of the Apostles and Church upon it 4. The mention of the Lords day Apocal. 1. is not so cleare an evidence for the stablishing Sunday for the jewish sabbath as the Epistles to the Angells of the 7 Churches there mentioned conclude that those were the Bishops of those Churches whom our Saviour alloweth by writing unto 5. There cannot be brought any thing concluding for the Lords day out of the New testament so fully as that for subordinat degrees in ecclesiastical hierarchy God hath set som in the church first Apostles secondarily Prophets thirdly Teachers c. 1 Cor. 12. such as were Timothy and Titus Paul and Barnabas who ordained Presbyters and prescribed rules unto them 6. The setling of the Lords day for Christian assemblies in place of the Jewish sabbath and deductions will hardly be made so conspicuous as the deduction of episcopacy from the Apostles themselves in all eminent churches before the late interruption of our licentious times as it appears in the genuine and undoubted epistles of Ignatius and all antiquity 7. And those that are almost superstitious for the Sabbath acknowledg a kind of episcopacy which they would be content to bear if they might have the managing of it and be obedient to the orders and controul of it St. Peter and St. Paul parallel'd 1. Both called immediately by Christ the one before the other after his ascension 2. Both principall Apostles Peter of the Jewes Paul of the Gentils 3. Both full of humility Peter professeth himselfe to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Pet. 5.1 Paul to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 4. 1 Cor. 15.9 1 Pet. 2.13 14. Rom. 13. Both earnest for the supream authority of magistrates 5. Neither Peter for the claime of the Pope his pretended successor nor Paul in his large epistle to the Romans so much as give a hint of Papall supremacy 6. Both are sent by and give account to the Church Peter to them of Jerusalem Paul to the Antiochians 7. Both take it well to be reproved Peter reproved by Paul to his face Gal. 2.11 Paul by Peter for his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Pet. 3 16 Of Similies Similies are used by all for illustration and though they prove not simply yet they teach more easily then firmer grounds especially those that be fed with Milk rather than stronger Meat Heb. 5.12 13. It was the method of teaching by the best Master Whereunto shall I liken the men of this generation and to what are they like They are like unto children sitting in the Market-place and saying We have piped unto you but ye have not danced we have mourned to you and ye have not wept For John came neither eating bread nor drinking wine and ye say He hath a Devill the Son of man is come eating and drinking and ye say Behold a gluttonous man and a wine-bibber a friend of Publicans and sinners but wisdome is justified of all her children Matth. 11. Luk. 7. Are ye not ashamed to be so way-ward and childish as the Town-boyes brawling for trifles or nothing in the Market place that nothing can please you neither Johns strictnesse nor my easie hand but both must be rejected and slandered by you As Balaams cursed intention was turned into a blessing Esau's fury into a friendly meeting with his brother Jacob Sauls warrant to persecute into a grand commission for promoting the Gospell so God may charme the hearts of the Labans of these times Take heed thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad Gen. 31. to be so far from injuring him any way as to give him not so much as an ill word This is the generation of them that seek him even that seek thy face O Jacob Ps 24.6 The man that walkes 1. Not in the counsell of the ungodly will have nothing to do with their plots who take not God with them 2. Stands not in the way of sinners concurring with and justifying their actions 3. Sits not in the seat of the scornefull contemning and jeering at those that take better courses 4. But delights in the Law of the Lord more then in the attaining of polfe and praeferment 5. And in that law is exercised day and night whereas other spend their time in revelling and abhominations Shall be like not a hollow Reed pearing out of the Mire but 1. a Tree spreading abroad his boughs 2. planted by a provident hand that expects good of it 3. not in a barren soyle or rocky mountain exposed to all blustring wind and weather but 4. by the water's side which will minister it gratious moisture that it may not stand for a shew onely or shade but 5. bring forth fruit 6. and that not unnaturally or unseasonably to be blasted but in due season when expected 7. The lease of such a Tree shall not wither with Winter nor be scorched in Summer but shall flourish spreading abroad like a Cedar in Lebanon and bringing forth fruit most in their age FINIS
