with the Drunken The Lord of that Servant shall come in a Day when he looketh not for him and in an Hour that he is not ware of and shall cut him asunder and appoint him his Portion with the Hypocrites There shall be weeping and gnashing of Teeth Mat. 24. 45. Fidelity Prudence and Moderation is here commended to Servants and their Guilt is here declar'd who are Imperious over their Fellow-servants deal harshly with them or wast what belongs to those whom they serve Well done thou good and faithful servant thou hast been faithful over a few things I will make thee ruler over many things enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth Mat. 25. 21 30. A Reward is here promis'd to the faithful and industrious Servant who is truly Zealous in his Master's Interest And Punishment declar'd against the Slothful and Faithless who are not Solicitous for their Master's Advantage Blessed are those servants whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching Luk. 12. 37. Their Fidelity is rewarded who in the Master's Absence are Solicitous to discharge their Duty well That servant which knew his Lord's will and prepared not himself neither did according to his will shall be beaten with many stripes But he that knew not and did commit things worthy of stripes shall be beaten with few stripes For unto whomsoever much is given of him shall be much required and to whom Men have committed much of him they will ask the more Luk. 12. 47. The Servant's Rule is the Will of the Master in all that is not Sin He is the best Servant who not only do's according to his Master's Orders but also according to his Desires But he that knows his Master's Will and yet do's it not is not true to what he has undertaken I am resolv'd what to do that when I am put out of the Stewardship they may receive me into their houses Luke 16. 4. So said this Steward and accordingly rais'd himself Friends at his Master's Cost But this being the unjust Steward it is a thing which Servants are not to imitate but avoid as an Injustice He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much And he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much Luk. 16. 10. To be Faithful in little things is an Argument of true Fidelity Servants be obedient to them that are your Masters according to the flesh with Fear and Trembling in singleness of your heart as unto Christ Not with eye-service as Men-pleasers but as the servants of Christ doing the will of God from the heart with good will doing service as to the Lord and not to Men Knowing that whatsoever good thing any Man doeth the same shall he receive of the Lord whether he be Bond or Free Eph. 6. 5. Servants obey in all things your Masters according to the flesh not with eye-service as Men-pleasers but in singleness of heart fearing God And whatsoever ye do do it heartily as to the Lord and not unto Men knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance For ye serve the Lord Christ But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done And there is no respect of Persons Col. 3. 22. This Lesson thus repeated by S. Paul ought to be considered Word by Word if it were read every Day by Servants this would not be too often Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own Masters worthy of all honor that the Name of God and his Doctrin be not blasphemed And they that have believing Masters let them not despise them because they are brethren but rather do them service because they are faithful and beloved partakers of the benefit 1 Tim. 6. 1. Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own Masters and to please them well in all things not answering again not purloining but shewing all good fidelity that they may adorn the doctrin of God our Saviour in all things Tit. 2. 9. Servants be subject to your Masters with all Fear not only to the Good and Gentle but also to the Froward For this is thank-worthy if a Man for Conscience toward God endure grief suffering wrongfully For what glory is it if when ye be buffetted for your faults ye shall take it patiently But if when ye do well and suffer for it ye take it patiently this is acceptable with God For even hereunto were ye called Because Christ also suffered for us leaving us an Example that ye should follow his steps who did no sin neither was guile found in his mouth Who when he was reviled reviled not again when he suffered he threatned not but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously 1 Pet. 2. 18. Thus speaks the Rule both to the Instruction and Comfort of Servants It requires them to be Careful and Faithful in their Duty not with Eye-service but as serving God is always Present and Witness whether of their Fidelity or Sloth It requires them to give Respect and be Obedient to their Masters and this not only if they are Gentle and Mild but even if they are Froward and Uneasie It requires them to suffer with Patience not only the Labor of their State but likewise all Trials as are frequent in their Circumstances such as are Reproofs Reproaches or even Blows and these not only when they are deserved by their Faults but even when they have done well and therefore deserv'd them not For their Encouragement the Apostle lays before them the Example of Christ and lets them know that God is not a Respecter of Persons and therefore that if they serve faithfully as to the Lord and suffer patiently according to the Example of Christ they may confide in God as their faithful Rewarder Such as do thus are Christian Servants and in as good a Way of being Great in the Kingdom of Heaven as those whom they serve But then if they follow not this Advice are Eye-servants are neither Careful in what they are to do nor Patient in what they suffer how unhappy are they A kind of Slaves here and little Hopes of being better hereafter CHAP. XXIX Of Merchants Shopkeepers and all Dealers WHAT Directions do's the Gospel give to Persons of this Profession A. It lays down some Principles which it is their Duty to observe As ye would that Men should do to you do ye also to them likewise Luk. 6. 31. All things whatsoever ye would that Men should do to you do ye even so to them For this is the Law and the Prophets Mat. 7. 12. This is the Will of God that no Man go beyond and defraud his Brother in any matter because that the Lord is the Avenger of all such as we also have forewarned you and testified 1 Thess 4. 3 6. He that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath
