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
Euen as the Grape that it may yeeld wine is brought to the presse that it may be throughly pressed so man is brought to calamitie that being pressed with sorrowes and exercised with afflictions he may bring forth the sweete and pleasant liquor of obedience and vertue and so be aduanced to true Christianitie which is the greatest and highest dignitie in the world Miseries penuries and tribulations do for the most part keepe vnder and stay our vnruly lusts and daungerous desires and are meanes that we lift vp our hearts and mindes vnto God and that we be strengthened and confirmed in true pietie and vnfained godlinesse And on the other side prosperitie worldly wealth dignitie and honours are oftentimes meanes to hinder vs in holy exercises and to puffe vs vp with pride and vaine-glorie and to draw vs to disloyaltie and rebellion against God Numb 21.6.7 2. Chro. 33.11.12 Nehem. 9.27 Aduersitie bettereth the godly but maketh the wicked worse 1 EVen as full wheate in the eare falleth out with the least motion of the sheafe that which is somewhat shrunke more hardly leaueth the huske but that which is altogether shrunke will rather go to the Chaffe then go out of the eare So a sincere hearted Christian with the least Affliction leaueth his sinne and flyeth to God the weaker Christian more hardly doth the same but the Apostata will rather burne with vnquenchable fire then forsake his beloued sinne that so hee may turne to God How a man may be assured of his Adoption 1 LIke as fire is knowne to be no painted but a true fire by two notes by heate and by the flame now if the case fall out that the fire want a flame it is still knowne to be fire by the heate Eeen so there bee two witnesses of our Adoption Gods spirit and our spirit now if it fall out that a man want the principall which is the spirit of Adoption hee must then haue recourse to the second witnesse and search out in himselfe the signes and tokens of the sanctification of his owne spirit by which he may certainly assure himselfe of his Adoption as he may know fire to be fire by the heate though it want a flame 2 Like as when the Angell shewed vnto the Shepheards the natiuitie of Iesus Christ saying I shewe vnto you great ioy that this day is borne to you a Sauiour in the Citie of Dauid which is Christ the Lord hee addeth you shall haue these signes ye shall finde the childe wrapped in swadling cloathes and laid in a maunger now if these Shepheards beeing come to Bethelem hadde founde the holy Virgine in an honourable Pallace and the Childe in a magnificall and royall cradle they might haue had iust occasion to doubt of the tidings of the Angell this estate not agreeing with the signe that he had giuen but hauing found the Childe in poore estate in a maunger as the Angell had foretold they were confirmed to beleeue that it was the Messias Euen so God hauing reuealed vnto vs by his word that he hath chosen vs to be his children hauing sealed it in vs by the testimonie and effects of the vnction of the holy Ghost and hauing also giuen vs the markes in this that hee hath made vs the members of his Church hee hath foretold and hath giuen one signe more of our Adoption that wee shall bee reproached and persecuted if then the world did make much of vs loued and honoured vs wee might after some sort doubt of the word of God and of our election and Adoption but seeing the accomplishment of that that was foretold vs wee ought to bee so much the more confirmed in this assurance that wee are not of the world but appertaine vnto our good GOD. Iohn 15.19 3 Like as if we aske the way to go to any place and that one tell vs for a signe of the right way that it is at the beginning dyrtie and afterwards full of hills wee will leaue the other wayes which seeme straight drie faire and easie and finding in that way which wee take dyrt and hills foretold and giuen vs for a signe wee will bee so much the more confirmed that wee are in the right way So the holy Ghost hauing foretold that through many tribulations wee must enter into the Kingdome of heauen and that the way leading to eternall life is narrow and difficult if wee finde the way of the Gospell narrow and full of troubles let vs acknowledge that wee are in the right way to the Kingdome of heauen and that we ought therefore to be so much the more confirmed in assurance that we are the Adopted children of God Act. 14.22 Math. 7.13 Of the inward markes of our Adoption 1 AS to the blinde and deafe the opening of their eyes and eares is needfull clearely to see and heare the voyce of him that speaketh Euen so we being of our owne nature both blinde and deafe as touching vnderstanding the holy Spirit is hee that openeth our eyes and eares to comprehend the reuelation of our Adoption and to feele in our hearts the assurance of it engendering in vs Faith which is as it were the hand by which wee apprehend this great benefite whereof also the fruites and effects as well of the holy Ghost dwelling in vs as of the faith that is in vs are the principall and most assured markes to giue vs knowledge of our Adoption Rom. 8.16 1. Iohn 3.24 4.13 Rom. 5.1 Ephe. 1.13 Baptisme may not be denied to Infants Deut. 10.16 30.6 Iere. 4.4 Rom. 2.28.29 4.11 1 AS Circumcision was a Sacrament of repentance as Moses and the Prophets do witnesse and also a Sacrament of Faith as the Apostle teacheth and yet God did not debarre Infantes from receiuing of the same Euen so no more ought Baptisme to be denied to our litle children Exo. 12.48 Nom. 9.14 2 Like as in the old Law when any stranger forsaking his Idolatrie would be ioyned vnto the people of God and professe the same religion that they professed both he and all his men children were circumcised were they neuer so young Euen so in the Apostles time and many yeeres after when any were conuerted vnto the faith of Christ not onely they but al their whole housholds both old and yong were sealed vp with Baptisme which is the seale of the people of God Act. 16.31.33 1. Cor. 1.16 Baptized but once 1 AS the Israelites were but once circumcised So wee are but once Baptized onely because we are but once borne onely As Circumcision was the first beginning of Iudaisme So Baptisme is the first of beginning Christianitie Baptizing by a Midwife 1 AS a priuate man condemning or killing a murtherer because the lawfull Magistrate is not then at hand to do it hath himselfe murthered and executed no iustice because he had no calling therevnto Euen so the Midwife or any other which without all calling do take in hand to Baptize children
meanes and way to life and saluation and doo drawe on to death and damnation and therfore they that be Elected to life eternall are also Elected to haue Faith and consequently to amende theyr liues Rom. 8.1 c. Ephe. 1.4 2.16 Colloss 3.12 1. Pet. 2.9 10. 3 Like as a poore mayden who hearing that some King had among all other chosen her to be his sonnes wife and withall ordained that to that ende she forsaking her parents and kinsfolkes should come to him on foote in the midst of winter no doubt she would willingly and readily leaue all and euen in winter and on foote come to the King to finish this great marriage as the like we reade of Dauid 1. Sam. 18.17 c. Euen so we vnderstanding and hauing witnesse that God hath chosen vs to be the spouse of his sonne Iesus Christ and coheires of his kingdome and also that it is his will that forsaking the world and the flesh we should walke through the path of good workes in amendment of life to come to heauen there to accomplish this happie mariage we ought feruently to renounce the world the flesh and euery thing that contrarieth his will that we may the more speedily and chearfully proceede in amendment of life and so performe this blessed marriage 4 Like as if the Sunne in his force shining vpon a stone can so heate the same stone that a man shall not be able to touch it with his hands Euen so much more shall we if we meditate vpon the loue of God towards vs in our Election albeit we were as cold as Marble be warmed and kindled to loue him with al our harts with al our strength and with all our minds 1. Iohn 4.19 Luk. 14.15 Expectation of reward AS two that should passe together towards their countrie the one to receiue honour for his good seruice done abroad the other as prisoner to be arraigned of treasons committed in former Dominions against his Soueraigne could not bee like merrie in their Inne vpon the way as it seemeth to me and though hee that stood in daunger should sing or make shew of courage and innocencie and set a good face vpon the matter Yet the other might well thinke that his heart had many a colde pull within him as no doubt but all wicked men haue when they thinke with themselues of the life to come or as if Ioseph and Pharaos Baker had knowne both their distinct lottes in prison to wit that on such a day the one should be called foorth to be made Lord of Egypt and the other to bee hanged on a paire of Gallowes they could hardly haue beene equally merrie whilst they liued together in time of their Imprisonment Euen so the like may be said and much more truely of vertuous and wicked men in this world For when the one doth but thinke vpon the day of death which is to bee the day of their deliuerance from their prison their harts cannot but leape for very ioy considering what is to ensue vnto them after But the other are afflicted and fall into melancholy as often as mention or remembrance of death is offered for they are sure that it bringeth with it their bane Gene. 40 41 43. chap. Gene. 30.1 37.4 1. Sam. 18.8 Eloquence in Sermons forbidden EVen as those sheepe which in the presence of their shepheards doo vomit and cast out againe the grasse which they haue eaten doo not profitably shewe how much and how wel they haue fed but