receiuing in that time any bodily meate or drinke according to the order of nature yet neuerthelesse no man ought to refuse meate and drinke beeing the ordinarie meanes that God hath appointed for the preseruation of our bodily life Euen so God could saue vs without all meanes and giue vnto vs a liuely faith through the wonderfull working of the holy Ghost and that without either preaching or hearing of his word or else without prayer and ministration of the Sacraments yet neuerthelesse is it his ordinance not so to do Exod. 28.18 34.28 Deut. 9.9 1. Kin. 19.18 Act. 9.1 c. Sacraments 1 AS the great Castle Giliâ—fer floureth not til March and Aprill a yeare after the sowing and Marians Violets two yeares after their sowing So the grace of God receiued in baptisme doth not by and by shew forth it selfe till some yeares after the infusion 2 Euen as the best medicines doo most annoy vnlesse they bee rightly ministred and receiued So the vnspeakable wholesome Sacraments of Christ to the worthie receiuers are al health and life but to the vnworthie death and damnation 3 As a seale is altogether vnprofitable yea not allowed a seale vnlesse it be bounde or set to some instrument or writing for the confirmation thereof Euen so the Sacraments are altogether vnprofitable yea indeed are no Sacraments if they be not ioyned with the word of God preached to confirme the same vnto vs. Matth. 28.19 1. Cor. 11.26 4 As they which come to heare the Gospell preached and want faith receiue nothing but words and the Gospell to them is no Gospell Euen so they which come to receiue the Sacraments without faith do indeed receiue the symballs or signes but they haue not the fruite and thing of the Sacraments 5 As Circumcision which was a Sacrament of the old Lawe was a seale in that time to our Fathers of righteousnesse Euen so be our Sacraments to vs in these daies seales of Gods promises vnto vs and al haue one strength and vertue 6 Like as the Sunne which shineth well for all but not to all so it happeneth to those to whom the Sacraments are ministred 7 As there are none but those which haue eyes and do open their eyes that do receiue the light of the Sunne the which it representeth to all but in the meane time such as are blinde or do shut their eyes do not receiue it for they haue not the instrument without the which they cannot receiue it So standeth it betweene the faithfull the vnfaithful in respect of the ministery of the church for it representeth vnto all the benefites of God And albeit that the wicked and faithlesse do not receiue them at all that notwithstanding the fame letteth not but that the Ministery hath alway in it self his vertue But in the mean while it is not ordeined but to be exercised towards those for whom it was ordained or otherwise it should not be a Ministery and by consequence shuld not haue his vertue For where there is no faith in the heart there the holy Sacraments or signes do no more profit the soule then the light or shining of the Sunne doo those that are blind 8 As a corrupt and withered braunch which sticketh still fast to the tree but for all that can receiue no strength or life from the roofe or hart of the tree Euen so the vnfaithfull although they receiue outwardly the bread and the wine of the Ministers in the Supper of the Lord yet they do not receiue the fatte or the inward strength and the treasure to wit the life the holy Ghost or to speak it in one word the communion of the body and of the bloud of Iesus Christ no more then the corrupted or withered braunch receiueth life and strength of the tree in the which it is dead albeit for a time it cleaueth fast to it 9 Euen as it followeth not that for so much as the withered braunch can draw to himselfe no strength nor receiue life that therefore it must needs bee also that the sound braunches can draw or receiue no strength or life of the trunke or body of the tree or that it doth not communicate his life vnto those good and sound braunches Euen so it followeth not that the Sacraments be vain and bare signes because that the vnfaithfull cannot lay hold on life nor on that which is offered and sealed vnto vs by the same 10 As the fault is not in the Tree but in the withered braunches that it receiueth not from the Tree a fatnesse or a iuce So no more is the fault in God which offereth and presenteth to all men richly his giftes but in the vnfaithfull which neither will nor can receiue and imbrace the same because of their vnfaithfulnesse through the which they are dead in the body of the christian church as oftentimes a braunch doth starue in a good tree 11 Like as the Scripture of God is an Indenture betwixt him and vs wherin is contained both the promises grace and mercy which God offereth to the world in his sonne Christ and also the conditions which he requires to be fulfilled on our behalfe So the Sacraments are the seales set to this Indenture to strengthen our faith that we do not doubt 12 As it is not inough to write the conditions of a bargaine in an Indenture except it be sealed Euen so God for our weakenesse thought it not sufficient to make vs promise of blessings in writing in his Scriptures but he would seale it with his owne blood and institute his Sacraments as seales and pledges of the same trueth to remaine to be receiued of vs in remembrance of him and strengthening of our faith So that we may very conueniently say that Sacraments are as witnesses and solemne oathes wherby we do as it were homage to God and do make profession of our faith and Religion 13 Like as in CircumcisioÌ„ there meet foure things that is to say the promise the commaundement of the signe and the beliefe of the promise So likewise in the meeting of euery Sacrament the same things must of necessitie meete namely that a godly Sacrament be a visible signe commaunded and ordained by God Whereby like as God beareth record of his promise vnto men so man accepting the signe doth on the other side professe his faith toward God and confirmeth the same with the vse of the signe and by thinking vpon it 14 Like as if a man would take the bush that hangeth at the Tauerne doore and should sucke it for to slake his thirst and would not goe into the Tauerne where the Wine is might bee well accounted an idiot and a foole Euen so likewise may he be reckoned a foole that wheras the signes of the Sacraments were ordained by God to bee helpes to nourish and plant faith in our hearts and to confirme in vs the promises of God hee through ignorance thereof as many doo should preposterously iudge of the same
that euer was and God hath bestowed the same on his Elect and hee requires nothing at their handes but that they would turne their faces from this world and walke vnto it in the way which hee hath chalked foorth vnto them in his word Therefore if they be desirous to haue Saluation life euerlasting they must come forth of the broad way that leades to destruction and enter into the straight way that leades to eternal life they must acqaint themselues with the guides which are the faithfull Ministers of the word that wil cry vnto them Here is the way walke ye in it when they shall goe to the right hand or to the left 2 As Simeon going into the Temple by the motion of Gods spirit met with Christ So if we will be ruled with the same spirit frequent holy assemblies we shal meete with our Saluation Christs Spirit 1 AS the light cannot match with darkenesse So likewise Christs Spirite cannot accord and match with sinne and lusts of the flesh 2. Cor. 6.14 2 As Raine with the moysture therof fatteth the earth to make it fruitfull Euen so the holy Spirit with his inuisible grace doth make vs fruitfull to produce the fruits of righteousnesse Ioh. 7.38 3 As fire consumeth euerie thing that it layeth holde on So the Spirit of God consumeth all the corruption of our hearts and originall sinne in vs. 4 As fire giueth light to the bodily eyes So the Spirit giueth light to the eyes of the soule Ephe. 1.17 5 As fire giueth life quickneth those that be benummed with cold So the Spirit of God doth quicken and put life into those that be dead in their sinnes Ephe. 3.5.16 6 As a man that made a bargaine will bee carefull to keep the earnest pennie that he loose not all his bargaine So also must we be carefull to keepe the Spirit of God the earnest pennie of our saluation that we bee not depriued of the same Ephe. 1.13 Sacraments AS Circumcision which was a Sacrament of the olde Law was a seale in that time to our Fathers of righteousnesse Euen so be our Sacraments to vs in these daies seales of Gods promises vnto vs and all haue one strength and vertue Rom. 4.11 Sinne of set purpose AS hee that striketh the King ignorantly not knowing him to be the King is nothing in so much fault as he that striketh him knowing it is the King Euen so hee that dooth offend God of ignorance is to bee lesse blamed then he that wittingly and willingly offendeth him Luk. 12.47 48. God giueth vs vnderstanding to know the Scripture EVen as the Disciples of our Sauiour Christ had no knowledge nor vnderstanding vntil God gaue it thē So fareth it with al the rest of Gods children that althogh they heare neuer so much his Apostles Preach yea Christ himselfe personally sounding in their eares yet except the Lord open their hearts and minds as he did Lydia it auaileth not one Math. 16.17 Act. 16.14 Sinnes are our greatest enemies 1 AS a huge and mightie fire will bee asswaged and at the length quite put out if the stickes and other matter that doth chearish and increase it be withdrawne and kept from it So in like manner our affections and troubles will come to an end if we doo cease to doo euill and giue ouer sinning before it giue ouer vs for our Sins are as drie stickes and stubble wherwith the fire not onely of the wrath and malice of Infidels and heretikes but also of the wrath and indignation of God is kindled increased and most mightily stirred vp against vs. 2 As wee wonder at the Creator not onely in great matters as heauen earth the Sunne Elephants c. but also in like creatures as pismires lice wormes flies c. So a soule giuen to Christ must as wel regard litle as great matters and Sinnes knowing that wee must giue an account for euerie idle word Math. 12.36 For the health of the Soule the bodie is to bee kept in subiection LIke as when one part of a man that is sicke is not capable of the remedie wherewith he may be holpen the Physition is wont to applie the same remedie to an other part as if one bee grieued with an extreame Ach of the head then the Phisition vseth to strike a vaine of the arme because the head will not abide Phlebotomie or bloud letting So that we may helpe and heale many diseases of the Soule wee must keepe the body in subiection to the spirit and tame the lusts of the flesh and labour to bridle our affections and to keepe them within the compasse of reason sobrietie and temporance Spirits that die in the Lord. EVen as the Spirit of Christ passed from the Crosse into Paradise at the verie same moment that it departed out of the body and thence returned into the body that whole Christ in respect that he was man might be afterwards glorified So likewise all good Christians doo beleeue that their Spirits and soules who die in the Lord doo straightway depart vnto God there to enioy that measure of glorie that is appointed for them vntill that they being adioyned againe vnto the same bodies which will be the very same in substance truly corporall though in a far more excellent estate shall liue vnder Christ their head for euermore Luk. 23.43 Reue. 14.13 The Lords Supper 1 AS Bread nourisheth and strengthneth man and giueth him abilitie to labour So the body of Christ eaten by faith feedeth and satisfieth the soule of man and furnisheth the whole man to all duties of godlinesse 2 As Wine is drinke to the thirstie and maketh merrie the hearts of men Euen so the bloud of our Lord Iesus drunken by faith dooth quench the thirst of the burning conscience and filleth the hearts of the faithful with vnspeakable ioy The holy Spirit the earnest pennie of our inheritance 1 AS in a thing that is bought there is sometimes giuen an earnest pennie to wit some part of the money agreed on as wel for the beginning of the payment as by consequent for the assurance that the bargain shal be held firme So likwise the holy ghost who by faith engendreth peace ioy in the harts of the faithful is the earnest penie assuring vs by this beginning of the spirituall blessings which God promiseth to his children that he holdeth vs for his possession purchased to the prayse of his glorie and that at the length he will gather vs into the full enioying of the inheritaunce of heauen Ephe. 1.13 14. Rom. 8. 29 30. 2 Like as when a man dooth purchase an inheritance he first giueth earnest that is some part of the money promised that serueth as a beginning to the payment of the totall Summe So God hauing redeemed vs by the bloud of Iesus Christ giueth the earnest pennie of his holy Spirit that is to say a beginning of knowledge of the true God of sanctification of loue to God of
doo make a prophane washing and so administer no Sacrament of the Lords 2 Like as if the will of a Prince do ordaine one certaine man to confirme writings that by his onely Seale which hee hath appointed for that purpose so that although an other vse an other Seale made without or against his will of the same matter and fashion and in all things like it yet it is treason to vse it and the same is none of his Seale Euen so by much more ought the will of God which is that onely those should minister the Sacrament which haue a publike calling therevnto and haue that authoritie giuen them from the Lord should minister the Sacrament and none other although an other doo it in the same order and with the same instruments 3 As by the Seale which the Prince hath set apart to seale his Graunts and Letters Pattents with when it is stolen and set too by him that hath no authoritie there groweth no assurance vnto the partie that hath it So if it were possible to be the Seale of God which a woman should set too in Baptizing Infants yet for that she hath stolen it and put it too not onely without but contrarie to the commaundement of God we see not how any can take any assurance of the doing hereof For as well and as lawfully may she preach publikely in the Church and minister the Sacrament of the Lordes Supper openly or otherwise as to Baptise in time of necessitie c. 4 As a Seale added to a Deede or Euidence by such as hath no authoritie to put to the same hath no force to ratifie or confirme the Couenants and Graunts in the Writing which kinde of Seale hath beene alwayes deemed no better then a counterfeit and plaine forgerie Euen so the outward seale of Baptisme added by women hath no force by Gods institution to confirme any in the promises of saluation because women haue no warrant in the word to Baptise for euerie washing of the childe in the name of the Trinitie is not a Sacrament of Baptisme neither can there bee rendered any cause why the Lords Supper ministred by them should not bee counted as good a Sacrament as their Baptisme Baptisme 1 EVen as they which were in the Arke of Noah were preserued from the floud So whosoeuer doth earnestly sticke to the couenant of their outward Baptisme are deliuered from the euerlasting floud that is to say from the paynes and torments of hell by Iesus Christ 2 As the floud did preserue so many as were within the Arke but sunke the rest So likewise is Baptisme auaileable to so many as are Baptized into the Church of Christ by faith but helpeth the rest no more then it did Simō the sorcerer Act. 8.9.10 c. Mar. 16.16 1. Pet. 3.10.21 3 As in the Floud both sinne and sinners did perish So also in the floud of Baptisme sinne sinketh but the sinner is safe Tit. 3.5 Iohn 3.5 4 As the Purse of a true man in the hand of a theefe doth not make or proue him to be a true man Euen so Baptisme though it be in the assemblies of the Churches of Rome yet it noth not proue them to be the Churches of God neither doth it appertaine vnto them but vnto an other hidden Church of God which he hath in all ages gathered forth of the midst of them 5 As the graffe receiueth substance and nourishment of the roote into which it is graffed So they that receiue Baptisme with such faith as they ought do truly feele the effectualnesse of the death of Christ in the mortifying of their flesh and therewithall also they feele the effect of his resurrection in the quickning of the spirit Rom. 6.3 Col. 2.12 Reading of Authors 1 AS Vlisses stopping his eares with waxe escaped the danger of the Sirenes So ought we to auoyde such things as are found filthy in Bookes and Authors though they seeme pleasant if we will auoide the danger ensuing such things 2 As the like pleasure is not to him that goeth into a goodly garden garnished with diuers kindes of hearbes and flowers and that there doth no more but behold them of whom it may bee said that hee went in for nothing but that hee would come out and to him which besides the corporall eye pleasure knoweth of euerie one the name and propertie So verily much difference is there in reading of Authors and in sundrie sorts of men that doo it and much more pleasure and profit hath hee which vseth art and iudgement then the other which with great studie indeed turneth them ouer but for lacke of the knowledge of precepts wanteth also the fruite and delectation that he more amply might obtaine Christs Body is not inclosed or conteined in the bread vnder the bread or with the bread neither the bloud in the wine vnder the wine or with the wine 1 AS the bloud of our Sauiour Christ doth cleanse vs from all our sinnes 1. Ioh. 1.7 and yet we need not to haue it really present with vs for to be washed or bathed in it So Christ our Sauiour according to his promise doth daily or whensoeuer we do come worthily to his holy Supper feed both our bodies and soules with the wholesome and heauenly foode of his precious Body and bloud and this doth he by his eternall and almightie Spirit so that he needeth not therefore to come downe at the becke of euerie iugling popish Priest and to be really present in their wafer Cake after that they haue with gaping and blowing spoken foure or fiue words vpon it Receiuing of the Sacrament Iohn 13.20 Luk. 10.16 Math. 25.41 c. 1 LIke as Christ doth recouer and impute that to bee done vnto him which is done to his Ministers or poore needie members So also doth he recouer and impute that to bee done vnto his Body and bloud that is done vnto the Sacrament of the same 1. Cor. 11.27 2 Like as he that sinneth against a Minister or a poore man sinneth against * Act. 9.4 Zach. 2.8 Christ himselfe although in the meane while hee hath not hurt Christes person in any point Euen so is he also guiltie of the body and bloud of Christ whosoeuer receiueth the Sacrament of the Body and bloud of Christ vnworthily although in the meane season he hath not receiued the very Body and bloud of the Lord. 3 Like as if a Rebell should tread vnder his feete the Seale Letters or Coyne of the Prince although he touch not the Prince himselfe nor tread him vnder his feete yet is he said to haue troden the Prince vnder his feete and is accused not for hurting the Seale or defiling the Letters or defacing his Coyne but hee is charged of treason and accused for treading the Prince vnder his feete Or if one man should send a gift or token vnto an other man as a peece of bowed siluer a Nutmeg or a Rasing of Ginger if the partie
to whom it were sent wold not take it but refuse it despitefully or contemne it the man that sent it might well thinke he had contemned and disdained him and not his gift or present but what might hee thinke if hee should cast it into the dyrt and trample it vnder his feete Therefore if hee did as hee ought to do he should consider when he receiued the token the minde and good will of his friend that sent or gaue it and according therevnto to esteeme and receiue it So likewise if we do as we ought to do in beeing partakers of these holy Mysteries we should rather consider the minde and good will of our louer Christ then the Bread and Wine which we see yea if we do not altogither consider Christes minde and purpose in this behalfe we deale vnhonestly and strumpâ— like with him For it is the propertie of Strumpets to consider the things giuen and sent them rather then the good will and minde of the giuer and sender whereof the true louers doo not consider in any point the value of the things giuen or sent but the minde and good will of the partie So we if we be true Louers of Christ must not consider barely the outward things as the Bread and Wine which wee see and our senses perceiue but rather altogither wee must viewe and consider the minde of Christ and therafter and according to it to esteeme and account of the same 4 Like as if a wilfull and rebellious subiect should no more esteeme or regard his Princes seale then other common wax or haue it in no greater reuerence then the seale of some priuate man it might rightly be said that hee maketh no difference of his Princes person that is to say that he doth no more esteeme him then hee doth other men yet it needeth not that the Kings person bee there really present So when we come to the Lordes table if we take vnreuerently the misticall Bread and Wine as other common meates appointed for the bellie then make wee no difference of the Lordes Body wee doo not esteeme the worthinesse price and vertue of it which in the holy Mysteries is so freely and so liberally offered vnto vs. And therefore if we receiue this Sacrament vnreuerently not considering who is the Author of it nor who it is that offereth himselfe so mercifully and louingly vnto vs it is no maruell therefore that the holy Apostle saith that we are guiltie of the Body and bloud of the Lord that is to say that we are before the seate of Almightie God because of our vnthankfulnesse and vnreuerent handling of the holy Mysteries counted as guiltie as if wee had slaine the Body of the onely begotten sonne of GOD and shead his most precious bloud vpon the Crosse Or it is no maruell that in stead of grace in stead of forgiuegesse of our sinnes and of life euerlasting wee doo eate and drinke our owne damnation And yet it followeth not that the Body and bloud of Christ be really present there in the Sacrament Christes naturall and immortall Body can be but in one place at once and not in many places 1 LIke as the Soule of man vnited to his Body cannot be a Body because it is a spirit Euen so the like is of the Body and of the Soule of Iesus Christ and of his diuine and humaine nature of the which euerie one of them holdeth so continually his properties that the one cannot be that the other is For albeit that they be vnited together by personall vnion yet for all they remaine alway distinct in their vnitie according to their properties and not confused in such sort that the one cannot be the other wherefore wee may not say at all that the Diuinitie is the humanitie or that the humanitie is the Diuinitie nor that the one is conuerted into the other For if there were such a conuersion they should no more be that which they are but should bee chaunged into other natures which thing cannot be For God can neuer bee but God Wherefore hee cannot be conuerted into man but he may vnite man to himselfe as he hath done in the person of his Sonne Iesus Christ Likewise man cannot bee conuerted into God for so much as he is a creature and that God which is the Creator of all cannot bee created but is without beginning as hee is without end and infinite the which thing cannot agree with any creature From whence it followeth that the Gods which are created are no Gods at all but are onely creatures or else vaine illusions or imaginations And as the substance of GOD cannot bee conuerted into that of man nor that of man into that of God for otherwise God should not be God nor man should not be man at all Euen so neither the one nor the other may be without his conuenient and naturall properties belonging to the diuine nature it is no more diuine nature but humaine In like sort if the Sacramentall signes of the Body and bloud of Iesus Christ haue the naturall properties which do belong to the Bread and to the Wine as they haue indeed if they haue their qualities and accidents and these same effects they are not then really and substancially the Body and bloud of him but Bread and Wine remaining alwaies in their substance with their accidents 2 As the bodie of the Sunne and light of it are so ioyntly ioyned together that the one cannot be seperated from the other yet it followeth not that wheresoeuer the light of the Sunne is there the body of the Sunne must be also For as the Sunne being still in the Element according to the order that God hath appointed among vs his creatures doth wtth his light refresh comfort and quicken all things here vpon earth So our Sauiour Christ Iesus who is the true Sonne of righteousnesse being still vntill the time that God hath appointed on the right hand of his Father touching his manhood that is to say aboue in heauen in the place of beatitude felicitie and ioy raigning there with the Father in equall glorie and maiestie doth continually assist aide and comfort his Church by his holy spirit being alwaies present with his elect and chosen by his diuine Maiestie prouidence and inuisible grace whom hee doth not cease through his almightie power the spirit being the worker of it to feede still with the wholsome foode of his most precious flesh and bloud Now as it were most noysome and hurtfull vnto all the whole earth if we had here belowe the Body of the Sunne so is it not expedient that the Church and Congregation of the faithful should haue Christ still present here touching his humanitie and manhood For so he saith Iohn 16.7 3 As no man can denie but that the eye and the sight of it be so ioyntly and inseperably ioyned together that as long as the eye is whole and sound the one cannot be seperated from the other yet