who now rejoice in my Sufferings for you and fill up that which is behind of the Afflictions of Christ in my Flesh for his Body's sake which is the Church Col. 1. 23. To suffer for the Truth ought to be the Joy and Comfort of him that has undertaken to be the Minister of Truth How much then do they forget their Vocation who upon meeting with Discouragements lose all Comfort and repent of their Labor Whom we preach warning every Man and teaching every Man in all Wisdom that we may present every Man perfect in Christ Jesus Col. 1. 28. The only design of an Apostolic Teacher is to form Jesus in every one of his Flock and to make all perfect in him Say to Archippus take heed to the Ministry which thou hast received in the Lord that thou fulfil it Col. 4. 17. They who consider not well the Duties of their Charge will soon neglect them Fulfil the Duties of the Ministry of Jesus Christ What Pastor do's not tremble at this Word Your selves Brethren know our Entrance in unto you that it was not in vain But even after that we had suffered before and were shamefully entreated as ye know at Philippi we were bold in our God to speak unto you the Gospel of God with much Contention For our Exhortation was not of Deceit nor of Vncleanness nor in Guile But as we were allowed of God to be put in Trust with the Gospel even so we speak not as pleasing Men but God which trieth our Hearts For neither at any time used we flattering Words as ye know nor a Cloak of Covetousness God is Witness Nor of Men sought we Glory neither of you nor yet of others when we might have been burdensome as the Apostles of Christ But we were Gentle among you even as a Nurse cherisheth her Children So being affectionately desirous of you we were willing to have imparted unto you not the Gospel of God only but also our own Souls because ye were dear unto us For ye remember Brethren our Labor and Travel For laboring Night and Day because we would not be chargeable unto any of you we preached unto you the Gospel of God Ye are Witnesses and God also how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved our selves among you that believe as you know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you as a Father doth his Children that ye would walk worthy of God who hath called you unto his Kingdom and Glory 1 Thess 2. 1. Every Word a Lesson to Preachers What a Mercy to the World if they would study and follow this Spirit Be not thou therefore ashamed of the Testimony of our Lord nor of me his Prisoner but be thou Partaker of the Afflictions of the Gospel according to the Power of God 2 Tim. 1. 8. Great Courage is necessary for standing by the Truth and the Ministers of it Hold fast the form of sound Words which thou hast heard of me in Faith and Love which is in Christ Jesus That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us 2 Tim. 1. 13. Great Fidelity requir'd of the Pastors of God's Church The Holy Ghost promis'd to them for this end Thou therefore endure Hardness as a good Soldier of Jesus Christ No Man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this Life 2 Tim. 2. 3. I suffer trouble as an evil Doer even unto Bonds but the Word of God is not bound Therefore I endure all things for the Elects sake v. 9. To suffer with Courage all Difficulties is the Obligation of a Pastor And if he suffer as a Criminal as this is most humbling so it brings him nearer to the Resemblance of Jesus Christ They are of the World therefore speak they of the World and the World heareth them 1 Jo. 4. 5. Unhappy Teachers whose Character this is CHAP. XXXVI Of the Flock Q. WHat Directions do's the Gospel give to the Flock in Regard of those whom God has put over them A. It speaks very particularly to them but that I may end this last Chapter with such Instructions as the Gospel gives I will first set down some Injunctions of God in the Old Law which as it was a Figure of the New so it may lead us to such Duties as God expects from the Flock in this better Constitution which is the Church of Christ And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian Woman whom he had married And they said hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses Hath he not spoken also by us And the Lord heard it Wherefore then were not ye afraid to speak against my Servant Moses And the Anger of the Lord was kindled against them and he departed Num. 12. 1 8. God shews his displeasure against those who murmur at such as he has set over them And all the Children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron And the Lord said unto Moses How long will this People provoke me Surely they shall not see the Land which I sware unto their Fathers neither shall any of them that provoked me see it Num. 14. 2 11 23. Great are the Judgments of God upon those who murmur against such as are over them Now Korah and Dathan and Abiram took men and they rose up before Moses with certain of the Children of Israel two hundred and fifty Princes of the assembly famous in the Congregation Men of renown And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron and said unto them Ye take too much upon you seeing all the Congregation are holy every one of them and the Lord is among them Wherefore then lift you up your selves above the Congregation of the Lord And when Moses heard it he fell upon his Face And he spake unto the Congregation saying Depart I pray you from tbe Tents of these wicked Men and touch nothing of theirs lest ye be consumed in all their Sins And the Earth opened her Mouth and swallowed them up and their Houses and all the Men that appertained unto Korah and all their goods And there came out a fire from the Lord and consumed the two hundred and fifty Men that offered Incense Num. 16. 1 26 32 35. The Congregation being holy Exempts them not from their Obedience enjoin'd The Authority of Princes of the Congregation Men Famous and of Renown is not enough for questioning the Authority of Moses and Aaron whom God had commanded all to hear and obey Their offering Incense to God is not accepted while divided from Moses and Aaron they are under the guilt of Disobedience Thou shalt come unto the Priests the Levites and unto the Judge that shall be in those days and enquire and they shall shew thee the Sentence of Judgment And thou shalt do according to the Sentence which they of that place which the Lord shall chuse shall shew thee and thou shalt observe to do according to all that
the Husband hath not Power of his own Body but the Wife Defraud you not one the other except it be with consent for a Time that ye may give your selves to Fasting and Prayer and come together again that Satan tempt you not for your Incontinency But I speak this by Permission and not of Commandment 1 Cor. 7. 3. 4thly That they may and ought to live holily There was in the Days of Herod the King of Judea a certain Priest named Zacharias of the Course of Abia And his Wife was of the Daughters of Aaron and her Name was Elizabeth And they were both righteous before God walking in all the Commandments and Ordinances of the Lord blameless and they had no Child because that Elizabeth was barren and they both were now well stricken in years Luk. 1. 5. This I say Brethren the time is short It remaineth that both they that have Wives be as tho' they had none and they that weep as tho' they wept not and they that rejoice as tho' they rejoiced not and they that buy as tho' they possessed not and they that use this World as not abusing it For the fashion of this World passeth away 1 Cor. 7. 29. We beseech you Brethren and exhort you by the Lord Jesus that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God so ye would abound more and more For ye know what Commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus For this is the Will of God even your Sanctification that ye should abstain from Fornication That every one of you should know how to possess his Vessel in Sanctification and Honor not in the Lust of Concupiscence even as the Gentiles which know not God 1 Thess 4. 1. Marriage is honorable in all and the Bed undefiled But Whoremongers and Adulterers God will judge Let your Conversation be without Covetousness and be content with such things as ye have For he hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee Heb. 13. 4. 