heare they likewise doo ring theirs and so from one to an other whereby all the Countrie is soone aduertised that their is some offender to bee taken or stayed Euen so thou when the clocke of thy tongue hath strooken looke that he that heard it will likewise strike his and his neighbour that heareth it his and so shall the infirmitie of thy neighbour soone come to the eares of many And therefore if thou beest loath it should be knowne then thou oughtest not to haue vttered that which thou knowest euerie man will bee readie likewise to vtter 8. Like as if there were no receiuer of thefts there would not be so many theeues So if none would harken to Slaundring and backbiting there would not be so many backbiters Prou. 25.23 Psal 15.3 9 As a shaft shot against a stone reboundeth and somtime hurteth him that shot it So when a Saunderer or backbiter seeth his countenance that heareth or indeed harkeneth not vnto him sad or frowning hee holdeth his peace hee waxeth pale his countenance is troubled and his tongue stoppeth suddenly Exod. 23.1 10 As one stripe of the tongue woundeth three the backbiter him that giueth eare to the backbiting and the backbitten So the two first doo thereby wound their consciences to death by deseruing the sentence of eternall fire but the third is no whit damnified but in his good name and that peraduenture but for a short space Sober in youth and childish in old age THere is a nation in India called Pandora which people in their youth haue gray hayres but in olde age their hayres are altogether blacke So some in their youth be Sober and modest but when they wax older then they are giuen to more folly and trifles in so much that they may seeme to wax children againe Spirit 1 AS Comfrey sod and put with minsed meate bringeth it altogether againe into one masse or lumpe So the Spirit ioyneth in one those which were seuered if it be among them 2 As Baulme put into Beehiues causeth the Bees to keepe together and other to come vnto them So where the Spirit of God is it causeth Christians to abide in one and draweth other vnto them Some snared with their owne deuises AS Perillus who gaue the brazen Bull to the Tyrant Phalaris who caused the said Perillus to be first pained and tormented in the same engine which he had inuented Euen so some doo fall into the pitte and snare which they had made and deuised for other Psal 57.6 Pro. 26.2 Eccle. 10.8 Some haue better liking to other mens things then to their owne EVē as Adulterers are greatly pleased with other mens wiues but their owne they do contemne and litle regard So some men doo more delight in the pleasure or things of other mens then in their owne Sabbath 1 LIke as Maisters will be displeased with their Seruants if they spend their time idly wherein they should apply their worke Euen so we may well thinke that the Lord will not be cōtented with them who when they shuld sanctifie his Sabboth and do his worke either shew themselues as slow-bellies therein or else altogither neglect the same to serue their owne voluptuousnesse 2 As the Scholler deserueth to be corrected and punished that playeth the treuant and so absenteth himselfe from the Schoole Euen so no doubt the Lord wil punish and be reuenged of those that absent themselues without iust cause from the congregation of Gods people 3 Dauid would not haue his seruants aduenture their corporall liues for his prouision nor drinke the water when they had prouided it Euen so much lesse ought Christians for their meates sake to aduenture their liues yea the soules of their seruants Cookes in being absent from the holy exercises of the Lords Sabboth 2. Sam. 23.15 16 17. 1. Chro. 11.17 18 19. 4 Like as Christian Maisters would not be content to see their seruants plowing carting or working on theyr Trades on the Sabboth dayes which yet to do is lawful on the six dayes least they should be accounted breakers both of Gods lawes their Princes Euen so much more they ought to be ashamed to behold see their children or seruants to prophane the Lordes Sabboth by dycing carding foote-ball or stoole-ball playing c. which are more vnlawfull to be done on this day then working on their Trades but yet forbidden both by Gods Lawe and their Princes Lawe 5 As it is lawfull on the Sabboth day to pull and draw out a sheepe or other cattell out of a pit or ditch wherinto it is fallen and wherin it would otherwise perish Euen so much more it is lawfull to do good and to relieue any kinde of necessitie of our neighbour the same day 6 As it is sinne not to be carefull of the Sabboth that we might rest vpon it so it is greater sinne not to obserue it that it might be a Sabbath vnto the Lord by sanctifying it and if for want of heedfulnesse any thing do compell vs to worke vpon the day of rest it is our sinne in not marking the Sabbath day So if by our negligence we cannot sanctifie the day of rest vnto the Lord it is a greater sinne of not remembring to keepe it holy which is the first and greatest thing in this Commaundement Deut. 5.12 Exod. 20.8 7 As the Passe-ouer though it were a Sacrament onely belonging vnto the Iewes and the difference of meates and of cleane and vncleane things was proper vnto them yet the Lorde would haue the straungers that dwelt among them be subiect to the same Lawes for the good of his people and so that otherwise he woulde not haue them to haue anye dealing with them for he threatneth to cut them off from his people as appeareth Exod. 12.19 Leuit. 17.12 15. Euen so likewise the Lord would haue this holy Saboth of rest without all interruption and gainesaying to be duly obserued on all sides when vnto the particular commaunding of all estates by name to rest hee hath adioyned the beastes and the straungers vpon whom hee layes the like charge Exod. 23.12 Deut. 5.14 8 As other things are called most holy vnto the Lord because they are seperated from the common vse wherein other of the same nature are imployed and may not be vsed but to the Lords vse Exod. 29.44 40.13 Leuit. 27.28 30. So the Sabboth day or day of rest is then sanctified and hallowed of vs when we doo not vse it in the affaires of this life from the which it must be seperated and from which vppon it wee must rest but vse and make that day proper vnto it and to nothing principally but that 9 Euen as the child which is set to read must name euerie letter apart and distinctly by it selfe and spell euerie sillable that so hee might be holpen forward in reading which when he hath attained vnto though still hee be bound to read yet hee is freed from spelling and naming euerie
holy Ghost and be drawn from the loue of themselues and of worldly things vnto the pure loue of God as their Parents were A briefe Comparison of the sinnes that raigned in the people in the time of the Prophet Zephania with the like sinnes in the people of our time 1 AS in the time of the Prophet there were many and foule finnes and vices then raigning and ouerflowing amongst the people Euen so likewise are there now many greeuous sins and offences amongst vs. 2 As the people then presumed vpon their blinde and dead faith and counterfeit repentance and hypocriticall and faigned prayers So also the common people now presume vppon theyr idle faith thinking themselues as good Christians as the best if so bee that they can say by heart the Articles of theyr Beleefe the Lords Prayer and the tenne Commaundements and thinke that they repent verie well if they come to the Church on the Sabboth dayes and other holy dayes and say the Confession after their Minister although they bee neuer touched with any remorse or feeling of any one sinne yet they suppose they haue repented sufficiently and so likewise of Prayer 3 Like as in the Prophets time when the people were thus ouerwhelmed with their blinde faith counterfeit repentance and hypocriticall Prayers then the Lord in mercie sent his Prophets vehemently and sharply to reproue them and to denounce the iudgement of God against them Euen so the Lord of his vnspeakable goodnesse hath raised vp many famous and zealous Preachers in our dayes to exclaime and crie out against the manifold wickednesse now raigning amongst vs and to threaten vs with the vengeance of God for the same 4 As there were alwayes some good Prophets that would reprooue sinne and iniquitie in all estates without respect of persons so there was also some false and fawning Prophets and Preachers that would soothe vp the people with sweete and flattering words and dawbe them vp with vntempered morter telling them that there was peace and all was well and that they were in a very good case when indeede destruction was euen at hand Euen so in like manner as wee haue many faithfull Preachers that will boldly reprooue sinne in all estates so also wee haue many such clawbackes and flattering Ministers who doo soothe vp their Parishioners making them beleeue that they are as good Christians as the best and that they may be partakers of the Lords Supper if so be that they can say the Lordes prayer the Articles of their Beleefe and the tenne Commaundements yea and though they vnderstand not what the