hope for the Grace of God except hee come to Christ visible man and eate his visible flesh and doo incorporate the same into himselfe by faith 10 Like as a spring locke which of it selfe can shut but cannot vnlocke without a key Euen so wee of our selues may runne into sinne and wickednesse but wee cannot returne and come out of the same without the keye of Gods Grace Gouernment of the common-wealth 1 AS he must not take the Lute in hand which is vtterly ignorant in singing and playing So ought none to take the Gouernment of the common wealth in hand vnlesse he were endued with wisedome and knowledge 2 As the virgines of Vesta had one time appointed vnto them wherein they should learne an other wherein they should exercise and the third wherein they should teach So the like ought they to doo that take any Gouernment of the common-wealth in hand God doth vs not all the good he will doo at a clappe fearing least we would vtterly abandon and loose it AS a Father of an houshold well aduised who at the first dash dooth not much aduaunce his seruants but doth for them by little and little the better alwayes to put them in comfort and hope to receiue aduantage at last to the end that by this meane they may be holden in seruice and not depart from his house Euen so God during the time that wee are in this world giueth vs more hope then he doth benefites and yet it is plaine that the graces that hee bestoweth vppon vs are infinite for feare least that if he should make vs great and rich at once and should giue vs out of hand all the good that he keepeth in store for vs it would make vs to abandon his seruice as we see sometimes it happened to the Iewes by this occasion Iere. 22.21 Good turnes or benefites vnexpected AS the Fig tree blossometh not hauing yet fruite most sweete So some men doo Good turnes and benefits though they promise none A Gainefull man but sumptuous AS a fruitefull fielde which requireth great labour and charges yet doth yeelde much profite to the owner but none for it selfe So a Gainefull man and thriftie but yet sumptuous can leaue no store of wealth behinde him for his heire Such one may be said to bee pennie-wise but pound-foolish Good-will AS a floud diuided into sundry litle brookes or stremes runneth both weake and small So Good-will stretched towarde many must at the length bee feeble and faint God is not the cause of sinne LIke as it happeneth sometimes that the selfesame Wine being powred into a corrupt vessell is lost and made palde and looseth his verdure which Wine as it is brought by the husbandman and put into the vessell is both sweete and good Neither is it hard to vnderstand how one and the selfesame act may as touching one bee vicious and in respect of an other iust For as when a murtherer and a hangman doo kill a man the act as touching the matter or subiect is all one namely the death of a man and yet the murtherer dooth it most vniustly and the hangman by law and iustice Euen so God is not the cause of sinne for if we will speake properly and that it may the more manifestly appeare we must marke that one selfe acte as it is deriued and commeth from God it is both good iust and holy For punishment is by God imposed and laide vpon wicked men and to punish sinnes no man is ignorant but that it pertaineth to Iustice Wherefore God in withdrawing his grace from the vngodly and ministring some occasions which might moue to good things if they happened to right and iust minds and which hee knoweth the wicked will turne to euill may after a sort though not properly be said to be the cause of sinne And vndoubtedly that act in that it passeth from vs is sinne but not as it commeth from God For in that it commeth from God it is most perfect Iustice God is not the author of euill 1 LIke as if a man cut with an euill or dull knife he is the cause of cutting but not of euill cutting or hackling of the knife but the badnesse of the knife is the cause therof Or if a man strike of an Instrument that is out of tune he is the cause that the strings sound but that they sounde iarringly and out of tune that is in themselues and the man that striketh them is not to be blamed for it Euen so it is no good argument neither followeth it that because all things are done and come to passe by God his determinate will and prouidence that therefore he should be the author of euill For seeing one may be the author and cause of an action and yet not of the euill in the action it doth not therefore follow that if God be the cause of the action that by and by the euill in the thing must also proceede of him Nay contrarily this Doctrine is a sealed truth That no euill commeth of God in any worke but though in euery thing that is done the Lord bee some worker yet as he doth it it is euer good As by these places of Scripture may plainely appeare Deut. 32.4 Iob. 8.20 34.10 11 12.17 Psa 5.4 Iere. 10.10 12.1 Dan. 4.34 Iam. 1. 13 14. Rom. 9.14 1. Ioh. 1.6 2 As a man that rides vpon a lame-Horse and stirres him the rider is the cause of the motion but the Horse himselfe of the halting motion So God is the author of euery action but not of the euill of the action 3 As the wheeles of a clocke whereof some runne forward and some backward but all to make the clock strike Euen so God and the diuell workes both to one ende though God haue one good purpose and the diuel his ministers haue an euill purpose Yet there is no euill in God Esay 45.7 Amo. 3.6 God is not the author of sinne 1 AS he that maketh tooles and Instruments of yron or other mettle maketh not rustinesse and canker neither is to be blamed if those things which he hath made by reason of too much moysture dust or other corruption shall afterward gather canker or rustinesse Euen so that heauenly workeman our God did not bring in sinne and iniquitie neither can he iustly be blamed if his creatures doo staine and blemish themselues with the foulenesse of sinne and wickednesse for hee made them good Gene. 1.10.12 2 As the earth affoording sap as wel to the euil trees as to the good cannot bee found fault withall because the euill tree bringeth foorth euill fruites So much lesse can God be called either the author or cause of our sinnes although by his prouidence he moueth all things yea euen the vngodly Act. 17.28 Psal 5.6 Pro. 6.16 3 Like as that which is no fault in the maister of the house is a great fault many times in any of his seruants because it is the breaking of their
manners in this outward and ciuill conuersation of life and it is a rule of life or good workes in which those that are borne againe must shew their obedience to God And thirdly it chastiseth vs with the threates of Gods wrath and endlesse damnation and it punisheth vs with death sicknesse and other miseries all which are Sermons of the Lawe concerning Gods dreadfull wrath against sinne Gene. 1.26 27. 2.7 3 As a looking Glasse dooth neither wash nor make him faire that looketh therein but giueth occasion either to seeke for water or else for some other thing that may make him faire and cleane Euen so the Lawe sheweth vnto vs our sinnes and maketh knowne vnto vs our miserable estate and wretchednesse and how that there is nothing good in vs and that wee are farre wide from all manner of righteousnesse and so driueth vs of necessitie to seeke righteousnesse in Christ as to the Physition and fountaine of all saluation who onely hath by his death taken away sinne and death and deliuered vs out of the prison of the Law 4 Like as in the night by reason of the darknesse spread vppon the earth all things are hid and couered which causeth that wee cannot discerne and discouer the spots which we haue in our faces But when the light beginneth to appeare and that wee take a Glasse to behold our selues therein then they are discouered and shewe themselues So likewise during the time that we are couered with the darknesse of ignorance the sins and vices that dwel in vs are hidden there and yet oftentimes we thinke being leprous and deformed that we are beautifull and perfect but our eyes being once opened illuminated by the spirit and grace of our God and taking the Glasse of the Law therein to behold the estate of our nature and our life then we beginne to know the great and grieuous imperfections and wants that are in vs and so at once we loose the opinion which we had conceiued before of our owne righteousnesse and vertues and so are forced to flie to Christ for remedie c. Lawes like to copwebs AS little Flies are fast tied and easily snared in the copwebs but the Drones and great Flies breake and escape through them So likewise poore and meane men are fast wounden and holden in the penalties and daungers of Lawes but Lordes and men in great authoritie dayly breake Lawes and are not corrected So that the weakest goeth to the walles and the worst may holdeth the candle Labour lost AS a wife by long suite obtained sometimes much molesteth her husband So some men with great Labours and charges purchase that thing which afterward is their onely care and vexation Appearance of Learning amongst inferiours AS the Ship lying in the Hauen or ryuer seemeth huge and great but beeing in the maine Sea it sheweth both slender and smal So diuers which be but simple and meane in some places appeare to be wise excellent and Learned wheras amongst their betters they appeare base simple and plaine Lamenting for trifles AS if you forbid children one play of game then they straight doo crie and weepe not regarding any other kind of pastime So diuers kind of men wil so Lament for a trifle or small displeasure that therby they make all other commodities and pleasures altogether vnpleasant Labour LS the Mariner when he perceiueth a storme or tempest to be neare he first calleth vpon God by earnest praier that hee may safely attaine to the wished hauen and then striketh his sailes and vseth all good meanes which he supposeth needfull for the same Euen so we must so trust to the prouidence of God that we also vse our owne industry in all good meanes and sort conuenient The Loue of God in giuing his sonne for vs. LIke as if a man giue a penny hauing a great deale of money in his purse is not so much as when he giueth it hauing but it onely As when Zerephath gaue Heliah the handfull of meale hauing no more for her self and her son Euen so the wonderfull great Loue of God toward mankind appeared in this that hauing but one onely Sonne and not many Sonnes he would vouchsafe to giue him for a raunsome for the redemption of vs most wretched and vile sinners 1. King 17.12 Iere. 6.26 Amo. 8.10 Ioh. 3 16. 1. Ioh. 4.9 Loue. 1 AS a Candell wasteth it selfe to giue light vnto others Euen so a good Christian ought to spend his life for the benefit of others 2 Like as in the building of a house one stone is bound and fastned to another with morter Euen so in the spirituall building of Christ one Christian man is ioyned to another by Loue. 3 As fire goeth out if it be not mainteyned with wood So likewise Loue groweth cold which is not mixed with good workes 4 As the fire without wood turneth to ashes So doth â—oue without workes take an end and finish 5 As hatred is the cause of contentions among men So likewise Loue couereth faultes either by reforming them or by winking at them Pro. 10 1â— 6 As the rodde of Moses turned into a Serpent deuoured the serpents of all other roddes Euen so the Loue of God must deuour the loue of all other things 7 As that is the hottest fire which warmeth them that are furthest off So that is the most feruent perfect Loue which forsaketh none though they bee neuer so farre off neither friend nor foe that may be loued but imbraceth all in him who neuer dooth forsake vnlesse he be forsaken 8 As enuie hatred or malice mooueth vs to reproach and disdaine our brother when hee displeaseth or offendeth vs So in like manner Loue hideth and pardoneth the faultes which he committeth against vs though they be neuer so many 1. Pet. 4.8 9 As a King is honoured in his image So God in man is both loued and hated he cannot hate man who loueth God neither can he Loue God who hateth man 10 As fire cannot bee hidden in flaxe without some flame nor Muske in the bosome without smell Euen so neither can Loue bee hidden in the breast without suspition 11 As a cold stone by lying three or foure houres in the warme Sunne gathereth heate So the Loue of God shining vpon our soules ought to kindle vs both to loue him and all men for his sake Ioh. 3.16 1. Ioh. 4.16 19 20. Eph. 24 Rom. 5.8 13.10 1. Cor. 13.1 c. Lying 1 AS hee sinneth most greeuously that deceiueth blinde men or trauelling men by shewing them a contrary way Euen so much more heynously offeâ—â—deth hee that in matters of religion doctrine and godlinesse do bring men into errours through Lying because he doth therby as it were thrust them out of the kingdom of heauen Eze. 13.6 8 10. Iere. 23.25 26. 1. Tim. 4.2 3. Esa 9.15 16. 2 As the diuel is the Father of lyes So Lying is an euident token of his children Ioh. 8.44 3 As
wicked and vniust if hee did distribute it good and such as he was commaunded the same could not let at all but that it should be good currant money and that they which should receiue it should very well make their profit thereof Euen so the Minister although he bee lawfully called and haue sufficient giftes to Preach yet if hee doo not administer the Sacraments according to the Lords ordenāce or do either disguise peruert them or else doo administer other in stead of them in thus doing the case is altered but otherwise the vitiousnesse of the person cannot nor may hinder the vertue of the Lordes ministerie 5 As the word of God although it bee Preached by mortall men yet ought the same to bee receiued of all good Christians not as the word of men but as the word of God and as it were proceeding out of the mouth of Christ 1. Thess 2.13 Euen so the holy Sacraments although they bee ministred by frayle and lewd Ministers are to bee receiued of the godly and religious not as proceeding from men but as it were from the hand of God himselfe the first and principall author thereof How Sinne dependeth on God LIke as the Physition comming vnto the sicke person doth by medicines draw corrupt humours out of his body and bringeth them out either by a Purgation or by a sweate or vomit or letting of bloud as hee iudgeth it best yet dooth hee not graft in the sicke person naughtie and corrupt humours Euen so God causeth to bee brought to light our malice which was not brought forth before but lay hid within to make manifest his iustice and to open our Sinnes and yet hee suffereth them to breake foorth by chaunce or rashly but ordereth and gouerneth them according to his iudgement that euen by them he doth fulfill the limits of his prouidence Esay 10.6 7.15 16. The Scripture not hard LIke as if one should affirme that because there bee some bones in a shoulder of Mutton therefore it is nothing but bones and no fleshe thereon at all Or because some places in the riuer bee deepe therefore all the riuer from head to foote is deepe and no shallow to bee found therein which were most rediculous to affirme Euen so is this opinion of the Papists that because some places in the Scripture bee hard therefore all the whole body of the Scripture is hard so as lay people may not read them Deut. 6.6 7. Psal 19.7 8. Col. 3.16 Iohn 5.39 2. Pet. 3.15 Secrecie 1 AS silence is a gift without perrill and containeth in it many good things So it were better our Silence brought our simplicitie into suspition then to speake either inconueniently idlely or vnnecessarily 2 As the Viper is torne in sunder when shee bringeth foorth her little ones So Secrets comming out of their mouthes that are not able to conceale them doo vtterly vndoo and ruine such as reueale them 3 As we must render account for euerie idle word So must we likewise for our idle Silence No Seruice pleaseth God but such as he teacheth AS the Lord in the first Commaundement wholly demaundeth the soule will vnderstanding and hart that is our faith feare loue thankefulnesse inuocation and spirituall adoration or worshipping to bee giuen to him onely and for his sake as he shall appoint So in the second Commaundement Thou shalt not make to thy selfe c. Hee generally requireth for the outward Seruice of him that we should follow his word in seruing of him and take and account it no lesse then Idolatrie or Image Seruice whatsoeuer thing is inuented by man Saint or Angell and not by him concerning his worshippe and Seruice Leuit. 26.1 Exod. 34.13 14 15. Deut. 4.23 Psa 97. 7 106.36 Esay 44.19 Iere. 2.27 There is no Sinne whatsoeuer but it is forbidden by the Law of God nor any good worke but it is there commaunded LIke as if a King being resolued to forgiue no offence worthie of death and thereupon pretending to set downe a Law which if his subiects keepe truely in euerie point they shall escape the edge of his sword and be well promoted yet one man for all that omitteth some matter worthie of death which beeing done the King conuenteth him before his iudgement seate as a malefactor layeth to his charge the committing of that euill or omitting of that good which is not contained in his Law and vpon confession thereof giueth sentence of condemnation against him the partie might well answere his King that hee were vniust and his Law vnperfect Euen so in like sort for as much as the Lord hath decreed death to bee the certaine reward of euerie Sinne. Rom. 6.23 and hath giuen his Law for this intent and to teach man to avoide whatsoeuer is damnable and that whosoeuer obserued all things written in this Law might liue thereby If there be any Sinne that is any thing that he will damne a man for not forbidden or any good worke not commaunded in this Law then is God vniust and the Lawe vnperfect of which neither is true for as for God hee is not vnrighteous Rom. 3.5 6. And as for the Law it is perfect Psal 19.7 Iam. 1.25 Sacraments be commonly called by the names of those things which they be Sacraments off LIke as when a Noble man or Gentleman deliuereth a letter of Annuitie or rent to any one of his seruants he saith he giueth him an Annuitie of ten pound by the yeare No man is so simple to thinke that the letter is the money it selfe but an assurance confirmation signe or gage of such a Summe of money in such sort that hauing such a letter he is full assured of the money Now no man is so blockish to thinke that hee hath euill spoken for so much as euerie man doth well know that the signes haue the names of the things which they signifie After this manner of speech also as an Ambassadour of a Prince being demaunded of the authoritie hee hath receiued of his Lord to deale in such or such a matter dooth vse to shew foorth his letters of credite or Commission and to say Here is mine authoritie albeit that the letters are not the power it selfe but onely the testimonie of the same Euen so the bread and the Wine are the remission of sinnes or the body and bloud of Christ to wit they are as seales and letters whereby we are assured that the body of Iesus Christ crucified and his bloud shed haue purchased vnto vs the forgiuenesse of Sinnes and eternall life Gene. 33.20 41.26 Ioh. 10.7 14.6 15.1 1. Cor. 10.4 16. Ezech. 4.1 5.2 2. Cor. 5.21 Ioh. 1.14 Saluation is to be sought in and by the appointed meanes though God could saue vs without all meanes AS God by his omnipotent power could preserue aliue our mortall bodies extraordinarily and supernaturally without naturall foode and sustenance as hee did Moses and Elijah the space of fortie dayes they not
he both can and will helpe him after this he comes to his former health againe So in like manner euerie man is wounded with the deadly wound of Sinne at the very heart and he that would be saued and escape damnation must see his Sinne be sorrowfull for it and vtterly dispaire of his owne strength to attaine saluation thereby Furthermore hee must see himselfe to stand in neede of Christ the good Phisitian of his soule and long after him and crie vnto him with deepe sighes and grones for mercie after this Christ Iesus wil come with a plaister of his own heart blood which being applied he shall finde himselfe reuiued and shall come to the assuraunce of the forgiuenesse of all his sinnes Psal 51.1 3 8 12 17. 10 As a man that hath lost wife goods and children should be much grieued So hee that hath committed great Sinnes ought to bee as a man brused betweene the wall and the doore 11 Like as a man is more to bee blamed which goeth out of his way in the cleare Sunne at nonetide then hee that misseth his way by night with a candle Euen so are men more to be punished for such foule Sinnes as they commit in the cleare light of the Gospell then in the time of the Law 12 As of clouds when they be vanished away there is nothing seene Euen so the Sinnes of God people when hee forgiueth them are clearely put both out of sight and remembrance Esay 44.22 13 As Opium Hennebane and other things extreamely cold hide not paine but make the body so astonied for a time that he feeleth not the paine but afterward when it commeth to it feeling the disease and paine is commonly more grieuous then before So Sinne and want of zeale c. hide not from torment of conscience but make the soule so astonied for a time that it feeleth not the torment yet afterward when it commeth to his feeling againe the torment is more desperate then before 14 As it would not auaile or profit a Citie diligently to watch at one gate and keepe it shut against the enemie if in the meane while al the rest stood wide open to him So likewise it is to no purpose to keepe ourselues from one Sinne or vice vnlesse we make account and conscience to abandon our selues from all other vices 15 Like as Surgions when they must cut off any part of the body vse to lay playsters to it to mortifie it that being without sense and feeling it may bee cut off with lesse paine Euen so in like manner we are to vse all helpes and remedies prescribed in the word which serue to weaken or kil Sinne that in death it may be abolished 1. Cor. 9.27 Gal. 5.24 Col. 3.5 2. Timo. 2.21 16 As a debt doth binde a man either to make satisfaction or else to goe to prison So likewise our Sinnes binds vs either to satisfie Gods iustice or else to suffer eternall damnation 17 As we see by experience that a ship which leaketh is more easily emptied at the beginning then afterward Or as a ruinous house the longer it is let runne the more charge and labour will it require in the repairing Or as we see that if a man driue a naile with a hammer the moe blowes hee giueth to it the more hard it is to plucke it out againe Euen so that man that committeth Sinne vppon Sinne and by perseuerance therein thinketh to finde the redresse thereof more easie hereafter then now is greatly deceiued 18 As a riuer that glideth and runneth very swiftly vntill there bee a damme or beame put ouertwhart then it makes a swelling and a roaring neither by any meanes will be quiet So mans Sinfull life doth passe quietly without any noyse till the beame of Gods iustice ouertwhat him 19 As a round bowle throwne downe a steepe hil neuer ceaseth or stayeth till it come to the foote bottome thereof So likewise mans corruption of it selfe as prone to Sinne as a bowle to runne downe a hill neuer ceaseth to sinne till it receiue the reward thereof which is death Rom. 6.23 20 As Gun-powder and a rotten tree fired at the roote neuer ceaseth burning till they bee all consumed So the wicked will neuer giue ouer their Sinning till all hope of eternall life be vtterly taken away 21 As Tinder catcheth the least sparke and is kindled thereby So likwise out corrupt nature is easily prouoked and drawne to Sinne. 22 As the Viper conceaueth her young to her owne death So also man admitteth Sinne into his heart but to his owne great hurt 23 Like as the Midwife is busie about a woman in trauaile to bring forth the child into the world So busie also is Sathan vntil he hath brought forth the monstrous birth of Sinne in mens conuersations 24. As huge as the Sea is yet one may taste the faltnesse of it in a drop So likewise in one Sinne we may see how ill fauoured the rest be Rom. 13.13 25 As the forbidden nee when it promised our parents knowledge tooke their knowledge from them So euerie Sinne giueth other wages then it promiseth Gene. 3.6 26 Like as if a man passe by some high daungerous place in the night when he cannot see hee is not afraid but if yee bring him backe againe in the day and let him see what a steepe and daungerous way he came hee will not bee brought the same way againe for any thing So it is in Sinning for men liuing in ignoraunce and blindnesse practise any wickednesse and doo not care for Gods iudgements but when God of his goodnesse bringeth them backe and openeth their eyes to see the downfall to the pit of Hell and the iudgements of God due to their Sinnes then say they they will neuer Sinne as they haue done but become new men and walke in the way to eternall life 27 As it is the nature of a Canker or Gangreene to runne from one ioynt to an other from toe to the foote from the foote to the legge from the legge to the thigh till it haue wasted and destroyed the life of the body Euen so we giue Sinne but an entrance it will soone ouer if spread the whole man and if the diuell may bee suffered but to put one talent in our hearts he will presently wind himselfe into vs his head his body and all 28 As men which worke in mynes and coale-pits vnder the earth are troubled with nothing so much as with dampes which make their candle burne darke and somtimes put it quite out Euen so euerie mans Sinnes are the dampes of his heart which when they take place doo dimme the light of his iudgment and cast a myst ouer his mind and darken his vnderstanding and reason 29 Like as if a man should commit such an heinous offence as that he could no other way escape death but by the Princes pardon he neither would nor could be at rest til by one meanes or other
mindes may bring forth her due fruite in feare and reuerence 3. Like as the Palme-tree Psal 92.12 whē there is a great waight laid on it spreadeth and florisheth the broader or as a Camomell with treading and walking on it waxes thicker euen so a faithfull Christian the more Afflliction and persecution he suffereth for his Christ the more is his faith increased 4. Like as the Schoolemaister corrects not his scholler nor the father his childe but for some fault and for their amendment euen so no more doth God send his plagues and chastisements vpon his children but to put them in remembrance of their disobedience towards him that they should turne to him But if the lewde scholler or vnthriftie sonne do not regard the correction laid vpon him nor consider the greatnes of his fault nor the displeasure of his father there is no goodnesse to be hoped for of him Euen so is it with such as lightly or else not at all consider their liues past God his dealing with them and how euill and vntowardly things haue prospered with them during the time that they haue displeased God and bene afflicted Agge 1.5.6 Pro. 16.7.17 Deut. 28.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10. 5. As the ashes cast vpō the fire put it not out but is a mean to preserue the same in the night against the morning which otherwise would be consumed or as the barrennesse of the trees in winter are a mean to preserue the roote against sommer which then will ascend vp his iuyce into the body and braunches thereof whereby they are greatly enlarged and made farre more fruitful then euer they were before Euen so are Afflictions vnto the children of God which do not only keepe them from the barrennesse of sinne but also encrease and multiplie them in the life and fruitefulnesse of Cods holy spirit and exerciseth them in patience and hope Rom. 5.3 4 5. 6. As Frankencense when it is put into the fire giueth the greater perfume or as Spice if it be pounned and beaten smelleth the sweeter as the Earth when it is torne vp with the plough becommeth more fruitefull the Seed in the ground after Frost and Snowe and winter stormes springeth the rancker the nigher the Vine is pruned to the stock the greater grape it yeeldeth the Grape when it is most pressed and beaten maketh the sweetest Wine c. Linnen when it is buckt and washt and wroong and beaten is so made fairer and whiter Euen so the children of God receiue great benefite by persecution for by it God washeth and scowreth schooleth and nourtereth them that so through many tribulations they may enter to their rest Pro. 3.11.12 Reue. 3.19 7. Like as they that go about to make Lyons tame do vse to beate little whelpes before them and to make them to couch that so the Lyons seeing they may do so also Euen so oftentimes God chasteneth and correcteth his deare seruants that those that be stifnecked and rebellious should by their example learne subiection and obedience 8. Like as a Phisition who goeth about to cure his sicke Patient doth first promise him health by the assistance helpe of God whereby he putteth him in great hope and comfort afterwards he beginneth to purge to cleanse and strengthen and such like things which make to the recouering of his health Euen so our good God also when he hath remitted and pardoned our sinnes and receiued vs into the bosome of grace and promised vs life which were before sicke to death in our sinnes doth lay on vs Afflictions and so doth scoure and renue vs from day to day in the knowledge and loue of him vntil we become safe pure and renued which then at the last commeth to passe when this mortall body dieth 9. As the precious stone called Amianthon being cast into the fire is made more clearer and purer So the children of God being cast in the fire of troubles and Afflictions do shine more clearer and beautifull 10. As the Gold-smith putteth his Gold into the fire not to marre it but to purge the drosse out of it or as the Husbandman who when his corn is somewhat too ranck either moweth it downe or else eateth it with his sheepe and so he doth prune his Vines not to destroy them but to make them bring more aboundant fruite Euen so the Lord doth trie his children by laying his crosse vpon their necks and purgeth them like Gold in the fire he cutteth from them many occasions of euill that he may bring them to the bearing of greater and more plentifull fruite Ioh. 16.20 Act. 14.23 2. Timo. 3.12 1. Pet. 4.12.13 11. It fareth with Gods children as it happeneth to the children of the houshold All the while they are yoong and little they are as the Apostle saith subiect and vnder Tutors and Gouernours and many times the seruants beate them as though they were their maisters and that the children were their subiects because that the time is not yet come that the Seigniorie of the children ought to bee manifested But when the children are great they abide heires of the house and the varlets and seruants depart and all the labour of the seruants and that which they haue gotten shall continue and abide with them Euen so we all the while we are in this world are in this state for that it doth not yet appeare what wee shall bee But it is with vs as it was with Dauid before the death of Saule Dauid was annointed and ordained of God King of Israell yet neuerthelesse he could not enioy peaceably his Kingdome till after the death of Saule but hee was as the most miserablest which was in Israel chased and persecuted on euerie side But yet in the ende he raigned King maugre his enemies and all that which Saule and his adherents did vnto Dauid was turned to the good and profit of Dauid 1. King 2.1 c. Psal 7.1 1. Sam. 26.1 c. 12. As a peece of Brasse being stricken with a hammer vpon the Anuile or stythie breaketh and withall maketh a sharpe and irksome noise So when an Hypocrite commeth betwixt the Anuile and the hammer of troubles and Affliction he breaketh with impatiencie hee murmureth crieth out and lamenteth in blasphemies against God 13. As a peece of Gold being smitten with the hāmer on the stithie soundeth sweetly and is pliable and may be beaten out in breadth and length as a man would haue it Euen so the childe of God in time of persecution giueth him thankes and submitteth himselfe laying out his owne heart willingly vnder the Lords hand that striketh him 14. As the Sea if it were not tost with the windes would stinke Euen so the godly man if hee were not exercised with troubles and Afflictions would bee the worse 15. As the Mosse called Ros-solis though the heate of the Sunne lye vpon it all the day yet the hotter the Sunne is vpon it the moyster it is So the godly