those rather which doo inwardly digest and concoct their meate and doo giue abundance of milke doo beare the softiest weightiest and finest Wooll and doo shewe themselues to be fat faire and well liking For by these things they shew and plainely proue that their pasture is exceeding good Euen so not those Pastors Ministers and Preachers of the word which doo deliuer words and stuffe their Sermons with Eloquence and braue phrases doo fruitfully and throughly declare vnto the people that Vertues pasture is excellent good and wholesome to be desired of all but they rather which doo inwardly concoct vertue and do obserue it and bending themselues to the actions and performance thereof doo flowe with the sweete milke of mercie and doo cloath themselues and others with the fine fleeces of Christian loue and charitie doo euidently declare how much they haue profited in the doctrine of Christ and how much also others ought to profit in the same and doo stirre vp the hearts and minds of their hearers to vertue and godlinesse both with their doctrine and liuing 2. Tim. 4.1 2 5. Tit. 2.7 Math. 5.19 Our Elders and auncestors in time of ignorance had yet good consciences in Ciuill causes AS the men of Niniuie repented at the preaching of Ionas and not the Iewes at the preaching of Christ who was greater then Ionas Euen so the good and faithfull dealing which our Elders and ancestors had in times past in Ciuill causes doth reprooue our iniquities and shewe what they would haue beene if they had had the preaching of the Gospell so plainely as wee haue And therefore well saith a godly Father Men had better consciences then lesse knowledge Now haue they more knowledge and worse consciences Math. 12.41 Beza Epis 1. Excesse taketh away pleasures AS too bright a light dazeteth our sight and too great a noyse hindreth our hearing So likewise too great curiositie in deuising our pleasures taketh away a great part of the fruition of our delightes neither is there any thing that maketh our meate more sauerie then hunger and health Enemies of the Gospell AS Archers doo ayme their arrowes vnto a certaine marke So the Enemies of the Gospell bend and bestow all their endeuours vnto the subuersion of the true doctrine and of the true Church of God Psal 2.2 3. Faith 1 LIke as the Sun which although it remaine still in the Firmament therefore in very deed toucheth not the eie yet the peeces or resēblance of the body of the Sun is present and reacheth to the sight notwithstanding so great a distance betweene So the body of Christ which by his ascending is taken vp from vs hath left the world and is gone to his Father is in deed absent from our senses Yet our Faith is conuersant in heauen and beholdeth the Sonne of righteousnesse and is verely in presence with it there present like as the Sunne is perceiued by our sight in earth Iohn 14.19 16.10.28 Act. 7.55 Col. 3.1 Heb. 4.16 10.28 2 As the Sunne with his light is present to all things So is also Christ with his Godhead spirit and power by Faith present to all and filleth all Ephe. 1. 23. Col. 1.17 18. 3 Like as when a man hath libertie to goe into the treasure house of a King there to enrich himselfe wil first of all seeke to haue the keys wherwith he may open the doores and so enter for otherwise it wil nothing profit him
haue made conscience to vse such things as God hath left free and at their libertie Fained Friends 1 EVen as a brooke in winter is carried with great violence and runneth with a mightie force flowing ouer with abundance of waters on euery side when there is no want nor neede of waters but in the heate of Summer is dried vp and emptie when water is scant and hard to be had wherto thirstie passengers as they trauaile running in hope of water to drinke are vtterly deceiued So a fayned and hollow hearted Friend in the time of thy prosperitie and rich estate will promise thee many things when thou hast neede of nothing but if the winde shall turne and blow the contrarie way and thou shalt be turned and tossed with many sharpe brunts and blustring blasts of troubles aduersitie penurie and pouertie thy Friends as thou thought will bee like a tree withered through want of sap and like a ditch without water dried and parched with the heate of the Sunne 2 As a shaddow doth follow that man which is lighted with the bright beames of the Sunne but if the Sunne be hid or couered with a cloud the shadow vanisheth is cleane gone So a fained and counterfaited Friend doth follow and plie that man whome he perceiueth to bee rich to be famous honorable in the Princes fauour at whose hands hee hopeth that some thing will be gotten But if he shall fall into calamitie bee despoyled of his riches and shall tumble downe from the toppe of his honour into the lowevallie of disgrace hee presently forsaketh him and maketh no reckoning nor account of him Prou. 17.17 3 As a Swallow whose companie may be had in Summer but not in winter So likwise Friends as they go now a dayes will swarme about thee so long as thou art able and willing to feede their humors and serue their turnes but that ended they will leaue thee in the middest of a thousand surges and wants of what troubles soeuer shall light vpon thee Forgiuenesse of sinnes 1 AS the Serpent or the Toade when they die are not in so miserable a state as sinfull men because there is the ende of their woe and miserie So contrariwise when men dieth out of the fauour of God and without the benefit of Forgiuenesse of sinnes there is thē the beginning of his woe and miserie 2 Like as when Benhadad king of Syria was discomfited and ouercome by the king of Israell by the counsell of his seruants who told him that the kings of Israell were mercifull men he sent them cloathed in sackcloath with ropes about their neckes to intreate for peace and fauour Now when the King saw their submissiō he made couenant of peace with him So likewise we by our sinnes most iustly deserue hell death and condemnation euery day and therefore it standeth vs in hand to come into the presence of God to humble ourselues before him in sackcloth ashes crauing and intreating for nothing in the world so much as for pardon of our sinnes and that day by day without ceasing till the Lord giue his blessed answere to our consciences that all our sinnes are put out of his remembrance 1. King 20.32 Psal 32.1 Esay 38.17 44.22 Mich. 7.19 3 Like as a man that for some misdemeanour hath beene cast into prison and lyen there many yeares winter and Summer in cold yrons when he obtaines libertie he will often bethinke himselfe of his old miserie and take heede for euer least hee fall into the same offence againe So likewise he which hath seene his owne sinnes and felt the smart of them and withall by Gods goodnesse obtayned assurance touching the pardon and Forgiuenesse of them will neuer willingly and wittingly commit the like sinnes any more but in all things chaunge the course of his life Faith must not wauer in prayer AS the waue of the Sea is driuen sometimes into this coast somtimes into that according as the wind the raging of the Sea is So likewise a mā doubting now thinketh this thing shortly after his mind being chaunged he thinketh an other thing euen as he is driuen on with erronious doctrine and blind affections Such a man prayeth in vaine because hee is destitute of true Fayth Iam. 1.6 7. Forgiuenesse of sinnes free yet requireth thankfulnesse 1 EVen as the King his seruant owing him ten thousand Talants yet when he fell downe and besought him he forgaue him the whole debt freely and of his meere liberalitie So also God the Father dooth freely forgiue them all debts that is sinnes which flie vnto him for succour with trust and confidence in Christ Math. 18.23 c. Luk. 7.41 42. 2 But euen as the king called againe vnto punishment that seruant being vnthankfull and cruell toward his fellow seruants and that which before he forgaue him when he humbly besought him now hee requireth againe of him being stubborne and cruell towards his fellowes So God after he hath receiued vs being sorrie for our sinne into fauour will haue vs imitate his example in liberalitie and goodnesse towards our neighbour Math. 18.32 33. Faith without workes is vaine 1 EVen as that speech is vaine wherein it is said to the needie warme your selues and fill your bellies when as helping hands are not also put to So that Faith is vaine and deade which is in the mouth without the fruite of workes Iam. 2.15 16. 2 As a Carkas wherin is no liuely spirit deserueth not to be called a liuing creature Euen so Faith that is dead and without workes deserueth not to bee called Faith Iam. 2.17 3 Euen as the spirit which is inwardly in a lyuing creature quicke and lusty doth bewray it selfe by moouing feeling and by the outward actions So likewise a liuely Faith doth shewe it selfe by good workes otherwise it is like a tree without a roote by which it is nourished held vp and adorned Iam. 2.18.26 4 As Almes and liberalitie to the poore which is but in faire speeches is cold and doth not helpe So in like manner the Faith which is but in words and outward profession of speech although it be with neuer so great brags is dead so that wee must vnderstand that a thing which is weake and dead in it selfe can by no meanes haue power to giue life and to saue 5 Like as if that liberalitie which is onely in words be cold dead and doth not profit the poore nor make him a liberall man which vseth it Euen so that Faith which is onely in speech is dead and therefore cannot saue or profit him which hath it For if words onely could profite or cause it to bee Faith then should words also profite the poore man or woman which is destitute But words onely can not make a faithfull man nor onely words make a liberall man 6 As a man is knowne to be dead when hee doth not breath cannot stir see heare such like and contrariwise when
