thou by a spirituall touching of Christ dead buried be quickned to euerlasting life 2. King 13.21 Our Conformitie with Christ by a certaine kind of imitation 1. AS Christ in the garden and vpon the Crosse by prayer made with strong cries and teares presented and resigned himselfe vp to be a sacrifice of propitiation to the iustice of his Father for mans sinne So must wee also in prayer present and resigne our selues our soules our bodies our vnderstanding will memorie affections and all we haue to the seruice of God in the generall calling of a Christian and in the particular callings in which he hath placed vs. Psal 40.7.8 2 As Christ bare his owne Crosse to the place of execution So must we as good Disciples of Christ denie our selues take vp all the Crosses and afflictions that the hand of God shal lay vpon vs if it be euery day and follow him Iohn 19.17 Math. 10.38 3 As our Sauiour Christ when hee apprehended the wrath of God and the very pangs of hell were vpon him wholly stayed himselfe vpon the aide helpe protection good pleasure of his Father euen to the last So must wee by a true liuely faith depend on Gods mercy in Christ as it were with both our hāds in peace in trouble in life in the very pang of death and we must not in any wise let our hold go no though we should feele our selues discend to hell Children not to be cloathed with ouer costly apparel AS the soft Flax soone catcheth hold on the fire So likewise youthfull nature will soone bee inflamed with Costly apparell and with new fashions which is a great fault in parents as lamentable experience too much teacheth this day Esay 14.12 Zeph. ◠8 Christ will take Compassion on vs. 1 AS the Apple of the eye is so tender that it may not be touched but with great griefe So likewise the coniunction betweene Christ vs is such that he feeleth our afflictions and thereof taketh great compassion Zach. 2.8 2 As Alexander the Monarch of the world whensoeuer he came to any Citie to besiege it he wold at the first shew forth display his white flag or banner in tokē of mercy if they would yeeld but if they would not then he would set forth and display his red flags and banners in token of wrath and bloud So in like maner at the first our Sauiour Christ wil shew mercy vnto vs hoping that we wil turne repent but if we wil not then he wil bring dreadful iudgements vpon vs. Cardes and Dice 1 AS by lots the souldiers parted the garments of Iesus Christ So may we wel say that these games of Cards and Dice is the meanes to part betweene the world and the diuel many of those who professing reformed Religion are addicted therunto Mat. 27.35 Pro. 16.33 Eph. 5.16 2 As the pleasure of gaine and the sorrow for losse in play are mighty passions to moue the harts of men So also a number of braules quarrels and controuersies doo arise of Carding and Dicing as swearing cursing and blaspheming of God c. Exod. 20.7 Math. 12.36 1. Cor. 10.31 3 As they that whet their kniues vpon a chalke stone do not sharpen them but rather make them more dul blūt Euen so such as vse Dicing and Carding do not quicken their wits but rather dull them Christ is the foode of a Christian soule AS euery man is carnally fed and nourished in his body by meate and drinke Euen so is euery good Christian man fed and nourished in his soule by the fleshe and bloud of our Sauiour Christ Care of the saluation of others AS when one of our friends is ill at ease or sicke in his body we will not sticke to ride and runne to procure any meanes whereby to restore his bodily health Euen so much more ought we to be more carefull of the saluation of the soules of our brethren by how much more the the soule is of greater price then the body Christ crucified healeth vs. AS skilfull and cunning Physitions are wont sometimes when a sick man is sore vexed with a numnesse of his whole body to cut a vaine of his head that the letting of bloud may heale the body of that disease and sicknesse Euen so Christ is our head and wee are his members A vaine of our head is cut that our whole body may be healed Christ suffered that mankind might bee redeemed Col. 1.18 Gal. 4.4 Originall Corruption is the roote of all sinne AS the cause of trees and plants of their rootes stockes stems and boughes is in the seede So the cause of our transgressions foule sinnes and most daungerous iniquities is our owne Corruption wherewith wee are moued and inclined to all euill and the ignorance and not knowing of our selues wherewith we are greatly hindred in the knowledge of our God and doo also most sharpely censure those things in others which wee doe loue and cherish in our selues Our Conuersation is carefully to be looked vnto AS it behoueth him that walketh vpon cordes strained and fastned on high diligently to looke to his footing that he may not totter or decline this way or that way Euen so it standeth vs vpon to bee warie and carefully to looke about vs and to take good heede where we set our feete that is our affections and the delights of our hearts least we fall downe headlong into the bottomlesse gulph of Gods displeasure For if wee will fixe our affections and bend our wils with a deliberate consent to doo the thing that is euil vniust and vngodly making no conscience of any thing that we doo bee it neuer so opposite and contrarie to the will of God it cannot be but falling from the state of grace wee shall fall most suddenly and shamefully into the infernall pit of hell death and damnation 2 As a wheele although it turne about on the ground yet the greatest part of it is alwaies from the earth and but little of it toucheth the ground So although our body be on earth yet the Conuersation of the soule which is the greater part of vs must be in heauen Christ is possessor of heauen for vs. 1 AS if vpon the confiscation of an inheritance comming to many brethren when the Prince afterward maketh a release the eldest brother taketh the possession for assurance that himselfe and his brethren are restored to their goods and the same is an assurance to the coheires with the eldest that in the person of their eldest brother themselues are put in possession of the inheritance common to them all Euen so Iesus Christ hath taken possession of heauen not onely for himselfe but also for vs his coheires Rom. 8.17 2 As the high Priest entring into the holy Sanctuarie vpon his shoulders and brest carried the twelue names of the twelue Tribes of Israel So Iesus Christ entered not alone into heauen but we also with him Ephe. 2.5 Companie changeth
that we are the children of God true belieuers and members of the Church of Christ and that so we seperate our selues from the prophane worldly and vicious people and do purpose to liue holily righteously and religiously as it beseemeth the children of God and faithfull members of the Church Such therefore as communicating in the holy supper doo not neuerthelesse amend their liues but walking after the world the flesh are giuen to swearing whordome drunkennesse gluttonie couetousnesse deceit fraud ambition pride enuie hatred backbiting with other like vices and corruptions doo shew themselues counterfeits and hypocrites doo eate and drinke their owne damnation and doo horribly scandalize and offend the Church whereof they should be members together with the doctrine that they doo professe 13 As Loue is the fulfilling of the Law and the marke of Gods children So is there nothing that can more mightily induce vs thereto then the vse of this holy Supper 14 As the bread made of many kernels is but one bread So wee that communicate in the bread and Wine of the holy supper are one body vnder one head Iesus Christ 1. Cor. 10.17 12.12 15 As bread hath this propertie through Gods blessing giuen it to feede and strengthen our naturall bodies in this life So likewise the body of Christ beeing represented effectually vnto vs in the Lords supper by that bread hath the selfe same propertie touching our soules to strengthen and to nourish them spiritually 16 As Wine doth comfort and make mans heart glad So our full ioy and spirituall comfort is to bee found in Christ alone 17 As our diet is then full whole and perfect as it were when it consisteth of these two things Bread and Wine or Drinke So we must know that the fulnesse and perfection of all spirituall nourishment is to bee found in Christ alone and no where else whilst that he is become as well the drinke as the meate of our soule not onely in this double signe helping our infirmitie as it were but also teaching vs to seeke the heauenly refection and nourishment of our soules fully and wholly in Christ and no where else 18 As the Bread is made of many graines and the Wine of sundrie and seuerall Grapes and yet all make but one Bread and one Wine So al the faithful should be instructed thereby that though they bee seuerall and distinct persons one of them from an other as the members in the body are yet they al compacted together make but one body Rom. 12.4 5. 1. Cor. 10.16 17. 19 Like as when drie Waxe is put into that which is melted it is presently mingled and vnited with it So we are vnited to Christ by faith in worthily receiuing the mysteries of his body and bloud in the Sacrament 20 Euen as wee are by the bloud of Christ cleansed and by the holy Ghost in Baptisme regenerated So wee beeing cleansed and regenerated are spiritually fed and nourished by the benefite of the body and bloud of Christ rightly vsing the Lords supper according to his owne institution 21 Euen as there is no liberall hearted Gentleman that maketh a feast but hee is desirous that his gestes should haue a lusting greedie and hungrie stomacke Euen so our heauenly Father is desirous that all men that are bidden to this heauenly feast should bee partaker of the mysteries of his body and bloud should haue hungring and thristing stomackes which hunger and thurst must be of the soule and not of the body Loue of our neighbour AS hee that Loueth the Lord dooth altogether surely and thorowly depend vppon him in firme faith and cleare conscience and therfore dooth neither admit any other Gods nor serue Idols nor dishonour his name nor prophane his Saboths Euen so he that Loueth his neighbour as well as himselfe will neither contemne his parents nor hurt or harme his neighbours nor defile his wife with Adulterie nor steale his goods nor falsely witnesse of him neither yet couet any iot of all that is his but will hartily seeke his commoditie as his owne Deut. 6.5 Math. 22.37 Mar. 12.30 Luk. 10.27 God Loueth his children 1 AS we will take any thing well at his hands of whom we are perswaded that hee Loueth vs for the assurance of his Loue swalloweth vp and sweetely sendeth downe all the rest if he teach vs we take it if he admonish vs we are contented if hee reprooueth vs we put it vp if he iest with vs we are not grieued yea if he smite vs wee are not offended all is taken in good part because they come from Loue who neuer did hurt his beloued So likewise God dealeth with his children hee teacheth them when they are ignorant hee correcteth them when they goe astray he admonisheth them when they are vnruly he reprooueth them when they transgresse he threatneth them when they are stubborne and hee smiteth them when there is no remedie But yet in his fauour and mercie hee teacheth correcteth reprooueth threatneth and smiteth his children that they might not be damned with the world If hee woundeth vs his fauour is Oyle to cure our wounds if he sendeth flouds and Seas of troubles the assurance of his fauour is like Noahs Arke to beare vs vp from drowning If his wrath shall burne like fire his fauour is water to coole the heate whereof Diues in hell could not get a drop If he send sicknesse either of body or mind the assurāce of his fauor is a present remedy like the brazen Serpent if he send sorrow ouer night his Louing fauour shall bring ioy in the Morning and a ioyful tidings like Sonne bee of good cheare thy sinnes are forgiuen thee If he chide vs his fauour that he beareth vnto vs wil not suffer him to chide for euer If his wrath be kindled against his children his fauour puts out all againe if he sets vs vp as markes to be shot at hee sets his fauour before vs with the assurance whereof wee are defended as with a shield Psal 5.12 103.13 2 As a Fathers anger is rather Loue then anger and his correction is to bee counted rather a Loue token then a punishment So in like manner is Gods anger towards his children which feare him and keepe his couenants and therfore his correction is a Loue token no punishment 2. Sam. 7.14 15. Psal 118.18 3 Euen as when Iesus wept ouer Lazarus the Iewes said Behold how hee Loueth him Yea though hee suffered death to cast him into his graue the common bed of all flesh yet behold how he Loued him So in like maner may Gods children say when the Lord correcteth or reproueth or afflicteth them yet marke how he Loueth vs entreateth vs and wooeth vs and when we see this wee must needs say Behold how he Loueth vs. Ioh. 11.35 4 As Sechem deferred not to doo all that was required of him for the obtayning of Dinah because hee Loued her So also when we stand in need of