Sacraments meane neither wherefore nor yet to what end they were ordained nor what profit they should haue by worthily receiuing the same and if so be that they come to the Church at times appointed and heare the Seruice read although they returne home againe as wise as they came and haue profited no more in knowledge then the seates that they sat on yet these are good people say they and obedient and dutifull subiects 5 Euen as in the Prophets time the people then excused themselues for not comming to heare their Sermons because there were some Priests and false Prophets that did bend and set themselues with all their force to contrarie and gainsay that doctrine which the true Prophets did deliuer vnto the people wherevpon the people said that they could not agree amongst themselues therfore they would not heare them So likewise a number of people do now say after the like sort go about to excuse themselues saying we wil not heare them because they cannot agree among themselues for one say they Preacheth of this thing to day an other against it the next day some allow of one thing to day othersome disallow of the same so that say they we cannot tell which to follow or whom to beleeue but such as would be accounted good Christians ought to be growen to such knowledge and iudgement in the word of God that they be able to discerne and iudge who preacheth sound Doctrine and who teacheth corrupt and so to trie the spirits c. 1. Iohn 4.1 Christ Communicated to vs by a spirituall maner 1 AS we verily take and eate the bread and wine by a naturall maner the which incontinent after by digestion turneth into our substance and nourishment of our corporall life So likewise as verily although by a spirituall and celestiall maner and not with mouth and teeth is Iesus Christ himselfe which is now in heauen on the right hand of his Father communicated vnto vs 1. Cor. 10.16 that we may be flesh of his flesh Eph. 5.30 that is to say beeing knit and incorporated with him by faith Iohn 17.21 22 23. our soules and our bodies doo attaine to eternall life Col. 2.12 yea euen whilest wee be in this world his spirit doth sanctifie and gouerne our bodies and soules to dedicate and sacrifice all our life to his seruice and to the loue of our neighbours for the loue of him 2 As no man will denie a mans wife to be with her husband one body and flesh although hee be at London and she at Yorke So likewise it cannot truly be denied that the coupling of Christes body and bloud to the Sacrament is a spirituall thing and therefore there needes not any such carnall presence as the Papists doo imagine Education of Children 1 LIke as fruitfull fieldes for lacke of tillage waxe barren Or as trees being neglected either bring forth no fruite or else the same vnsauorie without the diligence of graffing and pruning Or as dogges be vnmeet to hunt the horse and Oxen vnapt to the plough except mans diligence be put thereto Euen so Children would become wilde and vnprofitable except by diligence and in due time they should be fashioned and brought in order by good bringing vp 2 Like as planting and carefulnesse hath great power in all growing things Euen so hath Education greater vertue and strength yea and better fruite in the diligent bringing vp of Children 3 Like as Noblemen and Gentlemen are desirous to haue a good and skilfull horsekeeper that can keepe their horses well and they spare not to giue great stipends to such Euen so how much more ought Christian Parents be desirous to haue and maintaine a good Schoolemaister that might godlily bring vp their children in vertue and wisedome 4 Like as if a horse be not well broken or haue any euill qualitie the owner will be carefull to see it remedied and that he may be made gentle So likewise godly Parents seeing their naturall childe euill brought vp ought to be much more carefull that he may be brought to some good order 5 As there be some men who can easily see and spie a spauine a sprent a ringbone or such other disease in a horse Euen so much more ought a good Father be as readie to looke that there be no faults in his Children or in the teacher vnto whome hee committeth the
of high or lowe degree in this world ought continually to haue his faith and hope surely built and grounded vppon Christ and to haue his heart and minde fast fixed and setled in him and to follwe him through thicke and thinne through fire and water through warres and peace through hunger and colde through friendes and foes through a thousand perilles and daungers through the surges and waues of enuie malice hatred euill speeches railing sentences contempt of the world flesh and diuell and euen in death it selfe bee it neuer so bitter cruell and tyranicall yet neuer to loose the sight and viewe of Christ neuer to giue ouer our faith hope and trust in him Can. 8.6 Psal 16.8 9. Heb. 12.2 38 As all Riuers of waters go into the Sea because they came out of it and so returne to the place whence they came So likewise euery good Christian ought to go and prease towards GOD with all his heart strength and power because hee came out from him and was created of him Hee ought therefore to looke vppon him with the eyes of a steadfast and constant faith grounded vpon his word Eccle. 1.7 39 Euen as in the midst of the Sphere is the Centre from which all lines beeing drawne doo tend towards their circumference So a good Christian man hath God for his circumference for whatsoeuer he thinketh speaketh or dooth it tendeth to Christ of whom hee is compassed round about Psal 32.10 91.4 c. 125.2 40 As some Infidels that know not Christ but are meere strangers vnto him do thinke it better to loose their liues then to violate their promises and oathes made to their enemies euen so much more Christians in such cases ought to be true and constant Ezech. 17.18 19. Iosu 9.14.18 41 Euen as mens hands were made that the one might helpe the other and the feete also because they be members of one the same body So is it the dutie of all Christians one to succour and to relieue an other in afflictions and troubles seeing the Church of God is a certaine body whereof wee are members 1. Cor. 12.26 27. Ephe. 5.30 42 As it should be against nature that one foote should hinder or smite an other So it is very vnreasonable and vngodly that one Christian should not comfort and relieue an other in their tribulations and wants Gal. 6.2 43 Like as if Hearbes watered do stil continue drie we iustly say they are dead So likewise we cannot aduow or assure our selues to be Christians watered with the spirit of Christ so long as in stead of bearing fruite by amendment of life we continue drie and withered 44 As he is not rightly called a rich man that can tell how and by what meanes a man may be exceeding rich but hee that hath riches of his owne and dooth possesse them So hee is not a good and right Christian man that can according to knowledge dispute and reason of vertue and godlinesse and can describe and define of the same but hee that is endued with vertue and possessed with true godlinesse and doth most willingly practise the same in the whole course of his life both with his friends and with his foes that man and such a woman is rightly called and is indeede a true Christian in whom the Lord hath great delight 1. Cor. 8.1 45 As burning candles doo giue light vntil they be consumed So likewise godly Christians must bee occupied in doing of good so long as they shal liue Gal. 6.9.10 46 As vnto the vngodly man said God why doest thou Preach my Lawes and takest my couenant in thy mouth whereas thou hatest to me reformed and haste cast my words behinde thee So we may be wel assured that it is not inough for Christians to haue the Gospell in their mouthes but they must expresse the truth thereof in their liues for is not inough to haue the name of a Christian but to be found a Christian indeed 47 As nature helped not Abrahams owne children but because they lacked Abrahams workes they are called Diuels sonnes So likewise the bare and naked name of a Christian without vertue is a bare title without veritie and profiteth not any at all 48 As the Paschall Lambe was eaten with sowre hearbs and vnleauened bread So the faithful Christian ought to repent him of his euill life past and to giue himselfe to puritie of life Exod. 12.8 49 Euen as a man that passeth through a strong floud or streame on foote least he stumble and fall downe setteth his eye steadily vpon the firme Land which he mindeth to attaine vnto and marketh not the swift course of the water and so goeth ouer safely and is nothing dismayed So likewise a sound and good Christian passing the raging waues of present troubles turneth away his sight his thought and all apprehension that he might otherwise haue of the miserie of them and lifting vp his eyes to heauen beholdeth there with a spirituall regard the inestinable treasures of the heauenly inheritance which hee striueth vnto and by this meanes easily surmounteth all horrour and feare of torments and griefes which commonly make alterations in mens heads and casteth them headlong into desperation 50 Euen as