and braggeth neuer so much of the name of a Christian that perfectly knoweth not the duties belonging to a Christian man 2. Thes 1.6 7 8 9. Rom. 3.12 4 As no man will bee content to entertaine and giue wages to a seruant that professeth â—â—â—selfe in wordes to be a Husbandman and yet neither knoweth nor can doo any part that belongeth to husbandrie Euen so we may not thinke that God wil allow or like of such men as outwardly in words professe themselues to be Christians by saying they hope and beleeue well and yet are Ignorant and not able to render a reason of any point of Christianitie Leuit. 4.2 5 Like as the Physition cannot communicate his health to and with his sicke patient Or as the liuing man cannot diuide or depart his life with the dead body of an other man but euery man enioyeth his owne health and liueth with his own life So the knowledge that another man hath profiteth not him that is Ignorant and vnlearned but euerie man must knowe and learne himselfe the grounds and principles of Christianitie if hee will bee saued 6 Like as if a child bee borne and brought vp in a dungeon of a pryson and grow to some yeares neuer seeing light if one tell him of trees and mountaines and Birdes and other ceátures hee cannot tell what he meaneth So likewise it is with vs which are borne in blindnesse and Ignorance we know not what heauenly thinges meane till we be told and shewed them by the light of the Scriptures Iustice of God in desertions LIke as if a Magistrate giue a man for a iust cause to bee hanged hee doth but Iustice So likewise God if he for our disobedience giue vs vp to Sathan he dooth but iustly Now if the hangman doo misuse him grieuously there is no faulte in the Iudge or Magistrate but in the malice of the hangman So likewise no fault in God if the diuell doo cruelly handle vs beeing giuen ouer vnto him Infirmitie of falling diminisheth not the grace of Christ. THough God forgiueth and pardoneth not sinners because they should sinne Yet dooth not infirmitie of falling diminish the grace of Christ where faith with repentance worketh Rom. 6.15.16 c. All must appeare before the Iudgement seate of Christ but yet diuersly 1 LIke as some do come to the Assises or Sessions there to receiue their Iudgement and condemnation other some also come to giue euidence against them and to ayde and assist the Iudge in the execution of his office Euen so after the same manner shall it bee at the last day For the reprobate vngodly and mercilesse shall appeare there to receiue their deserued condemnation but contrariwise the faithfull shall then with the Angels come to assist and waite vpon their Iudge Christ Math. 18.28 29. c. Math. 19.28 Luk. 22.29 1. Cor. 6.2 3. 2 As at the barre of an earthly Iudge the malefactor is brought out of prison and set before the Iudge and there examined Euen so in that great day shal euery man without exception bee brought before the Lord to be tryed Rom. 14.10 2. Cor. 5.10 Idolatrie 1 LIke as if men take and account it for a despite and a great reproach to be termed named an Idol Euen so much more wil God our heauenly Father be offended if any shall call Images the likenesses of God 2 As the breach of wedlocke and defiling of the marriage bed by filthie Adulterie is a most wicked and detestable sinne So likewise is Idolatrie a most shamefull and execrable thing when as the honour and glorie due to the liuing God is prophaned and giuen to an other Iere. 16.11 Ezech. 6.4 2. King 17.4 1. Cor. 10.14 3 As it cannot bee otherwise but whereas the ayre is corrupted there must follow pestilence and infection of the bloud So where the mind is not purely perswaded of God must follow this grosse and censible Idolatrie that would honour God in an Idoll The Lord and his people are inseparably Ioyned together AS a man girdeth himself with his girdle Euen so God tyeth his people to himselfe Iere. 13.11 Incorporation with Christ 1 AS the Imp or grasse is translated from his natiue tree to growe in an other So we as many as bee true Christians are translated from Adam to Christ and from being Gentiles to bee of one body with the posteritie of Abraham Rom. 6.5 Rom. 11.17 2 As men graffe to that ende that the Verdure of the stocke may correct and amend the taste of the fruite that it may bee the more pleasant to the eater So Christians should haue their corruptions corrected and amended by Christ and his spirit working in them that they may the better taste to God 3 As the Graffes liue not by his naturall Iuice but by the Iuice or moysture receiued from the roote of the stocke whereinto hee is graffed So wee that are true Christians may liue by the power of Christs spirit working in vs or rather Christ liueth in vs. Gal. 2.20 Iustice of God AS farre as the great mountaine exceed the rest of the earth So farre dooth the Iustice of God exceed and excell the righteousnesse of any creature Psal 36.6 The reward of Iniquitie AS ploughing reaping and eating the fruite doo successiuely follow one an other So hee that plougheth wickednesse shall reape Iniquitie and eate the fruite of lyes Esay 28.24 Prou. 22.8 Ingratitude of the Church AS a Vine planted which neither for choyse of good ground neither for any other thing which the hand of the Husbandman might doo to it can iustly complaine of any want and yet deceiueth the Husbandmans expectation and maketh him to loose both paine labour and cost Euen fo such is the vnkindnesse of people oftentimes who would be counted for the people of God and whome God hath diligently called to the knowledge of himselfe by the preaching of the word and yet proceed in impietie and vngodlinesse Esay 5.1 2. Image of God 1 LIke as when so oft as a man thinketh of some knowne man beeing absent hee doth as it were draw in his minde the proportion of his body which hee beholdeth thinking of him that is absent out of the minde as when a Painter draweth with his hand the portraiture of that body whose Image hee painteth to the intent that the painted Image may represent as much as may be the shape of him that is absent So likewise when the Scripture saith that man was created in the Image and after the likenesse of God we must diligently marke how farre hee is said to haue beene so made and that there was in him whereby hee did resemble the excellencie of his Creator and did as it were represent God himselfe in a Glasse 1. Cor. 11.7 Ephe. 4.14 2. Cor. 3.18 2 Like as a bodily Image which representeth vnto vs the face of a man ought liuely to set before vs all his lineaments and proportions that by the counterfeiting or engrauing we might
Idolatrie and superstition whereby also their ignorant mindes and weake consciences are much disquietted for a time yet for that they procure in the ende their former health and seeke onely to restore them a right to their perfect libertie in Christ they cannot therefore bee truely termed disturbers either of the outward or inward peace of the Church but rather the faithfull defenders thereof for that they doo daily admonish their people to conforme themselues to the right manner of seruing and worshipping God according to his word and to beware of such stinking Garlike and Onions of Egypt as naturally they are apt to surfeit vpon Numb 11.4 5. Patience 1 AS in playing tables we know not what cast shal happen but that which happeneth is the players part to play well So what things shall happen in our life is not in vs to appoint but that which happeneth is our dutie by Patience to accept and vse well 2 As the Apostles did waite with Patience for the promise of Christ for so soone as he was ascended into heauen they came straight to Ierusalem where they continued tenne dayes till the holy Ghost was sent So likewise must wee prescribe no time to the Lord but Patiently waite for those things which we want Act. 1.11 12. 2.1 2 3 4. 3 Euen as the Husbandman labouring in tilling and sowing their fieldes doo patiently looke for fruite So the godly ought by Patience to looke for the end of faith which is the saluation of their soules Iam. 5.7 Preacher 1 AS one peece of wood cannot possibly kindle an other vnlesse the same bee first kindled it selfe So likewise no Preacher can inflame his hearers with the loue of Religion which is not first inflamed himselfe with the loue of the Lord and a care of his glorie nor conuert or teach an other rightly that is not truely conuerted and taught himselfe c. Luk. 22.32 Rom. 2.21 2 As the aboundance of fruites or as a plentifull haruest procureth the paineful ploughman to labour afresh and with a future hope to put his hand to the plough to bend his backe to the burden and most willingly abide the brunt of euerie blast because hee seeth such store of fruites from his former labours So surely euery godly Preacher perceiuing his former practise to bring foorth such profit hee is pricked forward to labour more diligently in his calling accounting those paines his onely pleasure and making those his carefull hearers his daily delight saying Loe these are the trees of righteousnesse these are the planting of the Lord in whom he is glorified c. Prou. 11.30 Esay 61.3.9 3 As the yong Crab-fish being checked on a time of her elder for going so crokedly said first go you straight before vs and then wee will the straighter follow your steps So if the Preacher will haue his hearers to doo and practise that which he teacheth them then hee himselfe must doo and practise that which he teacheth them that so his good behauiour may be their ensample otherwise they will cast his owne dung in his face and say Physition heale thy selfe Luk. 8.16 11.33 1. Pet. 2.12 Math. 23.13 Mal. 2.9 Luk. 4.29 4 As those foolish Carpenters who building and preparing the Arke for the sauegard of Noah and his family were drowned themselues in the floud Or as a grinding-stone which by giuing an edge to the