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
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
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.
person when hee is past all hope of health and vtterly dispayred that it is needfull for the skilfull Phisition not onely to finde and prepare the medicine but also dispose the sicke person so as hee will and may vse this medicine and that hee may vnderstand rightly how to vse and apply it So the sicknesse of the soule which is most precious aboue all things and in the which makinde is not onely ignorant but also enemies of their owne saluation then wee must vnderstand by our Sauiour Christ the Phisition of the soule what is the medicine and then after what manner it must bee vsed yea and in such wise that the same our Phisition Christ Iesus doo prepare and make vs apt and meete that wee both will and can vse these remedies which hee hath prepared and appoynted for vs or else it will be no profit nor stand vs in any stead Christ our second husband by faith LIke as if a woman bee discharged from her first Husband beeing dead and hath married an other man the first Husband hath no power ouer her Euen so wee now beeing espoused vnto Christ our second Husband by faith are freed vtterly from our first husband the Law and as the Apostle saith are no more vnder the Law but vnder grace that is vnder perpetual remission of sinnes committed not onely before our Iustification but as well also after and during all our life long Christ our spirituall foode AS verily as bread dooth serue for the nourishing and strēgth of the body wine for the cōfort thereof So and as certainly to the inward mā in Faith Christ is bread to the soule and wine to the mind we mystically made one in him and he in vs feede on him and he our spiritual foode The last Commaundement explaned 1 AS the Lord by the former Commaundements of the second Table doth vtterly condemne and forbid all wicked deedes words and counselles that be hurtfull to our neighbour and which go with deliberation and consent with all full purposes and conclusions to euill Euen so in the last Commaundement to the end that he might touch vs the nearer whereby wee might the better perceiue our owne imperfections and weakenesse hee most straightly chargeth that our hearts should be so pure and cleane that no euill thoughts motions desires concupiscences lusts delights inclinations or naturall infections of originall sinne should once creepe into our hearts Gene. 6.5 Math. 5.28 Rom. 6.12 7.7 Iam. 1.14 2 Like as if a woman were by vnlawfull act defiled it were not simple fornication but adultrie though the defiler knew not that she was married So we must iudge also of lust and concupiscence when one is coueted not as though she were married but as one vnmarried and free in respect of a married woman whosoeuer coueteth her coueteth his neighbours wife whether he do it wittingly or ignorantly as Pharaoh and Abimelech did Gene. 12.15 c. 20.2 3. c. 3 Like as that man is desperate of his saluation and prouoketh the anger of God towards him that saith If I shall bee culpable in the sight of God for the concupiscence of my heart as well as though I do commit the fact therefore I will adde vnto my lust and concupiscence the fact which it desireth that I may carrie away some pleasure of my sinne and not be damned for nothing So likewise it is the part of a faithfull Christian man to acknowledge and bewaile the sinne and vncleannesse of his heart to lament for it and to flie vnto the mercie of God by faith in Christ our Sauiour and to withstand with all his power the naughtie desires and motions of the heart that so hee may for Christ his sake be made partaker of the grace of God and true health and saluation 4 As in this Commaundement is forbidden all euill desires So also by the same is commaunded all good desires good affections good inclinations to godly things and the perfect obedience of our hearts vnto Gods will and to wish and desire that our neighbour may quietly possesse and enioy all that which God hath sent him be it more or lesse 5 As the Lord by the former Commaundements doth commaund that the rule of Charitie should gouerne our willes studies and workes So hee now commaundeth the conceptions of our minde to be directed to the same rule that there be none of them crooked and writhen that may prouoke our minde an other way 6 As he hath forbidden our minde to be bowed and ledde into wrath hatred fornication robberie and lying so he doth now forbid vs to be moued therevnto by any lust or desire 7 Like as a man purposing to destroy a tree yet dooth no more then loppe and shred off certaine boughes and twigges leauing the stumpe and roote behinde deceiueth himselfe Euen so likewise so long as lust and concupiscence doth liue in men they may well seeme in the eyes of men to be very great conuerts if of ignorant idiots they are become such as haue gotten some skil and knowledge or as if of dunkards ruffians adulterers and such like they become sober and modest and of good behauiour as this may be done before men and yet the heart nothing altered before God for there be many causes which may mooue men to seeme outwardly to be godly when the heart within is fraught and laden with loathsome lusts full of rotten corruptions which make them still altogether abhominable before God and thus they haue hereby gained nothing 8 As the Lord our God requireth account of euerie idle word Math. 12.36 So likewise requireth hee tribute and account of wicked lusts and thoughts arrayneth them maketh them hold vp their hand at the barre keepeth a court for them and setteth fines and amerciments vpon the heads of them Pope no Christian 1 LIke as Iudas bare the name of a Desciple and Apostle and called Christ maister when and at such time as he endeuoured altogither to spoile Christ both of his authoritie and life Euen so the Pope and all his confederates although they boast themselues to be Christians pretending the name of Christ yet they both robbe Christ of his authoritie and also men of their saluation Math. 26.49 2 As the Lords who made the last rebellion in the North charged the inferiour sort in the Queenes Maiesties name to put on Armor and to come into the field as though it had bene in defence of her Maiestie whereas their purpose was the destruction of her royall estate and the subuersion of her Kingdome that they themselues might haue reigned Euen so in like maner dealeth the Pope his affinitie concerning Christ his Kingdome Corrupters of Princes are most seuerely to be punished 1 LIke as they do most greeuously offend which do infect with poyson a common well or conduite where all men doo draw water So likewise they deserue worst of a Common-wealth which corrupt the minde of a Prince
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
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
2 As a Dead man in his graue cannot stir the least finger because he wants the very power of life sense and motion So likewise no more can he that is Dead in sinne will the least good Nay if he could either will or doo any good he could not be Dead in sinne 3 Euen as a Dead man in the graue cannot rise but by the power of God So no more can hee that is Dead in sinne rise but by the power of Gods grace alone without any power of his owne Iohn 3.3 Ephes 2.10 4.24 Phil. 2.13 Deuise of the wicked AS the Egges of the Cockatrice hatched are full of poyson Euen so are the deuises of the wicked and the execution of their enterprises hurtfull Esay 59.5 The Diuell fearefull and enuious 1 LIke as if an enemie of great might hauing also an aduantage of vs by reason of the ground wherein he hath planted himself be dreadful to vs so as we haue good cause to feare him Euen so much more we ought to bee afraid of the Diuel hauing the like or greater aduantages of vs. Ephe. 6.11.12 2 As a good Midwife is carefull to helpe the woman in trauell and saue the child Euen so the Diuell contrariwise is ready to hinder and hurt the Church to destroy her seede Reue. 12.2.3 God Delighteth in the conuersion of a sinner AS a Father taketh great ioy and comfort when his Sonne who was wilde vnthriftie and vngodly becommeth modest thriftie and religous Euen so it is a Delightfull and acceptable thing to God when any sinner is conuerted from his wicked and lewde course and now liueth Christianly Luk. 15.23.24 Dissentions AS Bees when they striue together and are stirred vp through some vehement motion with throwing of dust are brought into order and appeased Euen so men when they are tossed and tormented with troublesome broyles perturbations and passions if they would remember dust whereinto of necessitie they must be turned and neuer forget death which they shall neuer bee able to escape they would easily bestayed pacified and quietted would represse keepe within compasse their strangling lusts and vnruly appetites which cannot indure to be tamed and ruled by reason How to encounter with Death 1 LIke as if a man were to fight with a Dragon his best way to deale with him is to pull out his venemous sting Euen so the Dragon wherewith euery Christian man is to encounter is Death whose sting is sinne therefore that we may not take the foyle of Death we are in all our life to labour to bereaue him of this his sting 1. Cor. 15.56 2 As the Philistines that they might the better deale with Sampson cut off his haire where his strength lay So also euery one of vs that wee may the better deale with Death are to cut off our sinnes which bee the strength of Death Iud. 16.5 c. Death 1 LIke as hee that is to passe ouer some great and deepe ryuer must not looke downeward to the streame of the water But if he would preuent feare hee must set his foote sure cast his eye to the banke on the furthest side Euen so he that draws neare Death must as it were looke ouer the waues of Death and directly fixe the eye of his faith vpon eternall life 2 Like as if a poore man should be commaunded by a Prince to put off his torne and beggerly garments and in steade thereof to put on royall and costly robes it would be a great reioycing to his heart Euen so much more ioyfull newes must this be vnto all repentant and sorrowfull sinners when the King of heauen and earth comes vnto them by Death and bids them lay downe their bodies as ragged and patched garments and prepare themselues to put on the princely robe of immortalitie No tongue can bee able to expresse the excellencie of this most blessed and happie estate 3 Euen when a man was to offer a Bullocke or Lambe in sacrifice to God he must leaue his offering at the Altar and first goe and be reconciled to his brethren if they had ought against him So much more must this bee done when men are in Death to offer vp themselues their bodies and soules as an acceptable sacrifice vnto God Rom. 12.1 4 As Trauellers not thinking of the Sunne setting are ouertaken with darkenesse before they be aware So doth Death sodainly come vpon many that neuer thought of it neither haue learned to die nor what shall become of them when they be dead so that it behooueth all Christians that wil be saued to watch to stand stedfast in the faith of Christ to quite themselues like men and to be strong and to do all that they do in loue 1. Cor. 16.13 5 As earthen vessels are alike subiect to danger breaking whether they be new or olde made So likewise all men are open and subiect to Death alike whether they be yong men and in their lusty and flourishing age or they be old men and well strooken in yeares 6 Like as if a man shal come into a Potters ware-house where he shall see a large Table set full of Pots some old and some new some little and some great and shall demaund of the Potter which of them all shall first be broken he may well say for answer That which shall fall first to the ground Euen so among men he dieth not first that is elder but he that first falleth to the ground that is commeth first to his graue Psal 2.9 Esay 30.14 Reue. 2.27 7 Like as if a Begger should be commaunded to put off his old ragges that he might be cloathed with rich costly garments he would not be sory though he should stand naked a while till he were wholly bestripped of his rags So likewise when God calls a man to Death and bids him put off his old ragges of sinne and corruption and be cloathed with the glorious roabe of Christes righteousnesse there is no cause why he should be loth to die seeing his abode in the graue is but for a space while corruption be put off 2. Cor. 5.1 2. 8 As bread of all other nourishment doth sustaine the body So aboue all things a continuall thought of Death is wholesome for the soule 9 As yong schollers who hauing spent their time diligētly at their bookes return from the Vniuersities to their friends and are welcommed home both of father mother brother and sister euery one preasing forward with great desire to kisse them and to make the greatest demonstration of ioy and gladnesse that may be for their happie returne So in like maner when true Christians die depart out of this world where they are as it were at schoole to returne to their fathers house God himselfe is the first that biddeth them welcome and willeth them to enter into the ioy of their Lorde and Father Iesus Christ is the next which taketh leadeth them into the Pallace of the
and if they would yet God accepts them not but casts them away 4 Like as we know that in any common danger or perill as the sacking of a Citie or burning of an house if a man haue any pretious Iewell therein he will first fetch that out and make choyse of a faithfull friend to whose custodie he will commit the same Euen so in common perils and daungers we must alwayes remember to commit our Soules as a most precious Iewell into the hands of God who is a faithfull Creator Psal 31.5 Luk. 23.46 Act. 7.59 5 Euen as a little Bird shut vp in a Cage although it be very precious and costly and be made of Cedar Iuorie or Gold yet shee desireth to goe out and striueth to haue her libertie and in her eager and earnest desire to be gon shee doth oftentimes thrust her bill through the loupes of the Cage So likewise the Soule of a vertuous man inflamed with an vnfained loue of God beeing shut vp and holden in the coupe of his body although hee abound with all necessaries fit for the preseruation of this temporall life yet most earnestly desire to depart hence and to goe to his Counrie which is heauen 2. Cor. 5.2 Phil. 1.23 6 As the Soule hath a heauenly and the body an earthly beginning So the Soule is immortall and not suffering corruption the body is mortall and corruptible and yet be so ioyned together without confusion that in both remaineth his owne nature 7 As it were great folly to buy a house for the body laying out so much therupon that for want of goods and other maintenance the body so well housed must die for hunger Euen so a man shall get nothing by keeping his goods for to feede cloath the body which is the house of the Soule and in the meane time suffer the Soule to pine away and to die for hunger Math. 16.26 8 Like as it grieueth and maketh sorrowfull and expert Ieweller when he beholdeth and seeth those Iewels and precious stones which he with all his wit industrie and Art hath trimmed and polished to be tumbled and tossed in the foule and filthie fingers of children and fooles who neither knowing them nor esteeming them do soyle blemish and despise them Euen so our heauenly Father when he seeth our Soules the which hee hath created after his own similitude and likenesse to be in the middest and depth of the corrupted cogitations wicked and beastly thoughts and hellish imaginations of our hearts he taketh it heauily and in euill part Math. 9.4 15.18 Ezech. 11.5 9 As the Soule of Christ was receiued into Paradise the same day that it departed out of the body So also must we thinke of the blessed spirit Soules of the Saints according to the promise made to the theefe Luk. 23.42 Phil. 1. 2. 10 As a body without a Soule is cleane dead and nothing but a filthie loathsome carcasse Euen so the Soule vnlesse it stirre and rayse vp it selfe by prayer is dead and miserable 11 As they that haue healthfull bodies easily endure both cold and heate So they that haue a stayed and setled Soule haue the dominion ouer anger griefe ioy and all other their affections 12 As the body of man by nature is mortall lumpish and heauie delighting in those things which are visible temporall and alwayes of it selfe sinketh down-ward So the Soule being of a celestiall nature violently enforceth her selfe to flie vpward and with al her might striueth and wrastleth continually against the heauie burthen of the earthly body wherein she abideth despising those things which are mortall and onely desiring things permanent and immortall 13 Like as a man comforteth his earthly corruptible body with bread and meate when it is hungrie and with ale beere or wine when it is thirstie Euen so dooth the Soule of man when the lawsheweth to her her faults and eternall damnation and the dreadful iudgements of God for her offences comfort her selfe in her great hunger and thirst beleeuing that Almightie God hath forgiuen his sinnes for Christes sake 14 Euen as a man who by chance is fallen into a deepe drie pit far from succour cannot by any meanes possible help him selfe out vnlesse some man come with some ladder or other instrument to helpe him our desireth to bee deliuered out of the pit but by his owne wit he cannot tel how Euen so the Soule of man desireth to bee deliuered out of the sorrowful agony of death hell and damnation but she cannot tell how otherwise then by the righteousnesse of Christ Psal 42.1 2. Iohn 7.37 Slaunder 1 AS the hayres of the beast Tarandrus is not to be pearsed with any weapon So some men are such as are neuer hurt with Slaunder or reproach 2 Like as the Camelion can chaunge himselfe into all colours saue white Euen so the Slaunderer can frame his tongue to speake anything saue for his neighbors credit but that he can as hardly be induced vnto as the Leopard to chaunge his spots the Blacke-amore his skinne or the Bricke his colour 3 As the good name is to be much more esteemed then siluer So the wound of Slaunder defamation is almost incurable so that a mā may better beware of such as steale his goods then of the Slaunderer backbiter that taketh away his good name Numb 16. 1. c. 2. Sam. 16.3 Hest 3.8 1. Sam. 24.1 c. 2. Sam. 15. 1. c. Ioh. 7.20 Math. 11.19 4 As when a wound is cured there remaineth a scarce So against a Slaunder howsoeuer a man purge iustifie himselfe yet will there stil remaine an euill opinion at the least in some Psal 101.5 1. Cor. 4.6 6.10 5 Like as Cham the Father of the Canaanites hauing seene the shame of his Father Noah and in lieu of couering it hauing shewed it to his brethren was accursed both he and his posteritie by the mouth of his owne Father Euen so they who knowing the frailtie faults and infirmities and consequenly the shame and reproach of their brethren where they ought in charitie to couer the same doo neuerthelesse by backbiting and euil speaking lay them open doo well deserue to bee accursed with Cham and called Canaanites Gene. 9.22 Psal 50.19 20 21. Act. 24.5 1. Sam. 21.1 c. Psal 52.2 c. 6 Like as if when sundrie Faggots lie each by other thou shouldest kindle the one and so by degrees burne them all So likewise if he to whom thou hast opened thy mouth to Slaunder and backbite thy brother hath no more hold of his tongue then thou hast of thine so thou hast put into his hand a staffe wherwith by reuealing thy secret to bring thee into brabling and strife and therefore thou oughtest not to reueale that to an other which thou wouldest should be kept secret 7 As in a Country vppon any murther or other heinous trespasse they ring the Towne bell which when other Townes or Villages doo