5thly That there are great Duties of mutual Love and Support belonging to them and that Order is to be observ'd which God has appointed between them I would have you know that the Head of every Man is Christ and the Head of the Woman is the Man and the Head of Christ is God A Man indeed ought not to cover his Head praying for as much as he is the Image and Glory of God But the Woman is the Glory of the Man For the Man is not of the Woman but the Woman of the Man Neither was the Man created for the Woman but the Woman for the Man For this Cause ought the Woman to have Power on her Head because of the Angels Nevertheless neither is the Man without the Woman neither the Woman without the Man in the Lord. For as the Woman is of the Man even so is the Man also by the Woman but all things of God 1 Cor. 11. 3 7. Submitting your selves one to another in the Fear of God Wives submit your selves unto your own Husbands as unto the Lord. For the Husband is the Head of the Wife even as Christ is Head of the Church And he is the Saviour of the Body Therefore as the Church is subject unto Christ so let the Wives be to their own Husbands in every thing Husbands love your Wives even as Christ loved the Church and also gave himself for it That he might sanctifie and cleanse it So ought Men to love their Wives as their own Bodies He that loveth his Wife loveth himself For no Man ever yet hated his own Flesh but nourisheth and cherisheth it even as the Lord the Church For we are Members of his Body of his Flesh and of his Bones For this Cause shall a Man leave his Father and Mother and shall be joined unto his Wife and they two shall be one Flesh This is a great Mystery But I speak concerning Christ and the Church Nevertheless Let every one of you in particular so love his Wife even as himself and the Wife see that she reverence her Husband Eph. 5. 21 28. Wives submit your selves unto your own Husbands as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands love your Wives and be not bitter against them Col. 3. 18. Ye Wives be in Subjection to your own Husbands that if any obey not the word they also may without the word be won by the Conversation of the Wives while they behold your chaste Conversation coupled with Fear Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the Hair and of wearing of Gold or of putting on of Apparel but let it be the hidden Man of the Heart in that which is not corruptible even the Ornament of a meek and quiet Spirit which is in the Sight of God of great Price For after this manner in the Old Time the holy Women also who trusted in God adorned themselves being in Subjection unto their own Husbands even as Sara obeyed Abraham calling him Lord Whose Daughters ye are as long as ye do well and are not affraid with any Amazement 1 Pet. 3. 1. Likewise ye Husbands dwell with them according to Knowledge giving Honor unto the Wife as unto the weaker Vessel and as being Heirs together of the Grace of Life that your Prayers be not hinder'd 1 Pet. 3. 7. Teach the young Women to be sober to love their Husbands to love their Children to be Discreet Chaste keepers at Home good obedient to their own Husbands that the Word of God be not blasphemed Tit. 2. 4. Young Men likewise exhort to be Sober-minded Tit. 2. 6. That the aged Men be Sober Grave Temperate Sound in Faith in Charity in Patience Tit. 2. 2. The aged Women likewise that they be in Behavior as becometh Holiness not false Accusers not given to much Wine Teachers of good things Tit. 2. 3. I will that Men pray every where lifting up holy Hands without Wrath and Doubting 1 Tim. 2. 8. In like manner also that Women adorn themselves in modest Apparel with Shamefacedness and Sobriety Not broider'd Hair or Gold or Pearls or costly Array but which becometh Women professing Godliness with good Works Let the Women learn in silence with all Subjection But I suffer not a Woman to teach nor to usurp Authority over the Man but to be in silence For Adam was first formed then Eve And Adam was not deceived but the Woman being deceived was in the Transgression Notwithstanding she shall be saved in Child-bearing if they continue in Faith and Charity and Holiness with Sobriety 1 Tim. 2. 9. Let your Women keep silence in the Churches For it is not permitted unto them to speak but they are commanded to be under Obedience as also saith the Law And if they will learn any thing let them ask their Husbands at Home For it is a Shame for Women to speak in the Church 1 Cor. 14. 34. Thus speaks the Rule and so particularly that there can be no
me for ever Jer. 35. 18. Thus speaks the Rule the Will of God is manifest in it and the doing his Will being the only Secure Way wherein a Christian is to walk Children have no other Means of coming to their Heavenly Father but by doing his Will here on Earth and with a particular Care observing whatever charge he has given them in Relation to their Parents The Precept is repeated so often that there can be no dispute of it And yet to see with how little Respect some Parents are treated how much others are slighted and neglected and that many have no greater affliction in the World than what is given them by the Children of their own Bowels and this at an Age when Parents stand most in need of Comfort and Children being at years of Discretion cannot be Ignorant of their Duty To see this I say one would think God had never spoke in the Case or not manifested his Will What then must be said but that Christians have a Rule but have little concern in following it and that upon this account they cannot rationally expect the Blessings God has promis'd to the Observers of it This is the First Commandment as the Apostle says with Promise and it cannot be question'd but as the Observance of it is so particularly enforced with a Promise of God's Favor so the Contempt of it must be the Forfeiture of all such Expectation must provoke God's Displeasure and be follow'd with Judgment CHAP. XXVI Of Youth Q. HAving now spoken of the Duties of Children to their Parents Pray tell me are there not some Instructions particularly directed to Persons while yet in their Youth for such seem very much to want them A. Yes there are such Behold one came and said unto him Good Master what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal Life And he said unto him why callest thou me Good There is none Good but one that is God But if thou wilt enter into Life keep the Commandments He saith unto him which Jesus said Thou shalt do no Murther Thou shalt not commit Adultery Thou shalt not Steal Thou shalt not bear false Witness Honor thy Father and thy Mother and thou shalt love thy Neighbor as thy self The young Man saith unto him all these things have I kept from my Youth up What lack I yet Jesus said unto him if thou wilt be perfect go and Sell what thou hast and give to the Poor and thou shalt have Treasure in Heaven and come and follow me But when the Young Man heard that Saying he went away Sorrowful for he had great Possessions Mat. 19. 16. The Commandments are to be kept by all Persons in their Youth and even then they are to consider which is the Way to eternal Life and whether they walk in it and what is yet wanting to them It is said of this Young Man that Jesus beholding him loved him Mar. 10. 21. And thus only can Youth expect the Love of Jesus If this be true then what is the unhappy State of those great Numbers who have their Thoughts Desires Affections so confin'd to Self-love and the Love of the World that they scarce think of another Life Grant them O God a better Spirit And the Child grew and waxed strong in Spirit filled with Wisdom and the Grace of God was upon him And when he was twelve years Old they went up to Jerusalem after three Days they found him in the Temple sitting in the midst of the Doctors both bearing them and asking them questions Luk. 2. 