tooles yet becommeth it selfe more blunt then before Or as a Candle which by giuing light to others is consumed it selfe Or as a Mearestone which directeth the poore traueillers aright in their viage but yet it standeth still it selfe at a stay Or as that miserable Husbandman that selleth away al his best Corne but keepeth the refuse to himselfe Or as Cyrus the foolish Wine seller solde others of the best Wine and did drinke the lees and dregges himselfe Or as a fire-brand which kindleth and setteth other wood on fire but it is consumed and burnt it selfe Or as a sicke Captaine which may giue his Souldiers good counsell though himselfe bee vnable to strike a stroake Or as an Alabaster box which containeth very precious oyntments for such as are sicke but feeleth it selfe no sauour thereof Or as a Librarie ful of singular good knowledge for such as are desirous to learne but hath neither vse nor profit thereof it selfe Or as a gilden Cup full of very wholesome Wine for the comfort of those that are drie but yet it remaineth it selfe a thirst Or as a foolish Minstrell which singeth one thing with the mouth and harpeth an other with his hands Euen so that Minister that giueth good counsell to other but followeth it noâ— himselfe that buildeth vp with one hand but breaketh downe with the other which Preacheth soundly buâ— liueth lycentiously which reprooueth others for stealing and yet stealeth himselfe who blameth others foâ— Adulterie but yet breaketh wedlocke himselfe who condemneth the ill dooings and dealings of others and yet dooth the same things himselfe Such a one may as sure himselfe that without speedie repentance he shall neuer escape the iudgements of God Gene. 6.21 Math. 14.38 39. Luk. 17.26 27. 1. Pet. 3.20 Gal. 2.18 Psal 50.17 18. Rom. 2.21 22 23. 5 As there is but one onely meanes to saluation for all whether Prophet or Apostle Preacher or people Iew or Gentile bond or free or of what condition so euer So surely those are the best kind of Preachers in deed which deliuer the doctrine of Christ with some experience and feeling thereof in themselues which verily addeth a maruellous efficacie and force to that doctrine deliuered Gal. 2.6 Ephe. 6.9 Col. 3.25 1. Pet. 1.17 6 As the sicke man seeketh not a Physition eloquent but expert and cunning So of a Preacher there must not be required a phrase of speech adorned and affected but plaine wise and for edification 7 Like as some men entangled in ouer many turnings â—oo make a short way very long So likewise some Preachers in teaching trifling questions and matter that edifieth not doth greatly hinder his hearers from profiting in wisedome and knowledge 8 As a blind sore and wounded eye which cannot direct and leade the body is rather a blemish and a burâ—en to the naturall body then a commoditie Euen so a man allowed and appointed to be a spirituall Pastor and Preacher which hath not the knowledge and grace to Preach the Lawe and the Gospell is but a blind and sore eye not able to direct and guide the spirituall bodie the people of God of whom he taketh charge of Mat. 6.23 〈◊〉 15.14 Act. 8.31 10 As a family or houshold left without a guide or Steward waxeth disordered as Schollers wanting a Schoolemaister cannot be learned as a ship destitute of a guide is vnlikely to be preserued Euen so the state and condition of such Churches and parishes are most wofull and lamentable which are depriued and lacke true and faithfull Preachers who are the Lords stewards to dispose his secrets the
is onely by the Preaching of his word but this they doo not seeke to lay hold of But contrarily they cast themselues head-long into the snares of temptation by ioyning in fellowship with the workers of iniquitie 1. Cor. 1.18 21. Rom. 1.16 10.17 4 As there is not a greater blessing giuen of God to any nation or people then the gift of his holy word there to be sincerely taught and preached So likewise no greater curse from God can be laid vpon any nation or people then when the word of God and the true Preaching thereof is taken away from them Amo. 8.11 12. 5 As there is much difference betwixt a drawne plat and the builded house betwixt the figure and the thing figured the naturall and the thing presented So is there much more difference betwixt the hearing of a Sermon preached and the reading thereof afterwards in writing for the heart is more mooued by hearing the word preached then read 6 As the Hen clocketh and calleth her chickens together and louingly spreadeth her wings to keepe them vnder and to protect and defend them from all things that would hurt or harme them Euen so the Lord most louingly by the continuall Preaching of his holy word doth call men to the imbracing of his mercie Mat. 23.37 7 As Christ when hee raysed vp dead men did onely speake the word and they were made aliue and at the day of iudgement at his voice when the trumpe shall blow all that are dead shall rise againe So it is in the first resurrection they that are dead in their sinnes at his voice vttered in the ministerie of the word shall rise againe 8 As Christ raysed three from the dead Iairus daughter newly dead the widdowes Sonne dead and wound vp lying on the Hearse Lazarus dead and buried and stinking in the graue and all this he did by his very voice So also by the Preaching of his word he rayseth all sorts of sinners euen such as haue lien long in their sinnes as rotting and stinking carrion 9 As the dayes of our life they arise with the Sunne and goe downe againe with it So the day of our saluation it springeth in the Preaching of the Gospell and it is shut vp againe with the ceasing of that voice Math. 4.16 10 Euen as a fruitful field bringeth two kinds of fruits for mans bodily sustenance wherof one must be dressed sodden baked or rosted c. the other may be eaten raw as it commeth from the ground So Gods word hath two kinds of foode for the soule whereof the one must needs be dressed and minced as it were by Preaching and rightly diuiding it the other may bee vnderstood and digested by reading 11 As a Mother doth not giue her child a whole Nut in the shell but breaketh and cracketh it and so giueth it the kernell Euen so must a Minister doo with the word and open it by plaine Preaching 12 Like as they that refuse Pearles because they are brought offered vnto them in homely and base vessels or as they that had rather sit in the darke then to haue a light brought them vnlesse it were put in a Siluer candlesticke or as the baker that refuseth good and pure wheate because of the basenesse of the bag in which it is brought may all be accounted fooles So in like manner such men as refuse to heare the Preaching of Gods word because it is preached by simple base men in regard of the countenance of the world are much deceiued Prayer 1 LIke as in worldly things it makes no matter concerning the sustentation of our bodies where we eate or drinke so it bee wholesome profitable and conuenient So in Religion it skilleth not where any man prayeth so that his Prayer bee deuout zealous and godly in spirit and truth 1. Timo. 2.8 Ioh. 4.21 22 23 24. 2 Like as if a man should tel a tale before a King he had need chiefly to be careful if he intend to speed of his suit that he do not onely speake that is true but that he doo also behaue himselfe after a modest and comely manner in telling of his tale without either gazing about or running into by matters Euen so much more ought wee to haue regard when wee speake vnto God that our speech and Prayer be so adorned and garnished with all circumstances of good meanes and behauiour that it may be acceptable to the eyes and eares of Gods maiestie not suffering our harts to be carried away with wandring thoghts and worldly imaginations or otherwise occupied and to forsake him in the midst of our Prayer For how shall God heare vs when wee heare not our selues Or how would we haue him to remember vs when wee doo no whit remember our selues This is euen to watch with our eyes and to sleepe with our hearts 3 Like as the comelinesse of a Father is to giue vnto his children all such things as becommeth a Father to giue and so the seemelinesse of a Prince is to deale fauourably with his subiects in those things which are seemely and meete for a good Prince to do for like as it falleth out diuers times that children do vnaduisedly aske some things of their Fathers the subiects of their Prince which cannot be graunted to saue the countenance comelinesse of the person of whom they be requested Euen so also it falleth out oftentimes that wee doo aske those things of God by Prayer which hee cannot as God giue vnto vs with the countenance and comelinesse of God 4 As none that is a suter to any other wil do or vse any thing which might offend or hinder his suit So no man that vseth Prayer will flatter himselfe in any thing that may or will displease God to whom by Prayer he mooueth suit when and so often as he prayeth 5 Like as it happeneth oftentimes that those that bee sicke doo wish and desire to haue of their Physition those things that be vnwholesome and vnprofitable for them Euen so many times wee desire by Prayer of God some things which if they should be giuen vs would be to our great hurt and vtter ruine and which are contrarie for vs. Math. 20.20 21 22. 1. Iohn 5.14 Iam. 4.3 6 As men do eate drinke which is a meane ordained of God for the conseruation of their liues not looking thereby to lengthen their dayes aboue their bounds which already the Lord hath appointed but as becommeth them to vse that meanes which hee hath ordained to serue his prouidence Euen so doo the godly as men not curious to know Gods prouidence further then hee reuealeth it vse Prayer as a meane by the which hee is accustomed to worke many of his childrens desire that according to his good will he may dispose the same 7 Like as a louing and well manered wife will not take vpon her to aske any thing of her husband at all but that which shee hopeth he will take in