euery beast that is striken with lightning turneth his face toward the lightning So likewise if Christians will haue regard to God when he pleaseth them he will compel them also to haue an eye to him when hee strikes them Psal 78.34.5 51 Like as the deawy drops after great heate doth cherish the grasse Euen so good Christians do bring forth workes of mercie pittie comfort and refreshing to the people amongst whom they do liue and are conuersant Mica 5.7 Common-wealth 1 AS they which do learne Musicke at the first doo leese breake and marre sundrie Instruments as Gitterns and Lutes So the Common-wealth susteineth great detriment and losse wherein Magistrates rude and vnskilful do rule 2 As it is a thing most hard and daungerous to roote vp olde trees and to plant them of new So without great tumult and vprore you cannot alter the olde custome and vsage of the Common-wealth 3 As water mingled with wine maketh it more moderate So olde men ioyned with young men in the administration of the Common-wealth is most necessarie 4 Euen as a body without a soule is dead because it vseth not the sinewes ioynts nor members So that Common-wealth or that Citie may well and truly be said to be dead where good Lawes godly Statutes and holy Ordinances are not vsed and put in practise which are the sure binding bands of mans societie and the principall parts of a Common-wealth Common people AS they which frequent and haunt the schoole of defence do liue striue contend and fight one with an other So of the Common-people one loueth the other spoileth each other Carelesse men who forbeare to do well because others will not do so 1 LIke as if an Housholder hauing many seruants and much worke
the corrupted wounds of a sicke body and to take away or to feare with an hot Iron the rotten flesh in cutting or searing hath no pittie of the weake man to the end that in curing his sore and healing his wound by cutting and searing he may shew him pittie Euen so our most wise God that celestiall Physition and heauenly Surgeon smiteth and afflicteth vs that hee may heale vs cutteth and seareth vs that he may cure vs. Heb. 12.6.7 Deut. 32.39 Amo. 3.2 Psa 89.31.32 Good Christians are much grieued when God is dishonored AS a water pot or a Viall full of liquor if suddenly it be ouerthrowne doth shed and scatter the liquor So a deuout and godly Christian abounding with teares being mooued and troubled with sorrow because of the iniuries dishonour wrongs and blasphemies committed against the Lord doth presently powre out great aboundance and as it were mightie streames of salt and bitter teares Luke 19.41 Psal 119.136 Math. 26.75 Disobedient Children EVen as a long and a prosperous life is promised vnto obedient sonnes So on the other side all disobedient vnthankfull and obstinate Children are assured of the punishment of infamie ioyned with diuers and great oâ— lamities and torments Exod. 20.12 1. Sam. 2.22 1. King 1.25 c. Deut. 21.18 c. Pro. 20.20 Ephe. 6.2 The end of our Calling LIke as if her Maiestie to shew her puissance against a forraine power should call foorth one or two of her subiects who are most beholding vnto her to Iust and turney in her presence for her honor they wold no doubt straine all their strength in this seruice yea and their liues too Euen so much more ought we that are Christians to performe this dutie to our God and Prince who hath called vs out by name to fight for his honour to be a chosen and peculiar people vnto himselfe to stand on his parts to shew forth his vertues and to be zealous of good workes yea and that wee might the better performe this seruice he hath furnished vs with his owne armour and weapons yea and his owne hand is with vs too though all men see it not and therefore we must endeuour to doo valiantly and to doo our best to answere the expectation of our heauenly king and prince Tit. 2.13.14 Psal 130.4 1. Pet. 2.9 Cantic 8.6 The Churches variable estate vpon earth LIke as the day and night doo one follow another So likewise in the administration of the Church here vpon earth Christ suffereth a continuall intercourse betweene peace and persecution Christ is to be serued and pleased before our selues or others AS the maister of those seruants that are borne in his house or whome hee purchaseth doo pretend that they doo him wrong when they spend any time either to their owne particular profite or in the seruice of others So may Iesus Christ much more iustly complaine of vs that are his two-fold seruants namely by birth and by purchase if wee imploy euen neuer so little of our liues to serue and please our selues the world or the diuell our enemies 1. Cor. 6.19 Math. 16.24 Luk. 9.23 Rom. 12.2 It is spirituall Adultrie to forsake Christ and loue the world EVen as a woman may rightly be called an Adulteresse that giueth her body to other men and setteth her loue on an other So they which flie from Christ and forsake him being their spirituall husband by setting their loue on this world or any thing therein doo commit adulterie against Christ Iam. 4.4 Ephe. 5.30 1. Cor. 6.17 Christ is sent of the Father AS fire sendeth forth both heate and light but neither heate nor light sendeth fire so the father sendeth both Christ and the all knowing comforter and hee is vnsent Christ and the holy Ghost are of the Father AS both the light the heate are of the fire So Christ and the holy Ghost both are of the Father the one begotten the other proceeding and the Father onely is of himselfe and of no other Christ is to be loued for sauing of vs. 1 LIke as if thou fallest into a deepe ryuer being in apparant daunger of drowning if any man should cast the a rope or himselfe leape into the water to saue thy life thou canst not sufficiently confesse and acknowledge thy selfe his debter to doo him pleasure and seruice all the daies of thy life So likewise wee were not onely in daunger of falling into hell but were alreadie fallen euen from our infancie and dayly through our sinnes fell deeper and deeper Yet Christ cast vs not in a rope to pull vs vp and saue vs but threw himselfe into our sea of woe into our hell to be short into horrible death wherein wee were drowned to plucke vs foorth and therefore with great zeale and affection we are bound to say Lord wee are bound to loue honour serue please and obey thee in all that we may with our whole hearts all the dayes of our life 2 Like as if thou werst vpon a Scaffold ready to be beheaded for thy drunkennesse or adulterie and thereupon shouldest haue a pardon and so thy life saued vpon condition that thou shouldest fall no more thereinto thou wouldest no doubt willingly and heartily promise yea with thy hand subscribe and with thy tongue sweare that thou wouldest neuer more commit adulterie or drunkennesse but that thou wouldest abhorre all Tauernes Ale-houses and drunkerds all whores and bawdes and so amend thy life Now seeing Iesus Christ hath saued thee not from an apparant daunger of death but euen from death it selfe and not from the death of the body but from euerlasting death who requireth of thee to amende thy life which thou art bound so to doo yea thou oughtest cheerefully and earnestly promise and faithfully vowe to reforme and amend and to shun all occasions that might procure thee to displease and offend him Counsell EVen as out of an Apothecaries shoppe where verie wholesome medicines precious oyntments and most pleasant perfumes are solde sometimes commeth most ranke and deadly poyson So very often from men greatly experienced and deepely learned do come very pestilent pernitious and treacherous Counsels The right knowledge of Christ crucified 1 AS Elizeus when hee would reuiue the childe of the Shunamite went vp and lay vpon him and put his mouth vpon his mouth and his hands vppon his hands and his eyes vpon his eyes and stretched himselfe vpon him Euen so if thou wouldest bee reuiued to euerlasting life thou must by faith as it were set thy selfe vpon the Crosse of Christ and applie thy hands to his hands thy feete to his feete and thy sinful heart to his bleeding hart and content not thy selfe with Thomas to put thy finger into his side but euen diue plunge thy selfe wholly both body and soule into the woundes and bloud of Christ 2. King 4.34 2 As the dead Souldier tumbled into the graue of Elizeus was made aliue at the very touching of his body Euen so shalt