also conserue and nourish vs in the same by the right vse of his holy Sacraments and wil make vs to grow and wax strong and accomplish the worke which he hath begunne in vs and al this by his Sonne Iesus Christ 25 As it is not enough that a shepheard doo onely gather his sheepe into the fold or sheepecoate but also that hee prouide meate for them and pasture Or as it is not sufficient that a Maister doo onely entertaine his seruant into his seruice by giuing him his Liuerie coate badge whereby hee is openly knowne to be his man but also that hee prouide and giue him meate and drinke dayly to feede him So surely dooth the Lord with vs in these Sacraments For by baptisme doth hee admit vs to his seruice and by the Supper doth hee feede vs that we perish not with hunger 26 Like as mans body is nourished and sustained by bread and Wine So also our soules are sustained spiritually with the body of Christ giuen for vs and with his bloud shed for our sakes Iohn 6.32 33 35. 1. Cor. 11.24 25. 27 As bread nourisheth our bodies So thereby we learne that Christes body hath most singular force spiritually by faith to feede our soules Ioh. 6.50 55 56. 28 And as with Wine mens hearts are cheared and their strengths confirmed So we learne also that with his bloud our soules are refreshed thorow faith 29 And further as surely as we know that we haue receiued the bread wine with our mouths and stomacks So surely thereby we are assured that Christ maketh the faithfull beleeuers partakers of his body and bloud Ioh. 6.54 63 64. 30 As those which haue eaten sweete Comficts and seede for the most part on delicate Cates haue sweete breathes Euen so must there needes bee found a sweete smelling Odour in all the words and workes of those which are fed with this spirituall and heauenly foode the bodie and blood of Christ and in whom Christ dooth dwell for they do all things for the profit and edification of their brethren and the glory of God 31 Euen as the Gospell which of it owne nature is the word of life and saluation is yet turned by the wicked vnto the sauour of death So the Sacraments also which are instituted by God vnto the saluatioÌ„ of men are notwithstanding receiued by the faithlesse and the vnwoorthie communicants vnto their condemnation and iudgement and yet do they not desist in respect of God to be true Sacraments still 32 As a sicke man feeles no comfort or nourishment when he eateth meate and yet it preserueth his life So the weake Christian though he feele himselfe not nourished at the Sacrament by Christs bodie and blood yet he shall see in time that his house shall be preserued thereby vnto euerlasting life 32 Like as Souldiers when they receiue their pay do binde themselues to their Captaine by solemne oath Euen so we when we are partakers of the holy Sacraments which God hath appointed in his Church by the which he bestoweth vpon vs spirituall gifts do bind our selues to him by the same oath 34 As we see with our eyes that the bread is broken for vs So we are certainly confirmed in our faith that the bodie of Christ was giuen vnto death for vs. 35 As certainly as we see that the bread and wine to be present So certainly do we beleeue that the bodie and blood of Christ is present with vs also yea we do not beleeue that it is the Supper of the Lord except his bodie and blood be present with vs. 36 As things set before the eyes do mooue the sight Euen so the Sacraments moue the heart to beleeue 37 Euen as sure as we take the bread in the Lords Supper and eate it with the mouth of the bodie and drinke the wine So verely certainly euen at the same instant with the mouth of our faith we receiue the verie bodie and blood of Christ and there it doth as actually comfort and sustain the soule as doth the bread and the wine nourish and comfort the heart and the outward man 38 And as verely as the most soueraigne plaister and salue laid to a wound or soare draweth out the filth and healeth it so verily and really doth the bodie and bloud of Christ thus receiued put away the soares and deformities of the soule and not only maketh it whole but also pure clean without scar wrinkle and spot and so maketh it a delectable louely faire spouse in the sight of God 39 As when many Windows be opened in an house the more light may come in then when there is but one opened Euen so by the perception and receiuing of the Sacraments a Christian mans conscience hath more helpe to receiue Christ then simply by the word preached heard or meditated and therefore the Sacraments may well be called seeable sensible taste-able and touchable words 40 As the Diuel entred into Iudas by the soppe which Christ gaue him yet not that he receiued an euil thing of him but because he did receiue it badly and with an euill mind Euen so the vnworthie communicants eate and drinke their owne damnation not by the eating of the bread and wine which are holy signes but because they receiue the same without faith and repentance hauing in euil conscience 41 As the word Sacramentum was a form of a solemne â—â—h in war wherby the soldier did vow destinat himself to serue his Generall and the Generall in like manner did binde himselfe to his souldiers So also by the vse and institution of the holy Sacraments after that God hath promised that he will be our God and giue vnto vs saluation he doth in like manner binde vs as it were with a solemne oath before himselfe before Angels and men that we will serue him and none other Soule 1 LIke as to be healthie in our bodies it is not inogh not to haue the plague or a plurasie but generally to be free from all diseases Euen so to be holy in our Soules we must be clean from all spots and defilings and we must take the whole lawe of God as an vniuersall rule of all our thoughts affections words and deeds to the end to keepe it from point to point and not to omit any thing which is there commaunded vs. 2 As sweete Oyle powred into a fustie vessell looseth his purenesse and is infected by the vessell So the Soule created good and put into the corrupt bodie receiues contagion thence Rom. 5.13 3 Like as if a man should borrow a thing of his neighbour and vse it so as he doth quite spoyle it he would be ashamed to bring it againe to the owner in that manner and if he doo the owner will not receiue it Euen so vngodly men in this life do so staine their Soules with sinne as that they can neuer be able to giue them vp into the hands of God at the day of death
doo make a prophane washing and so administer no Sacrament of the Lords 2 Like as if the will of a Prince do ordaine one certaine man to confirme writings that by his onely Seale which hee hath appointed for that purpose so that although an other vse an other Seale made without or against his will of the same matter and fashion and in all things like it yet it is treason to vse it and the same is none of his Seale Euen so by much more ought the will of God which is that onely those should minister the Sacrament which haue a publike calling therevnto and haue that authoritie giuen them from the Lord should minister the Sacrament and none other although an other doo it in the same order and with the same instruments 3 As by the Seale which the Prince hath set apart to seale his Graunts and Letters Pattents with when it is stolen and set too by him that hath no authoritie there groweth no assurance vnto the partie that hath it So if it were possible to be the Seale of God which a woman should set too in Baptizing Infants yet for that she hath stolen it and put it too not onely without but contrarie to the commaundement of God we see not how any can take any assurance of the doing hereof For as well and as lawfully may she preach publikely in the Church and minister the Sacrament of the Lordes Supper openly or otherwise as to Baptise in time of necessitie c. 4 As a Seale added to a Deede or Euidence by such as hath no authoritie to put to the same hath no force to ratifie or confirme the Couenants and Graunts in the Writing which kinde of Seale hath beene alwayes deemed no better then a counterfeit and plaine forgerie Euen so the outward seale of Baptisme added by women hath no force by Gods institution to confirme any in the promises of saluation because women haue no warrant in the word to Baptise for euerie washing of the childe in the name of the Trinitie is not a Sacrament of Baptisme neither can there bee rendered any cause why the Lords Supper ministred by them should not bee counted as good a Sacrament as their Baptisme Baptisme 1 EVen as they which were in the Arke of Noah were preserued from the floud So whosoeuer doth earnestly sticke to the couenant of their outward Baptisme are deliuered from the euerlasting floud that is to say from the paynes and torments of hell by Iesus Christ 2 As the floud did preserue so many as were within the Arke but sunke the rest So likewise is Baptisme auaileable to so many as are Baptized into the Church of Christ by faith but helpeth the rest no more then it did Simō the sorcerer Act. 8.9.10 c. Mar. 16.16 1. Pet. 3.10.21 3 As in the Floud both sinne and sinners did perish So also in the floud of Baptisme sinne sinketh but the sinner is safe Tit. 3.5 Iohn 3.5 4 As the Purse of a true man in the hand of a theefe doth not make or proue him to be a true man Euen so Baptisme though it be in the assemblies of the Churches of Rome yet it noth not proue them to be the Churches of God neither doth it appertaine vnto them but vnto an other hidden Church of God which he hath in all ages gathered forth of the midst of them 5 As the graffe receiueth substance and nourishment of the roote into which it is graffed So they that receiue Baptisme with such faith as they ought do truly feele the effectualnesse of the death of Christ in the mortifying of their flesh and therewithall also they feele the effect of his resurrection in the quickning of the spirit Rom. 6.3 Col. 2.12 Reading of Authors 1 AS Vlisses stopping his eares with waxe escaped the danger of the Sirenes So ought we to auoyde such things as are found filthy in Bookes and Authors though they seeme pleasant if we will auoide the danger ensuing such things 2 As the like pleasure is not to him that goeth into a goodly garden garnished with diuers kindes of hearbes and flowers and that there doth no more but behold them of whom it may bee said that hee went in for nothing but that hee would come out and to him which besides the corporall eye pleasure knoweth of euerie one the name and propertie So verily much difference is there in reading of Authors and in sundrie sorts of men that doo it and much more pleasure and profit hath hee which vseth art and iudgement then the other which with great studie indeed turneth them ouer but for lacke of the knowledge of precepts wanteth also the fruite and delectation that he more amply might obtaine Christs Body is not inclosed or conteined in the bread vnder the bread or with the bread neither the bloud in the wine vnder the wine or with the wine 1 AS the bloud of our Sauiour Christ doth cleanse vs from all our sinnes 1. Ioh. 1.7 and yet we need not to haue it really present with vs for to be washed or bathed in it So Christ our Sauiour according to his promise doth daily or whensoeuer we do come worthily to his holy Supper feed both our bodies and soules with the wholesome and heauenly foode of his precious Body and bloud and this doth he by his eternall and almightie Spirit so that he needeth not therefore to come downe at the becke of euerie iugling popish Priest and to be really present in their wafer Cake after that they haue with gaping and blowing spoken foure or fiue words vpon it Receiuing of the Sacrament Iohn 13.20 Luk. 10.16 Math. 25.41 c. 1 LIke as Christ doth recouer and impute that to bee done vnto him which is done to his Ministers or poore needie members So also doth he recouer and impute that to bee done vnto his Body and bloud that is done vnto the Sacrament of the same 1. Cor. 11.27 2 Like as he that sinneth against a Minister or a poore man sinneth against * Act. 9.4 Zach. 2.8 Christ himselfe although in the meane while hee hath not hurt Christes person in any point Euen so is he also guiltie of the body and bloud of Christ whosoeuer receiueth the Sacrament of the Body and bloud of Christ vnworthily although in the meane season he hath not receiued the very Body and bloud of the Lord. 3 Like as if a Rebell should tread vnder his feete the Seale Letters or Coyne of the Prince although he touch not the Prince himselfe nor tread him vnder his feete yet is he said to haue troden the Prince vnder his feete and is accused not for hurting the Seale or defiling the Letters or defacing his Coyne but hee is charged of treason and accused for treading the Prince vnder his feete Or if one man should send a gift or token vnto an other man as a peece of bowed siluer a Nutmeg or a Rasing of Ginger if the partie
to whom it were sent wold not take it but refuse it despitefully or contemne it the man that sent it might well thinke he had contemned and disdained him and not his gift or present but what might hee thinke if hee should cast it into the dyrt and trample it vnder his feete Therefore if hee did as hee ought to do he should consider when he receiued the token the minde and good will of his friend that sent or gaue it and according therevnto to esteeme and receiue it So likewise if we do as we ought to do in beeing partakers of these holy Mysteries we should rather consider the minde and good will of our louer Christ then the Bread and Wine which we see yea if we do not altogither consider Christes minde and purpose in this behalfe we deale vnhonestly and strumpâ— like with him For it is the propertie of Strumpets to consider the things giuen and sent them rather then the good will and minde of the giuer and sender whereof the true louers doo not consider in any point the value of the things giuen or sent but the minde and good will of the partie So we if we be true Louers of Christ must not consider barely the outward things as the Bread and Wine which wee see and our senses perceiue but rather altogither wee must viewe and consider the minde of Christ and therafter and according to it to esteeme and account of the same 4 Like as if a wilfull and rebellious subiect should no more esteeme or regard his Princes seale then other common wax or haue it in no greater reuerence then the seale of some priuate man it might rightly be said that hee maketh no difference of his Princes person that is to say that he doth no more esteeme him then hee doth other men yet it needeth not that the Kings person bee there really present So when we come to the Lordes table if we take vnreuerently the misticall Bread and Wine as other common meates appointed for the bellie then make wee no difference of the Lordes Body wee doo not esteeme the worthinesse price and vertue of it which in the holy Mysteries is so freely and so liberally offered vnto vs. And therefore if we receiue this Sacrament vnreuerently not considering who is the Author of it nor who it is that offereth himselfe so mercifully and louingly vnto vs it is no maruell therefore that the holy Apostle saith that we are guiltie of the Body and bloud of the Lord that is to say that we are before the seate of Almightie God because of our vnthankfulnesse and vnreuerent handling of the holy Mysteries counted as guiltie as if wee had slaine the Body of the onely begotten sonne of GOD and shead his most precious bloud vpon the Crosse Or it is no maruell that in stead of grace in stead of forgiuegesse of our sinnes and of life euerlasting wee doo eate and drinke our owne damnation And yet it followeth not that the Body and bloud of Christ be really present there in the Sacrament Christes naturall and immortall Body can be but in one place at once and not in many places 1 LIke as the Soule of man vnited to his Body cannot be a Body because it is a spirit Euen so the like is of the Body and of the Soule of Iesus Christ and of his diuine and humaine nature of the which euerie one of them holdeth so continually his properties that the one cannot be that the other is For albeit that they be vnited together by personall vnion yet for all they remaine alway distinct in their vnitie according to their properties and not confused in such sort that the one cannot be the other wherefore wee may not say at all that the Diuinitie is the humanitie or that the humanitie is the Diuinitie nor that the one is conuerted into the other For if there were such a conuersion they