with our much heate and drought except after the planting thereof it be by showers watered Euen so the Church with ouer much heate of afflictions withereth away except afterwardes it bee moystened by the water of the holy Ghost which is the sincere preaching of the Gospell 16 As there be three formes in one and the selfesame Schoole and be not all alike taught and yet make not sundrie schooles but containe sundrie schollers and learners in one selfesame schoole So likewise is the Church not made many neither by alteration of times neither by difference of places nor by chaunges of orders and dispensations 17 As there be in one Schoole diuers Vshers diuers teaching but yet all tending to one end to wit to attaine learning and so to come to the Vniuersitie Euen so the true Church of Christ before the Lawe and vnder the Lawe and since in the time of the Gospell haue beene diuers instructors as Prophets Apostles Pastors and teachers but yet all ayming at one marke and labouring to bring the people to the Kingdome of heauen 18 Like as it is not in the power of any man to dispense minister or distribute any parte of that nourishment which hee receiueth in at his mouth vnto any member which either is mortified and dead in his bodie or that is cut off from the same Euen so it is vndoubtedly to be beleeued that neither the death passion and bloud-shedding of our Sauior Christ nor his Sacraments nor any of the graces of the holy Ghost nor any good worke in the world doo or can any thing profit to remission and forgiuenesse of sinnes or saluation to any person which is out of the Catholique Church as long as he shall so stand and continue out of the same 19 Like as if a subiect knowing the Letters of his Prince and also his Seale should because that hee knoweth them wel and alloweth them to be his presume and take vpon him to counterfeit his Princes Letters or Seale he should be no true subiect but a Fellone and a Traytour Euen so if the Church because that shee knoweth the Scriptures of the olde and newe Testament to be the true and infallible word of her Lord and Sauiour and the Sacraments to be his Seales should presume or take vpon her to alter Gods word I meane the scriptures that be cōteined in the Canonical bookes of the old new Testament or to counterfeit the Sacraments that is to say to minister them otherwise then her Lord and maister hath instituted and appointed in his word she ought not to be called the true Church but the most trayterous harlot of Antichrist 20 As it is great folly for a man that hath a mote in his eye to growe into such a chafe or dislike with it that so he should bee vnthankfull for his eye Euen so it is much more follie for men to seperate themselues from our Church and wholely to condemne it by reason that there be some imperfections and wants in it which is a meanes to breede vnthankfulnesse by forgetting the manifold blessings which wee haue receiued and doo still enioy which is the readie way to prouoke God rather in his iustice to take away these good benefites that we enioy alreadie then in mercie to prouoke him to encrease them more 21 As the glory of God is shewed most herein that he defendeth his spouse and hath bewtified her with gifts frō aboue that she might be a pure and vndefiled spouse chaste and holy vnto himselfe Euen so this is our greatest glory of what state or condition so euer we be to be members of this Church by the Communion whereof wee are his members 22 As a man will not wittingly bestowe a Diamond vpon him that thinkes it to be but a peece of Glasse or a Pearle of him that esteemeth it to be but a graine of salte Euen so the Lord will not bestowe his blessings but vpon those that by his Spirit shall knowe and feele what they are for if they feele them not and know not what they are then they are not yet of Gods house or Church Heb. 3.6 23 As it is not inough to set or sowe a garden with good hearbes and seedes and then let it alone but there must be a Gardiner to ouersee it to dresse it and often to weede it Euen so it is not sufficient for a Church to haue the word planted and sowen in it but there must be diligent painfull Preachers Pastors continually to water and gouerne it or else it will growe barren and fruitlesse 24 Like as if the land be not often tilled but lie barren it will bring forth nothing but briars thistles and nettles Euen so if Churches be not continually laboured by Preaching and Catechising they will waxe secure and so bring forth nothing but ignorance Atheisme superstition idolatrie and all wickednesse of life 25 As the armie of heauen is innumerable and the sand of the sea vnmeasurable Euen so God will multiplie his Church Iere. 33.22 26 As the Bride pertaineth to none but to the Bridegroome So likewise the Church pertaineth to Christ alone Hose 2.19 2. Cor. 11.2 Iohn 3.29 27 As euerie true friend to the Bridegroome reioyceth to see the Bridegroomes voyce obeyed Euen so euery godly man is glad to see euery member of the Church to frame themselues to the obedience of the word of Christ 28 As a Giant is too strong for meane men of middle size and as his voyce and looke is fearefull to his enemies So likewise will God be to all such as rise vp against him and his Church Esa 42.13 29 As a waste grounde broken vp and rid of those things wherewith it was ouergrowne and the fruitfulnesse thereof hindered is by good husbandrie brought to flourish and to be fruitful euen so such is the state of the Church when after persecution it pleaseth God to send peace and prosperitie thereto Esay 33.1 2. 30 As men hedge their grounds round about to keepe them from being spoyled with cattell Euen so GOD dooth fence his Church and those which feare him round about that they may be defended against all euils 31 As the groundes are eaten wasted deuoured and rooted vp when the hedges and fences thereof are neglected and suffered to lie open Euen so it fareth with the Church and with them that professe the name of God when hee is prouoked with their sinnes in withdrawing his friendly defence and fatherly protection from them 32 As the Shipmaisters are such as haue cunning to guide the ship wherin both themselues and other men do saile So almightie God maketh choise of such to guide his Church as can gouern themselues and so many as are committed to their charge 33 As that bush which Moses saw was burning but not consumed Euen so the Church of God must be tried in the fire of affliction but not destroyed Exo. 3.2 34 As the Moone is sometimes eclipsed and sometimes in
die together Euen so a good Conscience and the graces of God in vs they encrease together and die together 10 As a faire and bewtifull countenance is pleasant and gracious in a mans eyes Euen so a good and purified Conscience is acceptable and delightsome in the sight of God 11 As ouermuch fulnesse of the stomack and superfluitie of meates groweth that obstruction which the Phisitians do call oppilation or stopping wherevpon breedeth a continuall headach and that frenzie which bringeth men to a madnesse Euen so of a depraued and dishonest loue of this life of the corruption of maners of gluttonie and excesse eating doth spring an vnbridled and vntamed lust whereof ariseth that phereneticall madnesse of heretickes and a corruption of their vnderstanding in matters of faith so that they which care not to keepe a good Conscience do at length fall to an incurable contempt of faith 1. Timo. 1.5.19 12 Like as if we haue a childe that by crying is grieuous vnto vs wee seeke to appease and still him either by threates or promises by gifts or stripes but if hee will not be so stilled either wee can send him away from vs or wee our selues go from him that wee may not be troubled with his crying But our Conscience once feeling or apprehending the wrath of GGD euen but a little will neuer suffer vs to be quiet promise threaten giue strike what euer you do still it cryeth louder and louder and still it tormenteth yea when you seeke to send it away it sticketh closer vnto you neither can you depart from it for beeing in you it is alwayes at hand 13 Euen as he which is troubled with a burning feauer is hotter then he which is parched with the Sunne So is that man more troubled which hath a guiltie Conscience then a good man by all outward afflictions 14 As the sicke man when he seemes to sleepe and take his rest is inwardly full of troubles So the benummed and drousie Conscience wants not his secret pangs and terrors and when it shall be rowsed and wakened by the iudgement of God it waxeth cruell and fierce like a wilde beast 15 Euen as all renued wounds are hardly or neuer cured So likewise when a man sinnes against his Conscience as much as in him lyeth he plungeth himselfe into the gulfe of desperation for euery wound of the Cōscience thogh the smart of it be litle felt is a deadly wound and he that goes on to sinne against his Conscience cannot call vpon the name of God for a guiltie Conscience makes a man flie from God 16 As a Notarie or a Register that hath alwayes the penne in his hand to note and record whatsoeuer is said or done who also because he keepes the Rolles and Records of the Court can tell what hath bene said and done many hundred yeares past Euen so the Conscience obserues and takes notice of all things that we do and inwardly and secretly within the heart doth tell vs of them all 17 Like as the Maister of a prison is knowne by this to haue care ouer his prisoners if he send keepers with them to watch them and to bring them home againe in time conuenient Euen so Gods care to man is manifest in this that when he created man and placed him in the world he gaue him Conscience to be his Keeper to follow him alwayes at the heeles and to dogge him as we say and to prie into his actions and to beare witnesse of them all 18 Euen as a man being to make an vnknowne iourney should finde one that would go with him and shewe him the way with all the turnings thereof he could not but take it for a great point of curtesie So likewise seeing we are Pilgrimes in this world our life is our iourney and God also hath appointed our Conscience to be our companion and guide to shewe vs what course wee may take and what we may not 19 As a wilde beast which so long as he lyeth a sleepe seemes very tame and gentle hurts no man but when he is rowzed he then awakes and flies in a mans face and offers to pull out his throate So likewise it is the maner of a dead and benummed Conscience to lye still and quiet euen through the course of a mans life and heerevpon a man would thinke as most doo that it were a good Conscience indeede but when sicknesse or death approacheth and commeth it being awaked by the hand of God begins to stand vpon his legs and shews his fierce eyes and offers to rend out euen the very throate of the soule Gene. 42.2 20 As all the vertues of naturall men are indeed bewtifull sinnes and their Righteousnes but a carnall Righteousnes So the Conscience also of a carnall man though it excuse him for well dooing is but a carnall Conscience 21 Like as when a man enters into his house at midnight he findes or sees nothing out of order but let him come in the day time when the Sunne shineth and hee shall then espie many faults in the house and the very moates that flie vp and downe Euen so let a man search his heart in the ignorance and blindnesse of his minde he will straightway thinke all is well but let him once begin to search himselfe with the light and lanterne of the Law and so he shall finde many foule corners in his heart and Conscience and many heapes of sinnes in his life 22 As some men seeke day and night from yeare to yeare for honours riches and pleasures which they must leaue behinde them So much more ought we to seeke for renued and reformed Consciences considering that Conscience will be with vs in this life in death at the last iudgement and for euer 23 As a man arrayed and apparrelled in cloath of Tishue set in a chaire of estate hauing before him a table furnished with all daintie delicates his seruants Monarches and Princes his riches the chiefest treasures and Kingdomes of the world but withal suppose there were one standing by with a naked sword to cut his throate or a wilde beast readie euer and anon to pull him in peeces we cannot otherwise say but that this mans estate and all his happinesse is yet nothing but woe and miserie Euen so such is the estate and condition of all men that abounding with riches honors and pleasures carrie about them an euill Conscience which is a sword to slay the soule or as a rauenous beast readie to suck the blood of the soule and to rend it in peeces 24 Like as in gouerning the Ship on the Sea the Pilot holding the helme in his hand hath alwayes an eye to the compasse So we likewise in the ordering of our liues and conuersations must alwayes haue a speciall regard to the Conscience 25 As God giues to the eye certaine lids of flesh to defend and couer it from outward iniuries Euen so must we vse meanes to auoyd whatsoeuer may offend
or annoy Conscience 26 Euen as a paire of Turtle Doues when the one feedes the other feedeth when one likes not the other likes not when the one dies the other dies So where good Conscience is mainteined there are many excellent gifts of God flourishing and where Conscience decayes they also decay 27 As diseases if they be long neglected become incurable So the Conscience much and often wounded admits no comfort neither will it alwayes boote a man after many yeares to say at the last cast Lord be mercifull vnto me I haue sinned Though some be receiued to mercie in time of death yet farre more perish in desperation that liued in their sinnes wittingly and willingly against their owne Conscience Pharao Saul and Iudas cried all Peccaui I haue sinned against God yet Pharao is hardned more and more and perisheth Saul goeth on in his sinnes and despaireth Iudas made made away himself And no maruell for the multitude of sinnes oppresse the Conscience and makes the heart to ouerflowe with such a measure of grief that it can fasten no affiance in the mercie of God 28 As a Ship is on the Sea if it be not well gouerned or if there be a breach made into it it draws water and sinks and so both men and wares and all in likelihood are cast away So we are all as passengers the world is an huge Sea through which we must passe our Ship is the Conscience of euery man 1. Timo. 1.19 3.12 the wares are our Religion and saluation and all other gifts of God Therfore it stands vs in hand to be alwayes at the helme and to carrie our Sip with as euen a course as possibly wee can to the entended porte of happinesse which is the saluation of our soules Christians 1 AS wholsome hearbs are in some countries growing plentifully in other sparingly somewhere in euery high way otherwhere onely in priuate Gardens somewhere againe they cannot grow at all So godly Christians are in some places many in other fewe somewhere mewed vp in close houses somewhere againe not to be found at all 2 As some hearbs will prosper and grow in the Mountaines some in low grounds some in shadowie places some in sunny places some in the corne field some on the drie heath some by the salte Sea coast some by the sweete Riuers So the godly Christians grow vp some in high places some in mean estate some where they haue defeÌ„ce and some where they are persecuted c. 3 As the bastard Narcissus or yellow crowbellies flowreth in Februarie and is in flower vnder the Snowe So true Christians shew forth their zeale in the coldest time and age as Wickliefe c. in Poperie 4 As Woodrow an hearbe all of a most pleasant smell yet loueth darke shadowie places So many godly Christians of great gifts loue to liue obscurely 5 As some hearbes last but a small time and yet wholesome hearbes and vertuous for all that as Monsotaile Adders-tongue c. So many Christians liue but a while and die in the flower of their time and yet good Christians for all that 6 As Sothernwood will not flower in euerie countrey that it will growe in So the godly oftentimes professe not or cannot be suffered to professe openly where they haue bene called 7 As Appelles the Painter much lamented if hee should scape but one day wrthout drawing some picture or line So ought a Christian man be sorie if that any day should passe without some good worke or exercise 8 As the care of an euill Christian when he is sicke is to desire to be whole only to liue and enioy the pleasures of the world Euen so the desire of a good Christian when he is diseased is to be whole not so much to liue as to glorifie God and to reforme his life 9 Like as Sheepe do know the voice of their owne shepheard and flee from a straunger Euen so godly Christians acknowledge Christ onely their Teacher and will heare onely those that Preach his word soundly and not credit any other that Preach false doctrine how great in authoritie so euer they be yea though it were an Angel from heauen Gal. 1.9.9 Iohn 13.27 10 As sheepe followe their owne shepheard whither soeuer hee goeth Euen so must faithfull Christians follow Christ in life in persecution and in glory beholding his life as a patterne to leade their liues by by suffering troubles patiently so often as it shall please God to lay them vpon them and so afterwards to become partakers of his glory Math. 11.29 Mat. 20.28 2. Cor. 8.9 Phil. 2.5.6.7 2. Timo. 3.12 2.11 12. 1. Pet. 2.21 4.1.13 2. Timo. 2.12 Iam. 5.10 11 As in Infidels liuing honestly the spirit of God bridleth the force of sinne and the corrupt nature that it breake not out as it doth in many other So also in Christians that are indeed godly the same spirit not onely represseth the corruption of nature outwardly but also mortifieth it within at the roote and regenetateth the whole man into a new creature 12 Like as when a man hath a iourney to go his minde is to dispatch it in all haste yet when he is in his trauell he goes but slowly by reason of some lamenesse in his ioints Euen so likewise many good Christians who haue an earnest desire and purpose to proceed in vertue and godlynes all their life long are yet now and then by the meanes of their corrupt nature so hindered that they cannot performe that dutie so fully and exactly as they purposed to haue done Rom. 7.15.23 13 As a candle lighteth euery man in the house So likewise should the good behauiour wise dealing and vpright conuersation of Christians shine bright before men that God by them may be glorified Math. 5.15.16 1. Pet. 2.12 14 As Doues are innocent simple and harmelesse Eâ—en so Christians ought to be simple and plaine in their callings and behauiour one towards an other especially such as be professors of the Gospell 15 As buildings cannot stand except they be borne vp by their foundation So likewise Christians are in an vnstable state except they stay themselues vpon Christ 1. Cor. 3.11 16 Like as good ground which when it is tilled and sowen bringeth forth fruite plentifully Euen so those which receiue the word preached gladly beleeue it stedfastly and expresse it in life accordingly are good Christians Math. 13.23 17 As nothing is iudged fruitfull but that which bringeth forth fruite plentifully Euen so it is not one or two good things whereby Christians are iudged to be good vnlesse they be filled with the fruite of Righteousnesse Phil. 1.11 18 Like as Vines being let to grow out at large in small time become wilde and fruitlesse Euen so Christians being giuen ouer of God to runne whither flesh and bloud would easily be allured their case is desperate and their life fruitlesse Iohn 15.5 19 As Vines being proyned and dressed in such sort as their
confusion 2 As the sonnes of Princes are in great account with men in this world Euen so the Children of God are in greater account with God and all godly men both in this world and in the world to come 3 As the Children of Kings are attended vpon by Noble men and guarded with strong men yet both but men whose breath is in their nosthrils and their hands cannot accomplish the deuice of their heart Euen so the Children of God are attended vpon by God himselfe whose eye is alwayes ouer the righteous they are guarded by the Angels of God who for their swiftnes are said to haue wings for their readinesse they are said to stand in the presence of God and for their strength incomperable 2. Kin. 19.35 Psal 34.15 4 As the pleasures of the sonnes of men are such as the world doth affoord carnall securitie worldly prosperitie fleshy delights beastly sensualitie with pride and ease wealth fulnesse of bread and such like Euen so the pleasures of the Children of God are such as the world can neither giue nor take as the loue of righteousnesse delight in the law of God patience in affliction loue of the Saints which excell in vertue and such like Psal 1.2 16.3 1. Cor. 2.9 5 Like as the riches and treasures of the sonnes of men are gold and siluer houses and lands Lorships and manners rents and reuenues and such like which theeues may steale or moathes may eate or rust may freate or fire may consume or water may ouerflowe or time may weare or death may end So likewise the riches and treasures of Gods Children are the word of GOD Gods fauour forgiuenesse of sinnes freedome from hell and the diuell libertie with the Saints the spirit of contentation peace of conscience continuall ioy in the holy Ghost and a Kingdome of glorie in heauen with such like which no theefe can steale no rust can freat no fire can burne or consume no water can drowne no plague can infect no time can weare nor death can end 2. Cor. 3 17. Gal. 5.22 Esa 11.2 6 As those are in most honour with Princes which are said to stand in their presence and attend vpon them in their Courts as Daniel did So Gods Children shall stand in the Courts of God and haue the full fruition of his comfortable presence and therefore on the contrarie side the vngodly are herein accursed in that they are shut from the presence of God to wit his gracious presence for otherwise all things whatsoeuer are in his presence The Children of God 1 LIke as a heathen man beeing asked why hee did weare such a long bushie beard answered that so often as he beheld it he might commit nothing vnworthy the grauitie of the same hee would not be like a Tauerne with a bush at the doore and no wine within So likewise if any man shall aske the Children of God why they are called Christians the Church of God the spouse of Christ Citizens of heauen and by such like names of loue and honour they are to answere that so often as they remember these names and titles they ought not to commit any thing vnworthy the grauitie and maiestie of the same 2 As many Papists and some Protestants too who be superstitious and Popishly affected doo not remember what titles they haue nor by what names they be called and therefore they must haue puppets and images in their Churches and houses to put them in minde of their dutie to God Euen so some mens Religion and holinesse is all in their titles of Gods Children and in naked names of Christians which onely they hold when indeed all Christianitie is banished from them 3 Like as it is counted a shame for a Citizen to go like a Courtier or for a man to put on womans apparell or a woman to weare on mans apparell which is an abhomination to the Lord Euen so it is a greater shame for the Children of God who are Cittizens of heauen to go after the fashion of the Courtiers of hell or after the manner of the world Rom. 12.2 4 As when Christ the Lord of life was put to death there was darknesse vpon the face of the earth the vaile of the Temple rent the graues opened and the dead arose c. at the sight whereof the very enemies of Christ which watched him were afraide for that they had done vnto him yea they were constrained to confesse and say Doubtlesse this man was the sonne of God Math. 27.54 So likewise the Children of God that be or ought to be dead with Christ their head vnto sinne as he died for our sinnes then there will follow a wonderfull alteration in their liues there will appeare such zeale in professing of the Gospell such pittie in relieuing the poore such patience in bearing the crosse such faithfulnesse in performing of promises such charitie in iudging their brethren such mercie in forgiuing offences such sinceritie in worshipping of GOD such constancie in defending of the truth such watching ouer all their wayes and such wisedome in winning men â—o God that their very enemies which before did mocke â—hem hate them and persecute them shall be constrained with shame to say These are no doubt the Children of God these are good men these are true professors inâ—eed c. Rom. 6.4 5. c. 5 Like as worldly men in their houses in their apparell 〈◊〉 their feastings in their furniture and in euerie thing â—hey striue to haue matches all their things sutable So â—â—kewise the ChildreÌ„ of God must striue to haue their titles â—nd names their liues and qualities their profession and practise sutable and answerable the one to the other and so to depart from iniquitie 2. Tim. 2.19 6 As carnall men desire to be gorgeously apparelled Euen so the Children of God desire to be cloathed with their house which is from heauen 2. Cor. 3 4. 7 Euen as plants trees do spread abroad their rootes in the earth from whence they haue their nourishment So likewise the Children of God because they be fedde with delicates and dainties from heauen and are norished with the grace fauour of God they hold vp their hands they turne vp their eyes they lift vp their hearts mindes to God that is in heaueÌ„ from whence their soules receiue comfort ioy saluation and euerlasting life Saluation onely to be had in Christ if men know how to finde him 1 LIke as if a man knew certainly that in such a wood an infinite masse of money were hid if the owner thereof would giue it vnto him yet if by no meanes hee could finde the same what should the gift of such a treasure profit him thogh it were of value to purchase a kingdome nothing at all Euen so standeth the case betweene Christ and vs though we know neuer so well and certainly that saluation and all kinde of treasure is permanent and to be found in him and do belong
vnto them who beeing turned from iniquitie do lead a new life 1 LIke as if the Seruant of some Noble man or Gentleman were for committing of treason felonie or murther condemned and going to the place of execution and his Lord or Maister of meere fauour and good will should not onely by earnest sute to her Maiestie procure a pardon for his life and so deliuer him from that villainous death but also should adopt and take him for his sonne and heire if he now after this his deliuerance go and say I will take my pleasure be Idle and follow mine owne phantasie and neuer endeuour to please or pleasure his Lord and Maister but rather seeke to hurt and displease him euerie way that hee can such a wretch deserueth to be punished most extreamely Euen so such as say that Christ hath Redeemed vs and by his death hath purchased for vs forgiuenesse of sinnes righteousnesse and life euerlasting and hath adopted vs to bee his sonnes and heires wherefore we will take our pleasure be Idle and rather we will doo more wickednesse doubtlesse Christ dyed not for such nor satisfied for their offences no nor yet merited heauen for them to the end that they shouid spend their dayes in Idlenesse and heape sinne vpon sinne but rather to liue Christianly and godly Ro. 6.4 Gal. 5.24 Tit. 2.11 2. Tim. 2.19 Luk. 1.75 Ephe. 1.4 2.10 1. Pet. 1.15 2 Like as if an Astrologer could or should tell an ambitious Cardinall that he should be Pope although hee did put an vndoubted trust therein yet for all that hee would not be Idle but would vse all the meanes that possible he could to attaine and come to that dignitie Euen so the Children of GOD the surer they are that Christ hath Redeemed them so much the more they vnderstand the great good will of God towards thē and therefore they are alwayes forced more and more by godly conuersation of life to make certaine vnto themselues the knowledge of their election and Redemption by Christ 2. Pet. 1.10 3 If a miserable and wretched Theefe shall haue committed many thefts and murthers and after that his wicked deedes were knowne the sonne of a King should be brought to be arrained and condemned for the same and so beare the punishment thereof and this theefe to be discharged and pardoned if herevpon the theefe should reioyce and make a scoffe at him when hee seeth the sonne of a King to be put to death and suffer the punishment that hee deserued such a Caytiffe deserueth a most horrible death Euen so at this present it fareth with vs behold our Sauiour Christ the onely Sonne of God is imprisoned and we deliuered hee condemned and we pardoned hee put to death and to all shame and we receiued to honour it is not therefore for vs to be drowsie-headed and liue securely and to flatter our selues in our sinnes and iniquities 4 As the Israelites were neuer able to yeeld sufficient thanks to God for their bodily deliuerance from the bondage which they were in in Egypt So to Christ our Sauiour for our Redemption and spirituall deliuerance from the tyrannie of Sathan and sinne Exo. 14.30 20.2 Psal 81.10 Gods Prouidence ouer his Children 1 AS it was impossible that Herod and Pilate together with the Gentiles and Iewes should conclude more and bring any more to passe in afflicting Iesus Christ our head then the hand and counsell of the Lord hath ordained to be done from euerlasting So also it is impossible that the Herods of our time the Pilates the Pharisies togither with the mad and bewitched people should take more in hand and bring more to passe in afflicting the members of Christ then the hand and counsell of God hath first decreed to be brought to passe by them Act. 4.27.28 Iohn 7.30 8.20 2 As the smallest birds of the earth are not taken without the will and prouidence of our heauenly Father Euen so nothing good or euill dooth happen vnto Gods Children without his prouident will Math. 10.29 Amo. 3.6 3 As the Lord in mercie feedeth the birds of the ayre that they haue sufficient and also so gallantly decketh the Lillies of the field which bee so gorgiously and so richly cloathed that euen Salamon in all his royaltie was not apparelled like one of them Euen so much more if wee haue an assured trust in him so liberall and bountifull a Father he will not doubtlesse see vs his Children lacke any thing that good is concerning our foode or sustenance apparell or cloathing as shall be meete and expedient for vs. Math. 6.26 28 29 30. What Comfort we receiue by the name of Christ or annoynted 1 LIke as the annoynting whereby at Gods Commaundement Prophets Priests and Kings were appoynted amongst his people with an outward and visible Oyle was a publike testimonie that God would gouerne and defend his people by this person and also keep and vphold his diuine worship and likewise teach his people and this person had commaundement of this thing that they might suffer themselues to be gouerned cleansed and taught Euen so the Sonne of God manifested in the flesh concerning his manhood is annoynted with the holy Ghost without measure which is the truth of that outward annoynting and so is ordeined and giuen of the Father to the Prophet Priest and King of his Church 2 As it must needs be that all they be made sadde that doubt vnder what Lord they are in this life whether vnder Christ or Satan So on the contrarie it cannot be but all they must be filled with ioy who by the inward testimonie of the annoynting of faith and by the outward washing of holy Baptisme are assured that they are vnder Christ the King of righteousnesse Col. 1.13 Luk. 17.21 2.10 11. 3 Like as in time past when Salamon by the commandement of God was annointed there was publike ioy amōg the people of God because they knew that God wold do them good and defend them by the hand of a King Euen so wee when we heare out of the word of God that our Lord Iesus is Christ that is that same annoynted of the Lord we ought with the Angels to be filled with an exceeding ioy of minde beeing surely perswaded that euen in this very thing that the heauenly Father hath appointed and in very deede giuen his owne Sonne Christ that is annoynted to bee our King that he dooth openly from heauen declare that hee by his sonne will become the euerlasting restorer and defender of his Church Christian Seruice AS in a mans body one part is very readie to doo seruice to an other the foote to the eye and the eye to the foote Fuen so euerie Christian man as parts of the mysticall body of Christ must be willing and ready to do seruice one to an other not enuying those which bee in greater calling nor scorning his inferiours Christianitie LIke as euery thing which striketh a hard Stone
