanctifie that is to seperate it from a cōmon vse and dedicate it to a peculiar holy vse vnto the Lord. So the gold the vessels c. were said to be holy dedicated for the holy vse of the temple might not be given or put to any other vse To sanctifie a Saboth therefore is to call our selues not from our owne sinfull waies which wee must doe eeverie day but from our honest and lawful callings that giuing our selues to godly and Christianlie exercises of our faith we may be strēgthened in the waies of God and so in thought word and deed consecrate a glorious Saboth vnto the Lord. Therfore it is called the Saboth of God Exod. 20.10 Leuit. 23.3 He calleth it an holie convocation that is dedicated to holy meetings So Esai 58.13 Hereby is confuted their opinion that take it a Saboth kept if they rest from their labours so in the meane time they labor in plaies dansings vain songs enterludes c. as though the Lord had called vs from our profitable labor commanded to displease him in these vanities Again others also who if they be better than the former abstaining from those things haue notwithstanding their heads hearts and mouthes so ful of worldly things as they do not indeed perform the trueth of the Saboth when as it should bee kept as the rest of the Law not only in action but also in the thoughts of the heart words of the mouth Esa 58. Amos 8.5 But before we come to the proper and peculiar exercises we wil set downe reasons that prooue it perpetuall for the Church in this world to haue one such day in sevē to be dedicated vnto the Lord that so we may haue the vse of it in our conscience and of the ceremonie ceased I will speake in the end First because of the covenant of the Law which biddeth vs doe so liue thereby driving vs vnto Christ Rom. 10.5 Ther are ten partes called ten wordes or sentences of which if we take away this there will be but nine Exod. 34.18 Secondlie if Adam being in his soundnes because his mind not being infinite could not doe his worke praise God pray to him meditate in his creatures of his wisdom mercie c. had need for that purpose wholly to giue himself ouer more fullie thē he did by times in other daies once in seven daies how much more having in vs so much ignorance hardnes of heart c. that we might help our weaknes grow forward Thirdly when this was a peece of the image of God in him that he did not onely those daylie duties after mentioned together with tilling and keeping the garden Gen. 2.15 euery day but was further able one whole day in soule bodie to giue ouer himselfe to the former Saboth exercise of praying praising c. Either we must not knowe and not be borne again to this piece of excellencie or els wee must haue this peculiar commandement to humble vs in this point to driue vs vnto Christ afterward also be a rule and square vnto vs of the same Fourthlie the Apostles in taking this day and giving it the name of the Lordes day Apoc. 1.10 as before that was called the Lords Saboth and ordaining publike exercises Act. 10.7 and privat 1. Cor. 4.2 As they did shew that
calling and the seruice of God making vs to rest from these things as sleepe doeth from our labours when as all these are giuen to the cleane contrarie end so the Apostle expoundeth him self saying Let vs not sleep as do others but let vs watch and be sober 1. Thes 5.6 And our Sauiour Christ giueth warning That we be not oppressed with these thinges least that day come on vs vnawares and wee are commanded to rejoyce in them as if we rejoiced not 1. Cor. 7.30 That is so as the plesure wee take in these benefites be no more hinderance to any good duetie of the first or second Table then if wee had no vse of them at all 4 Of the vse of them without offence TO vse with offence is then to vse them when it edifieth not or hindreth the weak in godlines whereas the abstaining from them bringeth no hurt to the abstainers or at the least verie small as S. Paul in the first to the Cor 6.12 saith All thinges are lawfull vnto me but all thinges profite not All are lawfull vnto me but I will bee brought vnder the power of nothing Chap. 10.23 All things are lawfull vnto me but all thinges edifie me not Rom. 14.20 All things are cleane but euill to him that eateth with offence It is good neither to eate fleshe nor drink wine nor do any thing whereat thy brother stumbleth wherewith hee is offended or weakened 5 Of the keeping within our calling TO keep within the compasse of ones calling is neither to go aboue our abilitie in them nor yet aboue those with whome God hath sorted vs in age degree condition of life trade but in dyet apparell recreation to square our selues according to the most sober of our age degre condition and sort of life Apparell must not be costlie 1. Tim. 2.9 Now that is costlie to every one