40 42 46. And Jesus increased in Wisdom and Stature and in favor with God and Man v. 52. Youth ought to seek the best Company by whose Conversation they may be advanced in Virtue and all true Wisdom How wretchedly then do they go out of the Way who avoiding these seek and love none but those from whom they can learn nothing but Folly or Vice Young Men likewise exhort to be Sober-minded Tit. 2. 6. Likewise ye Younger submit your selves unto the Elder 1 Pet. 5. 5. I here add something out of the Old Testament Thou shalt rise up before the hoary Head and honor the Face of the old Man and fear thy God I am the Lord Levit. 19. 32. My Son forget not my Law but let thine Heart keep my Commandments Prov. 3. 1. Let not Mercy and Truth forsake thee 3. Trust in the Lord with all thine Heart and lean not on own thine own Vnderstanding 5. Be not wise in thine own Eyes fear the Lord and depart from Evil 7. Get Wisdom get Vnderstanding Forget it not neither decline from the Woods of my Mouth Forsake her not and she shall preserve thee love her and she shall keep thee VVisdom is the principal thing therefore get VVisdom And with all thy getting get Vnderstanding Pro. 4. 5. Take fast hold of Instruction let her not go keep her for she is thy Life Enter not into the Path of the VVicked and go not into the VVay of evil Men. Avoid it pass not by it turn from it and pass away v. 13. He is in the VVay of Life that keepeth Instruction But he that refuseth Reproof erreth Prov. 10. 17. VVhoso loveth Instruction loveth Knowledge but he that hateth Reproof is brutish Prov. 12. 1. A Man shall be commended acording to his VVisdom but he that is of a perverse Heart shall be despised Prov. 12. 8. The way of a Fool is right in his own Eyes but he that hearkeneth unto Counsel is wise v. 15. Lying Lips are Abomination to the Lord but they that deal truly are his delight v. 22. A wise Son heareth his Father's Instruction But a Scorner heareth not Rebuke Prov. 13. 1. He that keepeth his Mouth keepeth his Life But he that openeth wide his Lips shall have Destruction v. 3. Poverty and Shame shall be to him that refuseth Instruction But he that regardeth Reproof shall be honored v. 18. He that walketh with wise Men shall be Wise But a Companion of Fools shall be destroyed v. 20. He that walketh in his Vprightness feareth the Lord but he that is perverse in his Ways despiseth him Prov. 14. 2. Go from the Presence of a foolish Man when thou perceivest not in him the Lips of Knowledge v. 7. Fools Mock at Sin v. 9. There is a Way which seemeth right unto a Man but the end thereof are the Ways of Death v. 12. He that is slow to Wrath is of great Vnderstanding but he that is hasty of Spirit exalteth Folly v. 29. The Way of the Wicked is an Abomination unto the Lord but he loveth him that followeth after Righteousness Prov. 15. 9. A Scorner loveth not one that reproveth him neither will he go unto the Wise v. 12. The Lord will destroy the House of the Proud v. 25. The Thoughts of the Wicked are an Abomination to the Lord v. 26. He that refuseth Instruction hateth his own Soul but he that heareth Reproof getteth Vnderstanding 32.
The Fear of the Lord is the Instruction of Wisdom and before Honor is Humility 33. Every one that is Proud in Heart is an Abomination to the Lord Prov. 16. 5. The High-way of the Vpright is to depart from Evil He that keepeth his Way preserveth his Soul v. 17. Pride goeth before Destruction And a haughty Spirit before a fall v. 18. A froward Man soweth Strife and a Whisperer separateth chief Friends 28. A Reproof entereth more into a wise Man than an hundred Stripes into a Fool Prov. 17. 10. The beginning of Strife is as when one letteth out Water Therefore leave off Contention before it be medled with 14. He that hath Knowledge spareth his Words Even a Fool when he holdeth his Peace is counted Wise 27 28. A Fool 's Lips enter into Contention The words of a Tale-bearer are as wounds Prov. 18. 6 8. Before Destruction the Heart of Man is haughty 12. Death and Life are in the Power of the Tongue 21. The Discretion of a Man differeth his Anger and it is his Glory to pass over a Transgression Prov. 19. 11. Slothfulness casteth into a deep Sleep and an Idle Soul shall suffer Hunger 15. He that hath pity upon the Poor lendeth unto the Lord and that which he hath given will he pay him again 17. Hear Counsel and receive Instruction that thou mayest be wise in thy latter End 20. Reprove one that hath Vnderstanding and he will understand Knowledge 25. VVine is a Mocker strong Drink is Raging And whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise Prov. 20. 1. It is an Honor for a Man to cease from Strife But every Fool will be medling 3. Love not Sleep lest thou come to Poverty 13. He that goeth about as a Tale-bearer revealeth Secrets 19. An high Look and a proud Heart and the plowing of the Wicked is Sin Prov. 21. 4. He that loveth Pleasure shall be a poor Man 17. The Mouth of a strange Women is a deep Pit he that is abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein Prov. 22. 14. Hear thou my Son and be wise and guide thine Heart in the Way Be not amongst Wine-bibbers amongst Rioters Eaters of Flesh For the Drunkard and the Glutton shall come to Poverty and Drowsiness shall Cloath a Man with Rags Prov. 23. 19. Who hath Wo Who hath Sorrow Who hath Contentions Who hath Babling Who hath Wounds without Cause Who hath Redness of Eyes They that tarry long at the Wine at the last it biteth like a Serpent and stingeth like an Adder Thine Eyes shall behold strange Women and thine Heart shall utter perverse Things Yea thou shalt be as he that lyeth down in the midst of the Sea or as he that lyeth upon the top of a Mast 23 29. Rejoice O young Man in thy Youth and let thy Heart cheer thee in the Days of thy Youth and walk in the Ways of thy Heart and in the Sight of thine Eyes But know thou that for all these things God will bring thee unto Judgment Childhood and Youth are Vanity Eccl. 11. 9. Remember now thy Creator in the Days of thy Youth while the evil Days come not nor the Years draw nigh when thou shalt say I have no Pleasure in them Eccl. 12. 1. It is good for a Man that he bear the Yoke in his Youth Lam. 3. 27. These are Instructions given by the Spirit of God and particularly directed to Youth which if followed will lead to true Wisdom but if neglected the Fruit must be Destruction The Difficulties of youthful Years are generally very great for when the Strength of Passions carries them on and there is neither Experience or Apprehension to Stem the Violence of them they run as naturally into Mischief as a Boat adrift down the Stream Upon this Consideration is here often press'd the Necessity of their heark'ning to Instruction taking Counsel admitting of Reproof as the most effectual Means for their Security This Advice is given them by the Spirit of God himself who best knows what is necessary for them Here they have his own Words and such particular Directions as their State requires if they read them often and are Solicitous to make them their Rule they will with them find Life but if they despise them they despise their own Souls and the Effects of his Goodness who has thus mercifully taken Care of them CHAP. XXVII Of Masters and Mistresses of Families Q. WHAT Directions do's the Gospel give to these A. Such as they ought carefully to observe and are as follows Behold the Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a Dream saying Arise and take the young Child and his Mother and flee into Egypt Mat. 2. 