should no more be that which they are but should bee chaunged into other natures which thing cannot be For God can neuer bee but God Wherefore hee cannot be conuerted into man but he may vnite man to himselfe as he hath done in the person of his Sonne Iesus Christ Likewise man cannot bee conuerted into God for so much as he is a creature and that God which is the Creator of all cannot bee created but is without beginning as hee is without end and infinite the which thing cannot agree with any creature From whence it followeth that the Gods which are created are no Gods at all but are onely creatures or else vaine illusions or imaginations And as the substance of GOD cannot bee conuerted into that of man nor that of man into that of God for otherwise God should not be God nor man should not be man at all Euen so neither the one nor the other may be without his conuenient and naturall properties belonging to the diuine nature it is no more diuine nature but humaine In like sort if the Sacramentall signes of the Body and bloud of Iesus Christ haue the naturall properties which do belong to the Bread and to the Wine as they haue indeed if they haue their qualities and accidents and these same effects they are not then really and substancially the Body and bloud of him but Bread and Wine remaining alwaies in their substance with their accidents 2 As the bodie of the Sunne and light of it are so ioyntly ioyned together that the one cannot be seperated from the other yet it followeth not that wheresoeuer the light of the Sunne is there the body of the Sunne must be also For as the Sunne being still in the Element according to the order that God hath appointed among vs his creatures doth wtth his light refresh comfort and quicken all things here vpon earth So our Sauiour Christ Iesus who is the true Sonne of righteousnesse being still vntill the time that God hath appointed on the right hand of his Father touching his manhood that is to say aboue in heauen in the place of beatitude felicitie and ioy raigning there with the Father in equall glorie and maiestie doth continually assist aide and comfort his Church by his holy spirit being alwaies present with his elect and chosen by his diuine Maiestie prouidence and inuisible grace whom hee doth not cease through his almightie power the spirit being the worker of it to feede still with the wholsome foode of his most precious flesh and bloud Now as it were most noysome and hurtfull vnto all the whole earth if we had here belowe the Body of the Sunne so is it not expedient that the Church and Congregation of the faithful should haue Christ still present here touching his humanitie and manhood For so he saith Iohn 16.7 3 As no man can denie but that the eye and the sight of it be so ioyntly and inseperably ioyned together that as long as the eye is whole and sound the one cannot be seperated from the other yet
stumbleth at euery stone and sometime falleth in the myre The Diet of the soule AS it is not sufficient for the good estate of mans body that it be brought into the world in the naturall â—erfection of it which consisteth in the equall temperaâ—ure and iust proportion of the seuerall partes of it for â—hat it beeing left here would soone perish and come to â—ought And therefore it must of necessitie bee contiâ—ually both nourished with meate and Drinke and also preserued from all hurtfull things yea carefully restored to the former state of health if by any inward or outward meanes it fall into sicknesse or be any way hurt wounded or distempered Euen so no more will it serue for the good estate of the soule that it be both prepared by repentance for regeneration yea actually regenerated by the spirit of God but it likewise must continually be tended fed right Dieted and cherished yea healed of all those maladies which by any meanes happen vnto it 2 As the body being neglected for a smal time becommeth weake and distempered yea soone falleth into sicknesse and doth perish So is it with the soule the which being neglected but a litle there wil a decrease of holinesse be plainly felt yea perhaps seene by others 3 As the body must continually be repaired with nourishment because it is continually consumed by our naturall heate So must the soule by a good Diet dayly vsed be preserued 4 As it is impossible to order the bodie aright either iâ— sicknesse or in health without the certaine knowledge of our complexion age and strength and vnlesse we maâ—â— in what parts it is most weake or strong that accordingly choyse may be made both of meates in health and of râ—medies in sicknesse So the foundation of the right ordering of the soule consisteth in this that we know our age and strength in Christ whether we be ripe strong men able to digest solide meates or but babes and weaklings who must be fed with milke and also our infirmities whâ—â— sinnes we are most subiect vnto that so we may auoyd aâ— occasions of them 5 As most men liuing are said to haue their health howsoeuer that exact temperature ad pondus wherâ— of Phisitions dispute cannot bee founde in any maâ— or in any age So absolute perfection of holinesse is not required to spirituall health 6 As it is sufficient for bodily health that the distemperature be not so great and manifest as that it hinder any of the naturall faculties from their functions So likewise if the corruption of sinne be so brideled as that it hinder not the performance of any Christian dutie there is spirituall health yea although this corruption of sinne be so strong that it doth sometimes bring forth some sinne and hinder in part the performance of some Christian dutie yet if for the generall course of life the grace of Gods spirit do preuaile so that it represseth that sin and performeth all duties sometimes faintly and imperfectly at other times fully and couragiously yet here is health 7 As the naturall life of man may if no outward violence come be preserued with the least care cost paines that can be but if a man desire to keep his bodie in vigour and strength there must choyse of Diet be made and care vsed and most of all if he goe about to augment either his stature in his yoong yeares or afterwardes his strength or flesh he must be yet more carefull yea curious in his Diet bestowing all his time yea great care and cost in it So it is in spirituall life the which being once put into the Soule of man by the hand of God will continue there euer by itselfe although as it commeth often to passe the owner of it be negligent in mainteining it yea in a manner carelesse of it Whereas he that desireth to continue a whole strong man in Christ without any sicknesse or decrease of grace must make account to bestowe great care in this worke and farre greater if as he ought he desire to encrease in grace 8 As it is the part of a wise man not to walke too neare the brinke of a deepe Riuer whereinto if he chaunce to slip there is daunger of drowning but rather to keepe a a loofe off and so to be in safetie So a good Dietarie of the Soule must carefully auoyd licentiousnesse and the too free vse of worldly pleasures Luke 21.24 1. Cor. 6.12 9.27 9 As it is not sufficient for the feeding of the body that meate be receiued into the stomacke for that if by any infirmitie thereof it be straightway voyded it doth not any whit nourish the bodie Euen so no more will it serue for the feeding and dieting of our Soules that we heare the word with great ioy and delight yea with care and attention vnlesse also wee remember and keepe it in our soules 10 As the bodie the which although it be fedde to the full and daily filled with meate yet it cannot be preserued much lesse increased in health strength and vigour vnlesse it be exercised that so the meate receiued into the belly may be drawne and fastned to the other parts of the bodie which otherwise will not nourish but soone passeth away without any profit So for the preseruation of spirituall health and strength exercise is no lesse needfull then foode the truth here of appeareth in many who although they feede their soules with all care and diligence being continually conuersant in studying hearing reading meditating and regarding the word yet their Soules are not nourished by this foode because they do not ioyne exercise vnto it as prayer and inuocation of the name of God both publike and also priuate conference c. 1. Thes 5.17 Luk. 18.1 Ephe. 6.18 11 Like as men feeling their bodies any way heauie distempered and out of course straightway they flie to this remedie of exercise not doubting but that it will soone put it away So whensoeuer we feele our selues prone to sinne and vntoward and sluggish in the seruice of God if we giue our selues to the exercise of prayer and stretch out the ioynts of our soules before God we shal no doubt feele a great chaunge in our soules and that now they are light and able to lift vp themselues to heauen 11 As it commeth to passe in our bodies both in the whole and also in the seueral parts and members of them that the more they are exercised the more they are both confirmed in strength and augmented in quantitie and contrarily the more they cease from performing their naturall functions the lesse able they are to performe them yea by this meanes it commeth to passe that they are litle and weake Euen so it commeth to passe in the dieting of the soule the graces whereof as they are more or lesse put in practise in the doing of good works the performance of Christian duties so they doo either encrease or decay
12 As when the bodies of men or rather of children do not grow vp to their full and naturall stature it argueth some secret distemperature and some naturall infirmitie in them So when Christians doo not grow on from one measure of grace to a greater it doth of necessitie infer an euil Diet and constitution of the Soule Ephe. 4.15 2. Pet. 3.18 13 As the holinesse of the Soule is nourished by the same thing by the which it is begotten So it is encreased by the same Diet by the which it is nourished 14 As there is required a greater verture and force both of nature and of Diet to augment the bodie in stature then to keepe and continue it in life and healthe So hee that desireth not onelye to continue but also to goe on in grace must indeed vse this conseruatiue Diet of spirituall foode and exercise that is to cleaue to God to his seruice and to all spirituall exercises without seperation or intermission to wit to the hearing reading and studying of the word of God to the considering of his workes and obseruing of his actions to prayer singing of Psalmes to the exhorting and instructing of others in the wayes of godlinesse And lastly and summarily to the daily performance of all Christian duties and the exercising of all those graces which he hath receiued 15 As we know by daily experience that many notable Physitians haue fallen into daungerous and mortall sicknesses and by them be brought to vntimely Death So it is not sufficient for our spirituall welfare that wee know how to Diet and order our soules as long as they are in health and strength it being also required that we know how by a conuenient and meete Diet to recouer them out of sicknesses and to heale all the maladies happening vnto them Deferring of Repentance 1 LIke as we would esteeme and iudge a man not to be wise or well in his wittes that trauelling on the way and hauing great choyse of lustie strong Horses should let them all go emptie and lay all the carriage vppon some one poore beast that could scarce beare it selfe or much lesse stand vnder so great a waight laide vpon it Euen so surely no lesse vnreasonable is that man who passing oueridlie and carelesly the lustie dayes and times of this life without amendment and reformation of his wicked life reserueth and deferreth the same vnto feeble olde age 2 Like as the holy Ghost accounteth them accursed who hauing whole and sound Cattell doo yet offer to God the lame the blind the sicke and that which they would be ashamed to giue to a mortall man Euen so how much more are they accursed before God that hauing so may dayes of youth strength and health doo yet dedicate and appoint vnto his seruice onely their limping old age allotting to God a little short maymed and vncertain time and vnto his enemie the greatest the fairest and the surest part thereof Mal. 1.8 Leuit. 3.1 6. Numb 18.12 Eccle. 12.2 3 Like as if a Captaine accompanied with other Souldiers did enter into a rich Citie to take the spoyle thereof and one Souldier should say I will stay and come in the next day after when all the spoyle is gone Might not hee be well reckoned to be both a coward and vnwise Euen so is it not great folly and peruersenesse in some men that passe ouer their youthfull daies in not seruing of God but liuing dissolutely and will not take time whilst time is Seeing that now is the time of fight for the obtaining of our Crowne Now is the day of spoyle to seaze on our bootie Now is the market to buy the kingdome of heauen Now is the time of running to get the game price Now is the day of sowing to prouide vs corne Pro. 20.4 4 Like as a Prince sometime pardoneth a malefactor when he is come to the verie place of execution yet were it not for euery malefactor to trust thereupon for that this is but an extraordinarie act of the Prince his fauour and neither shewed nor promised to all men Euen so no man ought to flatter and deceiue himselfe in Deferring his conuersion and reforming his life by alleadging the example of the good theefe saued euen at the last houre vpon the Crosse and carried to Paradise that same day with Christ for this act was a speciall Miracle reserued for the manifestation of Christ his power glorie at that houre vpon the Crosse and besides this act was vpon a most rare confession made by the theefe in that instant when almost all the world forsooke Christ Luk. 23.40 41 42 43. 5 As before the destruction of Ierusalem for that God desired to spare his people and the place of his habitation he sent his messengers betimes in the morning which ceased not to call them backe saying Returne yee wandring children confesse your iniquitie and your starting aside will I heale againe Euen so did the godly Preachers in the last yeare of King Edward the sixt before their sodaine chaunge of state neuer more often more earnestly more boldly and vehemently crie out and Preach Repentance then then fearing the people from their sinnes But neuerthelesse for all their threatning they could not make their stonie hearts to relent They would not turne to the Lord with all their hearts with weeping fasting and lamenting But being past shame with stiffe neckes and vncircumcised harts and eares continued still in their sinnes till desolation and confusion fell vppon them 2. King 21.12.13.14.15 23.27 Eze. 21.2.2 Chro. 36.6.19 Math. 24.16 c. Luk. 13.34.35 6 Like as the Iewes who scorned the messengers of God mocked his Prophets and derided their Sermons vntill such time as the wrath of God was kindled against them and no redresse or amendement could be had So likewise a great number with vs in England doo most shamefully scoffe and deride the word of God despise the ministers of Christ and account of them as mad men and most wickedly esteeme their preaching beeing the true Oracles of God to bee but vaine fables and lyes 2. Chro. 36.15.16 Desertion of Gods spirit LIke as God did not leade the Children of Israel the directest way into the promised land of Canaan So likewise we goe not directly to heauen but are carried about by the wildernesse of this world for the trying of our patience and exercising of other graces giuen vs of God Numb 33.1 c. Sound Doctrine doth cheare the spirits AS ripe Grapes doo relish sauourly and with their pleasant and toothsome iuce doo singularly refresh the palate and delight the throate Euen so sound Doctrine wholesome admonition and gracious speeches do cheare the spirites and comfort the mindes of Christians Esay 24.7 13. Dead in sinne 1 AS Dead men can do nothing that liuing men should doo So when we are Dead in sinne wee can doo none of those things which declare and shew foorth our life in Christ Ephe. 2.1 Col. 2.13