keepers Euen so is it with verie many men the more temporall blessings and worldly commodities God heapeth vpon them the more they kick against him and will bee the lesse ruled by his Ministers and word Deut. 32.15 No Power against God AS an earthen bottell when it is broken to peeces the shards thereof cannot be set together againe So likewise when God is disposed to punish wicked people no man can helpe or heale them Iere. 19.10 11. 2 As water runneth and falleth away So shal all hands be weakned and knees shall shrinke when God shall punish impietie and wickednesse Ezech. 7.17 Pouertie 1 AS riches and wealth oftentimes make men to forget themselues and God too So contrariwise Pouertie spurreth men forwards to learne Arts whereby they may both helpe themselues and theirs 2 As riches for the most part engendreth idlenesse and contempt of learning and learned men So Pouertie causeth sobrietie and maketh men vertuous and discreet 3 As Phidas could make the same Images as well of Brasse as Marble as of Euorie So can a godly man shew his vertues and good actions as wel in Pouertie as riches and wealth Plants AS the Gardiner doth roote and throw out of his garden all such Plants as are vnprofitable Euen so such Plants as God hath not planted shall be rooted out of his Church Math. 15.13 Preachers should be maintained 1 AS it is reason that hee which planteth a Vineyeard should eate of the fruit thereof So also it is reason that he that Preacheth the Gospell should haue a liuing of them whome he teacheth for himselfe and his charge 1. Cor. 9.7 2 As Souldiers liue by their wages and Husbandmen by the fruit of their labours and shepheards by that that commeth of their flockes So in like manner the Minister that laboreth in Preaching the word is to be maintained by them to whom he preacheth False Prophets 1 AS spots deface the things they light on which ought to bee cleane So also false Prophets and false brethren defile and staine the societie and fellowship of Christians Iud. 1. 12. 2 As shipmen cannot guide themselues by wandring starres without daunger of shipwracke their course is so vncertaine and wandering So no Christian can without assured destruction make such Prophets his guides as stay not themselues vpon the onely and infallible rule of truth Iud. 1. 13. 3 Like as Wolues breaking into a flocke of sheepe do deuour some and scatter the rest So also doo false Prophets and false teachers which creepe into the Church of God and bring to destruction those whome they can allure within compasse of their nets and so diuide and seperate the rest by discention and debate Act. 20.29 Preachers AS they are very welcome and receiued ioyfully of vs which bring vs tidings of that which wee greatly desire So likewise ought the feete of our Preachers to bee esteemed beautifull which bring vs the glad tidings of peace and reconcilement with God Rom. 10.15 Persecution 1 AS the raised waters with great raines fall suddenly with great rage and perill of drowning to many So also are the Persecutions of the Church if God doo not miraculously rescue it from them Psal 104.6 2 As in running the course the agilitie or swiftnesse of the Horse is knowne the strength of a man in the combat the sauour of many drugs in rubbing or brusing of them or casting them into the fire Euen so the constancie faith zeale and other vertues which God communicateth by his free election to his elect are manifest by Persecutions which otherwise should be hid Phil. 4.13 2. Cor. 12.10 3 As a most carelesse Husband will not in any wise content himselfe if his wife giuing ouer her bodie to whoredome should say vnto him that shee keepeth neuerthelesse her heart vnto him Euen so euerie faithfull Christian ought to shunne such false Nicodemites who to auoid Persecution will abandon by a sacriledge intollerable their bodies to Idolatrie and so consequently to the diuell in reseruing as they say their hearts vnto God 1. Cor. 6.19 20. 2. Cor. 7.1 4 Like as in the vineyeard of Engad there is a kind of wood which if a man pricke it or cut it it sendeth forth a sweete Oyntment otherwise if it be not cut or pierced somewayes it dooth not smell so sweete as otherwise it would doo So it is with men and Christians that are Persecuted vndeseruedly 5 As the Sunne when in the middest of the day he is most highest is then most hottest So likewise Persecution is the companion of the pure and vncorrupt Religion of Christ 6 As the inhabitants of the Citie of Meros were accursed by the Angell of the Lord because they came not foorth to helpe the Lord c. Iudg. 5.23 Euen so such as are slacke and negligent to assist the Lord in the time of Persecution in not suffering for his sake shall be cursed 7 As he which runneth at the Glaue and for a prize or wager doth not looke and fix his eyes on them that stand by or on such as goe this way and that way but hee casteth his eyes altogether and bendeth his force to come first to the goale and looketh on them that runne with him and that those that are behind him may not ouercatch him and striueth that hee may ouertake those that are before him Euen so should we doo leaue looking at those that will not chearefully runne the race for heauens blisse by the path of Persecution with vs and cast our eyes towards and on the end of our race and on them that runne before vs that we may ouertake them and on them that runne after vs that wee may prouoke them to come the speedier and faster after vs. 8 Like as when a man shooteth for a great wager hee will not cast his eyes in shooting either on them that rydeth by the way or vppon the standers by but rather on the marke that hee shooteth at otherwise it were not like that hee should winne the game So likewise in time of Persecution we must set our eyes on the marke that wee shoote at euen Iesus Christ who for the ioy which hee setteth before vs did ioyfully carrie his Crosse contemning the shame thereof and is now set on the right hand of God his Father Hebr. 12.1 2 3. 9 Euen as in times past the people of Gog and Magog did sore molest and afflict the people of God So in the time of Antichrist Persecutions and most grieuous wars shall arise wherewith the Church of God shall be shaken and laide waste Reue. 20.7 8. The Pride of mans heart 1 LIke as Adoni-besecke did put diuers Kings vnder his Table and cut off their thumbes and toes Euen so mans heart dooth thinke basely of all other men putting them vnder their feete and detracting and diminishing the graces of God in them Iudg. 1.7 Gene. 16.4 Hester 1.4 5.11 Dan. 4.27 2 As when two wrestle together if the one can lift
Isarel that were their brethren and gaue an outward profession of the name of God with them were the greatest and most daungerous So likewise among the enemies that Syon Gods Church hath the most vehement and bitter are the false hearted and counterfeited Israelites carnall Protestants Papists heretickes and other prophane men 2 As one enemie within the Citie is more daungerous then ten without Euen so carelesse Professors and prophane men as they haue most power to hurt so are they furiously enraged against the truth of the wayes of God and being set on fire to remaine in their sinne euen sell themselues to worke wickednesse Persecutors are often giuen ouer themselues AS God in great mercie stayeth the rage of our enemies that they cannot so spoyle and make waste of the bodies and liues of the godly minded and such as daily labour and profit in true feare of God as is like they would So yet they remaine themselues euen men vowed and giuen ouer to the wil of Sathan hauing their harts set on those things that are euill and their feete swiftest to commit sinne Prou. 1.16 The three Persons coequall in eternitie AS fire is not before heate and light no more is the Father before the Sonne and the holy Ghost Against Prayer for the dead AS they that are departed out of this life bee past our Prayers being either in ioy or misery Euen so we hauing no word of God whereupon faith leaneth to Pray for the dead cannot but sinne in doing it and that we do it not of faith Rom. 14.23 2. Cor. 5.10 Ioh. 3.18 The godly profit much by cruell Persecutions AS a man much mooued with anger and through indignation and wrath intending to kill his brother should throw at him precious stones goodly Pearles and rich Iewels should not damnifie nor hurt his brother because hee would gather them vp keepe them and inrich himselfe with them Euen so tyrants disposed to kill and with fire and sword to put to death the Saints and true seruants of God which doo excell in true pietie and vnfained loue to God and man doo Persecute and torment them with diuers sorts and sundrie kindes of true martyrdome of which things the children of God are glad and doo reioyce and grow stronger and richer in Christ and being throughly armed with a godly patience they doo take and beare Persecutions most quietly for Gods sake without murmuring or grudging euen as their crosse wherwith most willingly they follow their Lord and Sauiour Christ and doo account such tortures inestimable riches and themselues happie that they be thought worthie to suffer such things for the truth sake and in the Lords quarrell Act. 5.41 Peace and vnitie of the Church AS in a true perfect and certaine Clocke the wheeles beeing tempered and in equall and due proportion diuided do performe their courses and doo keepe their seuerall compasses without iarring or differing one from an other euenly and alike so that one mouing the others are mooued and one standing the rest are still and stirre not so that though they bee many in number in forme fashion and agreement they are but one Euen so in a Christian Common-wealth and Church there ought to be one and the selfesame