which is aboue his abilitie And if this be a rule for aparel much more in recreation so that he which doth play more away then he may wel without any dout or scruple bestow vpon honest delight necessarie maintenance of other thinges and liberall contribution to the poore proporcionallie to his measure being first prouided doeth abuse his recreation 2. Sam. 13.18 And shee had a garment of diuers colours for with such garments were the kings daughters that were Virgins apparelled So the holy Ghost sheweth that Dauid gaue noe occasion to the euil which came on his daughter because in apparel and so in other such benefites he kept her within the rule appointed that is of her age degre and condition of life which is the cause why hee giueth a reason for for it least the Reader should suppose that the occasion had bin partlie offered by some such abuse in Dauid his daughter Speciall rules of Recreation 1 What is a Christian recreation A Christian recreation is an exercise of some thing indifferent both for the nature vse of it onelie for the necessary refreshing of the body or minde or both So are allowed in the Scriptures the vse of the Bowe 2. Sam. 1.18 Of Musicke Nehe. 7.67 Of hunting Cant. 2.7 but so as we do not stirre vp or prouoke Christ with it Lastlie for the exercise of witte honest ridles Iud. 14. Rules for the better vnderstanding of everie part of the declaration of Christian exercise And first what is indifferent both in nature and vse In nature AN indifferent thing in nature is that which is left free so as we are not simplie commanded or forbidden to vse it but when we shal find it in Christian wisdom beneficiall or hurtful vnto vs. Such is not the taking vp of the iesture behavior or speech of evil men or the feining of them in plaies because we are expreslie forbidden to take vp the outward fashion or shape of the lusts of ignorāce 1. Pet. 1.14 where the word Suschematizomeno◠which the holy Ghost vseth signifieth the verie maner of faining the outwarde shewes which are vsed in plaies Such also is not that which Salomō speaketh of to cast firebrands arrowes and deadly things and say Am I not in sport Pro. 26.18.19 Such is not the dancing of men and womē together which thing neither agreeth with the shamfastnes of the one nor with the gravitie of the other Nay the verie sight of it in a woman is found to overwhelm men more thā strong drink Mark 6.22 And necessarily draweth with it that which Salomon giueth to vnchast women That her feete dwell not in the house Pro. 7.11 2. In vse BY a thing indifferent in vse is meant that which is not onely free to be vsed but also convenient in that time place before those persons where we are presently to vse the same as if the thing be made by the Law vnlawful withal to haue no good report praise or vertue in it then is it not indifferent Phil. 4.8 As dicing wanton pictures vain gestures or what soever hath any shew of evill 1. Thes 5.10 22. Lastlie they are not indifferent in vse if they giue offence as hath bin prooued before The 3. Rule Of the only both lawful and proper end of exercise EXercises must be only for the refreshing or strengthning of the body or mind or both for by this they differ from all other benefites graunted of God Therefore as he that oppresseth the hart with meat drink abuseth those benefits his action is vnchristian so he that spēdeth much time breaketh his rest weaneth his mind from any dutie of godlines hee abuseth exercise or pastime for of such abuse saith Salomon There is a way which is right in the sight of men whose end is the way to death yea with laughter the mind is made heauie and at the last gladnes is made sorrow Pro. 14.12.13 Such joy pastime he calleth madnes and folly Eccles 2.3 So in the Prophete Esay 5.12 a woe is threatned to them in whose banquets is the Harpe Violl Pipe c. but the worke of the Lord is not looked vpon and they consider not the worke of his hand So we are commanded To redeeme the time Eph. 5.16 Which we doe not when our exercises doe not make vs more fit to all godlie duties 4 What things are vnlawfull to be vsed in recreation BEcause recreatiō must be in indifferēt things neither simply commanded nor forbidden therefore things sanctified to some especiall holy vse must not be made a recreation as we must not pray vse the word or such like for recreation but for necessarie dutie in that manner which God hath prescribed Vpon this it commeth that I think with diuers godlie and learned men that the vse of a Lot for recreatiō is vnlawful because a Lot is an especial meane wherby God hath ordained by himselfe from heaven to end such controversies as otherwise cannot conveniently be ended as Pro. 16.23 The Lot is cast into the lap but the whole disposition of it is of the Lord. So the nature