scruple at all at great sinnes as the Papists do who will not sticke to blaspheme the name of God and yet make a conscience of sinnes as the breach of any the Popes decrees c. Math. 22.23 Hardnesse of heart 1 LIke as wee feele our sicknesse by contrarie life and health Euen so Harnesse of heart when it is felt argues quicknesse of grace and softnesse of heart but contrariwise when Hardnesse hath so possessed the heart that it is neuer felt this is daungerous in them who haue their consciences seared with an hotte yron who by reason of custome in sinne are past all feeling who likewise despise the meanes of softning their hearts Esay 65.17 Zach. 7.11 Ephe. 4.19 2 Like as if the clearenesse of the Sunne doo happen to shine vpon the eyes of him that is blind his eyes are not made clearer thereby but rather more dimmer Or if one doo shout or speake loude in the eares of him that is deafe his hearing is nothing thereby quickned but rather more dulled Euen so if any man shal propound and speake the truth to him whose heart is Hardened hee is not made the better any thing at all by it but afterwards conceiueth more Hatred against the truth 2. Cor. 2.16 Act. 19.9 Exod. 9.34 3 As it is daungerous to the state of his body whose veine beeing striken by the Physition sendeth foorth no bloud Euen so daungerous is his condition for his soule that hath his heart smitten by the word of God but sheweth no tokens of repentance 4 As in some kind of sicknesse a man may die languishing So likewise where Hardnesse of heart raignes wholly and finally a man may descend to the pit of hell tryumphing and reioycing 5 As we are carefull to flie the infection of the bodily plague So much more carefull should we bee to flie the common blindnesse of mind Hardnesse of heart which is the very plague of all plagues a thousand folde worse then all the plagues of Egypt 6 As there is nothing harder thē the Adamant stone especially that which is had in the Indians which in firmnes hardnesse value exceedeth the rest which yet is said to bee subdued and mollified with the warme bloud of a Goate So likewise the heart of man beeing Hardned through the continuance and Custome of sinne will not be mollified bridled nor tamed neither with the bloud of a Goate nor yet with the bloud of that immaculate Lambe Christ Iesus which gaue himselfe a sacrifice for vs vpon the Altar of the crosse there bestowed his bloud that he might mittegate and appease our wild minds and pricke to the quicke our hard and senselesse hearts and to open vnto vs the way to the attaining of eternall life and euerlasting saluation Esay 48.4 Iere. 5.3 7 As a stone preaseth to his centre So an Hard hearted man is preasing toward hell Exod. 15.5 Hatred 1 LIke as loue beareth good will euen to the dead and wisheth them aliue and would if it were possible stay them from death which are condemned to die Euen so Hatred seeketh to fley the liuing and deemeth them vnworthie of life which haue offended neuer so lightly 2 As the fire doth consume that substance whereby it is nourished Euen so Hatred consumeth the hart wherein it hath beene misled 3 As the Moath doth gnaw the garment where it is bred So Hatred gnaweth the heart wherein it was conceiued 4 As a Bee stingeth and pricking an other doth loose his sting and can neither make Honie nor liue but a smal time after So the heart pricking an other with the sting of Hatred dooth loose many sweete vertues and killeth it selfe Mans Heart naturally corrupt from the wombe 1 AS a Tree whose roote is rotten and infected with venimous sap bringeth foorth none but corrupt and naughtie fruite Euen so from mans Heart which is corrupt and naturally infected with the contagion of sinne can proceede nothing that is good For that which is born of the flesh is flesh Gene. 6.5 8.21 Psal 14.1.3 53.1 3. Rom. 3.10 c. Mark 7.18.21 22. 2 Like as a Wolfe cannot ingender but a yong Wolfe and a Serpent a young Serpent and euen as wee doo not leaue off or cease to hate a yong Woolfe although that he hath not yet eaten or woried any sheepe Or a yong Serpent notwithstanding that he hath not yet cast forth his venime but doo iudge him worthie of death because of the peruerse nature that is in them So ought we to esteem and thinke that God hath no lesse occasion to hate and condemne vs euen from our mothers bellie because of our peruersitie and naturall malice engendred with vs. And though the Lord should damne vs eternally hee should doo vs no wrong but onely that which our nature meriteth and deserueth For although that the young Infant hath not yet done any worke which wee may iudge to be euill and wicked sith that he hath not yet the vnderstanding discretion nor the power to doo it yet it followeth not therefore but that the peruersitie and malice which is naturall in man hath alreadie his roote in him as one part of his paternall inheritance the which cannot please God For although that it bringeth not foorth her fruites yet they doo remaine still there as in their roote which will bring them forth in his time As the venime is alreadie in a Serpent although that he bite not and so the nature of a Woolfe in a yong Woolfe how harmelesse soeuer he seemeth to be 3 As a Seale cannot bee Imprinted in an Adamant which by reason of the hardnesse thereof wil not yeelde Euen so the Heart of man is by nature so hard that it will not yeeld vntill it bee wounded and brused by the spirite of God by the preaching of the law Ezech. 11.19 Rom. 2.5 Psal 51.17 4 Like as when the Adamant is beaten to powder it will then receiue any print Euen so when the Lord shall bruse our Hearts and batter our affections and take the sence from them then they will no doubt receiue some impressions of Gods anger and vengeance 5 As Waxe melteth with the heate of the fire So the Heart of man fainteth with the greatnesse of troubles and vexations Psal 22.14 Our Hearts must be eleuated dayly to heauen 1 AS those that keepe Clockes vse euerie day once at the least to pull vp the plummets least their weight should draw them downe so farre that the course of the Clocke should be hindered So in like manner wee must set apart somtime of the day for the eleuating and raysing vp of our minds to heauen by meditation on Gods word and prayer least our Hearts should so far descend through the weight of the cares of this world that our course in godlinesse should be hindered and stopped 2 As the Marriner on the Sea doth cast out the best Iewels and most precious things if they ouer-loade his ship and put it in
that they may immediately teach not seeking thereby to amend and make better themselues 2 As vessels that are to bee filled are bowed and made apt to receiue the liquor that is powred therein So ought a Learner to accommodate and applie himselfe that nothing of that which is profitably spoken doo scape him 3 Like as in meates one and the selfe same dish is diuersly set forth according to the inuention of the dresser and appetite of the eater Euen so in Learning one and the selfe same point is diuersly handled according to the discretion of the writer and capacitie of the reader 4 Like as choyse and good Wine looseth his verdure and strength if it bee put into a vile and vnpure vessell Right so a good word or sentence if it bee spoken of an euill man or Learning if it chaunce to a wicked man taketh none effect 5 As the Diamond enchased and set in Gold giueth a farre brighter glosse then if it were set in leade yron or other baser mettal Euen so the loue of godlinesse and vertue planted in a Learned mans breast bringeth forth farre greater and more excellent fruit then if an vnlearned man enioyed the same graces Lying of God and his truth most offensiue AS hee sinneth most grieuously which deceiueth trauelling men by shewing them a contrarie way Euen so much more hainously offendeth he that in matters of Religion doctrine and godlinesse doo bring men into errours through Lying because he doth therby as it were thrust them out of the kingdome of heauen Ezech. 13.6 8 10 19. Iere. 23.25 26 35. 14.14 Esay 9.15 16. 1. Cor. 15.15 Iam. 3.14 Lords Supper 1 LIke as in the person of Christ his manhood was seene on earth and his Godhead being not at all seene did notwithstanding great and wonderfull things without any chaunging or confounding of natures Euen so in the Lords supper we see the bread and Wine Christs body we see not which notwithstanding worketh in vs. 2 As the body of the Sunnes light aboue is in it selfe whole albeit it bee dispersed heare beneath So likewise Christ in heauen aboue is whole notwithstanding he suffereth vs in his supper each one to bee full partakers of his body and bloud when hee giueth himselfe vnto vs and yet without any diminition at all of himselfe when he offereth himselfe vnto vs which are weake without beeing inclosed in vs when he is receiued of vs and without any dishonour at all to his maiestie when he commeth into our small cottage and will haue our hearts to be his Temple and dwelling place 3 Like as the forbidden fruit which Adam and Eue did eate in the Garden of Eden by Sathans prouocation procured their death Euen so that heauenly Manna which Christ hath appointed for our spirituall foode in his supper dooth bring vnto the worthie receiuers thereof euerlasting life Gene. 2.17 4 As the sicke man the weaker hee knoweth himselfe to bee should so much the more earnestly desire meate both to receiue nourishment and to refresh his strength Euen so so farre off it ought to bee that our weaknesse should keepe vs from the receiuing the Lords supper that it ought rather to spurre vs forward to come vnto it that by it we might be strengthened in faith and repentance 5 As the word of God is all one whether it fall vppon the euill or vpon the good surely it is all one in the minds of the hearers So the Sacrament of the Lords body and bloud is all one whether it be receiued of the good or of the euill and as the Gospell in it selfe is the power of God to sauing it doth also saue but it is not al alike to the vnbeleeuing as it is to the beleeuing So the Sacrament is of it selfe the body of Christ but to the wicked which doo contemne it and to them which do receiue it vnworthily it is farre otherwise 6 As a mother hauing brought foorth her little one dooth not forsake it but nurseth and bringeth it vp So Christ hauing ordained Baptisme to bee as a seale and pledge of our spirituall new birth into his Church did institute the holy supper to the end that by participation in his body and bloud we might the more bee strengthned in this assurance that Christ is ours together with all his benefites and so feede our soules spiritually to life euerlasting 7 As a litle waxe powred vpon other waxe is made all one with it Euen so they that receiue the Sacrament of the Lords supper worthily abide in Christ and Christ in them 8 As the Child when he commeth to age is bound to honour his parents not onely for his begetting and bringing into this life but also because they haue fed and brought him vp and still do continue the same duties vnto him Euen so should it be with vs whome God hath as it were begotten into his Church through our Baptisme and to whome hee hath since in his holy supper ministred the foode of our soules in the Communion of the body and bloud of Iesus Christ for not onely our spirituall new birth by Baptisme but also the spirituall foode which that good Father giueth vnto vs in his holy supper doo binde vs to honour him yea and should thereto mightily induce vs considering that for foode of our soules hee hath deliuered his onely Sonne Iesus Christ to bee crucified for vs. 9 Like as if any man had a child so sicke that nothing coulde serue for his foode and recouerie but precious Pearles confected or preserued this child should be much bound to loue and honour his parents that for his reliefe had not grudged at such cost and expences Euen so wee shall deserue great reproofe of our heauenly Father who feedeth vs in his holy supper not with pearles but with the very flesh and bloud of his Sonne Iesus Christ in case wee should make no account to please him by amendment of life withall considering that as there is no comparison betweene pearles the body and bloud of Iesus Christ so the spirituall life of our soules is without comparison much more excellent then the life of our bodies 10 As meate and drinke ministred vnto the body doo maintaine the life motions and senses of the body So from the communion in the body and bloud of Iesus Christ which is the foode of the soule must proceed the spirituall and heauenly life cogitations affections words and deedes 11 As it were a straunge case if the body by eating and drinking should gather no sustenance and consequently want all motions sense and bodily operation So were it a monstrous matter that the soule communicating in the body and bloud of Iesus Christ should gather no spiritual foode that might bring foorth newnesse of life and holynesse in words and deeds 12 As the hololy supper is the table of Gods children the faithfull and members of the Church of Iesus Christ So the communicating thereat is a solemne protestation