is broken in peeces the stone remaining whole Euen so euery man which striketh against Christianitie hurteth himselfe and cannot preuaile against the same Christ became poore to make vs rich LIke as the poore birds haue their neasts to flie vnto and to rest themselues in So contrariwise our Sauiour Christ being base and poore had no place of his owne in the earth to rest his head in that so he might enrich vs. Math. 8.20 2. Cor. 8.9 Christ the bread of life 1 AS bread perishing nourisheth vs in this life for a small time Euen so Christ the bread that perisheth not but endureth for euer nourisheth to euerlasting life Iohn 6.48 51.58 2 As hee that will bee nourished by bread must eate it So likewise hee that will be benefited by Christ must beleeue in him Iohn 6.55 1. Cor. 10.17 Iohn 6.35.40 3 As the Diuell is the foode of the wicked which hee nourisheth in all iniquitie and bringeth vp into euerlasting damnation So is Christ the very foode of all them that be the liuely members of his body and them he nourisheth feedeth bringeth vp and cherisheth vnto euerlasting life Christ reiecteth not a weake faith LIke as the week or match of a Candle Link or Torch which either wanting Oyle Tallowe Waxe or Rosen or hauing thereof not sufficient yeeldeth foorth at sometime but a darke blinde snuffe and vnperfect â—ight Euen so Christ our Sauiour reiecteth not a weake slender and wauering faith which yet notwithstanding so long as any sparke of godlynesse apâ—eareth is not quite quenched and extinct albeit at â—ometime it be very neare therevnto Esa 42.3 Math. â— 20 Contentious men 1 AS wee see one coale kindle an other and wood to be apt matter to make a fire Euen so those that be disposed to Contention and brawling be apt to kindle strife and to set men together by the eares 2 As a litie sparke many times setteth a whole house on fire Euen so a Contentious and froward person of a litle matter of nought maketh much debate and diuision among louers and friends The Cup of Gods wrath LIke as we see men take the Cup one at an others hands and drinke in course Euen so we when wee haue tasted of the Cup of Gods wrath for our sins if wee repent we are to comfort our selues that it shall bee taken out of our hands and giuen to our enemies euen to those which hitherto haue made a spoyle of vs and they shall suck out the dregs thereof Esa 51.21 22. Iere. 51.7 Ezech. 23.31 32 33 34. Death of Christ 1 AS the Bands of Matrimonie are set free by the death of the marryed couple So are wee made dead to the Lawe by the death of Christ and freed from the yoake seruitude and bondage of it Rom. 7.3 4. 5.12 2 As a strong Corasiue laide to a sore eates out all the rotten and dead flesh Euen so Christs death beeing applied to the heart of a Patient sinner by saith weakens and consumes the sinne that cleaues so fast vnto our natures and dwels within vs. 3 Like as in the common destruction of the first borne in Egypt they whose doores were sprinckled with the bloud of the Passeouer were safe So likewise if there shall come a common destruction vpon any land for their sinnes yet they that haue their soules sprinckled with the bloud of the Lambe Christ Iesus by his death shall be saued 4 As the life of Christ is the life of life So the Death of Christ is the death of death 5 As the Libard vseth a straunge kinde of pollicie to kill the Ape he lieth downe vpon the ground as though he were starke dead which the Apes seeing come all togither and in despight skips vpon him this the Libard beareth paciently till he thinkes they haue wearied themselues with their sporting then suddenly hee likewise leapes vp and catches one in his mouth and in each foote one which immediately he killeth and deuoureth Euen so such was the pollicie of Christ hee was laid in the dust for dead the diuell then insulted ouer him and trampled vpon him but he like a liuely Lybard starting vp on Easter day astonied the souldiers set to keepe him which were the diuels apes and made them lie like dead men euen as he tolde them before by his Prophet Math. 28.7 Ose 13.7 6 As the Cameleon when he espies a Serpent taking shade vnder a tree climbes vp into that tree and le ts down a threed breathed out of his mouth as small as a Spiders threed at the end whereof there is a litle drop as cleare as any Pearle which falling vpon the Serpents head kils him Euen so Christ climbes vp into the tree of his Crosse and le ts downe a threed of bloud issuing out of his side like Rahabs redde threed hanging out of her windowe the least drop whereof beeing so precious and so peerelesse falling vpon the Serpents head kils him Iosua 2.18.21 7 As the wilde bull of all things cannot abide any red colour therefore the Hunter for the nonce standing before a tree puts on a redde garment whom when the Bull sees he runnes at him as hard as he can driue but the hunter slipping aside the Bulls hornes sticke fast in the tree as when Dauid slipped aside Saules speare stucke fast in the wall Euen so such a hunter is Christ who standing before the tree of his Crosse puts on a red garment dipt and dyed in his owne blood as one that commeth with redde garments from Bozra therefore the diuel and his angels like wilde bulls of Basan runne at him but he shifting for himselfe their hornes sticke fast in his Crosse 8 Like as when Mahomet the second of that name besieged Belgrade in Seruia one of his Captains at length got vp vpon the wall of the Citie with banner displayed another Bohemian espying this ranne to the Captaine and clasping him fast about the middle asked one Capistranus standing beneath whether it would be any daunger of damnation to his soule if he should cast himselfe downe headlong with that Dogge so he tearmed the Turke to be slaine with him Capistranus answering that it was no daunger at all to his soule the Bohemian foorthwith tumbled himselfe downe with the Turke in his armes and so by his owne death onely saued the life of all the Citie Euen such an exployt was this of Christ The Diuel like the great Turke besieging not onely one Citie but euen all mankinde Christ alone like this noble Bohemian encountred with him and seeing the case was so that this Dogge the Diuel could not be killed starke dead except Christ dyed also therefore hee made no reckening of his life but gaue himselfe to death for vs that he onely dying for all the people by his death our deadly enemy might for euer be destroyed 9 As it was bootelesse for Golias to brandish his speare against Dauid So it little auailed the Diuell to shake his speare likewise in
and by the hand of the souldiour against the heart of Christ when he suffered death 10 As Dauid hauing heard Golias prate and talke his pleasure when they came to the poynt at the first stroke ouerthrew him So Christ with that very selfsame speare which at his death gaue him a litle venny in comparison or if it bee lawfull so to speake but a philip on the side which was soone after recured gaue the diuell a deadly wound in the forehead which with all his pawes he shall neuer be able to clawe off 11 As Dauid onely with his sling did vanquish and ouercome Golias So Christ onely by his death and by the power of his crosse did conquer and subdue the diuel 1. Sam. 17.51 54. 12 As Penny-royal being hung vp in the larder-house yet buds his yealow flower Or as Noahs Oliue tree being drowned vnder the water yet keepes his greene braunch Or as Aarons rod being clung and drie yet brings foorth ripe Almonds Or as Moses bramble-bush being set on fire yet shines and is not consumed Or as the Palme tree though it haue many waights at the toppe and many snakes at the roote yet still it sayes I am neither oppressed with the waights nor distressed with the snakes So Christ the right Penny-royall the true Noahs Oliue Tree the right Aarons rodde the true Moses bramble-bush and the true Palme tree though all the Iudgements of GOD and all the sinnes of the world like vnsupportable waights were laid vpon him yea though the cursed Iewes stood beneath like venemous snakes hissing and byting at him yet hee was neither so oppressed with them nor so distressed with these but that euen vpon his crosse he did most flourish when he was most afflicted 13 As Epaminondas being sore wounded in fight demaunded of his souldiers standing by whether his enemies were ourthrowne or no They answered yea Then whether his buckler were whole or no They answered all I. Nay then said he all is well This is not the end of my life but the beginning of my glory For now your deare Epaminondas dying thus gloriously shall rather be borne againe then buried So Christ likewise was sore wounded but his enemies death and the diuel were ouerthrowne and spoyled his buckler which was his Godhead was whole and vntouched therefore there was no harme done his death was no death but an exaltation vnto greater glorie Iohn 12.32 14 As Gedeons fleece when it was moyst the earth was drie but when it was drie the earth was moyst So when Christs fleece was moyst as a greene tree then were all we drie like rotten sticks but when his fleece was drie all the bloud and water being wroong out of his precious side then were we moystned with his grace Iudg. 6 37 38 39. 15 As a Lambe is much more nimble and liuely for shearing So Christ the Lambe of God by this shearing of his death which was a kinde of quickning to him and onely a trimming to him before he ascended to his Father as Ioseph was trimmed and polde before he appeared to Pharaoh 16 When Adam slept his side was opened So wheâ— Christ died his side was opened 17 As Adams side being opened flesh and bone were taken out So likewise Christs side being opened wateâ— and bloud were taken out 18 As of Adams flesh and bone the woman was builtâ— So of Christs water and bloud the Church was built so that the death of Christ is nothing but the sleepe of Adâ—â— 19 As Iacob trauelling towards Haram when hee had laid an heape of stones vnder his head and taken a nap by the way was much reuiued with it after his tedious iourney So Christ trauelling towards Heauen when he had slept a litle in that stony Sepulchre which was hewen out of a Rocke liued then most princely after his painfull passion Gen. 28.10 c. Math. 27.60 20 Euen as when many birds are caught in a net if a Pellican or any other great bird that is among them get out all the rest that are litle ones follow after So likewise Christ by his death as a great bird hauing broken throgh the net of death all we escape with him 21 As Honey being found in a dead Lyon the death of the Lyon was the sustenance of Sampson So Christes gall is our honey and the bitter death of Christ by reason of his righteousnesse is the sweete life of man Iudg. 14.8 9. 22 As Debora reioyced when Barack put Sisera to flight Euen so we haue great cause to reioyce seeing Christ by his Death hath put death to flight Iudg. 5.1 c. 23 Euen as a noble Champion hauing alreadie had a legge and an arme slasht off when all the stage in admiration of his vallour and manhood cries Saue the man saue the man yet puts out himselfe and standing vp on one legge and striking with one arme fights still as stoutly as if he had neuer bene hurt at all So Christ hauing bene scorned scourged already when the whole Theater of heauen and earth wept for him yea when the powers aboue the heauen came down and the dead vnder the earth rose vp to mone and pittie him onely he himselfe would neither aske any fauour of others nor yet shew any fauour to himselfe but was very angrie and called him Sathan that gaue him such counsell yea though all the Saints in heauen and earth did bleede at the very heart in a maner as much as himselfe did vpon the crosse to see so good a man so shamefully despited yet nothing could stay him but still he went on forward as pleasantly and as chearefully as to any banket or feast to this most rufull and dreadfull death 24 As when the heart of a man hath receiued a deadly wound he is accouÌ„ted for dead because he cannot escape death So sinne in the Death of Christ hath receiued a deadly wound so that by reason of that neare coniunction which by faith we haue with Christ we are said to be dead with him Rom. 6.3 4 c. Christ betrayed and sold AS Ioseph was sold of his owne brethren into the hands of straungers Euen so was Christ our Sauiour betrayed and solde of Iudas his owne Disciple and deliuered of his owne Nation into the hands of Pilate and the Heathen Math. 26.15 16. Christ dyed to deliuer vs. 1 AS Sampson who dyed himselfe to deliuer his people from the Philistines So likewise Christ to deliuer vs from the Diuels dyed himselfe Iudg. 16.30 2 Like as if a man should go to prison for debt or any such matter and one of his friendes should come in the meane season and pacifie the Creditor by satisfying and paying the debt then wee may well say that hee hath deliuered this man out of prison although hee came not there but should haue gone thither Or as when wee say such a man hath deliuered his friend from the gallowes wee meane not that hee was already hanged for then
were the deliuerance too late but wee meane that hee deliuered him that hee should not bee hanged So likewise when the Scripture saith that Christ dyed to deliuer vs out of hell because hee saueth and deliuereth vs that wee come not there which else should surely haue gone thither and haue beene damned perpetually except Christ by his death had deliuered and loosed vs. Christ reuiueth vs againe that were dead LIke as the Pellican which hauing brought foorth her young ones dead or beeing stung or killed by Serpents shee pecketh foorth her heart bloud to reuiue them Euen so wee beeing conceiued and borne in sinne and altogether dead in our trespasses and offences stung of that olde and fierie Serpent the diuell which first beguiled our Parents in Paradise and so hauing the reward of sinne which is death we in this case are reuiued and quickned againe by the bloud of the true Pellican Iesus Christ which he from his heart hath shead and powred out for vs. Col. 2.13 14. Christs person consisteth of two natures 1 LIke as there must be both these two natures true and sound the properties of either being kept in one person of Christ to reconcile man to God and to strike this couenant So also to keepe this couenant that according to the promise and oath of God it may be euerlasting both natures must remaine for euer sound with their properties vnlesse we will haue the couenant in the piller and foundation to be shaken 2 Like as when the roote of a tree is hurt the braunches also doo wither and there can be no fruite hoped for Euen so the Doctrine beeing corrupt concerning the person of Christ and the two natures in the same person together with their distinct properties the doctrine also of the Priestly and Kingly office of Christ remaineth corrupt which are as it were the fruites of the doctrine concerning his person Christ though amazed and confounded with sorrowes and feares yet remained still sinlesse LIke as if you set two glasses filled the one with muddy water and the other with cleare Christall water and first let them stand till all the muddinesse in one be setled at the bottome then shake both these glasses in the one the mudde ariseth straightway and defileth all the water there in the other although you shake it neuer so much yet the cleare water though troubled likewise remaineth still all cleare as Christall Euen so if any of vs bee shaken and disquieted with any trouble our muddy affections arising doo presently defile vs all ouer but Christ in whom was mans true nature but not any the least defilement of nature beeing likewise shaken he remained still cleare from any the least spot of sinne at all Christ neuer lost his confidence in God LIke as those men do neuer loose their confidence and trust in God who by some violence are stricken into astonishment or naturally fall on sleepe their faith patience loue obedience decreaseth not in them for all that Euen so neither in Christ his assurance in God could neuer decay albeit his sinlesse nature might and did feare the paine and beeing astonished with excessiue paine might and did suddenly desire ease Math. 27.46 Mar. 14.33 c. He that Speaketh in the Church LIke as if the Harpe make a confused noyse and giueth no distinct sound it delighteth not it recreateth not because no man can tell what it is that is plaide So he that Speaketh in the Church in a language which other men vnderstand not cannot edifie because men vnderstand not what he speaketh Confessing of secret faultes LIke as he is vnwise that openeth his disease and committeth himselfe vnto an vnskilfull Phisition that will rather make him worse then cure him Euen so as vnwise is he that reuealeth his secret falls scapes to them whose mouthes are readie with the Pharisies to say See thou to that or to blabbe abroad their brethrens infirmities so making the matter rather worse then better Christ after a sort present with vs in bodie 1 AS the sun which thogh it remain stil in the firmamēt and therefore in verie deed toucheth not the eye yet the bodie of the Sunne is present to the sight notwithstanding so great a distance betweene So likewise the bodie of Christ which by his ascending is taken vp from vs and hath left the world and is gone to his father is indeed absent from our senses yet our faith is conuersant in heauen and beholding that sonne of righteousnesse and is verily in presence with it there present like as our sight is present with the body of the Sunne in the firmament or as the Sunne is present with our sight in earth Ioh. 14.19 16.28 Act. 7.55 Col. 3.1 Hebr. 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 present to all and filleth all Ephe. 1.23 Col. 1.17 18. How Christ sitteth at the right hand of God 1 AS it is the vse and custome of Kings and Princes which haue their deputies substitutes to whom they freely giue all authoritie to rule and gouerne and do cause that man to sit by him and at his right hand whom he will giue most honor and vnto whom he wil giue most authoritie and power Euen so we vnderstand by these words He sitteth at the right hand of God that our Sauiour Christ is exalted aboue all creatures and that hee hath dominion or gouernance in heauen and in earth and that he raigneth with his Father hauing equal power with him 1. King 2.19 Psal 45.9 110.1 Mat. 20.21 Phil. 2.9 10 11. 1. Pet. 3.22 Ephe. 1.20 21. 4.15 2 As those on earth that are set at the right hand of Kings do execute iustice in courts or Assises for the maintenance of the state and peace of the Kingdome Euen so Christ Iesus sitting at the right hand of his Father that is being made soueraigne Lord of all things both in heauen and earth is to hold a Court or Assise in which he shall come to iudge both the quicke and the dead Christ confounds his enemies AS Iosua dealt with the fiue Kings that were hid in the Caue he first makes a slaughter of their armes then he brings them foorth and makes the people to set their feete on their neckes and to hang them on fiue trees Euen so Christ deales with his enemies he treades them vnder his feete and makes a slaughter not so much of their bodies as of their soules And this the Church of God findes to bee true by experience as well as it findes the loue of Christ towardes it selfe Iosu 10.24 Luke 17.27 Psal 2.9 110.1 Corruption of truth by mans traditions AS sweete Dough is made sowre by a litle Leauen So is the sweetnesse and comfort of the doctrine of truth corrupted if it be neuer so litle entermedled with humane doctrine or mans traditions Mat. 13.33 16.6 The Creature
the people of his Church and powreth out aboundaunce of his blessings vppon them Esay 44.3 The growth of grace by Christs death AS Wheate except it bee sowen in the ground and there die doth not spring againe and so multiplie Euen so the knowledge of those benefites which wee haue by Christ are encreased grewe and multiplyed throughout the whole world by his death Iohn 12.24 Calling 1 LIkewise a sword being committed into the hands of a Souldier by the Captaine generall hee is not to smite before he bee commaunded to fight and before the Trumpet bee sounded to battell Euen so though a man haue excellents giuen him yet hee is not to execute any function especially publikely before hee receiue a particular warrant and Calling from God Reue. 16.1 2 As Sampson though he had strength giuen him that he was able to haue defended the Israelites and reuenged them of their enemies yet hee could not take vpon him the gouernment of the people vntill such time that the Lord had called him vnto it So likewise the Ministers of the word albeit they haue neuer so notable gifts of knowledge vtterance c. yet they are not in any case to entrude themselues into the Ministerie vnlesse they haue a particular Calling from the Lord. 3 As the Ostrige hath wings and flieth not So some men haue a Calling but they answere it not they haue knowledge but they practise it not they haue words but they worke not 4 Like as if a straunger should violently thrust in himselfe to bee the shepheard of thy sheepe thou wouldest aske him who sent for him what hee hadde to doo there and thou wouldest rather thinke him to bee a theefe and a murtherer of thy sheepe then to bee a faithfull and trustie seruant So surely if thou come to take charge of Gods people before he inwardly moue thy conscience to pitie his people and outwardly by order call and place thee where hee thinkes good hee will iudge thee a theefe a woolfe a deuourer and not a feeder Beautie AS a Ring or Iewell of Gold is very vnseemely and dooth not become the filthy snoute of a swine that is alwayes rooting in the dyrt and myer So vncomely is Beautie to a woman that hath not wit nor discretion to behaue her selfe Benefites AS the Moone doth shew her light in the world which she receiueth from the Sunne so we ought to bestow the Benefits receiued of God to the profit and commoditie of our neighbour The Authoritie of the Church not aboue the word of God 1 LIke as it is not reason nor iust that a Wife should controll or be superiour and aboue her Husbands word and commaundement hauing a wise and discreete Husband to gouerne and commaund her So likewise it is no reason or right whatsoeuer the Papists say that the Authoritie of the Church which is the Wife should be greater and of more force then the word and will of the Husband Christ Iesus Ephe. 5.24 2 As man is not aboue God nor the Wife aboue the Husband for otherwise to say the one is blasphemie and the other absurd Euen so it is blasphemie and absurd to say that the Authoritie of the Church is greater then the word and Scriptures of God Wise Counsell of a friend AS the sent and sauour of a sweete Oyntment or Perfume is comfortable to the braines and heart So is the wise and heartie Counsell of a mans assured friend Pro. 27.9 Cities and Countries AS a Pot of meate seething on the fire which no body skimmeth must needs be full of loathsome filth So Cities and Countries continuing in bloudie violence without repentance and amendment must needs be â—oathsome and abhominable in the eyes of God Ezech. 24.6 Men must be fitted to their Callings and the Callings to the men LIke as a member of a mans body out of ioynt is daungerous and hindereth his health and welfare So in like maner the setting of Children to Callings vnfitting their gifts and affections is daungerous and hurtfull both to the Church and Common-wealth Distinction of Callings LIke as the members in a mans body although they liue by one life and one soule are notwithstanding distinct and diuerse one from an other in functions as the foote seeth not but the eye the eare heareth and not the hand c. Euen so also the members of Christ howsoeuer they liue all by one and the same faith are notwithstanding in their particular functions and Callings one to be distinguished from an other Gods Creatures admirable AS when men behold any curious worke of a cunning and skilfull Craftsman straightway they will leaue the worke and enquire after him that made it that they may praise his skill Euen so it is the dutie of Christians in this case when they come abroad and behold euerie where in all the Creatures the admirable and vnspeakeable wisedome goodnesse and power of God then they must make haste from the Creature and go forward to the Creator to praise and glorifie him Reue. 4.11 Christ our Lord. 1 AS in former times the custome hath beeâ—â— that when one is taken prisoner in the fieldes hee that payes his raunsome shall become alwayes after his Lord Euen so likewise Christ when we were bondslaues vnder hell death and condemnation paid the ransome of our redemption and freed vs from the bondage of sinne and Sathan and therefore in that respect he is our Lord. Christ tooke vpon him our infirmities LIke as if a man be sicke of some grieuous disease and if a friend come vnto him that hath beene troubled with the same disease hee will shewe more compassion then twentie others Euen so Christ hauing felt in his owne soule and body the anguish and the manifolde perplexities that wee feele in our temptations and afflictions hath his bowels as it were a running towards vs euermore beeing prest and readie to relieue vs in all our miseries Heb. 2.17 4.15 Esay 53.3.4 Christes humane nature AS the Plant called Mistell hauing no roote of his owne both growes and liues in the stocke or body of the Oake or some other Tree So our Sauiour Christes humane nature hauing no proper substance is as it were ingrafted into the person of himselfe and â—s wholely supported and sustained by it so as it should not bee at all if it were not sustained in that manner Contempt of the Minister AS Husbandmen that misvse their Land-lord and his seruants which hee sendeth to them for the rents and profites of his lande are woorthily and iustly thrust out and others planted in their roomes So likewise were the Iewes cut off from being the people and Church of God for misvsing of Christ his Apostles and Prophets and so assuredly shall all they be that despise and set naught by and cruelly misvse and intreat the Ministers of the Gospel and the Preachers of his word which are sent vnto them A fruitlesse Confession AS it is bootelesse for a man that is very