of the divers dispositions of the auditors of vvhich Some have eares to heare some none 2. In that of the prodigall Son returning to his forsaken Father Luk. 15. the cheerfull entertainment of a sinner that unfeignedly repenteth 3. In that of the freed debter by God Matth. 18.20 so tyrannically imprisoning his brother and the heavy doome that befell him upon it the necessity that vve should forgive if vve look to be forgiven 4. In that of the labourers in the vineyard and vvages pay'd them that God endureth not Idlers and rewards not as men exspect but of pleasure yet still beyond exspectation 5. The case of him that vvas for building of Barnes instead of thankfullnesse to God that gave corne to fill them Luke 12.16 and of Dives and Lazarus Luk. 16. for vvordlings not to surfeit so here that they suffer for it hereafter and for the pious poor left here to the dogs to finde favour vvith the Angels 6. In the passages parabolically set forth between the Priest the Levite Luk. 10.30 the pittifull Samaritan and the wounded Traveller apparantly may be observed that those vvho are most obliged commonly most neglect their duty and help often commeth from vvhom and vvhen it might be least exspected 7. Our Saviour spake this parable unto certaine vvhich trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others Luke 18.9 10. Tvvo men vvent up into the Temple to pray the one a Pharisee the other a Publican their prayers and postures vve have but the event shevvs not the vaunting gifted man that pressed so high vvith his perfections but the poor penitent that stood a far off not daring to lift up his eyes to Heaven that smote his breast crying GOD be mercifull to me a sinner came last but sped best * Sententia brevis acuta quae multa paucis comprehendit Apothegms Apothegms are speeches of pregnant instruction smart reproof or profound consequence expressed in compendious proposals resolvs or replyes As when Benbadad sends to Ahab The Gods do so unto me and more also if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfulls for all the people that follow me The King of Israel inferred and said Tell him Let not him that girdeth-on his harnesse boast himselfe as he that putteth it off 1 King 20.10 11. for things may fall out unexpectedly and events crosse hopes and presumptions So of the wise Woman of Abel's proposall to Joab that furiously stormed the Citty before any Summons given they plainly spake in the beginning it was noysed first amongst us of the Town when we first admitted Sheba and heard of thy pursuit Surely they will aske of Abell and so make an end they will not strike before they speak or batter or throw down the walls before they understand whether we are Royalists or Rebels that will justifie Sheba's action I am one of those that am peaceable and faithfull in Israel thou seekest to destroy a City and a mother in Israel why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the Lord a discreet and quiet conference would take up the matter This put Joab upon a sight of his over-sight and an Epizeuxical acknowledgement Far be it far be it from me that I should swallow up or destroy 2 Sam. 20.18 19 20. So our Saviours answer to the combined Pharisees and Herodians concerning tribute due to Caesar left them all to marvel but not a word to reply Matth. 22.22 To Amaziahs message a kind of challenge Come and let us look one another in the face Jehoash's answer was pricking and pertinent The Sonne of The thistle was no fit match for the Cedar's daughter 2 Kings 14.18 Our Saviour's Replies are here more then apothegmaticall 1. To that of his mother Son why hast thou dealt with us thus Luk. 21.49 Wist ye not that I must be about my Fathers businesse 2. To her motion They have no Wine Joh. 2.3 4. Woman what have I to doe with thee mine hour is not yet come 3. To them that told him that his Mother and his Brethren waited for him whom by Nature he was bound to respect he stretched forth his hands towards his Disciples Matth. 12.48 and said Behold my Mother and my Brethren for whosoever shall doe the will of my Father which is in Heaven the same is my Sister and Brother and Mother in my esteem My Mother and my Brethren are those that hear the Word of God Luk. 8.20 and do it 4. To that of the Pharisee why do thy Disciples transgresse the tradition of the Elders Mar. 7.15 in not washing their hands before meat His satisfaction was Not external ingredients but internal defile a man 5. To that Why eateth you Master with publicans and sinners Matth. 