faithfully preached delighteth godly Christians 10 As Balme Apples called Charentia taken in wine are a pleasant remedie for all paines as well within the body as without so comforteth the strength of such as take it that no griefe may happen to them So the Word of God truly preached rightly applied is a present remedie for wounded consciences and so comforteth such to eternall life c. 11 As Sothern-wood taken into the body driueth out Wormes and laide among cloathes killeth Moathes and vermine So the Word of God laid truely vp in the heart killeth and driueth out euill motions 12 As Echium or Milk-woort drunken causeth plentie of Milke in womens breasts So the Word of God well learned of the Minister and rightly diuided applied of him yeeldeth plentie of instruction for the hearers and children of God 13 As a blind man is altogether vnable to iudge rightly of any colour So hee that is ignorant of the Word of God is not able to iudge and discerne what is either consonant or dissonant vnto the truth of God 14 As the purenesse of Gold must bee tried foorth by the touchstone or furnace but yet through the industrie of those that haue skill and experience in both for otherwise what vse is there either of the touchstone or furnace with such as haue no knowledge at all to deale in the same Euen so euerie doctrine is to be tried by the onely rule of the Word but yet the spirit of God must direct the action or else the Word of it selfe will but little auaile vs. 1. Ioh. 4.1 2. 15 As they that haue well swept their Chambers it seemeth vnto them that they are verie cleane and yet notwithstanding when the Sunne commeth to enter there by the windowes they perceiue straightwayes by the beames an infinite deale of dust which the Phylosophers call moates Euen so oftentimes before we be well instructed in the Law of God if we bee exempted from grosse and palpable sinnes such as are murthers whoredomes thefts c. we glorie that we are perfect and innocent but when our consciences come to be descried by the Word of God and that Iesus Christ who is the light hath entred there by his spirit then he maketh vs to see by his beames an infinite number of faults and imperfections which are hidden in our hearts as are the Serpents in the hoales Rom. 7.7 16 Like as drunkards who beeing ouer charged with Wine and meate haue no manner of knowledge or feeling of the case wherein they are nor of any thing else and yet hauing their faces couered and all to bee rayed with durt they cannot perceiue it vntill their Wine bee drenched and their braine deliuered from those fumes and vapours whereby they were so letted and darkned So we likewise before we bee regenerate are in such sort besotted with a loue that we beare to our selues and with a vaine opinion that wee haue conceiued of our selues that we know not the filthinesse and villanies wherewith wee are betrayed but when as the light of the spirit and Word of God begins to breake foorth vnto vs wee come by little and litle to breake and scatter those clouds which were before our senses and recouering the viewe of our reason we beginne to awake our selues and discouer the pittifull and miserable estate wherein we are 17 Anacharsis did say that the Athenians vsed money for none other purpose then for numbring and casting of account So there be some that vse the Scriptures and Word of God onely for table-talke vaine-glorie and ostentation 18 Like as the light of the Sun cannot helpe the eyes that bee blind or a voice which soundeth loude profite deafe eares Euen so no more can the preaching of the Word of God or the administration of the Sacraments profit our soules except the holy Ghost indeede ioyne his power withall by the which onely the eares are prepared the heart opened the affections touched and the willes disposed and prepared there by to giue an enterance to the outward ministerie 19 Like as by the power and blessing of God the fruits of the earth are brought forth yet by the ordinarie means of planting and sowing Euen so although faith bee inwardly wrought in vs by the operation of the holy ghost yet is the true preaching of the Word of God the outward ordinarie meanes whereby the same is brought to passe and as needfull is preaching for the working of faith in vs as ploughing planting and sowing is for the bringing foorth of Corne fruits and hearbes out of the earth for our corporall sustenance Rom. 10.17 Ioh. 17.20 20.31 1. Cor. 3.5 6. 20 As seede sowne vppon the grasse or greene sward doth not yeeld his encrease No more dooth the Word sowne in hard and vnprepared hearts 21 As seed is sown to bring forth fruit So is the Word of God preached to giue encrease 22 As the seed how good so euer it bee bringeth not forth fruit at the same instant time that it is sown but continueth a certaine time in the earth So is it not conuenient to restraine bind the fruit and vertue of the Word of God to the same houre that it is preached but the fruit shall be shewed to the elect when it pleaseth God 23 As when the seed is sowne men iudge if the Land bee good or bad by the encrease of the fruit that it yeeldeth Euen so by the profit of the hearers men iudge whether the Word take effect in them yea or no. 24 As where great store of Corne and seede is it is a signe that our bodies shall not die for hunger Euen so where the Word of God is plentifull preached it is a token that our soules shall not famish 25 As where good land is there is great encrease So in them in whom the Word of God is fruitfull it will appeare and shew forth his fruit as in Zacheus Luk. 19.8 26 As by bread our bodies are nourished and fed So by the preaching of the Word of God our soules are susteined Amo. 8.11 12. Math. 4.4 27 As good seede sowne in good ground will bring forth plentiful encrease So will the liuely Word of God being truly preached amongst the faithfull 28 As that land that bringeth foorth fruit when the deaw of heauen falleth on it is blessed So those people which receiue the Word of God in their harts and bring forth fruit accordingly shall bee blessed of the Lord for it shall not returne nor bee preached in vaine Hebr. 6.7 Esa 55.10 11. 2. Cor. 2. 15 16. 29 As that man that is made Executor of his Fathers last Will and Testament by the benefit whereof he looketh to enioy his Fathers Lands and possessions if there should bee any hard clause or point in it hee would no doubt not only be diligent in searching it out by reading or getting it read againe and againe but also by conferring with other more learned then himselfe and by hauing
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.
so seek to free themselues from the smart and griefe which would ensue and follow vpon the laying to of the said plaisters and corasiues to their festered sores and wounds and therefore he wil not trust them therewith but doth himselfe both lay and apply the same plaisters and corasiues to their sores and will himselfe cut out the corrupt and rotten flesh that groweth in their wounds Euen so it is not inough that a Preacher should deliuer vnto his Auditors and Parishioners a general doctrine and so leaue the application thereof to themselues for as it is commonly said that that which is spoken to all is spoken to none but hee ought so to applie his doctrine that euerie one of his hearers may haue his portion and thereby well perceiue that it is spoken to them As the Prophets and Apostles haue done 2. Sam. 12.7 Act. 13.38.39 14.15 c. 26.19 c. 3 As it is not possible that we can feede vpon meate except it be applied to our mouthes Euen so much lesse is it possible that our soules can be fedde and nourished with the word of GOD except it bee skilfully applied thereto 4 Like as if the foode and meate bee applyed to any other part but to the mouth the Application serueth not Euen so it is in spirituall things if they be not applied to the right parts and to the right diseases the Application may do them more harme then good 2. Tim. 2.15 Armies or hostes of men AS a mightie tempest and storme of great haile stones where they fall do beate downe and destroy all the fruites of the earth Euen so the Armies and hostes of men which God stirreth vp to plague any people withall do beare downe and destroy all before them Allegories AS they are much deceiued which thinke that the stories in the Scripture do signifie no other thing but that which was done So likewise they are too rash and bold that would draw all things to Allegories Adams disobedience 1 AS a Physition being in good health doth know diseases onely by speculation but when he is sicke he doth better know them because he doth both know them and feele them Euen so Adam although he knew before what obedience and disobedience was yet after the eating of the fruite he did not onely know but also felt what ill came by disobedience and therefore his tree is called The tree of knowledge of good and euill not because it giueth such knowledge of it selfe but it is so called ab euentu euen as the tree of life is called the tree of life ab effectu that is as some Diuines write that the fruite of this tree did conserue the integritie of mans health and the radicall moisture that he should neuer be striken with age with wrinckles with hore haires nor with any corruption but should haue remained in perpetuall young age Other there be whose iudgement is counted more true that it is called the tree of life not because it gaue life vnto man wherewith hee was indued afore but that it should be a Symbole and a memoriall of life taken of God Affliction is profitable 1 AS the little Bee gathereth the most sweetest hony out of the most bitter bloomes and flowers Euen so men of wisdome and vnderstanding receiue much vtilitie and fruite of the present sorrow and Affliction Gen. 37.39.41 Chapt. 2 Like as the holy Scripture attributeth a certaine rewarde vnto our good woorkes which woorkes notwithstanding it is not wee that woorke them but the Lorde which vseth vs as instruments of his Euen so is the crosse an instrument of God whereby hee subdueth our flesh keepeth vs in the schoole of correction and forceth vs as it were by violence from euill to goodnesse 3 As all the raine that falleth into the Sea maketh it not the fresher So all the afflictions that befall and happen the godly maketh them not worse but better 4 Euen as a father knowing that meere wine is not wholesome for his childe mingleth it with water So the Lord seeing that continuall prosperitie is not good for vs mingleth it with affliction crosses and aduersitie 5 Like as they which are delighted with hawking if they loue any Hawke more then the other do as well hood and lease her least shee should flie away from them as feede her that she may liue Euen so the Lord as hee doth bestow blessinges vpon his children so he doth also lay affliction on them least they being puffed vp with pride should forsake him and depart from him 6 As lightning is a glorie to the heauen but hurteth the earth So Afflictions are good for the diuine and christian Soule though they bee very troublesome to the bodie 7 As litle children accustomably do desire sweet meats which do annoy and hurt them and loathe and abhorre bitter thinges that would do them good Euen so some Christians and Gospellers such is their weakenesse and foolishnesse do pursue and hunt after pleasure ease idlenesse and prosperitie and shunne and flie from affliction crosses and persecutions then the which nothing is more requisite necessarie and profitable for the confirmation of a Christian life for it is that soueraigne tryed Treacle that quencheth the deadly poyson of selfe-loue worldly pleasure fleshly felicitie and carnall securitie 8 As it is not onely the propertie of the plough to roote vp all bryars brambles thystles thornes and weedes out of the arrable lande but also to prepare and make the same apt and fitte to receiue the pure seede into it when it shall be sowen vpon it So likewise it is the nature and qualitie of affliction not onely to roote out of the earthly hearte of man all the weedes of concupiscence and worldly delightes but also to prepare and make ready his heart and soule to receiue the wholesome and most seasonable seed of Christs doctrine when it is by his faithfull Ministers preached 9 As the hard hammer beateth off the rotten and cankered rust from the iron So in like maner the crosse and affliction beateth off the rotten rust of couetousnes whoredome drunkennesse extortion vncleannesse licentiousnesse gluttony wrath strife sedition sects malice such other like waâ—ward vices from the excellent anker of a christian faith preparing the same to all good exercises which other wayes would consume away 10 As the flaming fornace purifieth the good golde in burning and wasting away all the drosse thereof So affliction burneth and consumeth the drowsie drosse of mans deceiueable lustes for by it the world is crucified vnto vs and we vnto the world and by it we are made like vnto the image of the sonne of God 11 As the proyning knife wherewith the rotten dry and withered branches are cut away Euen so by affliction the putrified branches and vices of the tree and vine of a christian life are done away which by continuance would vtterly waste and make the same vnfruitfull so that by it our faith is increased our patience
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
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
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