discharge no one member can discharge the dutie of an other So also it ought to be in the Church of God 76 As all the seuerall members in the body of man are knit together and vnited to the head So all the seuerall members of the Church are knit and vnited vnto the head Christ 77 As in the naturall body euery seuerall member is as it were the member of euery other in seruing to their good as the eye will see the hand wil take the mouth will speake all for the good of any weake member Euen so it is in the Church of God 78 As the naturall members take spirit and sense from the head So the Church hath all her spirituall feeling and life of Christ who is able to quicken and giue life 79 As the husband that loueth his wife thinketh himselfe not well till she hath his company and he her presence So God loueth the Church his spouse that hee cannot abide to be without her company and thinkes her not safe except she be in his presence therefore it pleaseth the Lord Iesus not onely to call himselfe the head of his Church and the Church his body but also to tearme his Church the fulnesse of himself although he filleth all in all things as though he were imperfect without his Church Psal 41.12 Ephe. 1.23 80 Euen as the father or mother will haue that Infant in their sight which they loue most dearely So God will haue his Church in his sight which he loueth-most tenderly Esay 45.15.16 Christ our Righteousnesse 1 LIke as our sinnes appeared so horrible so great so monstrous and vgly in the presence of God that being once but imputed to Christ he could not notwithstanding that his vnspeakable loue but euen in iustice most seuerely punish our said sinnes in his sonne so surely such is the excellencie of the Righteousnesse of Christ that being once but imputed vnto vs in the presence of our heauenly Father he cannot notwithstanding all our former vnrighteousnes but be throghly pleased with vs and except such a discharge of our sins by his Son for our owne discharge none otherwise then the debt of a Banquerout discharged by some speciall friend is accounted and accepted with his creditor the discharge of the Banquerout himselfe 2 As the soule of a man doth so quicken the body that notwithstanding the mēbers thereof in themselues be but weake yet they are sure not to decay all the while they do hold any participation with the powers of the soule but appeare in the presence of men both lustie and strong So vndoubtedly our Sauiour Christ being that immortall soule of his mysticall body which inspireth spirituall life into all the members therof verily all those his said members are sure so long as they continue incorporate with Christ both to hold the substance of life and withall to be accounted as liuely members in the presence of God during their partitipation with that true life it selfe whereof they take sure hold by a liuely faith Iohn 14.6 1. Iohn 5.11 12. 3 As Cochlearia or Spoonewort the roote of the water Lilie and likewise Telephium and Gentian laid to the body taketh away blacke spots So Christ applied to the conscience purgeth it from dead workes 4 As Smilax aspera or rough Bindeweede serueth not onely against venome receiued aforehand but also against all poison taken after a man hath eaten it So Christ receiued by faith profiteth not onely against the sinnes which before hath bene committed but also done afterward 5 So long as a man stung with a Scorpion holdeth wilde Carthamus in his hand he feeleth no paine but so soone as he letteth it go the ache and paine taketh him a fresh So as long as a man stung with sinne holdeth Christ by faith he feeleth no torment of conscience but so soone as he letteth him go the terrors of death take him a fresh 6 As the people of Israel passing through the Wildernesse had to fight oftentimes against Serpents and when they were stung and smitten by them for to be preserued from the venome and from death they lifted vp their eyes toward the Brasen Serpent that Moses had set vp amidst their tents by sight whereof they were healed So we in like maner fighting against our concupiscences if it come to passe at any time that they giue vs any blow to the ende that this stripe may not be deadly vnto vs wee must lift vp our eyes towards Iesus Christ hanging vpon the Crosse and beseech him that hee would forgiue vs all our trespasses and be our Righteousnesse Iohn 3.14.15 7 As in a naturall body the power that the eye hath to see serueth more to the vse of the other members thē for it selfe because that seeing and marking them all it is watchfull rightly to guide them and to direct their actions not being able in the meane time to see themselues nor to serue it selfe Euen so the Righteousnesse innocencie and obedience of Christ Iesus stand vs in more stead then him seeing that notwithstanding he had all these things and was in his nature life and whole conuersation absolute and perfect yet for all this hee was condemned and crucified We on the contrarie part albeit his Righteousnesse innocencie and obedience be onely imputed vnto vs yet for all that by meanes of this imputation we are absolued iustified and discharged of all our sinnes and of all the accusations that all our enemies can bring against vs. 8 As it is inough that we gather the fruite of a tree and that it alwayes remaine in his place and that wee carrie it not away with vs So in like maner we must content our selues to be partakers of the fruites of Christ his Righteteousnesse albeit it be not essentially in vs but onely by imputation and in as much as through his onely mercie it is bestowed vpon vs. 9 Like as they do that go vp into an high Tower who looking downewards and seeing the depth are afraide to fall and that they may be the more sure they lay hold of the railes Euen so must we leane vpon the Righteousnesse and death of Christ Iesus and strengthen our selues in that to the end we may be preserued from falling 10 Like as in Winter we can no sooner be from the fire but we are cold nor out of light but we enter into darknesse Euen so we can no sooner be parted from Iesus Christ who is is our Righteousnesse and our life but straight we are in sinne and in death for as much as he is the life that quickneth vs the Sunne that giueth vs light and the fire that warmeth comforteth and refresheth all his members 1. Cor. 1.30 Rom. 5.19 Esay 53.4 5. Col. 1.20 11 As the Moone hath no light but that which it hath from the Sunne and as the light is little or great as it is neare or farre off in such sort that if it depart from it it remaineth altogether obscure
body he suffered in his soule the heauie wrath and indignation of his Father and the extreame tortures and torments of hell for a time no lesse then the the reprobates that be there alreadie and no lesse then all we by iust desert should haue suffered for euer if Christ had not done it for vs and yet fewe or none for all this will shead one teare giue one grone or sigh once from the bottome of his heart Christ his goodnesse considered there was neuer any creature dealt so vnkindly with him as man doth AS sometimes it falleth out that a Henne sitteth vpon Ducks egges and with her diligent sitting and the heate of her body she doth hatch and bring them forth and when they be able to follow her she clucks them and after her maner as though they were her naturall Chickens she doth call them about her but they being not of her but the Ducks kinde though by her they haue beene hatched and of her haue receiued life and though shee hath a continuall care to bring them vp and to defend them from such enemies as seeke to deuoure them yet neuerthelesse they will follow and seeke after that wherevnto by nature they are inclined and giuen when shee is scraping and scratching in the earth to finde them foode they will be in the water mire or foule puddle after their kinde she may cluck and walke alone they will not keepe her companie vnlesse perhaps in some daunger when the Kite is readie to catch them for some succour they will flie to her howbeit at the length when she perceiueth them to be vnnatural and vnkinde to her she doth forsake them and giue them ouer Euen so our sweete Sauiour Christ Iesus hauing taken great pains for vs and hauing humbled himselfe euen in the lowest degree of all humilitie that can be named as in comming downe out of his fathers bosome being most perfect most holy and omnipotent God being euery way equall and in nothing interiour to his Father to take our weake fraile and feeble nature vpon him and sinne excepted to haue a perfect feeling of all our miseries infirmities as wearisomnes of body hunger and thirst and such others and besides the induring of these many yeres together hauing suffered a most cruell death and euen at his death vpon the Crosse hauing tasted and taken a full cup of his Fathers furie and indignation which was indeed filled and prepared for vs as a iust reward for our sinnes and should haue beene our owne cup and our owne portion for euer and euer had he not euen then taken and supt it vp to cleare and to free vs from it Againe after all these things hauing still continued his humilitie in suffering death to keepe his bodie three dayes in the graue and euen as it were to treade and trample vpon him and then manger death hell diuell and Iewes hauing risen againe and being ascended and gone vp to his Father where now vntill his comming againe to iudge the quicke and the dead he sitteth at the right hand of maiestie and power He now speaketh and calleth vnto vs by his Prophets Apostles and Ministers and willeth vs to remember what case and estate we were â—n before he died and suffered all these things for vs and he would haue vs to know to be sure and neuer to forget that if he had not suffered death here vpon earth as hee did we should neuer haue found any way or entrance into heauen the celestiall ioyes and pleasures of the Lords saints saluation and eternall life should neuer haue beâ—onged vnto vs wee should haue had no more to do with them then they that liue without faith and die infidels The horrors of hell and the stinking lakes of vnspeakable shame confusion torments endlesse death and damnation should haue beene our inheritance lot and perpetuall portion Christ therfore doth daily put vs in mind that we be not our owne but his and that we bee the greatest and dearest purchase that euer was made in heauen or in earth and that the like price and cost was neuer bestowed vpon any creatures as vpon vs. When the Angels which were in heauen in the presence of their creator did once offend they were hurled out and cast into hell Christ would not bestow vpon them one pennie of all that great price and rich raunsome which he paied for vs he would not then become man to shed one drop of bloud for them but for our sakes hee spared not one drop but shed all The Hen that himselfe speaketh of was neuer so diligent and carefull to gather her chickings vnder her wings as he hath euer beene most ready to shroude and to protect vs against all the enemies of our soules and bodies Many mothers shal sooner forget the children of their owne wombe and vtterly forsake them before Christ will forsake vs yea he will neuer forget nor forsake vs vnlesse we first forget and forsake him Now therefore wee being his so dearely bought and so truely paid for hee calleth vpon vs euery day he clocketh vs and looketh for vs that we should follow him and treade in such steps as he hath appointed that we should not range at randome but keepe our selues within the hearing of his voice and our liues within the limits of obedience vnto the same these things he looketh for at our hands But we deale with this most kind most louing and most mercifull redeemer and Sauiour of our soules bodies euen so as the vnnatural vnkind Ducks deale with the Hen of whom they haue receiued life they regard not her clucking neither we Christs calling when shee is seeking and prouiding for them on the faire drie and wholesome earth they will bee in some foule water filthie mire or stinking puddle And when the Lord Iesus calleth vs to integritie of life to doo the thing that is iust and right in his owne eye and to speake the truth according to the knowledge of our hearts then will wee with greedinesse pollute our soules and bodies with al wickednes and things that be abominable then will we oppresse our brethren not caring who sinke if our selues swimme then will we not sticke to speake lies euen to Gods owne face And when the Lord calleth and sendeth vs to seeke heauenly things wee presently returne to the foule puds of the world carnal delights and vaine yea vile pleasures So that wee euer take the contrarie way to that which Christ commaundeth Christ calleth for our harts to haue them in truth and sinceritie with all diligence to attend vpon his pleasure and to waite on his will he would haue vs not in part but wholly to giue them vnto him and without the heart hee will receiue and take in good part at our hands and lips nothing But wee on the other side giue nothing lesse to God then our hearts There is nothing that may and cannot commaund our hearts haue them at pleasure sooner
that we are the children of God true belieuers and members of the Church of Christ and that so we seperate our selues from the prophane worldly and vicious people and do purpose to liue holily righteously and religiously as it beseemeth the children of God and faithfull members of the Church Such therefore as communicating in the holy supper doo not neuerthelesse amend their liues but walking after the world the flesh are giuen to swearing whordome drunkennesse gluttonie couetousnesse deceit fraud ambition pride enuie hatred backbiting with other like vices and corruptions doo shew themselues counterfeits and hypocrites doo eate and drinke their owne damnation and doo horribly scandalize and offend the Church whereof they should be members together with the doctrine that they doo professe 13 As Loue is the fulfilling of the Law and the marke of Gods children So is there nothing that can more mightily induce vs thereto then the vse of this holy Supper 14 As the bread made of many kernels is but one bread So wee that communicate in the bread and Wine of the holy supper are one body vnder one head Iesus Christ 1. Cor. 10.17 12.12 15 As bread hath this propertie through Gods blessing giuen it to feede and strengthen our naturall bodies in this life So likewise the body of Christ beeing represented effectually vnto vs in the Lords supper by that bread hath the selfe same propertie touching our soules to strengthen and to nourish them spiritually 16 As Wine doth comfort and make mans heart glad So our full ioy and spirituall comfort is to bee found in Christ alone 17 As our diet is then full whole and perfect as it were when it consisteth of these two things Bread and Wine or Drinke So we must know that the fulnesse and perfection of all spirituall nourishment is to bee found in Christ alone and no where else whilst that he is become as well the drinke as the meate of our soule not onely in this double signe helping our infirmitie as it were but also teaching vs to seeke the heauenly refection and nourishment of our soules fully and wholly in Christ and no where else 18 As the Bread is made of many graines and the Wine of sundrie and seuerall Grapes and yet all make but one Bread and one Wine So al the faithful should be instructed thereby that though they bee seuerall and distinct persons one of them from an other as the members in the body are yet they al compacted together make but one body Rom. 12.4 5. 1. Cor. 10.16 17. 19 Like as when drie Waxe is put into that which is melted it is presently mingled and vnited with it So we are vnited to Christ by faith in worthily receiuing the mysteries of his body and bloud in the Sacrament 20 Euen as wee are by the bloud of Christ cleansed and by the holy Ghost in Baptisme regenerated So wee beeing cleansed and regenerated are spiritually fed and nourished by the benefite of the body and bloud of Christ rightly vsing the Lords supper according to his owne institution 21 Euen as there is no liberall hearted Gentleman that maketh a feast but hee is desirous that his gestes should haue a lusting greedie and hungrie stomacke Euen so our heauenly Father is desirous that all men that are bidden to this heauenly feast should bee partaker of the mysteries of his body and bloud should haue hungring and thristing stomackes which hunger and thurst must be of the soule and not of the body Loue of our neighbour AS hee that Loueth the Lord dooth altogether surely and thorowly depend vppon him in firme faith and cleare conscience and therfore dooth neither admit any other Gods nor serue Idols nor dishonour his name nor prophane his Saboths Euen so he that Loueth his neighbour as well as himselfe will neither contemne his parents nor hurt or harme his neighbours nor defile his wife with Adulterie nor steale his goods nor falsely witnesse of him neither yet couet any iot of all that is his but will hartily seeke his commoditie as his owne Deut. 6.5 Math. 22.37 Mar. 12.30 Luk. 10.27 God Loueth his children 1 AS we will take any thing well at his hands of whom we are perswaded that hee Loueth vs for the assurance of his Loue swalloweth vp and sweetely sendeth downe all the rest if he teach vs we take it if he admonish vs we are contented if hee reprooueth vs we put it vp if he iest with vs we are not grieued yea if he smite vs wee are not offended all is taken in good part because they come from Loue who neuer did hurt his beloued So likewise God dealeth with his children hee teacheth them when they are ignorant hee correcteth them when they goe astray he admonisheth them when they are vnruly he reprooueth them when they transgresse he threatneth them when they are stubborne and hee smiteth them when there is no remedie But yet in his fauour and mercie hee teacheth correcteth reprooueth threatneth and smiteth his children that they might not be damned with the world If hee woundeth vs his fauour is Oyle to cure our wounds if he sendeth flouds and Seas of troubles the assurance of his fauour is like Noahs Arke to beare vs vp from drowning If his wrath shall burne like fire his fauour is water to coole the heate whereof Diues in hell could not get a drop If he send sicknesse either of body or mind the assurāce of his fauor is a present remedy like the brazen Serpent if he send sorrow ouer night his Louing fauour shall bring ioy in the Morning and a ioyful tidings like Sonne bee of good cheare thy sinnes are forgiuen thee If he chide vs his fauour that he beareth vnto vs wil not suffer him to chide for euer If his wrath be kindled against his children his fauour puts out all againe if he sets vs vp as markes to be shot at hee sets his fauour before vs with the assurance whereof wee are defended as with a shield Psal 5.12 103.13 2 As a Fathers anger is rather Loue then anger and his correction is to bee counted rather a Loue token then a punishment So in like manner is Gods anger towards his children which feare him and keepe his couenants and therfore his correction is a Loue token no punishment 2. Sam. 7.14 15. Psal 118.18 3 Euen as when Iesus wept ouer Lazarus the Iewes said Behold how hee Loueth him Yea though hee suffered death to cast him into his graue the common bed of all flesh yet behold how he Loued him So in like maner may Gods children say when the Lord correcteth or reproueth or afflicteth them yet marke how he Loueth vs entreateth vs and wooeth vs and when we see this wee must needs say Behold how he Loueth vs. Ioh. 11.35 4 As Sechem deferred not to doo all that was required of him for the obtayning of Dinah because hee Loued her So also when we stand in need of