will and so great a concord and likenesse of minds reconciled and drawne together with the infringible band of sincere loue in Christ that though in bodies they be infinite innumerable yet in vnanimitie consent and good agreement in the Lord Iesu they should be all as one man Psal 133.1 Luk. 1.79 Ephe. 4.3 Rom. 14.17 Promises made to particular persons appertaine to their successors LIke as what league truth or Promises of fauour soeuer is made to any King in the same is his kingdome contained and his subiects are also partakers of the same So the Promises made to Abraham Isaac Iacob and Dauid belong not to them onely but to their children also their successors heires people and subiects Amo. 9. Physicke commendable 1 AS pure Corral will receiue no colouring Or as pure Ciuet will neuer leese his fauour Euen so Physicke is so exquisitely excellent that it need not haue any counterfeit helpe and the Physitions haue their commission so lawfull that they cannot bee condemned nor iustly disdained 2 As it is to bee prooued by Gods word damnable sinne for a man to kill himselfe with fire water sword or such like So likewise it is sinne for a man to destroy himselfe in not seeking after Physitions and Chirurgions when time and opportunitie is offered for recouerie It is our dutie to be present at publike Prayer LIke as when a whole Burgesses of a Citie doo come before their Prince and with one voice craue pardon for some offence or beg some grace or fauour the Prince will bee more mooued then if they being absent some one man should speake for the whole Euen so when the whole Church assemble together dooth with heart and mind in presence of God accompanie the Prayers which the Preacher as the mouth of the congregation powreth foorth let them be assured that those Prayers doo penetrate the heauens and that God is mooued to heare them Matth. 18.19.20 Act. 16.13 21.5 Zacha. 8.21 Psal 65.2 Ioel 2.15 The dutie of the Poore AS the prodigall childe hauing goods in the wasting of them gaue himselfe to the worlde and the flesh but hauing fallen into pouertie thought vpon his fathers house and returned thereto So should the discommodities and wants which the Poore doo finde in their estates loosen their harts from the earth and cause them to aspire to the house of their heauenly Father where they shal enioy all spirituall and euerlasting treasures Luk. 15.12 c. Iam. 2.5 1. Cor. 4.11 Hebr. 11.24 25. The dutie of Pastors and Ministers 1 AS they which shall be saued by the Ministerie of Pastors shall be their crowne and ioy in the day of the Lord and they which shall win most to righteousnesse shall shine as the starres for euer So contrariwise the bloud of such as shall perish through the negligence of Pastors shall be required at their hands Phil. 4.1 Dan. 13.3 Ezech. 3.17 Hebr. 13.17 2 As he is knowne to be a Taylor that cutteth out and soweth garments he a Shoe-maker that maketh shoes he a Phisition that imployeth himselfe in curing of sicknesses and so of others Euen so likewise is a Pastor and a Minister knowne in that he preacheth and teacheth the word of God 1. Tim. 4.16 1. Pet. 5.2 Mar. 16.15 2. Tim. 4.1 1. Cor. 9.6 Math. 28.19 20. Ier. 1.6 c. 3.15 3 As the Phisition who ordeineth a potion which in stead of health procureth death is not a Phisition but a murtherer Euen so is it with the Pastors that do preach lyes in stead of truth Ezech. 22.27 28. Iere. 25. toto 4 As a Housholder cutteth out bread at meale times to his children So in like manner a faithfull Pastor must be apt and fit to teach and
house of Dauid waxed stronger and stronger In like manner the spirit must alwayes endeuour it selfe to that which is before and neuer leaue fighting with the flesh till the house of Saul who was a limbe of the diuel that is the flesh waxe weaker and weaker and the house of Dauid who was a figure of Christ that is the spirit waxe stronger and stronger 2. Sam. 3.1 10 As Abraham did runne from the doore of his Tent to meete the Angels So must we endeuour to runne forward not onely looking for but also hastning vnto the comming of the day of God that we may if it be possible meete the Lord in the aire with all his holy Angels Gene. 18.2 2. Pet. 3.12 11 As the Cherubins spread out their wings on high and couer the mercie seate So must wee spread out our wings stretch out and endeuour our selues and bee alwayes prest and readie to flie as it were to doo the will of God if wee would haue his will done in the earth as it is in heauen Exod. 37.9 12 As hee that hath the thumbes of his hands cut off may perhaps doo something but he is so long about a little that he were better sit still and doo nothing then be so long pidling about nothing Or as hee that hath the thumbes of his feete cut off may peraduenture goe forward but is such a Snayles pace which he goes that he were better stand still and not goe at all forward then go so slowly forward So we likewise must not goe so slowly forward as though the thumbes of our hands and feete were cut off but rather we must striue to come to Perfection and to runne as fast as it is to bee supposed that that mightie man could which had vpon euerie hand six fingers and vpon euerie foote six toes 2. Sam. 21.21 13 Euen as those beastes in Ezechiel did runne and returne as lightnings So must euerie one who is enlightned with the spirit of God follow as swiftly as lightning which dooth no sooner flash downe from heauen to the earth then he must in affection mount vp from the earth to heauen Ezech. 1.14 14 As the Israelits were commanded to eate the Passeouer in haste So in like manner all we which are true Israelites must gird vp the loynes of our minds and follow hard and runne a pace towards Perfection and redeeme the time that both the wrath of God may passe ouer vs and also the mercie of God may abide with vs. Exo. 12.11 15 As the Ostridge neuer flies with his wings but only lifts vp his body with them when he runnes and in the pinion of each wing hee hath a sharpe spurre wherewith he pricketh his owne selfe that so hee may run the faster So we ought by all good meanes to quicken our dull dispositions that we may follow hard euen as wee see the Ostridge eggeth his own selfe forward with the flapping of his wings Esay 40.31 16 As Pindarus writeth that King Therons coursers were such as wold neuer be wearie of going So we must follow and still endeuour to come to Perfection and neuer be wearie of well doing 17 As Atalanta ranging out on the right hand to gather vp those golden Apples which Hippomenes for the nonce threw forth before her did loose the wager shee ran for So likewise they which are not thankfull to God for the glorious peace and prosperitie of his Church but runne after euerie fond and straunge deuised doctrine and take vp all pretie nouelties as golden Apples which euerie man le ts fall shall misse the marke and loose the garland of glorie and so neuer attaine to Perfection 18 As Paul left Cyprus on his left hand when he sayled toward Syria So wee must if we will runne towards the marke of Perfection leaue all Atheisme all Gentilisme al Poperie al prophannesse al lewdnesse on the left hand and also wee must forsake all those worldly affections which may draw vs any way from the marke of true godlinesse Act. 21.3 19 As Gunners winke with the leftreye that they may leuell more truely So likewise we must not beâ—old any vngodlinesse or sinister dealing with our eyes but wee must ayme directly toward Christ and either if it be possible hit the mark of Perfection or at least wise with those left handed Beniamities come within a haires breadth of it Iudg. 20.16 20 Like as when Diogenes sawe a bungling Archer sâ—oote he ranne as fast as he could to the marke the lookers on demaunded what he meant in so doing Hee answered to make sure that he might not be hit for this fellow sayes hee meanes neuer to come neare the marke So likewise when wee see prophane straglers starting aside like a broken bow and roauing a great way wide on the left hand we must rather labour to attaine to Perfection that so wee may not onely keepe our selues safe from the danger of their il example but also we may giue ayme as it were to others by our good ensample and direct them that they be neither wide nor short to draw to the marke of Perfection 21 As Iosephs brethren stood so long dallying and delaying and trifling out the time that hauing a iourney to buy Corne they might haue returned twise before they would goe once Or as Eliseus when Elias called him went about the bush as wee say and would needes goe bid his Father and his Mother farwell before hee would follow the Prophet So when wee are called of God to professe his Religion we may not stand temporising and circling and consulting with flesh and bloud before we follow toward the marke of Perfection neither must we fetch a compasse but rather endeuor with a straight course to come to Christ Gene. 43.10 1. King 19.20 22 As the Bee beeing to flie home to her Hiue and fearing least if shee should bee taken by the way with the wind shee might so perhaps bee blowne about in the ayre counterpeizes her selfe with a little stone and so flies straight home So likewise we must not bee wauering and carried about with euerie blast of doctrine like a Reed shaken in the winde but must be built vppon the chiefe corner stone and grounded vpon a rocke and established with grace that howsoeuer the raine fall or the flouds arise or the wind blow or what times so euer come yet we may stand fast and alwayes follow Christ directly till we come to Perfection Ephe. 4.14 15. Luk. 6.24 Hebr. 13.9 Math. 7.25 23 As Theseus being guided by Ariadnes threed which shee tied at the entrance into Dedalus Labyrinth escaped all the daunger and errour of it Euen so wee must make Christ the doore by which we must enter into the Labyrinth of all out affaires and tie Rahabs threed at this entrance and follow it all the way that so we may bee safe and goe in and out and find pasture and come to Perfection Iosu 2.14 Ioh. 10.9 24 Like as a lustie Hound