arrow it selfe or finally do some such like thing when as he ought rather to applie some remedie to his wound whereby it might be healed Euen so as often as we are in any afflictions and in desperate cases we must not looke vppon our selues nor vppon our enemies nor vppon the world as though we might from thence hope to haue ease of our paine and griefe but let vs looke vp to God who of his most notable iust iudgement sent and shot those arrowes at vs Let vs cast our eyes vpon God not to murmure against him or to detract any thing from his perfect equitie but rather humbly to craue his mercy and to require a salue of him who gaue vs the wound Psal 32.4 Esay 1.5 9.13 Ier. 5.3 Iob. 1.21 Gods graces 1 AS a man sayling in the maine sea carrying his Iewels with him in the ship if so be he make shipwracke doth togither with his ship lose his Iewels So likewise this sea is the world our ship the conscience the Iewels Gods Graces shead abroad in our hearts If so be therefore that we once make shipwracke of a good conscience we do vtterly indammage all the Graces of God in our hearts 2 Like as skill or cunning in any Scyence or Trade if it be exercised is both continued and increased Euen so Gods Graces in vs if they bee stirred vp in vs by continuall exercise they are increased but if they be neglected through carelesnesse they doo vtterly decrease 3 Euen as yron if it bee not vsed will rust So the Graces of God in vs if they be not put in practise will rust and decay vtterly Math. 25.24 4 Like as the graine of Mustard-seede is small to see too at the beginning but after it is cast into the ground it encreaseth speedily and spreades it selfe Euen so if a man haue but some little feeling of his wantes some weake and fainte desire some small obedience hee must not let this sparke of Grace goe out but these motions of the spirit must bee encreased by the vse of the hearing of the word preached Sacraments and prayer and they must dayly be stirred vp by meditating endeuoring striuing asking seeking and knocking Math. 25.26 2. Tim. 1.6 To Glorifie God LIke as the Apostle aduertiseth the Hebrues where he saith Brethren exhorte one an other while it is to day Hebr. 3.13 So also Christians ought to take occasion of Glorifying God whilst it is offered vnto them least as Ioab came to Absolon when his barley fielde was burned so they resort vnto God when it is too late Therefore the sooner they come vnto him the better it will be for them 2. Sam. 14.30 31. God comforteth afflicted soules AS God many times casteth downe and confoundeth all those that vainely trust in things transitorie britle and momentanie Euen so on the other side he doth raise vp and recomfort such as be weake pensiue faintharted sorrowfull and mourning and with spiritual instruction doth cherish furnish refresh their sicke soules and brused consciences 1. King 14.15 Esay 42.1.13 Luk. 4.18 God comforteth his 1 AS the Eagle cherisheth her young and fluttereth ouer her Birds and taketh them and carrieth them on her wings Euen so doth God cherish and make of his people and Church Deut. 32.11 Obed. 1.4 2 As naturall Fathers and Mothers are mooued with pittie and compassion towards their Infants when they are in any distresse Euen so our heauenly Father is mooued with much greater compassion towards vs his children when wee are in miserie or suffer affliction Psal 103.13 3 As the Apple of a mans eye is the tenderest thing about all his body and therefore most duly and carefully preserued from any thing which may hurt it Euen so God doth protect defend and care for those that are his Deut. 32.10 God heareth our complaints AS parents are ready to giue their children good things when they begge or craue them Euen so much more God our Father will not denie any thing to his children when in a true faith they doo begge or craue it of him Math. 7.9 10 11. God 1 AS the Husbandman or Vine-dresser cutteth off euerie braunch that bringeth not foorth fruite and letteth it wither and maketh a fire of it So God dooth cut off fruitelesse Christians and throwe them into hell Iohn 15.1 2 3 4 5 6. 2 As the Vine-dresser doth purge the fruitfull braunches that they may bring foorth more fruite So God by diuers meanes doth purifie and clense his children that they may be more fruitfull 3 As they which trie a vessell first put water into it to see whether it will hold water then they commit Wine vnto it Euen so first God giueth vs one grace if wee vse that well then he giueth an other and after that an other Luk. 8.18 Math. 25.23 4 As the diuell is not dead in those which are his but worketh still to their damnation So is not God dead in them which be his but worketh still to their saluation 5 As from the Sunne which we doo behold proceedeth to the world both light heate and beames whereby all things are quickned and nourished So from God who is an inuisible Sunne to his Church there proceedeth both light that is a cleare knowledge of God and heate that is the burning affections of hope faith and loue and also the beames which are the manifolde consolations wherwithal the soules of the faithful are quickned nourished and made merrie 6 As a wise maister of a family desiring to knowe the disposition of his seruants hideth himselfe in a corner or behinde a cloath and there both beholdeth the vnrulinesse and misdemeanour of some and also perceiueth the vertues of others of them the which they would neuer haue shewed in his presence So God doth in a manner absent himselfe from the world that both the faith of his seruants and the outrage of sinne in the wicked ones may be made manifest 7 As a shaddow doth protect vs from the beames and heate of the Sunne So God doth protect vs from daungers Psal 91.1 8 As in high and defenced Towers wee are safe from the enemie So God doth set vs in safetie Psal 91.2 The Good of our brethren must be regarded 1 AS the parts of a mans body euery one hath his proper function yet not so much for himselfe as for the Good of the whole body Euen so in like manner in the Church and common-wealth euery man must haue his particular calling not so much for himselfe as for the common Good and weale-publike 2 As the Stagges when they swimme ouer a great water to feede in some Meadowe they swim on a rowe and lay their heads one ouer an others backes carrying the weight of one an others hornes and when the first is wearie an other taketh his roome and so do it by course Euen so must we doo helping and doing Good one to an other till we haue passed the troublesome waues of this
of the sacred Scriptures rightly diuided neither can there be any more wel-commed pardon proclaimed to men then that which containeth the free forgiuenesse of sinnes And there cannot a more happie newes bee published abroad then that which concernes the inheritance of euerlasting life Notwithstanding the Preacher himselfe be carelesse be Leprous be filthie bee beastly or vile yet the godly Hearer will not forsake this heauenly foode or make light account of this wholsome medicine lightly esteeme this Gold or reiect this pardon thinke scorne of this newes but feede hungerly vppon it applie it in time lay it vp in his heart yeelde all reuerence vnto it and delight onely therein as in the very ioy of his soule 9 As a poore Prentise that is very desirous to learne his occupation throughly in euery point who notwithstanding his Maister doth dayly reuile him call him Asse and dolte yea and somtimes doth surely swinge him yet will he accept the same in good part and by no meanes be driuen from learning the misterie of his Trade because it bringeth in the end a pleasure with profit So likewise euerie Christian Hearer of the word should be so addicted to the loue thereof that neither respecting some outragious affections nor yet weying at all the disordered wordes which vnaduisedly passe from some Preachers mouth but regarding rather the matter in hand should wholly fixe their minds thereon assuring themselues that albeit the same seemeth sower at the first to flesh and bloud yet in the end it wil bring quiet rest to their soules Mat. 11.29 Hebr. 12.11 10 As the Anuile or Stithie the more it is hammered the harder it is So the most Hearers of the word now a dayes haue their harts so hardned in sinne and their consciences so seared vp with an hot yron that the hammer of Gods word cannot breake them in peeces nor zealous preaching approach to the quicke as it did before in the Apostles c. Psal 95.8 Rom. 2.5 Ephe. 4.19 1. Timo. 4.2 Iere. 23.29 Act. 2.41 8.12 11 As it is the beastly nature of some Horses to kicke at his keeper which prouides him prouender So is it the marke of a degenerate mind for any man to murmure at the iust reprehension of his Pastour 12 As a Glasse-windowe receiueth in the light so soone as it shineth but withstandeth euerie tempest or shower that beates at the same So should euerie Christian Hearer bee readie to receiue the light of the truth when hee heareth it preached and bee likewise as carefull to withstand and reiect euerie errour or false Doctrine that dooth slip from him which will after mooue a tempest in his conscience by the sence of Gods iudgement 13 As a Riddle or Syue letteth the cleare water issue foorth quite and keepeth onely the Chaffe or the mud that swimmeth aloft Or as a daintie and delicate Dogge which when one offereth him a good morsell of meate will scornefully cast his head aside and catch a Flie So in like manner the malicious Hearer whatsoeuer good morsell of Doctrine or instruction shall be proffered him by the Preacher the same shall surely fall to the grounde but if any vaine or vnsauorie matter shall slippe from him whereby hee may sustaine any reproach that shall bee sure to be catched and marked and to bee cast in his teeth c. 14 As the Thistle which if it bee stroked vpwardes will not lightly molest a man but beeing stroked downewards dooth pricke him So surely many Hearers of the word preached so long as their Ministers doo Preache pleasant things they seeke not to stirre them at all or bee displeased with them both so soone as hee beginneth to rubbe them a little on the gall and to touch them home to the quicke then they kicke and storme at the same Esay 30.10 Ierem. 11.21 Amo. 7.12 Mich. 2.11 2. Tim. 4.3 15 As meate the more a man receiueth the more it distempereth if it bee not digested So the more a man learneth and the more he Heareth the greater is his sinne if he grow not by it 16 As the Auditors of Ezechiel did willingly come and sit before him and Heare him but they iested at his words and would not doo as he taught them Euen so many will giue Preachers the Hearing but with their mouthes they iest it out and make no more reckoning of their Sermons then they doo of a Fidler and his song and not so much Ezech. 33.30 31 32. 17 As Naash the Ammonite said who would make a couenant with the men of Iabesh Gilead vpon condition that hee might put out all their right eyes and bring all that shame vpon Israel So likewise many Hearers of the word will in effect say to the Lord we are content to bee thy children and to heare thy Preachers thou shalt bee our Father so that wee may haue what we will say what we will and doo what we will 1. Sam. 11.2 18 As where the word is not preached there the people perishe So where it is plentifully deliuered and the people negligent in Hearing of it and not obeying it there is deepe damnation and vtter destruction shortly to be looked for Zepho 3.1 19 As stonie grounds mingled with some earth are commonly hot and therefore haue as it were some alacritie and hastinesse in them and the Corne as soone as it is cast into this ground it sprouteth out very speedily but yet the stones will not suffer the Corne to bee rooted deepely beneath and therfore when Summer commeth the blade of the Corne withereth with rootes and all So likewise is it with those professours and Hearers of the word who haue in their heartes some good motions by the holy Ghost to that which is good they haue a kinde of zeale to Gods word they haue a liking to good things and they are as forward as any other for a time and they doo belieue but these good motions and graces are not lasting but like the flame flashing of straw and stubble neither are they sufficient to saluation 20 As they that haue any bodily diseases if they refuse the Physick ministred vnto thē reape no profit at al albeit the Physition offer them medicines a thousand times Euen so the Preacher of the word shall doo no good by his preaching vnlesse his Hearers and auditours attentiuely marke and carefully practise the same 21 As the wicked and vngodly in old time when they were reprehended by the Lords Prophets for their sins and wickednesse did either denie their fault committed as Kaine and Gehesie Gene. 4.9 2. King 5.25 Or else they were angrie and vsed reprochfull words and sought reuengement As king Herord vnto Iohn Baptist Mark 6.17 The Elders to Steuen Act. 7.57 Or else they craftily and couertly excused themselues as Saule did 1. Sam. 15.20 Euen so do the wicked and vngodly Hearers of the word when their sinnes and wickednesse are spoken against and laide open by faithfull Preachers whereas
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 others feete from the ground he wil easily giue him a fall So the diuell if he by Pride can lift vp our feete from the ground he will easily giue vs a fall 3 As when Moses and Aaron threw the handfulls o◠dust into the ayre thereof came botches and biles Euen so when we that are but dust and ashes are exalted in th◠Pride of our heart thereof commeth botches and biles in our hearts Exod. 9.8 9 10. God heares not our Prayes alwayes AS the Physition who goes on to launch the wound and heares not the patient though hee crie neuer so till the cure bee ended Euen so God heare not our Prayers alwayes according to our wills and desires but according as the things asked shall be for our saluation Penitent heart AS the begger is alwaies mending and peecing his garment where hee finds a breach So the Penitent and beleeuing heart must alwayes be exercised in repayring it selfe where it findes a want Faire Promises AS they which haue nothing to feede on but the wind doo famish and pine away and so perish So likewise they which are fed with faire Promises and set their hope and confidence in the defence of men are deceiued and left destitute in their most need Perseuerance to the end 1 AS the prize or best game for running cannot be obtained of any that either runne not or else giue ouer afore they bee at the end of their race So likewise none can attaine the celestiall Crown of glorie but they which Perseuer in the right race of Christianitie vnto the end 1. Cor. 9.24 2 As they which runne in a race hauing onely regard to the reward of themselues as light as nimble as they can and therefore throw away whatsoeuer is heauie or may hinder their swiftnesse So godly Christians in their course to heauen hauing that glorie onely before their eyes should throw sinne from them which like an heauie burthen hangeth vppon them and whatsoeuer else may hinder them in the way course to life euerlasting Hebr. 12.1 People AS there is nothing more mooueable and vnconstant then waters and when they be once stirred vp then they bee furious and outragious Euen so the common folke or People are also mooueable and vnconstant and being mooued are outragious and mad People imitate their Prince 1 AS the Sea especially that which is called Mare mediterraneum is wont to imitate the ayre as if the ayre be calme the Sea is very calme also if the ayre be stormie the Sea also is very stormie Euen so the common sort of People in all places for the most part doo followe their Prince if Princes be iust subiects loue iustice if the Prince be vngodly they imbrace vngodlinesse 2 As a brooke doth follow the nature of the fountaine from whence it commeth So People doo follow the disposition of their Prince the fountaine being troubled the brooke is troubled also and the Prince disquieted the People find no peace Math. 2.3 The Prosperitie of this world AS the clearenesse of winter weather the calmenesse of the Sea and stabilitie of the Moone doo wauer and be suddenly chaunged So likwise the state of wealth and worldly things hath no firmenesse no perpetuitie and no constancie Iob. 8.9 14.2 Physition 1 AS euerie one cannot heale a sore that can make a salue So euery one is not a Physition that make profession of physicke 2 As a blind man cannot see the fault of an others eyes So an vnskilfull Physition cannot perceiue the defect of the body The Pope that whore of Babilon LIke as