newnesse of life 2. Cor. 5.19 Saluation onely in the Church 1 AS Sothern-wood will grow no where but in Gardens where it is planted So the godly wil not grow any where but in the Church and body of Christ where they are engraffed 2 Euen as it was necessarie that they which should be saued from the floud should be in the Arke So likewise all they that will be saued from the floud of Gods wrath must of necessitie bee in Christ and so in the Church Gene. 7.1 c. Sacrament of the Supper compared with the Paschall Lambe 1 AS the Paschal Lamb was instituted eaten the night before the children of Israel were deliuered out of Egypt So likewise was the Supper of the Lord instituted and eaten the night before wee were deliuered from our sinnes Exod. 12.1 c. 1. Cor. 11.24 25. c. 2 As the Paschall Lambe was a very Lambe indeed Euen so the Sacrament is very Bread and Wine indeed 3 As the Paschall Lambe was called the Lords passeouer or passing by of the Lord which destroyed the power of Pharao deliuered him So the Sacrament is called the body and bloud of the Lord which destroyeth the power of the diuell and deliuereth vs. 4 As the Children of Israel were but once deliuered from Egypt notwithstanding they did take euery yeare a Lambe to keepe the deed in perpetuall remembrance Euen so Christ our Sauiour bought and redeemed vs but once for all although the Sacrament thereof be often distributed and broken among vs to keepe the benefite in perpetuall memorie 5 As many as did eate the Paschall Lambe in faith and beleeued Gods word as touching theyr deliueraunce from Egypt were as sure of the same thorowe faith as they were sure of the Lambe by eating of it So as manye as doo eate of the bodie and blood of Christ by faith and beleeue Gods word as touching theyr deliueraunce from Sinne Death Hell and damnation are as sure of theyr deliueraunce thorow faith as they are sure of the bread by eating of it c. Sinne how carefully it is to be auoyded 1 AS the diseases of the bodie and corporall death doo much disquiet and trouble our mindes that wee commonly tremble and quake at the onely mention of them Euen so howe much more ought wee to feare the sicknesse of the soule and death of the same which commeth by reason of sinne then which there can bee no greater nor more fearefull calamitie come vnto vs. 2 Like as euerie man dooth auoide so much as in him lyeth the paine miseries diseases and death of the bodie Euen so howe muche more ought wee to decline and eschewe the death of the soule and the causes of these euilles which bee Sinnes and offences and feare the anger of God which wee so by our transgressions doo procure 3 As the Physition seeing in a Glasse by the water the diseases within the body by skill and learning searches out the cause of the disease and ministers good things for the same Euen so wee in looking into the Glasse of Gods word shall soone perceiue the diseases and infections of Sinne which are in vs and the cause thereof and so wholesomely minister some profitable and comfortable remedies for the same 4 As little theeues beeing let in at a window will set open great gates for greater theeues to come in at Euen so if wee accustome our selues to commit little Sinnes and let them raigne in vs they will make vs the fitter for greater offences to get the aduantage of vs and to take hold on vs. 5 As all kind of wild beastes escaping out of the snare will take heede least they come there any more yea though they should bee in bondage euen vnto man the most excellent of all other creatures Yet man by Sinne falling into the snares of Sathan cannot beware though hee shall bee in bondage to the most cursed of all creatures 6 As a drunken man whilest hee ingorgeth aboundance of Wine feeleth no discommoditie thereby but afterwards he seeth and feeleth the inconuenience of the same So in like manner Sinne whilest it is in committing dooth darken the light of reason howbeit afterwards the conscience arysing sheweth both the vglinesse of Sinne and the absurditie of the fact and so vexeth the soule more grieuously then if all the world accused him of the same Sacraments are not corrupted by the wickednesse of Ministers 1 LIke as there is no difference betweene the selfe-same image or figure of any thing imprinted or sealed with a Ring or signet of Golde and with a signet made of yron or wood Euen so the word and Sacraments being ministred by a lawfull Minister although otherwise a wicked and an vngodly Minister yet be the same Word and Sacraments of the same vigour strength and efficacie as when they be ministred by a man of excellent vertue and godlinesse For as the Father shall not die for the childe nor the childe for the Father So the Minister shall not die for him that receiues at him nor the partie that receiues for the euilnesse of the Minister for euery one shall sincke in his owne sinne so that the Minister which doth so wickedly corrupt the holy Sacramēts and holy ordinances of God ministreth them to his own damnation and iudgement Deut. 24.16 Ezech. 18.20 2. King 14.6 2. Chro. 25.4 1. Cor. 11.29 2 Like as among men if a Letter be sent so that the hand and feale of him that sendeth it be well knowne it maketh no matter who or what manner of man be the carrier Euen so it ought to suffice to know the hand and seale of our Lord in his Sacraments by what lawfull Minister so euer they bee brought for the malice or leaudnesse of man cannot change the nature of the ordinance of God And therefore the vertue and efficacie of the word and Sacrament consist and depend not vpon the worthinesse or vnworthinesse of the Minister but in and vpon the commaundement ordinance power and authoritie of God onely 3 Like as Gold is Gold of whom so euer it be giuen or receiued Euen so likewise is the Sacrament whether it be giuen by a good or bad Minister For Iudas although he were a theefe yet hee Preached and baptized whose doctrine and baptisme was as well the doctrine and baptisme of Christ as was Peters and Andrewes Iames and Iohns Ioh. 6.70 12.6 4 Like as if the Treasurer or Receiuer of a Prince doo deliuer forth false counterfeit money in stead of good the Office whereunto hee is called cannot make it other then false and counterfeit money because he dooth not execute his Office faithfully but doth chaunge the good money which hee receiued to distribute by the commaundement of his Lord and Maister into that which is not the same that he receiued to be distributed and by this meanes they which shall haue receiued the same shal be deceiued and spoyled On the other side although he were
taking the signes for the thing it selfe 15 As Siluer and Gold beeing not coyned is nothing else but Siluer or Gold but if by her Maiesties commaundement a new forme or stampe bee added by a print it is made currant money which it was not before although it bee the very same substance which it was before Or as if one take waxe which is fastned to a writing or publike instrument and it differeth not from other wax of it selfe but onely because of the vse to the which it is appointed that is to say to serue for a testimonie that the instrument is effectuall and auaileable the which it hath not by nature but by the ordinance of man Euen so the signes of the Sacraments to wit water in baptisme and bread and Wine in the Lords Supper although they be not chaunged concerning their substance meane quantitie or qualitie but onely in the vse of them and doo differ from common water bread and Wine in that they are ordained of God to serue vnto vs as gages and pledges of those benefits which Christ by his death and â—â—ssion hath purchased for vs yet they bee ordained of God for an excellent couenant to represent vnto vs most great and excellent things And albeit that this mutation here spoken of changeth not the substance of the signes neither of bread water or Wine but only the vse of them and is done and wrought by the holy Ghost according to the ordinance of the good will of God which is testified to vs by that promise whereto the signe is ioyned and not by the pronunciation of words after the manner of Sorcerers and Charmers but the promise is the soule of the signe so accordingly the water the bread and the wine become Sacraments that is to say true and veritable signes of those things which the word promiseth and which be presented by them so that this alteration is onely in the vse therof for before and after the administration of the Sacrament it taketh no place but onely during the action and vse to the which this chaunge or mutation tendeth 16 Like as the word serueth to no purpose except it be so preached that it may be vnderstood and further except that which it declareth and representeth to vs that is to say Iesus Christ with all his goodnesse be receiued by the faith of those which heare it Euen so also ought wee to vnderstand of the Sacraments if wee bring not faith which is the onely meanes to receiue that which is preached to vs represented and offered by the same word but contrariwise in dispising them by our incredulitie and reiecting that goodnesse which God offereth with the same to vs we seale our owne condemnation 17 Like as the Gospell ceaseth not of his owne nature to be the word of life and saluation although the wicked through their contempt turne it into the sauour of death and damnation Euen so the Sacraments cease not to be true Sacraments although they be either ministred by vnworthie persons or receiued vnworthily 11 As the seede how good so euer it be bringeth not foorth fruit at the same instant that it is sowne but continueth a certaine time in the earth So is it not meete to restraine the fruit and vertue of the word of God to the same houre that it is preached or the Sacraments to the same instant that they be ministred but the fruit shall be shewed in the elect when it pleaseth God 19 As water is not the water in Baptisme nor a signe nor consequently a Sacrament thereof but so farre forth as they bee ioyned with the word of Iesus Christ by the which it is dedicated and consecrated to that vse and so being applyed to those persons which are to be Baptised according to his commaundement So the verie like is of the Bread and Wine of the Lords Supper for they can no more bee the signes thereof then may the water of Baptisme if being ioyned together with the word of Iesus Christ whereby they are dedicated and consecrated to this Sacrament they bee not giuen and distributed to those which should bee partakers of the same as it dooth appeare by the expresse word of Iesus Christ in that hee saith of both the signes Take yee and eate yee likewise Drinke yee all of this For it is plaine that these wordes may not bee spoken either to the Breade or to the Wine but onely to the persons which might vnderstand them and execute the commaundement that our Sauiour Christ gaue vnto them by the same For the Bread and the Wine can neither eate nor drinke themselues Math. 28.19 Math. 26.27 Mark 14.22 23. Luk. 22.19 20. 1. Cor. 11.24 20 Like as louing and tender hearted parents are not content to procure for their children costly possessions and liuely-hoodes but take order that the same may bee conserued and come to their vse Euen so our Lord and Sauiour thought it not sufficient to purchase for vs his Fathers fauour againe which is the deepe fountaine of all goodnesse and eternall life but also inuented the wayes most wisely by the institution of his holy Sacraments whereby the same might redounde to our commoditie and profit 21 Like as of olde time God decreed his wonderous benefits of deliuerance of his people in memorie by the eating of the Passeouer with his rites and ceremonies So our louing Sauiour hath ordained and established the remembrance of his great mercy expressed in his Passion in the institution of his heauenly Supper wher euery one of vs must be guests and not gazers eaters and not lookers on feeding our selues and not hiring other to feede for vs that wee may liue by our owne meate and not perish for hunger whiles others deuour all Exod. 12.1 c. 22 As of necessitie we must be our selues partakers of the Lords Supper and not beholders of other So wee must addresse our selues to frequent the Sacrament in reuerent and due maner least as Physicke prouided for the body being misused more hurteth then profiteth so this comfortable medicine of the foule vndecently receiued tend to our greater harme and sorrow 23 Like as the Supper of the Lord is a spirituall meate and sweete to those that bee incorporated and made one body with Iesus Christ and with their neighbour Euen so of the contrarie it is a mortall poyson to them which put not their whole trust in Iesus Christ and be seperated from their neighbour 24 As it is not enough for a child to be borne and that hee haue life by his parents which begot him if that afterwards they doo not also nourish him to conserue him and to the ende that hee may grow and become tall and strong in the same Euen so God our Father dooth not content himselfe to haue begotten vs for his children in his Church by the incorruptible seede of his word and to haue giuen vs life in his Sonne Iesus Christ by the vertue of his holy spirit but will
also conserue and nourish vs in the same by the right vse of his holy Sacraments and wil make vs to grow and wax strong and accomplish the worke which he hath begunne in vs and al this by his Sonne Iesus Christ 25 As it is not enough that a shepheard doo onely gather his sheepe into the fold or sheepecoate but also that hee prouide meate for them and pasture Or as it is not sufficient that a Maister doo onely entertaine his seruant into his seruice by giuing him his Liuerie coate badge whereby hee is openly knowne to be his man but also that hee prouide and giue him meate and drinke dayly to feede him So surely dooth the Lord with vs in these Sacraments For by baptisme doth hee admit vs to his seruice and by the Supper doth hee feede vs that we perish not with hunger 26 Like as mans body is nourished and sustained by bread and Wine So also our soules are sustained spiritually with the body of Christ giuen for vs and with his bloud shed for our sakes Iohn 6.32 33 35. 1. Cor. 11.24 25. 27 As bread nourisheth our bodies So thereby we learne that Christes body hath most singular force spiritually by faith to feede our soules Ioh. 6.50 55 56. 28 And as with Wine mens hearts are cheared and their strengths confirmed So we learne also that with his bloud our soules are refreshed thorow faith 29 And further as surely as we know that we haue receiued the bread wine with our mouths and stomacks So surely thereby we are assured that Christ maketh the faithfull beleeuers partakers of his body and bloud Ioh. 6.54 63 64. 30 As those which haue eaten sweete Comficts and seede for the most part on delicate Cates haue sweete breathes Euen so must there needes bee found a sweete smelling Odour in all the words and workes of those which are fed with this spirituall and heauenly foode the bodie and blood of Christ and in whom Christ dooth dwell for they do all things for the profit and edification of their brethren and the glory of God 31 Euen as the Gospell which of it owne nature is the word of life and saluation is yet turned by the wicked vnto the sauour of death So the Sacraments also which are instituted by God vnto the saluatioÌ„ of men are notwithstanding receiued by the faithlesse and the vnwoorthie communicants vnto their condemnation and iudgement and yet do they not desist in respect of God to be true Sacraments still 32 As a sicke man feeles no comfort or nourishment when he eateth meate and yet it preserueth his life So the weake Christian though he feele himselfe not nourished at the Sacrament by Christs bodie and blood yet he shall see in time that his house shall be preserued thereby vnto euerlasting life 32 Like as Souldiers when they receiue their pay do binde themselues to their Captaine by solemne oath Euen so we when we are partakers of the holy Sacraments which God hath appointed in his Church by the which he bestoweth vpon vs spirituall gifts do bind our selues to him by the same oath 34 As we see with our eyes that the bread is broken for vs So we are certainly confirmed in our faith that the bodie of Christ was giuen vnto death for vs. 35 As certainly as we see that the bread and wine to be present So certainly do we beleeue that the bodie and blood of Christ is present with vs also yea we do not beleeue that it is the Supper of the Lord except his bodie and blood be present with vs. 36 As things set before the eyes do mooue the sight Euen so the Sacraments moue the heart to beleeue 37 Euen as sure as we take the bread in the Lords Supper and eate it with the mouth of the bodie and drinke the wine So verely certainly euen at the same instant with the mouth of our faith we receiue the verie bodie and blood of Christ and there it doth as actually comfort and sustain the soule as doth the bread and the wine nourish and comfort the heart and the outward man 38 And as verely as the most soueraigne plaister and salue laid to a wound or soare draweth out the filth and healeth it so verily and really doth the bodie and bloud of Christ thus receiued put away the soares and deformities of the soule and not only maketh it whole but also pure clean without scar wrinkle and spot and so maketh it a delectable louely faire spouse in the sight of God 39 As when many Windows be opened in an house the more light may come in then when there is but one opened Euen so by the perception and receiuing of the Sacraments a Christian mans conscience hath more helpe to receiue Christ then simply by the word preached heard or meditated and therefore the Sacraments may well be called seeable sensible taste-able and touchable words 40 As the Diuel entred into Iudas by the soppe which Christ gaue him yet not that he receiued an euil thing of him but because he did receiue it badly and with an euill mind Euen so the vnworthie communicants eate and drinke their owne damnation not by the eating of the bread and wine which are holy signes but because they receiue the same without faith and repentance hauing in euil conscience 41 As the word Sacramentum was a form of a solemne â—â—h in war wherby the soldier did vow destinat himself to serue his Generall and the Generall in like manner did binde himselfe to his souldiers So also by the vse and institution of the holy Sacraments after that God hath promised that he will be our God and giue vnto vs saluation he doth in like manner binde vs as it were with a solemne oath before himselfe before Angels and men that we will serue him and none other Soule 1 LIke as to be healthie in our bodies it is not inogh not to haue the plague or a plurasie but generally to be free from all diseases Euen so to be holy in our Soules we must be clean from all spots and defilings and we must take the whole lawe of God as an vniuersall rule of all our thoughts affections words and deeds to the end to keepe it from point to point and not to omit any thing which is there commaunded vs. 2 As sweete Oyle powred into a fustie vessell looseth his purenesse and is infected by the vessell So the Soule created good and put into the corrupt bodie receiues contagion thence Rom. 5.13 3 Like as if a man should borrow a thing of his neighbour and vse it so as he doth quite spoyle it he would be ashamed to bring it againe to the owner in that manner and if he doo the owner will not receiue it Euen so vngodly men in this life do so staine their Soules with sinne as that they can neuer be able to giue them vp into the hands of God at the day of death
to behold the bright Sunne vnlesse it be couered with a cloude Euen so no man can abide the Maiestie of God but through the Lord Iesus Christ Communion with Christ 1 AS the head giueth sence and motioÌ„ to the members and the members feele themselues to haue sense and to moue by the meanes of the head Euen so doth Christ Iesus receiue and quicken euerie true member and by his heauenly power maketh him to doo the good which he doth 2 Like as from the stock sap is deriued to the graft that it may liue and grow and bring forth fruite in his kinde So likewise do all the faithfull that are grafted into Christ the true vine Rom. 6.4 5. Iohn 15.1 2. Ephe. 13.16 3 And as the graft looseth his wilde nature and is changed into the nature of the stocke and bringeth forth good fruite Euen so in like manner it is with them that are in Christ who by litle and litle are wholly renued from euill to good Act. 15.9 Conscience touched 1 LIke as they which haue diseased bodies are contented with no one Phisition but do coÌ„mit themselues to euerie man that will promise them helpe So also it fareth oftentimes with them that haue their consciences ouâ—â—pressed with the burden of their sinnes that they can be content to yeelde themselues to euerie hereticke that will promise them libertie 2 As after great stormes the ayre is cleare so after the flouds of repentant teares the Conscience is at quiet 3 As a sicke man that is pained diuersly complaineth of diuers places euen so a man troubled in Conscience vseth many phrases according to the diuersitie of afflictioÌ„s Psal 51.8 9 10 11 12. Consideration and earnest meditation of our estate needfull 1 LIke as a man that hath a iournie to make but from England to Constantinople although he had made the same once or twise before yet would he not passe it ouer without great and often Consideration especially whether he were right and in the way or no what pace he held how neare he were to his wayes end and the like Euen so euery Christian hath far more need of due Consideration who must passe froÌ„ earth to heauen being subiect to by pathes and manifold dangers as euerie pleasure of this world euerie lust euery dissolute thought euery alluring sight tempting sound euery diuell vpoÌ„ the earth or instrument of his which are infinite beeing a theefe and lying in waite to spoile him vpon this way towards heauen 2 As theeues seeme mad vnto wise men that seeing so many hanged daily for theft before their eyes will yet notwithstanding steale againe and all for want of due consideration Euen so the very same cause maketh the wisest men of the world to seeme very fooles and worse then franticks vnto God and good men that knowing the vanities of the world and the daunger of sinfull life doo follow so much the one and fear so litle the other Math. 7. Luk. 12. Rom. 2. 1. Cor. 1.2 3. Gal. 3. 3 Like as if a Lawe were made by the authoritie of man that whosoeuer should aduenture to drinke wine should without delay hold his hand but halfe an houre in the fire or in boiling leade for a punishment many no doubt would forbeare wine albeit naturally they loued the same and yet a Lawe being made by the eternall Maiestie of God that whosoeuer committeth sinne shall boile in the fire of hell without ease or end many for lacke of consideration commit sinne vpon sinne with as little feare as they do eate or drinke 4 As he may be thought to be but a foolish Marchant that for quietnes sake would neuer looke to his owne accounts booke whether he were behinde hand or before Or as a shipmaister were greatly to be laughed at that for auoyding of care would sit downe and make good cheare and let the ship go whither she would Euen so much more in the businesse of our soule it is madnesse and folly to fly consideration for eschewing of trouble seeing in the end this negligence must needs turne vpon vs more trouble and irremediable calamitie The Condition of mans creation AS a Marchant Factor when he is arriued in a straunge Countrey or as a Captaine sent by his Prince to some great exployt is accustomed when hee commeth to the place appointed then aduisedly considereth wherefore he was sent to what end what to attempt what to prosecute what to performe what shall be expected and re-required at his hands vpon his returne by him that sent him thither these cogitations no doubt shall stirre him vp to attend to that which he came for and not to imploy himselfe in impertinent affaires So likewise euerie Christian desirous of saluation ought to aske of himselfe why and to what end he was created of God and sent into this world what to do wherein to bestowe his dayes thus doing he shall finde that it was for no other cause but onely to serue God in a right maner in this life Deut. 6.13 Luk. 1.74.75 Whosoeuer breaketh one Commaundement is guiltie of the breach of all LIke as if a Father should say vnto his son do such and such things and I wil take thee for an obedient childe and giue thee all my possessions now the sonne breaketh somewhat of that which his father charged him withall and is therefore accounted disobedient and deserueth to loose whatsoeuer was promised Or as if one man bestow vpon an other house or land or some such like thing and in consideration thereof bindeth him to fulfill many conditions whereof if he breake but the least the gift is voide and it is all one as if he had neuer giuen any thing Euen so likewise we may not maruell when we heare that by the breaking of one point of one Commaundement wee faile of perfect righteousnesse and are made the heires of euerlasting damnation if God should measure out vnto vs the due reward of his damnation Deut. 27.26 28.58 59. Iam. 2.10 2. Euen as if a Rule be broken in some part or the linke of a round chaine yet we may rightly and truly say that they are not wholely and altogither broken So likewise if but one Commaundement be broken yet all are broken in the sight of God for the iustice of God is indiuisible The Couenant of God 1 AS it is the chiefe and principall part in the lawe of Wedlocke and before all required of the wife that shee kept this faith to her husband that shee admit no other man in his sight vnlesse shee will bee refused as an adultresse So likewise this is the chiefe point in the Couenant of GOD that wee sticke vnto him onely and alone or else to be put out from the Couenant Creature 1 EVen as a brittle glasse being filled with some extreame strong liquor cannot but burst in sunder not because of any antipathie which is betwixt them but because the glasse is not of sufficient strength to containe