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
in Affliction c. 16. As the father doth improperly punish his childe for his fault but properly and chiefly he respecteth his amendment and to haue him to leaue his former leaude wayes and to take a better course hereafter but the childe for his part when he is beaten must first consider his fault in saying This correction is for my lewde behauiour and so endeuour to amend and to doe better afterwards Euen so God in correcting vs doth not properly respect our sinnes but our reformation but wee our selues must find out a proper cause that is our sinnes For although that sinne is the beginning euen of all bodily diseases and chastisements yet it doth not follow that God alway respecteth their sinnes whom hee most sharpely punisheth as may appeare by the answere of Christ to his Disciples c. Iohn 9.1 2. 17 As a painefull and carefull Husbandman looketh diligently to all points of his businesse and bestoweth his industrie and labour in each respect as the time and season affoordeth and as the nature and qualitie of euery graine requireth in hope thereby to receiue a good encrease and plentifull crop Euen so God trieth each way by Afflictions to draw and bring al men of all sorts and conditions in this Theatre of the world to acknowledgement of their duties and desire of their saluation 18 Like as the Husbandman after hee hath plowed vp his land sowed it doth afterward harrow it and breake the hard clods thereof and after this reapeth thrasheth fanneth and searceth the chaffe from the corne and as he cutteth pruneth and loppeth his trees and keepeth them vnder least they should grow rugged or spread their boughs too farre out of course and order and finally as he graffeth planteth and teacheth his young Sients to be naturalized in another stocke then their owne So likewise doth God deale with men in this world punishing and afflicting some with losses hinderances and other tokens of his hidden iudgement for the better trial of their patience and constancie some though euill and wicked persons he tollerateth spareth and as it were winketh at in hope of their conuersion and amendment Deut. 8.2 3. Iudg. 10.13 15 16. 11.31 Heb. 12 5 6 7 8 9 10. 19 As children take patiently correction at their fathers hand though sometime it be preposterous and otherwise then it should be Euen so wee ought to take that crosse and Affliction patiently which God layeth vpon vs knowing that hee alwayes doth it for our good and comfort 1. Pet. 4.12 13. 20 As it is a common thing to trie golde and siluer by fire Euen so it should not seeme strange to the children of God to be tried by Afflictions 21 Like as there is nothing in heauen that pleaseth God so well as that honourable obedience that his Saintes do giue him in heauen So there is nothing vpon the earth so acceptable vnto him as when his Saintes vpon earth are readie to suffer for his sake Phil. 4.5 2. Tim. 2.3 Mar. 15.21 22 As the Iewes led our Sauiour Christ to be crucified they mette one Symon of Cyren the father of Alexander and Rufus and vpon him they layd the Crosse So likewise if any Affliction be layde vpon vs for Iesus Christ his sake wee must be well contented to carrie the same as Symon of Cyren was to beare the Crosse Matthew 16.24 Mat. 26 37 38 67. 27.46.50 Iob. 2.7 8 9. 23 As there were two Crosses prepared for our Sauiour Christ the one of passion as that woodden and materiall Crosse whereon his bodie suffered outwardly the other of compassion whereby his soule suffered inwardly So there is prepared a double crosse for euerie faithfull Christian the one of the soule the other of the bodie 24 As good Iesus was crucified by the bad Iewes so also hath God decreed that his children shal be afflicted in this world least they should be damned with this world 1. Cor. 11.32 25 As the Arke of Noah rose higher and higher by the swelling of the waters of the floud Gen. 7.17 Euen so the mindes of the righteous are brought neerer and neerer to God by persecution and Affliction 26 As blowing seemeth to disperse the flames and trouble them but yet maketh them burne more cleare Euen so Affliction though it be grieuous to the flesh yet it purgeth it of many sinnes and maketh the godly farre more excellent 27 As there is no comparison of one little water-drop to the whole huge Sea or of one small grayne of dust to the mountaine Imaus Euen so the light and short afflictions and troubles of this most short race are not worthy to be compared with the great and eternall glory of the life to come 2. Cor. 4.17.18 Rom. 8.18 28 As in the fining pot the goldsmith tryeth the siluer Pro. 17.3 27.21 So likewise doth God by troubles and affliction trie the hearts of men 29 As a seruant woorking abroad in the hotte Sunne Iob. 7.2 longeth for and is gladde of the coole shade So men in Affliction and miserie are glad of a litle ease 30 Like as if two children should fight and a man comming by should parte them and after beate the one and let the other go free euery man that seeth this will say that that child which he beats is his owne sonne Euen so when God chastiseth vs Heb. 12.7 hee sheweth himselfe vnto vs as a father if we submit our selues 31 As great and mightie fishes are not bred and fedde in small riuers and sweete waters but in the salt and bitter waters of the Seas So men that are excellent very famous by reason of the notable and manifold vertues wherewith they bee indued are not delighted in the false and deceitfull pleasures of this world but are nourished and as it were sweetly cherished and brought vp in Christ with very sowre sorrowes and bitter calamities which they endure most patiently beare for Gods sake 32 As to a valiant Souldiour nothing is more noble and worthy praise then to carrie the Armour and armes of his Prince So a true Christian man esteemeth nothing of greater valure and more honourable then to beare the armes and badges of Christ his Captaine that is to be throughly touched with great crosses many Afflictions and to be well armed with godly patience Gal. 6.17 2. Tim. 3.12 33 As a Phisitiō doth minister to his sick patients sowre and bitter potions to drinke that some hurtfull humor of their bodies may be expelled So God our heauenly father and Physition willing to cure the maladies and to salue the sores of our soules doth reach vnto vs many times the cup of Afflictions troubles and miseries that our sinnes and iniquities being taken away we may be restored to the former saluation of our soules 34 As he that would mortifie his greatest sinnes must beginne to do it with small sinnes which when they are once reformed a man shall
it but if the mother put wormewood or mustard vpon the breast the child sucking it and feeling the bitternesse he quite forsaketh it without sucking any more Euen so though Gods Preachers preach vnto vs and exhort vs to forsake the corrupt milke of the world and of the flesh yet we seeme deafe still and are alwayes backward vntill God put vpon these cursed teates the mustard and worme-wood of afflictions to weane vs. 50 Like as when we see the Carpenters strike with their axes vpon pieces of wood to square it or plane it and Masons to polish stones with the strokes of an hammer wee gather that these are stones and timber which the maister would imploy to some building Euen so let vs conclude of our selues that if God list vp vpon vs the axes and hammers of Afflictions to polish vs it is a manifest and sure testimonie that he hath chosen vs to put in the building of his temple and that so we are his children both well beloued and happie Heb. 12.6 1. Pet. 4.17 51 As he that despiseth the word and Sacraments despiseth them not onely but the Lord who is the author of them Euen so he that cannot away with Afflictions and temptations eyther of body or minde but counteth them miserable and not to be suffered despiseth them not only but the Lord himself who hath appointed them as means to work in vs that excellent vertue of patience Iam. 11.2.3 52 As the Goldsmith knoweth how much drosse hee hath and how much cleane and fine gold by the trying of it in the fire Euen so we shall know what portion of faith the Lorde hath giuen to vs by Afflictions and troubles and what drosse and imperfections remaine in vs as infidelitie which when we know perfectly we must learn by the word of God and so heartily and earnestly pray him to redresse it 53 As Myrrhe doth keepe mens bodies from corrupting and preserueth them from putrifaction and rottennesse Euen so it is most true in the children of God that Afflictions and calamities taken borne patiently do profit preuaile much to keepe their soules from the corruption and canker of greeuous euils Iohn 16.20.21 2. Cor. 1.8 Reue. 7.14 54 Euen as a bitter potion is not said to be vnprofitable nor without hope when health soundnes doth follow althogh it be exceeding bitter to him that taketh it so sharp and pinching Afflictions troubles and calamities wherewith the Lord doth exercise his children now and then are not to be counted idle and in vaine when some peace of conscience and comfort vnto our soules do follow that when the iustice of God is seene many may be amended and the faith and patience of many may be tried For nothing is more auaileable for the aduancing of the praise and commendation of true vertue then calamitie it selfe taken and borne patiently for Christs sake 55 As the intangled bird cannot escape out of the net that coÌ„passeth her eueÌ„ so no more can we wind our selues out of those Afflictions that God layeth vpon vs. Lament 1.13 56 Like as a man that hath two sonnes the one an earnest louer of vertue strong in body and of a mightie courage the other depraued and of crooked disposition enclined to effeminate pleasures wanton delights weak in body and of litle or no courage the first he sendeth out to wars and doth aduenture him in perils and dangers of all sorts that he may exercise acquaint him with the labors troubles toiles of the world the other he cockereth and maketh too much of him hee suffereth him to haue all things at his will he is kept at home and as it were dandled vpon his mothers lap but at the last he that in all his affaires and dangerous aduentures did in euerie point quite himselfe like a man of great valor and noble courage receiued togither with great praise and deserued honour a most high and noble reward but hee that was pampered and cockered at home had neither praise reward nor honor Euen so our heauenly father doth lead men that are stroÌ„g and constant in faith through diuers and sundrie perils and dangers doth draw them as it were with his owne hand throgh bitter anguishes great perplexities and narrow sleights of calamities miseries and temptations and doth continually exercise them with fearefull combats against the enemies of their soules and through many and great labours infinite sturdie stormes and bitter blasts doth strengthen and confirme them in vertue and godlynesse but the fraile and wicked men of the world such as are meere naturall without any delight or comfort in his word and are no whit seasoned nor cheared with the dewes of his grace and his most blessed spirit he permitteth them to be in great prosperitie and to haue all things at their will and pleasure without smarting sighing sobing and groning for want or lack of any thing that their hearts can deuise or desire but at the length in the end of the day they that haue striuen hard and fought manfully and haue in battell ouercome the flesh the world and the diuell shall be receiued into endlesse saluation euerlasting life eternal glorie they which haue laid downe their heads and slept in the bosomes of worldly pleasures and haue slumbred in foule and filthy idlenesse neuer caring nor thinking what will follow nor remembring the dreadfull day of iudgement when the wicked shall heare their damnation denounced by Christ they then shall bee vtterly condemned reprobated and cast into euerlasting and endlesse miseries Then shall most plainely bee seene and felt the losse that fleshly pleasures bring and the profit of Afflictions and crosses carried and borne for our Sauiour Christ his sake 57 As Wheate or other corne and graine laid vp and kept in a garner seller or chamber if it be not stirred and dressed with a shouel or fan will be full of corruption lose the sweete sauour wax vnwholesome for mans body and will be consumed of weeuelles Or as apparell orgarments being laid close vp in a presse or other place if they bee not much shaken beaten and tossed will be eaten and spoyled with moathes Euen so Christians if they be not tried with temptatious throghly exercised with calamities miseries wil be very quickly moÌ„strously corrupted and wil grow to be so rotten in all maner of sin and iniquitie that they will shrinke fall quite from the Lord but being wel proued canuased and throghly tried with many crosses afflictions troubles one following in the necke of an other they become the firmer stronger and more constant in the faith fear and loue of â—od and so manfully fighting couragiously ouercomming the aduersaries and enemies of their soules they shall at the length be crowned with an euerlasting crowne of eternall glorie 2. Timo. 2.3.5 1. Cor. 10.13 58 As a father giueth vnto his sonne whom hee loueth dearely a breast-plate or stomacher verie costly and
the sea which of his name is yet called the Icarian sea Euen so the Ambitious the higher they rise in glorie the more they approach the heate of Gods wrath and so do melt and fall into the gulfe of eternall confusion Act. 12.21 1. Pet. 5.5 4 As he that is condemned to be hanged hath no liking of the Ladder because he knoweth that the higher hee climbeth the nearer he is to his death and therfore could be content the ladder should be either broken or burned if he might haue his desire Euen so ought wee to detest Ambition and pride and endeauour to denie and mortifie the same as knowing that to desire greatnesse is to desire mishap and that pride and arrogancie is the highest step where-from man is cast headlong into vtter ruine Math. 23.12 2. Sam. 18.9 2. King 11.1.15 5 As a man hath no cause to boast of his wickednesse and miserie So in his vertues doth his Ambition pride grow take encrease and nourishment causing him many times the more vertue he is endued with the more to be proud 6 As poison put into good and wholesome meate maketh it mortall so Ambition and pride taking occasion of Gods graces to boast it self doth by such sacriledge turne vs vnto destruction 7 As the Peacocke so full of faire feathers hauing only two foule feet standing proudly in the circle and contemplation of his bewtiful traines so soone as he seeth his feet which he thinketh to be foule straight humbleth himself and abateth and seeketh to hide his feathers euen so much more ought euerie good Christian by the feeling sight and apprehension of many his foule sinnes and vices and corrupt and peruerse passions that raigne in him to humble himselfe and to abate his Ambition and pride ingendered of a few feathers which haue onely some small beginning and appearance of bewtie 8 As the more directly that the Sunne lieth vpon vs the lesse is the shadowe of our bodie as at noone wee may see by experience and a little before and after Euen so the lesse that we arrogate and ambitiously boast of our selues the greater gifts and graces of God are wee endued withall 1. Cor. 4.7 9 Like as men would laugh at a poore man if hauing precious garments lent him to act and play the part of some honourable personage vpon a stage when the play were at an ende he should keepe them as his owne and bragge vp and downe in them Euen so such are they to whom God imparteth his gifts and graces when in lieu of yeelding the praise and glorie of the same to him that is the author and giuer of them they ambitiously assume and take it to themselues 10 As a tree the higher it is the greater force the winde hath of it and euerie little blast will bee puffing at it so that the sooner and greater is the fall thereof So the Ambitious man the higher he climeth the greater is his fall Of sumptuousnesse and excesse in Apparell 1 AS those that build faire Sepulchers for their dead corps whereas it should be a warning to them that they must die and therevpon cause them to reiect all Ambition pride and vanitie yet thereof they take occasion to vaunt and boast So likewise whereas our garments should be a continuall memorie of sinne to humble vs yet we as if we would euen spite God do procure sumptuous and gorgious Apparell to testifie our Ambition and pride 2 As a Theefe by lawe burned in the forehead for theft ought so oft as he looketh in a glasse and perceiueth the skarre thereof to thinke vpon and detest his inclination to that vice So our garments being as the skarre in the forehead of our first parents and our selues for their Ambition in that they sought to be like vnto God should by the onely sight of them put vs in minde to renounce all pride and Ambition Gene. 3.7.21 Esay 3.18 3 As euerie seede bringeth forth hearbes or fruite according to his kinde as Lettice seed Lettice Thistle seede Thistles Euen so if the heart be humble and modest the garment for the body will be euen so but if the heart be proud and Ambitious it will shew forth some kinde of excesse and pride in Apparell notwithstanding whatsoeuer lawes to the contrarie 4 As the body being of more valew then the garment we will sell or pawne forth the garment for to feede the body Euen so ought we to leaue all affection to bewtifie our bodies the better to tend to the adorning of our soules 1. Pet. 3.3.4.5 1. Timo. 2.9 5 Like as if wee dwell in a borrowed house looking weekely when we must depart we will neuer trouble our selues with any cost or fitting of it as we would do if we were sure to remaine in it all the dayes of our liues Euen so for so much as the body is but a house lent vnto the soule from whence it looketh daily to depart there is no reason then why we should be so carefull to cloathe this body with braue and costly Apparell which shortly must rot and perish and so to neglect the soule which is immortall 6 As men commonly do care to be more honestly apparrelled when they are to meete at some banquet or marriage or to come before some honorable personages then ordinarily when they company with inferiours Euen so in like manner wee as concerning our bodies doo accompanie with men like vnto our selues but as concerning our soule with God and his Angels to whom it is lifted vp now by faith but at death really therefore it is repugnant to all order and reason to care more for the bewtifying of the body with sumptuous Apparell then adorning of the soule 7 Like as if a Taylor when he hath made a garment a great deale too long and large being reproued shall haue no excuse but that he had too much stuffe but this shift will not be accepted for they would tell him that he should haue made the garment after the measure of the body but not according to the quantitie of the stuffe Euen so they that haue plentie of goods and do not imploy them after the measure of their vocation and as beseemeth the profession of a reformed Religion but wasteth them in superfluitie and excesse do expose and set themselues to the skorne and greeuous reprehension both of God and his Angels Luk. 16.1.2 Sopho. 1.8 Application of Gods word 1 AS Phisitions do heale diuers diseases with diuers things as necessitie requireth So the word of God must be rightly applied according to the qualitie of the sinnes of the people 2 As a carefull and skilfull Surgion who hauing Patients that are diseased with sundry greeuous woundes and sores and hauing prouided drawing Plaisters and Corasiues for the same dooth not commit them to his Patients that they should lay and applie them to their sores and wounds least they should withdraw and keepe backe the same plaisters from their sores and wounds and