13. They are to be watchful against all Dangers that threaten their Families The Kingdom of Heaven is likened unto a Man which sowed good Seed in his Field But while Men slept his Enemy came and sowed Tares among the VVheat The Servants said unto him wilt thou then that we go and gather them up But he said nay lest while ye gather up the Tares ye root up also the VVheat with them Mat. 13. 24 28. If they are not very Watchful variety of Disorders will insensibly creep into their Families both as to themselves their Children and Servants And it is their Sloth Sleeping and Neglect is the general Occasion of it For reforming such great Discretion is necessary and this they must earnestly beg of him who is the Father of Light and Fountain of all Wisdom The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a Man that is an Housholder which went out early in the Morning to hire Labourers into his Vineyard And when he had agreed with the Labourers when Even was come the Lord of the Vineyard saith unto his Steward Call the Labourers and give them their Hire Mat. 20. 1 1. Three Points proper for this State 1. To be Watchful and Early 2. To consider and look into the Business they have to do and prudently prepare for the effecting it 3. To make just Payments according to Agreement and without delay This last is often of so great Concern that the Neglect of it is attended with so many Inconveniencies as to deserve no better Name than of Injustice and Oppression If any provide not for his own and especially for those of his own House he hath denied the Faith and is worse than an Infidel 1 Tim. 5. 8. How great the Obligation is of providing for Family may be understood from the frightful Character here given of those who neglect to do it O God how unhappy is their Condition who lye under this Guilt I wish all Heads of Families would seriously consider it that terrified with it they might be affraid 〈…〉 what should be the Comfort and Provision of their Family Do's not this want considering when it is scarce look'd upon as a Fault to throw away Summs upon Humor and Sport and to let Idleness and Intemperance eat out Estates This is no less in
of two VVitnesses or at the mouth of three VVitnesses shall the matter be established Deut. 19. 15. If there be a Controversie between Men and they come unto Judgment that the Judges may judge them then they shall justifie the Righteous and condemn the VVicked Deut. 25. 1. Cursed be he that perverteth the Judgment of the Stranger Fatherless and VVidow And all the People shall say Amen Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent Person Deut. 27. 19 25. And it came to pass when Samuel was Old that he made his Sons Judges over Israel And his Sons walked not in his VVays but turned aside after Lucre and took Bribes and perswaded Judgment 1 Sam. 8. 1 3. And Samuel said unto all Israel Behold here I am VVitness against me before the Lord and before his Anointed VVhose Ox have I taken Or whose Ass have I taken Or whom have I defrauded VVhom have I oppressed Or of whose Hand have I received any Bribe to blind mine Eyes therewith And I will restore it And they said thou hast not defrauded us nor oppressed us neither hast thou taken ought of any Man's Hand 1 Sam. 12. 1 3. And he Jehoshaphat set Judges in the Land throughout all the fenced Cities of Judah City by City and he said to the Judges take heed what ye do for ye judge not for Man but for the Lord who is with you in the Judgment VVherefore now let the Fear of the Lord be upon you take heed and do it For there is no Iniquity with the Lord our God nor respect of Persons nor taking of Gifts And he charged them saying thus shall ye do in the fear of the Lord faithfully and with a perfect Heart Deal courageously and the Lord shall be with the Good 2 Chron. 19. 5 9 11. VVhoso rewardeth Evil for Good Evil shall not depart from his House Prov. 17. 13. He that justifieth the Wicked and he that condemneth the Just even they both are Abomination to the Lord v. 15. A wicked Man taketh a Gift out of the Bosom to pervert the Ways of Judgment v. 23. Rob not the poor because he is poor Neither oppress the afflicted in the Gate For the Lord will plead their Cause and spoil the Soul of those that spoiled them Prov. 22. 22. To have respect of Persons is not good For for a piece of Bread that Man will transgress Prov. 28. 21. Learn to do Well seek Judgment relieve the Oppressed judge the Fatherless plead for the Widow Isa 1. 17. How is the faithful City become an Harlot It was full of Judgment Righteousness lodged in it but now Murtherers Thy Princes are Rebellious and Companions of Thieves Every one loveth Gifts and followeth after Rewards They judge not the Fatherless neither doth the Cause of the Widow come unto them Therefore saith the Lord I will turn my Hand upon thee Isa 1. 21. Wo unto them that call evil good and good evil VVhich justifie the VVicked for Reward and take away the Righteousness of the Righteous from him Because they have cast away the Law of the Lord of Hosts therefore is the Anger of the Lord kindled against his People Isa 5. 20 23. VVo unto them that decree unrighteous Decrees and that write Grievousness which they have prescribed To turn aside the Needy from Judgment and to take away the Right from the Poor of my People that Widows may be their prey and that they may rob the Fatherless And what will you do in the Day of Visitation and in the Desolation which shall come Isa 10. 1. I know your manifold Transgressions and your mighty Sins They afflict the Just they take a Bribe and they turn aside tbe Poor in the Gate from their Right Hate the Evil and love the Good and establish Judgment in the Gate It may be that the Lord of Hosts will be gracious unto the Remnant of Joseph Amos 5. 12. The Good Man is perished out of the Earth And there is none Vpright among Men They all lye in wait for Blood They hunt every Man his Brother with a Net That they may do Evil with both Hands earnestly the Prince asketh and the Judge asketh for a Reward And the great Man he uttereth his mischievous Desire Mic. 7. 2. Why dost thou shew me Iniquity and cause me to behold Grievance For Spoiling and Violence are before me and there are that raise up Strife and Contention Therefore the Law is slacked and Judgment doth never go forth For the Wicked doth compass about the Righteous Therefore wrong Judgment proceedeth Behold ye among the Heathen and regard and wonder marvelously for I will work a Work in your Days which ye will not believe tho' it be told you Hab. 1. 3. These are the things that ye shall do speak ye every Man the Truth to his Neighbor Execute the Judgment of Truth and Peace in your Gates And let none of you imagin evil in your Hearts against his Neighbor and love no false Oath for all these are things that I hate saith the Lord Zech. 8. 16. CHAP. XXXI Of Subjects Q. WHAT Directions do's the Gospel give to Persons in this Station A. It expresly mentions several Duties belonging to them and gives the Charge with great Strictness When they were come to Capernaum they that received Tribute-money came to Peter and said doth not your Master pay Tribute He saith Yes Mat. 17. 