then Christ Iesus who with the death of his own heart gaue life to our bodies and soules If the world doo but a little smile vpon vs and giue vs but an alluring looke and a faire word wee will by and by follow it and bestow vpon it all our attendance If the diuell himselfe can make vs belieue that wee shall either haue profite or pleasure by dooing his will our hearts minds wils al are readier for him then for Iesus Christ O matchlesse yea monstrous madnesse they that seeke our destruction can sooner with a pleasant looke then Christ with the giuing of his life for vs haue vs at commandement Christ would haue vs to mortifie our earthly members as fornication vncleannesse inordinate affections euill concupisence and couetousnesse which is Idolatrie But alas we nourish pamper and cherish all these The Lord would haue our conuersation in heauen but we are altogether carnally and earthly minded The Lord would haue our feete to stand within the gates of Ierusalem but we loue rather to bee trampling the streetes of Egypt Babylon and Sodom The holy Ghost would haue vs to fight a good fight to finish our course after the will of God and to keepe the faith not onely in words but also in life and deedes Indeed wee are apt and ready to fight and striue for worldly promotion honour dignitie reuenues and riches but for heauen and heauenly things we will neuer striue take no paines nor once trouble our selues wee will haue it with ease and all manner of pleasures or else not at all farwell it The courses we take here in this life are very bad and the end vnlesse we repent is like to be worst of all And whiles we haue no care to keepe good consciences it is vnpossible for vs to keepe faith If Christ and Sathan should stand before vs the one pointing vs to heauen and eternall felicitie but the way to it full of troubles griefes and sorrowes the other pointing to hell but the way to it full of delicates pleasures and daintie delights and let God call and the diuell call yet the diuell it is to be feared is like to haue the greater number to follow him for those short pleasures Christ but a few to follow him because they must go loadeÌ„ with Crosses and afflictions dayly experience doth teach vs no lesse seeing all our actions are carnall and haue onely but little outward shew and no taste at all of true godlinesse nor so much as any rellish of the spirit and loue of Chriâ—â— Some will abstaine from the committing of any grosse sinnes now and then and yet not that in any true and sincere loue to God but either for feare of shame and punishment in this world or else feare of vengeance in the world to come which both are vnprofitable for the Lord hath no pleasure in forced seruice hee will haue it voluntarie with the heart and proceeding of loue not of a seruile feare otherwise it shall bee numbred with the rest of our sinnes This doth greatly condemne vs that though we doo not such things our selues yet wee can without trouble of conscience griefe of heart or vexation of mind see and heare the Lords name blasphemed his Sabboth vnhalowed Idolatrie committed parents dishonored whoredome theft murder and Couetousnesse commonly vsed and all the lawes of God vtterly contemned and it shall neuer offend the greatest number so much as a thorne in a foote or a blaine or push vppon a finger This vndoubtedly is euen to forsake God in the plaine field and to be afraid to serue him in truth and sinceritie least we should therby purchase mans displeasure vnlesse therefore wee learne to serue him better in more truth with greater zeale in singlenes of heart we haue nothing else to looke for but that he will forsake vs both in this world leauing vs destitute of his assistance that our enemies may pray vpon vs and also in the world to come in giuing out against vs his malediction curse woe and sentence of death Math. 25.37 Psal 15.2 Pro. 23.26 Col. 3.5 Phil. 3.20 Psal 122.2 2. Tim. 4.5.6.7 Math. 25.41 Breakers of the fourth Commaundement 1 AS those parents that bring not their sonnes daughters being of yeares of discretion on the Sabboth day to the Church to be partakers of the holy exercises as preaching prayer Catechising and Sacraments do transgresse this Commaundement So in like manner those paâ—ents greatly offend heerein that bring their yong children to the Church on the Sabboth dayes who either by their crying or running vp and downe the Church doo both trouble themselues the Minister and the people that the word preached the prayers vttered caÌ„not with reuerence be so well heard as otherwise they might And no lesse do they offend herein that bring their Hawkes Hounds or Dogs to disquiet the Congregation 2 As Magistrates Schoolemaisters as also all Artificers and Handicrafts men ought to abstaine from their Offices and callings on the Sabboth day because they are impediments to hinder their zeale and attentiuenesse that they ought to giue to God in his worship and seruice that day So contrariwise if God will not haue them exercise their vocations and trades being lawfull and necessarie then much more he will not haue them exercised in vnlawfull and vnnecessarie works as in gayming dycing daunsing carding drinking rioting other vanities of this world whereby they are not onely drawne from the company of the holy Congregation but also doo thereby defile their bodyes which they ought rather to sanctifie and keepe holy Christ commeth of the Father AS the Sunne remaineth the same and is not lessened by the beames which it spreadeth abroad So neither is the substance of the Father lessened or changed though he haue the Sonne an Image of himselfe Christ not to be denied in persecution AS the Serpent when he seeth he shall come into mans hands defendeth his head either by gathering himselfe into a circle or thrusting his head into a hole leauing the other parts open to the wounds So likewise we must do in time of persecution euen keepe Christ our head from wounds howsoeuer our bodies suffer Curiositie 1 AS the Phisitions do speak of the members of a mans body that they are made and composed of forme substance strength and greatnesse and placed and disposed very coÌ„ueniently to shew their effects and operations So likewise in euery Commonwealth God hath raised vp some men either Ciuilians or Diuines furnished them with such graces and gifts as are necessarie to effect such things as he hath before determined now if the foote will take vpoÌ„ him to execute the office of the hand or that the hand wil needs walk as the foote if the eare wil striue to see and the eye to heare it would be a very vaine foolish thing for them to enterprise such things seeing they haue not bene made and framed thereto In like maner we striue in
7.37 3 Like as water dooth put out fire and quench thirst So the holy Ghost doth quench the fire of the euill concupisences of the flesh and doth also quench the thirst of the poore troubled soules satisfying them for euermore Yea hee doth asswage ease and comfort the griefes and mourning of the godly which commonly are in this world most afflicted and whose sorrowes do passe all humane consolation whereof he hath the proper name Paraclet or the Comforter Ioh. 4.13 14. 16.7 4 Like as in this life it commeth to passe in the Elect and chosen as wee see it by experience in bladders the which if they bee emptie and throwne into the water foorthwith they sinke But if they bee blowne and filled with wind they fleete and swimme aboue like a bubble and sinke not vnder the water Euen so mens minds being as yet voide and destitute of the spirite of God are drowned in their inordinate desires sensualitie pleasures and other sundrie passions and worldly affections But when they are replenished and filled with the holye Ghost they triumph ouer sinne and are of it neuer ouercome So that by his meanes wee haue abilitie to will those things that are right and to do those things that are good 5 As it is the nature of fire to warme the body that is benummed and frozen with colde So when a man is benummed and frozen in sinne yea when hee is euen starke dead in sinne it is the propertie of the holy Ghost to warme and quicken his heart and to reuiue him Mat. 3.11 Ioh. 3.5 6 As it is the propertie of Water to clense and purifie the filth of the bodie Euen so the holy Ghost dooth spiritually wash away our sinnes which are the filth of our nature 7 As Oyle doth strengthen the members and make them more nimble and doth also restore and heale them being broken So much more doth the holy Ghost make vs chearefull and quicke readily and constantly to performe the duties of our calling 7 As fire altereth things sometimes by burning out sometimes by inflaming So the holy Ghost altereth man by regenerating burneth out by mortifying the old man inflameth by quicking and raysing vp the new man Great men full of cares AS the toppes of trees placed on great mountaines are mooued with the least blast of wind that bloweth Euen so those men which are set in high places of honour and dignitie are troubled with the report of euery messenger though neuer so base whereas men of low degree and calling for the most part liue quietly at ease without any molestation Grace wrought by degrees AS a man looking stedfastly on a Diall cannot perceiue the shadow mooue at all yet viewing it a while hee shall perceiue that it hath mooued So in hearing of the word but especially in the receiuing of the Lords supper a man shall iudge euen his own faith and other graces of God to be little or nothing increased neither can he perceiue the motion of Gods spirit in him at that present yet by the fruites and effects thereof hee shall after perceiue that Gods spirite hath by little and little wrought greater faith and other graces in him A Godly life AS it cannot by any meanes come to passe that hee which enioyeth the beames of the Sunne should be in darknesse Euen so