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
exercised and our hope augmented 12 As the sauorie salt consumeth away the corruption from the vnsauorie meate Euen so affliction consumeth and purgeth away the corruption of Christians in seasoning their liues to all profitable vses for by it wee are knowne both within and without to our selues and to other men 13 Like as the Physition is necessary vnto the sicke or the biting corasiue vnto the festered sore or the sharpe lancere vnto the mollified matter So likewise without all cōparison the crosse and Affliction is more necessary vnto a Christian For by it the sickenesse of sinne is remoued the fleshly lustes cured and the superfluous humours of earthly pleasures are cut away 14 Euen as no man euer sawe the head go into a place one way and the members another way vnles they were diuided and cut off So in like manner Iesus Christ our head entered into the Kingdome of his father by ignominie reproofe shame slaunder rayling persecution Affliction and the Crosse and therefore we his members if we continue the members of his bodie must enter in by the same way and none other Matth. 10.24.25 Iohn 15.18.19.20 15 As the fiery bush that Moses saw in the mount Oreb Exo. 3.2 3. which bush for all that it was on a flaming fire yet did it not consume Or as the shining worme that beeing cast into the fire doth not perish nor consume but contrariwise is thereby purged from filth more beautifull then if it were washed with all the water of the world Euen so such Christians as are cast into the fire of Affliction are not consumed but purged tryed and purified 16 As the child is glad when the father smileth vpon him and speaketh comfortably vnto him although hee beats him So let vs be glad and reioyce when our heauenly Father doth smile vpon vs in giuing vs the assurance of his loue although he doth afflict vs. 17 As the Physition or Surgion bindeth him fast that is vexed with a frenzie stirs him vp that is troubled with the disease of Lytharge putteth them both to vexation and yet loueth them both being not onely desirous to restore health vnto them both but also applies very diligently his whole Arte and studie in curing of these thinges Euen so God although he be sometime sharpe and seuere in afflicting and punishing his yet doth hee most louingly by such meanes procure saluation vnto his elect Adulterie 1 LIke as Tumblers seates are called trickes but it may be by their sport as it sometimes falleth out they may breake their neckes Euen so Adultrie fornication and such filthinesse howsoeuer it be counted a tricke of youth yet it is such a tricke as they may thereby without repentance condemne themselues 2 As a man before God killeth his neighbour if hee hate him yea if he do not loue him and of loue keepe himselfe both from doing hurt and also bee ready and prepared to helpe his brother at his neede Euen so the consent of the heart with all other meanes that follow thereof be as well Adulterie before God as the deede it selfe Matth. 5.27 Adams fall came not to passe without the decree and ordinance of God 1 AS a man may giue a litle child some smal stripe with a rod without the parents appointment which notwithstanding they wold peraduenture dissemble winke at but none dare vndertake to cut him of the stone or to cut off any limbe without the fathers good will and authoritie Euen so the greater that the importance of Adams transgression was in that it tended to destroy and ouerthrow so excellent a worke of God namely man created to his image the more are we to beleeue that it was neuer done without his counsel or decree 1. Sam. 2.6 Amo. 3.6 Iere. Lam. 3.38 Psal 104. 105. 106. 107. 136. toto 2 As a Sparrow falleth not to the ground without the will of God Mat. 10.29 Euen so Adam being so excellent a creature created after the Image of God could not take so horrible a fall without his prouidence and decree Act. 4.27.28 2.23 Amendment of life necessarie 1 LIke as if a Marchant seemeth willing to trust an other that is readie to be banquerout with all his goods one warning will be inough to reclaime him ye shall not need to pray him to beware or to alleadge many reasons to withhold him the onely feare of apprehension of the losse of all his goods will be a reason and exhortation sufficient Euen so then when Iesus Christ saith Be ye better aduised that is amend and note that by offending God and so taking the way to hell we endaunger our selues yea wee doo euen assure our selues to loose both bodies and soules for euer It is therefore meere madnesse and vngratefull rage to continue and not to be wiser and better aduised that we may conuert to God and by amendment preserue our bodies and soules vnto life euerlasting Math. 3.2 4.7 2 As litle children are nursed vp to the end they may grow great and waxe strong and it were a wonder to see a childe continue as litle and weake as at the birth Euen so if we who being members of the Church of Christ and consequently entred into the path that leadeth to the Kingdome of heauen and daily do receiue the foode of Gods word and Sacraments should not encrease in faith working in loue and Amendment of life it were a great ingratitude and vnexcusable obstinacie which should not escape vnpunished to stand still in the way and not to go forward Aduersitie ought to make vs more faithfull and godly 1 LIke as the more one forceth to take away a staffe which I hold in my hand while I am awake so much more the faster I shut it in and hold it the harder that it may not bee taken away from mee Euen so the more the diuell endeuoureth to take faith from vs by tribulations so much the more do wee meditate on the promises of God to holde it fast and the more hee thrusteth at vs to ouercome vs so much the more strongly wee leane vpon the staffe of Faith to ouercome his assaults The Aduersitie of the faithfull is not aboue their patience that God giueth AS the Lord our most good and mercifull father doth according to his infinite wisedome and endlesse compassion prepare his people vnto himselfe trying what they will beare for his names sake Euen so hee doth not assay them aboue that he makes them able to beare but armes them beyond the thoughtes of the heart of man till he send them full deliueraunce of all euill and troubles Aduersitie bridleth our wicked appetites and maketh vs more obedient 1 AS wilde and fierce horses are woont to be broken with the hardnesse of the bridle and sharpnesse of the bit So our vntamed lusts and vnbridled appetites are hampered and brought within the compasse of reason with the bridle of Aduersitie troubles sorrowes and afflictions 2
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
the eye is not in all places that the sight dooth reach vnto As wee knowe that seueritie and mercie are in God so ioyntly ioyned together that the one cannot be seperated from the other and yet they that feele his seueritie doo not feele his mercie that is to say those whom he doth according to his righteous iudgement punish euerlastingly in hell fire them doth he vtterly banish and put away from his bounteous goodnesse and mercie Euen so although the Diuinitie and humanitie of Christ be so lincked and ioyned together that wheresoeuer the one is it doth not therfore follow that the other is there also For the godhead of Christ can be euerie where and in more places then in one at once but his manhood cannot be euerie where nor in moe places then one at once Bread and Wine in the Lords Supper do no more change their substance nor qualities then the water in Baptisme 1 AS in the Sacrament of Baptisme the substance of water remaineth still So likewise in the Lords Supper remaineth the substance of Bread and Wine 2 As in Baptisme is giuen vnto vs the holy Ghost and pardon of our sinnes which yet lie not lurking or inclosed in the water so in the Lords Supper is giuen vnto vs the Communion of Christes body and bloud that is grace forgiuenesse of sinnes innocencie life immortalitie without any transubstantiation or including of the same in the Bread Mar. 16.19 Luk. 24.6.51 Act. 1.9.10 Iohn 12.8.26 3 As by Baptisme the old man is put off and the new man put on yea * Gal. 3.27 Christ is put on but without transubstantiation or chaunging of the water Euen so it is in the Lords Supper wee by faith spiritually in our soules do feede on Christs Body broken do eate his flesh and drinke his bloud do dwell in him and he in vs but without transubstantiation Bookes 1 AS Theeues be loth to assault an house where they know to be good Armour and Artillerie so wheresoeuer the Bookes of the holy Scriptures be wel occupied and exercised there neither the diuell nor any of his angels dare come neare 2 Like as Smithes Masons Carpenters and other handie craftsmen what need soeuer they be in or what shift soeuer they make will not sell or lay to pledge the tooles of their occupation for then they could not worke or follow their trade and so get their liuing So likewise euerie good Christian ought to be like minded and affectioned towards the Bookes of the Prophets Apostles and other holy writers inspired by the holy Ghost the instruments of their saluation and therefore not to sell or pawne them away 3 As vnto those precious stones the greatest price is due which not onely with their colours do delight the eyes but also are of effect for medicines So vnto those Bookes is the chiefest praise due which in them do not onely containe pleasant speech and eloquent but also that do deliuer the minde from all vice and corruption 4 Like as one dish of meate well chewed and digested will comfort nature more then diuerse delicates that lie rawe and vndigested in the stomacke Euen so one good Booke often and throughly read will do thy soule more good then the superficiall sight and taste of a thousand 5 Like as no wise man will receiue a writing for the least plotte of grounde without the counsell of some learned Lawier nor a medicine for his body without the aduise of some learned Phisition Euen so much more ought a Christian not to venture vpon a Booke wherein may be some damnable errour which may conuey from him his heauenly inheritance or some deadly poyson which may kill his soule without the direction of some godly Diuine 6 As vnto men of diuers complexions and affections God hath giuen choise of meates and varietie of apparell So likewise many Bookes to one ende are published and set forth by sundrie men in diuers fashions and with a diuers gift order and facilitie that hee whom one Booke sauoureth not might yet like the taste of an other Our second Birth LIke as we see the naturall Body from the first Birth to receiue diuers members and euerie member diuers offices vses as it is the vse of the eye to see good or euill and of the hand to take vnto it that which is good and to remoue from the Body that which is euill Euen so in the second Birth we receiue new members whereof euerie one hath his diuerse vse and function as knowledge of the will of God hope loue faith which is as it were the hand reaching vnto vs all the mercifull promises of GOD in Christ whereby we are so surely ioyned in affection to the Lord that by nothing we can be seperated Cares of the world hurtfull AS a Clocke can neuer stand still from running so long as the peases and plummets doo hang thereat Euen so a worldly man hauing infinite Cares cogitations and anxieties hanging vpon his minde as waights vpon the Clocke can neuer haue rest or quiet day or night but is enforced to beate his braines when other men sleepe for the compassing of those trifles wherwith he is encombred Carelesse keepers of Gods commandements AS the Scribes and Pharisies that came from Ierusalem picked a quarell against our Sauiour Christ because his Disciples did eate with vnwashed hands wherby they transgressed as they said the tradition of the Elders Our Sauiour Christ in defence of his Disciples chargeth the Scribes and Pharisies which were so zealous to maintaine their owne ceremonies that they were carelesse to breake the commaundements of God Euen so it commeth to passe alwaies that they which are most earnest in vpholding and defending traditions and ceremonies inuented by man are most forgetfull in keeping the commaundements of God But this is the iust iudgement of GOD against those that inuent a new worship of their owne braine That first they loose their labour and secondly that they are depriued of all-right vnderstanding because they haue presumed to be wiser then God Whom the word of God condemneth Esa 29.13 14. 6.9 Math. 13.14 Act. 28.26 Rom. 11.8 Iohn 12.40 Carnall minded men AS with a leaude and naughtie Companion if wee keepe companie we shall learne no good but rather be readie to be infected with his sinne and vice Euen so if wee suffer our selues to be acquainted with the flesh and vse it as a companion in all our dealings and yeeld vnto it we shall then be sure to learne no good of it for the flesh prouoketh vs to whordome to drunkennes to wantonnesse c. Now if we shall acquaint our selues with the flesh we shall learne those things which tend to our destruction Gal. 6.8 Rom. 8.12 13 14 15 16. Tit. 2.12 The Cause of Gods plagues are diligently to be searched out LIke as the Phisition seeing in a glasse by the water the disease within the body by skill and learning searches out the cause of
the disease and ministers good things for the same Euen so wee in looking into the glasse of Gods word shall soone perceiue the diseases and sinnes which are in vs and the cause thereof and so wholesomely minister some profitable and comfortable remedies for the same Euill Company hurtfull 1 AS whole and sound eies with beholding and looking on sore eyes be annoyed and hurt so good and honest folkes be oftentimes stained and hurt with the Company of wicked men 2 Like as a naturall Father will not willingly suffer his childe to come into a place where he may be in daunger to take hurt of his body either by infection of the plague or otherwise Euen so much more a Christian Father is bound in conscience to keepe his childe and the rest of his familie from leaud and wicked Companie where euen their soules should be hurt and poysoned 3 As it is a folly or madnesse to shut our doores against those who bring the plague which infecteth only our bodies So likewise it is a much greater folly and madnesse to set open our doores to swearers blasphemers ribaldous talkers and vngodly liuers who infect both soule and body 4 As sweete waters are corrupted and spoiled when they run into waters which are sault bitter or vnwholsome Euen so that man which ioyneth himself in friendship and doth couple himselfe in familiaritie with wicked and vngodly men becommeth wicked and vngodly himselfe and is stained and blemished with their vices although heretofore hee had beene enclined to vertue and godlinesse 1. Cor. 5.6 5 Euen as the Riuer Hypanis which is very famous and much spoken of because of the clearenesse sweetnesse of the water of the same after that it receiueth into it the bitter and troubled waters of the Fountaine Erampes is poysoned and made vnprofitable So likewise many men of great and excellent wits which did flowe with the pure and pleasant waters of vertues when they haue fallen into the societie and familiaritie of vngracious leaude and godlesse men haue bene poysoned with the leaudnesse of their liues and the loosenesse of their conditions 6 As rotten Apples do corrupt those sound ones that do touch them and lie close to them Euen so the euill manners and bad conditions of the vngodly do infect those that keep them companie Psal 1.1 26.4 5. Mar. 14.67 1. Cor. 15.33 7 As a Looking Glasse though it be most cleare and cleane with the foule breath of those that blowe vpon it is obscured and dimmed Euen so a man that is honest vertuous and godly with continuall custome acquaintance and familiaritie of dishonest vngodly gracelesse men is oftentimes corrupted infected and blemished Ecclesi 13.1 Deu. 7.1 2. 8 Like as if it do happen that a Planet otherwise verie beneuolent wholsome shall be ioyned to other stars or Planets which are maleuolent of bad influence it also wil send forth influence that is euill and vnwholsome Euen so a man that is vertuously giuen wel bent to godlines if he take ioyne vnto him prophane wicked vngodly men into much acquaintance familiarity he also at length will become prophane and vngodly as they be 9 As one scabbed sheep infecteth many other Or as a litle poison spoileth a great deale of meat and drinke Or as some fewe infected with the plague may infect a whole house towne or countrey Euen so the familiaritie and company of the wicked infecteth and hurteth the godly because there can be no true concord betwixt the sons of wisdome and the sonnes of folly 2. Cor. 6.14 Pro. 29.27 10 As men are woont in their owne bodies if so be any part thereof be festered with an incurable disease they cut off the same not because they neglect or hate their bodies but that they may preserue their other parts from infection So also ought we to deale we must cut and shake off wicked and obstinate sinners from our societie and companie that wee bee not infected by them 11 As some little creatures do bite vs but we scarcely seele it but afterwards we shall well perceiue that they haue bitten vs So in like manner though we perceiue not the hurt that commeth by ill company at the first yet we shall finde it afterwards 12 As in a generall distemperature and corruption of the ayre it is hard euen for him that hath an healthfull and strong constitution of body to auoyde sicknesse So likewise it is in euill Company in corrupt ages and places very hard to liue vnspotted of the world Act. 2.40 Math. 24.12 13 As one that walketh in the sunne shall be sunburnt though the end of his walking in it be not to be sunburnt So likewise will it be with those that keepe Companie with the wicked 2. Cor. 6.14 15 16 17. Ephe. 5.11 Catechising 1 LIke as a Childe that learneth the A B C when he hath once learned his Letters is yet readie to learne the same againe Euen so many Parishioners are so forgetfull that when they are past one principle and point of Religion that they must yet be brought backe againe to the same Hebr. 5.12 13 14. 2 As weake and young Infants must haue milke giuen them and not strong meate Euen so many rude people must haue the rudiments and first beginnings of Religion rather taught them then higher points which their capacitie cannot yet digest 1. Cor. 3.2 3 As there is litle hope that a childe that cannot abide to eate milke and other liquid and nourishing meate will liue long for hee cannot then brooke stronger meate Euen so those people must needes perish that will not nor cannot abide to learne the principles and least points of Christianitie much lesse can they brooke higher points 4 As that Schoolemaister which still commaundeth his schollers saying learne this learne this and yet neuer calleth them to account how the same is learned may assure himselfe that his schollers will haue but a slender regard to be perfect in that which he commandeth because they thinke they shall neuer be examined how they haue profited Euen so falleth it out with the Minister towards his Parishioners that although he be verie diligent to Preach vnto them the principles of Christian Religion yet if he be not carefull to Catechise and examine them particularly therein there will come and appeare litle profit or none at all by his labours as experience proueth the same Originall Corruption 1 AS children take of their Parents their originall and naturall qualities and conditions Euen so they receiue with the same Originall Corruption of nature which commeth by Originall sinne 2 Like as corne although it be neuer so cleane winnowed and purged from chaffe yet when it is sowen the same seede will be full of chaffe againe vntill it be winnowed and made cleane Euen so be children borne full of chaffe and Corruption of originall sinne vntill that by Baptisme in the bloud of Christ through the wonderfull operation of the