Christ was said to come out of Edome coloured with the bloud of his enemies noting thereby the reuenge he should take of the Edomites Euen so the Pope the whore of Babilon is dyed and coloured with the bloud of Gods children yea she is said to be drunke with their bloud as with drinke shewing that shee makes no more account of shedding the bloud of the seruants of God then the drunken man make of powring in drinke or the fishes water Reue. 17.4 5 6. Women Painting themselues 1 LIke as when a Painter hath finished a peece of work and an other comming in should therto set his hand and lay on other colours it would displease him Euen so likewise much more will God our Creator be offended when a mortall woman whome himselfe hath created shall by Painting her face take vppon her to correct the Image and workmanship of her God 2 King 9.30 2 As a woman of discretion will in no wife marre her naturall complexion to recouer it with slime or artificial trash So ought the Husband in no sort to be consenting to her filthie spunging proyning Painting pollishing and to such like follies Poore men feare they God neuer so much are little set by in this world EVen as Doues doo loue and delight in houses that be faire whited and doo willingly frequent sweete and pleasant places but contemne and flie from blacke foule and vnsauorie Cottages So likewise faithlesse and vntrustie friends doo hunt and seeke after the friendship of those men by whose wealth and riches they may be holpen releeued and enriched but men in pouertie and distressed persons vnable to fill their bellies to cloath their backes or otherwise to pleasure them with some worldly things they vtterly despise they care not for their companie their loue nor friendship feare they God neuer so much Papists professe God in word but denie him in their doings AS Rat-catchers who vse to take fine bread scraped cheese butter and some Suger and therewith doo mingle Rats baine to the end to allure the Rats to eate the secret and hidden poyson to their destruction So the Papists in the beginning of all their Prayers they say Almightie and euerlasting God c. And at the latter ende of their prayers they say through our Lord Iesus Christ but betweene the beginning and ending there is thrust in the merites passions sufferings intercessions and meditations of Saints that through them their sufferings bloud sheadings merites and holinesse we should obtaine heauen and life euerlasting to our saluation Thus like murtherers and poysoners of Christian soules and that vnder pretence of Gods name and Christs name they deceiue the simple and ignorant people Patience in afflictions a perfect tryall of true Christianitie 1 EVen as in a Sea moued and tossed with great waues and mightie surges the Pilots skill and wisedome is throughly tried and his manlinesse and courage perfectly seene So likewise a man that is godly without dissembling and religious without hypocrisie in the middest of terrible tempests of great troubles when hee is throwne vp and hurled downe tossed here and crushed there in a thousand stormes of dangers thē declareth his Patience his spirituall courage and his vnmooueable constancie in vertue and true holinesse 2. Sam. 16.5 c. 2 Like as when a child being corrected and punished of his Father suffereth it patiently his Father
19 2.9 No Reason for a man to find fault with an other that is more faultie himselfe 1 AS it is against Reason that a blind man should take vopn him to lead an other man that sees better then himselfe Euen so it is an vnreasonable and impudent thing for any man to offer to pull out a Moate out of his neighbours eye when there is more need that his neighbour should say vnto him nay rather suffer me to pull out the beame that is in your eye Math. 7.5 Psal 50.16 17. 2 As it is a very vsuall thing with the Papists to condemne it for a great fault in Protestants to leaue off any of their popish ceremonies When as they account it no fault in themselues to cut off and defraud them of the Cup in the ministration of the Lords supper which is commaunded to bee taken and dunken of all by Christ our Sauiour himselfe Math. 26.27 3 As they crie out against vs for not subscribing and reproouing in all points to their writings and determinations When as they themselues refuse to subscribe and allowe vniuersally to the word of God adding and â—â—king from it at their pleasure Deut. 4.2 12.32 Prou. 30.6 Reue. 22.18 19. 4 Like as it is too too common in all sorts of men that haue great beames in their owne eyes wherof they make no conscience yet will seeme maruellous curious and carefull in drawing out Motes out of the eyes of others Euen so hee that of all the rest in the Parish is the most worst obseruer either of Gods Law or his Princes hee will bee most readie to find fault and to quarrell with the painefull and faithfull Ministers for omitting the least â—ite or ceremonie as though hee of all others were the most desirous that the Queenes proceedings should exactly be followed whereas in verie deed hee could find in his heart rather to haue Poperie fully established Rebukes AS Physions with their bitter drugs do mingle sweete spices that the sicke patient may the more willingly receiue them So ought bitter Rebukes to bee mingled with gentle admonitions that the offender might be the better brought to amendment Righteousnesse peace c. AS the earth being fertile and fruitfull and beautified with the gallant verdure of fresh floures and greene hearbes is an argument of the bountifull goodnesse of God towards vs Euen so Righteousnesse peace tranquilitie and other vertues wherewith the minde soule of man is garnished declare the exceeding great goodnesse and loue of God towards mankind Esay 61.10 Gal. 5.22 Rich men 1 AS the fiercest lightning dooth flash vpon the highest Towers the fairest Oakes come soonest to the fire and the fattest Oxen are first knocked downe Euen so they which haue the most money are subiect to the most miseries 2 As pouertie punisheth the poore man So the Rich cannot rest for feare of robbing Preac 3 As the goutie man the more he walketh abroad the better is his health Euen so the more the Rich man distributeth abroad the more he shall inherite Luk. 19.9 Gal. 6.10 4 Like as a Riuer when it goeth by an emptie place it will not passe vntill he hath filled that emptie place and then it goeth forward to another emptie place and filleth it and so to an other emptie place and filleth it alwayes filling the places which are emptie So likewise should Rich men fill the poore the full should fill the hungrie they which abound should fill them which want for the rich are but Gods Amners and their riches are committed to them of God to distribute and doo good as God doth himselfe No Resistance against God LIke as the Eagle when she hath taken her praye standeth with her winges spread ouer it Euen so those whom the Lord raiseth vp to conquere any Country and to destroy it spread themselues all ouer it so that there is no hope in resisting nor refuge in running away Iere. 48 4â— Lamen 4.19 Repentant 1 AS the Lilly dooth flourish and spring in the field or Garden So God dooth make the Repentant man whose sinnes he forgiueth and pardoneth to grow florish Hose 14.6 2 As it is often needfull for the preseruation of the bodily life that the patient be by detractioÌ„ of blood brought to a swowne and so euen to deaths doore So likewise it is needfull for the spirituall life of the soule that the Repentant be by sorrow and feare cast downe euen to the gates of hell as one forlorne and being in a most wretched estate 2. Cor. 7.8 3 As the wise man exhorteth the good husband to be sowing his seed at all houres times and seasons because he knoweth not whether this or that wil prosper So likewise a Repentant must take all occasions of hearing gods word for that he knoweth not but that God will euen at that time which he would bestow on worldly profites or pleasures bestow his vnspeakable blessing of regeneration vpon him Ecclesi 11.6 4 As that Offendant is liker to obtaine mercy at the hands of his Prince who standeth at his very gates in his presence attending when he wil becken or call vnto him then he who hauing addressed himselfe to come before the King keepeth himselfe aloofe off far out of his sight Euen so it is liker that God will behold that Repentant with the eye of mercy who is in his presence hearkeneth to his voice and attendeth his pleasure then him who is out of his sight and employed about other matters Rich men 1 AS it is impossible for a Cammell to goe through the eye of a Needle So also is it impossible for such a Rich man to enter into the kingdome of heauen who is possessed of his possessions for he hath made his Gold his God though hee doo not so thinke nor perswade himselfe Mar. 10.24 25. 2 As those Fisher-men which when they had sped well did go and burne incense and offer sacrifice to their Nettes in stead of praising God who had blessed their endeuours So likewise some prophane Rich men doo ascribe their wealth and other blessings of this life to the outward meanes and instruments whereby they haue gotten those things forgetting wholly that God is the onely authour and giuen thereof Habba 1.16 Psal 127.1 c. Iam. 1.17 3 Like as if a Cable be vntwisted and drawen into smal threedes it may be drawen through the eye of a Needle So likewise he that is Rich if he denie himselfe abase himselfe and lay aside all confidence in himselfe in his riches and honor and be as it were made small as a twine thrid and with Ioseph the good Senator become the Disciple of Christ hee may enter into the kingdome of heauen Math. 19.24 Luke 29.50.51 Ioh. 19.36 4. As Sheepe that goe in fat pastures come sooner to the slaughter-house then those which are kept vpon the bare Common So likewise Riche men which are pampered with the wealth of this world sooner forsake God and therefore
that euer was and God hath bestowed the same on his Elect and hee requires nothing at their handes but that they would turne their faces from this world and walke vnto it in the way which hee hath chalked foorth vnto them in his word Therefore if they be desirous to haue Saluation life euerlasting they must come forth of the broad way that leades to destruction and enter into the straight way that leades to eternal life they must acqaint themselues with the guides which are the faithfull Ministers of the word that wil cry vnto them Here is the way walke ye in it when they shall goe to the right hand or to the left 2 As Simeon going into the Temple by the motion of Gods spirit met with Christ So if we will be ruled with the same spirit frequent holy assemblies we shal meete with our Saluation Christs Spirit 1 AS the light cannot match with darkenesse So likewise Christs Spirite cannot accord and match with sinne and lusts of the flesh 2. Cor. 6.14 2 As Raine with the moysture therof fatteth the earth to make it fruitfull Euen so the holy Spirit with his inuisible grace doth make vs fruitfull to produce the fruits of righteousnesse Ioh. 7.38 3 As fire consumeth euerie thing that it layeth holde on So the Spirit of God consumeth all the corruption of our hearts and originall sinne in vs. 4 As fire giueth light to the bodily eyes So the Spirit giueth light to the eyes of the soule Ephe. 1.17 5 As fire giueth life quickneth those that be benummed with cold So the Spirit of God doth quicken and put life into those that be dead in their sinnes Ephe. 3.5.16 6 As a man that made a bargaine will bee carefull to keep the earnest pennie that he loose not all his bargaine So also must we be carefull to keepe the Spirit of God the earnest pennie of our saluation that we bee not depriued of the same Ephe. 1.13 Sacraments AS Circumcision which was a Sacrament of the olde Law was a seale in that time to our Fathers of righteousnesse Euen so be our Sacraments to vs in these daies seales of Gods promises vnto vs and all haue one strength and vertue Rom. 4.11 Sinne of set purpose AS hee that striketh the King ignorantly not knowing him to be the King is nothing in so much fault as he that striketh him knowing it is the King Euen so hee that dooth offend God of ignorance is to bee lesse blamed then he that wittingly and willingly offendeth him Luk. 12.47 48. God giueth vs vnderstanding to know the Scripture EVen as the Disciples of our Sauiour Christ had no knowledge nor vnderstanding vntil God gaue it thē So fareth it with al the rest of Gods children that althogh they heare neuer so much his Apostles Preach yea Christ himselfe personally sounding in their eares yet except the Lord open their hearts and minds as he did Lydia it auaileth not one Math. 16.17 Act. 16.14 Sinnes are our greatest enemies 1 AS a huge and mightie fire will bee asswaged and at the length quite put out if the stickes and other matter that doth chearish and increase it be withdrawne and kept from it So in like manner our affections and troubles will come to an end if we doo cease to doo euill and giue ouer sinning before it giue ouer vs for our Sins are as drie stickes and stubble wherwith the fire not onely of the wrath and malice of Infidels and heretikes but also of the wrath and indignation of God is kindled increased and most mightily stirred vp against vs. 2 As wee wonder at the Creator not onely in great matters as heauen earth the Sunne Elephants c. but also in like creatures as pismires lice wormes flies c. So a soule giuen to Christ must as wel regard litle as great matters and Sinnes knowing that wee must giue an account for euerie idle word Math. 12.36 For the health of the Soule the bodie is to bee kept in subiection LIke as when one part of a man that is sicke is not capable of the remedie wherewith he may be holpen the Physition is wont to applie the same remedie to an other part as if one bee grieued with an extreame Ach of the head then the Phisition vseth to strike a vaine of the arme because the head will not abide Phlebotomie or bloud letting So that we may helpe and heale many diseases of the Soule wee must keepe the body in subiection to the spirit and tame the lusts of the flesh and labour to bridle our affections and to keepe them within the compasse of reason sobrietie and temporance Spirits that die in the Lord. EVen as the Spirit of Christ passed from the Crosse into Paradise at the verie same moment that it departed out of the body and thence returned into the body that whole Christ in respect that he was man might be afterwards glorified So likewise all good Christians doo beleeue that their Spirits and soules who die in the Lord doo straightway depart vnto God there to enioy that measure of glorie that is appointed for them vntill that they being adioyned againe vnto the same bodies which will be the very same in substance truly corporall though in a far more excellent estate shall liue vnder Christ their head for euermore Luk. 23.43 Reue. 14.13 The Lords Supper 1 AS Bread nourisheth and strengthneth man and giueth him abilitie to labour So the body of Christ eaten by faith feedeth and satisfieth the soule of man and furnisheth the whole man to all duties of godlinesse 2 As Wine is drinke to the thirstie and maketh merrie the hearts of men Euen so the bloud of our Lord Iesus drunken by faith dooth quench the thirst of the burning conscience and filleth the hearts of the faithful with vnspeakable ioy The holy Spirit the earnest pennie of our inheritance 1 AS in a thing that is bought there is sometimes giuen an earnest pennie to wit some part of the money agreed on as wel for the beginning of the payment as by consequent for the assurance that the bargain shal be held firme So likwise the holy ghost who by faith engendreth peace ioy in the harts of the faithful is the earnest penie assuring vs by this beginning of the spirituall blessings which God promiseth to his children that he holdeth vs for his possession purchased to the prayse of his glorie and that at the length he will gather vs into the full enioying of the inheritaunce of heauen Ephe. 1.13 14. Rom. 8. 29 30. 2 Like as when a man dooth purchase an inheritance he first giueth earnest that is some part of the money promised that serueth as a beginning to the payment of the totall Summe So God hauing redeemed vs by the bloud of Iesus Christ giueth the earnest pennie of his holy Spirit that is to say a beginning of knowledge of the true God of sanctification of loue to God of