it is impossible that he which hath his conuersation with God should not be immortall Holy Ghost worketh where and in whom he will 1 LIke as the wind bloweth in what quarter of heauen it listeth and where it beginneth blowing where it endeth no man can tell neither can any man deuise meanes to stop the course of it Euen so with like libertie and with the like open apparance worketh the holy spirit of God where and in whom hee will and no power nor abilitie of man is able to resist and withstand it Iohn 3.8 2 As of drie Wheate one lumpe cannot bee made without moysture nor one loafe So neither could wee that are many become one in Christ Iesus without water which is from heauen that is without the holy Ghost Good will not to be mocked AS a man hauing a seruant that is an idle fellow who forefloweth his businesse mindeth other matters and goeth to his worke lastly and like a Beare to the stake would not bee pleased with his seruice but rather would shift his hands of him and send him packing Euen so the Lord our God cannot abide that wee should worshippe him with our bodies when our soules are farre from him that we should honour him with our tongues when our hearts wander from him Or that we should serue him in part some peece of the Sabboth and to serue sinne and Sathan the rest for he will not be mocked hee is euer iealous of his owne glorie Gal. 6.7 God a spirit which cannot be represented by any bodily shape LIke as a bodyly Image which representeth vnto vs the face of man ought liuely to set before vs all his lineaments and proportions that by the counterfaiting or engrauing we might conceiue whatsoeuer might bee seene in him which the same representeth Euen so the image of God must through the same likenesse set before our senses a certain vnderstanding of the knowledge of God For this we are sure of that nothing may beare the image of God but that which is a spirit because in very deed God is a spirite and therefore this image of God in man can haue no abiding place but in the soule Gene. 1.26 27. 2.7 5.1 Col. 3.10 Eph. 4.24 All Good things come from heauen AS the raine and dew falling from aboue watering the ground makes it fruitfull So likewise the grace of the holy Ghost comming from God the father stirre vp our minds to all goodnesse 1. Cor. 4.7 Iam. 1.17 Gentlenesse rather to be vsed then rigorousnesse AS some disease which by no force can bee expelled oftentimes is with the iuyce of hearbes asswaged So some men you shall sooner ouercome and winne by clemencie and Gentlenesse then by rigorousnesse and extremitie The Gospell to bee mingled with the law in preaching 1 AS the strong purgine blacke Hedebore giuen vncorrected with other things to allay the power of it hurteth more thē profiteth So the terrible iudgement of the word when it is preached without some comforts intermingled will doo more harme then good 2 As bitter Wormewood and sweete Honie mingled together are very profitable to take away the dimnesse of the bodily sight and to make a man see worldly things clearely So the bitter threatnings of the law and sweete promises of the Gospel laide together are most fit to take away the dimnesse of spiritual eyes and to make them see clearely heauenly things So outward aduersitie prosperitie mingled together 3 As Pepper-woort once sowen continueth and can hardly be destroyed So the word once receiued continueth and can hardly be banished Gospell 1 AS the law because it is the
of them that behold it the more excellent men are they iudged Euen so Hypocrites doo some deedes which to see too are very good workes but neuerthelesse they keepe their hearts minds and wils diuided and seperated farre from God These things to wit their hearts minds wils and purposes they steale from the Lord and doo bestow them vpon the world they regarde not God they seeke onely to please men in the action of vertue they haue no respect vnto vertue it selfe but onely and barely to the shewe and shape or likenesse of vertue Rom. 12.1 6.4 1. Cor. 5.7 8. Ephe. 4.24 41 As the Hearbe of the Sunne so called because it windeth it selfe about the Sunne in the morning very earely it beholdeth the rysing thereof and all the day it euen followeth the course of the Sunne euer turning the leaues towards the same but the roote it neuer changeth stirreth nor moueth it hath that still fast fixed within the earth So likewise Hypocrites will seeme to followe the Sonne of righteousnesse Christ Iesus but it is onely in leaues and outward shewes for their rootes that is their hearts are farre and fast within the earth where in deede their treasure is Math. 6.21 42 Like as Apple-trees which in the sweete and pleasant spring-time will bee well stored and full of goodly blossomes and will giue a franke offer and a large promise of much fruit but when the fruite is looked for and should be gathered there is none to be had they were but bare leaues and idle blossomes Euen so such are Hypocrites who wil lift vp their hands eyes and voices towards heauen and God and with such godly greene leaues will make a faire flourish a beautifull shew but their harts affections are surely set vpon earthly vaine vile and transitorie things and are as farre from God as heauen earth are distant one from an other Esay 29.13 Math. 15.8 43 As a Rushe or grasse without moysture withereth and drieth vp Euen so the Hypocrites because they haue not faith moystned with the grace of God perish and vanish away Iob. 8.11 44 As the Doer of Gods will doth abstaine from euill because it is contrarie vnto the will of God doth good because he is constrayned with the loue of him which is onely good So the Hypocrite contrarily abstaineth from euill for feare of punishment and doth the thing which seemeth good not constrained with the loue of God but mooued of his owne will by desire of praise or hope of reward Math. 7.21 45 As an Actor in a Comedie or Tragedy which somtimes resembleth Agamēnon somtimes Achilles somtimes their enemie Hector sometimes one mans person sometimes an other Euen so an Hypocrite wil counterfeit and seeme sometimes to be an honest and iust man sometimes a religious man and so of al conditions of men according to time persons and place 46 As the Ostrich hath things like wings would make one belieue that she could flie but cānot So an Hypocrite will resemble make a great shew of that which he is not 47 As Stage-players are not taken for them which they be but doo put on and represent a straunge person and hide that vnder a personage which they are not So the Scripture by a Metaphor calleth such Hypocrites as by externall gestures and deeds boast themselues for Saintes when for al that their minde is prophane and wicked that is when the outward man appeareth meeke as a sheepe when the inward man is rauening like a Wolfe Mat. 7.15 48 As the King that exacted of his debtor tenne thousand Talents did neuerthelesse frankly forgiue the whole debt to him which had nothing to pay but flied vnto the mercy of his Creditor So the Lord saith vnto the proude Hypocrite If thou wilt enter into life keepe the commandements Mat. 10.17 to the end that the Hypocrite descending into himselfe might confesse his filthines pouerty so craue pardon which had he done he had heard with the sinful woman Thy sinnes are forgiuen thee Luk. 7.48 49 As it is easie to know a peece of Gold from a peece of Brasse when they come both to the Anuile and to bee striken with the hammer for Brasse will not bee handled but when it cōmeth to the beating it breaketh maketh a sharp dinne and yrkesome Gold soundeth sweetly is pliable you may stretch it out both in length bredth in thin and fine leaues as you list So in like manner when an Hypocrite commeth betweene the Anuile the hammer of affliction hee brasteth with impatience he murmureth cryeth out and lamenteth in blasphemies against God whereas a faithfull Christian praiseth God giueth him thankes and layeth out his heart submitting himselfe willingly vnder the Lords hand that striketh him 50 As the Viper hath a smooth skin finely spotted without but most poysonfull within Euen so an Hypocrite hath sugered words faire speech but a deceitfull heart 51 Like as the Viper when shee goeth to the water to drinke casteth out her poyson and after she hath drunke receiueth the same againe So likwise an Hypocrite when he presenteth himselfe to be partaker of the Lords Supper will counterfeit much holynesse and seeme to bee religious and vpright in life and conuersation but afterwardes he returneth to his vomite and continueth in his wicked course 52 As a Rush cannot grow without moystnesse so can not the Hypocrite because hee hath not faith which is moystned with Gods spirit Heretickes 1 AS one being bitten with a mad Dogge shall not only runne mad himselfe but also with his contagion shall infect others So they which haue conceiued any pernitious Doctrine or Heresie will not onely themselues be infected but also with their infection vtterly marre and defile others 2 As the wind doth not carrie away the sound good Wheate but the light chaffe neither doth a storme ouerturne a tree fast and soundly rooted Euen so no more doth euery wind of Doctrine carrie away true members of the Church but the chaffe and rotten members as Heretickes ignorant persons Hypocrites phantastical heads and new-fangled men c. 3 As vnconscionable Vintners mingle their Wine with water So Heretickes corrupt the truth and mingle their owne conceits with it Hypocrisie 1 AS it auaileth a man nothing at all to the ease and reliefe of his pouertie to haue false coyne in his purse it must be good currant money otherwise it doth further endaunger himselfe and openeth a gap to his vtter destruction Euen so a faire tongue with a foule heart is false coyne it will helpe no man if he say he hateth sinne and yet loueth it in his heart for in so doing he condemneth himselfe how many and how good prayers soeuer hee maketh 2 Like as little children will feare and be greatly afraid at bugges and without feare thrust their hands into a candle or fire So likewise many men will bee afraide to commit the lesse sinnes yet make no