holy Ghost and be drawn from the loue of themselues and of worldly things vnto the pure loue of God as their Parents were A briefe Comparison of the sinnes that raigned in the people in the time of the Prophet Zephania with the like sinnes in the people of our time 1 AS in the time of the Prophet there were many and foule finnes and vices then raigning and ouerflowing amongst the people Euen so likewise are there now many greeuous sins and offences amongst vs. 2 As the people then presumed vpon their blinde and dead faith and counterfeit repentance and hypocriticall and faigned prayers So also the common people now presume vppon theyr idle faith thinking themselues as good Christians as the best if so bee that they can say by heart the Articles of theyr Beleefe the Lords Prayer and the tenne Commaundements and thinke that they repent verie well if they come to the Church on the Sabboth dayes and other holy dayes and say the Confession after their Minister although they bee neuer touched with any remorse or feeling of any one sinne yet they suppose they haue repented sufficiently and so likewise of Prayer 3 Like as in the Prophets time when the people were thus ouerwhelmed with their blinde faith counterfeit repentance and hypocriticall Prayers then the Lord in mercie sent his Prophets vehemently and sharply to reproue them and to denounce the iudgement of God against them Euen so the Lord of his vnspeakable goodnesse hath raised vp many famous and zealous Preachers in our dayes to exclaime and crie out against the manifold wickednesse now raigning amongst vs and to threaten vs with the vengeance of God for the same 4 As there were alwayes some good Prophets that would reprooue sinne and iniquitie in all estates without respect of persons so there was also some false and fawning Prophets and Preachers that would soothe vp the people with sweete and flattering words and dawbe them vp with vntempered morter telling them that there was peace and all was well and that they were in a very good case when indeede destruction was euen at hand Euen so in like manner as wee haue many faithfull Preachers that will boldly reprooue sinne in all estates so also wee haue many such clawbackes and flattering Ministers who doo soothe vp their Parishioners making them beleeue that they are as good Christians as the best and that they may be partakers of the Lords Supper if so be that they can say the Lordes prayer the Articles of their Beleefe and the tenne Commaundements yea and though they vnderstand not what the Sacraments meane neither wherefore nor yet to what end they were ordained nor what profit they should haue by worthily receiuing the same and if so be that they come to the Church at times appointed and heare the Seruice read although they returne home againe as wise as they came and haue profited no more in knowledge then the seates that they sat on yet these are good people say they and obedient and dutifull subiects 5 Euen as in the Prophets time the people then excused themselues for not comming to heare their Sermons because there were some Priests and false Prophets that did bend and set themselues with all their force to contrarie and gainsay that doctrine which the true Prophets did deliuer vnto the people wherevpon the people said that they could not agree amongst themselues therfore they would not heare them So likewise a number of people do now say after the like sort go about to excuse themselues saying we wil not heare them because they cannot agree among themselues for one say they Preacheth of this thing to day an other against it the next day some allow of one thing to day othersome disallow of the same so that say they we cannot tell which to follow or whom to beleeue but such as would be accounted good Christians ought to be growen to such knowledge and iudgement in the word of God that they be able to discerne and iudge who preacheth sound Doctrine and who teacheth corrupt and so to trie the spirits c. 1. Iohn 4.1 Christ Communicated to vs by a spirituall maner 1 AS we verily take and eate the bread and wine by a naturall maner the which incontinent after by digestion turneth into our substance and nourishment of our corporall life So likewise as verily although by a spirituall and celestiall maner and not with mouth and teeth is Iesus Christ himselfe which is now in heauen on the right hand of his Father communicated vnto vs 1. Cor. 10.16 that we may be flesh of his flesh Eph. 5.30 that is to say beeing knit and incorporated with him by faith Iohn 17.21 22 23. our soules and our bodies doo attaine to eternall life Col. 2.12 yea euen whilest wee be in this world his spirit doth sanctifie and gouerne our bodies and soules to dedicate and sacrifice all our life to his seruice and to the loue of our neighbours for the loue of him 2 As no man will denie a mans wife to be with her husband one body and flesh although hee be at London and she at Yorke So likewise it cannot truly be denied that the coupling of Christes body and bloud to the Sacrament is a spirituall thing and therefore there needes not any such carnall presence as the Papists doo imagine Education of Children 1 LIke as fruitfull fieldes for lacke of tillage waxe barren Or as trees being neglected either bring forth no fruite or else the same vnsauorie without the diligence of graffing and pruning Or as dogges be vnmeet to hunt the horse and Oxen vnapt to the plough except mans diligence be put thereto Euen so Children would become wilde and vnprofitable except by diligence and in due time they should be fashioned and brought in order by good bringing vp 2 Like as planting and carefulnesse hath great power in all growing things Euen so hath Education greater vertue and strength yea and better fruite in the diligent bringing vp of Children 3 Like as Noblemen and Gentlemen are desirous to haue a good and skilfull horsekeeper that can keepe their horses well and they spare not to giue great stipends to such Euen so how much more ought Christian Parents be desirous to haue and maintaine a good Schoolemaister that might godlily bring vp their children in vertue and wisedome 4 Like as if a horse be not well broken or haue any euill qualitie the owner will be carefull to see it remedied and that he may be made gentle So likewise godly Parents seeing their naturall childe euill brought vp ought to be much more carefull that he may be brought to some good order 5 As there be some men who can easily see and spie a spauine a sprent a ringbone or such other disease in a horse Euen so much more ought a good Father be as readie to looke that there be no faults in his Children or in the teacher vnto whome hee committeth the
the liquor So it is with the Creature when God doth appeare in perfect glory in regard wherof the Angels themselues are said to couer their faces least they should behold it how much more then hath man who is but dust and ashes and whose life is in his nosethrils iust cause of feare Esa 6.2 Psal 29.3 c. 2 As the Aduouterous Woman hath no more to doo with her husband nor with any thing of his for because of the transgression of this principall law and Couenant and the breach of the faith of Wedlocke Euen so they haue no more to do in the Couenant of God which by worship of other â—ods haue broken the chiefe point thereof and loosed the faith due vnto one God alone Deut. 5.6 7. 3 Like as if a man would take to his wife a common woman out of the open stewes and would first of all prescribe vnto her in this sort If thou wilt abide in this fellowship of our Wedlocke first it is necessarie that thou abstaine from all other men and keepe the faith and Couenant of marriage whole and vnbroken onely to mee else thou canst not bee my wife nor I thy husband if thou doo with mee take others and returne vnto thy accustomed filthinesse of whoredome So likewise the Lord dealt with the Israelites who were vsed before in Egypt to the worshipping of other Gods who charged them first to cast away the gods which their fathers serued in Mesopotamia and in Egypt and to serue and worship him onely otherwise he would be no God to them nor they a people for him Iosua 24.14 And so the case is now betwixt God and vs. Church 1 AS a Ship in the midest of the Sea goeth not toward the hauen vnlesse it haue a prosperous gale of winde Euen so the Church of God goeth not to his wished hauen to wit the Kingdome of heauen vnlesse it be blowne with the Spirit of God and directed and set on by the same spirit 2 As a woman that is barren yet after a long time childeth Euen so it is with the people of God though they be neuer so fewe and the Church neuer so small yet God will multiplie and increase it 3 As the flowers of water Betonye with the leaues and sprigs though they die often and yearely yet the roote is ay-lasting from which they come and to which they belong so though discipline and the outward bewtie of the Church change and often die yet the Church is lasting and of all continuance 4 As in the blew Lysimachus Cowe-wheate and winter Sauorie and likewise the Affodill the lower partes and braunches of them begin to flower So in many Churches and families the inferior persons begin to professe God first and shewe foorth themselues by an holy profession 5 As the hearbe Sophia groweth especially and best where as there hath bene in times hast any building now laide waste So many cannot grow well and waxe rich inough without the Church be laid waste many growe best where they haue pulled downe all but the Church groweth best where Poperie is vtterly defaced and pulled downe 6 As the flowers of Goates-beard and Sansprge do alwaies bend toward the Sunne So the Church bendeth alwaies to Christ 7 As by the description of the Facon and nature of the true Meum the common vsed is found counterfeit So by the description of the true Church the common reputed is found false 8 As the diseases of the body be of two sorts some cureable and some incureable which are to death So the Church though it be subiect to sundrie falles cannot erre in foundation to death for the errors of Gods children be cureable 9 As where the dead carkasse is thither resort the Eagles Euen so where are men that truly beleeue in Christ there is the Church 10 As false and counterfeit Coyners who would not haue men to know and discerne their money by the finenesse of Gold and Siluer and by the touchstone but by the waight by the sound by the stampe by the colour which they may easily falsifie Euen so our aduersaries the Papists would make vs beleeue that the true Church cannot be knowne by these two markes to wit the sincere preaching of the word and the administration of the Sacraments according to the institution of Christ but rather by certaine outward markes to wit by antiquitie multitude succession of places and persons by miracles and reuelations which markes in very deed are common both to the pure and sound Church and also to the impure and corrupt Church 11 Like as if one should tie or fasten to the body of a man some peece of flesh bone or sinew were it done neuer so cunningly yet that should not be counted or called any part or member of that body seeing it receiueth neither life nor motion from the soule thereof but doth wholly depend vpon the cunning and workemanship therof So we confesse that here vpon earth is a Church a fellowship and communion of Saincts that is to say the congregation of the faithfull not gathered together by the will of man humane reason or worldly inuension but thorow the holy Ghost not tied or limited to any one place but distributed according to Gods good will and pleasure to the which Church hypocrites and such like are ioyned and tyed but not vnited or participating like as members thereof Mat. 16.17 1. Cor. 12.3 12 As a heape of wheate though it haue chaffe in it is yet called wheate or as a tunne of Wine though it haue Lees in it is yet called wine or as a field wherein tares appeare with the wheate is a corne field Euen so the visible Church is the Church though it consisteth of good and bad and be mixed of the elect and reprobate yet are they called Gods Church for the elect sake and haue their denomination from the better not the bigger part Math. 25.32 3.12 13.47 2. Timo. 2.20 13 Like as a wife is a wife although shee obey not her husband as long as shee keepeth the faith shee plight in marriage and defileth not her selfe with an others bedde Euen so is it in the Church that although shee be manifoldly vndutifull towards her husband Christ Iesus eyther by Atheisme or by Idolatrie yet she remaineth still the wife of Christ 14 As a wife that hath broken her saith and promise made in Wedlocke is not forthwith out of the account of a wife vntill shee being conuicted thereof be for that cause diuorced from her husband Euen so the Church notwithstanding her spirituall adultries is not vnchurched nor ceaseth to be reputed a Church vntill such time as the Lord by taking away from her the ministerie of the word and the administration of the Sacraments hath as it were by bill of diuorse disauowed her by taking away from her all her Iewells and Ornaments wherewith hee bewtified her when first he contracted with her 15 Like as a Garden or Vine decayeth
discharge no one member can discharge the dutie of an other So also it ought to be in the Church of God 76 As all the seuerall members in the body of man are knit together and vnited to the head So all the seuerall members of the Church are knit and vnited vnto the head Christ 77 As in the naturall body euery seuerall member is as it were the member of euery other in seruing to their good as the eye will see the hand wil take the mouth will speake all for the good of any weake member Euen so it is in the Church of God 78 As the naturall members take spirit and sense from the head So the Church hath all her spirituall feeling and life of Christ who is able to quicken and giue life 79 As the husband that loueth his wife thinketh himselfe not well till she hath his company and he her presence So God loueth the Church his spouse that hee cannot abide to be without her company and thinkes her not safe except she be in his presence therefore it pleaseth the Lord Iesus not onely to call himselfe the head of his Church and the Church his body but also to tearme his Church the fulnesse of himself although he filleth all in all things as though he were imperfect without his Church Psal 41.12 Ephe. 1.23 80 Euen as the father or mother will haue that Infant in their sight which they loue most dearely So God will haue his Church in his sight which he loueth-most tenderly Esay 45.15.16 Christ our Righteousnesse 1 LIke as our sinnes appeared so horrible so great so monstrous and vgly in the presence of God that being once but imputed to Christ he could not notwithstanding that his vnspeakable loue but euen in iustice most seuerely punish our said sinnes in his sonne so surely such is the excellencie of the Righteousnesse of Christ that being once but imputed vnto vs in the presence of our heauenly Father he cannot notwithstanding all our former vnrighteousnes but be throghly pleased with vs and except such a discharge of our sins by his Son for our owne discharge none otherwise then the debt of a Banquerout discharged by some speciall friend is accounted and accepted with his creditor the discharge of the Banquerout himselfe 2 As the soule of a man doth so quicken the body that notwithstanding the mēbers thereof in themselues be but weake yet they are sure not to decay all the while they do hold any participation with the powers of the soule but appeare in the presence of men both lustie and strong So vndoubtedly our Sauiour Christ being that immortall soule of his mysticall body which inspireth spirituall life into all the members therof verily all those his said members are sure so long as they continue incorporate with Christ both to hold the substance of life and withall to be accounted as liuely members in the presence of God during their partitipation with that true life it selfe whereof they take sure hold by a liuely faith Iohn 14.6 1. Iohn 5.11 12. 3 As Cochlearia or Spoonewort the roote of the water Lilie and likewise Telephium and Gentian laid to the body taketh away blacke spots So Christ applied to the conscience purgeth it from dead workes 4 As Smilax aspera or rough Bindeweede serueth not onely against venome receiued aforehand but also against all poison taken after a man hath eaten it So Christ receiued by faith profiteth not onely against the sinnes which before hath bene committed but also done afterward 5 So long as a man stung with a Scorpion holdeth wilde Carthamus in his hand he feeleth no paine but so soone as he letteth it go the ache and paine taketh him a fresh So as long as a man stung with sinne holdeth Christ by faith he feeleth no torment of conscience but so soone as he letteth him go the terrors of death take him a fresh 6 As the people of Israel passing through the Wildernesse had to fight oftentimes against Serpents and when they were stung and smitten by them for to be preserued from the venome and from death they lifted vp their eyes toward the Brasen Serpent that Moses had set vp amidst their tents by sight whereof they were healed So we in like maner fighting against our concupiscences if it come to passe at any time that they giue vs any blow to the ende that this stripe may not be deadly vnto vs wee must lift vp our eyes towards Iesus Christ hanging vpon the Crosse and beseech him that hee would forgiue vs all our trespasses and be our Righteousnesse Iohn 3.14.15 7 As in a naturall body the power that the eye hath to see serueth more to the vse of the other members thē for it selfe because that seeing and marking them all it is watchfull rightly to guide them and to direct their actions not being able in the meane time to see themselues nor to serue it selfe Euen so the Righteousnesse innocencie and obedience of Christ Iesus stand vs in more stead then him seeing that notwithstanding he had all these things and was in his nature life and whole conuersation absolute and perfect yet for all this hee was condemned and crucified We on the contrarie part albeit his Righteousnesse innocencie and obedience be onely imputed vnto vs yet for all that by meanes of this imputation we are absolued iustified and discharged of all our sinnes and of all the accusations that all our enemies can bring against vs. 8 As it is inough that we gather the fruite of a tree and that it alwayes remaine in his place and that wee carrie it not away with vs So in like maner we must content our selues to be partakers of the fruites of Christ his Righteteousnesse albeit it be not essentially in vs but onely by imputation and in as much as through his onely mercie it is bestowed vpon vs. 9 Like as they do that go vp into an high Tower who looking downewards and seeing the depth are afraide to fall and that they may be the more sure they lay hold of the railes Euen so must we leane vpon the Righteousnesse and death of Christ Iesus and strengthen our selues in that to the end we may be preserued from falling 10 Like as in Winter we can no sooner be from the fire but we are cold nor out of light but we enter into darknesse Euen so we can no sooner be parted from Iesus Christ who is is our Righteousnesse and our life but straight we are in sinne and in death for as much as he is the life that quickneth vs the Sunne that giueth vs light and the fire that warmeth comforteth and refresheth all his members 1. Cor. 1.30 Rom. 5.19 Esay 53.4 5. Col. 1.20 11 As the Moone hath no light but that which it hath from the Sunne and as the light is little or great as it is neare or farre off in such sort that if it depart from it it remaineth altogether obscure