vnto them who beeing turned from iniquitie do lead a new life 1 LIke as if the Seruant of some Noble man or Gentleman were for committing of treason felonie or murther condemned and going to the place of execution and his Lord or Maister of meere fauour and good will should not onely by earnest sute to her Maiestie procure a pardon for his life and so deliuer him from that villainous death but also should adopt and take him for his sonne and heire if he now after this his deliuerance go and say I will take my pleasure be Idle and follow mine owne phantasie and neuer endeuour to please or pleasure his Lord and Maister but rather seeke to hurt and displease him euerie way that hee can such a wretch deserueth to be punished most extreamely Euen so such as say that Christ hath Redeemed vs and by his death hath purchased for vs forgiuenesse of sinnes righteousnesse and life euerlasting and hath adopted vs to bee his sonnes and heires wherefore we will take our pleasure be Idle and rather we will doo more wickednesse doubtlesse Christ dyed not for such nor satisfied for their offences no nor yet merited heauen for them to the end that they shouid spend their dayes in Idlenesse and heape sinne vpon sinne but rather to liue Christianly and godly Ro. 6.4 Gal. 5.24 Tit. 2.11 2. Tim. 2.19 Luk. 1.75 Ephe. 1.4 2.10 1. Pet. 1.15 2 Like as if an Astrologer could or should tell an ambitious Cardinall that he should be Pope although hee did put an vndoubted trust therein yet for all that hee would not be Idle but would vse all the meanes that possible he could to attaine and come to that dignitie Euen so the Children of GOD the surer they are that Christ hath Redeemed them so much the more they vnderstand the great good will of God towards thē and therefore they are alwayes forced more and more by godly conuersation of life to make certaine vnto themselues the knowledge of their election and Redemption by Christ 2. Pet. 1.10 3 If a miserable and wretched Theefe shall haue committed many thefts and murthers and after that his wicked deedes were knowne the sonne of a King should be brought to be arrained and condemned for the same and so beare the punishment thereof and this theefe to be discharged and pardoned if herevpon the theefe should reioyce and make a scoffe at him when hee seeth the sonne of a King to be put to death and suffer the punishment that hee deserued such a Caytiffe deserueth a most horrible death Euen so at this present it fareth with vs behold our Sauiour Christ the onely Sonne of God is imprisoned and we deliuered hee condemned and we pardoned hee put to death and to all shame and we receiued to honour it is not therefore for vs to be drowsie-headed and liue securely and to flatter our selues in our sinnes and iniquities 4 As the Israelites were neuer able to yeeld sufficient thanks to God for their bodily deliuerance from the bondage which they were in in Egypt So to Christ our Sauiour for our Redemption and spirituall deliuerance from the tyrannie of Sathan and sinne Exo. 14.30 20.2 Psal 81.10 Gods Prouidence ouer his Children 1 AS it was impossible that Herod and Pilate together with the Gentiles and Iewes should conclude more and bring any more to passe in afflicting Iesus Christ our head then the hand and counsell of the Lord hath ordained to be done from euerlasting So also it is impossible that the Herods of our time the Pilates the Pharisies togither with the mad and bewitched people should take more in hand and bring more to passe in afflicting the members of Christ then the hand and counsell of God hath first decreed to be brought to passe by them Act. 4.27.28 Iohn 7.30 8.20 2 As the smallest birds of the earth are not taken without the will and prouidence of our heauenly Father Euen so nothing good or euill dooth happen vnto Gods Children without his prouident will Math. 10.29 Amo. 3.6 3 As the Lord in mercie feedeth the birds of the ayre that they haue sufficient and also so gallantly decketh the Lillies of the field which bee so gorgiously and so richly cloathed that euen Salamon in all his royaltie was not apparelled like one of them Euen so much more if wee haue an assured trust in him so liberall and bountifull a Father he will not doubtlesse see vs his Children lacke any thing that good is concerning our foode or sustenance apparell or cloathing as shall be meete and expedient for vs. Math. 6.26 28 29 30. What Comfort we receiue by the name of Christ or annoynted 1 LIke as the annoynting whereby at Gods Commaundement Prophets Priests and Kings were appoynted amongst his people with an outward and visible Oyle was a publike testimonie that God would gouerne and defend his people by this person and also keep and vphold his diuine worship and likewise teach his people and this person had commaundement of this thing that they might suffer themselues to be gouerned cleansed and taught Euen so the Sonne of God manifested in the flesh concerning his manhood is annoynted with the holy Ghost without measure which is the truth of that outward annoynting and so is ordeined and giuen of the Father to the Prophet Priest and King of his Church 2 As it must needs be that all they be made sadde that doubt vnder what Lord they are in this life whether vnder Christ or Satan So on the contrarie it cannot be but all they must be filled with ioy who by the inward testimonie of the annoynting of faith and by the outward washing of holy Baptisme are assured that they are vnder Christ the King of righteousnesse Col. 1.13 Luk. 17.21 2.10 11. 3 Like as in time past when Salamon by the commandement of God was annointed there was publike ioy amōg the people of God because they knew that God wold do them good and defend them by the hand of a King Euen so wee when we heare out of the word of God that our Lord Iesus is Christ that is that same annoynted of the Lord we ought with the Angels to be filled with an exceeding ioy of minde beeing surely perswaded that euen in this very thing that the heauenly Father hath appointed and in very deede giuen his owne Sonne Christ that is annoynted to bee our King that he dooth openly from heauen declare that hee by his sonne will become the euerlasting restorer and defender of his Church Christian Seruice AS in a mans body one part is very readie to doo seruice to an other the foote to the eye and the eye to the foote Fuen so euerie Christian man as parts of the mysticall body of Christ must be willing and ready to do seruice one to an other not enuying those which bee in greater calling nor scorning his inferiours Christianitie LIke as euery thing which striketh a hard Stone
nature AS the Camelion is sometimes blacke and sometimes greene sometimes pale and sometimes blew for he euer taketh his colour of the thing which he seeth to be next vnto him and doth shew and represent the colour of what thing is set before him So men of all degrees are wont very much to imitate the nature disposition and manners of those whose Counsell they follow whose familiaritie they vse Psal 101.1.2 c. Christes care of his members though absent EVen as the Eagle hauing her yong ones shut vp in the nest although shee flieth exceeding high and pearseth the loftie ayre yet shee withdraweth not her eyes from her yong ones but still beholdeth them and they also crying after their manner with their streatched our neckes doo looke after her Euen so the Lord Iesus ascending into heauen did behold his Disciples and they also hungring and thirsting after him did fasten their eyes vpon him and did not loose the sight of him vntill he pearsed and broke open the heauens and entred into the presence of his Father And although they were diuided from him in body yet in heart and mind they followed him still Act. 1.9.10.11 Crosses are the badge of a Christian EVen as it is a thing very commendable and woorthie praise that a Souldier doo euer beare about him the signes and badges of his Captaine that it may appeare to whom hee belongeth So is it no little honour to a true Christian man to passe through many daungers and to be experienced in many troubles and to endure many afflictions for his Captaine Christs sake for sorrowes vexations and trbulations are the armor and badges of Christ Gal. 6.17 Christ fisheth for men AS the Diuel that wicked and craftie fisher with his great large long and broad Nets taketh and draweth vp great multitudes and infinite numbers of soules The Diuels baite which voluntarily giue themselues vnto him and doo suffer him most easily to take them by and with with his baites which are voluptuousnesse the foule pleasures and rotten delights of the flesh worldly wealth at will the vaine glorie of the world innumerable riches of all sorts power authoritie vanitie an insatiable desire to beare rule and a thousand such others the seely poore fishes being deceiued by these baites do neuer feele the hooke vntill it stick so fast in their iawes that there is no scaping but the diuell maketh a full account of them as of his owne Euen so contrariwise Christ doth fish for men that hee may draw them out of the bitter waters of the daungerous sea and that he may giue vnto them the water of grace who seeketh to saue their soules and to bring them to euerlasting happinesse and celestiall immortalitie who yet flie from him and would not come neare him he fisheth with a sharpe and bitter baite Christs baite very vnpleasant to the corrupted nature and appetite of a naturall man to wit with much fasting praying often with watchings honest labours in a mans calling contempt of the world spirituall pouertie bitter teares deepe sighes and greeuous grones for sinnes committed against the Lord with humilitie and lowlinesse of heart with kindnesse peace patience righteousnesse and such other things all which although to those which are enclined with a right and true loue of God they are pleasant and welcome yet neuerthelesse to the will and desire of a meere naturall man that is a friend of flesh and bloud they are hard and doo seeme very bitter to his corrupted taste Men which can keepe no Counsell are very daungerous 1 AS the Sea called the dead Sea which is a Lake in Iudea called Asphaltits whereof Aristotle Plinie Iustine and diuers others do make mention wherein is neither fish nor any liuing creature found in it wherevpon it hath the name Dead and in it nothing is couered neither doth any thing that is in it sinke to the bottome thereof but all things do swim and are in sight and do continue in the top of the water Euen so such are they that will keepe no Counsell nor secrets whatsoeuer but will reueale and bewray all things that they know whether they be good or bad 2 Euen as Hypanis a Riuer in Scythia which hath a maruellous sweetenesse vntill a litle bitter spring which Herodotus calleth Exampeus be mingled with it and then it is corrupted with a wonderfull bitternesse Euen so those men which are like torne vessels that will hold no water and so full of chinkes that they neither can nor will keepe any secrets or Counsell are very bitter and intollerable men and do much harm in euery place where they come neither can any Counsell or secret be committed vnto such without great daunger to the Common-wealth wherein they dwell and especially to all those that repose any trust in them Such men seeme they neuer so wise learned and full of Counsell are not to come neare godly Princes neither to be made acquainted with matters of state and the affaires of the Common-wealthes least they do great hurt both with giuing counsell themselues and also by discouering such waightie secrets as shall in trust be committed vnto them Iob. 22.18 Psal 1.1 Christ is lesse beholden to the most part of the world then Caesar was to the Romanes AS Marcus Antonius with an Oration that he made vpon the death of Caesar is said to haue greatly delighted the people of Rome and that hee moued very many of them to shead great store of bitter teares when hee put them in remembrance of the great benefites which they had from time to time receiued of Caesar and withall did shew them Caesars garments wherein his enemies Cassius and Brutus had slaine him all full of bloud whereat they were so mightily mooued that they expulsed the homicides and murtherers out of the Citie so that they durst not if they would liue any longer come neare it And yet in these dayes of ours though the Preacher neuer so good an heauenly Orator come with the Oracles of God himselfe in his mouth and shew most plainely what Christ the Redeemer of the world hath done for man and prooue that man hath receiued vnspeakeable and innumerable benefites by and through Christ and declare what bitter teares water and bloud did trickle downe his cheekes and what deepe and deadly sighes with many fearefull and greeuous grones did rise from his heart before he came to the Crosse and though hee rip vp his passion stitch by stitch as the holy Booke and diuine Word shall direct and leade him and though particularly he shewe how and where he was wounded that hee was beaten spit vpon crowned with thornes nayled hand and foote to the Crosse scorned and mocked of the Iewes though he shew most liuely that the wicked and cruel Iewes embrued their hands in his blood gaue him vineger and gall to drinke yea and although the Preacher declare and proue that besides the death and passion of his
2 As a Dead man in his graue cannot stir the least finger because he wants the very power of life sense and motion So likewise no more can he that is Dead in sinne will the least good Nay if he could either will or doo any good he could not be Dead in sinne 3 Euen as a Dead man in the graue cannot rise but by the power of God So no more can hee that is Dead in sinne rise but by the power of Gods grace alone without any power of his owne Iohn 3.3 Ephes 2.10 4.24 Phil. 2.13 Deuise of the wicked AS the Egges of the Cockatrice hatched are full of poyson Euen so are the deuises of the wicked and the execution of their enterprises hurtfull Esay 59.5 The Diuell fearefull and enuious 1 LIke as if an enemie of great might hauing also an aduantage of vs by reason of the ground wherein he hath planted himself be dreadful to vs so as we haue good cause to feare him Euen so much more we ought to bee afraid of the Diuel hauing the like or greater aduantages of vs. Ephe. 6.11.12 2 As a good Midwife is carefull to helpe the woman in trauell and saue the child Euen so the Diuell contrariwise is ready to hinder and hurt the Church to destroy her seede Reue. 12.2.3 God Delighteth in the conuersion of a sinner AS a Father taketh great ioy and comfort when his Sonne who was wilde vnthriftie and vngodly becommeth modest thriftie and religous Euen so it is a Delightfull and acceptable thing to God when any sinner is conuerted from his wicked and lewde course and now liueth Christianly Luk. 15.23.24 Dissentions AS Bees when they striue together and are stirred vp through some vehement motion with throwing of dust are brought into order and appeased Euen so men when they are tossed and tormented with troublesome broyles perturbations and passions if they would remember dust whereinto of necessitie they must be turned and neuer forget death which they shall neuer bee able to escape they would easily bestayed pacified and quietted would represse keepe within compasse their strangling lusts and vnruly appetites which cannot indure to be tamed and ruled by reason How to encounter with Death 1 LIke as if a man were to fight with a Dragon his best way to deale with him is to pull out his venemous sting Euen so the Dragon wherewith euery Christian man is to encounter is Death whose sting is sinne therefore that we may not take the foyle of Death we are in all our life to labour to bereaue him of this his sting 1. Cor. 15.56 2 As the Philistines that they might the better deale with Sampson cut off his haire where his strength lay So also euery one of vs that wee may the better deale with Death are to cut off our sinnes which bee the strength of Death Iud. 16.5 c. Death 1 LIke as hee that is to passe ouer some great and deepe ryuer must not looke downeward to the streame of the water But if he would preuent feare hee must set his foote sure cast his eye to the banke on the furthest side Euen so he that draws neare Death must as it were looke ouer the waues of Death and directly fixe the eye of his faith vpon eternall life 2 Like as if a poore man should be commaunded by a Prince to put off his torne and beggerly garments and in steade thereof to put on royall and costly robes it would be a great reioycing to his heart Euen so much more ioyfull newes must this be vnto all repentant and sorrowfull sinners when the King of heauen and earth comes vnto them by Death and bids them lay downe their bodies as ragged and patched garments and prepare themselues to put on the princely robe of immortalitie No tongue can bee able to expresse the excellencie of this most blessed and happie estate 3 Euen when a man was to offer a Bullocke or Lambe in sacrifice to God he must leaue his offering at the Altar and first goe and be reconciled to his brethren if they had ought against him So much more must this bee done when men are in Death to offer vp themselues their bodies and soules as an acceptable sacrifice vnto God Rom. 12.1 4 As Trauellers not thinking of the Sunne setting are ouertaken with darkenesse before they be aware So doth Death sodainly come vpon many that neuer thought of it neither haue learned to die nor what shall become of them when they be dead so that it behooueth all Christians that wil be saued to watch to stand stedfast in the faith of Christ to quite themselues like men and to be strong and to do all that they do in loue 1. Cor. 16.13 5 As earthen vessels are alike subiect to danger breaking whether they be new or olde made So likewise all men are open and subiect to Death alike whether they be yong men and in their lusty and flourishing age or they be old men and well strooken in yeares 6 Like as if a man shal come into a Potters ware-house where he shall see a large Table set full of Pots some old and some new some little and some great and shall demaund of the Potter which of them all shall first be broken he may well say for answer That which shall fall first to the ground Euen so among men he dieth not first that is elder but he that first falleth to the ground that is commeth first to his graue Psal 2.9 Esay 30.14 Reue. 2.27 7 Like as if a Begger should be commaunded to put off his old ragges that he might be cloathed with rich costly garments he would not be sory though he should stand naked a while till he were wholly bestripped of his rags So likewise when God calls a man to Death and bids him put off his old ragges of sinne and corruption and be cloathed with the glorious roabe of Christes righteousnesse there is no cause why he should be loth to die seeing his abode in the graue is but for a space while corruption be put off 2. Cor. 5.1 2. 8 As bread of all other nourishment doth sustaine the body So aboue all things a continuall thought of Death is wholesome for the soule 9 As yong schollers who hauing spent their time diligētly at their bookes return from the Vniuersities to their friends and are welcommed home both of father mother brother and sister euery one preasing forward with great desire to kisse them and to make the greatest demonstration of ioy and gladnesse that may be for their happie returne So in like maner when true Christians die depart out of this world where they are as it were at schoole to returne to their fathers house God himselfe is the first that biddeth them welcome and willeth them to enter into the ioy of their Lorde and Father Iesus Christ is the next which taketh leadeth them into the Pallace of the
daunger of shipwracke Euen so we in this our pilgrimage must cast from vs the most precious things we enioy if it be our eye or our hand if they hinder vs in the race of godlinesse and doo presse vs downe so that we cannot goe on chearefully as we ought Mat. 5.29 30. 18.8 Husband the head ouer his wife 1 LIke as the head seeth and heareth for the whole bodie ruleth and guideth the body and giueth it strength of life Or as Christ doth defend teach and preserue his Church and is the Sauiour comfort eye heart wisedome and guide thereof Euen so must the Husband be head vnto his wife in like maner to shew her like kindnesse and after the same fashion to guide her and rule her with discretion for her good and preseruation and not with force and wilfulnesse to intreate her 1. Cor. 11.3 Ephe. 5.23 24 25. c. 2 Euen as the Maister is to counsel his seruant and likewise to heare the good counsell of his seruant as Naaman heard his seruant 2. King 5.13 14. So in like manner the Husbandes dutie is to counsell and admonish his wife yet so as that when he fayleth in dutie hee is to heare her good counsell admonition either concerning heauenly matters or worldly affaires shee notwithstanding considering her estate and condition vnder him and in humilitie confessing her selfe to be the weaker vessell 3 As when a Lute or other musicall instrument two strings concurring in one tune the sound neuerthelesse is imputed to the strongest and highest Euen so in a wel ordered Houshold there must be communication and consent of counsell and will betweene the Husband and the wife yet such as the counsell commandement may rest in the Husband Gene. 3.16 1. Pet. 3.1 Col. 3.18 Ephe. 5.22 4 Like as the Church must depend vpon the wisdome discretion and will of Christ not follow what it listeth So must the wife also rule and applie her selfe to the discretion and wil of her Husband because the gouernment and conduct of euery thing resteth in the head and not in the body Ephe. 5.24 1. Cor. 14.34 Numb 30.7 5 As it were a monsterous matter and the meanes to ouerthrow the person that the body should in refusing all subiection obedience to the head take vpon it to guide it selfe and to commaund the head So likewise were it for the wife to rebell against the Husband Hypocriticall heretickes 1 AS the Card-thystle or Teasell hath Celles and Cabbins like the Honie combe and in them first white flowers but after their falling away a bitter seede So the wicked haue their Sinagoges and a faire shew of words but in the end bitter fruites 2 As the heads or knoppes of Card-thystle are hollow within and for the most part hauing Wormes within So the chiefe ring-leaders of the wicked haue hollow harts and commonly the worme of conscience gnawing them Hiding of faultes AS they are very hardly cured which haue no sence nor feeling of their disease for example those that haue the Lethargie and the Phrensie Euen so none are more hardly brought to goodnesse then they which doo Hide their faultes The Husband and wifes dutie 1 AS the auncient Counsellers of King Saloman gaue wise aduise and counsell vnto Rehoboam King of Israel to the ende that hee might winne the loue and good liking of the people speake kindly vnto them said they and they will serue thee for euer after which counfell not being followed great inconuenience and mischiefe after befell vnto him c. Euen so likewise if the Husband bee desirous to procure the loue of his wife and to winne her to God or if the wife would also procure the loue of her Husband and winne him to God then they must drawe on one an other with sweete and gentle words of loue speaking kindly one to an other because gentle wordes doo pacifie anger as water quencheth fire but if they shall vse taunts or wordes of reproach and despight one against an other much hurt may ensue thereof For a little leauen sowreth the whole lumpe 1. King 12.7 c. Prou. 15.1 2 As the spitefull Iewes which hated the Lord Iesus would not vouchsafe to giue him his name when they talked of him or with him but to shew their vtter dislike of him they vsed to say Is this he or art thou hee that wilt doo such a thing Is not this he c. Againe whither will he goe that we shall not find him They would not say Is not this Iesus Christ Or the Sonne of God This is a most despightfull kinde of speaking and dooth bewray aboundance of malice that was hidden in their hearts Euen so it sometimes falleth out betwixt the Husband and the wife betwixt the Father and the Sonne betwixt the Maister and his Seruant c. That they could speake dutifully one to an other but contempt and disdaine and anger and malice will not suffer the one to affoord vnto the other their names and their titles least they shoulde bee put in minde of those duties which these names require where out Sathan sucketh no small aduauntage Whereas many times the verie name of a Husbande or Wife Father or Sonne Maister or Seruaunt c. doth greatly so much helpe to perswade the mind and to winne the affection yea the very mentioning of these names doo oftentimes leaue a print of dutie behind in the conscience Ioh. 7.11.15.35 3 As the mistresse Bee abideth alway in the Hiue and will not suffer any Bees to bee idle and those Bees that should worke and labour without shee sendeth them to their worke and whatsoeuer any of them bringeth home shee marketh receiueth saueth and disposeth it vntill the time come that it must bee occupied and when the time commeth that it must be occupied then shee distributeth euery thing according as reason requireth and those Bees that abide within shee causeth them to weaue and make the faire Honie combes after the best manner and she taketh care that the young Bees bee well fed and orderly brought vp but when they come to that age and to that point that they bee able to worke shee sendeth them out with one the which they follow as their guide and Captaine Euen so a good House-wife must abide within the house and those her seruants which must worke abroad shee sendeth them to their worke they that must worke within shee sendeth them to it and such prouision as is brought in she receiueth it and that which must be spent of it shee parteth and diuideth it and that which remayneth of it shee layeth it vp and seeth it kept fafe vntill time of neede and shee is carefull that that which is appointed to be spent in a twelue month bee not spent in a month 4 As he that poureth water into tubbes full of chincks and holes thinking to fill them looseth his labour Euen so the Husband that prouideth things necessary for house keeping shall