30.1 2. c. 31.1 2. c. Dan. 3.24 c. Psal 2.10 3 As inferior Magistrates ought not to shrinke from equitie Iustice notwithstanding the commaundements of their superiors So is it as great an ouersight in the superiour for feare of displeasing his inferiour to make any wrongfull or vnlawfull decree Dan. 6.9 25. c. Iere. 38.5 Math. 27.25.23 4 Like as when fire hath taken a house men vse to pull it downe and to cast it to the earth least it should fire also the neighbours houses So must the Magistrate plucke down and punish the transgressor least the heate of Gods wrath be kindled and consume all the people Numb 35.32 33. Iosu 7.12 c. Deut. 13.10 11 17. 21.1 c. Iona. 1.15 1. Cor. 10.6 c. 5.4 c. 5 As it is great rigor to condemne to death a man that by mischance killeth one So is it a mercy condemned by the Lord himselfe to pardon him that wilfully committeth murder Numb 35.11 12. Numb 33.16 17. Exod. 21.12 6 Euen as too much crueltie and seueritie of a Prince dooth make his subiects to feare him with hate So also doth generall good will gentlenesse make them to loue him and to feare least he should bee taken from them or incurre any mishap 7 As Princes and Magistrates haue their lawes statutes and ordinances wherewith to containe their subiects in their duties in the time of peace So should they take order for good gouernment in the warres to the end their iust warres may iustly and hoisly bee prosecuted Deut. 20.1 c. Meane estate of life is safest AS men being in deepe Caues are neuer stricken with thunder or lightnings So the base low and Meane estate or degree is most at ease and in safetie Ministers 1 AS a Mule that is gotten betweene a Horse and a shee Asse is neither Horse nor Asse So some Ministers whiles they endeuor and studie to be as well of the Court as of the Spiritualtie and to bee as well ciuill Magistrates as Preachers of the Gospell are in deed neither of both 2 As a Physition may perswade his sicke patient to take medicine and tell him the daunger if he will not receiue it but hee cannot compell him and yet oftentimes the sicke partie is forced by his parents and friends to receiue it Euen so it is the office of a Minister and Preacher to perswade by all good meanes his parishioners to abstaine from all notorious sinnes but to compell them he cannot but the magistrate may and ought to doo it Deut. 21.18 19 20 21. 3 Like as that woman which taketh a child to nurse and feede for hire although shee should pray for it one part of the day and sing it an other part of the day should wash it and keepe it as cleane as possibly could be the third part of the day and yet should giuen no milke nor feede it but suffer it to die for hunger neuerthelesse for all her singing and saying washing and praying shee were a murderesse Or as if a watchman were hyred of the Citizens to watch the Cittie and should leaue his place and goe into the Cittie and helpe the Masons to build the Walles or be occupied about some other affaires which hee had no charge off and in the meane time the enemies should come and kill some within the Cittie in thus doing hee should bee guiltie of their death Euen so that Minister that taketh a Congregation to feede who although he be diligent in reading his seruice singing of Psalmes ministring the Sacraments or else occupied about some affaires of the common-wealth and shall leaue vndone the most principall part of his calling which is preaching and Catechising and so the people perish for want hereof in thus dooing he should bee a soule murderer and guiltie of all those that thus perish Ezech. 34.2 c. 33.2 3. c. Iere. 23.1 2. c. Zach. 11.17 Iohn 10.1 c. 4 Like as Cookes who commonly are occupied in preparing of banquets haue as much feeling and seeing of the meate as any other and yet there is none that eateth lesse of it then they for their stomackes are cloyed with the smell and taste of it So in like maner it may come to passe that the Minister which dresseth and prouideth the spirituall foode may eate the least of it himselfe and so labouring to saue others he may be a reprobate Mat. 7 22. Act. 1.16 17. 2. Timo. 4.10 Hebr. 6.5 5 Like as if Ministers cannot aunswere one thing of a â—housand if God should enter into iudgement with them in respect of themselues Euen so much lesse will they be able to aunswere the Lord for euery soule that dieth belonging to their charge which will bee required at their hands dying I meane the spirituall death for lacke of spirituall foode Iob. 9.3 Ezech. 3.18 6 As there cannot bee a greater treasure or Iewell in a Christian common-weale then an earnest faithfull and constant preaching Minister of the Lords word Euen so can there not be a greater plague among any people then when they haue one for their Pastour and Minister that is either a Nonresident a blinde guide a dumbe Dog or an hypocriticall hireling 7 As a iust and righteous man regardeth and is mercifull euen to the very beast that doth him seruice Euen so much more Ministers ought to haue a great care of the soules and saluation of those people committed to their charge Prou. 12.10 Act. 20.28 Col. 4.17 1. Pet. 5.2 3. 8 As a Lawyer may not expound the Lawe as he thinketh best himselfe but he must expound Law by Law and as the tenour of the writings doo require Euen so a Minister of the word may not expound Scripture after his owne humour and as best liketh him but hee must doo the same by Scripture and as the tenour of the same will suffer him and according to the meaning of the holy Ghost 9 Like as a carefull Housholder knoweth euery thing in his house and what is necessarie for euerie one Euen so a carefull Minister dooth watch ouer his flocke that he may know euery man his conuersation and manners and so may Ministers comfort where it is needfull and reprehend the blame worthie 10 As there bee diuers sorts of Candles some of Rushes which giue a small light and are soone foorth some of Weeke but will not burne vnlesse they bee often snuffed but the best sort are of Cotten and burneth dearest Euen so there bee diuers sortes of Ministers in England As first reading Ministers and these giue no light at all and therefore to bee cast out Secondly such as bee turne-coates and time-seruers as King Henries Priestes Queene Maries Chaplaines who also doo more harme then good without great compulsion but the best sort are zealous and painefull Pastours who are the true lightes and Candles Math. 5.14 Iohn 5.35 Reue. 1.20 11 As Birdes fall not into the snare
2. King 6.17 c. 19.35 3 Like as a sicke person although hee doubt nothing of the faithfulnesse honestie and tendernesse of his Physition or Surgion towards him yet for al that desireth him to handle his wound and to dresse him easily and tenderly as is possible for him Euen so in like manner may wee call vpon God that if it bee not against his honour glorie hee will vouchsafe to giue some mittigation and easement of our paine and specially wee must desire of him to graunt vs strength that we faint not nor bee ouercome with the feare or greatnesse of our sorrow and griefe by reason of our great Troubles whereby we might forsake him and fall into some wickednesse Psal 50.15 91.15 Iohn 14.13 Patience in Trouble verie needfull 1 AS a Lambe or a sheepe is led vnto the slaughter and neuer crieth nor openeth the mouth but suffereth and abideth it patiently and meekly Euen so ought the children of God when they are accursed and reuiled not to curse or reuile againe when they are smitten not to smite againe but to suffer all manner of smart and paine and not once to bleare or to open their mouths against it Esa 53.7 Iere. 11.19 Math. 5.10 11. 