of high or lowe degree in this world ought continually to haue his faith and hope surely built and grounded vppon Christ and to haue his heart and minde fast fixed and setled in him and to follwe him through thicke and thinne through fire and water through warres and peace through hunger and colde through friendes and foes through a thousand perilles and daungers through the surges and waues of enuie malice hatred euill speeches railing sentences contempt of the world flesh and diuell and euen in death it selfe bee it neuer so bitter cruell and tyranicall yet neuer to loose the sight and viewe of Christ neuer to giue ouer our faith hope and trust in him Can. 8.6 Psal 16.8 9. Heb. 12.2 38 As all Riuers of waters go into the Sea because they came out of it and so returne to the place whence they came So likewise euery good Christian ought to go and prease towards GOD with all his heart strength and power because hee came out from him and was created of him Hee ought therefore to looke vppon him with the eyes of a steadfast and constant faith grounded vpon his word Eccle. 1.7 39 Euen as in the midst of the Sphere is the Centre from which all lines beeing drawne doo tend towards their circumference So a good Christian man hath God for his circumference for whatsoeuer he thinketh speaketh or dooth it tendeth to Christ of whom hee is compassed round about Psal 32.10 91.4 c. 125.2 40 As some Infidels that know not Christ but are meere strangers vnto him do thinke it better to loose their liues then to violate their promises and oathes made to their enemies euen so much more Christians in such cases ought to be true and constant Ezech. 17.18 19. Iosu 9.14.18 41 Euen as mens hands were made that the one might helpe the other and the feete also because they be members of one the same body So is it the dutie of all Christians one to succour and to relieue an other in afflictions and troubles seeing the Church of God is a certaine body whereof wee are members 1. Cor. 12.26 27. Ephe. 5.30 42 As it should be against nature that one foote should hinder or smite an other So it is very vnreasonable and vngodly that one Christian should not comfort and relieue an other in their tribulations and wants Gal. 6.2 43 Like as if Hearbes watered do stil continue drie we iustly say they are dead So likewise we cannot aduow or assure our selues to be Christians watered with the spirit of Christ so long as in stead of bearing fruite by amendment of life we continue drie and withered 44 As he is not rightly called a rich man that can tell how and by what meanes a man may be exceeding rich but hee that hath riches of his owne and dooth possesse them So hee is not a good and right Christian man that can according to knowledge dispute and reason of vertue and godlinesse and can describe and define of the same but hee that is endued with vertue and possessed with true godlinesse and doth most willingly practise the same in the whole course of his life both with his friends and with his foes that man and such a woman is rightly called and is indeede a true Christian in whom the Lord hath great delight 1. Cor. 8.1 45 As burning candles doo giue light vntil they be consumed So likewise godly Christians must bee occupied in doing of good so long as they shal liue Gal. 6.9.10 46 As vnto the vngodly man said God why doest thou Preach my Lawes and takest my couenant in thy mouth whereas thou hatest to me reformed and haste cast my words behinde thee So we may be wel assured that it is not inough for Christians to haue the Gospell in their mouthes but they must expresse the truth thereof in their liues for is not inough to haue the name of a Christian but to be found a Christian indeed 47 As nature helped not Abrahams owne children but because they lacked Abrahams workes they are called Diuels sonnes So likewise the bare and naked name of a Christian without vertue is a bare title without veritie and profiteth not any at all 48 As the Paschall Lambe was eaten with sowre hearbs and vnleauened bread So the faithful Christian ought to repent him of his euill life past and to giue himselfe to puritie of life Exod. 12.8 49 Euen as a man that passeth through a strong floud or streame on foote least he stumble and fall downe setteth his eye steadily vpon the firme Land which he mindeth to attaine vnto and marketh not the swift course of the water and so goeth ouer safely and is nothing dismayed So likewise a sound and good Christian passing the raging waues of present troubles turneth away his sight his thought and all apprehension that he might otherwise haue of the miserie of them and lifting vp his eyes to heauen beholdeth there with a spirituall regard the inestinable treasures of the heauenly inheritance which hee striueth vnto and by this meanes easily surmounteth all horrour and feare of torments and griefes which commonly make alterations in mens heads and casteth them headlong into desperation 50 Euen as euery beast that is striken with lightning turneth his face toward the lightning So likewise if Christians will haue regard to God when he pleaseth them he will compel them also to haue an eye to him when hee strikes them Psal 78.34.5 51 Like as the deawy drops after great heate doth cherish the grasse Euen so good Christians do bring forth workes of mercie pittie comfort and refreshing to the people amongst whom they do liue and are conuersant Mica 5.7 Common-wealth 1 AS they which do learne Musicke at the first doo leese breake and marre sundrie Instruments as Gitterns and Lutes So the Common-wealth susteineth great detriment and losse wherein Magistrates rude and vnskilful do rule 2 As it is a thing most hard and daungerous to roote vp olde trees and to plant them of new So without great tumult and vprore you cannot alter the olde custome and vsage of the Common-wealth 3 As water mingled with wine maketh it more moderate So olde men ioyned with young men in the administration of the Common-wealth is most necessarie 4 Euen as a body without a soule is dead because it vseth not the sinewes ioynts nor members So that Common-wealth or that Citie may well and truly be said to be dead where good Lawes godly Statutes and holy Ordinances are not vsed and put in practise which are the sure binding bands of mans societie and the principall parts of a Common-wealth Common people AS they which frequent and haunt the schoole of defence do liue striue contend and fight one with an other So of the Common-people one loueth the other spoileth each other Carelesse men who forbeare to do well because others will not do so 1 LIke as if an Housholder hauing many seruants and much worke
for them abroade in the Countrey should giue them a generall commaundement to worke faithfully together in their common businesse and that some of those seruants would in their Maisters absence bee idle and loyter yet the rest of the seruants ought not to bee idle because the other will in no wise consent vnto them in the performance of that their appointed taske So likewise those carelesse Christians who in a carnall securitie neglecting the charge of the Lord and imagining a delay in his comming shall begin to eate and drinke with the drunkards and to be drunken themselues and so in playing the loyterers together they shall iustly deserue to bee plagued together for as they haue sinned together so shall they receiue their portion together Math. 24.45.46 c. 25.1 c. Luke 12.45 46 47. Carelesse and negligent in good things 1 AS Tiberius the Emperour who being desirous to haue canonized Christ among the number of Saints thought it expedient first to haue therein the consent of the Senate but while hee wayted for their consent Christ was vncanonized whereas Tiberius might very well haue done it himselfe So it is with Carelesse Christians which in a matter so manifest will yet waight for others consent to the hazard of their owne saluation and discouerie also of their obstinate folly 2 Like as if many consenting togither to play the good fellowes as they call it had played the vnthrifts and so hadde consumed their portions and inheritance and were thereby become the most â—eggerly Banquerouts on earth and heerevppon â—he Prince being moued with pittie should say to one of â—hem if thou wilt now forsake the company of that vnthriftie assembly and attend wholely vpon my pleasure and become more honest and thriftie hereafter I wil freely bestowe such a Lordship vpon thee If heerevpon this man should say to the Prince I wil none of your gift vnlesse these my companions shal giue their consent to the same in thus doing he should shewe himselfe a wilful and an vnwise man Euen so is the case of al Christians wee are all become prodigall children wee haue all runne astray we haue wasted our portions and are become vtterly destitute of all goodnesse the Lord notwithstanding in his word doth freely offer vnto vs a Kingdome so that we wil forsake this peruerse and froward generation with whom we are linckt as in a cursed communitie Shal therefore any good Christian who feeleth the want and findeth a desire in himselfe of the profered possession withhold himselfe from the same for that other his former companions wil not graunt their consent we hope no. And therefore such as are wise and feare God wil not prolong to turne vnto him by true and vnfained repentance vntil such time as all both tagge and ragge shal consent to the same for feare a Mat. 25.10 the gate be shut but rather wil say with Ioshua b Iosu 24.15 If it seeme euill in your eyes c. Assuring themselues that if there be but c Gen. 6.18 eight soules in the whole world one family d Iosu 24.15 in a Tribe one houshold e Gen. 19.15 in a Citie yea but two men f Nom. 14.24.30 Iosu 14.6 among many thousands when God shall begin to visit the disobedience of the wicked and to hurle them headlong to hell then such as harken diligently to his voyce shall be g Psal 36.8 91.4.7 safe vnder his wings his faithfulnesse and truth shall be their shield and buckler Charitie 1 AS the fire in all workehouses is the Instrument of all Artes and the meanes to make things well liked of amongst men So in the life of man nothing is well done without loue and Charitie 1 Cor. 13.1 c. 2 As Gold doth excell all mettalls is rare and deare and more faire and durable Euen so Charitie dooth excell all vertues and ceaseth not but is permanent 1. Cor. 13.13 3 As the body without the soule enioyeth no life So all other vertues without Charitie are colde and fruitelesse Correction 1 AS salues at the beginning do smart and yet at the length do heale the wound So the Correction of the Father or Schoolemaister though it seeme rigorous and sharpe yet it saueth the childe from the sincke of vices and vanities Pro. 13.24 19.18 22.15 23.13 2 As the skilful Phisition wil not giue his strong and bitter pill before his preparatiue least the working of it should be hindered by the stubborne and indurate obstructions Euen so the wise parent in curing his sonnes vices must not strike before he hath reprehended or premonished least he be too much cast downe and discouraged or waxe obstinate Pro. 13.24 22.15 3 As Phisitions Surgions and Apothecaries are necessarie in a Towne for the cure of sicknesse and bodily wounds Euen so are roddes and chastisement for the Correction of the corruptions of the soule Pro. 19.18 23.18 29.15.17 4 Like as Plants reasonably watered do take heart and grow but too much moisture dooth drowne and choke them Euen so is it with the mindes of children moderate exercise and labour aduanceth them to goodnesse but too much Correction and oppression dulleth and spoileth them Col. 3.21 5 As we vse to slack the strings of our bowes and lutes to make them the stiffer and to hold the better when wee list to shoote or play So likewise it is needfull that Parents and Schoolemaisters should require no more oâ— their children and schollers then they are able to doo least they discourage them and make them to hate their studie or any other thing whereto they would bring them 6 Like as if wee should see a madde man runne vnto a steepe daungerous place it were much better to stay him and cause him to bee bounde and to bee corrected then to let him goe and breake his necke Euen so it is in correcting and punishing of offenders and wicked liuers 7 As doctrine is colde without reprehension So are threatnings without Correction Zepha 3.1 2. Persecution a meanes to enlarge the Church 1 EVen as the Palme-tree the more it is laden and pressed downe the more it groweth and stretcheth out or spreadeth his boughs in length and breadth So likewise the Church the more she is persecuted and afflicted the more force courage and liuelinesse shee taketh to her selfe Psal 92.12 Act. 4.3 4. 11.19.20 21. Phil. 1.12 13 14. 2 Like as Roses and Lillies are accustomed to flourish and to encrease among thornes So this is a common thing to the Church to flourish and to encrease in the middest of Persecutions Exod. 1.12 3 As he that bindeth fire in his Napking doth not extinguish the same fire but burneth his Napking and so the fire is made greater Euen so they which persecute the godly do only make them more famous and bring themselues to destruction Christ the Redeemer of mankinde 1 LIke as the Sunne is said to be a generall
diminishing the Couetousnesse and vnlawfull desire of the same Iam. 5.3 Luk. 12.15 23 As when the Spleen encreaseth the other members ioynts and parts of the body do consume and pine away So Couetousnesse and the great treasures and riches of couetous tyrants increasing the wealth of subiects and inferior persons is weakened and diminished whiles they pill and poll away their substance and goods to enrich themselues withall 24 As the Spleen encreasing the other members do decrease So likewise Couetousnes growing greater greater all vertues do vtterly decay and vanish away bountifulnes liberalitie charitie truth righteousnes and all such excellent qualities are no more found in those meÌ„ which are strangled and poysoned with a great and greedie desire of worldly riches 25 As Floods which send their waters into the sea and leaue the drie land which is very thirstie vnwatered Euen so some Couetous men doo now and then bestow great cost and much of their riches vpon those that need them not not drawne therevnto with either loue or mercie but carried with vaine-glory and with vanitie it selfe so to do Mat. 5.7 Esa 58.7 26 Like as the Sea is seldome or neuer seene without tempestuous waues So also we can neuer see a couetous mans minde free from carefulnesse feare trouble vexations 27 As a Pot hath a wide open mouth So Couetousnesse gapeth euermore after worldly goods riches and honor 28 As the Owles night Crowes see better by night then by day So the eyes of couetous men be blind to see how to come to heauen but to get worldly goods and riches they can see well inough 29 As we see some men which naturally are so enclined to mischiefe so seditious so contrary to peace tranquilitie that they are no sooner entred into a house or Common-wealth but presently they sowe discord dissention troubling the common-quietnesse and peaceable estate which was before So also the cursed desire of Couetousnesse is no sooner entred into our heart but that foorthwith we perceiue a great confusion of tumultuous â—nd dissentious appetites to boyle and rise vp within vs which do straightwayes entangle vs in the nets and snares of the diuell and at the length bringeth vs to miserable â—eath and destruction 30 As the Couetous man would not like of those seruants and hirelings who by their negligence and careleslesse haue suffered his houses to fall to ruine and haue left his lands vineyards vntilled neither would he be pleased with that man or maid-seruant in his house which serueth him to no purpose So likewise if he himselfe make no vse of his riches and treasures but keepe them altogether vnprofitably he may not thinke that he is the seruant of God holding of him whatsoeuer hee hath with commandement to make vse of them and that he is countable for the dammages and losse which hapneth by his want of trafficke that is to say for that he hath not vsed them as the Lord hath commaunded 31 Euen as the fire is extinguished and quenched not only by throwing on of water but also by taking away of the wood and other matter whereby it is fed and nourished So also a Couetous man destroyeth taketh away the life of a man not only by offering him violence but also in refusing to giue or lende that vnto him which is necessary for his preseruation 32 As a flood which at the beginning being but a little Riuer by little and little as it runneth encreaseth in such sort that in the end it beareth with it whatsoeuer resisteth Euen so if a Couetous man haue once gotten one hundreth poundes he straightwayes desireth two hundreth from two hundreth he commeth to a thousand from a thousand to a million and from millions to an infinite summe 33 As one that climeth vp a Ladder vseth the first step as a means to come to the second and the second to come to the third continually climing vntil he come to the top So likewise there is no difference betweene the Couetouâ— man and him that climeth vp the Ladder but that the oâ—â— findeth an end of his ladder the other findeth none at all neither of his care nor sorrowes which necessarily follow riches neither yet of his earnest desires in the attaining and keeping of them 34 As the Asse that carrieth meate for the belly and cloth for the backe yet hee himselfe feedeth vpon grasse and contenteth himselfe with an hairie skinne So the Couetous whose Chests are stuffed with gold and siluer yet cannot affoord their belly a good meales meate nor couer their backe with a good coate 35 As the Bee bringeth sweete honey in her mouth but a sharpe sting in her tayle So Couetousnesse hath pleasure in this life and paine in the life to come 36 As the Ape that is tied to the clogge thinketh that hee keepeth the clogge and not the clogge him is greatly deceiued So likewise is the couetous man which thinketh that hee keepeth his riches when indeed his riches keepes him 37 As Dinah while she wandred to see fashions and thought to feede her fancie vpon the daughters of a straunge Countrey shee lost her Virginitie amongst the sonnes of the Countrey So some men while they seeke to feede and fill their greedie worme of Couetousnesse and ambition with diuers pleasures and profits of the world they loose their sinceritie amongst them and so make shipwrack of faith and a good conscience 38 Euen as Tamar went out of her brother Amons chamber with her maidens garmeÌ„t of diuers colours rent because she was enforced to leaue her maideÌ„head behind her So some Couetous worldlings which sometimes with Demas followed Paul but now with Demas embrace his present world are enforced to go away with their garâ—ent of diuers colours rent and torne for while they will venture through the bushes and thornes of worldly cares to get worldly promotions it is no maruell if they come out with their zeale quenched their courage abated their faith blasted their loue cooled their knowledge withered their humilitie defaced their sinceritie decreased and the whole garment of pietie and Religion scratched torne and rent in peeces Continuance in Sinne. 1 LIke as if a mans foote legge or arme be broken with how great paine the same is restored to his former estate all men know But if any member of our body should be broken twise or thrise or more often in one and the selfesame place euery man can then iudge how hard a thing it were for that part to recouer her perfect strength and health againe Euen so fareth it in the ruptures and wounds of our soule If a man doo commit sinne once or twise and do vnfainedly without dissimulation make his refuge to the medicine of repentance hee dooth out of hand obtaine health againe and that sometimes without any skarre or blemish of the disease past but if he begin to adde sinnes vpon sinnes in such sort that the wounds of the soule do