24. Render therefore unto Cesar the things which are Cesar's and unto God the things that are God's Mat. 22. 21. And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the Name of Jesus But Peter and John answered and said unto them whether it be right in the Sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God judge ye Acts 4. 18. They that stood by said revilest thou God's High-priest Then said Paul I wist not Brethren that he was the High-priest for it is written thou shalt not speak Evil of the Ruler of thy People Acts 23. 4. Let every Soul be subject unto the higher Powers for there is no Power but of God The Powers that be are ordained of God Whosoever therefore resisteth the Power resisteth the Ordinance of God And they that resist shall receive to themselves Damnation For Rulers are not a Terror to good Works but to the Evil. Wilt thou then not he affraid of the Power Do that which is good and thou shalt have praise of the same For he is the Minister of God to thee for good But if thou do that which is evil be affraid for he beareth not the Sword in vain for he is the Minister of God a Revenger to execute Wrath upon him that doeth Evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject not only for Wrath but also for Conscience sake For for this Cause pay you Tribute also For they are God's Ministers attending continually upon this very thing Render therefore to all their Dues Tribute to whom Tribute is due Custom
Luk. 16. 20. Ye see your Calling Brethren how that not many wise Men after the Flesh not many Mighty not many Noble are called But God hath chosen the foolish things of the World to confound the wise and God hath chosen the weak things of the World to confound the things which are mighty and base things of the World and things which are despised hath God chosen 1 Cor. 1. 26. Moreover Brethren we do you to wit of the Grace of God bestowed on the Churches of Macedonia How that in a great Trial of Affliction the Abundance of their Joy and their deep Poverty abounded unto the riches of their Liberality For to their Power I bear record yea and beyond their Power they were willing of themselves praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the Gift Ye know the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that tho' he was Rich yet for your sakes he became Poor that ye thro' his Poverty might be Rich 2 Cor. 8. 1 9. Let this mind be in you which was also in Jesus Christ who being in the form of God thought it not Robbery to be equal with God But made himself of no Reputation and took upon him the form of a Servant and was made in the likeness of Men And being found in fashion as a Man he Humbled himself and became Obedient unto Death even the Death of the Cross Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him Phil. 2. 5. Godliness with Contentment is great Gain For we brought nothing into this World and it is certain we can carry nothing out And having Food and Raiment let us be therewith content But they that will be Rich fall into Temptation 1 Tim. 6. 6. Let your Conversation be without Covetousness and be content with such things as ye have For he hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee So that we may boldly say the Lord is my Helper and I will not fear what Man shall do unto me Heb. 13. 5. Humble your selves therefore under the mighty Hand of God that he may exalt you in due time casting all your Care upon him for he careth for you 1 Pet. 5. 6. Let the Brother of low Degree rejoice in that he is exalted Blessed is the Man that endureth Temptation For when he is tried he shall receive the Crown of Life which the Lord hath promised to them that love him Jam. 1. 9 12. Hearken my beloved Brethren hath not God chosen the Poor of this World Rich in Faith and Heirs of the Kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him Jam. 2. 5. Not that I speak in respect of Want for I have learned in whatsoever State I am therewith to be content I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound Every-where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry both to abound and to suffer need I can do all things thro' Christ which strengtheneth me Notwithstanding ye have well done that ye did communicate with my Affliction Phil. 4. 11. These things saith the First and the Last which was dead and is alive I know thy Works and Tribulation and Poverty but thou art Rich. Fear none of these things which thou shalt suffer Behold the Devil shall cast some of you into Prison that ye may be tried and ye shall have Tribulation ten Days Be thou Faithful unto Death and I will give thee a Crown of Life Rev. 2. 8. Some additions out of the Old Testament I would seek unto God and unto God would I commit my Cause He saveth the Poor from the Sword from their Mouth and from the Hand of the Mighty So the Poor hath Hope and Iniquity stoppeth her Mouth Job 5. 15. The Lord also will be a Refuge for the Oppressed a Refuge in times of Trouble And they that know thy Name will put their trust in thee For thou Lord hast not forsaken them that seek thee Psal 9. 9 10. The Needy shall not alway be forgotten the Expectation of the Poor shall not perish for ever v. 18. Why standest thou afar off O Lord Why hidest thou thy self in times of Trouble The Wicked in his Pride doth persecute the Poor Let them be taken in the Devices that they have imagined Arise O Lord O God lift up thine Hand forget not the Humble Wherefore doth the Wicked contemn God He hath said in his Heart thou wilt not require it Thou hast seen it for thou beholdest Mischief and Spite to requite it with thy Hand The Poor committeth himself unto thee thou art the Helper of the Fatherless Lord thou hast heard the Desire of the Humble Thou wilt prepare their Heart thou wilt cause thine Ear to hear To judge the Fatherless and the Oppressed that the Man of the Earth may no more oppress Psal 10. 1 12 17. I sought the Lord and he heard me and delivered me from all my Fears This Poor Man cried and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his Troubles The Angel of our Lord encampeth round about them that fear him and delivereth them O taste and see that the Lord is good blessed is the Man that trusteth in him O fear the Lord ye his Saints For there is no want to them that fear him The Righteous cry and the Lord heareth and delivereth them out of all their Troubles The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken Heart and saveth such as be of a contrite Spirit Many are the Afflictions of the Righteous but the Lord delivereth him out of them all He keepeth all his Bones not one of them is broken The Lord redeemeth the Soul of his Servants and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate Psal 34. 4 6 17. Trust in the Lord and do good so shalt thou dwell in the Land and verily thou shalt be fed Delight thy self also in the Lord and he shall give thee the Desires of thine Heart Commit thy Way unto the Lord and he shall bring it to pass Rest in the Lord and wait patiently Fret not thy self because of him who prospereth in his Way for evil Doers shall be cut off but those that wait upon the Lord they shall inherit the Earth A little that a righteous Man hath is better than the Riches of many Wicked The Lord knoweth the Days of the Vpright and their Inheritance shall be for ever They shall not be ashamed in the evil Time and in the Days of Famine they shall be satisfied The Steps of a good Man are ordered by the Lord and he delighteth in his Way Tho' he fall he shall not be utterly cast down for the Lord upholdeth him with his Hand I have been young and now am old Yet have I not seen the Righteous forsaken nor his Seed begging Bread Psal 37. 3 7 16 18 23. Why art thou cast down O my Soul And why art thou disquieted within me Hope in God for I shall yet praise him who