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
the iudgement of the best Lawyers So then if we in our causes and earthly matters whether we bee olde or young no hardnesse can stay or hinder vs to slacke our duties but rather cause vs to vse more diligence Euen so should it be yea so would it be in hearing learning and searching out the will and Word of our heauenly Father wherby our hope is to attaine to the possession and inheritance of euerlasting life And if any part of it should seeme hard vnto vs yet that should not cause an hardnesse of heart in vs to cast off the care of the whole and vtterly to refuse to heare read or learne any part of it Iohn 5.39 Act. 17.11 30 Like as our bodies are nourished sustained with carnall and naturall foode Euen so our soules are fed and nourished by reading and hearing the Word of God 31 Like as the crowing of the Cocke was an occasion to mooue Peter to repent Euen so the Word preached by faithful Ministers is a meanes to bring their hearers to repentance Math. 26.74 75. 32 As the Arke was a blessing to those that knewe the right vse thereof as the Israelites did but it was a curse and a plague to the abusers thereof the Phylistines 1. Sam. 5.1 2 3 4. c. Euen so is the Word of God a great comfort and blessing to those that rightly vse it faithfully imbrace it and rightly practise it but it is a plague and curse to those that haue it and abuse it and do not reforme themselues by it 2. Sam. 6.3 c. 1. Chro. 13.5 Iere. 23.19 Deut. 11.27 28. 2. Cor. 2.15 16. Math. 10.14 15. Hebr. 2.2 3 4. Iere. 11.3 33 As a hungrie man will not refuse meate if it bee good and wholesome which is offered to him by a child So ought none to refuse the Word of God if it be offered sound and good though the preacher thereof be a yong man 34 As those men that dwel by the ryuer Nilus are made deafe by the great and exceeding noyse of that water Euen so many people at this day by the plentifull continuall preaching of the Gospell a lamentable thing to heare doo waxe dull hearers wearie of it and loath it euen as the people of Israel loathed Manna Mumb. 11.6 35 Like as yong children that haue Ratles when they bee new and haue them first will loue them very much and greatly delight in them so that they will not forgoe them when they eate or sucke yea and they will haue them with them in their Cradles but when they be a litle olde they will cast them away and care not for them Euen so a great number of people did make great account of the preaching of the Word in the time of ignorance and would go farre and neare to heare it who now hauing plentie of Sermons doo loath them and care not for them c. 36 As hunger is a signe of good health So likewise to hunger and thirst after Gods Word is a notable signe of our spirituall health and safetie Math. 5.6 37 As Spices smell strongest being pounned and beaten then lying whole in a bagge Or as Imbers are hottest being raked abroad and meates do nourish better being cut and shred then being eaten in gobbeth Euen so the Word of God truely expounded preached and rightly diuided is of greater efficacie and power then when it is but barely read 38 As men vsually rubbe the Chaffe from the Corne and then eate it So must the spirituall foode the Word of God be done withall if it haue any corruption added to it by the preacher 39 As by wholesome meates and drinkes the body is strengthned and increased and by the wise counsell of Physitions the sicknesse to be feared is preuented So by the word of God the faith of euerie Christian is encreased and by the admonitions thereof the daungers to bee feared are auoided whilst hee willingly giueth credite to that which is spoken 40 As the materiall seede is counted of small estimation So is the Word of God amongst the wicked and vngodly Luk. 8.11 1. Cor. 1.18 41 Like as the seede hath power to bring forth fruit of it selfe So doth the VVord of God bring forth that euen which Kings cannot cause to spring forth but by it selfe 42 As seed groweth not in the hand not being sowne So the Word of God doth not increase except it be preached published abroad and rightly diuided 2. Timo. 2.15 43 Like as worldly wise men vse to buy bookes of Statutes and to haue them in their houses to read on that they may know how to auoide daunger of Law Euen so the faithfull do alwayes set before them Gods Word and in all their doings it is their Counseller least they should come into daunger of Gods displeasure Psal 119.24 44 As a shower of raine falling vpon fire dooth easily extinguish and quench the flame Euen so the VVord of God being receiued into our hearts doth easily make all concupiscence to vanish away 45 As the skill and cunning of the Physition healeth al the infirmities and diseases of the body So Gods Word onely cureth the sicke sorrowfull and distressed soule 46 As a plant by continuall watering groweth vp at length to a great tree So a man by continuall watering of Gods Word doth at last grow vp to the full height of vertue and godlinesse 47 Like as long as the Physition doth appoint the sicke man what hee shall doo how to diet himselfe and what medicines to take there is hope of life but if hee forsake him we looke for present death So as long as God of his goodnesse lets his Word be among vs there is good hope of his loue and fauour but if hee take the same away from vs then there is no comfort left 48 As those that build without a good foundation either the wind or water soon ouerthroweth it Euē so they which in matters of faith stay not themselues vppon the Word but vpon the credite of their teachers shall not be able to withstand the subtilties of the Diuill but are easily ouerthrowne Math. 7.26 27. 49 As wheat giueth sound good and substantial nourishment vnto the body Euen so doth the true Word of God mightily and wholesomely nourish the soule 50 As a graine of Mustard seede beeing the least of all seeds and sowne in the earth when it groweth vp ariseth to a great height and beareth great braunches so that the foules of heauen may build vpon the shadow of it Euen so the Word of God and faith beeing not idle but working although in outward shewe it seeme small and slender yet dooth it by little and little spread it selfe and like a faire fruitfull braunched tree receiue daily strength and encrease Luk. 13.19 17.6 Mark 4.31 51 As the Sun which was made to lighten all things is most light So the Word which was made to cleare all things is most cleare Psal 119.105 Prou. 8.9
nature AS the Camelion is sometimes blacke and sometimes greene sometimes pale and sometimes blew for he euer taketh his colour of the thing which he seeth to be next vnto him and doth shew and represent the colour of what thing is set before him So men of all degrees are wont very much to imitate the nature disposition and manners of those whose Counsell they follow whose familiaritie they vse Psal 101.1.2 c. Christes care of his members though absent EVen as the Eagle hauing her yong ones shut vp in the nest although shee flieth exceeding high and pearseth the loftie ayre yet shee withdraweth not her eyes from her yong ones but still beholdeth them and they also crying after their manner with their streatched our neckes doo looke after her Euen so the Lord Iesus ascending into heauen did behold his Disciples and they also hungring and thirsting after him did fasten their eyes vpon him and did not loose the sight of him vntill he pearsed and broke open the heauens and entred into the presence of his Father And although they were diuided from him in body yet in heart and mind they followed him still Act. 1.9.10.11 Crosses are the badge of a Christian EVen as it is a thing very commendable and woorthie praise that a Souldier doo euer beare about him the signes and badges of his Captaine that it may appeare to whom hee belongeth So is it no little honour to a true Christian man to passe through many daungers and to be experienced in many troubles and to endure many afflictions for his Captaine Christs sake for sorrowes vexations and trbulations are the armor and badges of Christ Gal. 6.17 Christ fisheth for men AS the Diuel that wicked and craftie fisher with his great large long and broad Nets taketh and draweth vp great multitudes and infinite numbers of soules The Diuels baite which voluntarily giue themselues vnto him and doo suffer him most easily to take them by and with with his baites which are voluptuousnesse the foule pleasures and rotten delights of the flesh worldly wealth at will the vaine glorie of the world innumerable riches of all sorts power authoritie vanitie an insatiable desire to beare rule and a thousand such others the seely poore fishes being deceiued by these baites do neuer feele the hooke vntill it stick so fast in their iawes that there is no scaping but the diuell maketh a full account of them as of his owne Euen so contrariwise Christ doth fish for men that hee may draw them out of the bitter waters of the daungerous sea and that he may giue vnto them the water of grace who seeketh to saue their soules and to bring them to euerlasting happinesse and celestiall immortalitie who yet flie from him and would not come neare him he fisheth with a sharpe and bitter baite Christs baite very vnpleasant to the corrupted nature and appetite of a naturall man to wit with much fasting praying often with watchings honest labours in a mans calling contempt of the world spirituall pouertie bitter teares deepe sighes and greeuous grones for sinnes committed against the Lord with humilitie and lowlinesse of heart with kindnesse peace patience righteousnesse and such other things all which although to those which are enclined with a right and true loue of God they are pleasant and welcome yet neuerthelesse to the will and desire of a meere naturall man that is a friend of flesh and bloud they are hard and doo seeme very bitter to his corrupted taste Men which can keepe no Counsell are very daungerous 1 AS the Sea called the dead Sea which is a Lake in Iudea called Asphaltits whereof Aristotle Plinie Iustine and diuers others do make mention wherein is neither fish nor any liuing creature found in it wherevpon it hath the name Dead and in it nothing is couered neither doth any thing that is in it sinke to the bottome thereof but all things do swim and are in sight and do continue in the top of the water Euen so such are they that will keepe no Counsell nor secrets whatsoeuer but will reueale and bewray all things that they know whether they be good or bad 2 Euen as Hypanis a Riuer in Scythia which hath a maruellous sweetenesse vntill a litle bitter spring which Herodotus calleth Exampeus be mingled with it and then it is corrupted with a wonderfull bitternesse Euen so those men which are like torne vessels that will hold no water and so full of chinkes that they neither can nor will keepe any secrets or Counsell are very bitter and intollerable men and do much harm in euery place where they come neither can any Counsell or secret be committed vnto such without great daunger to the Common-wealth wherein they dwell and especially to all those that repose any trust in them Such men seeme they neuer so wise learned and full of Counsell are not to come neare godly Princes neither to be made acquainted with matters of state and the affaires of the Common-wealthes least they do great hurt both with giuing counsell themselues and also by discouering such waightie secrets as shall in trust be committed vnto them Iob. 22.18 Psal 1.1 Christ is lesse beholden to the most part of the world then Caesar was to the Romanes AS Marcus Antonius with an Oration that he made vpon the death of Caesar is said to haue greatly delighted the people of Rome and that hee moued very many of them to shead great store of bitter teares when hee put them in remembrance of the great benefites which they had from time to time receiued of Caesar and withall did shew them Caesars garments wherein his enemies Cassius and Brutus had slaine him all full of bloud whereat they were so mightily mooued that they expulsed the homicides and murtherers out of the Citie so that they durst not if they would liue any longer come neare it And yet in these dayes of ours though the Preacher neuer so good an heauenly Orator come with the Oracles of God himselfe in his mouth and shew most plainely what Christ the Redeemer of the world hath done for man and prooue that man hath receiued vnspeakeable and innumerable benefites by and through Christ and declare what bitter teares water and bloud did trickle downe his cheekes and what deepe and deadly sighes with many fearefull and greeuous grones did rise from his heart before he came to the Crosse and though hee rip vp his passion stitch by stitch as the holy Booke and diuine Word shall direct and leade him and though particularly he shewe how and where he was wounded that hee was beaten spit vpon crowned with thornes nayled hand and foote to the Crosse scorned and mocked of the Iewes though he shew most liuely that the wicked and cruel Iewes embrued their hands in his blood gaue him vineger and gall to drinke yea and although the Preacher declare and proue that besides the death and passion of his
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