auaile little except the wife carefully saue and keepe that which is prouided and brought home Heauen 1 AS our cloathes when they waxe olde wee chaunge them Euen so Heauen and earth and all that is in them shal be chaunged Psal 102.25 26. Hebr. 1.12 2 As smoake vanisheth and passeth away So likewise Heauen and earth and all that in them is shall vanish and passe away Esay 51.6 3 As we see many weake men for a prize to enter into combate or Iusts against a stronger then themselues and though they bee ouercome yet not to giue ouer till the last breath So must we for Heauen striue to excell in godlinesse those that haue greater giftes then wee and neuer giue ouer Houses of the wicked 1 AS Cages doo ordinarily serue for keeping of Birdes Euen so the Houses of wicked and vngodly men doo ordinarily serue for inuenting of deceits Iere. 5.27 2 As for the most part Cages are full of Birdes So the dwelling places of the wicked are replenished with all manner of guiles whereby they become great and rich Hell vanquished and ouercome by Christ. AS a Citie or Towne that is sacked rased and beaten downe euen to the ground and which is ploughed sowen ouer with salte and Harrowed is able to recouer it selfe or to harme the enemies that haue serued it so Euen so Christ our Sauiour hath giuen such a conflict and ouerthrow vnto Sathan by his death that he hath so brused and broken his head and hath gotten such a conquest and victorie ouer all the power of Hell that now it is no more able to hurt the children of God for whome Hell onely is ouercome and vnto them this victorie is gotten Hell hauing still his full power ouer the vnfaithfull Iudg. 9.45 The Lords Hostes is mightie 1 LIke as Fishers with nets and hookes catch fishe in great number Euen so shall they that God stirreth vp to execute his Iudgementes against any people catch and destroy great plentie of them Iere. 16.16 2 As flouds ouerflow and destroy all Euen so they by whome God plagueth any land or people doo spoyle all Ierem. 47.2 Horrer of sinne bringeth remorse of conscience AS the Theefe or wicked person cannot bee brought vnfainedly to confesse his fact before it bee made knowne and hee himselfe attached to appeare before a Iudge to bee condemned for the same So likewise the case standeth with euerie one of vs who by nature are no better then theeues and murderers before the Lord that we can by no meanes be brought in truth to confesse our sinnes before the monstrousnesse and vgly shape thereof with the paine and penaltie due thereunto bee set before our owne conciences and wee as it were summoned before Gods Iudgement seate to bee condemned for the same Iere. 2.26 27. Vaine is the Helpe of man AS Heath in the drie and desolate wildernesse where no habitation is is apt and good for nothing and yet easie to bee consumed with fire So also the man that putteth his trust in man and maketh fleshe and bloud his strangth and defence and passeth not on the Lord shall not see any good but shal perish together with his Helpes Ierem. 17.5 6. Holydaies LIke as the Children of Israel when they had made a molten Calfe and offered burnt offerings brought peace-offerings did then ordaine a Holy-day which they spent in eating drinking and pastime which corruption they tooke from the Egyptians Euen so likewise our Holy-daies which came from popish Idolaters and idolatrous Papists are for the most part spent and consumed in idle pastimes in much vanitie and belly cheare Exod. 32.5 6. 1. King 12.28 c. 1. Cor. 10.7 Holynesse AS the greater riches that a man hath the greater is his gaine desire and encrease of riches So the more Holynesse that any man hath the more carefully ought and the more fruitefully may hee labour in encreasing it Philip. 3.13 Hearts of strong men AS the Heart of a woman fainteth and yeeldeth in trauaile Euen so the Hearts of strong men faint when God will be their enemie afflict and scourge their countrie Iere. 49.24 The vnrecouerable destruction of obstinate Hearers AS an Earthen pot so broke to peeces that a sharde of it cannot be found fit for any vse So shall the destruction of such be whose eares cannot abide the truth but will needes haue their Preachers flatter them in their sinnes and foster them in their errours Esay 30.10 14. Humilitie ought to goe before dignitie 1 AS some Birdes before they flie out and mount on high stoupe downe with their heads and touch the ground with their bills So euerie man before he bee aduaunced to any high dignitie ought to shew great Humblenesse of minde and a casting downe of himselfe 2 Like as Wheate the weightier sounder and better it is the lower place it desireth and seeketh Euen so the Humble man the wiser and more gracious that he is the more pleasure and delight he hath in Christian Humilitie and lowlinesse But the proud man being lighter then the wind lifteth vp and extolleth himselfe aboue all things Whereupon it commeth to passe that hee peruerteth all the Lawes of God and man for that soueraigntie sake which he falsely imagineth to belong vnto himselfe Luk. 14.10 1. Cor. 4.7 Not proude but Humble men doo profite by reading and hearing of the word of God 1 AS the bough of a Tree the fuller it is of fruite the waightier it is and the greater and more plentifull fruite it beareth the lower hee stoupeth and Humbleth himselfe the more but the proude man like a fruitelesse and barren bough lifteth his head on high not seeking the profite and good of his soule but the idle prayses of men and the vaine-glorie of the world 2 Euen as if any man would steadily looke vpon the bright Sphere of the Sunne he should become blind because the weake sight of the eyes is not able to abide so great a brightnesse So whosoeuer trusting to his owne wit shall cast the eyes of his mind vppon the wonderfull and vnspeakeable brightnesse of the secrets of God hee shall be ouerthrowne of the same the sight of the mind being blinded and put out hee shall neuer attaine to that which he would because the great and hidden mysteries of the most high God cannot be comprehended by mans wit being puffed vp with pride or else there should be no difference betweene God and man if man of himselfe could attaine vnto the secrets of Gods eternall maiestie sealed vp in his blessed word and not to bee opened but by the mightie power of his most holy spirit Deut. 29.29 Psal 25.14 Esay 66.2 The Lord Humbleth vs in this world that he may may exalt vs in the world to come AS he that would haue a little flame of fire to mount and rise vp on high first keepeth it low and holded it downe with the force of a Fan and the gathering together of much wind Euen so
and braggeth neuer so much of the name of a Christian that perfectly knoweth not the duties belonging to a Christian man 2. Thes 1.6 7 8 9. Rom. 3.12 4 As no man will bee content to entertaine and giue wages to a seruant that professeth â—â—â—selfe in wordes to be a Husbandman and yet neither knoweth nor can doo any part that belongeth to husbandrie Euen so we may not thinke that God wil allow or like of such men as outwardly in words professe themselues to be Christians by saying they hope and beleeue well and yet are Ignorant and not able to render a reason of any point of Christianitie Leuit. 4.2 5 Like as the Physition cannot communicate his health to and with his sicke patient Or as the liuing man cannot diuide or depart his life with the dead body of an other man but euery man enioyeth his owne health and liueth with his own life So the knowledge that another man hath profiteth not him that is Ignorant and vnlearned but euerie man must knowe and learne himselfe the grounds and principles of Christianitie if hee will bee saued 6 Like as if a child bee borne and brought vp in a dungeon of a pryson and grow to some yeares neuer seeing light if one tell him of trees and mountaines and Birdes and other ceátures hee cannot tell what he meaneth So likewise it is with vs which are borne in blindnesse and Ignorance we know not what heauenly thinges meane till we be told and shewed them by the light of the Scriptures Iustice of God in desertions LIke as if a Magistrate giue a man for a iust cause to bee hanged hee doth but Iustice So likewise God if he for our disobedience giue vs vp to Sathan he dooth but iustly Now if the hangman doo misuse him grieuously there is no faulte in the Iudge or Magistrate but in the malice of the hangman So likewise no fault in God if the diuell doo cruelly handle vs beeing giuen ouer vnto him Infirmitie of falling diminisheth not the grace of Christ. THough God forgiueth and pardoneth not sinners because they should sinne Yet dooth not infirmitie of falling diminish the grace of Christ where faith with repentance worketh Rom. 6.15.16 c. All must appeare before the Iudgement seate of Christ but yet diuersly 1 LIke as some do come to the Assises or Sessions there to receiue their Iudgement and condemnation other some also come to giue euidence against them and to ayde and assist the Iudge in the execution of his office Euen so after the same manner shall it bee at the last day For the reprobate vngodly and mercilesse shall appeare there to receiue their deserued condemnation but contrariwise the faithfull shall then with the Angels come to assist and waite vpon their Iudge Christ Math. 18.28 29. c. Math. 19.28 Luk. 22.29 1. Cor. 6.2 3. 2 As at the barre of an earthly Iudge the malefactor is brought out of prison and set before the Iudge and there examined Euen so in that great day shal euery man without exception bee brought before the Lord to be tryed Rom. 14.10 2. Cor. 5.10 Idolatrie 1 LIke as if men take and account it for a despite and a great reproach to be termed named an Idol Euen so much more wil God our heauenly Father be offended if any shall call Images the likenesses of God 2 As the breach of wedlocke and defiling of the marriage bed by filthie Adulterie is a most wicked and detestable sinne So likewise is Idolatrie a most shamefull and execrable thing when as the honour and glorie due to the liuing God is prophaned and giuen to an other Iere. 16.11 Ezech. 6.4 2. King 17.4 1. Cor. 10.14 3 As it cannot bee otherwise but whereas the ayre is corrupted there must follow pestilence and infection of the bloud So where the mind is not purely perswaded of God must follow this grosse and censible Idolatrie that would honour God in an Idoll The Lord and his people are inseparably Ioyned together AS a man girdeth himself with his girdle Euen so God tyeth his people to himselfe Iere. 13.11 Incorporation with Christ 1 AS the Imp or grasse is translated from his natiue tree to growe in an other So we as many as bee true Christians are translated from Adam to Christ and from being Gentiles to bee of one body with the posteritie of Abraham Rom. 6.5 Rom. 11.17 2 As men graffe to that ende that the Verdure of the stocke may correct and amend the taste of the fruite that it may bee the more pleasant to the eater So Christians should haue their corruptions corrected and amended by Christ and his spirit working in them that they may the better taste to God 3 As the Graffes liue not by his naturall Iuice but by the Iuice or moysture receiued from the roote of the stocke whereinto hee is graffed So wee that are true Christians may liue by the power of Christs spirit working in vs or rather Christ liueth in vs. Gal. 2.20 Iustice of God AS farre as the great mountaine exceed the rest of the earth So farre dooth the Iustice of God exceed and excell the righteousnesse of any creature Psal 36.6 The reward of Iniquitie AS ploughing reaping and eating the fruite doo successiuely follow one an other So hee that plougheth wickednesse shall reape Iniquitie and eate the fruite of lyes Esay 28.24 Prou. 22.8 Ingratitude of the Church AS a Vine planted which neither for choyse of good ground neither for any other thing which the hand of the Husbandman might doo to it can iustly complaine of any want and yet deceiueth the Husbandmans expectation and maketh him to loose both paine labour and cost Euen fo such is the vnkindnesse of people oftentimes who would be counted for the people of God and whome God hath diligently called to the knowledge of himselfe by the preaching of the word and yet proceed in impietie and vngodlinesse Esay 5.1 2. Image of God 1 LIke as when so oft as a man thinketh of some knowne man beeing absent hee doth as it were draw in his minde the proportion of his body which hee beholdeth thinking of him that is absent out of the minde as when a Painter draweth with his hand the portraiture of that body whose Image hee painteth to the intent that the painted Image may represent as much as may be the shape of him that is absent So likewise when the Scripture saith that man was created in the Image and after the likenesse of God we must diligently marke how farre hee is said to haue beene so made and that there was in him whereby hee did resemble the excellencie of his Creator and did as it were represent God himselfe in a Glasse 1. Cor. 11.7 Ephe. 4.14 2. Cor. 3.18 2 Like as a bodily Image which representeth vnto vs the face of a man ought liuely to set before vs all his lineaments and proportions that by the counterfeiting or engrauing we might
that they may immediately teach not seeking thereby to amend and make better themselues 2 As vessels that are to bee filled are bowed and made apt to receiue the liquor that is powred therein So ought a Learner to accommodate and applie himselfe that nothing of that which is profitably spoken doo scape him 3 Like as in meates one and the selfe same dish is diuersly set forth according to the inuention of the dresser and appetite of the eater Euen so in Learning one and the selfe same point is diuersly handled according to the discretion of the writer and capacitie of the reader 4 Like as choyse and good Wine looseth his verdure and strength if it bee put into a vile and vnpure vessell Right so a good word or sentence if it bee spoken of an euill man or Learning if it chaunce to a wicked man taketh none effect 5 As the Diamond enchased and set in Gold giueth a farre brighter glosse then if it were set in leade yron or other baser mettal Euen so the loue of godlinesse and vertue planted in a Learned mans breast bringeth forth farre greater and more excellent fruit then if an vnlearned man enioyed the same graces Lying of God and his truth most offensiue AS hee sinneth most grieuously which deceiueth trauelling men by shewing them a contrarie way Euen so much more hainously offendeth he that in matters of Religion doctrine and godlinesse doo bring men into errours through Lying because he doth therby as it were thrust them out of the kingdome of heauen Ezech. 13.6 8 10 19. Iere. 23.25 26 35. 14.14 Esay 9.15 16. 1. Cor. 15.15 Iam. 3.14 Lords Supper 1 LIke as in the person of Christ his manhood was seene on earth and his Godhead being not at all seene did notwithstanding great and wonderfull things without any chaunging or confounding of natures Euen so in the Lords supper we see the bread and Wine Christs body we see not which notwithstanding worketh in vs. 2 As the body of the Sunnes light aboue is in it selfe whole albeit it bee dispersed heare beneath So likewise Christ in heauen aboue is whole notwithstanding he suffereth vs in his supper each one to bee full partakers of his body and bloud when hee giueth himselfe vnto vs and yet without any diminition at all of himselfe when he offereth himselfe vnto vs which are weake without beeing inclosed in vs when he is receiued of vs and without any dishonour at all to his maiestie when he commeth into our small cottage and will haue our hearts to be his Temple and dwelling place 3 Like as the forbidden fruit which Adam and Eue did eate in the Garden of Eden by Sathans prouocation procured their death Euen so that heauenly Manna which Christ hath appointed for our spirituall foode in his supper dooth bring vnto the worthie receiuers thereof euerlasting life Gene. 2.17 4 As the sicke man the weaker hee knoweth himselfe to bee should so much the more earnestly desire meate both to receiue nourishment and to refresh his strength Euen so so farre off it ought to bee that our weaknesse should keepe vs from the receiuing the Lords supper that it ought rather to spurre vs forward to come vnto it that by it we might be strengthened in faith and repentance 5 As the word of God is all one whether it fall vppon the euill or vpon the good surely it is all one in the minds of the hearers So the Sacrament of the Lords body and bloud is all one whether it be receiued of the good or of the euill and as the Gospell in it selfe is the power of God to sauing it doth also saue but it is not al alike to the vnbeleeuing as it is to the beleeuing So the Sacrament is of it selfe the body of Christ but to the wicked which doo contemne it and to them which do receiue it vnworthily it is farre otherwise 6 As a mother hauing brought foorth her little one dooth not forsake it but nurseth and bringeth it vp So Christ hauing ordained Baptisme to bee as a seale and pledge of our spirituall new birth into his Church did institute the holy supper to the end that by participation in his body and bloud we might the more bee strengthned in this assurance that Christ is ours together with all his benefites and so feede our soules spiritually to life euerlasting 7 As a litle waxe powred vpon other waxe is made all one with it Euen so they that receiue the Sacrament of the Lords supper worthily abide in Christ and Christ in them 8 As the Child when he commeth to age is bound to honour his parents not onely for his begetting and bringing into this life but also because they haue fed and brought him vp and still do continue the same duties vnto him Euen so should it be with vs whome God hath as it were begotten into his Church through our Baptisme and to whome hee hath since in his holy supper ministred the foode of our soules in the Communion of the body and bloud of Iesus Christ for not onely our spirituall new birth by Baptisme but also the spirituall foode which that good Father giueth vnto vs in his holy supper doo binde vs to honour him yea and should thereto mightily induce vs considering that for foode of our soules hee hath deliuered his onely Sonne Iesus Christ to bee crucified for vs. 9 Like as if any man had a child so sicke that nothing coulde serue for his foode and recouerie but precious Pearles confected or preserued this child should be much bound to loue and honour his parents that for his reliefe had not grudged at such cost and expences Euen so wee shall deserue great reproofe of our heauenly Father who feedeth vs in his holy supper not with pearles but with the very flesh and bloud of his Sonne Iesus Christ in case wee should make no account to please him by amendment of life withall considering that as there is no comparison betweene pearles the body and bloud of Iesus Christ so the spirituall life of our soules is without comparison much more excellent then the life of our bodies 10 As meate and drinke ministred vnto the body doo maintaine the life motions and senses of the body So from the communion in the body and bloud of Iesus Christ which is the foode of the soule must proceed the spirituall and heauenly life cogitations affections words and deedes 11 As it were a straunge case if the body by eating and drinking should gather no sustenance and consequently want all motions sense and bodily operation So were it a monstrous matter that the soule communicating in the body and bloud of Iesus Christ should gather no spiritual foode that might bring foorth newnesse of life and holynesse in words and deeds 12 As the hololy supper is the table of Gods children the faithfull and members of the Church of Iesus Christ So the communicating thereat is a solemne protestation