9.11 Those that be whole need not the physition but those that are sick Go and learn what that meaneth I will have Mercy and not Sacrifice Mar. 2.18 6. To that why his Disciples fasted not as well as those of John and of the Pharisees It was not seasonable while the bridegroom was with them and no more advantagious then to put a new patch upon an old garment and new Wine into old vessels which will marre all rather then make good Things must be so ordered that they may doe good and Disciples instructed that they may be edified 7. To that Mat. 2.27 28. Why do thy Disciples pluck the eares of Corne upon the Sabbath day which is unlawfull They may do it in case of necessity as David are the shew-bread when he was hungry And the Sabbath was made for man not man for the Sabbath Therefore the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath Likewise him that intruded to be his follower he discharged with Luk. 9.58 Foxes have holes and the birds of the ayre have nests but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head Thou wilt misse of thy ayme if thou think to make a vvorldly fortune by follovving me Him that put off his call Let me first go and bury my Father he lessoneth Let the dead bury the dead but go thou and preach the Kingdome of God So him that vvould complement vvith his friends before he vvould serve his Master he teacheth better manners No man having put his hand to the plough and looking back is fit for the Kingdome of God Reproofs Complaints and Execrations mixed or severed As in a building there must be a sure foundation strong vvalls and a good roof othervvise it vvill soon totter according to that of our Saviour Matth. 7.27 So in spiritual building Scripture must be the ground-vvork Liturgy the vvalls and Discipline the roofe othervvise it vvill never hold out against vvind and stormes But Pharach's dream is verified in us The lean kine so devour the fat that they leave no bones behind them Gen. 41. And the famine of Samaria encreaseth upon us vvhere an asses head is prized at eighty pieces of
them that love you what thanks have ye for sinners also love those that love them And if ye do good to them which do good to you what thanks have ye for sinners also do even the same And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive what thanks have ye for sinners also lend to sinners and to receive as much again Luk. 6. So Luk. 17.34 Two the one shall be taken and the other left thrice repeated * Resumptio quando primis respondent ultima Quintilian Author ad Heren vocat Conduplicationem cùm ratione amplificationis aut commiserationis cjusdem unius aut plurium verborum fit iteratio Epanalepsis Epanalepsis ends with the same word it begins For we are saved by hope but hope that is seen is not hope Rom. 8.24 Rejoyce in the Lord and again I say Rejoyce Phil. 4.4 So Psalm the 8th beginneth with O Lord our governour how excellent is thy name in all the world and ends with the same words Likewise Psal 103. hath this beginning Praise the Lord all my soul and endeth in the same words termed The Orators round As we said before so say I now again If any man preach any other gospell unto you then ye have received let him be accursed Inferred upon the saying before Though we or an Angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than ye have received let him be accursed Gal. 1.8 9. * Regressio sen Reditio in viam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Plutarch Quando duas res nomina proponens aliquis sensu nondum finito redit ad utrumque nominum ut compleat sententiae defectum ut Divellimur inde Iphitus Pelias mecum quorum Iphitus aevo Jam gravior Epanados Epanados resumes that which was spoken and dismisseth it with an explication ringing as it were the same Bells in changes The ungodly have drawn out the sword and bent the bow to cast down the poor and needy and to slay such as be of a right conversation Their sword shall God throw through their own heart and their bowe shall be broken Psal 37.14 15. Woe unto thee that spoilest and wast not spoyled and dealest treacherously and they dealt not treacherously with thee When thou shalt cease to spoil thou shalt be spoiled and when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously they shall deal treacherously with thee Esay 33.1 When the holy Ghost commeth he shall reprove the world of sin of righteousnesse and of judgment Of sin because they believe not on me of righteousnesse because I go to the Father and ye see me no more of judgment because the prince of this world is judged John 16.8 9 10 11. The Jewes require a signe and the Greeks seek after wisdom but we preach Christ crucified to the Jewes a stumbling-block and unto the Greeks foolishnesse but unto them which are called both Jewes and Greeks Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God Because the foolishnesse of God is wiser then men and the weaknesse of God is stronger then men 1 Cor. 1. * Agnominatio