2 Like as they that are sicke and distressed and diseased can be content to suffer and abide any of their members of their bodie to be cut off and to bee burnt so that they may bee any thing relieued and eased thereby of their great smart and continuall paine which is yet but transitorie and to bee made whole and sound againe Euen so ought we gladly and willingly to suffer our Lord God and to bee still and quiet when hee sendeth vs aduersitie whereby we may be relieued and discharged of eternall paine and obtain health blisse and saluation for our soules 3 As a good Captaine leadeth and ordereth his army according as the occasion requireth Euen so a vertuous man behaueth himselfe patiently well in Trouble and aduersitie and maketh the best of it 4 Like as a Marchant man maketh faire voyages and great iournies and ventureth bodie and goods and nothing is too hard and sower for him only for worldly and transitory gaine and lucre and yet his hope is vncertain whether he shall gaine or loose and though he gaineth neuer so much yet he bringeth home nothing but fraile and transitorie goods which shall haue an ende So we likewise haue a long voyage to make euen from earth to heauen and therefore we should be as well content as prompt glad and willing to suffer all maner of perils and daungers that may happen by the way seeing that we shall haue an infallible and sure hope of eternall euerlasting riches for Iesus Christ sake 5 Like as when a man of an high and noble birth is contemned and mishandled in a straunge land where he is not knowne it grieueth him nothing so much as if the like should happen vnto him at home in his owne natural Country Euen so our naturall Country is in heauen vpon earth we are but straungers and Pilgrimes therefore we ought the rather to suffer all things patiently here only that we may haue rest among the inhabitants in our right eternall Land and Country Hebr. 13.14 Phil. 3.20 1. Pet. 1.3 4 5. 6 As a man of warre preparing himselfe with all manner of things appertaining to warfare though his enimies be neuer so strong yet he forgetteth al feare neuer once thinketh vpon the stroakes and wounds but onely vpon the victory and tryumph and goeth his way and fighteth manfully like a giant against his enemies only for worldly glory and lucre Euen so it would redound to the great slaunder and shame of Christians if they for the honour glorie and pleasure of God should not as promptly willingly and manfully fight against their ghostly enemies for higher and greater tryumph lucre and commoditie though they should endure many Troubles and great aduersitie 7 Like as when a man playeth at the Tables he cannot alwayes cast what hee would haue but whatsoeuer he hath cast he must make the best of it So likewise whatsoeuer things happen in our life contrary to our will we must with courage and constant faith take and turne all Troubles and aduersities to the best and neuer dispaire 8 Like as when a litle child that can scarcely go chanceth to stumble vpon a stone he falleth downe by and by in the same place and there lieth stil weeping and crying til some bodie take him vp So contrariwise Christians who haue reason and vnderstanding must vse and indeuour themselues that whatsoeuer Troubles sicknesse or inconuenience soeuer happeneth vnto them yet by and by so farre as is possible to labour to heale ease and remedie it 9 As a vertuous Childe wil not forsake his father in his need or Trouble nor an honest and louing wife her husband or spouse nor yet a faithfull seruant his maister So much lesse should a godly Christian forsake or deny God his Father or Christ his spouse and heauenly Lord and maister in Trouble and aduersitie 10 Like as worldlings and carnall men fornicators whoremongers and murtherers care neither for shame nor for any thing else and spare no labour or trauell so they may bring to passe their wicked lust and desire and yet oftentimes they misse of it Euen so much more a faithfull Christian ought to be constant earnest painfull and patient in honest and good things though yet he bee letted and greatly hindered by many Troubles much aduersitie Loue towards God worketh patience in Trouble 1 AS Iacob serued seuen yeares for the damsel Rahel and by reason of the heartie loue that hee bareth vnto her the time was but short vnto him and the dayes that he serued for seemed but a short space Euen so whosoeuer loueth God will beare and take patiently whatsoeeuer Troubles God shall lay vppon him and whatsoeuer hee suffereth for Gods sake it shall bee easie vnto him Gene. 29.18 2 Like as a Souldier first for feare of prisoning and of the shamefull death which hee should suffer if the battell should be lost and againe in hope of the great reward and excellent honour and renowme if the victorie goe on his side will fight the more boldly and lustily Euen so euery true Christian is stirred and prouoked to more faithfulnesse and patience in Trouble when hee considereth the exceeding profit and commodity of patience and againe the greate hurt and discommoditie of impatience in Trouble No Transubstantiation in the Sacrament AS Bread and drinke by natural nourishment be changed into a mans body yet the body is not changed but is the same that it was before So although the Bread and Wine bee Sacramentally chaunged into Christes bodie yet his body is the same and in the same place that it was before that is to say in heauen without any alteration or chaunge of the same Tyrants AS the wings of Eagles
bondage of their Maisters with all their labours their force and diligence yea euen vnto bloud Euen so forasmuch as both our selues and all that we haue belong to God by right and hee possesseth vs as slaues and bondmen therefore what seruice soeuer we endeuour to doo him it is certaine that he can owe nothing vnto vs. Iob. 9 3 15 20. Psal 143.2 16.2 3. 5 As it hath bene sometimes said and truly reported of the Athenians namely that they knew what was meet to do but they wholly neglected to do the same Euen so many Christians know what is meete and right to doo but yet for the most part wholly neglect to do the same Luk. 12.47 Iam. 4.17 6 Like as the Lord according to his iustice and truth hath threatened terrible punishments to wicked and impenitent sinners Euen so contrariwise he hath promised rewards to them that do good Workes and worke righteousnesse Mat. 5.16 Rom. 13.9 1. Cor. 15.58 Ephe. 2.10 Phil. 4.8 Tit. 2.12 3.8 7 Like as if a man should say the Vine is made more fruitfull by bearing grapes or that the internall light of the Sunne is augmented by the externall emission of the beames So likewise for a man to say that inherent righteousnesse is by good Workes namely the fruites of righteousnesse augmenteth so to to say is not onely erronious but also ridiculous 8 Like as if a rich man not constrained but of his own good will should adopt one to be his sonne whome hee knoweth not and to whom he oweth nothing and shuld appoint him to be the heire of all his landes and goods and certaine yeares after that he hath bestowed this benefit vpon him he should lay vpon him a lawe to do this or that he cannot now say that he hath deserued this benefit by his owne works seeing that many yeares before he asking nothing had receiued the same freely and of meere fauour So God could not respect our Works and deserts going before righteousnesse for the promise and the gift of the holie Ghost was 430. yeares before the Lawe Gal. 3.16 17. 9 As it is impossible to seperate washing from water and burning from fire and good fruites from a good tree Euen so vnpossible it is to seperate good Workes from a true and a liuely faith Iam. 2.22 10 As Marchants or Chapmen doo oftentimes prise and esteeme their wares marchandise more then they be worth Euen so do we of our doings vertues and good Works but when they are examined and prised by those which know them as by the Spirite of God and his Prophets they are altogither iudged as old ragges torne tied togither and patched vp againe 11 As old Images new gilded ouer which outwardly hath some glistering shew but within are nothing but dust and durt Or as counterfeit mony which is of ill and naughty mettal how good a print soeuer it haue Euen so is the good that we do and al the righteousnesse vertue which is in vs is nothing but shame reproch Rom. 10.3 12 As the Temple sanctified the Golde that was vpon it but was not sanctified by the Gold or as the Altar sanctified the offering that was vpon it but was not sanctified by the offering Euen so good VVorkes do not beautifie a Christian man in the Lorde but the man in the Lorde doth beautifie the VVorkes Mat. 23.17 19. Reu. 14.15 13 As the Apple is not the cause of the Apple tree but a fruite of it Euen so good VVorkes are not the cause of our saluation but a signe and a fruite of the same Math. 7.17 14 As Caterpillers sometimes and blasting do fret and annoy the branches that the sap cannot haue his course and so the fruite faileth which seemed faire to the eye So rancour and displeasure diuision schisme and seperation among men being no lesse then noysome windes and Caterpillers to our Christian faith eate vp and drie away many times the sappe or iuice of loue and charitie whereby the expected fruite of good VVorkes is withered in the braunches 15 As sauoury water cannot come from a stinking puddle or sweete fruite from a sower roote Euen so no more can any good VVorke come from an vnregenerate man from a corrupt sinfull soule who although he giue his bodie to the fire for the profession and maintenance of the trueth and all his goods to the poore in