7.7 8 9. c. Gal. 3.19 5 As Christ rising from death is free from the graue Peter deliuered from the prison was free from the prison The sicke of the Palsie from his bed the yong man from his Coffen the mayden from her couch And yet the graue the prison the bed the Coffen the couch did remaine still Euen so the Law is abolished when wee are not subiect vnto it the Law is dead when we are dead vnto it and yet it remaineth still 6 As hee that hath an inward disease or corruption in his body although because it appeareth not on the outside he bee carelesse of the daunger yet when the same is launced and that hee perceiueth the inconuenience and perill ensuing thereby to his body he will then bee desirous of the Chirurgion Euen so the launcing of our sins by the preaching of the Law will cause vs beeing otherwise carelesse to seeke remedy in Christ 7 Like as the summe of our faith is comprehended in the Creed of the Apostles Euen so the Law of God is the direction and rule of good workes 8 Like as if a man were bound to pay a thousand pounds to his Creditor which he oweth him although this creditor did demaund this debt of him and he were not able to satisfie him or pay him yet the Creditor should not doo vniustly to aske him his thousand pounds For when the King did aske of his seruant the tenne thousant Talents that he did owe vnto him he did not vniustly or wrongfully Euen so all the whole Law of God is nothing else but a commaundement whereby we are commaunded and bidden to pay that vnto God that we owe vnto him For we are bound of dutie to loue God with all our harts with all our soules and with all our strengthes and our neighbour as our owne selfe for we are debters saith the Apostle but not vnto the flesh shal we say then that God is vnrighteous or that hee dooth vniustly in asking that thing of vs that we doo owe vnto him of bounden dutie But rather that he doth most iustly godly and righteously to demaund such things of vs. Math. 18.24 Deut. 6.5 Rom. 8.12 13. 9 Like as this consequence is nothing worth Money doth not iustifie or make a man righteous therfore it is vnprofitable the eyes doo not iustifie therefore they must be plucked out The hands make not a man righteous therefore they must bee cut off So likewise is this naught also The Law doth not iustifie therefore it is vnprofitable for we must attribute vnto euery thing his proper effect vse 10 As the Rauen was sent foorth before the Doue So the Law was giuen before the Gospell Gene. 8.6 c. Ioh. 1.17 Luk. 16.16 11 As the Rauen by nature is a foreteller of death Euen so the Law before hand inioyned the penaltie of death to Adams transgression Gene. 2.17 12 As the colour of the Rauen is blacke and full of melancholy Euen so it is the effect of Gods Law to bring a blacke day vpon the reprobate Ioel. 2.2 Math. 22.13 13 As the Rauen brought no tidings of the waters abating from the earth Euen so the Law telleth vs not that the wrath of God is appeased for our offences 14 As there belongeth first kniues and launcers to open that wound which is full of corruption and rottennesse euen to the bottome and then sharpe and bitter salue to draw out the corruption to eate out the dead flesh therof before there come any healing plaister neare it the nature whereof is to close vp and skin the vpper part of the wound which afterwards breeds great inconuenience makes the wound far more daungerous Euen so it fareth with al those which are wounded with the venimous dart of selfe-loue which woūd being choked with the corruption dead flesh of couetousnesse and pride and yet will vse no other medicine for the curing therof thē that pleasant healing salue of the Gospell which if they knew in truth how little the same did profit them before such time as the sharp launcing knife of Gods Law had opened the wound and the bitter salues of his iudgements and sharpe threatnings eaten out the rottennesse thereof they would goe an other way to worke vse a more sounder diet for the obtaining of health although it bee verie tedious and sharpe at the first Rom. 10.4 Gal. 3.24 15 As a Schoolemaister serueth not for his Sholler continually but till such time as the Scholler may growe to some good ability to goe forward at his booke by his own studie So the Lord feareth his people with the Lawe not alwaies but till such time as they haue sufficiently learned to know themselues and therfore to flie from themselues to Christ Iesus who freeth them from the curse and condemnation of the Law Gal. 3.24 16 Euen as a Rule directeth the Artificer in his worke and keepeth him from erring in any practise Euen so the Lawe and commaundements of the Lord are a rule to guide vs and to shewe vs wherein we erre from the right way 17 As a Line declareth the straightnesse or crookednesse of the tree Euen so the Law and commandements of God laid to our actions declare how much wee wander and goe astray 18 As a band dooth knit and hold many things together or as of many linkes is made one chaine And as by the sinewes our ioynts and parts of our natural bodies are tied and bound together Euen so by Lawe the politike body of a common-weale is vnited and knit together as one for the preseruation of peace in the profession of one true euerliuing and ouer-ruling Lord. 19 As among all other ordinarie accidents that are incident to the prosperitie or aduersitie of mankind there is nothing in earth that more fully proportioneth the ioyes in heauen then Musicke and Marriage to heare the one we leaue our meate and drinke and to bee ioyned to the other wee leaue Father and Mother Euen so among all ordinarie instructions incident to the earthly felicitie of mankind there is nothing that more fully proportioneth our condemnation to be iust then the Law nor any thing that more fully proportioneth our saluation to be in Iesus Christ then the Gospell In the one we heare thundring◠Earthquakes lamentations mournings and woe in the other nothing else but sweete voices pleasant songs and instruments of Musicke all proportioning and perpetually pointing our marriage with Christ Iesus in whom we are freed from the curse threats of the Law and al other inconueniences whatsoeuer 20 As a Scholler is in subiection to his Schoolemaister till he become learned and then he is set at libertie So in like manner the Law hath performed the office thereunto appointed when by it wee haue learned to know and see and acknowledge our infirmities corruption sinfulnesse vnrighteousnesse and to flie vnto Christ to be iustified by faith in him 21 As Honie by nature is very sweete
Lords Schoolemaister to teach his people the Lords vnder-guides to direct his flock of sheepe into the sheepe fold of Christ Iesus Prou. 29.18 1. Cor. 4.1 Math. 28.19 Ioh. 10.16 11 As the Surgion is accustomed first of all to lay to a sore very sharpe playsters and after the wound beeing open then those that be more gentle Or as a Father seeing the corrupt manners of his child first correcteth them with stripes and afterwards comforteth him Euen so must the Preacher of the word deale with his auditorie after he hath denounsed iudgements and threatnings hâ— must then minister comforts and promises 12 Like as there bee two duties or properties belonging to a good shepheard to wit first to feede his sheepe and secondly to preserue them in safetie from Wolueâ— and Foxes Euen so a good Pastor Minister of Christâ— sheepe first ought to feede them with the fodder of puâ—â— and wholesome doctrine of Christ and secondly to dâ—fend them form Wolues and theeues that is against falâ— deceiuers c. Act. 20.28 Ioh. 21.15 16. 13 Like as the Fountaine though no man draw of doth still send forth his springs Or as a ryuer though â— man drinke of it yet dooth it keepe his course and flow neuerthelesse Euen so it behooueth him that Preacheâ— the word of God to do what lyeth in his power thouâ— no man giue any attentiuenesse or haue any care to fâ—low the same Iere. 7.27 Ezech. 2.3 3.9 11 17. â—3 â—â—â—4 14 Like as that man which goeth about to cut downe a tall and mightie Cypres beeing barren vnprofitable and a midle tree that other fruitfull plants which are letteâ— and hindered through the noysome shaddow of it may increase and prosper dooth not dispaire though at the first or second blow he fell it not but by little and little he striketh with the Axe vntill at the length hee lay it along Euen so a Preacher of the word of God although he see no profit follow his preaching no faults amended no sinnes abated yet for all that hee ought not to despaire to faint and to hide his Talent in the ground but â—â—her hee ought to continue his preaching and neuer giue ouer that at the length with the two edged sword of the pure word of God he may new and fell downe the â—â—â—ge and monstrous tree of sinne and all abhomination â—â—d that the new plants of vertue holinesse and righteousnesse may grow prosper and increase 15 Euen as the precious stone called a Iacincte is turâ—â—d and chaunged with the ayre for in a cleare ayre it 〈◊〉 bright and in a cloudie season it is darksome and not 〈◊〉 pleasant So the Preachers and reachers of the word â—f God in their teaching and preaching ought to frame â—â—emselues to meete with the maners ages and qualities fill their hearers 1. Cor. 2. â— 3.1 2. c. 9.19 16 As one and the same medicine is not vsed and miâ—â—red to all that bee diseased and sicke but diuers mediâ—â—â—â— according to their diuers diseases So likewise one â—â—d the selfe same doctrine is not agreeable to all hearers â—â—e reaching therefore and preaching of the Ministers Christ must bee so ordered and diuided that hauing â—â—rs and sundrie hearers whose cases differ much and are not all alike euerie one may haue his seuerall portion that not one through want of discretion in him goe emptie away 17 As a diligent and learned Physition before he minister any Physicke to his sicke patient ought not onely to seeke out and to know the disease of him whome hee purposeth to cure but also his manners his vsuall behauiour the nature of his bodie and his qualities So also a godly wise Preacher of the word must doo his best endeuour to know the infirmities manners and dispositions of his auditorie that spirituall Physicke fit and meete for euery one may bee ministred in due time 18 As the people were rowzed and stirred vp to wars and to celebrate certaine dayes wherein sacrifices were offered vp vnto God by the Priestes in the founding of Trumpets Euen so euerie Preacher of the word of God ought to call vpon sinners to remooue their Tents from this wicked world and the manners and fashions of the same and so much as in him lyeth to bring the people that are blinded in their sinnes and falling from God out of their errours perils and daungers and with all their force and skill to mooue and stirre them vp to bee that in deed which true Christians dooth require Numb 10.2 c. Ioel. 2.1 Esay 55.6 7. 58.1 Reue. 18.1 19 As an expert and skilfull Husbandman dooth first draw out of his fields or lands pulleth vp by the rootes thistles briefs brambles and all other venemous wilde weedes and afterward committeth vnto them his good seedes Euen so a wise and skilfull Teacher of the word of God ought first to roote out sinne and vices and to till as it were the minds of his hearers and as much as in him lieth to draw and pull out of them both roote and rinde of all maner of euill and wickednesse and to prepare and make them meete to receiue the good seedes of the holy word and to sowe in them those things which being rooted and growne vp may bring foorth both pleasant profitable and plentifull fruites Ezech. 16.2 c. 20 As a Sine or a boulter wherewith meale is sifted or boulted which sendeth forth the finest flower best of the wheate and keepeth the bran worst to it selfe Euen so that Preacher which instructeth others with wholsome doctrine and doth so staine and blemish himselfe with vile naughtie vices that his life doctrine be opposite and cleane contrarie the one to the other so that it is seene and perceiued of all that there is no agreement betweene them Exod. 28.30 Psal â—5 20 Ezech. 18.8 9. 21 As the looking Glasse dooth shew very plainely to them that behold in the likenesse of such men or women â—ore before it that they may dresse and trim themselues and yet doth not see it selfe So that Preacher or Maister which very copiously and eloquently doth teach others vertue and and all good things and yet himselfe giuen to sinne and wickednesse he doth in deed teach others but he teacheth not himselfe Rom. 2.1 21. 22 As the sower doth fill his hand and so casteth it abroad vpon the ground not setting in seed by seed or chusing a place for euery seed but where it lighteth Euen so the Preacher doth cast forth the word among the people and looke how the ground is into which it falleth so doth a prosper for mens hearts are the ground vpon which the word is cast and euerie one hath a heart vpon whom the feede is sowen 1. Math. 13.3 23 As God commaunded his Priest Aaron to haue the â—â—east plate vpon his hart the Vrim Thummim the one signifying light that other perfection meaning also by Vrim
the others feete from the ground he wil easily giue him a fall So the diuell if he by Pride can lift vp our feete from the ground he will easily giue vs a fall 3 As when Moses and Aaron threw the handfulls o◠dust into the ayre thereof came botches and biles Euen so when we that are but dust and ashes are exalted in th◠Pride of our heart thereof commeth botches and biles in our hearts Exod. 9.8 9 10. God heares not our Prayes alwayes AS the Physition who goes on to launch the wound and heares not the patient though hee crie neuer so till the cure bee ended Euen so God heare not our Prayers alwayes according to our wills and desires but according as the things asked shall be for our saluation Penitent heart AS the begger is alwaies mending and peecing his garment where hee finds a breach So the Penitent and beleeuing heart must alwayes be exercised in repayring it selfe where it findes a want Faire Promises AS they which haue nothing to feede on but the wind doo famish and pine away and so perish So likewise they which are fed with faire Promises and set their hope and confidence in the defence of men are deceiued and left destitute in their most need Perseuerance to the end 1 AS the prize or best game for running cannot be obtained of any that either runne not or else giue ouer afore they bee at the end of their race So likewise none can attaine the celestiall Crown of glorie but they which Perseuer in the right race of Christianitie vnto the end 1. Cor. 9.24 2 As they which runne in a race hauing onely regard to the reward of themselues as light as nimble as they can and therefore throw away whatsoeuer is heauie or may hinder their swiftnesse So godly Christians in their course to heauen hauing that glorie onely before their eyes should throw sinne from them which like an heauie burthen hangeth vppon them and whatsoeuer else may hinder them in the way course to life euerlasting Hebr. 12.1 People AS there is nothing more mooueable and vnconstant then waters and when they be once stirred vp then they bee furious and outragious Euen so the common folke or People are also mooueable and vnconstant and being mooued are outragious and mad People imitate their Prince 1 AS the Sea especially that which is called Mare mediterraneum is wont to imitate the ayre as if the ayre be calme the Sea is very calme also if the ayre be stormie the Sea also is very stormie Euen so the common sort of People in all places for the most part doo followe their Prince if Princes be iust subiects loue iustice if the Prince be vngodly they imbrace vngodlinesse 2 As a brooke doth follow the nature of the fountaine from whence it commeth So People doo follow the disposition of their Prince the fountaine being troubled the brooke is troubled also and the Prince disquieted the People find no peace Math. 2.3 The Prosperitie of this world AS the clearenesse of winter weather the calmenesse of the Sea and stabilitie of the Moone doo wauer and be suddenly chaunged So likwise the state of wealth and worldly things hath no firmenesse no perpetuitie and no constancie Iob. 8.9 14.2 Physition 1 AS euerie one cannot heale a sore that can make a salue So euery one is not a Physition that make profession of physicke 2 As a blind man cannot see the fault of an others eyes So an vnskilfull Physition cannot perceiue the defect of the body The Pope that whore of Babilon LIke as Christ was said to come out of Edome coloured with the bloud of his enemies noting thereby the reuenge he should take of the Edomites Euen so the Pope the whore of Babilon is dyed and coloured with the bloud of Gods children yea she is said to be drunke with their bloud as with drinke shewing that shee makes no more account of shedding the bloud of the seruants of God then the drunken man make of powring in drinke or the fishes water Reue. 17.4 5 6. Women Painting themselues 1 LIke as when a Painter hath finished a peece of work and an other comming in should therto set his hand and lay on other colours it would displease him Euen so likewise much more will God our Creator be offended when a mortall woman whome himselfe hath created shall by Painting her face take vppon her to correct the Image and workmanship of her God 2 King 9.30 2 As a woman of discretion will in no wife marre her naturall complexion to recouer it with slime or artificial trash So ought the Husband in no sort to be consenting to her filthie spunging proyning Painting pollishing and to such like follies Poore men feare they God neuer so much are little set by in this world EVen as Doues doo loue and delight in houses that be faire whited and doo willingly frequent sweete and pleasant places but contemne and flie from blacke foule and vnsauorie Cottages So likewise faithlesse and vntrustie friends doo hunt and seeke after the friendship of those men by whose wealth and riches they may be holpen releeued and enriched but men in pouertie and distressed persons vnable to fill their bellies to cloath their backes or otherwise to pleasure them with some worldly things they vtterly despise they care not for their companie their loue nor friendship feare they God neuer so much Papists professe God in word but denie him in their doings AS Rat-catchers who vse to take fine bread scraped cheese butter and some Suger and therewith doo mingle Rats baine to the end to allure the Rats to eate the secret and hidden poyson to their destruction So the Papists in the beginning of all their Prayers they say Almightie and euerlasting God c. And at the latter ende of their prayers they say through our Lord Iesus Christ but betweene the beginning and ending there is thrust in the merites passions sufferings intercessions and meditations of Saints that through them their sufferings bloud sheadings merites and holinesse we should obtaine heauen and life euerlasting to our saluation Thus like murtherers and poysoners of Christian soules and that vnder pretence of Gods name and Christs name they deceiue the simple and ignorant people Patience in afflictions a perfect tryall of true Christianitie 1 EVen as in a Sea moued and tossed with great waues and mightie surges the Pilots skill and wisedome is throughly tried and his manlinesse and courage perfectly seene So likewise a man that is godly without dissembling and religious without hypocrisie in the middest of terrible tempests of great troubles when hee is throwne vp and hurled downe tossed here and crushed there in a thousand stormes of dangers thē declareth his Patience his spirituall courage and his vnmooueable constancie in vertue and true holinesse 2. Sam. 16.5 c. 2 Like as when a child being corrected and punished of his Father suffereth it patiently his Father
of a good kind ordereth his going so well that though he haue run ouer many fields and through a thousand thickets already yet he neuer remembreth any labour which is behind but forgetteth it and if he chance to lap water in some brooke by the way yet euen while he lappeth hee lifteth vp his head and still goeth on plieth him forwards to his game So must we doo in this pursute of Perfection seeing Christ hath now sprinkled all the way betweene heauen and earth with his bloud and so hath made it a freshe and a liuing way therefore wee which haue noses like the Tower of Lebanon must as Bloud-hounds trace him by the foote and runne after him in the smell of his oyntments and hunt hotly vpon his fresh and liuing way with a fresh and liuely faith and though we haue gone very farre and done a thousand good deedes alreadie yet we must alwayes forget that which is behind till wee haue gotten if not the childrens bread yet at the least wise some little crum of mercie that falles from our maisters table some litle drop of blood that falls from our Lords side which will be sufficient to make vs perfect men in Christ Hebr. 1â— 20 Cant. 1.4 25 Euen as that altar of perfume was placed not in any common roome or in any odde corner of the Tabernacle but in the Sanctuary it selfe somewhat beyond the vaile close to the golden Censer verie neare the mercy feate So a Christian heart which is a spiritual altar of perfume and of a sweet sauour to God must daily endeuour it selfe to that which is before and stil more more aspire to heauenly things and alwayes nearer and nearer approach vnto Perfection and vnto the throne of grace and continually higher and higher aduaunce itselfe to him that is the highest and holiest of all Exod. 36.6 Heb. 9.4 2. Cor. 2.15 26 As the Israelites so soone as they had pitched in Mithkah which signifies sweetnesse by and by remoued their Tents from Chashmonah which signifies swiftnesse So we must ioyne sweetnesse and swiftnesse both together and assoone as we haue tasted and seene how sweete the Lord is presently we must remooue our Tents from thence and follow hard and runne not only sweetly but also swiftly in the way of peace which leadeth vnto Perfection and life Num. 33.26 27 As a Pomegranate hath many graines within him in his case and a little rounde circle or a crowne without him vpon his head now these graines being sweete in taste and red in colour are orderly set one by another and point vp or as it were looke vp altogether to the crowne So in like manner we which are plantes of the Church as an Oâ—chaâ—dâ— of Promegranaâ—es must growe and goe on still to Perfection not onely when we enioy the sweete taste of pleasant prosperitie but also when we beare the redde colour of bloudie persecution and consenting in a kinde of conformitie and perfect peace and vnitie one with another we must point vp altogether with the finger of faith to Christ and looke vp continually with the eye of lone to our head who by being first crossed is now come to be crowned with honour and glorie 28 As Iacob wrastled all the night long and neuer gaue oâ—er till about the breaking of the day that he was called Israel So likewise we must wrastle all the night long of this life and neuer giue ouer till the day breake and the shadowes flie away and we come to the maruellous light and sight of God by Perfection Gene. 32.24 Mar. 13.35 Cant. 4.6 29 As Ioseph signifieth encreasing and Aramathia signifieth getting the reward So we must alwaies encrease and goe on still to attaine Perfection till we get the reward 30 Like as they which runne their Horses for a wager spurre them hardest at the races ende So seeing our saluation is nearer now then euer it was therefore we must runne faster then euer we did especially because the very Horse and Mule and diuers other bruite beasts which haue no vnderstanding though they haue bene neuer so much wearied tyred before yet when they come neare home they will mend their pace And therefore the more to blame should we be if hauing trauelled thus far alreadie in the way to Perfection and being come by this time almost to our iournies end we should now go no further when indeed we ought if it be possible to runne much faster to our euerlasting home in heauen 31 As the holy Angels blush and holde downe their heads when they see vs stumble or trippe neuer so litle So on the other side they shoute and clappe their hands when they see vs runne chearfully in a good course and come away a pace to Perfection 32 Euen as a royall King when one of his Nobles returnes home which hath in a forraine Countrey by chiualrie or feates of armes or other like excellent parts atchieued and gotten great renowme to his Realme presently sendeth for him to his Court and in open audience giueth him words of grace and aduaunceth him to hie preferments and honour So Christ our most magnificent King immediately vpon our arriuall and entrance into heauen but of the forraine Countrey of this world will reach forth vnto vs his holie hand conducting vs to the eternall Tabernacles of rest and as for all the prayers that we haue made all the teares that we haue shead all the almes that we haue giuen all the other exercises of Christian life that we haue performed though neuer so secretly in this pursuite of Perfection he will openly reward them and most gloriously crowne them when all the host of Angels shall triumph for our corronation and the blessed Saints shall thinke themselues more perfect for our Perfection and all the Court of heauen shall applaude our prayses and God himselfe shall say Amen to our felicities 33 As they which by the counsell of Hefiodus doe often adde small things to small and so at last become rich So he which groweth in vertue more and more at last becommeth perfect Priuate men and women may greatly further the Chuch 1 AS women did worke diuers things for the Tabernacle in the dayes of Moses Or as the Temple was not built but by men of all sorts in the time of Salomon and the walles of Ierusalem vnder the guiding of Nehemiah So may Priuate men very much further the building of the spirituall Temple which is the congregation of Christ Exod. 35.25 1. King 5. Nehem. 3. Iosh 24.15 Act. 10.2 7. Gene. 14.14 18.19 Rom. 16. toto Iere. 35.1 c. 2 As out of Abraham Isaac and Iacobs house sprang forth the Churches of the Iewes So the glorious congregations of the Gentiles in like manner beganne in the families of Priuate men For as seruants well nurtured may adorne the doctrine of God our Sauior in all things Tit. 2.10 and husbands obeying not the word may without the word be wonne by