Christ the greater glorie and gaue Sathan the greater shame Christ suffered and died as he was man AS the precious stone called the Carbuncle to see too is like an hotte burning cole of fire shining exceeding brightly the which feeleth no fire neither is it molten chaunged or mollified therewith If thou shalt take it and close it fast in a ring of lead and cast it into the fire thou shalt see the lead molten and consumed before thy face but the Carbuncle remaining sound and perfect without blemish as before for the fire worketh vpon the leade but vpon the Carbuncle it cannot worke Euen so Christ our Sauiour being in the hotte scorching fire of his torments suffered and died as hee was man but as hee was GOD hee neither suffered nor died the fire of his afflictions wrought then vpon his manhood but his diuinitie and godhead continued perfect and vtterly vntouched The Crosse maketh peace AS in a ciuell gouernment and common-wealth nothing is more occasion of war then ouermuch peace So in the Church and among Ministers of the Church as nothing is more pernicious then too much quietnesse so nothing more ceaseth priuate contentions oftentimes arising amongst them theÌ„ the publike Crosse of persecution The personall vnion of Christ. AS a certaine soule beeing ioyned to a certaine body maketh one certaine person as Peter Paul Iohn So the eternall word of the Father tooke vnto it that flesh of the virgine that is to say made the same so proper vnto it selfe that from hence commeth and proceedeth that person which is called Christ Christ the resurrection and life 1 LIke as in a perfect body when the head hath sense and motion the hand that is of the same body hath also sense motion conuenient for it So likewise Christ being the resurrection and the life as there is spirituall life in him so euery member of his shall feele in it selfe spiritual sense and motion whereby it is raised vp from sinne and liueth vnto God Ioh. 5.25 6.63 2 As the Burgesse of a Towne in the Parliament house beareth the person of the whole Towne and whatsoeuer he saith that the whole Towne saith and whatsoeuer is done to him is also done to al the towne So Christ vpon the Crosse stood in our place and bare our person and what he suffered wee suffered and when he died all the faithfull died in him and so likewise as hee is risen againe so are all the faithfull risen in him 3 As Christ by the merite of his death wipeth out our iniquities and by his bloud clenseth our consciences from all mortall sinne So in like manner by his resurrection from death he declareth himselfe to be righteous and in all respectes perfectly pure according to the law of God Rom 4.25 Psal 16.16 Christ hath prepared a place for vs in heauen LIke as if a man were assured that there were made for him a great purchase in Spaine or Turkie so as if he would but come thither hee might enioy it he would not forbeare to aduenture the daungers of the Sea and of his enemies also if need were that so hee might come to his owne Euen so seeing that Christ Iesus hath made a purchase for vs in heauen and there is nothing required of vs but that we will come and enioy it wee ought to refuse no paines or feare in the way but carefully to striue to get in Luk. 13.14 Christ our Intercessour LIke as he that would know whether the sunne shine in the firmament must not clime vp into the cloudes to looke but search for the beames thereof vpon the earth which when he sees he may conclude that the sun shines in the firmament Euen so if wee would know whether Christ in heauen make intercession for vs let vs ransacke our owne consciences and there make search whether we feele the spirit of Christ crying in vs Abba Father As for those that neuer feele this worke of Gods spirite in them their case is miserable whatsoeuer they be Rom. 8.26 Calamitie EVen as a cloud darkneth the ayre and couereth the sunne So Calamitie and miserie maketh cloudie the mind of man taking from him all his ioy it leaueth him bare and naked without comfort and full of sorrow 2 Like as lightnings do smite whatsoeuer they find in the earth except the Lawrel tree as Plinie affirmeth Euen so great Calamitie is able to take away and to ouerthrow whatsoeuer is in man or that hee hath saue onely firme and constant vertue for constant vertue is a goodly Lawrell tree euer flourishing and greene and will not be consumed burnt vp nor destroyed with any fire that breaketh out of the cloudes be it neuer so fierce nor with any violence of torments and troubles whatsoeuer Rude and wanton Children LIke as when any are stinged with the poyson-ful sting of Serpents foorthwith they labour for remedie against the same least the wound rot and put them to further annoyance Euen so such Children as bee infected and diseased with wanton Idlenesse being also destitute of good maners and learning must be sent to the schoole to be cured of their maister with the rodde of correction and vertuous education False Christians LIke as among a great sort which are striken with extreame sickenesse and diseases some doo alwayes scape as it pleaseth God So it is to be hoped that among an infinite number of false Christans God will touch some to bring them backe from the filthinesse and corruptions of the worlde and to leade them to the fearing of himselfe It is impossible to know who is a true Christian before he die LIke as in a ground sowed with diuers seedes no man can certainly knowe some seede from an other which shall bring forth fruite and which shall not yea though it haue alreadie put foorth yea and that more is though it be eared Euen so no one man can know an other man throughly to bee a Christian which is the greatest felicitie that is before the end of his race because no man is to bee counted happie before his deathes day by reason of many miseries and calamities which may befall him Christ the cause of our resurrection and life 1 AS the first Adam was the roote of all mankind and he conuyed sinne by sinne death to all that sprang of him Christ onely excepted So likewise Christ the second Adam which is the roote of all the elect conueyeth life both in body and soule to al that are vnited to him and by the vertue of his resurrection they shall rise againe after this life 2 Like as the power of the Godhead of Christ when â—he was dead in the graue raised his body the third day So also shall the same power of Christ his Godhead conuey it selfe vnto all the faithfull which euen in death remaine vnited vnto him and raise them vp at the last day Why God afflicteth his Children AS a godly and wise Surgeon purposing to cut
body he suffered in his soule the heauie wrath and indignation of his Father and the extreame tortures and torments of hell for a time no lesse then the the reprobates that be there alreadie and no lesse then all we by iust desert should haue suffered for euer if Christ had not done it for vs and yet fewe or none for all this will shead one teare giue one grone or sigh once from the bottome of his heart Christ his goodnesse considered there was neuer any creature dealt so vnkindly with him as man doth AS sometimes it falleth out that a Henne sitteth vpon Ducks egges and with her diligent sitting and the heate of her body she doth hatch and bring them forth and when they be able to follow her she clucks them and after her maner as though they were her naturall Chickens she doth call them about her but they being not of her but the Ducks kinde though by her they haue beene hatched and of her haue receiued life and though shee hath a continuall care to bring them vp and to defend them from such enemies as seeke to deuoure them yet neuerthelesse they will follow and seeke after that wherevnto by nature they are inclined and giuen when shee is scraping and scratching in the earth to finde them foode they will be in the water mire or foule puddle after their kinde she may cluck and walke alone they will not keepe her companie vnlesse perhaps in some daunger when the Kite is readie to catch them for some succour they will flie to her howbeit at the length when she perceiueth them to be vnnatural and vnkinde to her she doth forsake them and giue them ouer Euen so our sweete Sauiour Christ Iesus hauing taken great pains for vs and hauing humbled himselfe euen in the lowest degree of all humilitie that can be named as in comming downe out of his fathers bosome being most perfect most holy and omnipotent God being euery way equall and in nothing interiour to his Father to take our weake fraile and feeble nature vpon him and sinne excepted to haue a perfect feeling of all our miseries infirmities as wearisomnes of body hunger and thirst and such others and besides the induring of these many yeres together hauing suffered a most cruell death and euen at his death vpon the Crosse hauing tasted and taken a full cup of his Fathers furie and indignation which was indeed filled and prepared for vs as a iust reward for our sinnes and should haue beene our owne cup and our owne portion for euer and euer had he not euen then taken and supt it vp to cleare and to free vs from it Againe after all these things hauing still continued his humilitie in suffering death to keepe his bodie three dayes in the graue and euen as it were to treade and trample vpon him and then manger death hell diuell and Iewes hauing risen againe and being ascended and gone vp to his Father where now vntill his comming againe to iudge the quicke and the dead he sitteth at the right hand of maiestie and power He now speaketh and calleth vnto vs by his Prophets Apostles and Ministers and willeth vs to remember what case and estate we were â—n before he died and suffered all these things for vs and he would haue vs to know to be sure and neuer to forget that if he had not suffered death here vpon earth as hee did we should neuer haue found any way or entrance into heauen the celestiall ioyes and pleasures of the Lords saints saluation and eternall life should neuer haue beâ—onged vnto vs wee should haue had no more to do with them then they that liue without faith and die infidels The horrors of hell and the stinking lakes of vnspeakable shame confusion torments endlesse death and damnation should haue beene our inheritance lot and perpetuall portion Christ therfore doth daily put vs in mind that we be not our owne but his and that we bee the greatest and dearest purchase that euer was made in heauen or in earth and that the like price and cost was neuer bestowed vpon any creatures as vpon vs. When the Angels which were in heauen in the presence of their creator did once offend they were hurled out and cast into hell Christ would not bestow vpon them one pennie of all that great price and rich raunsome which he paied for vs he would not then become man to shed one drop of bloud for them but for our sakes hee spared not one drop but shed all The Hen that himselfe speaketh of was neuer so diligent and carefull to gather her chickings vnder her wings as he hath euer beene most ready to shroude and to protect vs against all the enemies of our soules and bodies Many mothers shal sooner forget the children of their owne wombe and vtterly forsake them before Christ will forsake vs yea he will neuer forget nor forsake vs vnlesse we first forget and forsake him Now therefore wee being his so dearely bought and so truely paid for hee calleth vpon vs euery day he clocketh vs and looketh for vs that we should follow him and treade in such steps as he hath appointed that we should not range at randome but keepe our selues within the hearing of his voice and our liues within the limits of obedience vnto the same these things he looketh for at our hands But we deale with this most kind most louing and most mercifull redeemer and Sauiour of our soules bodies euen so as the vnnatural vnkind Ducks deale with the Hen of whom they haue receiued life they regard not her clucking neither we Christs calling when shee is seeking and prouiding for them on the faire drie and wholesome earth they will bee in some foule water filthie mire or stinking puddle And when the Lord Iesus calleth vs to integritie of life to doo the thing that is iust and right in his owne eye and to speake the truth according to the knowledge of our hearts then will wee with greedinesse pollute our soules and bodies with al wickednes and things that be abominable then will we oppresse our brethren not caring who sinke if our selues swimme then will we not sticke to speake lies euen to Gods owne face And when the Lord calleth and sendeth vs to seeke heauenly things wee presently returne to the foule puds of the world carnal delights and vaine yea vile pleasures So that wee euer take the contrarie way to that which Christ commaundeth Christ calleth for our harts to haue them in truth and sinceritie with all diligence to attend vpon his pleasure and to waite on his will he would haue vs not in part but wholly to giue them vnto him and without the heart hee will receiue and take in good part at our hands and lips nothing But wee on the other side giue nothing lesse to God then our hearts There is nothing that may and cannot commaund our hearts haue them at pleasure sooner
Curtesie 1 AS the tree is knowne by his fruite the gold by the touch and the bell by the sound so is a mans birth by his beneuolence his honour by his humilitie and his calling by his Curtesie 2 As the peg straineth the Lute strings so Curtesie stretcheth the heart strings 3 As it belongeth to the Sunne to lighten the earth with his beames so it pertaineth to the vertue of a Prince to haue compassion and be Curteous to the miserable Courts of Princes AS it was a saying sometime of Asia that it was no praise neuer to haue seene it but to haue liued soberly and temperatly in Asia was praise worthie Euen so it were no great matter neuer to haue seene the Courts of Princes but to haue liued Christianly in those Courts were a speciall worke of God in his children Spirituall Doctrine of our soules 1 AS God workes in his creatures that after winter comes Summer and after a storme comes faire weather So in the spirituall Doctrine of our soules first hee teacheth repentance preacheth the Lawe threatneth vengeance for sinne castes downe man in his owne sight and lets him looke euen into hel with feare of conscience for his disobedience but afterwards he comforts him rayseth him vp and heales him Math. 9.13 Desires of the flesh how they are quenched LIke as the Dropsie desires and longeth after drinke and drinke greatly increases it Euen so euill Desires and corrupt affections if they bee followed doo much increase but being refrained they decrease The Deceites of the world are daungerous 1 AS they which walke in a myst do not see it so well as they which stand vpon an hill from it Euen so it fareth in discerning the Deceites and dissimulations of the world whose propertie is to blind them that come to it to the end they may not see their owne estate Euen as a Rauen first of all striketh out the poore sheepes eyes and so bringeth to passe that shee may not see the way to escape from his tyrannie 2 Like as a mans naked body tossed and tumbled among many thornes cannot but be much rent and torne and made bloudy with the prickes thereof So a worldly mans soule beaten with the cares and cogitations of this life cannot but be vexed with restles pricking of the same and wounded also with many temptations of sin which follow vpon it Discord AS Musicke if the harmonie of the strings be not consonantly fitted the sound is not sweete nor acceptable to any good and tunable eare Euen so if Christians doo disagree amongst themselues they are vnacceptable to God Diseases of the mind AS the wounds of the body with often rubbing and chafing are made sometimes incurable Euen so the Diseases of the mind if they be exasperated and stirred vp will more and more rebell and draw the partie in whom they are to sinne more greedily then euer he did before Death of the body not to be feared 1 LIke as a traueller who hauing passed many daungers reioyceth greatly whē he approacheth neare vnto his own contrie or home Or as a man who willingly departeth out of a ruinous house ready to fall vppon his head Euen so a godly Christian can take no pleasure in this transitorie world seeing each day he draweth nearer to an end then other where the pleasures that he receiueth are nothing to the paines hee suffereth and his delights doo cost him so deare Phil. 1.23 2 As men locke vp their best apparell in a chest meaning to weare them againe Euen so are the Dead bodies of the faithfull buried in sure and certaine hope of rising againe to life euerlasting And therefore none ought to feare Death or be vnwilling to die 3 As money borrowed is to bee paide againe with thankes and good will So the life that wee haue borrowed of God is to bee yeelded vp with cheerfull countenance and thankes Dunsticall writers AS the sauour of the beast Panther seemeth sweete to none other then vnto bruite beastes So is Scotus and other Dunsticall writers to sharpe quicke and good wits most foolish Whereas vnto doltes and dawes they are as deare as any darling Decree or purpose of God AS no man is able neither King Prince nor Potentate to stay stoppe or hinder the course of the Sunne Moone or Starres So likewise can no man stay let or hinder the Decree purpose determination or coūsell of God Pro. 21.30 Decrease of renued holinesse AS when a theefe goeth about to spoyle any man of his goods if hee offer to breake in at the broadside of his house he is straightway espied and receiueth the repulse but if he vndermine the house he may bee within it and on the dweller before he bee aware So when as Sathan commeth as it were bluntly to a Christian and doth at the first dash moue him to forsake and renounce God by infidelitie his malicious purpose is soone espied and for the most part so carefully resisted that hee hath not any hope euer to preuaile by that meanes and to robbe the regenerate man of his renewed holinesse So that he is driuen to take another way by the end for he will neuer giue ouer and to goe more closely to worke Day of Iudgement terrible to the wicked 1 AS Cornelius being a iust man and feared God was yet affraid when hee saw the Angell Euen so much more shall the wicked be astonied and confounded at the presence of God at the Day of Iudgement Act. 10.2.3.4 2. Thes 1.9.10 2 Like as when the boughes of the Fig tree bee tender and that it beginneth to bring forth leaues it is a certaine token that Summer is neare Euen so treasons pestilence warres famine Earthquakes c. are the Prefaces or Prologues to sorrowes and shew that the Day of Iudgement is neare euen at the doores Math. 24.32 Math. 13.28 Death of Christ. 1 AS the hearbe Panax or Panace hath in it a remedie against all diseases So is the Death of Christ against all sinne sufficient and effectuall 2 Like as the storme and tempest of the Sea was pacified and ceased as soone as Ionas was cast into it Euen so by the Death burial and resurrection of Christ the wrath of God was truely and indeed pacified that calmenesse might be giuen vnto the troubled consciences of sinners and a most sure attonement and peace made betwixt God and vs. Iona. 7.2 c. 3 Like as a Corrasiue which being applied to the part affected eateth out the venime and corruption Euen so the Death of Christ by faith applied frettethout consumeth the concupiscence and the corruption of the whole man Displeasure foreseene AS a man doth receiue more at wil and with lesse daunger the stroke which hee foreseeth So a Displeasure foreseene and prouided for and before perceiued doth lesse annoy him Death 1 AS no man may maruaile at a thing burnt that might be burned or at a thing molten that was to be melted So is it not to
2 As a Dead man in his graue cannot stir the least finger because he wants the very power of life sense and motion So likewise no more can he that is Dead in sinne will the least good Nay if he could either will or doo any good he could not be Dead in sinne 3 Euen as a Dead man in the graue cannot rise but by the power of God So no more can hee that is Dead in sinne rise but by the power of Gods grace alone without any power of his owne Iohn 3.3 Ephes 2.10 4.24 Phil. 2.13 Deuise of the wicked AS the Egges of the Cockatrice hatched are full of poyson Euen so are the deuises of the wicked and the execution of their enterprises hurtfull Esay 59.5 The Diuell fearefull and enuious 1 LIke as if an enemie of great might hauing also an aduantage of vs by reason of the ground wherein he hath planted himself be dreadful to vs so as we haue good cause to feare him Euen so much more we ought to bee afraid of the Diuel hauing the like or greater aduantages of vs. Ephe. 6.11.12 2 As a good Midwife is carefull to helpe the woman in trauell and saue the child Euen so the Diuell contrariwise is ready to hinder and hurt the Church to destroy her seede Reue. 12.2.3 God Delighteth in the conuersion of a sinner AS a Father taketh great ioy and comfort when his Sonne who was wilde vnthriftie and vngodly becommeth modest thriftie and religous Euen so it is a Delightfull and acceptable thing to God when any sinner is conuerted from his wicked and lewde course and now liueth Christianly Luk. 15.23.24 Dissentions AS Bees when they striue together and are stirred vp through some vehement motion with throwing of dust are brought into order and appeased Euen so men when they are tossed and tormented with troublesome broyles perturbations and passions if they would remember dust whereinto of necessitie they must be turned and neuer forget death which they shall neuer bee able to escape they would easily bestayed pacified and quietted would represse keepe within compasse their strangling lusts and vnruly appetites which cannot indure to be tamed and ruled by reason How to encounter with Death 1 LIke as if a man were to fight with a Dragon his best way to deale with him is to pull out his venemous sting Euen so the Dragon wherewith euery Christian man is to encounter is Death whose sting is sinne therefore that we may not take the foyle of Death we are in all our life to labour to bereaue him of this his sting 1. Cor. 15.56 2 As the Philistines that they might the better deale with Sampson cut off his haire where his strength lay So also euery one of vs that wee may the better deale with Death are to cut off our sinnes which bee the strength of Death Iud. 16.5 c. Death 1 LIke as hee that is to passe ouer some great and deepe ryuer must not looke downeward to the streame of the water But if he would preuent feare hee must set his foote sure cast his eye to the banke on the furthest side Euen so he that draws neare Death must as it were looke ouer the waues of Death and directly fixe the eye of his faith vpon eternall life 2 Like as if a poore man should be commaunded by a Prince to put off his torne and beggerly garments and in steade thereof to put on royall and costly robes it would be a great reioycing to his heart Euen so much more ioyfull newes must this be vnto all repentant and sorrowfull sinners when the King of heauen and earth comes vnto them by Death and bids them lay downe their bodies as ragged and patched garments and prepare themselues to put on the princely robe of immortalitie No tongue can bee able to expresse the excellencie of this most blessed and happie estate 3 Euen when a man was to offer a Bullocke or Lambe in sacrifice to God he must leaue his offering at the Altar and first goe and be reconciled to his brethren if they had ought against him So much more must this bee done when men are in Death to offer vp themselues their bodies and soules as an acceptable sacrifice vnto God Rom. 12.1 4 As Trauellers not thinking of the Sunne setting are ouertaken with darkenesse before they be aware So doth Death sodainly come vpon many that neuer thought of it neither haue learned to die nor what shall become of them when they be dead so that it behooueth all Christians that wil be saued to watch to stand stedfast in the faith of Christ to quite themselues like men and to be strong and to do all that they do in loue 1. Cor. 16.13 5 As earthen vessels are alike subiect to danger breaking whether they be new or olde made So likewise all men are open and subiect to Death alike whether they be yong men and in their lusty and flourishing age or they be old men and well strooken in yeares 6 Like as if a man shal come into a Potters ware-house where he shall see a large Table set full of Pots some old and some new some little and some great and shall demaund of the Potter which of them all shall first be broken he may well say for answer That which shall fall first to the ground Euen so among men he dieth not first that is elder but he that first falleth to the ground that is commeth first to his graue Psal 2.9 Esay 30.14 Reue. 2.27 7 Like as if a Begger should be commaunded to put off his old ragges that he might be cloathed with rich costly garments he would not be sory though he should stand naked a while till he were wholly bestripped of his rags So likewise when God calls a man to Death and bids him put off his old ragges of sinne and corruption and be cloathed with the glorious roabe of Christes righteousnesse there is no cause why he should be loth to die seeing his abode in the graue is but for a space while corruption be put off 2. Cor. 5.1 2. 8 As bread of all other nourishment doth sustaine the body So aboue all things a continuall thought of Death is wholesome for the soule 9 As yong schollers who hauing spent their time diligētly at their bookes return from the Vniuersities to their friends and are welcommed home both of father mother brother and sister euery one preasing forward with great desire to kisse them and to make the greatest demonstration of ioy and gladnesse that may be for their happie returne So in like maner when true Christians die depart out of this world where they are as it were at schoole to returne to their fathers house God himselfe is the first that biddeth them welcome and willeth them to enter into the ioy of their Lorde and Father Iesus Christ is the next which taketh leadeth them into the Pallace of the
King and saith Come ye blessed of my Father possesse the kingdome prepared for you from the beginning of the world Then come the Angels who carry them like Lazarus into Abrahams bosome to reioyce for euer with them and with the other holy Fathers Math. 25.21 34. 10 Like as some pleasant companions and merily disposed will often say that God fauoureth a man when he taketh away his wife by Death especially if she be euil and of bad condition So likewise if this be true we may safely say that God bestoweth a maruellous grace vpon vs and doth vs the greatest pleasure that may be when as by Death he deliuereth vs froÌ„ our flesh which is the most treacherous and disloyal wife that can be and which doth so torment the poore mâ—nd with whom she is married that she vexeth disquieteth her silly husband with the greatest and most intollerable griefe that may be 11 As we see in the seasons of the year that from the beginning to the end they are appointed of God that in such sort that all the meÌ„ in the world thogh they shuld imploy all their whole force counsels and endeuours to the contrarie were not able to alter them Euen so likewise may we be assured that our liues are so limited and bounded by God that neither king nor Prince power nor Potentate can any manner of wayes shorten or prolong them Yea and that which may wonderfully comfort vs so often as we remember it that God doth oftentimes prolong our dayes by the meanes of wicked tyrants which would cut them off by Death As Moses and Daniel were Exod. 2.2.3 c. Dan. 3. toto 6.5 c. 12 As the brazen Serpent was so far from hurting the Israelites that contrariwise it healed them So after the same sort Death is now so farre from hurting any godly Christian that on the other side that if affliction as a firie Serpent sting vs or if any thing else hurt vs presently it is helped and redressed by Death 13 Euen as a Bee stinging a dead body takes no hurt but by stinging aliue body many times looseth both sting and life together So likewise Death so long as it stung mortall men which were dead in sinne was neuer a whit the worse but when it stung Christ once who is life it self by and by it lost both sting and strength 14 As they which wil needs play the hob-goblings or the night-walking spirits as wee call them all the while they speake vnder a hollow vault or leape foorth with an vgly vizard vpon their faces they are so terrible that hee which thinkes himselfe no small man may perhaps bee afrighted with them But if some lusty fellow chaunce to step into one of these and cudgel him well fauoredly and pull the vizard from his face then euery boy laughes him to scorne So it is with Death who was a terrible bulbegger and euery man afraid of him a great while but Christ dying buckled with this bulbegger and coniured him as we may say out of his hollow vault wheÌ„ as the dead comming out of the graues were seene in Ierusalem and puld the vizard from his face when as hee himselfe rising left the linnen cloathes which were the vizard of Death behinde him Math. 27.52 53. Ioh. 20.6 15 As that Asse called Cumanus asinus ietting vp down in a Lyons skin did for a time terrifie his maister but afterwards being descried did benefit him very much So in like manner Death stands now like a silly Asse hauing his Lyons skin puld ouer his eares and is so farre from terrifying any that it benefits all true Christians because by it they rest from their labours and if they be oppressed with troubles or cares when they come to Death they are discharged Death as an Asse doth beare these burdeÌ„s for theÌ„ 16 As he that felleth a tree vpon which the Sunne shineth may well cut the tree but cannot hurt the Sunne Or as he that powreth water vpon yron which is red hot may well quench the heate but he cannot hurt the yron Euen so Christ the Sonne of righteousnesse did driue away the shaddow of Death and as glowing yron was too hot and too hard a morsell for Death to digest 17 Like as all the while that Adam did eate any other fruite which God gaue him leaue to eate he was nourished by it but when he had tasted of the forbidden tree he perished So Death had free leaue to deuour any other man Christ onely excepted but when it went about to destroy Christ then it was destroyed it selfe 18 Euen as those barbarous people called Cannibals which feede only vpon raw flesh especially of men if they happen to eate a peece of rosted meate commonly they surfet of it die So likewise the right Canniball the only deuourer of al mankind Death I meane tasting of Christs flesh finding it not to be raw such as it was vsed to eate but wholesome and heauenly meate indeede presently tooke a surfet of it and within three dayes died 19 Euen as when Iudas had receiued a sop at Christes hand a non after his bowels gushed out So likwise Death being so sawcie as to snatch a soppe as it were of Christs flesh and a little bit of his body was by and by like Iudas choked and strangled with it faine to yeeld it vp againe when Christ on Easter day reuiued 20 As a fire goeth out when al the fuel is spent but burneth as long as that lasteth So Death died when sin ceaseth but where sinne aboundeth there Death rageth 21 As the little worme that groweth out of the tree gnaweth and consumeth the tree of whom it hath his beginning So Death groweth and waxeth out of sinne and sinne with the body it consumeth 22 Like as if one that is about to shoote a Gun bee vnsteadie at the letting of it goe he misseth altogether and al that he prepared for it afore is in vaine Euen so at the end of this life are the diuels most busie to turne vs from the right marke that our former trauaile and labour may be lost for as much as they know that there remaineth but a very small time of life So that if the soule escape theÌ„ now they shall afterward goe without it for euer 23 Euen as mightie enemies doo besiege lay assault to a Citie So the diuels compasse the soule of man at the houre of Death with violence subtiltie to take possessâ—on of the poore soule to apprehend it and bring it to hell 24 Like as if an old siluer goblet bee melted and new fashioned after a beautifull manner then is it better then afore and neither spylt nor destroyed Euen so haue wee no iust cause to complaine of Death whereby the body being deliuered from all filthinesse shall in his due time be perfectly renued 25 As the Egge-shell though it bee goodly and faire fashioned must bee opened and broken