allusio Vocis ad vocem quae fit per literae adjectionâ—m detractiunem trâ—â—spositionem vel immutationemnt Amantes sunt amentes Raras das mihi literas charas tamen Paronomasia Paronomasia seasonably used delights the hearers helps the memory and shewes in propinquity of words the difference of things Behold I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord which am but apher and epher dust and ashes Gen. 18.27 As for the gods of the heathens they be but idols their Elohim are elilim Psal 96.5 Diis noddys their idols addle idle in English expression In the mountain of the Church the Lord of hostes shall make unto all people mishteh shemanim a feast of fat things mishteh shemarim feasts of wine in the lees Esa 25.6 wherein shall be the complement of marrow-dishes and brisk pure wine which shall satisfie the utmost spiritual appetite So 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 envy and murder 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fornication and wickednesse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without understanding covenant-breakers Rom. 1.29.31 have a colour of Paronomasia which will savour of pedantism to be too often used In the eighth of Amos vers 1 2. Kaits ushereth in Keets plenty destruction * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 multum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 caâ—o quasi dicas Casuum carietatem cùm ejusdem nominis casus sapiùs commuâ—antur Cicer. ad Brut. Variatur haec casihus generibus iâ—â—… under 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 noâ—… Quint lib. 9. Conâ—… 〈◊〉 variorum casuum â—â—…dem fâ—nte deductorum ut Oâ—â—d Metamorph. lib. 5. Heu quantum scelus est in viscere viscera condi Congestoque avidum pinguescere corpore corpus Alteriusque animantem animantis vivere lethol Called by the Author ad Heren Traductio by others Me 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Polyptoton Polyptoton inculcates vehemently in divers cases and expressions what we would have notice to be taken especially of Jeshurun waxed fat and kicked Thou art waxen fat thou art thick thou art covered with fatnesse Then he forsook God which made him and lightly esteemed the rock of his salvation Deut. 32.15 Hath he smitten him as he smote those that smote him or is he flain according to the slaughter of them which are slain by him Esa 27.7 No in measure God will deal more favourably with his then his enemies When it shouteth forth he will debate with it and stay his rough wind in the day of his east wind 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Matth. 15.14 Blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of mercies and God of all comfort who comforteth us in all our tribulation that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble by the comfort wherewith we our selves are comforted of God 2 Cor. 1.4 The sabbath was made for man not man for the sabbath therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath Mar. 2.27 28. For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousnesse of God in him 2 Cor. 5.21 The combining of these Figures together with the former Tropes carry with them a delightfull and winning grace especially in 1 petitions 2 complaints 3 quick reproofs or encitements So 1 that of the Apostle O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God I how unsearchable are his judgments and his waies past finding out For who hath known the minde of the Lord or who hath been his counsellor or who hath first given to him and it shall be recompenced to him again For in him and through him and to him are all things to whom be glory for ever Rom. 11. My God my God look upon me Why hast thou forsaken me and art so far from my health and from the word of my complaint
silver and the fourth part of a cab of dove's dung for five 2 King 6. Gehazi vvill cheat both Naaman and his Master though the Leprosie attend it 2 King 5. And Korah vvith his complices oppose Moses and Aaron though the earth her selfe doth gape to svvallovv them for it and their families Instead of acknovvledging of our rebellions vve cry out vvith them in the prophet we have no King because we fear not the Lord What should a King do to us false swearing and a covenant will batter fit our plots Hos 10. We vvill not have this man shall reign over us this is the heire come let us kill him and the inheritance shall be ours Matth. 