life with their bodies taken their owne pleasures ioy and delight Euen so in the life to come at the Resurrectiō of the dead they shal be plagued and punished with euerlasting paine torment in the same bodies Mat. 25.41 c. 2. Cor. 5.10 Act. 24.15 Ioh. 5.29 21 Like as when the Corne is cast into the ground it seemeth to bee lost for it rots and wasteth in the ground but afterwards it springeth faire 1. Cor. 15.36 37. So when the body hath beene corrupted it tarrieth the time appointed by God to come out of the earth and to be altogether perfect 22 As the Corne by meanes of the seed taketh againe a new shape and that more fayrer So the faithfull which dieth and goeth to rest with the seede of Iesus Christ which is the spirit of God is raysed againe by the same spirit which rayseth the Sonne of God from death 23 Like as Christ rose againe in the selfe-same body in which he suffered So we also shall rise againe in the selfe-same flesh which we carrie about with vs. 24 Euen as Christ after his Resurrection had an other glorie much greater then he had before So we shall bee farre otherwise after our Resurrection and so renued into a more glorious state 25 As the Sun and the Moone being of one substance differ in dignitie and excellencie So likewise in the Resurrection our bodies shall haue more excellent qualities then they haue now Regeneration 1 As there is need of no Lawe to compell the bodie to eate or drinke to digest to sleepe to goe to stand to fit and to doo their workes of nature for it is readie to doo them of it owne nature when the case so requireth and when it is meete without all respect either of reward or punishment and may not vnfitly be said as concerning these things not to be vnder a Law notwithstanding thereupon nothing lesse followeth then that it doth therefore abstaine from such workes vnto which in deed it so much more applieth it selfe as they are lesse commaunded and are more naturall vnto it Euen so after the same sort altogether dooth the godly man behaue himselfe concerning the workes of godlinesse he is carried to the doing of them by that his newe nature of the spirit albeit there were no Law at all and all both hope of reward and feare of punishment were away 1. Timo. 1.9 Reue. 6.14 2 Like as if a man haue all his mind set vpon drinking and gulling in of Wine and strong drinke hauing little delight nor pleasure in any thing else it argues a carnall mind and vnregenerate because it effectes the things of the flesh and so of the rest Euen so on the contrarie hee that hath his mind affected with a desire to doo the wil of God in practising the workes of charitie and Religion he I say hath a spirituall and a renewed heart and is Regenerate by the holy Ghost Rom. 8.14 Gal. 5.17 3 As God in the beginning created vs after his owne Image So also must hee Regenerate vs according to the same which he doth by the holy Ghost the third person in Trinitie one and the same euerlasting God together with the Father and the Sonne Iohn 3.5 Math. 16.17 Ioh. 8.36 15.5 4 As a liuing body although naturally it bee the subiect of sense yet some one part of it may bee benummed and senselesse So the soule of one Regenerate hath in it at least the beginnings and seeds of all graces howsoeuer some of them at sometimes doo not worke or appeare Whereas a carnall man is altogether destitute yea vncapable of them 5 Euen as we know that the trees haue heate and life in their rootes in the middest of the coldest and sharpest winter yea as many beastes lie all the winter long in holes of the earth without eating drinking stirring or hauing any iotte of heate sense or life in any of their outward parts and yet there is a remnant of life and of heate lurking in the heart which being in Summer stirred vp doth reuiue the beast so that it is able to goe or runne vp and downe and to performe all naturall actions in the manner as it did before So likewise a totall decrease or an vtter decay of holinesse as whereby nothing is left cannot happen to any one who is truely Regenerate who in the greatest extremitie and depth of his fal retaineth some reliques of Gods spirit and of grace receiued yea some life of faith whereby he liueth to God in Christ howsoeuer he be to the eyes of all men and euen in his owne conscience a dead rotten stocke 6 Euen as a man being sodenly taken with the plague or any infectious sicknesse sayeth he knoweth not how it happeneth onely hee seeth the effects of it Euen so the action of Regeneration in it selfe is secret and vnknown but manifest in the effects which follow of it Regeneration not without sinne LIke as the Israelites suffered the Iebusites to dwell amongst them to their great harme Euen so sinne remaineth in our mortall bodies conquered in deed that it dooth not raigne ouer those that serue the Lord yet not cleane taken away but left for our exercises who hauing our mortall enemie dwelling in vs should fight against sinne vnder the banner of faith in Christ Iesus who onely hath can and will continually defend his people subdue their enemies and giue his children the victorie Repentance AS a prisoner will striue to get out of prison by all kind of means he can thogh he grate off some of his flesh Euen so a man that is out of the fauour of God must trie by all kind of wayes that he can that if hee cannot come to Gods fauour by one way he may yet by an other Psal 51.1 c. The Redemption of Christ vniuersall 1 AS the Sunne is the generall giuer of light to the whole world though there bee many which doo receiue no light at all of it Or as there was among the Iewes vppon the yeare of Iubylee a generall deliuerie of all bond men although many abode still in their bondage and refused the grace of their deliuerie Euen so the Redemption of mankind by Christ is auaileable for all although reprobate and wicked men for want of the grace of God doo not receiue the same yet there is no reason that it should leese his title and glorie of vniuersall Redemption because of the children of perdition seeing that it is ready for all men and all be called vnto it 1. Tim. 2.6 Col. 1.13 14. 1. Pet. 1.18 Tit. 2.14 2 As they who beeing taken in warre are wont either to be slaine or to bee condemned vnto perpetuall bondage except they bee redeemed and ransommed Euen so such were wee all being taken prisoners of the diuell who had vs body and soule in his owne power from whose kingdome and tyrannie Christ hath most mercifully Redeemed vs. Rom. 14.8 1. Cor. 3.22 Phil. 1.21 1. Pet. 1.18
letter as hee had wont to doo and that were a great bondage and wearisomnesse to binde him vnto it still nay it were altogether rediculous and childish in him indeed So now though we be charged to rest vpon the Saboth yet when we are not ouercharged with those Iewish ceremonies which they being children had giuen thē as furtherances vnto them let vs not complaine before we haue cause neither murmure against God because we cannot be so licentious as we would seeing we be at such libertie as we be and as it pleaseth the Lord to bestow vpon vs and let vs bee so much the more carefull to rest by how much we haue but this one thing to attend vpon and are made free from many other which might hinder vs. Deut. 6.8 9. Gal. 4.3 10 As they preposterously labor to reform the church that haue no care to reforme themselues and vndiscreetly complaining of wants and disorders there do not practise better orders in their houses vpon themselues and theirs do hinder it and keep them backe Euen so they that labour for more meanes to sanctifie the Sabbath and are carelesse in practising those that they haue doo stay such good blessings as God might otherwise bestow vpon his Church this way Notorious Sinnes LIke as a man is much more to be blamed which goeth out of his way in the cleare Sunne at noone-tide then he which goeth by night with a candle Euen so such men deserue much more to be punished for committing of foule and notorious Sinnes now vnder the cleare light of the Gospel then in the time of the Lawe Sinne couered by Christs innocencie AS a garment or cloake do serue to couer our bodies Euen so the innocencie iustice holinesse of Christ Iesus doth serue to couer our Sins before the iudgement of God to the end that there appear no one spot of them in his sight Gal. 3.27 Sinner 1 LIke as God is much pleased with the praier of the iust Euen so much more he doth delight in the amendment of the Sinner for it doth little profit for the one to multiply his prayers if the other do not diminish his sinnes 2 As an earthly Father when his childe is sicke he will not cast him away but take pitie vpō him So much more our heauenly Father when a Sinner humbleth him selfe before him and lamenteth his sinnes wil shew his fatherly affection towards him that repenteth 3 As the night in the first dawning of the day in which though the darknesse remaine and be more in quantitie then the light yet when the Sun hath alreadie cast some beames of light in the aire then the breaking of the day appeareth Euen so the conuersion of a Sinner is not wrought all at one instant but in cōtinuance of time and by certaine measures and degrees So that he that is in the first degree of his conuersion when the holy Ghost by the meanes of the word inspires him with some spirituall motions and begins to regenerate and renue the inward powers of his soule Sinne. 1 LIke as that mans disease is most perillous which lyes sicke and feeles not his sicknesse nor cannot complaine of one part more then an other for then the disease hath equally troubled the whole bodie So likewise they which lie wallowing in sin so forgetting God and all goodnesse that they feele no remorse of conscience for their sinnes are desperate and almost past all recouerie 2 As vertue must be imbraced in heart in affection in countenance word and deed or else we are found breakers of the Lawe of God So likewise Sinne must be abstained from as wel in heart in affection in countenance and word and also in deed 3 Like as the dead body lies rotten and stinking in the graue fearefull and loathsome to looke on and grieuous to remember Euen so when we lie buried in Sinne wee stinke in the sight of God he cannot abide to looke on vs nor will remember vs. 4 And as when the body lyeth on sleepe in the bed which is an Image of our graue can neither see feele heare taste smell vnderstand nor yet mooue out of the place vntill it be awaked nor can take any pleasure at all in any one creature of God So we when we lie sleeping and wallowing in Sinne wee neither see the maiestie of God with the eyes of our faith nor feele his mercies offered vnto vs in and by his deare Sonne our Lord and Sauiour Christ Iesus nor yet can taste at all how sweete the Lord is our eares are stopped from hearing good counsell wee perceiue nothing at all of Gods goodnesse towards vs his word is not sauerie vnto vs neither yet be wee mooued or stirred vp to doo any one good worke of charitie Rom. 13.11 5 Like as Carrion dooth not onely smell euill it selfe but infects all that come neare it So likewise that man that is defiled with any notorious Sinne doth not onely defile all things that he takes in hand but all such as keepe him companie so that Sin hath greater force and strength to defile other things then goodnesse hath to make other things holy 1. Cor. 15.33 2. Timo. 2.16 17. Rom. 6.23 6 As a beast ouer-laden is readie to sinke vnder his burden except there bee present helpe at hand to ease him Euen so wee are in daunger to sincke into the pit of perdition by reason of our great and grieuous burden of Sinne except wee flie to Christ who onely and alone can vnburden vs and ease and refresh vs. Math. 11.28 7 Like as if wee doo suspect any vncleannesse in vs wherefore the Prince or any Noble man should loath or abhorre the sight of vs wee would take great paines to remoue put it away Euen so much more we ought with all diligence and speede that may bee to put away that vnclean Sinne and filthinesse that doth seperate and make diuision betwixt vs and God and that hideth his face from vs that he will not heare vs. Esay 59.2 Iere. 5.25 8 Like as if there were an Apostume about the stomack of a man or in his bowells it would be neuer a whit the worse for him if it were seene that it might be launced Euen so that man that thinketh himselfe to be whole and sound because he wil not see his sinne and disease he must needs be voyd of all wit and reason 9 Like as a man that hath a disease or soare in his bodie before hee can be cured of it hee must see it feele the paine of it and be in feare least it bring him into danger of death after this hee shall see himselfe to stand in need of phisicke and he longeth til he be with the Phisitian when he is once come to him hee desireth him of all loues to help him and to shew the best skil he can he wil not spare for any cost then hee yeelds himselfe into the Phisitians hands perswading himself that by Gods blessing
the heauenly and publike witnesse of the Church of Christ whereby the Lord testifieth that it is he which receiueth men freely into fauour and which clenseth from all blemishes and to be short maketh vs partakers heires of al his goodnesse Schooles 1 AS a man that hath diuers Orchards will also haue a Semenarie full of yong plants to maintaine it Euen so Schooles which are as Seminaries to Gods Church without which the Church fails to decay ought to bee maintained because they serue to make supplie of Ministers 2 As trayning makes Dogs fit for hunting So Schools and learning makes nature profitable The holy Scripture aboue the Church 1 AS the Sunne is cleare and bright not because that men doo iudge it to be so but rather men do iudge it to be so because it is so indeed and can iudge of it none otherwise Euen so the holy Scriptures contained in the canonicall bookes of the old and new Testament are the infallible worde of the liuing God not because the Church dooth iudge and allow it to bee so but rather the true Catholike Church doth iudge and allow it to be so because that it is so indeed can iudge of it none otherwise no more then the cleare and bright eyes can iudge of the light and brightnesse of the Sunne of the which the blind can giue no iudgement euen as the vnfaithfull and reprobate can giue no iudgement of the word of God nor yet allow it 2 As the Lawes of Princes ruling by Iustice ought to be receiued professed and practised of all their subiects Euen so much more the Church ought to bee gouerned by the Lawes of Christ her Lord and King 3 As the Lawes and ordinances giuen by Moses who was but a seruant might not bee abrogate chopped or chaunged of any mortall creature without the displeasure of the Almightie Euen so much lesse those Lawes and ordinances of the Lord Iesus beeing the chiefe Lord and ruler ouer all Deut. 27.26 Gal. 3.10 Iohn 10.4 5. 16.13 14. Schoolemaister 1 AS it is the part of a good Husband to vnderstand the nature and fertilitie of the ground which he dooth till So it is the part of a good Schoolemaister to discerne the disposition and nature of his Scholler 2 As Prometheus did make marueilous Images such as none other euer could So a wise discreete and learned Schoolemaister prepares to a child of an excellent wit that which an ignorant and vnlearned Maister vtterly destroyeth Scholler 1 AS if Appelles should see the forme of Venus or Protogenes the Image of Hialisus all with myre and dirt defiled they would no doubt be sorie So if a man see his Scholler whome he hath brought vp now enclined and giuen to lewdnesse he cannot chuse but greatly lament 2 As there be some women that cannot conceaue of some men yet accompaning with others they are become fruitfull for the encrease of children So there bee some Schollers that bee vnapt to learne vnder some Tutors Schoolemaisters but vnder others they will soone proue of a good quicke wit and learned 3 As the goodnesse of the ground is not much profitable for Corne vnlesse there be a meete husbandman to till and sowe the same So it is not enough to finde good towardnes in a Scholler vnlesse there be added vnto him a meete Schoolemaister to further the same 4 As a drop of water falling from the house Eaues weareth and holloweth the hard stone not by force but by his often falling Euen so a Scholler proueth learned not by power or strength but by much diligence and great reading 5 As Appelles became an excellent Painter because there was neuer a day but hee laboured himselfe to some learning So in like manner a diligent Scholler by dayly applying of his learning and often exercising of vertue attaineth to perfect honour and vertue 6 As young men which haue bestowed their time in labouring for learning and knowledge happily are apt and prone to come to great honour and preferment So contrariwise those Schollers which are giuen to their owne sensualitie and appetite are to bee auoided of all good men 7 Like as the goodnesse of the ground is not sufficient to bring foorth Corne except there bee a good Plower and seede Euen so a toward and wittie Scholler is not like to get good learning except he haue a master a good instructor and bookes Suites in Law how they are lawfull 1 AS a Souldier in lawfull warre may kill his enemie and yet loue him Euen a man may forgiue an iniurie that is done against him and yet seeke remedie by Law so it be in a Christian manner that is without priuate reuenge that it bee not scandelous to the Church that it bee to maintaine peace and that the partie offending may bee chastised and brought to repentaunce for his fault 2 Like as Physitions vse desperate remedies when weaker will not serue Euen so must men vse Law as the last meanes when all other faile Who is a Spirituall man AS the Scriptures call that man carnall which is not renued by the spirit and borne againe in Christes flesh and all his workes like euen the very motions of his heart and mind as his learning doctrine and contemptation of high things his preaching teaching and studie in the Scripture building of Churches Schooles or Hospitals founding of Colledges giuing of Almes and whatsoeuer hee doth though they seeme Spirituall and after the Law of God neuer so much So contrariwise he is Spirituall which is renued in Christ and all his workes which spring from faith seeme they neuer so grosse as the washing of the Disciples feete done by our Sauiour Christ and Peters fishing after the resurrection yea deedes of matrimonie are pure Spiritual if they proceed of faith and whatsoeuer is done within the lawes of God though if bee wrought by the body as the very wiping of shoes and such like howsoeuer grosse they appeare outwardly yet are sanctified Ioh. 3.6 1. Cor. 2.15 The Scripture sufficient to confute errours 1 LIke as if a man being taken with a Phrensie the Physition should come offer him a medicine which is of vertu to purge the superfluous humor that causeth the disease to make him whole sound and the phrantike man should refuse it and take an other to his owne contentation that would doo him no good were this medicine strengthlesse and not able to helpe his disease because the patient desired to haue an other rather then that Not so So in like manner although some men refuse to haue their errours and false opinions to be confuted by the word of God desiring rather to be tried by the writings of men which can do them no good to establish their faith this maketh not but the Scripture is sufficient to confute and refell erronious doctrine and all false opinions though they take it not so 2. As in the night season in darkesome places men are wont to