yet the Pastors of his Church are to teach This is the Ordinance of Christ and the Practice is confirm'd from Heaven And he trembling and astonished said Lord what wilt thou have me to do And the Lord said unto him Arise and go into the City and it shall be told thee what thou must do Act. 9. 6. Christ calls upon Saul stops him in his evil way but for his Instruction he sends him to a Disciple If this be the Will of God who can pretend to serve God and yet make exceptions against doing his Will When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small Dissension and Disputation with them they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the Apostles and Elders about this question Act. 15. 2. And the Apostles and Elders came together for to consider of this matter v. 6. Then pleased it the Apostles and Elders 22. Questions of Faith are referr'd to the Pastors of the Church S. Paul and Barnabas tho' great Apostles and particularly inspir'd pronounce not in this case but help to publish what the Pastors assembled had determin'd And as they went thro' the Cities they delivered them the Decrees for to keep that were ordain'd of the Apostles and Elders which were at Jerusalem And so were the Churches established in the Faith and increased in number daily Act. 16. 4. The Faithful receive the Decrees of their Pastors and thus was the Faith establish'd and they perserv'd from the dangers of Novelty and Error Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the Flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you Overseers to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own Blood Act. 20. 28. It is the Ordinance of God that the Flock be under the care of the Pastors by these it is to be fed and preserv'd from Error This Charge is given them by the Holy Ghost Who dare alter the Method They that stood by said Revilest thou God's High Priest Then said Paul I wist not Brethren that he was the High Priest For it is written Thou shalt not speak evil of the Ruler of thy people Act. 23. 5. Respect is due from the Flock to their Pastor they are not to revile him And when the Gentiles heard this they were glad and glorified the Word of the Lord and as many as were ordain'd to eternal Life believed Act. 13. 48. Those who are ordain'd to Salvation hear and believe the Apostles This was the way to Life Whosoever therefore resisteth the Power resisteth the Ordinance of God and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation Rom. 13. 2. Have the Pastors of the Church Power from God He gave some Apostles And some Pastors and Teachers For the perfecting the Saints for the edifying of the Body of Christ That we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of Doctrine Eph. 4. 11. If thus God has declar'd the design of his Goodness in the Ordinance of Pastors then it must be the greatest duty and interest of the Flock to adhere to the Pastors of the Church For thus has God appointed for preserving it in Unity and Truth Now I beseech you Brethren by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that ye all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment 1 Cor. 1. 10. Thus is strictly enjoin'd the Flock then they must be careful in observing the Means which God has ordain'd for Unity He therefore that despiseth despiseth not Man but God who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit 1 Thes 4. 8. If the Flock despise the Doctrin of those whom God has appointed to teach it they despise not Man but God We beseech you Brethren to know them which labour among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you and to esteem them very highly in love for their works sake 1 Thes 5. 12. If these are to be esteem'd and lov'd this must be chiefly in their Instructions and Admonitions then no Contentions no setting up against them Let him that is taught in the Word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things Gal. 6. 6. Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel 1 Cor. 9. 14. Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour especially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine for the Scripture saith Thou shalt not muzzle the Ox that treadeth out the Corn and the labourer is worthy of his reward 1 Tim. 5. 17. Remember them which have the rule over you who have spoken unto you the Word of God Whose Faith follow considering the end of their Conversation Jesus Christ the same yesterday and to day and for ever Heb. 13. 7. Obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves For they watch for your Souls as they that must give account that they may do it with joy and not with grief for that is unprofitable for you v. 17. What Charge given by God to the Flock Remember Submit Obey Follow the Faith of those who have the Rule over you for these must gâ—ve account of your Souls But can they be any part in this account who refuse to obey He that knoweth God heareth us he that is not of God heareth not us Hereby know we the Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error 1 Jo. 4. 6. Are these thus discern'd Then the Flock must here see the necessity of hearing those whom God has appointed to feed the Flock And now having gone thro' the Principal Duties of a Christian Life as likewise the Particular States in some of which every Christian must have a part and having seen in all these what is the Will of God as it is deliver'd in holy Writ what better Conclusion can I make than earnestly to recommend to all that they would frequently read seriously consider and with exactness attend to what the Spirit of God says to them It is the effect of an infinite Mercy that God has thus left his holy Will manifested to us that in this we might have a sure Guide And there is no other Way to Salvation but this alone of doing the Will of God Thus Christ has declar'd and what greater Interest then can a Christian have than in knowing the Will of God This is the best Study this the best Learning All other without this are vain and useless Ornaments but this alone without all others will make a Man Wise to Salvation If the World sets up for other Ways if it has Number and Custom to give Authority to them yet all this makes them not warrantable to the Christian he must consult his Rule and whatever he finds not allow'd there he must renounce as Antichristian for it is Christ and not the World is his Guide to Salvation How perversly blind then are all those Christians who make it their Business to study the World and esteeming this the best Education are at a great Expence in training up their Children to an early Knowledge of whatever it admires And when this is done what is the Effect but only to be skill'd in Vanity to be learned in those things which lead them out of the Way And in the mean time the only thing Necessary is neglected and they are Strangers to that Knowledge which can be their only Guide to that Life for which they were born Whereas the great Business of all that believe is to know the Will of God and by doing it to work out their Salvation If this be the Error of such as are blind Lovers of themselves and the World instead of God then such as follow the Light of Faith must follow another Business They must make it their general Study to know the Will of God they must strictly inform themselves what he commands what he forbids what he approves and disapproves and this being most expresly deliver'd in holy Writ they ought to esteem the particular Knowledge of this their only solid Accomplishment and not think they have any thing valuable in them whatever their natural or acquir'd Abilities be as long as they are Ignorant of this By this Method Christians will soon be qualified for making a true Judgment of all Things and Circumstances of human Life they will judge the World and all its Ways and not be in danger of being deluded by its Specious and most Authentic Snares This is the true Christian Wisdom and whosoever takes another Way tho' he may come to an eminent Degree of admir'd Knowledge yet he will never be Wise to Salvation FINIS