21. Luke 20. But shal the svvord devour for ever vvill not this bring forth bitternesse in the end 2 Sam. 2.26 In the mean vvhile Jonah sentt to Niniveh flyes to Tarshish and vve vvhen our Master is going to suffer are questioning Who should be chiefest Hovv can vve censure Esau for parting vvith his birth-right at so lovv a rate He vvept vvhen it vvas done but we do vvorse and boast of our bargains O Judas hovv doth our perfidiousnesse justifie thy highest treachery Thou soldest thy Master yet in a desperate kinde of repentance restored'st the money but vve hold it a disparagement to be over-seen in any thing and vvill venture rather Hell and the Gallovvs to be thought grand Politicians then to part vvith that vve have once gotten It vvas a poore content the rich man had of his full barnes that must the same night lose his Soul Luk. 12.16 And Dives feasting vvas not vvorth the reckoning that afforded him not a drop of water for a Grace-cup Luk. 16. The Spirit of the Pythonisse could preach true Doctrin These men are the servants of the high God Acts. 16. but to bring about a plot to drive the Apostles out of Town by the infatuated Aldermen that heeded not God but their gaine Rebobohams brazen shields make a shew as those of Gold placed in the Temple by his wiser father but put to the touch the case is altered The Holy Ghost may be so invocated that instead of a Dove an Owl may make appearance So many men talk of gifts that are but shifts and vaunt of taking pains who from our Saviour in the latter day shall have small thanks for their labour Matth. 7.22 These Rabshakehs will tell us of lands of corn and vvine and olives and honey that they will transplant us unto 2 Kings 18.32 but it will prove better to advise with some trusty Isaiahs then to presume too far upon the Gentleman's word The Woman that upbraided the Shoomaker for want of a shoo to fit her foot was found to have a foot not to be fitted without a mis-shapen shoo made on purpose It is dangerous to break such hedges where a Serpent is like to bite us by the fingers Eccles 10.8 and to poure in new vvine into old vessels that will surely break them Of the three Teaching Fig-trees in the Gospel the first telleth us that leaves without fruit draw on a curse Matth. 21. The second that where dressing helps not it must not any longer stand to burden the ground Luke 13. The third that a day of reckoning is growing upon us Matth. 24. It was too late to gather Mannah when the Sun had risen and melted it and in vain to cry Lord Lord with the foolish virgins when the doores are shut Matth. 25. Thirst is a signe in Physick that the purgation taken hath well wrought as it should My soul hath a thirst for God yea even for the living God when shall I come and appear before the presence of my God Psal 42.2 My meat is to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his worke John 4.34 And Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousnesse for they shall be filled Matthew 5 6. 1. The Generation of vipers 2. Sons of Belial 3. Baal Kemarims 4. tongue-men 5. belly-gods 6. cursed lyers and slanderers 7. filthy dreamers that blaspheme dignities may have their portion here but shall have their potion hereafter fire and brimstone storme and tempest this shall be prepared for them Psalm 11. The Spider weaves a subtile web and watcheth in it diligently to intangle flyes which he may devour but when the beesom of destruction commeth behold his travail shall come upon his own head and his wickedness on his own pate Psalm 7.17 Musicians usually tune their Instruments before they play in consort and the foot should be looked unto before we enter into the house of God except we intend to offer the fool's Sacrifice Eccles 5.1 The water of Siloah that runneth softly will prove better in the end then the Son of Remaliah's over-flowing torrents Every plant that the heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted out Matthew 15.13 CHAP. III. Of Figures AS tropicall Speeches consist of choise and gracefull Words So * Called by Cicero Orationis habitus from the Greeke word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because speech is cloathed and adorned therewith termed Figura because it giveth a new shape or face to the word or sentence that is embelished and set forth with those flowers 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Plutarch Figura aneem est oratio immutata ab co quod in usu in consuetudine positum est constans fictione quâdam ornatûs aut utilitatis causa Tully in Bruto divides them in verberum sententiarum lumina 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Figures arise from the fit placing disposition or repetition of vvords in Sentences vvhich othervvise vvould be represented as homely or as may be said disfigured In this range are these of especiall Note and Use to which the rest may be reduced 1. Epizeuxis 2. Anaphora 3. Epistrophe 4. Epanalepsis 5. Epanados 6. Paronomasia 7. Polyptôton * Ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ad et 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 jungere