should keepe and fulfill the same will allow and take for payment our well meanings and good intents without either knowing or learning the same his will and mind 1. Sam. 13.9 c. 15.8 c. 2. Sam. 6.6 1. Chro. 13.9 10. Ioh. 16.2 Act. 6.12 c. Edifying of others LIke as they that carrie Muske or other sweete Odours about them cannot be hid but must needes bee made knowne to all and that others must needes smell them Euen so godly and faithfull men that carrie in their harts the Gospell of Christ must needes make others partakers of the same Epicurisme the fountaine of sinne AS the moyst and waterish grounds bring foorth nothing but Frogs and Toades So the belly and waâ—rie stomacke that is stuffed like a tunne bringeth foorth nothing but a drousie mind foggie thoughts filthie speeches and corrupt affections Equalitie in marriage 1 AS two Palfreyes or two Oxen of vnequall stature cannot bee coupled vnder one yoke So a Noble woman matching with a man of base estate or contrarily a Gentleman with a begger cannot bee consorted or coupled vnder the bands of wedlocke 2 As the Lord commaunded that an Oxe and an Asse should not bee yoked together because the match is vnequall Euen so it is an vnlawfull thing for the faithfull to marrie with Infidels or else to haue any thing to doo with them Deut. 22.10 2. Chor. 6.14 A great Errour for a man to thinke he shall be saued when he is dying if he say Lord haue mercy vpon me 1 LIke as if an arrand Theefe should thus reason with himselfe and say I will spend my dayes in robbing and stealing I feare neither arraignment nor execution for at the very time when I am to be turned off from the Ladder if I do but call vpon the Iudge I know I shal haue my pardon behold a most dangerous and desperate course Euen so the very same is the practise of carelesse men in the matter of their saluation for a man may die with Lord haue mercy in his mouth and perish eternally except in this world he enter into the first degree of eternall life Math. 7.21 Ioh. 5.24 2 As euery wound killeth not the man So euery Errour depriueth not man of saluation 3 As the naturall partes beeing wounded or infected bringeth death So those Errours that destroy the fundamentall heads of the trueth bring euerlasting destruction vnlesse the Lord preuent them with repentance Ouermuch Ease and pampering of the belly is a great prouocation to sinne AS with a pyle or stacke of small and dry wood the fire is quickly kindled and caused mightily to flame out Euen so the outragiousnesse of carnall and fleshly lust is greatly prouoked moued and stirred vp through ryoting daunsing banquetting quaffing gulling swilling and continuall feeding and pampering of the belly and by taking the body from good lawfull and honest exercises and giuing it to Idlenesse slothfulnesse and ouermuch Ease and rest from labours The fearefull Estate of many people 1 AS the Smythes Stithie the more it is beaten the harder it is made Euen so commonly the hearts of men the more they are beateÌ„ with the hammer of gods word the more dull secure and sencelesse they are 2 Like as when a Malefactor on the day of Assise is brought forth of the Iayle with great boltes and fetters to come before the Iudge as he is going all men pittie him and speake comfortably vnto him But why so because he is now to be arraigned at the barre of an earthly Iudge Euen so such is the Estate case of all impenitent sinners which is farre more miserable then the case of this man for they be fettered in bondage vnder sinne and Sathan and this short life is the way in which they are going euery houre to the barre of Gods iustice who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lordes there to be arraigned and to haue sentence of condemnation giuen against them We must giue diligence to make our Election sure AS men are carefull in the world and painfull ynough to make assurance of landes and goods to themselues and their posteritie Euen so we ought to be more careful and diligent to make our selues the ElectioÌ„ of God which is more worth then all the world beside 2. Pet. 1.10 The Elect are ordained to leade a godly life AS the Sunne was ordained to shine in the day and the Moone in the night and that order they keepe yea euery creature in his kinde obserueth the course appointed vnto it by creation as the grasse to growe and trees to â—ring forth fruite So likewise the Elect were ordained to this ende to leade a godly life and therefore if we would â—ither persuade our selues or the world that we are indeed â—hosen to saluatioÌ„ we must be plentiful in all good works and make conscience of euery euil way Ephe. 1.4 2.10 2. Thes 2.13 2. Timo. 2.21 Gods loue to his Elect. AS Ioseph loued all his brethren but Beniamin he loued with a more speciall loue and therfore he gaue messes of meate to them all but Beniamins messe was fiue times as much as the rest So God giueth libertie to all his creatures as a good a louing God in so much that the earth is full of his mercies but his loue to his Elect children by Christ is a thousand times more then the rest for them he vpholdeth in their integritie and doth set them before his face for euer Gen. 43.34 Psal 104.24 41.12 The Elect cannot finally perish AS an Elme or an Oke casts their leaues in the winter yet abideth their sappe still in them Esay 6.13 Euen so shall the holie seede continue in their substance so that though there appeare no fruites outwardly to our grosse sences yet the sure ground and substance which he hath there planted remaineth and though it haue no outward seale in our sight yet hath it a sure seale in Gods sight for the Lord knoweth it to be there which is sufficient Election to saluation doth not abolish but establish the second causes 1 AS God hath limited to euerie man the tearme of his life but withall he hath ordained and appointed that for the preseruing thereof he shall both eate and drinke Euen so God hath ordained necessarily that the Elect must be saued yet by such meanes as he hath appointed in his wisedome for the bringing of them to it to wit by hearing the Gospell preached by beleeuing in Christ by amending their liues by praying to God c. 2 As he that should abstaine from foode and say that he need it not to liue by should directly fight and striue against the will and pleasure of God and so tempt him So likewise they that say that being Elect they need not beleeue the Gospell nor amend their liues for the attaining to the kingdom of heauen do tempt God reuerse his prouidence striue against his will and so farre as in them lyeth abolish the
together Euen so Faith grounded vppon Christes passion Faith giueth the sappe of loue loue blossometh foorth in good workes And therefore in Faith we must be constant in loue feruent in workes diligent and in doctrine we must keepe order we may not let the effect presume before the cause nor the daughter before the mother 3 As workes without Faith make but a Pharisaicall hypocrite Euen so Faith without workes maketh but a carnall Gospeller 4 Like as the flame of fire burneth the wood without helpe of the light and yet the flame cannot bee without the light Euen so is it assuredly true that Faith alone consumeth and burneth away sinne without the helpe of works yet that the same Faith cannot be without good workes And therefore if wee see a flame that giueth no light we know by and by that it is but vaine and painted Euen so when we see not some light of good workes in a man it is a token that he hath not the true inspired Faith which God giueth to his chosen to iustifie and glorifie them with all So that most certaine it is that the loue of God and a mans neighbour doo of necessitie goe ioyntly together with Faith 5 Like as with the rysing of the Sunne there goeth ioyntly of necessitie the spreading foorth of his beames and his light Euen so of necessitie loue and good workes follow Faith in those that are iustified in so much as hee that loueth not and liueth well abideth in death 6 Like as that body wherein there remaineth no feeling or moouing liueth not And yet it followeth not thereupon that feeling and moouing are the cause of life but life is the cause of moouing Euen so the efficient cause of our iustification is God for the obedience passion and death of Christ onely And Faith is the instrument wherby we take hold of Christ our righteousnesse So then the loue of God and a mans neighbour must of necessitie followe Faith in him that is iustified Like as moouing and feeling do of necessitie follow life But loue and good workes cannot proceede but of Faith like as there can grow no good fruites but of a good tree 7 As wee commonly say that white haires make an olde man and yet our meaning onely is that they declare him to bee an old man Euen so when we say that woorkes doo iustifie it is ment that workes do but declare whom is iustified Iam. 2.18 8 Like as in the fire the light and the heate are ioyned together for mans vse yet the heate onely warmeth So likewise Faith and workes goe together in mans life and conuersation But yet it is Faith alone without workes that saueth 9 As the hand hath a propertie to reach out it selfe to lay hold of any thing and to receiue a gift But the hand hath no propertie to cut a peece of wood of it selfe without a sawe or knife or some such like instrument and yet by the helpe of them it can either diuide or cut Euen so it is the nature of Faith to goe out of it selfe and to receiue Christ into the heart As for the duties of the first and second Table Faith cannot of himselfe bring them foorth no more then the hand can diuide or cut Yet ioyne loue to Faith and then can it practise duties commaunded concerning God and man 10 As in regard of substance although the eye bee neuer alone yet in regarde of seeing it is alone Euen so though Faith subsist not without hope and loue and other graces of God yet in act of iustification it is alone without them all 11 Like as when any one of the Israelites were stung to death by fierie Serpents his cure was not by any Physicke or Surgerie but onely by casting of his eye vp to the brazen Serpent which Moses had receiued by Gods commaundement Euen so in the cure of our soules when we are stung to death by sinne there is nothing required within vs for our recouerie but onely that we cast vp and fixe the eye of our Faith on Christ and his righteousnesse Iohn 3.14.15 Forgiuenesse of sinnes onely from God 1 LIke as the Prince onely hath power to Forgiue and pardon fellonie or treason in his subiects Euen so God onely hath power to Forgiue sinne Mar. 2.7 c. 2 As that man is a Traytor who being a subiect himselfe will take vpon him to pardon treason or fellonie in another subiect Euen so is he a Traytor to God that will take vpon him to pardon that sin that is committed against God 3 Like as no man can forgiue debts but the Creditor to whom the debt is due So no man can forgiue sinnes against whom there is no sin committed but he onely that is hurt and offended by the sin and that is God either immediatly or by meanes Esay 43.25 4 Like as if one doo forgiue an other mans debts the debtor is abused if he do belieue that he is discharged of the bond of his debt and the Creditor hath wrong done him without whose knowledge and will the debts belonging vnto him are forgiuen and his debtor discharged which forgiuenesse he doth make void immediatly and doth neuerthelesse claime the debt vpon his debtor Euen so likewise if any man doo forgiue sinnes which be not done against himselfe he deceiueth him whom he forgiueth and sinneth against him also to whom the offence was done which hath the power only to forgiue or withhold the offences done vnto him and so he doth both not discharge the party that is guiltie and doth offend him also into whose right he doth vnaduisedly intrude 5 As men do not giue almes at any time to a stout begger who although he haue need yet will not confesse it and craue almes gently acknowledging his pouertie Euē so no more will the Lord giue vnto vs any spirituall almes to wit Forgiuenesse of sinnes vnlesse we shall humble our selues before him with true feeling of our pouertie and miserie Math. 9.13 11.28 False Doctrine 1 AS the herbe Blattaria wheresoeuer it bee strewed or laide the Mothes and Bats incontinently find it out and come vnto it So corrupt Doctrine wheresoeuer it be dispersed by and by such people as are corrupt wil flocke vnto it 2 As a dramme of the roote of Solanum somniferum causeth Idle imaginations two drams causeth madnesse and fower drams killeth one So a litle False Doctrine maketh an idle head Feeling of Faith and other good graces which we are indued with is not alwaies alike and the same in vs. 1 LIke as we are not alwaies alike disposed at one time as at an other So we haue not alwaies alike desire to see or to heare the word of God or to read it or to confer with our brethren which are more aduaunced in the knowledge and zeale of the true and right maner of worshipping of God then we are And likewise the spirite of God doth not touch and stirre vs vp alwaies
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
power to moue or stir and therefore he cannot so much as desire or doo any thing that is truely good of himselfe but God must first come and put a newe soule into him euen the spirit of grace to quicken reuiue him and then being thus reuiued the will beginneth to will good things at the very same time when God by his spirit first infuseth grace Iere. 10.25 4 As a Ship when the Sterne is broken is driuen hither and thither where the tempest will Euen so by the diuel we are driuen from one sinne to an other neither hitherto can doo any thing but euen as the diuell will and except God doth deliuer vs with his strong hand of his mercie we shal remaine in the bonds and chaines of sinne vnto death Gene. 6.5 8.21 20.6 Prou. 16.1.9 20.24 21.1 5 Like as if a man should fall into a myrie deepe and stonie place and so should both be drowned bee arrayed with myre and also be hurt So wee by originall sinne are drowned in the darknesse of ignorance wee are so defiled with lusts concupiscence and wee are wounded as touching the powers and faculties of the mind Iere. 31.18 Ezech. 36.26 27. Ioh. 6.44 45. Rom. 9.10 6 As the vnderstanding doth see nothing of it selfe but that which is carnall Euen so the will of man doth hate and abhorre of it selfe all things which are good and loueth that which is euill carnall and nothing durable 1. Cor. 2.14 7 Like as when a man taketh a knife and cutteth bread with it the knife also doth cut but not without the hand of him which holdeth the knife for the knife is not Free of it selfe either to cut or not to cut yet for all that when a man doth cut any thing with a knife hee saith this knife cutteth well or ill although of it selfe it dooth cut nothing at all but by the power and force of the cutter So we likewise can do nothing of our selues that is good and right except the spirit of God worketh it in vs So that all godly Christians wil confesse and say we haue laboured we haue preached we haue praied c. knowing yet them selues to be nothing else but the instruments of the Lord which worketh Prou. 16.1.9 21.1 Iere. 10.25 13.23 34.7 Ezech. 36.26 Godlinesse the beginning and foundation of righteousnesse 1_LIke as before the comming of our Sauiour Christ in the fleshe when sacrifices were vsed as God had then commaunded it was appointed that the same sacrifices should bee seasoned with salte or else the Lord would not allow of them So likewise vnlesse we be seasoned with the the salt of true Godlinesse we and all our doings shall be vnsauerie to the taste of the Lord yea whatsoeuer wee doo this being wanting though it seeme neuer so glorious before men yet shall it be loathsome in his sight as a thing defiled and as a counterfeit righteousnesse Leuit. 2.13 Mar. 9.49 50. 2 As the buyer while hee is in buying disprayseth the thing which hee buyeth and saith it is naught it is not worth the price which yee aske but when he hath bought it so soone as he is gone he boasteth of his peniworthes and saith it is better then his money Euen so Godlinesse before a man haue it he saith it is not woorth his labour and thinks euery houre too much that he spendeth about it but when he hath found it he would not loose it againe for all the world because it maketh him contented with that he hath Prou. 20.14 1. Tim. 6.6 3 As a Syence or impe that is grafted into a tree doth in such wise drawe away the sap and force thereof that it bringeth foorth fruite according to his owne kind and not after the kind of the tree whereinto it is grafted But with Iesus Christ it is contrarie for they that are grafted in him doo in deede gather strength from him yet so that they alter their nature and bring foorth fruit not after the kind of Adams children but of Iesus Christ into whom they are grafted Ioh. 15.5 Good mens estate amongst the wicked AS the good corne may not grow nor encrease vnlesse the vnprofitable weedes be weeded away So except vicious men and vagabounds were punished good men might not prosper nor liue in peace Grace 1 AS where Sothernwood Lysimachus Poley Calamint Dictam Nigella Peutidanum are laide or growe there venemous beastes flie away So where the Grace of God is Sathan and euill motions depart Math. 12. 2 As we see the leaues fall from the trees in a boystrous wind So the Graces of God shall decay and drop away in the wicked one after an other as though they were in a consumption Luk. 8.18 3 As those that were out of the Arke though they had witte glorie riches and learning were drowned in the floud So likewise no wit nor learning nor riches without Grace can saue a man from perdition Gene. 7.21 4 As that which is not in the vessell is not of the vessel nor commeth thereof yet it is drawne out of the vessell So Grace is not of the Sacramēts nor commeth of them but springeth of the eternal fountaine of the which fountaine the soule seeketh in the Sacraments 5 As a man doth runne to the vessell when he seeketh the lycoure So must hee which seeketh the lycoure of Grace and hath it not runne to the Sacraments 6 As when the West wind bloweth with her pleasant blastes the foulenesse and sadnesse of winter is put away and the whole face of nature waxeth new and young againe as the trees are beautified with boughes and the greene grasse is distinguished with the sight of diuers flowers and the Sunne it selfe and the shewe of heauen dooth delight the eyes with a pleasaunt aspect Euen so soone as the Grace of the holy Ghost doth blow vpon the mind of man foorthwith doth the deformitie and foulenesse of the former life passe away And in the steede of vices the whole life shineth with vertues of comelinesse So that man may be counted to be borne againe luckely to waxe yong 7 As fire is kindled and stirred vp by often blowing and putting too of wood So the Grace of God must daily be stirred vp by the vse of the word Sacraments and prayer and by meditating striuing asking seeking and knocking Math. 25.26 2. Timo. 1.6 Gene. 17.1 Psal 119.57 8 Euen as they are liker to retaine and recouer their health who are carefull in vsing a competent diet of meate and medicine then they who doo carelesly distemper themselues in sicknesse and in health nor regarding what things are wholesome or hurtfull for them So likewise those Christians who are carefull and painefull in seeking seruing God are farre liker to attaine to Grace then they who are otherwise 9 As it was the peoples dutie to come to the visible Arke and there to waite and looke for the Grace of God So no man may
vncomely as magnificall talke is for a poore foole So vnmeete is Lying and vntrue talke for a Prince Prou. 17.7 Learning 1 LIke as in meates the wholesomnesse is as much to be required as the pleasantnesse so in reading or hearing Authors we ought to desire as well the goodnesse as the eloquence 2 Like as a field although it be fertile can bring foorth no fruite except it be first tilled So the minde although it be apt of it selfe cannot without Learning bring foorth my goodnesse 3 As men in nothing more differ from the Gods then when they are fooles So in nothing they do come neare them so much as when they are wise and Learned The Lawe pointeth out true blisse but furthereth not the certaintie of it LIke as if a man should shewe a needie bodie a bagge of Gold vppon the toppe of a high Tower and yet not â—end him a ladder wherewithall he might clime vp to the â—op and fetch downe the bagge Euen so doth Gods Law â—nely point men to the soueraigne good without shewing vs how we may come by it seeing that no man fulfilâ—th the Lawe The fruites of Libertie are by good right required of Christians AS he which doth commit sinne is the seruant of sinne Euen so he which is deliuered by Christ will bee no more bond but free and therefore will not take vppon him the yoke of bondage Iohn 8.34 Rom. 6.20 Iam. 2.12 How we must behaue our selues in Lending to Artificers and labourers AS charitie doth not require that we should giue of our goods freely to them that are strong lustie and able to worke and labour So necessitie vrging Artificers and Labourers and they desiring to borrowe any thing of thee then thou must obey the rule of Christ and Lend without looking for a recompence in the like or in any other kind of dutie 2. Thess 3.10 11. Luk. 6.35 36. Esay 58.7 Prou. 19.17 Gods Liberalitie AS the fire ministreth light to a multitude and yet is minished or consumed thereby Or as in a candle of which many other candles be light the light is not thereby in any wise diminished or hurt at all Or as one supper dooth not refresh or suffiâ—e many as well as few but the the voice of one Preacher teacheth as well a hundreth as one Euen so God bestoweth innumerable benefites vpon vs and yet his Liberalitie is not hindred therewith Godly Life 1 AS when Moses had conuersed and beene with God fortie dayes vppon the mountaine at his comming downe his face shined and glistered with the heauenly glorie So will it be with vs by then we haue for twentiâ— or thirtie yeares beene conuersant in heauen we shall become heauenly and spirituall both in word and deed Exod. 34.69 2 As by experience we see that when a countrie man hath dwelled some twentie or thirtie yeares in the Court he forgetteth his countrie speech and course of Life and groweth to be as good a Courtier as if he had bene borne in the Court Euen so our earthly talke and communication our worldly course of life and the corruptions of the flesh that beare but too much sway in vs doo but ouer manifestly shew how little we are conuersant in heauen and consequently doo testifie that we account our selues Burgesses of earth and not of heauen 3 As the rough tazle or thistle dooth make the cloath smooth So doth a straight and strict kind of Life make the conscience more quiet It is our dutie to communicate at the Lords supper AS they who liuing in fornication and will not marrie least thereby their fornication which they are not minded to giue ouer should be the more grieuous as being conuerted into Adulterie are in a woefull state Or as they who hating their neighbours when they say the Lords prayer Our Father c. doo leaue out this petition Forgiue vs our trespasses as wee forgiue them that trespasse against vs and so refuse to aske forgiuenesse for their transgressions and seeke to continue in hatred against their neighbours are worthie double condemnation one in respect of their hatred that they continue in the other for their sinnes for the which they aske no forgiuenesse Euen â—is they that forbeare the holy supper in respect of their bad consciences doo pronounce sentence against themselues namely that they deserue double death First for their sinnes which they continue in wicked consciences And secondly they seperate themselues from the communion of Christ in whom onely is the fulnesse of life Lust and pleasure 1 AS Pils that are outwardly faire guilt and rowled in Sugar but within full of bitternesse Euen so Lust and pleasure is no sooner hatched but repentance is at hand holding her by the head readie to supplant her for pleasure and sorrow are two twinnes Esa 38.17 Gene. 3.6 2 As a painted Sepulcher faire without but within full of mortal infection and stench Euen so Lust and pleasure is presently turned to sorrow and teares and flieth and slideth away leauing rather cause of repentance then occasion of remembrance 1. Tim. 5.6 Esay 22.12 13 14. 3 As he that companieth with Millers or Colliers shal hardly escape free from blacking or meale So likewise shall hee hardly escape Lust and pleasures that haunteth with those that are giuen to follow their Lusts and pleasures 4 As greene wood laid vpon the fire albeit at the first it resisteth yet in the end doth burne and is consumed So is it with him that frequenteth those that giue themselues to Lusts and pleasures albeit at the beginning he resisteth the euill and for a while falleth not thereinto yet by continuall haunt he finally falleth in with them 5 As it is vnnaturall to kindle fire with water So is it vnpossible for Lust and pleasure to breede in a penitent heart that sorroweth for sinne Ioel. 2.12 16. 6 As Agis the last King of the Lacedemonians was in his youth giuen to all Lustes and pleasures but being established ruler of the land he quite gaue them ouer shewed such an example of temperance and sobrietie that the vse of pleasures quayling among his subiects they also addicted themselues to sobrietie Euen so we Christians albeit before the knowledge of the truth wee wallowed in the Lustes of the flesh yet being now raysed to this honour and estate to be made kings and priests yea euen the children of God ought now to be the more estraunged from all Lusts and pleasures to the end that after our example all others may renounce the same immitate our sobrietie Rom. 13.14 Hebr. 11.25 7 Euen as a Snayle by little and little creepeth vp from the roote of a tree vnto the top as shee goeth consuming the leaues and leaueth nothing behind her but foule and filthie slymish steps So likewise Lust and pleasure if wee consent vnto them wil creepe into our soules and bodies and will depriue them of all ornaments of vertue and will leaue nothing behind but a foule guiltie
cattes and dogges which haue bene brought vp any long while in their houses Euen so much more they ought to loue and fauour their seruants that haue done them long and faithfull seruice 3 As it is vnpossible that he that hath no skil in Musick can make an other man a Musitian Or as it is hard for a Scholler to learne that thing well that his Maister teacheth ill Euen so it is vnpossible that a Maister that is naturally negligent should make his seruant diligent Marriage euer esteemed for encrease of the Common-wealth AS he is counted no good Gardiner that being content with things present dooth diligently proine his old trees and hath no regard either to impe or graffe yong fettes because the selfe-same Orcharde though it be neuer so well trimmed must needes decaye in time and all the Trees dye within fewe yeares Euen so he is not to be accounted halfe a diligent Citizen that being content with the present multitude of Citizens hath no regard to encrease the number by lawfull Matrimony Mercie LIke as he that is without compassion in beholding an other mans wounds shall haue no bodie to pitie him if at any time he be hurt himselfe Euen so he that with pitie doth raise vp his neighbour being fallen shall haue many to relieue and comfort him if he himselfe fall into any calamitie Iam. 2.13 Mat. 5.7 Rom. 12.8 Prou. 3.3 4. 14.22 31. 16.6 19.17 The Miserie of worldlings 1 LIke as we see the Mules of Princes go all the day long loaden with treasure and couered with faire cloathes but at night shaken off into a sorrie stable much brused and gauled with the carriage of those treasures Euen so rich men that passe through this world loaden with gold and siluer and do gaull greatly their soules in carriage thereof are dispoyled of their burthen at the day of death and are turned off with their wounded consciences to the loathsome stable of hell and damnation 2 As we be iustly moued to pitie by beholding the momentany miseries of men and the distressed state of their bodies being consumed with sores and sicknesse and euen at deaths doore Euen so much more ought we to be grieued at the most fearfull state of worldlings for the eternall miserie of their soules not dying but being alreadie cleane dead in sinne and yet liuing in that state which leadeth to vnspeakable torment and the hotte burning furnace of the wrath of God Mercies of God 1 AS a riuer continueth running still Euen so the Mercies of God do daily light on the faithfull 2 As the ryuer hath a swift course So the Mercies of God helpe at a pinch Psal 46.1 c. 3 As a ryuer is deepe Euen so the Mercies of God are great neither can the bottome of them be sought out of any man 4 And as the ryuer hath this propertie as hath also all other water to binde and therfore doth not the earth dissolue because as the Phylosopher saith the water bindeth it in Euen so the Mercies of God do bind vs vnto himself or else we should dissolue and become Sathans sinke and puddle 5 As a begger will neuer goe foorth a begging vntill such time as hee can haue prouision or maintenance at home So wee will neuer come to Christ for Mercie so long as we see any goodnesse in our selues Psal 32.4 6 As a sparke of fire is in comparison able to drie vp all the water in the Sea Euen so no more is all the wickednesse of man vnto the Mercies and mercifulnesse of God 7 As no man is so thankfull for health as he that hath beene in continuall sicknesse So no man feeleth the Mercie of God that is not truly humbled in his owne sight Mans nature to be mortified 1 AS the seede of right Artichoke if the point of it bee not broken bringeth foorth the prickley Artichoke or Thistle So the best Mans child if his corrupt nature be not mortified wil bring forth nothing but vngodlinesse 2 Knecholme growing of it selfe bringeth forth fruit but being planted it bringeth foorth none But Mans nature if it bee suffered to grow of it selfe is vnfruitfull but beeing planted in Christ becommeth fruitfull in good workes 3 The superfluous moysture of Elecampane beeing dried vp it commeth fittest to his full vertue and is hot in the third degree but though the superfluitie of euill bee mortified in vs yet wee our selues will neuer come to our first perfection except we be quickned by Gods spirit c. A Mind troubled 1 LIke as a great and deepe wound cannot bee touched with ones hand thogh neuer so softly but with some griefe to the partie Euen so a troubled wayward Mind hard to please thinketh scorne of euery thing and is offended with the least word spoken 2 As the sicke-man cannot away with the sight of his wife blameth the Physition is grieued at his friend that comes to visite him yet being gone is displeased againe at their departure Euen so is the wauering way and trade of life and the wandering and inconstant mutabilitie of the Mind which seldome doth arriue at the quiet and desired port and hauen 3 Euen as they are queasie stomacked and are disquieted with vomiting doo leape from one Ship to an other that they might find some ease thereby vntill they perceiue themselues nothing the better but yet doo the same still that they did before carrying their vomite as we may say still about with them where euer they goe So in like manner they which euer anon choose now one and now an other trade of life doo rather entangle themselues in cares troubles of a discontented Mind then be discharged and rid there from 4 As it sometime falleth out that one receiueth an iniurie is grieued and studieth to reuenge an other beeing author of a wrong reioyceth at other mens harmes and fecks to keepe him stil vnder whom he hath once opprest Euen so is the Minde it selfe at warre with it selfe and through contrarie repugnant affections is rent and in a manner torne in peeces Magistrates dutie to their subiects 1 AS that medicine is more to bee allowed which healeth the parts of a mans body then that which vtterly burneth away the same So is that Magistrate more to be praysed which by correction causeth euill doers to amend then hee which by death and execution vtterly taketh the same away 2 As God is aboue all men the soule more excellent then the body and the kingdome of heauen more precious then earthly treasures So likewise doth the chiefe principall end of the Magistrates charge and office consist in the establishing and maintaining of the puritie of doctrine in the holy ministerie seruice of God the holy administration of the sacraments the inuocation of Gods name the order of Ecclesiasticall Discipline Rom. 13.4 1. Chro. 15.1 22.6 2. Chro. 14.3 c. 15.8 c. 17.6 c. 29.1 c.