were the deliuerance too late but wee meane that hee deliuered him that hee should not bee hanged So likewise when the Scripture saith that Christ dyed to deliuer vs out of hell because hee saueth and deliuereth vs that wee come not there which else should surely haue gone thither and haue beene damned perpetually except Christ by his death had deliuered and loosed vs. Christ reuiueth vs againe that were dead LIke as the Pellican which hauing brought foorth her young ones dead or beeing stung or killed by Serpents shee pecketh foorth her heart bloud to reuiue them Euen so wee beeing conceiued and borne in sinne and altogether dead in our trespasses and offences stung of that olde and fierie Serpent the diuell which first beguiled our Parents in Paradise and so hauing the reward of sinne which is death we in this case are reuiued and quickned againe by the bloud of the true Pellican Iesus Christ which he from his heart hath shead and powred out for vs. Col. 2.13 14. Christs person consisteth of two natures 1 LIke as there must be both these two natures true and sound the properties of either being kept in one person of Christ to reconcile man to God and to strike this couenant So also to keepe this couenant that according to the promise and oath of God it may be euerlasting both natures must remaine for euer sound with their properties vnlesse we will haue the couenant in the piller and foundation to be shaken 2 Like as when the roote of a tree is hurt the braunches also doo wither and there can be no fruite hoped for Euen so the Doctrine beeing corrupt concerning the person of Christ and the two natures in the same person together with their distinct properties the doctrine also of the Priestly and Kingly office of Christ remaineth corrupt which are as it were the fruites of the doctrine concerning his person Christ though amazed and confounded with sorrowes and feares yet remained still sinlesse LIke as if you set two glasses filled the one with muddy water and the other with cleare Christall water and first let them stand till all the muddinesse in one be setled at the bottome then shake both these glasses in the one the mudde ariseth straightway and defileth all the water there in the other although you shake it neuer so much yet the cleare water though troubled likewise remaineth still all cleare as Christall Euen so if any of vs bee shaken and disquieted with any trouble our muddy affections arising doo presently defile vs all ouer but Christ in whom was mans true nature but not any the least defilement of nature beeing likewise shaken he remained still cleare from any the least spot of sinne at all Christ neuer lost his confidence in God LIke as those men do neuer loose their confidence and trust in God who by some violence are stricken into astonishment or naturally fall on sleepe their faith patience loue obedience decreaseth not in them for all that Euen so neither in Christ his assurance in God could neuer decay albeit his sinlesse nature might and did feare the paine and beeing astonished with excessiue paine might and did suddenly desire ease Math. 27.46 Mar. 14.33 c. He that Speaketh in the Church LIke as if the Harpe make a confused noyse and giueth no distinct sound it delighteth not it recreateth not because no man can tell what it is that is plaide So he that Speaketh in the Church in a language which other men vnderstand not cannot edifie because men vnderstand not what he speaketh Confessing of secret faultes LIke as he is vnwise that openeth his disease and committeth himselfe vnto an vnskilfull Phisition that will rather make him worse then cure him Euen so as vnwise is he that reuealeth his secret falls scapes to them whose mouthes are readie with the Pharisies to say See thou to that or to blabbe abroad their brethrens infirmities so making the matter rather worse then better Christ after a sort present with vs in bodie 1 AS the sun which thogh it remain stil in the firmamēt and therefore in verie deed toucheth not the eye yet the bodie of the Sunne is present to the sight notwithstanding so great a distance betweene So likewise the bodie of Christ which by his ascending is taken vp from vs and hath left the world and is gone to his father is indeed absent from our senses yet our faith is conuersant in heauen and beholding that sonne of righteousnesse and is verily in presence with it there present like as our sight is present with the body of the Sunne in the firmament or as the Sunne is present with our sight in earth Ioh. 14.19 16.28 Act. 7.55 Col. 3.1 Hebr. 4.16 10.28 2 As the Sunne with his light is present to all things So is also Christ with his Godhead Spirit and power present to all and filleth all Ephe. 1.23 Col. 1.17 18. How Christ sitteth at the right hand of God 1 AS it is the vse and custome of Kings and Princes which haue their deputies substitutes to whom they freely giue all authoritie to rule and gouerne and do cause that man to sit by him and at his right hand whom he will giue most honor and vnto whom he wil giue most authoritie and power Euen so we vnderstand by these words He sitteth at the right hand of God that our Sauiour Christ is exalted aboue all creatures and that hee hath dominion or gouernance in heauen and in earth and that he raigneth with his Father hauing equal power with him 1. King 2.19 Psal 45.9 110.1 Mat. 20.21 Phil. 2.9 10 11. 1. Pet. 3.22 Ephe. 1.20 21. 4.15 2 As those on earth that are set at the right hand of Kings do execute iustice in courts or Assises for the maintenance of the state and peace of the Kingdome Euen so Christ Iesus sitting at the right hand of his Father that is being made soueraigne Lord of all things both in heauen and earth is to hold a Court or Assise in which he shall come to iudge both the quicke and the dead Christ confounds his enemies AS Iosua dealt with the fiue Kings that were hid in the Caue he first makes a slaughter of their armes then he brings them foorth and makes the people to set their feete on their neckes and to hang them on fiue trees Euen so Christ deales with his enemies he treades them vnder his feete and makes a slaughter not so much of their bodies as of their soules And this the Church of God findes to bee true by experience as well as it findes the loue of Christ towardes it selfe Iosu 10.24 Luke 17.27 Psal 2.9 110.1 Corruption of truth by mans traditions AS sweete Dough is made sowre by a litle Leauen So is the sweetnesse and comfort of the doctrine of truth corrupted if it be neuer so litle entermedled with humane doctrine or mans traditions Mat. 13.33 16.6 The Creature
the people of his Church and powreth out aboundaunce of his blessings vppon them Esay 44.3 The growth of grace by Christs death AS Wheate except it bee sowen in the ground and there die doth not spring againe and so multiplie Euen so the knowledge of those benefites which wee haue by Christ are encreased grewe and multiplyed throughout the whole world by his death Iohn 12.24 Calling 1 LIkewise a sword being committed into the hands of a Souldier by the Captaine generall hee is not to smite before he bee commaunded to fight and before the Trumpet bee sounded to battell Euen so though a man haue excellents giuen him yet hee is not to execute any function especially publikely before hee receiue a particular warrant and Calling from God Reue. 16.1 2 As Sampson though he had strength giuen him that he was able to haue defended the Israelites and reuenged them of their enemies yet hee could not take vpon him the gouernment of the people vntill such time that the Lord had called him vnto it So likewise the Ministers of the word albeit they haue neuer so notable gifts of knowledge vtterance c. yet they are not in any case to entrude themselues into the Ministerie vnlesse they haue a particular Calling from the Lord. 3 As the Ostrige hath wings and flieth not So some men haue a Calling but they answere it not they haue knowledge but they practise it not they haue words but they worke not 4 Like as if a straunger should violently thrust in himselfe to bee the shepheard of thy sheepe thou wouldest aske him who sent for him what hee hadde to doo there and thou wouldest rather thinke him to bee a theefe and a murtherer of thy sheepe then to bee a faithfull and trustie seruant So surely if thou come to take charge of Gods people before he inwardly moue thy conscience to pitie his people and outwardly by order call and place thee where hee thinkes good hee will iudge thee a theefe a woolfe a deuourer and not a feeder Beautie AS a Ring or Iewell of Gold is very vnseemely and dooth not become the filthy snoute of a swine that is alwayes rooting in the dyrt and myer So vncomely is Beautie to a woman that hath not wit nor discretion to behaue her selfe Benefites AS the Moone doth shew her light in the world which she receiueth from the Sunne so we ought to bestow the Benefits receiued of God to the profit and commoditie of our neighbour The Authoritie of the Church not aboue the word of God 1 LIke as it is not reason nor iust that a Wife should controll or be superiour and aboue her Husbands word and commaundement hauing a wise and discreete Husband to gouerne and commaund her So likewise it is no reason or right whatsoeuer the Papists say that the Authoritie of the Church which is the Wife should be greater and of more force then the word and will of the Husband Christ Iesus Ephe. 5.24 2 As man is not aboue God nor the Wife aboue the Husband for otherwise to say the one is blasphemie and the other absurd Euen so it is blasphemie and absurd to say that the Authoritie of the Church is greater then the word and Scriptures of God Wise Counsell of a friend AS the sent and sauour of a sweete Oyntment or Perfume is comfortable to the braines and heart So is the wise and heartie Counsell of a mans assured friend Pro. 27.9 Cities and Countries AS a Pot of meate seething on the fire which no body skimmeth must needs be full of loathsome filth So Cities and Countries continuing in bloudie violence without repentance and amendment must needs be â—oathsome and abhominable in the eyes of God Ezech. 24.6 Men must be fitted to their Callings and the Callings to the men LIke as a member of a mans body out of ioynt is daungerous and hindereth his health and welfare So in like maner the setting of Children to Callings vnfitting their gifts and affections is daungerous and hurtfull both to the Church and Common-wealth Distinction of Callings LIke as the members in a mans body although they liue by one life and one soule are notwithstanding distinct and diuerse one from an other in functions as the foote seeth not but the eye the eare heareth and not the hand c. Euen so also the members of Christ howsoeuer they liue all by one and the same faith are notwithstanding in their particular functions and Callings one to be distinguished from an other Gods Creatures admirable AS when men behold any curious worke of a cunning and skilfull Craftsman straightway they will leaue the worke and enquire after him that made it that they may praise his skill Euen so it is the dutie of Christians in this case when they come abroad and behold euerie where in all the Creatures the admirable and vnspeakeable wisedome goodnesse and power of God then they must make haste from the Creature and go forward to the Creator to praise and glorifie him Reue. 4.11 Christ our Lord. 1 AS in former times the custome hath beeâ—â— that when one is taken prisoner in the fieldes hee that payes his raunsome shall become alwayes after his Lord Euen so likewise Christ when we were bondslaues vnder hell death and condemnation paid the ransome of our redemption and freed vs from the bondage of sinne and Sathan and therefore in that respect he is our Lord. Christ tooke vpon him our infirmities LIke as if a man be sicke of some grieuous disease and if a friend come vnto him that hath beene troubled with the same disease hee will shewe more compassion then twentie others Euen so Christ hauing felt in his owne soule and body the anguish and the manifolde perplexities that wee feele in our temptations and afflictions hath his bowels as it were a running towards vs euermore beeing prest and readie to relieue vs in all our miseries Heb. 2.17 4.15 Esay 53.3.4 Christes humane nature AS the Plant called Mistell hauing no roote of his owne both growes and liues in the stocke or body of the Oake or some other Tree So our Sauiour Christes humane nature hauing no proper substance is as it were ingrafted into the person of himselfe and â—s wholely supported and sustained by it so as it should not bee at all if it were not sustained in that manner Contempt of the Minister AS Husbandmen that misvse their Land-lord and his seruants which hee sendeth to them for the rents and profites of his lande are woorthily and iustly thrust out and others planted in their roomes So likewise were the Iewes cut off from being the people and Church of God for misvsing of Christ his Apostles and Prophets and so assuredly shall all they be that despise and set naught by and cruelly misvse and intreat the Ministers of the Gospel and the Preachers of his word which are sent vnto them A fruitlesse Confession AS it is bootelesse for a man that is very
hungrie to know and beleeue there is meate in the world except he knew the place and the man that had it for him that he might resort vnto him Or as it is in vaine for one to confesse his disease and sicknesse vnlesse he know some good and skilfull Phisition who might helpe him So likewise it shall profit vs nothing at all to know or confesse our sinnes if wee bee ignorant of the Mediator that should take them away Iohn 1.29 1. Timo. 2.5 Math. 11.28 Christ the soueraine salue for our soules 1 LIke as if the sicke person should seeke out such a Phisition as either could not or wold not cure him his labour also were vnprofitable and all one as if the needie man should go to one for an almes that were as needie as himselfe Euen so wee being sicke of our sinnes in our soules must be carefull that we go and run to such a cunning Phisition as we are sure both can and will for his abilitie and compassion cure and heale our infirmities and hath a salue for euerie sore and maladie Luk. 3â— 46 47. Act. 10.43 2 As it was in Egipt in the great dearth and famine of corne none could haue any foode of Pharao the King but by the hands of Ioseph whom he had made Ouerseâ—â— and Ruler of the land in his name for when they cried to him for bread he said Go ye to Ioseph and what he saith to yoâ— doo ye Gene. 41.55 So likewise it is now in the famine and dearth of our soules for spirituall foode wee can haue nothing to feede our hungrie soules from the King of Heauen but by the meanes of the true Ioseph which is Iesus Christ who is ordained of his Father to rule and gouerne all things in his name so that he sendeth vs to his sonne when wee aske any thing of him for in him hee is well pleased and for his sake onely and for no mans else doth he bestowe this benefite vpon vs. 1. Iohn 5.11.12 Iohn 8.24 Christ 1 LIke as our armes hands feete and the rest of our members are nourished not of and by themselues but of and by the meate that is conueyed into our mouth and head Euen so wee are nourished not of and by our selues but by the vertue that is powred in the head of Christ Iesus Heb. 2.11 Ast. 17.28 2 Like as the Sun with his light beneficially comforâ—eth all the world So Christ the Sonne of God reacheth his benefites vnto all men so that they will receiue them thankfully and not refuse them disobediently Psal 19 1.2 3 As the Sun is the well-spring of liuely power So Christ giueth life euerlasting to all beleeuers 4 As the Sun with his brightnes driueth away cloudes and foggie Mystes So Christ the sonne of God sitting at the right hand of his Father is the conquerer of Tyrants and Hereticks 5 As the Sun in winter when he is most farthest off from the Pole is most nearest the earth so the sonne of God is most neare vnto the godly ones in miserie and giueth â—hem helpe and saluation 6 As it is a most certain token of death to a sick man as Hypocrates saith if hee dreame that the visible Sunne is hidden obscured and darkned so likewise a most cerâ—aine death of the soule is nigh at hand if our Sonne Christ be darkned by abolishing or corrupting of the true doctrine 7 As the sunne giues light plentifully to the whole world and yet keepe the selfe same light within it selfe Euen so our Sauiour Christ God and man hath the perfect fulnesse of all goodnesse in him selfe and yet giues part to vs as he thinks good not loosing any peece of that he hath himselfe but lightning our darknesse with that light which he hath within himselfe 1. Cor. 1.30 8 As the fountaine from which all men doo draw water and from which the small creekes and armes doo runne and flowe is said to haue water of it selfe and yet commeth not as of it selfe but from the spring which dayly feedeth it and from the flowing streames and is sufficient for all men to drawe out off Euen so Iesus Christ hath life in himselfe to wit the fulnesse of life wherewith he liueth and quickneth his and yet hath hee it not as of himselfe as he witnesseth in an other place that hee liueth because of his father Iam. 5.26 Carnall profession LIke as all those that were borne of Abraham were not the children of Abraham So likewise all that professe the Gospell are not partakers of the Gospell 2 As it is not vsuall to curbe in the horse in his race but before hee beginne to runne Euen so those which bee by nature cholericke melancholike are by reasons and perswasions to be wonne and restrained before they begin to be angrie Contempt of Christ AS a strumpet loueth the tokens that her louer sendeth her better then her louer himselfe and in time of pouertie shee will vtterly forsake him So Christ is our louer and mans soule is shee whome he loueth hee hath giuen vs tokens as pledges of his loue to wit all kind of riches and good things whatsoeuer wee possesse in this this world now if for loue of keeping these things in time of persecution we forsake our louer wee be abominable strumpets vnworthie to be beloued of him Christ suffered in his soule for our saluation 1 AS the Holocaust or whole burnt offering the whole and euerie whit beeing chopt and cut into peeces was altogether put into the fire and burnt and so it was by a speciall name called the Whole burnt offering Euen so not the body onely but also the soule of Christ euen euerie whit of his humanitie was burnt and consumed in the fire of affliction as a perfect Holocaust and a whole burnt offering for our sinnes Leuit. 16.5 c. Esay 53.20 2. Cor. 5.21 Heb. 2.14 2 As wee haue sinned both in our bodies and soules So likewise Christ was made our propitiation who purposely and answerably did suffer both in body and soule 3 As an armie of souldiers doo altogether get the victorie and not any one of them asunder and yet for all that each one singly is profitable in fight for the attainment of victorie Euen so the sufferings of Christ as his death and bloudshed his hatred his shame and ignominie c. both of his body and of his soule all together doo sufficiently merite but each one in seuerall is profitable and helpeth thereunto Christes victorie ouer Sathan LIke as if two enemies fight together and the one let the other chuse his weapon himselfe and appointe the other what weapon hee is to vse if hee which is dealt so withall doo vanquish and ouercome the other the greater is his glorie which dooth so ouercome So likewise Christ and Sathan fighting Sathan did chuse to fight with him in the flesh the weakest of many weapons yet euen with that weapon did Christ ouercome him which got