but beeing thus offered and promised vnto him he would bee readie to leaue his house his wife his children and all other things to goe to seruice to such a Lord for one yeare Euen so wee may well deserue to bee accounted vnthankfull and sencelesse that will not be otherwise wonne and induced to serue God who by so many so excellent so assured promises doth daily inuite vs thereto Vnthankfulnesse to God LIke as if any man should giue vnto any one of vs an annuitie of twentie or fortie pound yearely during our liues wee ought to thanke him for it Or if a friend had redeemed any one of vs out of prison either by his friendship or money where otherwise wee should haue laine all our life long wee would greatly loue him Now if the same man by his valiantnesse had saued vs beeing in great daunger in battell or Shipwracke we would much reuerence him say that we were neuer able to mak him amends Euen so it is a verie great ingratitude seeing that our Lord God hath by his sonne Iesus Christ deliuered vs out of the captiuitie of sathan sin death hell and damnation so by our disobedience and lewdnesse of life to despise and anger him and for so great kindnesse to giue him againe so great contumelie despite Iohn 8.34 36. Rom. 6.20 22. Coloss 1.13 14. Heb. 2.14.15 Act. 10.38 2. Timo. 2.26 Vngodly men LIke as Children which doo not abstaine from things forbidden them specially when they hope that it shall be kept secret and that their father or mother shall not know of it Euen so vngodly men wrapped in mischiefe who when they haue offended and are fallen into some sin doo not acknowledge their iniquitie neither can they abide to confesse it although the torment of their conscience dooth force and compell them to make confession thereof but they hide the same in silence and in holding their peace they thinke to couer and bury all things in obliuion Vices couered with the names of vertues AS Achelous who when hee would fight with Hercules would shift himselfe into a Serpent would chaunge himselfe vnto the likenesse of a Diuel or being a Diuel he could chaunge himselfe into what forme and frame he wold Euen so some men do couer Vices with the names of vertues as the proud man is shifted vnto a cleane man a fine man a handsome man a couetous man is changed vnto a subtil prudent man a warie and a frugall wise man the leacherous man is called an amorous man a louing and a courteous man the idle man is named a quiet and harmelesse man the flatterer is accounted an eloquent person learned and wittie in his talke drunkennesse is chaunged into good fellowship gluttonie vnto hospitalitie enuie vnto good will and tyrannie vnto Iustice c. Varietie of gifts AS one member hath neede of an other and euerie office of each member is profitable for the whole body Euen so the Varietie of gifts diuersly distributed vnto the Church are giuen to profit withall and to edifie the whole body of Christ in loue 1. Cor. 12.8 9 10 11 25. Ephe. 4.7 Vnfaithfulnesse in time of trouble AS a sliding foote that layeth his Maister in the durt Euen so such is an Vnfaithfull man in whome a man reposeth confidence in trouble Prou. 25.19 The Vanitie of mens inuentions AS when men dreame pleasant dreames as soone as they awake there is no such matter Or as Chaffe which by reason of his lightnesse the wind lightly bloweth away Euen so fond deuises triflings inuentions doting doctrines deceitfull traditions and supersticious Religions coyned by mans foolish phantasticall and phanatical braine will come to nothing Iob. 20.8 Psal 73.20 Iere. 23.28 29. The Vngodly are grieuous to God AS a Carte that is laden with sheaues of Corne in haruest is pressed vnder the load Euen so God is pressed with those that are giuen ouer to sinne and wickednesse Amo. 2.13 Esa 1. 14. Vertue spreadeth her braunches ouer all LIke as if a man carrie in his hand a light burning candle it giueth not light to him onely that carrieth it but to all those which be in the house and they also see it which are without Or as he that is bathed or perfumed with precious oyntments or sweete poulders haue not onely the pleasure thereof to themselues but the sauour thereof casteth it self out and is pleasant to all those which stand by Euen so such as be the children of knowledge and do carry about them the light of Gods word they do not only taste of the comfort therof themselues and work comfort to those that appertaine to the Church of God but lightneth also the hearts of Pagans Infidels which are abroad Psal 18.28 Math. 5.15 16. 1. Thess 1.7 8. Vnitie AS an Oyntment wel compounded of sweet and odoriferous things cannot but be acceptable to the sent of all men So that Vnitie which beginneth at Religion and stretcheth to the vttermost borders of the Church and Common-wealth cannot but both please God and all good men Psal 133.2 Vnmercifulnesse to others AS a liberall good and bountifull Maister to his seruants cannot but be verie angry and much offended if any of them deale cruelly with their fellowes Euen so much more iustly will God withdrawe his mercy from them that deale vnmercifully with them that liue amōgst them Math. 24.45 46. Math. 18.33 34 35. Vsurie 1 AS poyson the weaker it is the longer nature resisteth it and the stronger it is the sooner it killeth Euen so Vsurie the lesser it is the lesse it hurteth the greater it is the sooner it consumeth 2 As a Burthen the heauier it is the faster it wearieth but a light burthen saith the Prouerbe will prooue heauie with farre carriage So likewise is it with Vsurie the greater and the smaller both eate and consume but the first in the shorter the last in the longer continuance 3 As there is great difference betweene the biting of a Flea and the biting of a Dogge and the biting of a Lyon yet all are bitings and the least will draw bloud So there is difference betweene him that taketh fiue and him that taketh ten and him that taketh twentie in the hundred yet all is biting and the least will consume a man in continuance 4 As a Serpent that stingeth priuilie is litle perceiued or felt at the first but afterwardes the man that is stung swelleth and the effect of that litle stinging is dispearsed through the whole bodie Euen so the inconuenience of Vsurie is not felt in the beginning but in time it amounteth to a great summe and deuoureth a mans whole substance 5 Like as we see in theft or robbery if a man steale but twelue pence out of arich mans purse though the want of it be litle felt by reason of his store and aboundance yet he is hindered that looseth it and he is a Theefe that taketh it Euen so is it in Vsurie though it be taken
and they doo rather resemble in some measure heauen from whence they receiue the influence of the grace and fauour of God 2 Euen as that precious stone called a Carbuncle dooth not in darknesse loose his shine and excellent beautie So likewise a Vertuous and godly man in the extreame darknesse of infinite calamities obloquies cursings raylings backbitings slaunders and whatsoeuer doth shew his Christian patience and quiet sufferings for he knoweth well that such things doo profit much to aduance the praise of time and noble vertues 3 As most pleasant perfumes do euen then when they be in the fire giue out a most excellent Odour and their sweetest sauour Euen so a Vertuous and godly man when he is thrust into the midst of the hote scorching fire of calamitie and miserie doth then shew most his vertue faith religion patience and constancie 4 As the fuller and heauier Scale is euer lowest So the more Vertuous honest and godly that any man is the more will hee submit and humble himselfe and howsoeuer other men will seeme to praise him he neuerthelesse dooth still acknowledge his owne imperfection And indeed it is in a christian man some perfection to know and to acknowledge his want and imperfection Vnion with Christ in the supper 1 AS the Vnion betweene Christ and vs in Baptisme is spirituall and requireth no reall and corporall presence So likewise our Vnion with Christ in his holy supper is spirituall and therefore requireth no reall nor corporall presence 2 Euen as if one take molten Waxe and powre it to other Waxe and so worke the whole together they will be so vnited and mixed that they cannot bee seperated likewise must it needes be that who so receiues the fleshe and bloud of the Lord hee is in such sort ioyned to him that Christ is found in him and he in Christ 3 Like as if it be a thing to be maruelled at how we be members one of an other and man and wife may bee all one flesh Euen so much more wonderfull is this nigh coupling together of Christ and vs which dooth most truely and certainly not vnfainedly colourable or phantastically happen vnto such as doo faithfully eate the Lords supper 4 As by a certaine order of the heauenly dispensation first the signe is receiued and then in the signe and by the signe the thing signified Euen so must we first be Vnited to the visible flesh of Christ and by that afterward to his Godhead if we will be made partakers of grace Iohn 6.53 54 55. 5 Euen as the Bread is really and truly vnited vnto vs eating the same So also is the flesh of Christ truly and in verie deed Vnited vnto vs who eate the same 6 As by one and the same soule all the members of the body are Vnited with the head and quickned So likewise all the faithfull although they bee vpon earth and the head is in heauen yet they are in very deede by one the same spirit Vnited with him and being vnited doo abide and liue in him 1. Ioh. 4.13 Rom. 8.9 The fruit of Vngodlinesse LIke as in husbandrie a man must not looke or thinke of one seede to receiue an other as of Barly to reape Wheate or for Pease to receiue Rie So likewise in this life a man must not hope or look to reape of his Vngodly life heauen the reward of a life lead in the feare of God The Vntractablenesse of some people 1 AS a wilde Horse if he cannot by kicking and rearing cast his rider watcheth the time till his raine be slacked and getting the Bit betweene his teeth setteth his tayle an ende and runneth his rider against the trees and walles and through hedges to spoyle him if it be possible and when he is downe giueth him a farwell with his heeles Or as the Mule is a beast well enough knowne to bee froward and vnruly so that if his keeper watch him not the better hee will take him vp in his teeth and lay him before him in the Maunger Euen so there is nothing so brutish as is the Vngratfulnesse frowardnesse waywardnesse of some Parishioners in reiecting the doctrine and gouernement which God hath appointed for their soules whereof although there be many Iudges yet none can tell what a troublesome worke this is as the faithfull Ministers of the Gospel who are driuen to mannage such rustie and vntamed iades as are many among the multitude for what with yerking out the heeles rysing vppon the hinder legs going side-long and other froward touches of such vnbroken Coltes the poore Minister if hee be on their backes can hardly keepe the Saddle and if he leade them in his hand one froward iade or other in the Parish taketh him vp by the coller and throwes him out of the way so that though the Minister be neuer so honest and godly and haue many good friends yet if he be carefull to doo his dutie he shall hardly stand without suspention or depriuation or some such like foyle which would neuer come to passe for the most part if it were not for the horses and Mules in his owne Parish Psal 32.9 2 As Horses get nothing by their furiousnesse madnesse but the sore Bit and Bridle Euen so the Vntractablenesse and waywardnesse of obstinate and stubburne persons getteth not any thing by oppugning and withstanding the Gospell and gainesaying the truth of Gods word for they wrestle against God and so make themselues rediculous Vnprofitable things may be profitable AS the Bees gathereth most sweete Honie out of the withered Tyme and out of other hearbes of more vnpleasant iuyce So likewise may we also out of the euill and Vnprofitable things picke out that which may turne to our profit commoditie as Shipwrack to Zeno Citius and banishment to Diogenes gaue them occasion to studie Phylosophie Vertuous in poore estate and contrariwise AS a woman who hauing a Henne that laide her euerie day an Egge now shee seeing that her Henne was very leane and yet laide still after her accustomed manner supposed that if shee were fat and lustie shee would lay twice a day and with this conceite of mind shee fed and crammed her throughly so that in short space shee became so fat that cleane contrarie to the expectation and opinion of the woman she left laying altogether So in like manner there are many who in their poore and base estate are verie Vertuous but if they be once mounted and aduaunced to any degree of felicitie and aboundance and doo liue easily and wealthily then they giue ouer their former studie and become carelesse sensuall and voide of all good works so that they can neither goe nor runne in the way of vertue Weaknesse in the best Christians AS sweete Trefoile looseth his sent seuen times a day and receiueth it againe as long as it is growing but beeing withered and dried it keepeth still his sauour S the godly liuing in the body shall often fall and
in holy things to sanctifie polluted things Or as the whole part of a mans body touching the soare part cannot heale it but rather is in danger to be infected by it Euen so it followeth necessarily that the best Works in man are wholly corrupted so that if the Lord should straightly examine them no man can answere for one of a thousand Agge 2.13 Iob. 9.2 3. Our Weaknesse to please God LIke as if a man beeing hyred to doo a dayes worke should deceitfully worke but with one hand and so disappoint his Maister of the Worke which should haue beene wrought with both hands Euen so whereas God craueth in euerie action all our wisedome wit will memorie vnderstanding and affection wholly to concurre together we scarcely giue him a part of all Wisedome and strength to be ioyned LIke as a Tree that the wind hath shaken loose at the roote the higher and greater that it is the sooner it is ouerthrowne Euen so a Souldier the stronger that he is wanting Wisdome the sooner he is ouerthrown for courage and strength without Wisdome is foolish rashnesse and Wisedome without courage and strength is fearefull cowardlinesse ioyne them together and they make a perfect Souldier The Will is in stead of the fact before God LIke as he is not to bee accounted healthfull which though hee doo appeare whole in the outward parts yet hath some euill disease with in his stomacke either in his Liuer or in his Lights or in some other place Euen so he cannot bee taken for a iust and righteous man if God be iudge which although he do not outwardly vse whordome steale nor kill yet dooth in his heart desire other mens wiues seruants c. or any other goods and wisheth that he were dead or hanged whō he hateth Exod. 20.17 Good Workes but yet failing in the manner of doing AS the Elders of the Iewes who comming to our Sauiour Christ in the behalfe of the Centurion for his sicke seruaunt besought him instantly as though they might not be denied and they tell him that the Centurion is worthie of so much fauor as that forsooth the Lord Iesus should come to him heale his seruant for proofe whereof they alleadge two strong reasons one is hee loueth our nation an other is he hath built vs a Synagogue Euen so plead the Papists we are worthie O Lord of thy fauour we haue deserued so much at thy hands Or such a one that is now dead hath deserued so much as that thou shouldest receiue his soule for he loued vs well while hee liued he was an honest man hee made vs good cheare he kept a good house he filled our bellies our purses too besides this he hath built vs a stately Synagogue goodly Churches and Chappels of ease hee mended our high-wayes hee erected such a Colledge such an Hospitall therefore Lord thou must of necessitie receiue his soule into thy kingdome or else thou doest him wrong Luk. 7.3 4 5. Math. 7.21 22. By the written Word of God things amisse are discerned LIke as a man that hath neuer so good eyes yet if hee bee in a deepe darknesse cannot for all the goodnesse of his eyes know and discerne his owne Father standing directly before him much lesse a beame or a mote in his eye vntill such time as he hath light to discerne him withall Euen so though we bee neuer so well and sharpe sighted are we able to discerne a beame or mote in the Churches eye without the helpe of the light of the Word Psal 119.105 Ephe. 5.13 Math. 7.3 4 5. 2. King 22.1 c. 29.1 2 c. Not two Wills in God AS the sight of the eyes when they are dazeled disturbed doo imagine and suppose that there bee two candles burning when ther is but one Euen so our mind when it looketh vppon the Will of God supposeth that there bee two Wills in God one secret and an other reuealed which is a thing farre disagreeing from the nature of God The Wisedome of God AS the Lord is Almightie and able to deliuer his children and Church from the wicked and willing to do it Euen so dooth hee know the wayes and meanes most perfectly readily how to doo it at al times according to to his will and pleasure 2. Pet. 2.9 Wrath of God 1 AS all good neighbours will hastely run to the quenching of a daungerous fire So likewise all Christians ought to make speed to pacifie the Wrath of God when they perceiue the same to wax hotte against them Psal 2.12 2 As the water of mightie flouds doo with great violence rage flow and cannot be stopped So the Wrath of God commeth vpon the wicked who peruert all lawes and all Religion Hose 5.10 The Workes of Gods ministerie ineuitable LIke as it is to no purpose to seeke to take by force a Citie so well fenced and manned as it may be So likwise vaine are the attempts of them that oppose themselues to Gods Ministers to hinder them from dooing that for which God hath sent them Iere. 1.18 19. Gods Word the salue for our soules AS those parts which are within vs haue most need of carefull keeping because the inward disease is most daungerous Euen so the holy Ghost hath allotted vnto our inward infection the most soueraigne and all sufficient salue his Word Psal 147.3 Math. 8.8 Mark 1.40 Will of God 1 AS the Potter in tempering his clay if he cannot make and frame it according to his mind at length he will dash it in peeces So God created man not that he should doo his owne Will but Gods Will and therefore whosoeuer he bee that followeth the lustes of his owne wicked heart and wil not be brought to be conformable to Gods Will but continues rebellious still the Lord in his wrath will confound them eternally 2 Like as if a man haue a trade and other men come into his shoppe and vse such instruments as bee there to a wrong ende though they were their owne yet it would grieue him to see it So God created all things for his own vse and for the accomplishing of his Will but rebellious man conformes himselfe to the Diuils Will and thereby no doubt he grieuously offendeth God Good Workes vncontrollable AS no man can accuse the Potter for making of the same lumpe of Clay a drinking Pot and a Chamber pot So likewise none ought to quarrell or find fault with their Creator whose Workmanship they are framed at his good pleasure and will Rom. 9.21 Mans Weaknesse to doo any thing for himselfe AS it is with young children who when they are first taught to goe can stand no longer then they are holden vp by the hand Or as it is with those that learne to swim who as soone as they are left to themselues sinke to the bottome Euen so likewise is it with vs when God taketh his helpe from vs and ceaseth to defend and relieue vs or else to take
Idolatrie and superstition whereby also their ignorant mindes and weake consciences are much disquietted for a time yet for that they procure in the ende their former health and seeke onely to restore them a right to their perfect libertie in Christ they cannot therefore bee truely termed disturbers either of the outward or inward peace of the Church but rather the faithfull defenders thereof for that they doo daily admonish their people to conforme themselues to the right manner of seruing and worshipping God according to his word and to beware of such stinking Garlike and Onions of Egypt as naturally they are apt to surfeit vpon Numb 11.4 5. Patience 1 AS in playing tables we know not what cast shal happen but that which happeneth is the players part to play well So what things shall happen in our life is not in vs to appoint but that which happeneth is our dutie by Patience to accept and vse well 2 As the Apostles did waite with Patience for the promise of Christ for so soone as he was ascended into heauen they came straight to Ierusalem where they continued tenne dayes till the holy Ghost was sent So likewise must wee prescribe no time to the Lord but Patiently waite for those things which we want Act. 1.11 12. 2.1 2 3 4. 3 Euen as the Husbandman labouring in tilling and sowing their fieldes doo patiently looke for fruite So the godly ought by Patience to looke for the end of faith which is the saluation of their soules Iam. 5.7 Preacher 1 AS one peece of wood cannot possibly kindle an other vnlesse the same bee first kindled it selfe So likewise no Preacher can inflame his hearers with the loue of Religion which is not first inflamed himselfe with the loue of the Lord and a care of his glorie nor conuert or teach an other rightly that is not truely conuerted and taught himselfe c. Luk. 22.32 Rom. 2.21 2 As the aboundance of fruites or as a plentifull haruest procureth the paineful ploughman to labour afresh and with a future hope to put his hand to the plough to bend his backe to the burden and most willingly abide the brunt of euerie blast because hee seeth such store of fruites from his former labours So surely euery godly Preacher perceiuing his former practise to bring foorth such profit hee is pricked forward to labour more diligently in his calling accounting those paines his onely pleasure and making those his carefull hearers his daily delight saying Loe these are the trees of righteousnesse these are the planting of the Lord in whom he is glorified c. Prou. 11.30 Esay 61.3.9 3 As the yong Crab-fish being checked on a time of her elder for going so crokedly said first go you straight before vs and then wee will the straighter follow your steps So if the Preacher will haue his hearers to doo and practise that which he teacheth them then hee himselfe must doo and practise that which he teacheth them that so his good behauiour may be their ensample otherwise they will cast his owne dung in his face and say Physition heale thy selfe Luk. 8.16 11.33 1. Pet. 2.12 Math. 23.13 Mal. 2.9 Luk. 4.29 4 As those foolish Carpenters who building and preparing the Arke for the sauegard of Noah and his family were drowned themselues in the floud Or as a grinding-stone which by giuing an edge to the tooles yet becommeth it selfe more blunt then before Or as a Candle which by giuing light to others is consumed it selfe Or as a Mearestone which directeth the poore traueillers aright in their viage but yet it standeth still it selfe at a stay Or as that miserable Husbandman that selleth away al his best Corne but keepeth the refuse to himselfe Or as Cyrus the foolish Wine seller solde others of the best Wine and did drinke the lees and dregges himselfe Or as a fire-brand which kindleth and setteth other wood on fire but it is consumed and burnt it selfe Or as a sicke Captaine which may giue his Souldiers good counsell though himselfe bee vnable to strike a stroake Or as an Alabaster box which containeth very precious oyntments for such as are sicke but feeleth it selfe no sauour thereof Or as a Librarie ful of singular good knowledge for such as are desirous to learne but hath neither vse nor profit thereof it selfe Or as a gilden Cup full of very wholesome Wine for the comfort of those that are drie but yet it remaineth it selfe a thirst Or as a foolish Minstrell which singeth one thing with the mouth and harpeth an other with his hands Euen so that Minister that giueth good counsell to other but followeth it noâ— himselfe that buildeth vp with one hand but breaketh downe with the other which Preacheth soundly buâ— liueth lycentiously which reprooueth others for stealing and yet stealeth himselfe who blameth others foâ— Adulterie but yet breaketh wedlocke himselfe who condemneth the ill dooings and dealings of others and yet dooth the same things himselfe Such a one may as sure himselfe that without speedie repentance he shall neuer escape the iudgements of God Gene. 6.21 Math. 14.38 39. Luk. 17.26 27. 1. Pet. 3.20 Gal. 2.18 Psal 50.17 18. Rom. 2.21 22 23. 5 As there is but one onely meanes to saluation for all whether Prophet or Apostle Preacher or people Iew or Gentile bond or free or of what condition so euer So surely those are the best kind of Preachers in deed which deliuer the doctrine of Christ with some experience and feeling thereof in themselues which verily addeth a maruellous efficacie and force to that doctrine deliuered Gal. 2.6 Ephe. 6.9 Col. 3.25 1. Pet. 1.17 6 As the sicke man seeketh not a Physition eloquent but expert and cunning So of a Preacher there must not be required a phrase of speech adorned and affected but plaine wise and for edification 7 Like as some men entangled in ouer many turnings â—oo make a short way very long So likewise some Preachers in teaching trifling questions and matter that edifieth not doth greatly hinder his hearers from profiting in wisedome and knowledge 8 As a blind sore and wounded eye which cannot direct and leade the body is rather a blemish and a burâ—en to the naturall body then a commoditie Euen so a man allowed and appointed to be a spirituall Pastor and Preacher which hath not the knowledge and grace to Preach the Lawe and the Gospell is but a blind and sore eye not able to direct and guide the spirituall bodie the people of God of whom he taketh charge of Mat. 6.23 〈◊〉 15.14 Act. 8.31 10 As a family or houshold left without a guide or Steward waxeth disordered as Schollers wanting a Schoolemaister cannot be learned as a ship destitute of a guide is vnlikely to be preserued Euen so the state and condition of such Churches and parishes are most wofull and lamentable which are depriued and lacke true and faithfull Preachers who are the Lords stewards to dispose his secrets the