where no Fowler is Euen so God reuealeth not his secrets to his people but by his Ministers Amo. 3.5 7. 12 As a Candle that is lighted ought not to bee put vnder a bushell but set vpon a Candlesticke that all they that come into the house may see light by it Euen so the Ministers of the word ought not to hide their giftes but so plainely to set foorth the light of Gods most holye word that euerie man in the Church may thereby bee guided and directed in his calling Psal 18.28 Mark 4.21 Math. 5.15 16. 13 Like as Aarons rodde beeing afore withered and dried by diuine vertue became greene againe budded and brought foorth good and wholesome fruit Euen so likewise it is meete that such as bee called to the Office of the Ministerie in the Church of God should shewe foorth the fruites of vertue and good workes in themselues and by wholesome doctrine also instruct others vnder their charge to doo the like and to shewe foorth â—heir sound and liuely faith by good and Christian actiâ—ns Numb 17.8 14 As the paines of a woman in child-birth is great and wonderfull Euen so the paines toyle and griefe of body and minde which true and faithfull Ministers of Christ take and suffer to forme and fashion Christ in them that pertaine to their charge is excessiue great Gal. 4.19 15 As naturall Fathers doo make no spare of labour trauaile and toyle to get and lay vp in store for their childreÌ„ Euen so the true Ministers of the word ought to take great care paines and to make no spare of themselues but to bestow themselues and all their gifts fully and wholly vpon their flocke to winne them to God who hath made them Fathers ouer his people 2. Cor. 12.14 15. 1. Thes 2.11 16 As fishers do oftentimes catch with their nets great store and plentie of fish in the Sea Euen so when it pleaseth God to bestow his graces in aboundance then his Preachers by the preaching of his word shall catch great store and varietie of mens soules and so conuert them to God Ezech. 47.9 10. Mark 1.17 17 As the Apostles when they had laboured all night in fishing and caught nothing yet in the day time they cast out againe at the commaundement of Christ and so inclosed a great number Euen so godly Ministers are neuer to dispaire though they doo not see that they winne any by the word yet God will blesse their labours when he seeth it good Luk. 5.5 6. 18 As Hiram bestowed much labour vpon the materiall Temple Euen so should Pastors and Preachers take much paine with the people of God which are his spirituall temple 1. King 7.13 14. c. 19 As the Israelites might not plough with an Oxe and an Asse So onely those Ministers must instruct the people of God who are able to teach them Deut. 22.10 20 Like as the runners looke euer to the marke and the Champions employ all their shifts and practises to smite their aduersarie and start not aside with blinde braides ne beate the aire with rash stroakes Euen so euery man in his vocation but specially the Ministers and teachers of the Church ought to chuse out wisely the meanes that leade straight to the right end and in exercising the same to vse diligence and continuance that they may in the eternal life attain the promised reward of their diligence 1. Cor. 9.24 25. 21 As hired seruants will not tend mens sheepe and cattell longer then there is money and profit comming to them for it Euen so such Ministers which serue in the Church of God if their end be their owne profit and promotion then they surely giue ouer and chaunge their copie when dayes of prosperitie faile and when stormes and persecution for the word begin to growe Iohn 10.12 13. 22 As a carefull Housholder is not onely content with prouision for the present time but prouideth aforehand and hath by him store of things needfull both old and new as well for his houshold as for the entertainment of his friends Euen so he that is a Minister in the Church of God ought by long studie and meditation aforehand to be throughly furnished and stored with all maner of doctrine and comforts needfull for euery sort of men Math. 13.52 23 As that is counted the life of men wherein they most delight and reioyce So that is a good Ministers life to see his flock stand fast in the Lord. 1. Thes 3.8 24 Like as a Nurse dooth fauour and with all mildnesse softer and cherish her children Euen so ought a Minister with all kindnesse and lenitie to cherish his flock 1. Thes 2.7 25 As a Souldier taketh wages of them for whom hee fighteth and goeth on warfare Euen so a Minister of the Gospell may lawfully receiue maintenance at the hands of them to whom hee preacheth the Gospell 1. Cor. 9.7 26 As a Souldier pressed forth to the warres entangleth not himselfe in other ciuill affaires Euen so a Minister which is Gods Souldier ought to keepe himselfe free from all such things as might hinder him from his calling 2. Timo. 2.4 27. As one candle cannot light an other if it selfe bee put out So likewise a Minister and Preacher shall not inflame others with the loue of God and godlinesse himself being voyd and without the same loue and godlinesse Iob. 21.17 Luk. 22.32 28 Like as the Trumpet soundeth out aloude to giue souldiers and seruitors warning to prepare and put themselues in a readinesse for that which they are appointed for Euen so much more should godly Ministers straine their voyces and crie aloude both to Princes and people to shew them the dangers that are imminent and at hand for their sinnes Esay 58.1 29 As the Trumpetter that is set to watch for the comming of his enemies is guiltie of the bloud and death of the Citizens and people if through his negligence and for want of warning by his Trumpet the enemie steale vp vpon them and make slaughter and hauocke of them at vnwares Euen so the Ministers of the word also if the people perish in their sinnes for want of continuall admonition and calling vpon to repent their bloud will bee required at theyr hands Ezech. 33.2 c. 3 17.1â— 19. 30 As the wrestler obtaineth not the crowne oâ— garland except hee striue for it according to the Lawes of wrestling So likewise Ministers are not to looke for any reward except they doo their diligent endeuour to doo their duties faithfully 2. Timo. 2.5 31 As work-men that labour faithfully and painefully in their calling are worthie to haue their hire and wages well paide them Euen so much more such Ministers which labour carefully in the Church of God for the saluation of soules deserue to haue the reward allotted and appointed them for their paines Math. 10.10 32 Like as a man that hath meate and drinke enough but no stomacke to digest it and so the more hee eateth
doo the will of my Father saith Christ which is in heauen Euen so is it often said that a hood maketh not a Muncke neither rounding or powling neither yet a long Gowne or a square Cap or Tippet maketh a true Apostle or Minister but he is counted to bee the assured Minister of Christ which both is able and can by sound doctrine exhort and comfort the gaine-sayers thereof and also doth diligently goe before the people of God by good example of life and vertuous conuersation 48 As it is the dutie of Iudges which doo sit in iudgement as concerning matters of life and death to shut the one eare to the accuser and to reserue the other for him that is accused after the example of great Alexander So likewise it is the part of Ministers to be ready to make answere to euerie question of the Law of God for he that is ignorant in Gods Law he may assure himselfe that he can by no meanes be Gods Minister Mind 1 AS we vse not the troubled water vntill it bee cleared againe So must we not vse our Mind being moued and angrie but suffer it first to be pacified 2 As out of the vessell which is filled with liquor the â—yre is expelled So out of a Mind replenished with verâ—ue and godlinesse all kind of vanities be voide Member of Christ falleth not finally AS a mans arme taken with the dead Palsie hangs by and receiues no heate life or sence from the rest of â—e Members or from the head yet for all this it remaines still vnited and coupled to the bodie â—nd may againe be recouered by plaisters and phisicke So after a greeuous fall the child of God that feeles no inward peace comfort but is smitten in conscience with the trembling of a spirituall Palsie for his offence neuerthelesse in deed remaines before God a member of Christ which shal be restored to his former estate after true and vnfained repentance Memorie AS the leaues of a booke which is sildom vsed wil cleaue fast together Euen so the Memorie waxeth dull if it be not oft quickned A Minde ruled by reason AS the ship which hath a strong ankor may safely stay in any hauen So likewise a man which hath his Mind ruled by reason will liue peaceably and quietly in any region of the world The Minde of man 1 AS Trees planted and set by the waters side seeme faire and pleasant adorned with store and varietie of fresh and greene leaues So likewise doth the Minde of man being garnished with godly knowledge moysâ—ned with the water of Gods diuine spirit flourish shine with the bright beames of vertue and spread abroad his boughes both of faith toward God and also yeeld foorth the fruite of Christian workes toward his neighbour Psal 1. 3. Esay 17.8 2 As the eye of the bodie although it behold all otheâ— things yet it cannot see either it selfe or some other partâ— of the bodie euen those which are nearest vnto it So it fareth with the Mind of man the eye of the soule it ranged ouer the whole worlde aboue the highest heauens anâ— beneath the bottom of the earth and yet it is a straunger 〈◊〉 home most ignorant of the owne estate 3 As we see in running Riuers that the force of the water is greatly diminished when as the currant thereof is turned into seuerall litle streames and that both the heate and light do loose much of their vertue when as they are dispearsed abroad into large and open places So likewise it happeneth to our Mindes when as they are applied vnto seuerall studies which sometimes are contrary one to the other so that we thinking through an ambitious desire to do many things in the end effect and bring to passe nothing as we should do 4 As Porke betokeneth vncleannesse from which we must abstaine and beasts did signifie that beastly affections should be killed So the Minde and will must be renued that it may allow chuse and do such things as please God 5 As the bodie being alwayes oppressed with labour looseth his strength and so perisheth So likewise doth the Minde of man oppressed with the cares and pleasures of this world loose all her force lust and desire that she had to the rest to come of eternall life and so dieth not onely the death of sinne but hasteth what she can to hate abhorre all vertue 6 As a ship hauing a sure Ankor may lye safe in any place So the Mind that is ruled by perfect reason is quiet euery where Merite or desert not to be looked for for well doing 1 LIke as if one say the Prince hath bestowed a great Office vpon such an honest man this betokeneth â—ot wherefore but vpon what maner of person the Prince â—estowed it Euen so in like maner if we say that God wil â—iue glory the kingdome of heauen and euerlasting life â—o them that walke vprightly this teacheth vs what maner of men the Lord will giue the inheritance vnto but not for what cause mouing him he will giue it vnto them Eze. 36.22 Math. 18.27 25.34 Luk. 17.7 9 10. Gal. 1.15 3.18 2 As he which is wicked and dooth wickedly hurteth himselfe and not God Or as hee that hath the health of his bodie and doth by good dyet keepe and preserue it dooth hee therefore deserue any reward at the Phisitions hands Verely no for he doth it not for the Phisitions profit but for his owne Euen so likewise he that by the gift of God hath obtained the health of his soule and by his grace doth the things that belong to the preseruation of the same shall we say that he dooth Merite or deserue any reward at Gods hand because that he is made such by his grace and gift and doth now through his helpe aide and assistance keepe the same grace for his onely profite and commoditie either by earnest beliefe or by vnfained loue or by assured hope or by well doing and patience in aduersitie and trouble c. 3 Like as if any man that hath a state or interest for terme of yeres and a taking of profit in a peece of ground by another mans liberall graunt doo also claime to himselfe the tytle of proprietie dooth hee not by such vnthankefulnesse deserue to loose the verie selfe possession which hee had Or like as if a bonde Slaue beeing made free of his Lorde doo hide the basenesse of the estate of a Libertine who is made free by maumission and not by byrth and boaste himselfe to bee a Free-man borne is hee not woorthie to bee brought backe into his former bondage Euen so althougâ— good woorkes proceede from the grace of God yeâ— they doo please him and are not vnprofitable to the dooers of them but rather they receiue for rewarde the most large benefits of God not because they deserue but because the goodnesse of God hath of it selfe appointed this price vnto theÌ„ But what spitefulnesse is this
hands be fenced with hedging gloues So are wicked Neighbours very cumbersome except a man bee well defended and take great heede vnto himselfe 2. Sam. 23.6 The Nobilitie of auncestors nothing auailable to those that are loose and lewd of life 1 AS it profiteth not a Ryuer to flow from a pure and cleare fountaine if it selfe be foule filthie and vnwholesome Euen so the Noblenesse of Fathers and the honour of elders and ancestors doth nothing pleasure at all their Sonnes when they themselues degenerate from their Noble and honourable parents bragging onely of their Nobilitie and chalenging their honour but despising their vertues doo shew themselues wicked loose and lewd of life For he that is not Nobled for some worthie acts of his owne nor renoumed by reason of some famous vertues knowne and found to be in himselfe there no honour in very deed is to bee looked for seeing there is nothing in himselfe that is good but onely a vaine and proud challenging of the worthinesse and excellencie of other men Esay 1.4 Ezech. 16.3 Ioh. 8.39 42 44. 2 Euen as Aesops Iay being clad with the faire feathers of other Birds did namely take vnto himselfe a beautie but beeing discouered and stript of all for a reward was throughly scorned and was turned into his olde blacke gowne when euerie bird had taken from him his owne feather So they that make their boast of the Noble acts of others and doo vaunt themselues of the dignitie of their predecessors and doo vsurpe vnto themselues the Nobilitie of auncestors themselues being naked of all vertue and vtterly void euen of common honestie temperance and sobrietie are constrained many times with great ignominie shame to put off other mens vesture and with no smal disgrace to forgo their vsurped honoâ—â— It is therefore a thing farre more honourable and worthier commendation that a man nourishe and be famous with his owne vertues and iust deserts then to borrow his prayse and honour of others Men are fitly though not naturally called the Sonnes of them whose deedes they doo and whose vices or vertues they immitate Obedience to God the whole dutie of man 1 LIke as amongst Archers there is but one onely marke whereto they must direct their arrowes to shoote well and yet many meanes to misse and shoote short So is there but one onely holinesse whereunto we must aspire and seeke after which is a setled desire fully resolued wholly to obey God but there are many kinds of vices and meanes to disobey him and to withstand his will 2 As it is a common practise of sicke men when they make their willes on their death beddes in the verie first place to commend their bodies to the graue and their soules to God that gaue them in hope of a better â—â—urrection and all this is well done but afterward they bequeath their goods gotten by fraude oppression and forged cauillation to their owne friendes and children without making any recompence or satisfaction but alas this should not be so Euen so Obedience that goes with good conscience must bee performed to all Gods comâ—â—undemens without exception and if it be done but 〈◊〉 some alone it is but counterfeit obedience and hee â—â—â—t is guiltie in one is guiltie in all Obedience of Christes death LIke as by the determinate counsell of God the Obedience of Adam conueyed it selfe by naturall propagation from him to all his ofspring foreuer Euen so on the other side the Obedience of Christes death appertaineth fully to all those that are spiritually begotten of him by a liuely faith Originall sinne 1 LIke as Corne how cleane soeuer it bee purged from the chaffe and straw if it bee fowne will neuerthelesse spring vp againe both with straw and chaffe Euen so in like manner how cleane so euer the children of God themselues are purged from their sinnes by the bloud of Christ yet their children notwithstanding doo grow vp with the seeds of all sinne in them 2 As a great house is darke hauing but a little window and not because there is any fault in the Sunne that shineth into it Euen so wee are euil of our selues and not by any fault that is in God Psal 5.4 Old men readie to imbrace superstition LIke as young Children that want reason and discretion will catch at the burning candle which if theâ— knewe that it would hurt them they would not doo iâ— So likewise Old men and Old women will soonest be drawne into superstition because it hath a glitterinâ— shew which they would not doo if they knew the hâ—â— that it bringeth to their soules Col. 2.23 One manner of sinning in the godly and another in the vngodly AS a wicked man when he sinneth in his heart heâ—ueth full consent to the sinne But the godly thouâ— they fall into the same sinnes with the wicked yet thâ— neuer giue full consent for they are in their minds wills and affections partly regenerate and partly vnregenerate and therefore their willes will partly abhorre that which is euill Rom. 7.22 Math. 26.69 70 71 72. Offenders ought to be reprooued and admonished 1 AS hee that seeth a murtherer and standeth by and giueth him the looking on without giuing foorth any thing to shew him his disliking of the fact is worthy to be accounted accessarie to his murther Or as hee that seeth a blind man running into a pit and neither stayes him from running into it neither yet helpeth him out being falne into it but letteth him there bee drowned is guiltie of his death Euen so is hee to be accounted that seeth his brother kill his soule by sinning and will not endeuour to doo what hee can by rebuking him to stay him from so doing Hebr. 3.13 Leuit. 19.17 Gal. 6.1 Ephe. 5.11 1. Thessa 5.11 14. 2 As one member is ready to helpe an other as the hand is readie to plucke out a thorne or thistle by the dilection of the eyes euen out of the least toe So godly Christians ought to be readie by admonition and repreâ—ension to plucke out sinne and errour one out of an oâ—er that as speedily as may be least they be like Caine. â— Cor. 12.14 Gene. 4.9 3 Like as if there be a Moate fallen into the childs eye â—he Mother thereof will take and bestow great paines by â—â—iping and blowing and licking to get it out and all this â—hee doth of loue to her child because shee knoweth that â—he moate would in time be noysome perillous and doo â—â—ch harme to her childs eye Euen so if there were that â—he in Christians one towards an other that ought to be â—â—y could not but do their best endeuor by admonition and reprehention one to helpe an other to get out the least more of sinne and errour that their brethren are infected with Math. 7.4.5 4 As Physitions doo oftentimes cut off a rotten member least it corrupt and putrifie the other members So it behooueth men of authoritie if they will preserue the
knowledge and by Thummim holinesse So dooth hee hereby declare what vertues are requirred in a Preacher to wit knowledge and vnderstanding in the word of God and godlinesse in liuing manners and conuersation 24 As the Cocke in the darknesse of the night foretelleth the light to come So the Preacher in the darknesse of this present world foresheweth the light of the ioyes of life euerlasting to come 25 Like as when a man lies in his dead sleepe cannot awake except some noyse waken him or some other call him So in like manner wee cannot arise out of sinne except the spirit of God or his Preachers which are his watchmen with often crying vnto vs awake vs vp Esay 58.1 Proud through honour 1 LIke as Bucephalus the horse of Alexander the great beeing vnsadled would receiue on his backe the horse keeper but beeing adorned with Trappers and Barbes hee would suffer none other then Alexander himselfe to ride him Euen so many being poore and base wil suffer many things which they being in prosperitie wold despise and contemne 2 As a tree set vpon the top of a mountaine is mightily shaken and easily rent vp by the rootes with euerie blustering blast and storme of wind Euen so man in this world the more and higher he is exalted to honour the more and greater daungers is hee subiect vnto Luk. â— 52 53. Iam. 4.6 Preparation of the heart before holy exercises LIke as honestie and ciuilitie requireth that our bodie be well ordered and setled when we shall haue talke and communication with men of more honour then our selues Euen so it is much more meete that our mind be very well disposed when we shall pray and speake before God in the sight of his Angels Persons of men not to be regarded in iudging of vertues c. AS the little precious stone is but a small thing yet is it esteemed aboue all huge and greater stones So a little man but of excellent wit is more to be regarded then the long large and dull dolte Papists like the old heretickes LIke as if the Physiton should say to two men of one age of one disposition and sicke of one disease that the medicine that heales the one will kill the other Euen so the Papists thinke they are greatly iniured when they bee compared to the heretickes the Datians who denied matrimonie to all men but they prohibite it onely to the order of their Ecclesiasticall Ministers as though they condemned not matrimonie because they denie it not to all but to some but the Scripture is altogether against them Gene. 1.28 9.1 2.18 Leuit. 21.7 1. Cor. 7.2 9. 1. Timo. 3.2 4.3 Hebr. 13.4 The Pastor not aboue the Prince 1 LIke as if the King should commaund his Guard to keepe his Nobles out of his Court or Pallace yet were not the Guard superiour or aboue the Nobles So though the Pastor should restraine and keepe the Prince from receiuing the Communion it cannot hence bee concluded that the Prince is inferiour to the Pastor as Doctor Bilson truly saith Pag. 222. 2 Like as if the Prince doo yeeld to the instruction of his Pastor out of Gods word this yeelding is to bee accounted to God not to his Pastor for the Pastour as Minister in Gods steed doth speake vnto him So when by the commaundement of God any Church censure is exercised against a Prince it is God and not the Pastor that doth it 2. Cor. 5.20 Peace of conscience 1 AS all men naturally in Adam are corrupte so all men naturally haue corrupt and defiled consciences accusing them and arraigning them before Gods iudgement for their sinnes in such wise that euerie suspition of death and feare of imminent daunger maketh a naturall man stand agast at his wits and knowing not what to doo but by faith in Christ the Christian is perswaded of remission of his sinnes and so the disquietnesse of his conscience is appeased and hee hath an inward Peace in al extremities which cannot be taken from him Hebr. 10.22 Rom. 5.1 15.16 2 As he that drinketh quencheth his thirst So likewise he that thirsteth after the Peace of conscience with God and righteousnesse to bee allowed at his iudgement seate findeth it and quuencheth his thirst by drinking of the bloud of Christ Ioh. 6.54 55. 3 Euen as after great showers and stormes of rayne the ayre is clensed and cleared So after great troubles sorrowes afflictions and temptations cleannesse of heart quietnesse of mind and Peace of soule and conscience doo follow Precepts of godlinesse LIke as to the sicke persons there is not only ministred medicines but there be also Precepts or diets prescribed vnto him to follow least the operation of the medicine should bee hindered Euen so Christ commaunded that his Precepts which do serue to the following of true godlinesse should be laid vnto them that be baptised least they should fal from his grace vnto the Sacrament wherof they be admitted and consigned Plague or Pestilence AS the Lyon is a most rauenous and cruell beast who teareth all other beastes in peeces especially then when she hath yong the shee Lyon spareth as they say no pray Euen so the Plague or Pestilence spareth no sorts of men 2 As there is none comparable in strength to the Lyon Euen so the Plague or Pestilence of all other diseases is most strong and deadly and brings downe to the earth as well the strongest as the weakest 3 As the Lyon is a beast of a most hotte and fierie nature Euen so is the Plague for the infected complaine much of their extreame burning Praysing God 1 AS in a Garland it sufficeth not that the flowers bee fine vnlesse the hands of him that maketh it be faire and cleane Euen so in Praysing God it is not sufficient that our words be godly and religious vnlesse our hearts agree with our words 2 As nothing is more tedious and displeasing to the eares of a good Musition then gerring of strings So nothing in the eares of the Lord can be more displeasing then not to sing and vtter Prayses vnto him with vnderstanding Deut. 32.1 Iudg. 5.1 c. Luk. 1.46 Psal 98.1 103.1 Prince or Pastor 1 AS the flowers of Sysynriehion be many whereof one alwayes is open that standeth at the top So though in a Common-wealth or Church there bee many or all good men yet they which are in the chiefest places as the Prince and Pastor must be most vigilant 2 Like as the Sunne shineth not more vnto the rich then vnto the poore but is vnto all alike So a Prince or Magistrate ought not to haue respect vnto the person but vnto the cause or controuersie Exod. 23.3 Leuit. 19.15 3 As a Horse for the leannesse is not to be blamed but the horse-keeper So the rudenesse and ignorance of the people is to be imputed vnto their Prince and Pastor 4 Like as a little Wart or blot is sooner perceiued in the face
the cōuersation of the wiues 1. Pet. 3.1 Euen so much more may the maister of the family do vnto God and his Church honourable seruice not only by sanctifying his house by the word of faith but also by hauing alwayes in a readinesse verie notable matter to further the building of Gods dwelling place 2. Timo. 1.5 3.15 Act. 16.1 3 As the disorder of one Priuate family namely of one Micha of Ephraim was an occasion that Idolatry did spread thorow the whole Tribe of Dan and so continued many yeares Iudg. 17 18. Chap. Euen so contrarily Gideon being stirred vp by the goodnesse of God to the reformation of one meane family in Manasseh was the cause of a very great deliuerance to the whole natiō from most mightie and cruell enemies and most abhominable Idolatrie for the space of fortie yeares Iudg. 6 7. 8. chap. Curious Questions to be auoyded 1 AS it is sufficient for one that would bee heated or warmed by the fire that hee stand neare it for if hee put his hand into it he shall surely bee burned So they that presume to dispute and Question about God about hell c. further then the word reuealeth falleth into blasphemie and so into hell fire 2 As a boysterous noyse or hidious sound grieueth the hearing ouer aboundance of meate noyeth the stomacke grieuous burthens bee wearisome to the bearer continuall raine hurteth the earth and ouermuch of any thing is noysome and hurthfull So doo difficult Questions quickly ouercharge weake and meane wits Rashnesse to be eschued especially of the godly 1 AS hee that is soonest wearied that knoweth not how far his iourney is So worketh hee and goeth about his businesse with tediousnesse till repentance ouertaketh him who well knoweth not the estate and manner thereof before 2 As the enemie lying neare the Walles is the cause why the Citie dooth watch and take diligent heed So when your enemie diligently waite and marke you then will you doo nothing Rash or void of reason Resurrection of all at the latter day 1 LIke as at the last day the bodies of the righteous and faithfull shall rise againe vnto immortalitie glorie and honor the greatnesse wherof the eye hath not seene nor the eare heard nor the hart of man conceiued So the vnrighteous and reprobate shall rise againe with their very bodies vnto euerlasting shame and both body soule shall goe into hell with the diuell and his Angels there to abide euerlastingly Esay 66.24 Mark 9.44 Math. 25.30.46 Ioh. 5.28 29. Act. 24.15 2. Cor. 5.10 Dan. 12.3 Reue. 20.13 2. Pet. 2.4 5 6. 2 Like as the vngodly in this word haue with their bodies taken their owne pleasure ioy and delight Euen so in the life to come they shall be plagued and punished with euerlasting paine and torments in the same bodies 3 Like as when we see seed sowne to putrifie and corrupt we are yet in good hope that it will spring vp againe with fruit for vnlesse it be dissolued it cannot rise againe So in like manner we must hope of our owne bodies being buried when we see their corruption yet wee must then bee most certainely perswaded that they shall rise againe for death doth not so much waste the body as the corruption of it Act. 16.8 1. Cor. 15.1 2 3 4. c. Ioh. 5.28 11.24 Act. 24.15 Repentance 1 LIke as if a Noble man or Gentlemans seruant were for committing of treasony fellony or murder condemned and going to the place of execution his Lord or Maister of meere fauour and good wil should not only by suit to her Maiesty procure a pardon for his life and so deliuer him from that villainous death which for his deserts he had worthily deserued but also should adopt and take him for his Sonne heire shuld this fellow after this his deliuerance goe and say I will now be idle take my pleasure and follow mine owne phantasie and neuer endeuor to please or pleasure my Lord or maister but rather I will seeke to hurt displease him euerie way that I can What shall wee say in this case Be not these most wicked and desperate words And doth not such a fellow deserue most grieuous punishmēts Euen so the like say they who either by word or deed say that Christ hath redeemed vs by his death hath purchased for vs forgiuenesse of sins righteousnesse and so deliuered vs from hell and made vs the Sonnes of God and heires of heauen wherefore wee will stand like idle persons or rather doo more wickednesse and liue as we list c. Christ our Sauiour doubtlesse died not for such nor satisfied for their offences no nor yet merited heauen for them to the end that they should spend their dayes in Idlenesse and heape sinne vppon sinne and become altogether wicked but that they seeing his great loue and how greatly sinne displeased him seeing hee was willing to redeeme them from sinne Sathan death and hell should no more commit sinne but loue honour and obey him thanke him put their trust in him and worke vertuous and good works plenteously not as bond seruants to escape hell for so much as Christ hath deliuered them neither yet thereby to winne heauen which he by his passion hath purchased for them but as naturall Sonnes for the glorie of God mooued thereto by motion of the holy Ghost and by faith and loue For godly Christians doo vndoubtedly feare to sinne so much more then the wicked doth by how much more they know that God dooth in this present life punish his legitimate children more then bastards Rom. 6.4 Gal. 5.14.2 Timo. 2.19 Tit. 2.11 c. Luk. 1.75 Eph. 1.4 2.10 1. Pet. 1.15 1. Pet. 4.17 18. Iere. 25.12 Iona. 1.12 2 As for examble like as if an Astrologer should tel an ambicious Cardinall that he should bee Pope although he did put an vndoubted trust therein yet for all that hee would not be idle but would vse all meanes possible to attaine and come to that dignitie Euen so the children of God the surer they are that Christ hath redeemed them so much the more they vnderstand the great good will of God towards them and therefore they are alway forced more and more by Repentance and godly conuersation of life to make certaine vnto themselues the knowledge of their election and redemption in Christ 2. Pet. 1.10 3 Like as the fire without heate or warmth is no true fire So is it a cleare matter that faith without Repentance is no true faith Luk. 19.8 23.40 41 42. Act. 2.37 19.18 19. 4 As it is the nature of some cloth if it bee stayned when it is wet the staine will seeme to bee easily washed out but being drie it will appeare againe Euen so some men thinke that they haue Repented when they haue done it to halfes and therefore they are to repent againe as those that breake out of prison are brought thither