because the same vvord is adjoyned or presently repeated therefore termed by Quintilian lib. 9. chap. 3. Geminatio There are three ends of it put down by him there 1. for amplification as occidi occidi non Sp. Metium Wherein the first serves to shew or demonstrate the other to affirme 2. for commiseration Ah Coridon Coridon 3. for elevation being joyned with an Irony Epizeuxis By an Epizeuxis the same vvord is geminated in the same sentence in an elegant earnest manner My heart is fixed O GOD my heart is fixed I vvill sing and give praise Awake up my glory awake up my lute and harp I my selfe vvill awake right early Psalm 57.7 O God to whom vengeance belongeth thou God to whom vengeance belongeth shevv thy selfe Psal 94.1 Hovv long shall the wicked Hovv long shall the wicked triumph Hovv long shall they utter and speak hard things and make such proud boasting Ib. For these things I vveep mine eye mine eye runneth dovvn vvith vvater because the comforter that should relieve my Soul is far
from me my Children are desolate because the Enemy prevailed Lament 1.16 So O earth earth earth hear the vvord of the Lord Jeremiah 22.29 A sword a sword is sharpned and also furbished it is sharpned to make a sore slaughter it is furbished that it may glitter should vve then make mirth It contemneth the rod of my Son as every tree Ezek. 21.9 10. I vvill overturne overturne overturne it and it shall be no more untill he come vvhose right it is and I vvill give it him Ezek. 21.27 In the same straine are these of our Saviour Martha Martha thou art carefull and troubled about many things but one thing is necessary Luk. 10.41 42. O Jerusalem Jerusalem thou that killest the Prophets and stonest them that are sent unto thee how often would I have gathered thy Children together as a Hen gathereth her Chickens under her wings but ye would not Matth. 23 37. Luk. 13.34 Multitudes multitudes in the valley of decision for the day of the Lord is neer in the valley of decision Joel 3.14 Sometime a Parenthesis is interposed as They seemed to be somewhat vvhatsoever they vvere it maketh no matter to me God accepteth no mans person for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me Gal. 2.6 To this Epizeuxis may be referred * Reduplicatie called by Plutarch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Verbi ejusdem repetitio à 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dicere quia idem sonus iteratur Anadiplosis which is when the same word that ends one sentence begins the other and Climax a climbing by a repetition of the words before to make as it were a foot-step to ascend higher as both words give it I was glad when they said unto me We will go into the house of the Lord our feet shall stand within thy gates O Jerusalem Jerusalem is built as a City that is at unity in it selfe Ps 122.1.2 I will laugh at your calamity and I will mock when your feare cometh when your feare cometh as desolation and your destruction cometh as a whirl-wind when distress and anguish cometh upon you Pro. 1.26.27 And it shall come to passe when they shall say unto thee Whither shall we go forth then thou shalt tell them Thus saith the Lord Such as are for Death to death and such as are for the Sword to the sword and such as are for Famine to the famine and such as are for Captivity to the captivity Jer. 15.2 So Zach. 11.9 That which Dyeth let it dye and that that is Cut off let it be cut off and let the rest cut every one the flesh of another Of * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 scala gradus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because in this figure we do proceed as it were by certain steps or rounds in a ladder whence it is named Gradatio repetit quae dictasunt priusquam ad aliud descendat in prioribus resistit Quintil. L. 9. c. 3. Climax these notable concatenations we have in the New Testament Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved How then shal they call on him in whom they have not believed and how shal they believe in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they heare without a Preacher and how shall they Preach except they be sent Rom. 10.13 14 15. Whom he did foreknow he also did praedestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son that he might be the first born among many brethren Moreover whom he did praedestinate them he also called whom he called them he also justified and whom he justified he also glorified Rom. 8.29 We glory in tribulation knowing that tribulation worketh patience and patience experience and experience hope and hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us Rom. 5.3.4 5. Giving all diligence add to your faith virtue and to virtue Knowledge and to knowledge Temperance and to