will flow with water that is pleasant sweete and wholesome but suffered let alone are corrupted and doo stinke So Riches worldly substance if they be distributed vnto the poore translated from them that haue too much to those that are needle and hauing nothing they do greatly increase and multiplie for a very little is great Riches to him that hath nothing and to him that did bestow them they are instruments and meanes of Gods blessing but being Coffered and lying still so that the poore needie creatures are not releeued with them they are vnprofitable and will breed the stinch of hell and endlesse woe to those that so doo keepe them Psal 41.1 112.9 23 As the Licoure in the pot profiteth not to it selfe but them that draw and drinke therof So worldly goods and Riches oft profiteth not the keeper and owner thereof but other that come after 24 As they that are swolne with the Dropsie who a far off seeme fat and to bee in good liking by reason of the aboundance of the humors in their bodies though that for this cause they be soare and daungerously diseased So do we iudge by the outward appearance that Riches are verie pleasant and such as loue and haue them very happie though that for the most part there be nothing more vile and filthie in their houses then themselues 25 Euen as a Gold ring doth not so soone touch a goutie or diseased finger but that presently it causeth great intollerable griefe So likewise Riches honours pleasures profit of this world do nothing else but molest trouble our minds either with ambition or couetousnesse 26 As an Ape or Munket is tied and tethered to his clogge So likewise Riches of themselues doo encumber and entangle mens minds Reason AS if the Sunne were not all our life should bee led in night and darknesse So if Reason were not all our other sences were no better then bruite beastes Repentance requireth confession 1 AS the beginning of health is the feeling and perceiuing of the sicknesse So the beginning of Repentance is to acknowledge the offence 2 As they are most hardly healed which in their sickenesse be void of all reason So hard it is for thē to repent amend who will not acknowledge their owne sinne and wickednesse 3 Like as when a man is sicke the fist step to health is to know his disease Euen so to true Repentance and saluation the first step is to know the damnation due for our sinnes Rich men are to liue godly as well as the poore AS God alloweth the Rich man nothing more to misvse or mispend then he doth the poore man for as he hath the same Baptisme Faith Lord God and Father in heauen with him and hopeth for the same kingdome that the poore man doth Euen so hath he the same Law giuen him to liue after and by the same shall be iudged as well as the poore To Relieue the poore 1 AS he that gathereth vp the Queenes rents if he bestow them not in that good manner that he is appointed but wasteth spendeth them ryotously howsoeuer shal be sure to suffer due punishment for his so doing Euen so likewise he to whom God hath giuen riches and great wealth for the reliefe of his poore brethren if he neglect them and spend his goods lasciuiously on his backe or belly or otherwayes God wil punish him most seuerely at the day of his account Luk. 16.1 2 c. 2 As the cloudes that are full powre out raine Euen so the rich that haue abundance ought to distribute Reading of the Word 1 LIke as the busie Bee when as shee flieth into some faire and pleasant Garden and lighteth sometimes here and sometimes there as it falleth out sucketh out some sweetnesse out of euery flower and hearbe whereon she sitteth Euen so a Christian looking into the volume of the sacred scriptures and reading sometimes this parcell thereof sometimes that shall receiue by euerie booke therein some comfort and profite as will cause him to preferre the same before the honie and the honie combe 1. Timo. 4.13 14.15 16. Psal 19.8 9 10 119.72 103 104. 2 As the vse of meates is not sufficient to the nourishment of mans bodie except they be dressed and prepared Euen so the hearing of the word of God read is not sufficient to bring men to sound knowledge and saluation except the same be preached and rightly diuided Amos 8.11 Reprobate and vngodly men often in greatest prosperitie AS the Butcher will suffer those beasts which he appoints to be killed to goe where they list in his best pastors and to breake his hedges that in so dooing the sooner they be fatte the sooner he may kill them Euen so the Lord lets reprobate and vngodly men whom he loues not in his Sonne Christ take their pleasure corrects them not for their amendment but le ts them worke their iust condemnation in giuing them vp to their owne lusts and into a reprobate sence as he did Pharao Saul Iudas Herod Antiochus Nero c. Deferring of Repentance 1 LIke as if a malefactor for his punishment should be appointed to carry euery day a sticke of wood to an heape to burne him twentie yeares after Euen so men by deferring Repentance do treasure and heape vp wrath against the day of wrath Rom. 2.4.5 2 The longer a man goes and continues in his sickenesse without any Physicke the harder is the recouerie Euen so the more the time is prolonged the harder it is to repent For where the diuel dwels long he will hardly be remoued 3 As the case is dangerous if a man fall into the relapse of an ague or any other strong disease it may peraduenture cost him his life and the recouerie will be verie hard Euen so it is verie daungerous after Repentance for some greeuous sinne to fall into the same againe and come to Kepentance the second time Iohn 5.14 Luk. 11.26 Resurrection of our bodies 1 LIke as the bodie of Christ which he tooke in the virgines wombe was by his Almightie power raised vp againe immortall and glorious all infirmities that it was subiect vnto being cleane put away and taken off Euen so these mortall bodies of ours euen the same that we tooke of the substance of our sinfull and mortall mothers shall at the day of the generall resurrection of all flesh be raised vp againe according to the mightie working of the Lord whereby hee is of power to subdue all things vnto himselfe Esa 66.24 Eze. 37.1 c. Dan. 12.2 Math. 25.41 Ioh. 5.29 Ioh. 19.25 Iohn 11. 25. 1. Cor. 15.1 c. 2. Cor. 5.10 1. Thess 4.13 c. 2 As Swallowes Wormes and Flies which haue lyen dead in the winter season in the spring by vertue of the Sunnes heat reuiue again So likewise men fall in sounes and traunses being for a time without breath or shewe of life and yet afterward come againe and
doo all their businesse by candlelight so continuing vntill the broad day Euen so in like sort whilst we abide in this world where we are compassed about with the grosse darknesse and ignorance of heauenly things wee must carefully giue eare to the prophecies of the word take counsell at them gouerne our selues wholy by them so long till the day of the Lord approach and the time wherein we shall clearely behold those things in the presence of God which now in this pilgrimage of ours we beleeue and hope after 2. Pet. 1.19 3 As men enterchaungeably are said to be wiser one then an other when as one is wiser in diuers points and an other againe in some other points Euen so if mans wisedome bee able to doo that which the reuealed wisedom of God is not then is God wiser then man not simply but in some pointes and man wiser then God not simply but in some points and therefore such as avouch that the wisedome of man is not able to refell and confute some errors heresies and false opinions which the word and reuealed wisedome of God cannot is to make man wiser then God Esay 29.14 1. Cor. 1.20 25. 3.19 4 Like as Abraham said to the rich glutton being in torments who would haue had him to haue sent one to his Fathers house to warne his fiue brethren least they also should come into that punishment They haue Moses and the Prophets said hee let them heare them and if they will not heare them neither wil they be perswaded though one rise from the dead againe Luk. 16.29 31. Euen so they that will not be perswaded by such reasons as may be alleadged and brought both for confirmation and confutation of any point either of doctrine or manners out of the sacred Scriptures surely they will not bee mooued any thing at all either with the authorities of Poets Phylosophers Oratours or other prophane writers whatsoeuer neither yet with the reasons that may be brought out of an Ecclesiasticall writer how famous learned or notable so euer he were Sanctification 1 LIke as Lot was vexed and his righteous heart was grieued with the vncleane conuersation of the Sodomites from day to day Euen so ought our soules to be vexed and grieued continually at the wickednesse of our time and to send vp prayers to God for them that they may be brought to the obedience of his holy wil. 2. Pet. 2.7 Ezech. 