newnesse of life 2. Cor. 5.19 Saluation onely in the Church 1 AS Sothern-wood will grow no where but in Gardens where it is planted So the godly wil not grow any where but in the Church and body of Christ where they are engraffed 2 Euen as it was necessarie that they which should be saued from the floud should be in the Arke So likewise all they that will be saued from the floud of Gods wrath must of necessitie bee in Christ and so in the Church Gene. 7.1 c. Sacrament of the Supper compared with the Paschall Lambe 1 AS the Paschal Lamb was instituted eaten the night before the children of Israel were deliuered out of Egypt So likewise was the Supper of the Lord instituted and eaten the night before wee were deliuered from our sinnes Exod. 12.1 c. 1. Cor. 11.24 25. c. 2 As the Paschall Lambe was a very Lambe indeed Euen so the Sacrament is very Bread and Wine indeed 3 As the Paschall Lambe was called the Lords passeouer or passing by of the Lord which destroyed the power of Pharao deliuered him So the Sacrament is called the body and bloud of the Lord which destroyeth the power of the diuell and deliuereth vs. 4 As the Children of Israel were but once deliuered from Egypt notwithstanding they did take euery yeare a Lambe to keepe the deed in perpetuall remembrance Euen so Christ our Sauiour bought and redeemed vs but once for all although the Sacrament thereof be often distributed and broken among vs to keepe the benefite in perpetuall memorie 5 As many as did eate the Paschall Lambe in faith and beleeued Gods word as touching theyr deliueraunce from Egypt were as sure of the same thorowe faith as they were sure of the Lambe by eating of it So as manye as doo eate of the bodie and blood of Christ by faith and beleeue Gods word as touching theyr deliueraunce from Sinne Death Hell and damnation are as sure of theyr deliueraunce thorow faith as they are sure of the bread by eating of it c. Sinne how carefully it is to be auoyded 1 AS the diseases of the bodie and corporall death doo much disquiet and trouble our mindes that wee commonly tremble and quake at the onely mention of them Euen so howe much more ought wee to feare the sicknesse of the soule and death of the same which commeth by reason of sinne then which there can bee no greater nor more fearefull calamitie come vnto vs. 2 Like as euerie man dooth auoide so much as in him lyeth the paine miseries diseases and death of the bodie Euen so howe muche more ought wee to decline and eschewe the death of the soule and the causes of these euilles which bee Sinnes and offences and feare the anger of God which wee so by our transgressions doo procure 3 As the Physition seeing in a Glasse by the water the diseases within the body by skill and learning searches out the cause of the disease and ministers good things for the same Euen so wee in looking into the Glasse of Gods word shall soone perceiue the diseases and infections of Sinne which are in vs and the cause thereof and so wholesomely minister some profitable and comfortable remedies for the same 4 As little theeues beeing let in at a window will set open great gates for greater theeues to come in at Euen so if wee accustome our selues to commit little Sinnes and let them raigne in vs they will make vs the fitter for greater offences to get the aduantage of vs and to take hold on vs. 5 As all kind of wild beastes escaping out of the snare will take heede least they come there any more yea though they should bee in bondage euen vnto man the most excellent of all other creatures Yet man by Sinne falling into the snares of Sathan cannot beware though hee shall bee in bondage to the most cursed of all creatures 6 As a drunken man whilest hee ingorgeth aboundance of Wine feeleth no discommoditie thereby but afterwards he seeth and feeleth the inconuenience of the same So in like manner Sinne whilest it is in committing dooth darken the light of reason howbeit afterwards the conscience arysing sheweth both the vglinesse of Sinne and the absurditie of the fact and so vexeth the soule more grieuously then if all the world accused him of the same Sacraments are not corrupted by the wickednesse of Ministers 1 LIke as there is no difference betweene the selfe-same image or figure of any thing imprinted or sealed with a Ring or signet of Golde and with a signet made of yron or wood Euen so the word and Sacraments being ministred by a lawfull Minister although otherwise a wicked and an vngodly Minister yet be the same Word and Sacraments of the same vigour strength and efficacie as when they be ministred by a man of excellent vertue and godlinesse For as the Father shall not die for the childe nor the childe for the Father So the Minister shall not die for him that receiues at him nor the partie that receiues for the euilnesse of the Minister for euery one shall sincke in his owne sinne so that the Minister which doth so wickedly corrupt the holy Sacramēts and holy ordinances of God ministreth them to his own damnation and iudgement Deut. 24.16 Ezech. 18.20 2. King 14.6 2. Chro. 25.4 1. Cor. 11.29 2 Like as among men if a Letter be sent so that the hand and feale of him that sendeth it be well knowne it maketh no matter who or what manner of man be the carrier Euen so it ought to suffice to know the hand and seale of our Lord in his Sacraments by what lawfull Minister so euer they bee brought for the malice or leaudnesse of man cannot change the nature of the ordinance of God And therefore the vertue and efficacie of the word and Sacrament consist and depend not vpon the worthinesse or vnworthinesse of the Minister but in and vpon the commaundement ordinance power and authoritie of God onely 3 Like as Gold is Gold of whom so euer it be giuen or receiued Euen so likewise is the Sacrament whether it be giuen by a good or bad Minister For Iudas although he were a theefe yet hee Preached and baptized whose doctrine and baptisme was as well the doctrine and baptisme of Christ as was Peters and Andrewes Iames and Iohns Ioh. 6.70 12.6 4 Like as if the Treasurer or Receiuer of a Prince doo deliuer forth false counterfeit money in stead of good the Office whereunto hee is called cannot make it other then false and counterfeit money because he dooth not execute his Office faithfully but doth chaunge the good money which hee receiued to distribute by the commaundement of his Lord and Maister into that which is not the same that he receiued to be distributed and by this meanes they which shall haue receiued the same shal be deceiued and spoyled On the other side although he were
he had obtained the same and had gotten it written and sealed which done hee would carrie it home locke it vp safe and sound and many times looke vpon it with great ioy and gladnesse Euen so such is the case of euerie one of vs by nature we are rebels and traitours against God and haue by our Sinnes deserued tenne thousand deathes now our only stay and refuge is that Christ the Sonne of God was condemned for vs and therfore in Christ we must sue for pardon at Gods hands and neuer rest till we haue the assurance thereof sealed vp in our hearts and consciences alwayes remembring that euer after wee lead a new life and neuer commit the like Sinnes against God any more 30 Like as if a man should be so farre in debt that hee could not be freed vnlesse the suretie should bee cast into prison for his sake nay which is more bee cruelly put to death for his debt it would make him at his wits end and his very heart to bleed So likewise is the case with vs by reason of our Sinnes we are Gods debters yea bankrupts before him yet haue wee gotten a good suertie euen the Sonne of God himselfe who to recouer vs to our former libertie was crucified for the discharge of our debt Math. 18.23 c. Ezech. 12.10 31 As the Iuie by litle and little creepeth vpon the Oke till at the last he doth ouer-grow and destroy the Oke So likewise doth Sinne by little and little get vp and get the strongest and mightiest men sometimes vnder him as it did Salomon and Dauid and Peter and diuers others for al their wisedome and learning and iudgement and experience which they had both of themselues and of the world 32 As a litle Leauen sowreth the whole lumpe of dow Or as a little fire whereof but one sparke is sufficient to kindle a great fire and to burne downe a whole Citie Or as a tree whose stubbes remaining in the ground are enough to giue one a fall Or as Iezabel that painted harlot whose very remnants as the schull of her head and the plames of her hands must be buried least they infect the ayre Or as a Mote in the Sunne is but a little thing and yet enough to hinder the sight to paine the eye and to trouble the whole body Or a hayre is but a little thing yet enough to stiffle a man Or as the flies of Egypt were but little things yet none of the least plagues Or as the lice were lesse thē the flies yet one of the greatest plagues that came vnto Egypt Euen so such be our Sinnes which wee call little Sinnes and the Papists call veniall Sinnes that may bee washed away with a little holy water c. we count them little and nothing and not to be stood vpon nor once to bee touched but in time we may prooue them to bee the greatest plagues that will trouble vs if securely and rashly we venture vpon them 2. King 9.30 c. Exod. 8.16 21. 33 As a moth-eaten garment and worm-eaten wood hath no more vse but to be cast away the one to the dūghill the other to the fire Euen so no more vse with God hath a soule moath-eaten and worme-eaten with Sinne but to be cast out of Gods presence into the fire 34 As wee are loth to haue our wounds often grated vppon and cannot well away to haue our soares rifled seared launced but rather couet to haue them fed with healing salue So likewise we are hardly brought to haue our consciences ground or our Sinnes ransacked sifted searched and ripped vp but rather we could wish to haue them playstered with sweete promises and bathed in the mercies of God 35 As it is farre safer before incarnatiue and healing medicines to vse corosiue and mundifying waters without which though some sores may seeme to close and skinne vp apace yet they prooue worse and bee rotten still at the coare they haue aboue a thinne skinne and vnderneath rotten flesh So in like manner wee would cloake hide and couer our Sinnes as it were with a Curtaine but it is more sound Chirurgerie and diuinitie to haue our consciences pricked and pierced with the burning yron of the Lawe and so to cleanse the wound of our soule by sharpe threatning least that skinne beeing pulled ouer the conscience for a while wee lament the rotten corruption which remaines vncured vnderneath and so wee be constrayned to crie out of our Sinnes openly 36 As it is a folly then to dissemble our soares whilst they bee curable and after to make them knowne when they be vncurable Euen so it is a great follie to dissemble our Sinnes whilst they may be remedied and so after to bee constrayned to blaze them all abroad when they are remedilesse 37 As wilde beasts who so long as they are sleeping stirre not but being awaked they flie in a mans face and rend out his throate Euen so in like manner the Sinnes which a man committeth lies at the doore of his heart though hee feele them not and if he doo not preuent the daunger by speedie repentance God will make him to feele them once before hee die and rayse vp such terrours in his conscience that he shall thinke himselfe to be in hell before hee be in hell and therefore it is good for euerie man to take heede how he continues an enemie to Christ Gene. 4.7 38 As men may be too carefull in seeking after Physitions to remoue the diseases of their bodies So may they be too too carelesse in seeking after Christ to remoue the Sinnes of their soules 39 As the body is soone hurt with wounds but it is not cured but with much griefe and torments So the soule is soone wounded with Sinne but it is not so soone or easily healed 40 Like as it is easier for one to hold a stone whilst hee hath it then to recouer it when it is fallen out of his hand So it is easier to preuent and eschew Sinne then to recall or hide it once committed 41 As in a Well except there be some water in it we cannot easily see the baggage that lieth in the bottome So in the depth of the heart without teares we cannot see our Sinnes for the lesser our sorrowes are the greater are our Sinnes 42 As hee that waxeth pale and is afraid of the hissing and biting of a Viper and dooth runne to the Physition Euen so much more is filthie Sinne to bee abhorred and feared which hath worser poyson then all Vipers and much more sooner ought medicines and a remedie to be sought for it 43 As when wee walke and liue according to Gods word and in his feare wee goe to God to heauen and to euerlasting life So by Sinning in lieu of going forward we slip backe and draw towards death 44 As hee that flieth from his enemies that pursueth him in lieu of sauing himselfe in some towne turneth backe towardes them and
Christians obey sinne they are the Seruants of sin whose wages is death Rom. 6.16 22 23. Gods Spirit purified 1 AS cleane water washeth and maketh cleane our bodies So the Spirit of God maketh our hearts and soules cleane in the eyes and sight of God Ezech. 36.25 2 As no man that hath the Spirit of God can blaspheme Christ and worship Idols So none can acknowledge Christ for Lord and God without the same Spirit 1. Cor. 12.3 3 As Iohn by the fire and Spirit meaneth nothing but the Spirit of God which purgeth and purifieth as the fire doth Math. 3.11 Euen so our Sauiour by Water and the Spirite meaning nothing else but the Spirit of God which cleanseth the filth of sinne and cooleth the boyling heate of an vnquiet conscience as water washeth the thing which is foule and quencheth the heate of the fire Iohn 3.5 Sinne maketh our bodies the Diuels dungeon LIke as if a man had a faire house wherein he must entertaine a King and should make thereof a Swinstie or a stable all men would say that hee did greatly abuse both the house and the King Euen so mans body being at the first made a Pallace for the euerliuing God if a man shal abuse it by drunkennesse swearing lying fornication or any vncleannesse he doth make it in stead of a Temple for the holy Ghost to be a stie or stable for the Diuell For the more filthie a mans body is the more fit it is to bee a dwelling place for Sinne and Sathan 1. Cor. 6.15 Sathans subtiltie 1 AS Naab the Ammonite warring against the men of Iabes Gilead would not raise his siege but vpon condition that hee might thrust out all their right eyes So Sathan the enemie of our soules who seeketh by all meanes possible our destruction neuer ceaseth to assault vs vntill hee haue depriued vs of the eye of right iudgement that wee may not see our saluation in Christ Iesus onely 1. Sam. 11.2 1. Pet. 5.8 2 Like as if men by long experience and obseruation of the naturall causes can attaine vnto such great knowledge of things to come that they can tell twelue yeares before the change of the Moone the Eclips of the Sunne what day hower and minute it shall bee Euen so much more Sathan who is a more excellent nature then man and greater experience hath knowledge of things to come for that he hath beene practised therein from the beginning of the world and is also more circumspect in obseruing of causes because thereby he deceiueth man a poore simple soule 3 As Amalek resisted the children of Israel that they might not enter into the land of Promise So dooth the Diuell with Christians that they should not enter into heauen Deut. 25.17 Exod. 17.8 9. Spirituall man AS a man sore wounded and diseased may for a time or season bee depriued almost of all operations of the naturall life to the outward shewe of his owne indument and feeling Euen so may a Spirituall man be soare wounded by Sathan and diseased by the present sight and feeling of his sinfull corruption specially in temptation that he may thinke yea appeare to others that the life of the spirit is not in him Impenitent Sinners LIke as a Captain that hath taken some hold or Sconse doth rule and gouerne all therein and disposeth it at his wil and pleasure Euen so it is with all blind ignorant and impenitent Sinners not one Diuel alone but euen legions of Diuels possesse them and rule their hearts and therfore how soeuer they may sooth themselues and say all is well for God is mercifull yet their case is far worse then Mary Magdalens was who had bene possessed with seuen Diuels Mar. 16.9 Preuenting of Sinne. 1 EVuen as a Father when hee sees his childe too bolde and venterous about Fire Water takes and holds it ouer the fire or ouer the water as though hee would burn or drowne it wheras his purpose indeed is nothing else but to preuent daunger for the time to come So in like maner Christs subiects are bolde to sinne by nature and therfore to preuent a mischief he doth exercise them with affliction and seemes for a season as thogh he wold quite forsake his Church but his meaning is only to preuent offences in times to come Hosea 2.6 2 As Beasts which going in the way see green pastures and desire to enter in and therefore go to the hedge but feeling the sharpenesse of the thornes dare not venture to go in So likewise Gods people like vnto wilde beasts in respect of sinne viewing the green pastures of this world which are the pleasures therof are greatly affected therewith and if it were not for the sharpenesse of crosses and temptations which are Gods spirituall hedge by which he keepeth them in they would raunge out of the way and rush into Sinne as the Horse into the battell Sentence of condemnation why set downe AS a wise Father of a family will check his seruant and if the cause require correct him in his childes presence and that the child it selfe may learn therby to feare and stand in awe of his father So likewise Christ the most carefull and wise gouernor of his Church hath set downe the Sentence of condemnation against the wicked that the children of God in this world when soeuer they shall heare or read the same might be moued thereby to stand in great feare of God and more dutifully performe obedience to his commaundements Mat. 25.41 The holy Spirite regenerateth not all AS the Sun doth not warme euery thing that it lighteneth So neither doth the Spirit regenerate nor draw to the loue of wisedome all which it illuminateth and to whom he giueth the knowledge of his doctrine but onely the godly and the faithfull Math. 24.46 Mot to grieue the Spirit of God 1 AS men vse their guests friendly curteously shewing vnto them all seruice dutie So likewise must we do to Gods Spirit which is to come to dwell abide in vs dooing nothing in any case which may disquiet or molest him Ephe. 4.30 2 Like as when the Arke of the couenant which was a signe of the presence of God was in the house of O bed Edom then the Lord blessed him and all his house Euen so much more when the holy Ghost dwelles in any mans heart there is more then the Arke of the Lord present euen God himselfe and therfore such an one may looke for a greater blessing if he grieue not him by sinning 2. Sam. 6.11 1 Thes 5.19 The vse of all prescribed meanes to Saluation is necessary 1 IF a King should giue vnto one of his subiects a Princely Pallace vpon condition that he shall goe vnto it in the way which hee shall prescribe hee would no doubt take what pains he could to know the way and afterward endeuour to keep continue in it So likewise the kingdome of heauen is the most glorious and royall Pallace
righteousnesse and of peace and ioy in the holy Spirit attending vntill hee finish in vs the communication of that light ioy holinesse and glorie that we shall haue perfectly in heauen Ephe. 1.13 14. 3 As among men when things that passe too and fro though they bee in question yet when the Seale is put too they are made out of doubt Euen so when God by his Spirit is said to seale the promise in the heart of euerie particular beleeuer it signifieth that hee giues vnto them euident assuraunce that the promise of life belongs vnto them Ephe. 4.30 Sluggards AS the Drunkards drinketh till he hath drunke all the money out of his purse and all the wit out of his head and all goodnesse out of his heart that there is no difference between him and the beast except it be in this that the beast can goe and keepe his way which the drunkard cannot doo So the Suggard sleepeth in all securitie and neglecteth his businesse and puts off all care for doing of all his duties vntill he hath slept all thrift out of his shop and all his friends out of his companie and all Gods graces out of his hart and all comfort out of his soule and all strength out of his body and all conscience out of his dealing till his stocke be spent and his occupying decayed and his customers gone and Gods spirit gone and all be gone and till nothing be left but feare and shame with pouertie penurie and a bare head and feeble shoulders to beare off the blowes Singing of Psalmes 1 AS that is a godly sorrow that driueth vs to prayer a blessed heauinesse that maketh vs seeke vnto the Lord So that is a godly mirth that endeth with Singing of Psalmes and heauenly ioy that at the least wise maketh vs more fit to serue God 2. Cor. 7.10 Col. 3.16 Ephe. 5.18 Iam. 5.13 2. Chro. 35.25 2 As no man can truely pray without the feeling of his wants So no man can Sing from his heart vnlesse he haue some perswasion of Gods fauour and so as affliction driueth him to pray so mirth mooueth him to Sing Act. 15.25 3 As all knowledge is increased especially by hearing reading and conferring about the Scripture So all affections are most of all stirred vp by meditation prayer and Singing of Psalmes Psal 147.1 4 Like as when the light of the Gospell came first in Singing of Ballads that was rise in Poperie beganne to cease and in time was cleane banished away in many places So likewise the sudden renuing of them and hastie receiuing of them euery where maketh vs to suspect least they should driue away the Singing of Psalmes againe seeing they cannot stand together of which wee are so much the more iealous because we see that in other places also where these bee not receiued in yet the Singing of Psalmes is greatly left ouer that it had wont to be 5 As the vngodly haue a grace in their wickednesse and are the better liked of among the vngodly though indeed they are then most deformed So this singing of Psalmes maketh vs comely before God and louely in the eyes of his Church when we hauing prepared our harts therevnto do sing with affection with reuerence with vnderstanding Psal 331. Reue. 14.3 6 Euen as a costly garment may be comely in it selfe yet shall it not become vs vnlesse we be fit for it and it be well put vpon vs So though to sing be neuer so comely in it owne nature yet it becommeth not vs except we be prepared for it and do sing Dauids Psalmes with Dauids spirit Ephe. 5.19 Colloss 3.16 2. Chro. 29.30 7 Like as the expert Phisitions vse for the most part to annoynt the brinks of the Cuppes with hony when they minister their bitter potions to sicke children least they should abhorre their health for the bitternesse of theyr drinkes Euen so the holy Ghost perceiuing that mankind is hardly trained to vertue and that we be very negligent in things concerning the true life indeed by reason of our great inclination to worldly pleasures and delectations hath inuented and mixed in his forme of doctrine the delectation of Musicke by the Psalmes to the intent that the commoditie of the doctrine might secretly steale into vs whilst our eares be touched with the plesantnesse of the melodie so that for this ende be these sweete and harmonious songs deuised for vs that such as be children either by age or children by maners should indeed haue their soules wholesomely instructed though for the time they seeme but to sing onely Sinne the cause of affliction AS no man ought to accuse and blame the Phisitian as though he were the onely occasion of the corrupt humours within the bodie notwithstanding that he hath brought and driuen them out that a man may euidently see and perceiue them but the misbehauiour and vntemperate diet of the man himselfe is the very right occasion and the onely roote thereof Euen so we ought not to ascribe any blame or fault vnto God if he send vs heauinesse paine and trouble but to thinke that it is a medicine and remedie meete for our sinnes and euery man to ascribe the veâ—ie cause and occasion thereof vnto himselfe and his owne sinnes and to referre blame to nothing else Dan. 9.5 6 7. Ionah 1.12 Our Spirit must striue to ouercome the flesh LIke as the Spirite farre passeth and ouercommeth the flesh in Christ Euen so must it do in vs also that we haue more respect vnto God and vnto life euerlasting then vnto this our worm eaten flesh Sinnes of others are not to be imitated or to be our excuses LIke as if in walking thou shouldest see him fall that goeth before thee thou goest not to fall with him but thou art to be so much the more circumspect that thou fall not as he did Euen so we are to remember that those foule falles and grosse faults of Dauid and of S. Peter and of others are set before vs first that they should be to vs as a mirror of the frailtie and weaknesse of man to acknowledge that if we be exempted and freed it is by the grace of God and secondly that we should so much the more stand vpon our guard and be watchfull least we likewise fall Sorrow for imminent daunger of death warre hell c. AS there was great lamentation in Syon because of Gods iustice for their sinnes Or as there was great lamentation for Pharao in Egypt because hee was a Lyon in the land and a Dragon in the Sea and as there was great Sorrow fasting mourning and weeping among the Iewes because the King had decreed their deaths Euen so wee the inhabitants of England haue great cause of lamentation fasting mourning and weeping because death is scaling our windowes the beastes of the fields to wit the Pope and the Spaniard hungring to deuour our bodies to spoyle our Countrie and to shed our bloud as water vpon the
his good time will root out of his Church all Wicked men and throw them into eternall fire Ezech. 31.3 Luk. 13.6 7. 52 As a Wall when it beginneth to bow or is shaken will shortly fall Euen so ruinous is the state of the Wicked howsoeuer it seeme to be Psal 62.3 53 As Wax melteth at the heat of the fire So likewise the VVicked perish at the presence of God Psal 68.2 Micha 1.4 54 As the Spiders web is now whole and straightwaies broken almost for the least thing that may happen So the expectation of the Wicked faileth and deceiueth them Esay 59.5 55 As of Spiders webbes no man can make cloath to cloath him So the Wicked who bend their wits to conceiue mischiefe and whose whole labour is to bring forth iniquitie shall not reape profit by their deuises paines Iob. 8.14 56 Like as the widdow that is in extreame griefe for the losse of her Husband and of her children because shee is now destitute of all helpe and comfort Euen so such griefe and affliction will God bring vppon the Wicked who when they flourish and are in prosperitie are proud and vnmercifull Esay 47.8 9. 57 As a litle Image thogh it be set vpon an high mountaine is notwithstanding a little one stil and on the otherside if Colossus that huge and mightie Image bee placed in a verie low valley yet looseth not his bignesse Euen so a Wicked and cursed man that is fraught with sundrie vices though hee flourish in honour and riches yet is he but a seely meane man and on the other side a man that is vertuous and godly wise although hee be in extreame pouertie beggerly estate yet out of doubt he is a great man and to be highly accounted of 58 As men mad franticke are wont to teare rent themselues So Wicked and vngodly men inflict vpon themselues most deadly and incurable wounds yea they be most wilfull murtherers of their soules and bodies 59 As Waxe melteth at the heate of the fire Euen so do the Wicked perish at the face and countenance of the Lord. Psal 68.2 80.16 60 As the Sea although it receiueth an vnspeakeable multitude of flouds and riuers which doo runne into it yet neuer runneth ouer neither is so ful that it wil receiue no more So euill and Wicked men are neuer satisfied with malice enuie and hatred neither make they any end of their treacheries sinnes and iniquities but with the goades of some they are stirred vp and pricked forward to commit others worse and more detestable then the first 61 Like as if a King redeeming a poore bondman whome his Maister diuersly tormented should besides so fauour and honour him as to adopt him for his child it might well bee accounted a franticke or sencelesse part in this bond-man to forsake such honour and preferment and to returne to liue vnder the tyrannie and thraldome of his cruel Maister Euen so such are they who being deliuered from the tyrannie crueltie of Sathan and made kings in Iesus Christ doo giue themselues to the lusts and pleasures of the fleshe and the allurements of the world therby returning themselues into the wretched bondage of the diuell to abide eternally vnder his tyrannous Dominion 62 Like as if a man departing from London towards Yorke yet giueth out that he will take his way through Ireland and euerie man will scorne him as a foole or take pittie of him as if hee were a sencelesse person that goeth farre amisse Euen so is it with him who taking no course to amend his life but continuing in offending God doth neuerthelesse say and vphold that hee will goe to heauen euerie man may iudge him to bee sencelesse and greatly out of the way because hee taketh the contrarie course which leadeth to Hell 63 As a continuall rayne dropping vppon a Rocke of stone maketh it yet neuer the softer So nothing can make the heart of a Wicked man to relent 64 As a wheele tilts vp behind and shootes downe before So the Wicked are forward to all badnesse backward to all goodnesse Psal 82.13 65 As the death of Christ was not efficient to saue the Wicked So the sinne of the VVicked was not sufficient to condemne Christ Zacha. 13.6 66 As the theef imprisoned wisheth the iudgmēt seate ouerturned the Lawe with his Princes and power dead and the day of his execution neuer to come Euen so doo the VVicked Caterpillers of the world men carelesse of godlinesse and hardned in heart whose consciences doo accuse them guiltie and fearing Gods iudgement they desire rather that he were not at all then that hee should come to giue them the reward of sinne eternall death the assured stipend to all VVicked actions and thoughts Rom. 6.23 67 As the Tyger when hee heares the sound of a Taber or Drumme straightway runneth mad and teareth himselfe in peeces So the VVicked when he heareth the sound of the charmer charme hee neuer so wisely dooth not as the Tyger teare himselfe but hee rents and teares the Lord in peeces 68 As the sheepe and Kine are put into fat pastures to bee prepared for the shambles So likewise the Wicked the more wealth ease and prosperitie that they receiue and enioy the nearer and heauier is their destruction 69 As the Oxe that is stall fed waxeth fat and the fatter he is the nearer hee is to the day of slaughter So it fareth with the Wicked worldlings which neuer come vnder the crosse or affliction and whose neckes could neuer abide the yoke of the word of God they are set vp a fatting for the butcher of Hell and made readie against the day of slaughter which is the day of iudgement when all these outward common and general blessings shall tende to their greater condemnation Iob. 22.7 c. Psal 73.5 7. c. 70 As euerie thing that a godly man dooth is not by and by to bee allowed off So is not euerie thing that a Wicked man doth alwayes to be misliked The Word of God the foode of the soule 1 LIke as the body is sustained and nourished with materiall bread because it is materiall it selfe So is the soule nourished with spirituall bread which is the Word of God because it is spirituall 2 As the body will faint and decay if it bee not from time to time refreshed with bodily sustenance Euen so the soule waxeth feeble and weake towards God vnlesse the same be often and continually chearished refreshed and kept vp with the Word of God the onely foode of the soule Deut. 8.3 Math. 4.4 3 As the soule being a diuine spirituall and immortall substance dooth farre excell the body which is nothing else but dust earth and ashes Euen so the sacred and eternall foode and assured saluation of the soule ought to be acquired and sought for with farre greater care more earnest studie zeale loue desire and affection then the health and welfare of the body Ioh.