a tender compassion of their miserie yet he being destitute of faith loue and the rest of the parts of regeneration dooth not by these workes please God or fulfill his Lawe 16 As the channel which is polluted and defiled doth pollute and defile the water that is without defilement in the fountaine Euen so the mind and will of man defiled by the remnant of sinne defile the Workes which as they come from Christ are vndefiled 17 As in fire there is both heate and light yet doo wee not say that the light dooth burne but the heate So in a man iustified there is both faith and good Workes inseperably yet dooth not good Workes iustifie but faith oâ—ely 18 As one Torch doth giue more light carried before then foure borne behinde So likewise our good Worke or deed done in life time and perfect health is more welcome vnto God then fortie after death 19 As the greene leaues outwardly sheweth that the tree is not drie inwardly So the good Workes openly testifie the zeale of heart inwardly Wise men 1 AS the olde naturall Phylosophers doo say that the Sunne feedeth on the salt water and that the Moone taketh her foode vppon the sweete water Euen so Wise men do seeke things bitter so as they be profitable when fooles onely passe for things pleasant and delightfull 2 As the Bee out of the most bitter things doth gather most sweet Honie So a Wise man out of things hard and vnpleasant picketh gaine and vtilitie 3 Like as Alexander did cause Bucephalus his Horse being olde to be carried on other horses to the battaile that he might be fresh for the fight So ought graue olde and Wise men be spared from labour that their good counsel might be onely regarded and had in necessities Wits 1 AS the vessell with a narrowe mouth of a long time may not bee filled but then at the length it holdeth the liquour more furer So Wits that be dull in receiuing learning wil most stedfastly remember the same once obtained 2 Like as too great a noyse hurteth the eare Or as too much meat annoyeth the stomack Or as heauie burdens hurt the bearers of them Or as too much raine doth more hurt then good to the ground Euen so weake Wits and weake consciences may soone bee oppressed with ouer hard questions Wisedome 1 AS that vessel can neuer be filled which alwayes powreth foorth and leaketh So may hee neuer receiue Wisedome which continually speaketh and at no time harkneth Prou. 17.27 Iam. 1. 19. 2 As the Asse Colt which of all other beastes
doo saue and keepe the same Euen so ought wee to deale in the holy Word of God wee must passe ouer nothing therein lightly nor despise one Word of al the sacred and diuine Scriptures but eagerly and earnestly to doo our best and greatest endeuours yea and to call and to crie most mightily to the Lord to aide assist and enable vs to dig out of the same VVord whatsoeuer is requisite necessarie for the saluation of our soules and eternall life The Workes of the three persons be vnseperable AS Reason cannot discern good euil truth falshood plainnesse and craft and sophistication without either will or memorie neither Will chuseth what him liketh without the other nor memorie remembreth not things gone without reason and will These actions and VVorkes which are said properly to belong onely to memorie and onely to reason and will in very deede are done by the workmanship of all three So the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost worke all things vnseperably not that each of them is vnable to Worke by himselfe but that they all three are one God one spirit one nature as reason will memorie are one soule Ioh. 5.17 19. Mans Wisedome often erreth AS in a fruitfull fertile ground among many wholesome and very medicinable hearbes some that bee daungerous and ful of poyson doo grow So the wits and Wisedome of men together with some profitable and wholesome counsels and admonitions doo bring foorth perilous and pestilent errors and are therfore with Wisedome and great discretion to be regarded euen as hearbs are to be gathered and vsed Wit 1 AS a Bee is oftentimes hurt with his owne Honie So is Wit not sildome plagued with his owne conceit 2 As emptie vessells make the loudest sound So men of least Wit are the greatest bablers Spirituall Warfaire 1 AS men may haue an ende of bodily warre either by making peace with their enemie by flying far from him or by ouercomming in fight But in the spirituall Warfaire wee cannot lawfully make any peace or agreement with our enemies the Diuell the world the flesh but in so doing it would be our ouerthrow and destruction for they be euen so many traytors and irreconciliable murderers yea it would bee worse for vs then for the sheepe to make peace with the Wolfe neither can we flie and so get from these enemies for the Diuell will follow vs into all places who hath a whole armie of Souldiers within vs euen our affections and couetous lusts that we beare about vs. 2 As God in olde time commaunded Iosua that hee should not feare the Cananites and assured him that hee would bee with him and that by ouercomming them he would bring his people into the land of promise So likewise wee must giue eare vnto God that calleth vs to this spirituall battell with assurance that he will stand with vs and in vs to the end that couragiously fighting vnder his banner against our enemies that labour to turne vs backe and to recoyle wee may finally by his grace and power obtaine full and perfect victorie and so ending his blessed voyage attaine to the fruition of the heauenly and Citie and our true countrey that wee may liue with him in glorie for euer Gods Wisedome may be knowne by the ordering of his creatures AS when thou seest a great and godly Citie consisting of many and sundry sorts of men some of great reputation and very many of small estimation some exceeding rich and infinite others extreamely poore some in their fresh and flourishing youth and some crooked with olde age where all these though among themselues they be diuers and sundrie do liue in great concord and agree well together and are kept all within the bounds and limits of good and godly discipline thou wilt by and by iudge that the Prince or gouernour of the same is iust and very mightie and wise though thou seest him not Euen so in the huge greatnesse of this world and the agreement and well hanging together of the things contained in the same though differing in their natures and the apt and fit placing of the whole it cannot bee but that thou wilt presently conceiue in thy mind that there is a great a wise and mightie Creator and preseruer of these things For not onely the mightie workes of God in this great world that is in man himselfe for so he is called of some doo teach vs the wonderfull knowledge of God Gods Word the more it is searched the sweeter it is AS precious Iewels made of most pure Gold wrought cunningly and curiously with great workmanship the nearer thou shalt come vnto them and the more stedfastly and clearely thou shalt behold them the finer the brauer and more excellent thou shalt iudge them Euen so as thou shalt come nearer in vnderstanding and knowledge vnto the secrets and misteries of God contained in his written Word with the greater puritie of mind the more strength of faith and the brighter light of the grace of God thou shalt looke into them the profounder the deeper the more diuine and heauenly yea and the more comfortable to thy soule will they seeme and appeare vnto thee euerie day In so much that thou wilt iudge thy selfe to haue beene little better then blind and to haue seene nothing as thou ought in the mysteries of the diuine Word Psal 119.18 Wicked men die miserably 1 EVen as those Birdes and soules which fall to the ground to take the foulers baites are taken themselues So likewise those men which doo relie vppon the suggestions and inchauntments of the Diuell world and flesh and are taken in their traps doo die a most miserable and as it may well be called an immortall death 2 As there is neuer a man that beareth the name of a Christian but he will confesse that his great Grandfather Adam was expulsed and thrust out of Paradise for eating one Apple forbidden him by the Lord vppon paine of death and yet the same man that with open mouth will make that confession will euerie day eate seuen Apples as bitter and as straightly forbidden as that that is offend God seuen times as much as that and yet he will thinke to escape better cheape and easier then his Graund-father did that eate but one that is offended God but once but the eater of seuen shall finde the way into euerlasting life as hard yea harder to enter as the way into Paradise was to his Graund-father being once thrust out vnlesse hee speedily earnestly and truly repent him and giue ouer the eating of such fruits as the Lord hath forbidden him 3 Like as no water will sticke nor abide vpon Leapers by reason of the foulenesse and greasie matter of their Leprosie Euen so such Leapers and farre worse are we vpon whom no deawes nor any droppes of the grace and word of God will cleaue abide and continue Ouerweening Wittes despise Gods wisedome LIke as the Iewes said to him