Christ the greater glorie and gaue Sathan the greater shame Christ suffered and died as he was man AS the precious stone called the Carbuncle to see too is like an hotte burning cole of fire shining exceeding brightly the which feeleth no fire neither is it molten chaunged or mollified therewith If thou shalt take it and close it fast in a ring of lead and cast it into the fire thou shalt see the lead molten and consumed before thy face but the Carbuncle remaining sound and perfect without blemish as before for the fire worketh vpon the leade but vpon the Carbuncle it cannot worke Euen so Christ our Sauiour being in the hotte scorching fire of his torments suffered and died as hee was man but as hee was GOD hee neither suffered nor died the fire of his afflictions wrought then vpon his manhood but his diuinitie and godhead continued perfect and vtterly vntouched The Crosse maketh peace AS in a ciuell gouernment and common-wealth nothing is more occasion of war then ouermuch peace So in the Church and among Ministers of the Church as nothing is more pernicious then too much quietnesse so nothing more ceaseth priuate contentions oftentimes arising amongst them theÌ„ the publike Crosse of persecution The personall vnion of Christ. AS a certaine soule beeing ioyned to a certaine body maketh one certaine person as Peter Paul Iohn So the eternall word of the Father tooke vnto it that flesh of the virgine that is to say made the same so proper vnto it selfe that from hence commeth and proceedeth that person which is called Christ Christ the resurrection and life 1 LIke as in a perfect body when the head hath sense and motion the hand that is of the same body hath also sense motion conuenient for it So likewise Christ being the resurrection and the life as there is spirituall life in him so euery member of his shall feele in it selfe spiritual sense and motion whereby it is raised vp from sinne and liueth vnto God Ioh. 5.25 6.63 2 As the Burgesse of a Towne in the Parliament house beareth the person of the whole Towne and whatsoeuer he saith that the whole Towne saith and whatsoeuer is done to him is also done to al the towne So Christ vpon the Crosse stood in our place and bare our person and what he suffered wee suffered and when he died all the faithfull died in him and so likewise as hee is risen againe so are all the faithfull risen in him 3 As Christ by the merite of his death wipeth out our iniquities and by his bloud clenseth our consciences from all mortall sinne So in like manner by his resurrection from death he declareth himselfe to be righteous and in all respectes perfectly pure according to the law of God Rom 4.25 Psal 16.16 Christ hath prepared a place for vs in heauen LIke as if a man were assured that there were made for him a great purchase in Spaine or Turkie so as if he would but come thither hee might enioy it he would not forbeare to aduenture the daungers of the Sea and of his enemies also if need were that so hee might come to his owne Euen so seeing that Christ Iesus hath made a purchase for vs in heauen and there is nothing required of vs but that we will come and enioy it wee ought to refuse no paines or feare in the way but carefully to striue to get in Luk. 13.14 Christ our Intercessour LIke as he that would know whether the sunne shine in the firmament must not clime vp into the cloudes to looke but search for the beames thereof vpon the earth which when he sees he may conclude that the sun shines in the firmament Euen so if wee would know whether Christ in heauen make intercession for vs let vs ransacke our owne consciences and there make search whether we feele the spirit of Christ crying in vs Abba Father As for those that neuer feele this worke of Gods spirite in them their case is miserable whatsoeuer they be Rom. 8.26 Calamitie EVen as a cloud darkneth the ayre and couereth the sunne So Calamitie and miserie maketh cloudie the mind of man taking from him all his ioy it leaueth him bare and naked without comfort and full of sorrow 2 Like as lightnings do smite whatsoeuer they find in the earth except the Lawrel tree as Plinie affirmeth Euen so great Calamitie is able to take away and to ouerthrow whatsoeuer is in man or that hee hath saue onely firme and constant vertue for constant vertue is a goodly Lawrell tree euer flourishing and greene and will not be consumed burnt vp nor destroyed with any fire that breaketh out of the cloudes be it neuer so fierce nor with any violence of torments and troubles whatsoeuer Rude and wanton Children LIke as when any are stinged with the poyson-ful sting of Serpents foorthwith they labour for remedie against the same least the wound rot and put them to further annoyance Euen so such Children as bee infected and diseased with wanton Idlenesse being also destitute of good maners and learning must be sent to the schoole to be cured of their maister with the rodde of correction and vertuous education False Christians LIke as among a great sort which are striken with extreame sickenesse and diseases some doo alwayes scape as it pleaseth God So it is to be hoped that among an infinite number of false Christans God will touch some to bring them backe from the filthinesse and corruptions of the worlde and to leade them to the fearing of himselfe It is impossible to know who is a true Christian before he die LIke as in a ground sowed with diuers seedes no man can certainly knowe some seede from an other which shall bring forth fruite and which shall not yea though it haue alreadie put foorth yea and that more is though it be eared Euen so no one man can know an other man throughly to bee a Christian which is the greatest felicitie that is before the end of his race because no man is to bee counted happie before his deathes day by reason of many miseries and calamities which may befall him Christ the cause of our resurrection and life 1 AS the first Adam was the roote of all mankind and he conuyed sinne by sinne death to all that sprang of him Christ onely excepted So likewise Christ the second Adam which is the roote of all the elect conueyeth life both in body and soule to al that are vnited to him and by the vertue of his resurrection they shall rise againe after this life 2 Like as the power of the Godhead of Christ when â—he was dead in the graue raised his body the third day So also shall the same power of Christ his Godhead conuey it selfe vnto all the faithfull which euen in death remaine vnited vnto him and raise them vp at the last day Why God afflicteth his Children AS a godly and wise Surgeon purposing to cut
the corrupted wounds of a sicke body and to take away or to feare with an hot Iron the rotten flesh in cutting or searing hath no pittie of the weake man to the end that in curing his sore and healing his wound by cutting and searing he may shew him pittie Euen so our most wise God that celestiall Physition and heauenly Surgeon smiteth and afflicteth vs that hee may heale vs cutteth and seareth vs that he may cure vs. Heb. 12.6.7 Deut. 32.39 Amo. 3.2 Psa 89.31.32 Good Christians are much grieued when God is dishonored AS a water pot or a Viall full of liquor if suddenly it be ouerthrowne doth shed and scatter the liquor So a deuout and godly Christian abounding with teares being mooued and troubled with sorrow because of the iniuries dishonour wrongs and blasphemies committed against the Lord doth presently powre out great aboundance and as it were mightie streames of salt and bitter teares Luke 19.41 Psal 119.136 Math. 26.75 Disobedient Children EVen as a long and a prosperous life is promised vnto obedient sonnes So on the other side all disobedient vnthankfull and obstinate Children are assured of the punishment of infamie ioyned with diuers and great oâ— lamities and torments Exod. 20.12 1. Sam. 2.22 1. King 1.25 c. Deut. 21.18 c. Pro. 20.20 Ephe. 6.2 The end of our Calling LIke as if her Maiestie to shew her puissance against a forraine power should call foorth one or two of her subiects who are most beholding vnto her to Iust and turney in her presence for her honor they wold no doubt straine all their strength in this seruice yea and their liues too Euen so much more ought we that are Christians to performe this dutie to our God and Prince who hath called vs out by name to fight for his honour to be a chosen and peculiar people vnto himselfe to stand on his parts to shew forth his vertues and to be zealous of good workes yea and that wee might the better performe this seruice he hath furnished vs with his owne armour and weapons yea and his owne hand is with vs too though all men see it not and therefore we must endeuour to doo valiantly and to doo our best to answere the expectation of our heauenly king and prince Tit. 2.13.14 Psal 130.4 1. Pet. 2.9 Cantic 8.6 The Churches variable estate vpon earth LIke as the day and night doo one follow another So likewise in the administration of the Church here vpon earth Christ suffereth a continuall intercourse betweene peace and persecution Christ is to be serued and pleased before our selues or others AS the maister of those seruants that are borne in his house or whome hee purchaseth doo pretend that they doo him wrong when they spend any time either to their owne particular profite or in the seruice of others So may Iesus Christ much more iustly complaine of vs that are his two-fold seruants namely by birth and by purchase if wee imploy euen neuer so little of our liues to serue and please our selues the world or the diuell our enemies 1. Cor. 6.19 Math. 16.24 Luk. 9.23 Rom. 12.2 It is spirituall Adultrie to forsake Christ and loue the world EVen as a woman may rightly be called an Adulteresse that giueth her body to other men and setteth her loue on an other So they which flie from Christ and forsake him being their spirituall husband by setting their loue on this world or any thing therein doo commit adulterie against Christ Iam. 4.4 Ephe. 5.30 1. Cor. 6.17 Christ is sent of the Father AS fire sendeth forth both heate and light but neither heate nor light sendeth fire so the father sendeth both Christ and the all knowing comforter and hee is vnsent Christ and the holy Ghost are of the Father AS both the light the heate are of the fire So Christ and the holy Ghost both are of the Father the one begotten the other proceeding and the Father onely is of himselfe and of no other Christ is to be loued for sauing of vs. 1 LIke as if thou fallest into a deepe ryuer being in apparant daunger of drowning if any man should cast the a rope or himselfe leape into the water to saue thy life thou canst not sufficiently confesse and acknowledge thy selfe his debter to doo him pleasure and seruice all the daies of thy life So likewise wee were not onely in daunger of falling into hell but were alreadie fallen euen from our infancie and dayly through our sinnes fell deeper and deeper Yet Christ cast vs not in a rope to pull vs vp and saue vs but threw himselfe into our sea of woe into our hell to be short into horrible death wherein wee were drowned to plucke vs foorth and therefore with great zeale and affection we are bound to say Lord wee are bound to loue honour serue please and obey thee in all that we may with our whole hearts all the dayes of our life 2 Like as if thou werst vpon a Scaffold ready to be beheaded for thy drunkennesse or adulterie and thereupon shouldest haue a pardon and so thy life saued vpon condition that thou shouldest fall no more thereinto thou wouldest no doubt willingly and heartily promise yea with thy hand subscribe and with thy tongue sweare that thou wouldest neuer more commit adulterie or drunkennesse but that thou wouldest abhorre all Tauernes Ale-houses and drunkerds all whores and bawdes and so amend thy life Now seeing Iesus Christ hath saued thee not from an apparant daunger of death but euen from death it selfe and not from the death of the body but from euerlasting death who requireth of thee to amende thy life which thou art bound so to doo yea thou oughtest cheerefully and earnestly promise and faithfully vowe to reforme and amend and to shun all occasions that might procure thee to displease and offend him Counsell EVen as out of an Apothecaries shoppe where verie wholesome medicines precious oyntments and most pleasant perfumes are solde sometimes commeth most ranke and deadly poyson So very often from men greatly experienced and deepely learned do come very pestilent pernitious and treacherous Counsels The right knowledge of Christ crucified 1 AS Elizeus when hee would reuiue the childe of the Shunamite went vp and lay vpon him and put his mouth vpon his mouth and his hands vppon his hands and his eyes vpon his eyes and stretched himselfe vpon him Euen so if thou wouldest bee reuiued to euerlasting life thou must by faith as it were set thy selfe vpon the Crosse of Christ and applie thy hands to his hands thy feete to his feete and thy sinful heart to his bleeding hart and content not thy selfe with Thomas to put thy finger into his side but euen diue plunge thy selfe wholly both body and soule into the woundes and bloud of Christ 2. King 4.34 2 As the dead Souldier tumbled into the graue of Elizeus was made aliue at the very touching of his body Euen so shalt
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
then Christ Iesus who with the death of his own heart gaue life to our bodies and soules If the world doo but a little smile vpon vs and giue vs but an alluring looke and a faire word wee will by and by follow it and bestow vpon it all our attendance If the diuell himselfe can make vs belieue that wee shall either haue profite or pleasure by dooing his will our hearts minds wils al are readier for him then for Iesus Christ O matchlesse yea monstrous madnesse they that seeke our destruction can sooner with a pleasant looke then Christ with the giuing of his life for vs haue vs at commandement Christ would haue vs to mortifie our earthly members as fornication vncleannesse inordinate affections euill concupisence and couetousnesse which is Idolatrie But alas we nourish pamper and cherish all these The Lord would haue our conuersation in heauen but we are altogether carnally and earthly minded The Lord would haue our feete to stand within the gates of Ierusalem but we loue rather to bee trampling the streetes of Egypt Babylon and Sodom The holy Ghost would haue vs to fight a good fight to finish our course after the will of God and to keepe the faith not onely in words but also in life and deedes Indeed wee are apt and ready to fight and striue for worldly promotion honour dignitie reuenues and riches but for heauen and heauenly things we will neuer striue take no paines nor once trouble our selues wee will haue it with ease and all manner of pleasures or else not at all farwell it The courses we take here in this life are very bad and the end vnlesse we repent is like to be worst of all And whiles we haue no care to keepe good consciences it is vnpossible for vs to keepe faith If Christ and Sathan should stand before vs the one pointing vs to heauen and eternall felicitie but the way to it full of troubles griefes and sorrowes the other pointing to hell but the way to it full of delicates pleasures and daintie delights and let God call and the diuell call yet the diuell it is to be feared is like to haue the greater number to follow him for those short pleasures Christ but a few to follow him because they must go loadeÌ„ with Crosses and afflictions dayly experience doth teach vs no lesse seeing all our actions are carnall and haue onely but little outward shew and no taste at all of true godlinesse nor so much as any rellish of the spirit and loue of Chriâ—â— Some will abstaine from the committing of any grosse sinnes now and then and yet not that in any true and sincere loue to God but either for feare of shame and punishment in this world or else feare of vengeance in the world to come which both are vnprofitable for the Lord hath no pleasure in forced seruice hee will haue it voluntarie with the heart and proceeding of loue not of a seruile feare otherwise it shall bee numbred with the rest of our sinnes This doth greatly condemne vs that though we doo not such things our selues yet wee can without trouble of conscience griefe of heart or vexation of mind see and heare the Lords name blasphemed his Sabboth vnhalowed Idolatrie committed parents dishonored whoredome theft murder and Couetousnesse commonly vsed and all the lawes of God vtterly contemned and it shall neuer offend the greatest number so much as a thorne in a foote or a blaine or push vppon a finger This vndoubtedly is euen to forsake God in the plaine field and to be afraid to serue him in truth and sinceritie least we should therby purchase mans displeasure vnlesse therefore wee learne to serue him better in more truth with greater zeale in singlenes of heart we haue nothing else to looke for but that he will forsake vs both in this world leauing vs destitute of his assistance that our enemies may pray vpon vs and also in the world to come in giuing out against vs his malediction curse woe and sentence of death Math. 25.37 Psal 15.2 Pro. 23.26 Col. 3.5 Phil. 3.20 Psal 122.2 2. Tim. 4.5.6.7 Math. 25.41 Breakers of the fourth Commaundement 1 AS those parents that bring not their sonnes daughters being of yeares of discretion on the Sabboth day to the Church to be partakers of the holy exercises as preaching prayer Catechising and Sacraments do transgresse this Commaundement So in like manner those paâ—ents greatly offend heerein that bring their yong children to the Church on the Sabboth dayes who either by their crying or running vp and downe the Church doo both trouble themselues the Minister and the people that the word preached the prayers vttered caÌ„not with reuerence be so well heard as otherwise they might And no lesse do they offend herein that bring their Hawkes Hounds or Dogs to disquiet the Congregation 2 As Magistrates Schoolemaisters as also all Artificers and Handicrafts men ought to abstaine from their Offices and callings on the Sabboth day because they are impediments to hinder their zeale and attentiuenesse that they ought to giue to God in his worship and seruice that day So contrariwise if God will not haue them exercise their vocations and trades being lawfull and necessarie then much more he will not haue them exercised in vnlawfull and vnnecessarie works as in gayming dycing daunsing carding drinking rioting other vanities of this world whereby they are not onely drawne from the company of the holy Congregation but also doo thereby defile their bodyes which they ought rather to sanctifie and keepe holy Christ commeth of the Father AS the Sunne remaineth the same and is not lessened by the beames which it spreadeth abroad So neither is the substance of the Father lessened or changed though he haue the Sonne an Image of himselfe Christ not to be denied in persecution AS the Serpent when he seeth he shall come into mans hands defendeth his head either by gathering himselfe into a circle or thrusting his head into a hole leauing the other parts open to the wounds So likewise we must do in time of persecution euen keepe Christ our head from wounds howsoeuer our bodies suffer Curiositie 1 AS the Phisitions do speak of the members of a mans body that they are made and composed of forme substance strength and greatnesse and placed and disposed very coÌ„ueniently to shew their effects and operations So likewise in euery Commonwealth God hath raised vp some men either Ciuilians or Diuines furnished them with such graces and gifts as are necessarie to effect such things as he hath before determined now if the foote will take vpoÌ„ him to execute the office of the hand or that the hand wil needs walk as the foote if the eare wil striue to see and the eye to heare it would be a very vaine foolish thing for them to enterprise such things seeing they haue not bene made and framed thereto In like maner we striue in