commanded saying Honor thy Father and Mother And he that curseth Father or Mother let him die the Death But ye say whosoever shall say to his Father or his Mother it is a Gift by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me and honor not his Father or his Mother he shall be free Thus have ye made the Commandment of God of none Effect by your Tradition Mat. 15. 3. The Precept of God commanding all to Honor Father and Mother is not to be transgressed under the Cover of pretended Piety Such Glosses are a Violence to the Law of God His Mother said unto him Son why hast thou thus dealt with us Behold thy Father and I have sought thee sorrowing And he said unto them how is it that ye sought me Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's Business Luk. 2. 48. God is the first Father and to be obey'd in the first place All that is created must give place to his Will whatever is not consistent with this must yield He said unto another follow me But he said Lord suffer me first to go and bury my Father Jesus said unto him Let the Dead bury their Dead but go thou and preach the Kingdom of God And another also said Lord I will follow thee But let me first go bid them farewel which are at Home at my House And Jesus said unto him no Man having put his Hand to the Plough and looking back is fit for the Kingdom of God Luk. 9. 59. Domestic Duties are to give place to greater And he Jesus went down with them his Parents and came to Nazareth and was subject unto them Luk. 2. A good Example of Obedience And when he came to himself he said I will arise and go to my Father and will say unto him Father I have sinned against Heaven and before thee Luk. 15. 17. Children sensible of their undue Ways ought to have recourse to their Parents with Confidence and Humility according to the Example of the Prodigal Son When therefore Jesus saw his Mother and the Disciple standing by whom he loved he saith unto his Mother Woman behold thy Son Then saith he to the Disciple behold thy Mother And from that Hour that Disciple took her unto his own Home Jo. 19. 26. Children ought to be mindful of their Parents especially at the Hour of Death with a Recommendation to their best Friends Children obey your Parents in the Lord For this is right Honor thy Father and Mother which is the first Commandment with Promise that it may be well with thee and thou mayest live long on the Earth Eph. 6. 1. A general Duty of Children to obey and honor their Parents in all that is not Sin With a Blessing annext to it Children obey your Parents in all things For this is well-pleasing unto the Lord Col. 3. 20. If ye endure chastening God dealeth with you as with Sons For what Son is he whom the Father chasteneth not We have had Fathers of our Flesh which corrected us and we gave them Reverence Shall we not much rather be in Subjection unto the Father of Spirits and live For they verily for a few Days chastened us after their own Pleasure but he for our profit that we might be Partakers of his Holiness Heb. 12. 7 9. Children even when Chastized by Parents after their own Pleasure ought not to lose the Reverence due to them but submit with respect If any Widow have Children or Nephews let them learn first to shew Piety at Home and to requite their Parents For that is good and acceptable before God 1 Tim. 5. 4. An express Duty of Children to be Respectful and Dutiful at Home and by such Arguments of Gratitude to make some acknowledgment of the great Obligation to their Parents This cannot be expected from little Ones who are not capable of these Sentiments and therefore this must be spoke to Children when now grown up and at an Age of giving this Comfort to their Parents Here it cannot be unseasonable to make some Additions out of the Old Testament Honor thy Father and thy Mother That thy Days may be long upon the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Exod. 20. 12. He that smiteth his Father or his Mother shall be surely put to Death Exod. 21. 15. Ye shall fear every Man his Mother and his Father and keep my Sabbaths I am the Lord your God Levit. 19. 3. Every one that curseth his Father or his Mother shall be surely put to Death He hath cursed his Father or his Mother his Blood shall be upon him Levit. 20. 9. Honor thy Father and thy Mother as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee that thy Days may be prolonged and that it may go well with thee in the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Deut. 5. 16. And the Levites shall speak and say unto all the Men of Israel with a loud Voice cursed be he that setteth Light by his Father or his Mother And all the People shall say Amen Deut. 27. 14 16. Notwithstanding they the Sons of Eli hearkened not unto the Voice of their Father because the Lord would slay them 1 Sam. 2. 25. Bathsheba therefore went unto King Solomon to speak unto him for Adonijah And the King rose up to meet her and bowed himself unto her and sat down on his Throne and caused a Seat to be set for the King's Mother and she sat on his right Hand 1 Kin. 2. 19. Esther had not yet shewed her Kindred nor her People as Modecai had charged her For Esther did the Commandment of Mordecai like as when she was brought up with him Esth 2. 20. A wise Son maketh a glad Father but a foolish Son is the Heaviness of his Mother Prov. 10. 1. A Fool despiseth his Father's Instruction But he that regardeth Reproof is Prudent Prov. 15. 5. A foolish Son is a Grief to his Father and Bitterness to her that bare him Prov. 17. 25. He that wasteth his Father and chaseth away his Mother is a Son that causeth Shame and bringeth Reproach Cease my Son to hear the Instruction that causeth to err from the Words of Knowledge Prov. 19. 26. Hearken unto thy Father that begat thee and despise not thy Mother when she is old Prov. 23. 22. Whoso robbeth his Father or his Mother and saith it is no Transgression the same is the Companion of a Destroyer Prov. 28. 24. The Eye that mocketh at his Father and despiseth to obey his Mother the Ravens of the Valley shall pick it out and the young Eagle shall eat it Prov. 30. 17. Jeremiah said unto the House of the Rechabites thus saith the Lord of Hosts the God of Israel because ye have obeyed the Commandment of Jonadab your Father and kept all his Precepts and done according unto all that he hath commanded you Therefore thus saith the Lord of Hosts the God of Israel Jonadab the Son of Rechab shall not want a Man to stand before