9.4 2 Like as Ioseph Elias and Elizeus left their garments behinde them Euen so must the children of God leaue their carnal affection c. before they can please God and attaine saluation by Christ 3 As Wormes and Flies that haue layne dead all winter if they be laid in the Sunne in the spring time begin to reuiue by vertue thereof Euen so when wee are vnited to Christ and are as it were laid in the beames of this blessed Sonne of righteousnesse vertue is deriued thence which warmeth our benummed hearts dead in finne and reuiueth vs to newnesse of life whereby we begin to affect and like good things and put in practise all the duties of Religion 4 As the sight of him that is bleare-eide is hurt by looking against the Sunne Euen so likewise it is very daungerous to handle a thing that is pure with handes vnwashed and a man not to purge himselfe that hee may become a vessell sanctified to honour meete for the vses of the Lord and prepared to all good workes 2. Timo. 2.19 21. The Seruice of God is to be preferred before all earthly things 1 LIke as if a Seruant that is factor for his M. beyond the seas after many yeares returning home to giue accounts to his maister shuld yeeld a reckoning of so much time mony spent in carding dicing dancing so much in courting and wanton company we would laugh at so fond a reckoning but being further asked by his maister what time he bestowed on his marchandise which he sent him for if he should answer none at all nor that hee euer thought or studied vpon that matter we might thē thinke him wel worthy of al shame punishment Euē so surely with much more shame and confusion shal they stand before God at the day of iudgemēt who being placed here to so great a businesse as is the worship seruice of God haue notwithstāding neglected the same bestowing their studies labors cogitatiōs in the vain trifles of the world which is as much from the purpose as if men being placed in a course to run at a goldē game of infinit price they shuld leaue their mark and make some step aside after flies or feathers in the aire and some other stand stil gathering vp the dung off the ground we would thinke these men not worthie to receiue so great a reward as this that was proposed and offered to them 2 Like as Doues Pigeons and Lambes were offered in sacrifice and sanctified vnto the Lord vnder the Lawe as well as Oxen Euen so children young men ought to dedicate themselues to worship and serue God as well as old folke Leuit. 5.5 6. Numb 28.3 9. 2. Chro. 7.5 Psal 8.2 119.9 148.12 3 As the sacrificing Fire neuer went out but burned continually vpon the Altar Euen so Christians ought to haue a continuall care of Gods Seruice Num. 6.13 Scorners LIke as olde men for the most part are wayward and thinke scorne to be told of their faultes So likewise is this doating age of the world wayward and waspish if when a Preacher shall reproue them of any vice that they are faultie in Sinne left by vngodly meanes AS a Bird the more she strugleth hauing lyme twigges on her wnges the faster is she ensnared Or likewise a Fish taken with a baite Or as a man that washeth him in a poole that is muddie in the bottome the fowler he is So likewise a man being in Sinne striuing to get out by vngodly meanes hee infecteth himselfe the more with Sinne. Sathan 1 AS a Rauen or carrion Crowe will seaze first on the eye of a beast that seemeth to be dead knowing that if the eye be out they may the easier get their pray So Sathan will seeke first to pecke at our eye of faith and if that be out he will rule vs as he will 2 As a weak brittle wall is easily cast down ouerthrowne with euery Engine but an huge fense a mightie strong wall and a Tower that is firme and fensed on euery side doth stand surely endureth the force that commeth against it without yeelding staggering or falling in so much that the enemies that seek to ouerthrow it are driuen and constrained to vse warlike engines and pollicie yea and to batter and shake it with engines torments and ordenances of warres which wil send and throw out stones weapons bullets and pellets of yron and lead Euen so Sathan dooth most easily ouerthrow with euerie light temptation fraile and weak
commeth into good thoughts then into good workes by degrees but many times they are nipped and smitten in the bud or in the blossome that is either in thoughts or words that they neuer come to workes The workes likewise of the Sonnes of God are at the first faire and fresh but yet hard and harsh and when they are come to any perfection they are either wind-shaken and deuoured by beastes or smitten with persecution then are they bought and sold and euerie man handleth them as they list In a word the fairest the pleasantest and the best of our workes must be pared and picked for daintie mouthes and queasie stomackes and in the end consumed of all and then are our labours come to their perfection whether they bee of the Church or Common-wealth and then do many of Gods children thinke themselues naked and dead and there is no cause why they should for their fruits whether they perish in the bud or in the blossome or in the ripening or howsoeuer they be handled yet they prooue that the sap of Gods spirit is in them the next spring of Gods grace will fetch all againe Psal 1.3 5 As men say of fruit this is but little but it is good here be not many of them but those that are of them are very daintie they are right of such and such a kind Euen so the adopted children of God may say My faith is but litle and weak my loue is not so much as I would it were my zeale is but little and my patience is but small but it is true faith and true loue and true zeale and true patience euen from the very heart roote without dissembling O Lord encrease it and strengthen it Luke 17. 5. Mark 9.24 6 As the adopted Sonnes of God are planted by the ministerie of the word and spirit Euen so they florish and abound in fruit by the same meanes as also by the Sacraments and prayer c. Psal 92.13 14. Rom. 1.17 7 Like as if a King Prince or Nobleman should make a poore begger borne his louing Sonne and heire by adoption hee were greatly bound to loue him and to bee thankfull vnto him for euer Euen so much more wee ought to loue the Sonne of God Christ Iesus that hath made vs Sonnes and heires to his Father by his death and redemption Saluation 1 AS an Helmet saueth the head of a Souldier in the day of battaile So Saluation which commeth from the Lord saueth and protecteth vs from the deadly wounds of our spirituall aduersaries Ephe. 6.17 2 As the Pismire prouideth foode in Summer time to liue by in Winter So in like maner we must labour to attaine and get Saluation with the meanes thereof in the Summer of prosperitie that so wee may liue spiritually in the Winter of aduersitie 2 As a supper is made when the day draweth to an end Euen so is full Saluation giuen to the godly about the end of the world 4 Like as the Infant cannot liue without a Nurse So neither can we haue Saluation without Christ The Spirits to be tried AS Marchants credite men so farre as their wealth and money will reach but yet trust not them that do not keepe their day and credite Euen so in the promises that deceiuers make vnto their fellowes wee must regarde what ground they haue for them and how they can bee performed Saluation to be preferred before either profit or pleasure 1 AS the eye is marueilous necessarie for the guiding of the whole body and a member that hardly may bee spared yet if there come daunger vnto the rest of the body by it wee must rather suffer the losse of it then the whole body should perish for it Euen so wee are to loose with contented minds our dearest friends or whatsoeuer commodities of this life though wee can as hardly spare them as our right eye if they hinder vs in the way of life and Saluation Math. 9.47 2 Like as when a mans foote is so soare that it cannot be healed and putteth the other parts of the body in danger to be infected by it is wont to be cut off for the preseruation of the rest Euen so when our friends or any earthly commoditie whatsoeuer shall become hurtfull to our soules and endaunger vs to loose life euerlasting we must then reiect them Math. 18.8 They whom God setteth on worke must needes Speake AS when the Lyon roareth whosoeuer is within his daunger cannot choose but bee afraid So when the Lord Speaketh what Prophet or preacher of his can hold his peace Iere. 47.2 Amo. 3.8 Securitie is the high way to destruction AS the Oxe when hee is driuen to the Butchers stall goeth willingly because his hope is that he shall bee driuen to some better Pasture and neuer feareth vntill the Axe bee readie to be laide vppon his head Or as a foole when he is led to the stockes goeth chearfully and neuer feareth vntill his feete bee fast snared therein So likewise many men goe securely forwards weltering in the broad way without remorse of conscience perswading thēselus that that is the perfect way because the greatest number do walke therin and neuer perceiue their owne folly vntill till they snared in the traps of destruction A Spirituall man discerneth all things AS a man of cleare eye-sight is able to iudge of colours and to know one colour from an other Euen so such as are indued with the grace of God doo as plainely and euidently iudge of Gods word trie out the truth thereof from the deuises and doctrines of men Scriptures 1 AS the Lawes must bee interpreted not according to the censure and iudgement of them to whome they were giuen but after the will and meaning of the Iudge and Lawgiuer which made them So the Scriptures must bee interpreted by the Scriptures and the word by the word and that which is spoken obscurely in one place by that which is declared and vttered more plainely in an other place 2 As the Carpenter knowes his Rule to be straight not by an other Rule applied vnto it but by it selfe for casting his eye vppon it hee presently discernes whether it bee straight or no So likewise wee knowe and are resolued that Scripture is Scripture euen by the Scripture it selfe though the Church say nothing so be it we haue the spirit of discerning when wee read heare or consider of the Scripture And yet the testimonie of the Church is not to be despised for though it breede not a perswasiton in vs of the certaintie of the Scripture yet it is a very good inducement thereto 3 Like as the Physitions in their bookes doo most diligently discribe euen such diseases as are most filthy not to the intent to praise commend them or els alow thē but to the end they may bee exactly knowne and the more perfectly cured So the holy Scripture in sundrie places doth most manifestly rehearse mischieuous deedes euen such as