temperance Patience and to patience Godlinesse and to godlinesse Brotherly kindnesse and to brotherly kindnesse Charity 2 Pet. 1.5 6 7. In which kind is that saying Learn to know know to doe doe to dye dye to live live to laud. So as by Higgaions Selahs Hosannahs we may attaine at length to coelestiall Halleluichs * By Plutarch called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and by him taken notice of to be very powerfull to work upon the affections as well as to delight the care 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quare videtur esse adhibenda ad exornandam augendam orationem Auth. ad Heren Anaphora In Anaphora the same word is re-assum'd to begin divers sentences So blessings and cursings are Anaphorically propounded If ye walke in my statutes and keep my Commandements and do them I will give you raine in due season I will give peace in the land I will have respect unto you I will set my Tabernacle amongst you But if ye will not hearken unto me but walke contrary to me then will I walke also contrary to you in fury and I even I will hastise you 7 times for your sins Lev. 26.3.27 28. In like manner Deut. 28. Blessed blessed blessed and Cursed cursed cursed are re-assumed by Anaphora as the 8 Beatitudes and so many Woes are pronounced and denounced to the Happy and Hypocrites Mat. 5. ch 23. In the same figure Charity is displayed Charity suffereth long and is kind Charity envieth not Charity vaunteth not her selfe 1 Cor. 13.4 The abhominations of the bloody City of Jerusalem in which the Princes of Israel were in their power to shed blood are heavily taxed In thee have they set light by Father and Mother in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppressions with the stranger in thee have they vexed the fatherless and the widow Thou hast despised my holy things and profaned my Sabbaths in thee are men that carry tales to shed blood in thee they that eat upon the mountaines in the midst of thee they commit lewdnesse in thee have they discovered their fathers nakednesse in thee have they humbled her that was set a part for pollution and one hath committed abhomination with his neighbours wife and another hath lewdly defiled his daughter in law and another in thee hath humbled his Sister his Fathers daughter in thee have they taken gifts to shed blood thou hast taken usury and encrease and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbour by extortion and hast forgotten me saith the Lord God Ezek. 22.7 The devastations of Jerusalem are lamented by the Prophet Mine eyes fail with teares My bowels are troubled My liver is poured upon the earth for the destruction of the daughter of my people What thing shall I take to witnesse for thee what thing shall I liken to thee O daughter of Jerusalem what shall I equall to thee that I may comfort thee O virgin daughter of Sion for thy breach is great like the Sea
if thou refuse to let him goe behold I will slay thy son even thy first born Exod. 4.22 23. And often he had brought them out to the confusion of mighty Pharoah and all their opposites and supplied their wants What heart would not melt to ponder that affectionate winning speech And now Israel what doth thy Lord thy God require of thee but to fear thy God and to walk in his waies and to love him and to serve thy Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul Deuter. 10. More patheticall is that if it may be concerning their hard usage though deserved from Assur and Babel Israel is a scattered sheep the lyons have driven him away first the King of Assyria hath devoured him and last this Nebuchadnezzar hath broken his bones Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts behold I will punish the King of Babylon and his land as I have punished the King of Assyria and I will bring Israel again into his habitation and he shall feed in Carmel and Bashan and his soul shall be satisfied upon mount Ephraim and Gilead In those dayes and at that time saith the Lord the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for and there shall be none and the sins of Judah and they shall not be found for I will pardon them whom I reserve Go up against the land of the rebells over against it and against the inhabitants of Pekoda that are to be visited waste and utterly destroy after them saith the Lord and do according to all that I have commanded thee Jerem. 