252. Crueltie Folio 496. 499. 784. Conference Folio 554. Sirituall Combate Folio 735. D. DEath of Christ Folio 164. 179. Directing Folio 1â—7 Doctrine Folio 215. 220. 231. 278. Fleshly Desires Folio 216. Deceites of the world Folio 216 Dissention Discord Folio 216. 232. Diseases of the mind Folio 216. Death Folio 217. 219. 232. 233. 241. 450. 721. 771. Decree of God Folio 217. Decrease of holinesse Folio 218. Displeasure of God Folio 219. Delight Folio 219. Discipline Folio 220. Drunkards Drunkennesse Folio 221. 222. Diet of the soule Folio 223. Desertion spirituall Folio 231. 331. 412. 848. Death of sinne Folio 231. Diuell Folio 232. Desires heauenly Folio 241. Dauncing Folio 242. Diuines Folio 244. Damnation Folio 558. 727 Prayer for the Dead Folio 581. Deferring of repentance Folio 631. Death in the Lord. Folio 731. Deliuerance from trouble Folio 763. E. EXamination Folio 245. 554. Election Folio 246. 253. 257. 258. Enemies Folio 247. 262. Enuie Folio 248. Enterludes Folio 252. Eyes Folio 252. Eares Folio 252. Example Folio 253. 517. 522. 735. Edifying of others Folio 255. Epicurisme Folio 255. Errour Folio 256. 707. Eloquence Folio 261. Excesse Folio 262. Euill Folio 313. F. FAith dead Folio 297. Faith Folio 73. 262. 270. 273. 274. 281. 282. 289. 290. 291. 335. 550. 739. 751. 557. Forgiuenesse of sinnes Folio 276. 282. 287. 300. 301. 656. 689 Feeling Folio 278. 279. 280. Friendship Folio 286. 293. 296. 299. Flatterie Folio 288. Folly Folio 288. Flesh and spirit Folio 289. Forgiuing of others Folio 290. 632. Feare of God Folio 292. 296. 393. Frailtie of nature Folio 293. Fauour of God Folio 294. 348. 349. Faithfull Folio 294. Fall of man Folio 295. Famine of the soule Folio 295. Face of God Folio 296. Fornication spirituall Folio 298. Fasting Folio 298. Forsaking the world Folio 303. 386. Fellow feeling Folio 305. Free will Folio 306. Finall falling Folio 479. 619. Fancies of men Folio 686. G. GLuttonie Folio 256. 305. 659. Godlinesse Folio 308. 315. 320. 324. 334. 345. 456. Grace Folio 309. 320. 335. Good turnes Folio 311. Goodwill Folio 312. 321. God Folio 316. 321. 329. 343. 345. 350. 351. 415. 518. Holy Ghost Folio 318. 320. 334. 343. All good things come from God Folio 321. Gentlenesse Folio 322. 395. Gospell Folio 322. Gifts and graces of God Folio 325. 327. 335. 336. 783. Glorie of God Folio 328. 349. Guiltinesse Folio 334. Glorie of the elect Folio 337. Generation spirituall Folio 344. Glorie and renoume Folio 347. Greatnesse in the world daungerous Folio 400. Grieuing of Gods spirit Folio 727. H. HYpocrites Folio 191. 370. 382. 388. 593. 849. Hearers Folio 242. 348. 351. 393. 394. 844. 848. 851 Hardnesse of heart Folio 257. 383. Hope Folio 290. 401. Hearing of the word Folio 364 Humilitie Folio 366. 393. 394. Heretickes Folio 382. 388 Hatred Folio 384. Husbands Folio 387. 388. 399. Heauen Folio 391. Houses of the wicked Folio 391. Hell Folio 391. Hoste of God Folio 392. Horrour of sinne Folio 392. Helpe of man Folio 392. Holy dayes Folio 392. Holinesse Folio 393. 651. Heires with Christ Folio 395. Heart of man Folio 396. Health Folio 399. Housholders Folio 509. Earthly Happinesse Folio 523. I. IVdgements of God Folio 61. 421. Impenitencie Folio 181. 596. 726. Iudgement day Folio 218. 412. 418. 500. Inuentions of men Folio 220. 231. 417. 494. 686. 783. Good Intents Folio 254. Idlenesse Folio 256. 407. 721. 732 Iustice of God Folio 333. 412. 414. 499. Ingratitude Folio 401. 414. 779. 781. Imperfections Folio 402. 412. 420. Infirmities Folio 703. 786. 793. 827. 841. 845. Iustice Folio 403. 415. Ignorance Folio 403. 410 Iniurie Folio 403. Instruction of children Folio 405. Inconstancie Folio 406. 417. Iudges Folio 407. Idolatrie Folio 413. Incorporation with Christ Folio 413. 790. Image of God Folio 414. Ioy of the elect Folio 417. 418. Illumination by Christ Folio 419. Iudgement Folio 419. Iournie to heauen Folio 419. Iewes Folio 420. Infidelitie Folio 421. K. KNowledge of God Folio 423. Knowledge Folio 424. 425. 427. King Folio 425. 429. Kingdome of heauen Folio 425. Knowledge of our selues Folio 428. L. VNknown Language in Gods seruice Folio 173. Christian Libertie Folio 178. 456. Loue of the world Folio 429. Loue of God to his children Folio 429. 438. 453. 456. Life variable Folio 430. 452. 495. 499. Learning Folio 431. 449. 452. 455. Lying Folio 432. 454. Loue to God Folio 501. Loue of our neighbour Folio 437. 453. Law of God Folio 442. 450. 455. 523. 667 Lawes of men Folio 452. 538. Labour Folio 452. 453. 587. 579. Lending Folio 456. Lust Folio 458. Liberalitie Folio 459. 771 Going to Law Folio 707. M. MInisters Folio 183. 241. 468. 484. 485. 489. 491. 493. 497. 498 502. 503. 584. Marriage Folio 255. 460. 463. 483. 496. Magistrates Folio 311. 467. 485. 503. 522. Man Folio 460. 495. Maisters Folio 463. Mercie to others Folio 464. 499. Miserie Folio 464. Mercie of God Folio 464. 488. Mortification Folio 465. 505. Mind Folio 479. 480. 551. Mind troubled Folio 466. 486. Meane estate Folio 400. 468. 497. Memorie Folio 480. Merite Folio 481. Murder Folio 488. Militarie discipline Folio 495 Meditation Folio 496. 554. Malice Folio 497. 498. Manners Folio 498. Masse Folio 501. Misteries of God Folio 502. Meanes to be vsed Folio 504. 654. 669. 762. N. NOnresidents Folio 483. 484. Nursing of children Folio 496. Nature of things Folio 508. Good Name Folio 508. Noblemen Folio 509. Names in baptisme Folio 511. Neighbours Folio 511. Nobilitie Folio 512. Newters Folio 721. O. ORiginall corruption Folio 65. 198. 385. 462. 496. 514. 516. Opinions diuers Folio 245 Obedience to God Folio 513. 553. Obedience of Christ Folio 514. Old age Folio 514. Order Folio 517. Office Folio 518. 519. Oppression Folio 518. Obedience to superiours Folio 518. Offence Folio 519. Obstinacie Folio 537. P. PRouidence and Prudence Folio 521. Persecution Folio 122. 566. 581. Persecutors Folio 125. 564. 581. Pope Folio 130. 571. Poperie Folio 557. Prouidence of God Folio 160. 555. Prayer Folio 176. 301. 351. 542. 551. 553. 554. 569. 580. 583. 591. Prishioners Folio 242. Promises Folio 569. 583. 598. Promises of God Folio 315. 554. 557. 594 Peace of conscience Folio 396. 534. Pride Folio 400. 532. 537. 568. 575. 599. Preaching Folio 422. 5â—â— 564. 577. 594. 653. 840. Pleasures Folio 458. 597. 548. Pluralitie of liuings Folio 484. Principles Folio 521 Persons not to be regarded Folio 521. 533. Princes Folio 422. 533. 535. 570. 601. Prosperitie Folio 523. 552. 558. 564. 570. 579. 580. 595. 631. Patience Folio 524. 572. 578. 765. 768. Preachers Folio 525. 565. 566. 718. 596. 774. Preparation before good exercises Folio 532. 554. Papists Folio 533. 558. 572. Precepts of godlinesse Folio 534. Plague or pestilence Folio 535. Praysing of God Folio 530. Pastors Folio 533 535. 584. Praise Folio 536. 539. Power Folio 536. Parents Folio 537. 557. Peruersnesse Folio 538. Popish priests Folio 538. Poyetrie Folio 538. Poyson Folio 538. Presumption Folio
are to bee abhorred not to the intent to teach and commaund the same but to the end wee might knowe them the better and iudge thereof not according to the flesh but according to the spirit of God and also that wee might warily auoid them 4 As the precious stone called Drachonites cannot bee polished nor needeth any Art or cunning to make it either trimmer or fairer for it is both pleasant and bright of it selfe Euen so the holy Scriptures hath her glorie and brightnesse of herselfe and needeth not the artificiall colours and shewes either of Phylosophie Rhethoricke or any other Art 5 Euen as the cogitation and senses of man are most hard to bee knowne yet notwithstanding our frindes whome we feruently loue and with whome we are continually conuersant doo oftentimes euen by a becke open vnto vs the cogitations senses of their minds without any token of words and speech by them spoken So shall it come to passe in the holy Scriptures so that a man loue them and be continually conuersant in them hee which seeketh findeth vnto him that knocketh it shall be opened Deut. 30.11 12 13 14. Prou. 14.6 Math. 11.25 13.11 6 Like as in a Marchants Ship are caried diuers things necessary for mans life So in the Scriptures are contained all things needful to saluation Ioh. 5.39 16.13 20.30 31 2. Timo. 3.15 16 17. 7 As whatsoeuer Gold is without the Temple is not sanctified So whatsoeuer sense is without the holy Scripture although vnto some it seeme wonderful yet it is not holy because it is not contained in the sense of the Scripture Math. 12.3 4 5. 15.7 8. 22.31 The Soule that sinneth shall die LIke as euerie man that eateth sower Grapes his owne teeth shall be set on edge So likewise shall euerie one that committeth iniquitie die not for others but for his owne sinne Ezech. 18.2 Iere. 31.30 A Sorrowfull man AS the Pellicane is wont to keepe alone and without companie of other Birds and whose voice or singing hath no pleasantnesse in it So likewise such is the estate of a Sorrowfull man and an heauie hart forsaken of all men euen of those whome sometime he tooke to bee his deare friends Psal 102.6 Impossible to Serue God and riches AS impossible as it is at one and the same time for one man to serue two diuers and sundry Maisters for that he cannot be diligent and imploy himselfe about and vpon the businesse of the one but hee must needes neglect the others affaires So likewise impossible is it for a man to addict himselfe to Serue God and riches or that which belongeth to them Math. 6.24 Slouthfull 1 AS a hedge or good fence of Thorne is hard to passe through So is euerie way of gaining or getting to the Slouthfull Prou. 15.19 2 As Viniger is bad hurtful to the teeth and smoake noysome to the eyes Euen so much more hurtfull then either of both is a Slouthful seruant to them that sendeth or setteth him about any businesse Prou. 10.26 How to carrie our selues in Sicknesse and death AS a man that is to passe through a great water dooth not so much cast his eyes vppon the water as on the bancke that is on the other side So we also in the time of Sicknesse and death are not so much to respect the grieuousnesse of the same as that which followeth death namely life euerlasting Sorrowes 1 LIke as when a man by bleeding at his nose is broght into danger of his life the Physition lets him bloud in an other place as in the arme and turnes the course of the bloud an other way to saue his life Euen so wee must turne our worldly Sorrowes for the losse of goods or frindes to a godly Sorrow for our offences against God 2. Cor. 7.10 2 As the Moaths doo hurt garments and Wormes the wood Euen so doth Sorrow and heauinesse hurt the hart of man 3 Euen as filthie matter or rottennesse of a boyle blaine or push being within the flesh doth greatly grieue and vexe sore the body that is sicke but if it breake and runne out the paine is mittigated So Sorrow being closed and shut vp in the heart of man dooth mightily torment him but beeing thrust out with teares and grones the heart is somewhat eased and the mind a litle pacified Ezech. 24.16 17. 4 As a great and thicke smoake vapouring out of a foule blacke fire vnlesse it haue free passage and some vent or way where through it may goe out will all too darken bestinch and make blacke the house Euen so Sorrow and griefe proceeding out of the hot fire of aduersities and calamities beeing shut vp in the house of mans heart doth make it exceeding blacke and dooth corrupt it with blacke and bitter choller vnlesse through the mouth or eyes there be a breathing out of sighes fet from the bottome of the heart and streames of teares trickling downe the cheekes Yet an effeminate and desperate wayling either for the dead or for any other cause as of men without hope is vtterly to bee misliked and that Stoicall opinion also that a wise man should neuer bee mooued neither with mercie Sorrow mirth or anger is to be auoided Securitie causeth contempt of Christ. AS they that are in health and haue no neede of the Physition and therefore seeke little or nothing after him So they that know not the daungerous diseases of their soules but think themselues in case good enough doo seeke little after Christ and set little by him Math. 9.11 Mark 2.17 Luk. 5.31 Striuing against God AS he that beateth his heeles and kicketh against sharp prickes dooth nothing but hurt his owne heeles So he that Striueth against God preuaileth nothing but harmeth himselfe Act. 9.5 The Stewards reward 1 AS men be bountiful vnto such seruants whose faithfulnesse and deligence they haue good triall off as well in their absence as presence and on the contrarie side they are angrie seuere and sharpe to them which deceiue their expectation and doo not answere the trust which is reposed in them Euen so much more iustly will God put the like difference in rewarding or punishing the good endeuours or negligence of them to whome hee hath committed seruices of trust in his people and Church Math. 24.45 46. c. 2 As men haue iust cause with more sharpnesse and greater seueritie to punish those seruants to whome they haue shewed their mind and will and yet their businesse is neglected then to others who therefore doo it not because they know it not So likewise God to whome so euer he hath reuealed most and vppon whome hee hath bestowed most greatest giftes of knowledge if notwithstanding they bee negligent in vsing their giftes to the profit of Gods Church them will he most seuerely and sharply aboue all other punish Luk. 12.47 48. Seruants of sinne AS men are their seruants to whose commandements they yeeld all obedience Euen so if
land and our soules as prepared for the fire of hell by reason of sinnes in the common sort of horrible crueltie in many of them that are mightie and of the generall ignorance of Christ according to his Gospell in euerie sort Iere. 9.17 18 19. Ezech. 32.1 2 3. Hest 4.3 Iere. 9.12 Ezech. 32.4 6. Math. 7.19 13.42 49. Hos 7.3 4 5. Saluation is from God alone AS the vertue attractiue to draw Iron is not in the Iron but in the Adamant Euen so the vertue and power of Saluation lyeth not in the Minister but in the power of the word wrought by the spirit of God By our words deedes gestures and moouings Sathan knoweth the secrets of our hearts AS a man holding in his hand an Angling rod and with a baited hooke fishing in an obscure and troubled ryuer although he doth not see the fish rush vpō the baite yet hee perceiueth verie well that the fish is taken and hanged vpon the hooke because the Corke or barke of his fishing line is pulled downe and hid vnder the water So Sathan that most subtile and wily fisher although he seeth not our thoughts beeing in the secrets and bottomes of our hearts yet notwithstanding by outwarde signes he many times doth know them as by our words for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh by our actions and by the gestures of our bodies Math. 15.19 20. Prou. 6.18 Our dutie to read the Scriptures 1 AS Artificers with their tooles and instruments doo finish their worke So by reading of the holy Scriptures our selues are corrected formed and renued Col. 3.16 2. Pet. 1.19 Ephe. 6.17 Rom. 15.4 2. Timo. 5.16 Act. 17.11 Psal 119.105 Dan. 9.2 2 As Artificers cannot transforme earth or wood into siluer or gold onely they can by their Art and workmanship giue forme and shape vnto things But by the reading of Gods word thou maist of a woodden or earthen vessell make a vessell of gold or siluer as saith the holy Apostle Saint Paul 2. Timo. 2.20 21. 3 Like as there are some spices which without brusing do yeeld no smell but the more they be chafed the sweeter they are Euen so is it with the holy Scriptures such as read but little can find no taste but the more they be pervsed and read the more doo they yeeld foorth the treasures and pleasant fruits hidden in them Psal 25.14 Iohn 7.17 6.45 4 As increase of strength groweth to the body by meate Euen so the like groweth to the soule by the reading of the holy Scriptures 5 As a barre of yron by long lying in the fire waxeth hot red and of the nature of burning fire Euen so that soule that daily imployeth it selfe in reading and meditating the word of God groweth to bee spirituall diuine heauenly and kindled in the word of God Ioh. 5 3◠6 As some Birds vse to sit by the waterside that seeing the shaddow of rauening foules flying in the ayre they may escape them by leaping into the water So must Christians bee euen conuersant in the hearing and reading the word of God that so they may behold as in a Glasse the sleights of the Diuell may escape them and so maketh it their Glasse to see their own sinnes in all which would without vnfained repentaunce bring condemnation The Subiects dutie to their Magistrates 1 AS Saint Peter admonisheth seruants to be subiect to their Maisters albeit froward and peeuish So are Subiects bound to obey their Magistrates albeit an infidell a wicked man or an Idolater 1. Pet. 2.18 Rom. 13.1 Tit. 3.1 1. Pet. 2.13 14. 2 As Christian Religion dooth not subuert the order of Policie So the wickednesse and impietie of the Magistrate dooth not depriue him of his right to commaund neither dooth it exempt the Subiects from their dutie to obey 3 So long as there remaineth in Princes the Image and ordinance of God Euen so long continueth the bond of Subiects to yeeld obedience to Magistrats not as to men but as to God Exod. 9.16 Dan. 2.37 1. Sam. 21. 1. c. Iere. 26.7 29.7 35.9 Ezech. 29.18 1. Sam. 26.9 4 As God armeth the Magistrate with the sword for the preseruation of his Subiectes against the violence of their enemies and to enforce rebels to yeeld obedience to their lawfull decrees So when alone or with his Sargeants Officers he is not able to performe this dutie he may and ought to command his Subiects to helpe him to execute his office and they are bound at his commandement to take armes to employ themselues Iudg. 5.9 23. 5 As by naturall affection the handes and other the members of the body doo stand bound to employ themselues for the saftie of the body but especially of the head against all violence and iniurie So likewise ought all Subiects to thinke vpon the naturall bond and affection and in dutie vnder the conduct of their head to preserue the body of the Comminaltie but especially the person and authoritie of their Prince and Magistrate against the violence and endeuours of their enemies 1. Sam. 11.6 7. Iudg. 21.8 c. 6 As the Magistrate is by God authorized to leauie tolles taxes tributes and many other Subsidies of the people So are the Subiects bound to furnish and pay them Rom. 13.6 7. Math. 22.21 17.25 26 27. Saluation is desired of the godly AS all men of themselues be sinners throgh sin are in Gods wrath banished far away from him condemned to hell euerlasting damnation and none is clearely innocent but Christ alone So euerie soule inspired by God is desirous to bee deliuered from sinne and hell and to obtaine at Gods hands mercy fauour righteousnesse and euerlasting Saluation Free from Sinne by faith AS wee being in the seruitude of Sinne demonstrate and make knowne our seruice by giuing ouer our member by the obeying of Sinne from iniquitie Euen so wee being made free from Sinne by faith in Iesus Christ indued with Gods spirit a spirit of libertie must needes demonstrate this freedome and libertie by giuing ouer our members to the obedience of the spirit by the which we are lead and guided from vertue to vertue and al kind of holinesse No Sanctification except we be vnited to the Church EVen as the spirit of man dooth not strengthen the members of the body vnlesse they bee fast and surely ioyned together So the holy Ghost doth not reuiue and comfort the members of the Church when they fall away and will not continue in league and fellowship with the seruants of God longer then they are fast bound and knit to the congregation of Gods people in loue and peace in Christ the holy Ghost doth minister no strength no consolation no comfort vnto them there remaineth nothing else in such men but a numnesse and extreame blindnesse in heauenly things And whiles in their arrogancie and pride they forsake and condemne the church of God because they cannot drawe it