50. If this love take not what should the considerations worke 1. that it is the Lord that woeth us that made us and not we our selves 2. that loved so the world being his enemies Joh. 3.16 Rom. 5.10 Col. 1.21 that he sent his only begotten son to redeem us from hellish slavery to an everlasting kingdome 3. that sent his holy spirit to be our comforter Joh. 16. to helpe our infirmities Rom. 8.26 and to cry Abba father 4. Psal 119. his word to be a perpetuall lanthorn unto our feet and a light unto our pathes 5. his blessing for our supply in all necessaries all conveniences Verily thou shalt be fed Psal 37.3 When young lyons do lack and suffer hunger those that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing Psal 34.10 his protection and safe conduct from the roaring Lion 1 Pet. 5.8.0 and his complices that walketh about seeking whom he may devoure 7. his deliverance from all contempts Psal 107.41 and pressures Motives to preserve love our selves What can be more patheticall then that of our Saviour What is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his owne soul or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul Matth 16.26 or that of Job What is the hope of the hypocrit though he hath gaine When God taketh away his soul will God hear his cry when trouble commeth upon him Will he delight himselfe in the Almighty will he all way call upon God Job 26.8 Or that of the Apostle Know you not that your members are the the members of Christ shal I take the members of Christ and make them the members of an harlot God forbid 1 Cor. 6.15 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God and the spirit of God dwelleth in you if any man defileth the temple of God him God will destroy For the Temple of God is holy whose temple ye are 1 Cor. 3.16 17. Ye are not your own ye are bought with a price therefore glorify God in your body and your spirit which are Gods 1 Cor. 6.19 20. For the loving of Gods Church and our neighbours and enemies what can be more pathetical then that speech watered with teares of our Saviour over Jerusalem When he was come neer he beheld the city wept over it saying If thou hadst known even in this thy day the things that belong unto thy peace but now they are hid from thine eyes Luk. 19.41 42. The Aposiopesis makes it more passionate As that of Moses for the people O this people have sinned a great sin and made them Gods of gold yet now if thou wilt forgive their sin If not blot me I pray thee out of the book which thou hast written Exod. 32.31 32. which St. Paul professeth in plainer speech I say the truth in Christ I ly not my conscience bearing me witnesse in the holy ghost that I have great heavynesse and continuall sorrow in my heart For I could wish my selfe were accursed from Christ for my brethren my kinsmen acording to the flesh Rom. 9.1 2 3. And what a lamentation have we of Davids for Saul his enemy 2 Sam. 1.17 And of Jeremiah for Zedekiah and Jerusalem that had used him so barbarously in his passionate Threnes Which are a sufficient pattern where love should be opened and placed which our Saviour urgeth as the cheife mark of his followers A new commandement I give you that ye love one another as I have loved you that ye also love one another By this shall all men knovv that ye are my disciples if ye love one another Joh. 13.34 35. Which is farther urged by that beloved disciple 1 Joh. 4. from the 7 v. to the end of the Chapter Motives to hatred May be especially bent against 1. sluggishnesse 2. impertinences 3. sordid avarice 4. bestiall luxury 5. brutish inhumanity 6. persidious breach of promises oathes and vowes 7. and rebellion against such as God hath set over us For the first To the Ant thou sluggard consider her wayes and be wise which having no guid overseer or ruler provideth her food in the summer and gathereth her food in the harvest How long wilt thou sleep ô sluggard when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep yet a little sleep a little slumber a little folding of thy hands to sleep So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth and thy vvant as an armed man Pro. 6. Why stand ye here Idle Matth. 20. Belly-gods vvhose glory is their shame Phil. 3 r9 to whom the Apostle would have no victuall afforded 2 Thess 3.10 Notwithstanding 2. such pragmaticall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and busy-bodies will work not at all as they should but disorder all 2 Thess 3.11 these will be digging a pit which themselves fall into breaking hedges till a serpent bite them removing stones and cleaving wood whereby they shall be hurt and endangered Eccles 10.8 and slaves on hors-back when Princes goe on foot ib. Promising liberty to others when they themselves are the servants of corruption 2 Pet. 2.19 Women will have their share amongst them with their tattling 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and idle running from house to house 1 Tim. 5.13 And some of the pick-thanke tencher-chaplaines who will take upon them to epis copize it in other mens diocesses 1 Pet. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 4.13 till a judgment