Curtesie 1 AS the tree is knowne by his fruite the gold by the touch and the bell by the sound so is a mans birth by his beneuolence his honour by his humilitie and his calling by his Curtesie 2 As the peg straineth the Lute strings so Curtesie stretcheth the heart strings 3 As it belongeth to the Sunne to lighten the earth with his beames so it pertaineth to the vertue of a Prince to haue compassion and be Curteous to the miserable Courts of Princes AS it was a saying sometime of Asia that it was no praise neuer to haue seene it but to haue liued soberly and temperatly in Asia was praise worthie Euen so it were no great matter neuer to haue seene the Courts of Princes but to haue liued Christianly in those Courts were a speciall worke of God in his children Spirituall Doctrine of our soules 1 AS God workes in his creatures that after winter comes Summer and after a storme comes faire weather So in the spirituall Doctrine of our soules first hee teacheth repentance preacheth the Lawe threatneth vengeance for sinne castes downe man in his owne sight and lets him looke euen into hel with feare of conscience for his disobedience but afterwards he comforts him rayseth him vp and heales him Math. 9.13 Desires of the flesh how they are quenched LIke as the Dropsie desires and longeth after drinke and drinke greatly increases it Euen so euill Desires and corrupt affections if they bee followed doo much increase but being refrained they decrease The Deceites of the world are daungerous 1 AS they which walke in a myst do not see it so well as they which stand vpon an hill from it Euen so it fareth in discerning the Deceites and dissimulations of the world whose propertie is to blind them that come to it to the end they may not see their owne estate Euen as a Rauen first of all striketh out the poore sheepes eyes and so bringeth to passe that shee may not see the way to escape from his tyrannie 2 Like as a mans naked body tossed and tumbled among many thornes cannot but be much rent and torne and made bloudy with the prickes thereof So a worldly mans soule beaten with the cares and cogitations of this life cannot but be vexed with restles pricking of the same and wounded also with many temptations of sin which follow vpon it Discord AS Musicke if the harmonie of the strings be not consonantly fitted the sound is not sweete nor acceptable to any good and tunable eare Euen so if Christians doo disagree amongst themselues they are vnacceptable to God Diseases of the mind AS the wounds of the body with often rubbing and chafing are made sometimes incurable Euen so the Diseases of the mind if they be exasperated and stirred vp will more and more rebell and draw the partie in whom they are to sinne more greedily then euer he did before Death of the body not to be feared 1 LIke as a traueller who hauing passed many daungers reioyceth greatly whē he approacheth neare vnto his own contrie or home Or as a man who willingly departeth out of a ruinous house ready to fall vppon his head Euen so a godly Christian can take no pleasure in this transitorie world seeing each day he draweth nearer to an end then other where the pleasures that he receiueth are nothing to the paines hee suffereth and his delights doo cost him so deare Phil. 1.23 2 As men locke vp their best apparell in a chest meaning to weare them againe Euen so are the Dead bodies of the faithfull buried in sure and certaine hope of rising againe to life euerlasting And therefore none ought to feare Death or be vnwilling to die 3 As money borrowed is to bee paide againe with thankes and good will So the life that wee haue borrowed of God is to bee yeelded vp with cheerfull countenance and thankes Dunsticall writers AS the sauour of the beast Panther seemeth sweete to none other then vnto bruite beastes So is Scotus and other Dunsticall writers to sharpe quicke and good wits most foolish Whereas vnto doltes and dawes they are as deare as any darling Decree or purpose of God AS no man is able neither King Prince nor Potentate to stay stoppe or hinder the course of the Sunne Moone or Starres So likewise can no man stay let or hinder the Decree purpose determination or coūsell of God Pro. 21.30 Decrease of renued holinesse AS when a theefe goeth about to spoyle any man of his goods if hee offer to breake in at the broadside of his house he is straightway espied and receiueth the repulse but if he vndermine the house he may bee within it and on the dweller before he bee aware So when as Sathan commeth as it were bluntly to a Christian and doth at the first dash moue him to forsake and renounce God by infidelitie his malicious purpose is soone espied and for the most part so carefully resisted that hee hath not any hope euer to preuaile by that meanes and to robbe the regenerate man of his renewed holinesse So that he is driuen to take another way by the end for he will neuer giue ouer and to goe more closely to worke Day of Iudgement terrible to the wicked 1 AS Cornelius being a iust man and feared God was yet affraid when hee saw the Angell Euen so much more shall the wicked be astonied and confounded at the presence of God at the Day of Iudgement Act. 10.2.3.4 2. Thes 1.9.10 2 Like as when the boughes of the Fig tree bee tender and that it beginneth to bring forth leaues it is a certaine token that Summer is neare Euen so treasons pestilence warres famine Earthquakes c. are the Prefaces or Prologues to sorrowes and shew that the Day of Iudgement is neare euen at the doores Math. 24.32 Math. 13.28 Death of Christ. 1 AS the hearbe Panax or Panace hath in it a remedie against all diseases So is the Death of Christ against all sinne sufficient and effectuall 2 Like as the storme and tempest of the Sea was pacified and ceased as soone as Ionas was cast into it Euen so by the Death burial and resurrection of Christ the wrath of God was truely and indeed pacified that calmenesse might be giuen vnto the troubled consciences of sinners and a most sure attonement and peace made betwixt God and vs. Iona. 7.2 c. 3 Like as a Corrasiue which being applied to the part affected eateth out the venime and corruption Euen so the Death of Christ by faith applied frettethout consumeth the concupiscence and the corruption of the whole man Displeasure foreseene AS a man doth receiue more at wil and with lesse daunger the stroke which hee foreseeth So a Displeasure foreseene and prouided for and before perceiued doth lesse annoy him Death 1 AS no man may maruaile at a thing burnt that might be burned or at a thing molten that was to be melted So is it not to
bee maruelled that any is Dead which was mortall and borne to die 2 Like as a man which walketh ouer a fielde couered with Snow and sees not his way but when he thinketh to runne on sodenly fals into a pit Euen so they which haue all things at will and swim in pleasures which as a Snow couereth their way and dazeleth their sight while they thinke to liue on reioyce still sodainly rush vpon Death and make shipwracke in the calme sea Delight THey that seeke in Plato Demosthenes and specially in the sacred Scriptures nothing but vtterance and eloquence Are like vnto those that delight in the onely colour and sauour of salues and medicines False Doctrines and inuentions of men 1 LIike as hey wood stuble put to the fire are brought to sudden consuming Euen so the Doctrines and inuentions of men not stablished by the word of God cannot beare the tryall of the holy Ghost but they by and by fall away and perish 1. Cor. 3.12.13.14.15 2 As there is no foode more wholsome then the foode of the word of God if it bee receiued sincerely as it is So there is none more noysome and hurtfull when it is marred with mixture of other things mingled with it then is the false Doctrine of men 3 As smoke hurteth the eyes and suffereth them not to see clearely So also doth peruerse Doctrine it dazeleth the eyes taketh away iudgement blindeth with error 4 As it is great foolishnesse to forsake the cleare fountaines and to drinke puddle water so it is great folly to leaue the sweete Doctrine of the Euangelists and to study the dreames of mens imaginations Discipline 1 LIke as if there were neuer so faire a garden or orchard planted and yet the same left without a fence or but with a bad fence so that somthing ere it were long shuld get in and so roote vp the hearbes and marre the plants Euen so is it in the Church where Discipline wanteth although there be neuer so sound and good preaching with Catechising against sin and wickednes yet the edge therof is so dulled that it is fruitlesse and of little force 2 Like as when a man goeth a stray and wandreth in some Forrest not knowing in what great danger it would no doubt be a great comfort to him to bee told of his errour and taught the right way Euen so the principall end of Discipline tendeth that euery member of the Church should walke in the feare of God and that if any one goe a stray he should be brought backe into the way of saluation Math. 18.15.16.17 3 Euen as when a man falleth into a ditch or deepe pit ready to be drowned he hath good cause to thanke him that pulleth him out and saueth his life So likewise we are to account our selues much bound and beholding to the Ecclesiasticall Discipline of Gods Church when wee through wickednesse and lewdnesse of life are ready to be drowned in hell then I say wee are by good documents exhortations reprehensions and publike admonitions hayled and drawne out of the same 4 As no Cittie Towne house or familie can maintaine their estate and prosper without Policie and Gouernment Euen so the Church of God which requireth more purely to bee gouerned then any Cittie or familie cannot without spirituall Policie and Ecclesiasticall Discipline continue increase and flourish 5 As the word of God is the life and soule of the Church So a godly order of Discipline is as it were sinewes in the body which knit and ioyne the members together with decent order and comelinesse It is a bridle to stay the wicked from their mischiefes It is a spurre to pricke forward such as bee slow and negligent yea and for all men it is the Fathers rodde euer in a readinesse to chastise gentlie the faultes committed and to cause them afterwarde to liue in more godly feare and reueâ—ence Drunken men AS one ouer-loaden with Wine can very hardly hide or keepe any meate in his stomacke So also the drunken man may keepe or containe in him no secretes Drunkards and Drunkennesse 1 AS Lot in seeking to make himselfe merry with wine did incurre thereby a perpetuall heauinesse Euen so all those that do practise the like are in great daunger of getting dishonestie and shame Gen. 19.32 2 Like as the immoderate drinking of wine was onely the cause of Lots abhominable and vile incest Euen so the like excesse in all other Drunkards is the onely cause why they do many things whereof being come to themselues againe they are then both sory and sore ashamed Pro. 31.4 1. Tim. 3.3 8. Tit. 1.7 Leuit. 10.9 Num. 6.3 Esa 5.11 3 As a man by reason is discerned from a bruit beast So when wine and strong drinke depriueth him of his vnderstanding and reason it depriueth man of man and placeth him in the degree of beasts Prou. 20.1.1 Cor. 6.10 5.11 22. 4 As there is no exercise more profitable for the children of God for their saluation or wherein God is greatlier glorified then in prayer thankesgiuing and praises to the Lord So is there nothing that sooner quencheth the vse of the same then Drunkennesse 2. King 16.9 Luk. 21.34.35 Eph. 5.18 Rom. 13.13 5 As long and sore raine moysteneth the earth and so conuerteth into mire that it cannot be tilled to bring forth fruite Euen so our bodyes distempered with too much drinke cannot receiue the spirituall Husbandrie neither yeeld any fruite beseeming the immortall soule Pro. 23.29 30. 1. Pet. 4.3 Mich. 2.11 6 As all men do desire to haue sufficient and competent showres of raine in their fields and closes so that they may be able both to exercise tillage and to enioy the plentie of their fruites and encrease Euen so in this field men should drinke but so much as behoueth least by excesse and Drunkennesse the very earth of their body being as it were turned into a very Fenne and Quagmyre may better serue to breede Woormes and Serpentes of vice and sinne then it should bee able to bring foorth the fruite of charitie 7 As whatsoeuer groweth in Fennes and Marshes bringeth foorth no fruite for therein doo breede Serpents and sundrie kindes of woormes which doo bring more horror and dread then encrease of victuall Euen so such are Drunkards being fit for no profit or commoditie for oftentimes in their Drunkennesse they know neither theÌ„selues nor any body else neither can they goe stand nor speake any thing that pertaineth vnto reason Esay 19.14 28.1 23 7. Amo. 2.5.15 8 As when there is too much raine the ground is vnfit for Tillage and turned to myre So when one is Drunken the spirituall tillage can take no force nor the soule bring foorth her fruites of Christianitie 9 As a Sip on the Sea without a guide leaning now on the one side now on the other so often in daunger So â—n like manner it often happeneth to the Drunkard who â—acketh the guide of reason
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
Euen so we if we desire to be enriched with Gods graces must first of all labour to haue Faith which is the onely keye of Gods treasure house and doth bring vpon vs from God all graces needfull both for soule and body 4 Like as no man may liue a corporall life by meanes of the soule of an other man but onely by his owne soule Euen so no man may liue a spirituall life by the Faith of an other but by his owne Faith Aba 2.4 5 As no man may entertaine and conserue the life which he receiued by meane of his soule by the foode and nourishment which an other doth take nor by that which he eateth and drinketh but only by that which he himselfe doth take and by the meates and drinkes which he receiueth by his owne person Euen so is it of the nourishment of the Faith of euery man by the word of God for the entertainment conseruation of the spirituall life 6 Like as no wicked and vngodly sonne is made better for in respect of the Faith vertue of his godly Father neither yet any godly sonne is worse in respect of the vngodlinesse of his wicked father So no man is saued by an other mans Faith but by his owne And yet it cannot bee denied but that both temporall and spirituall benefites bee obtained and gotten for and through the Faith of other men Euen as one man by his wisedome may make another man proue wise So he that belieueth may by his Faith and prayer obtaine Faith for other men Yet notwithstanding like as no man is wise by an other mans wisedome but by his owne So no man is saued by another mans Faith but by his owne Ezech. 18. Math. 8.5 c. 9.2 Mar. 2.3 4 5. Luk. 5.18 7 As the leaues and flowers and sprigs of Water Betonie or Browne-woort though they haue their yearely course and chaunge yet the roote from which they spring is euerlasting So though the outward fruites of Faith are chaungeable and decay many times yet Faith continueth euer 8 As Dictam or Tragium receiued causeth Darts sticking in the flesh to fal out So the promises of God in Christ apprehended by Faith cause the firie Darts of the Diuell to vanish and fall away 9 As the smell of Trefoile is often stronger in a moyst and cloudie darke season then in faire weather So the strength of Faith vttereth it selfe more in aduersitie and affliction then in pleasure or time of prosperitie 10 As the Parents are a meanes to beget the bodily forme of their children Euen so the Preachers which are called fathers beget the forme of a Christian mind which is Faith or the confidence of the heart which layeth hold vpon Christ and cleaueth to him alone and none else 1. Thes 2.11 2. King 17.10 13.14 Phil. 10. 11 Faith is compared vnto Golde but Faith is much more noble then Gold For as Gold is the most precious mettall in things mortall So Faith doth most excell in things spirituall 12 As a house is made to keepe vs from colde in winter and from heate in Summer and to defend vs from theeues and violences that may be offered vs which house if it be alwaies in building doth not saue vs from any one of those harmes Euen so our spirituall house of Faith if it bee once built it saueth vs from heate of persecution and coldnesse of all kind of aduersities from the Diuell and from all kind of temptations wherewith he assalteth vs but being alwaies in building it saueth vs from none of these 13 As those Birds that flieth highest in the firmament are not so quickly snared by the fowlers Ginnes as other be So likwise those men that haue alwaies an eye through Faith vnto Iesus Christ whose minds doth mount aboue the skies are not so soone snared by the fleshe the world and the diuell as others be 14 Like as Fire if fuell or wood be not alwaies added to it will at length goe out Euen so Faith if we let it alone neuer stirre vp the same by hearing the word preached by repentance and inuocation it will cleane be extinguished 15 As no Man may liue a corporall life by meanes of the soule of an other man but onely by his owne soule Euen so no man may liue a spirituall life by the Faith of an other but by his owne Faith Abac. 2.4 Rom. 1.17 16 Like as no wicked and vngodly Sonne is made better for and in respect of the Faith and vertue of his godly Father neither yet any godly Sonne is worse in respect of the vngodlinesse of his wicked Father Euen so no man is saued by an other mans Faith but by his owne Ezech. 18. 17 As one Man by his wisedome may make an other man prooue wise So he that belieueth may by his Faith and prayer obtaine Faith for other men Math. 8.5 c. 9.2 Mar. 2.3 4 5. Luk. 5.18 18 Like as no man is wise by an other mans wisdome but by his owne So likewise no man is saued by an other mans Faith but by his owne 19 As the plaister if it bee not laide to the wound will neuer heale the soare Euen so Faith and beliefe will not profit any man vnlesse hee truely applie it to himselfe Rom. 1.17 20 As the mightie Oake whose roote as far stretcheth downwardes as his bowes vpwards may bee shaken but yet not plucked vp quite Euen so they which haue fixed their Faith firmely in Christ and haue cast the Ancor of their hope in his lap though they be tossed too and fro diuers waies cannot finally fall away from God 21 Like as an Emplayster or Cataplasme made of the brused seede of Mustard is knowne to haue singular vertue and effect beeing applied to them that haue their members benummed that are fallen into the Letharge or drowsie Euill or that bee troubled with the swimming and giddinesse in their head Or that haue the Apoplexie Palsie Falling sicknesse and to bee short for all cold griefes and diseases because it warmeth and bringeth heate motion and sense againe into the affected parts and is also good to helpe Leprous Scuruie Scabbie and vlcerous persons So likewise Faith being vpholden shored vp and surely Anchored vnto the word of God reuiueth erecteth cheareth vp and restoreth the dull spirites and appalled conscience of man making it readie and prompt to execute atchiue and exercise the offices and functions of godlinesse 22 As a Laborer in seruing a Mason or slater as he goeth vp the ladder stayeth himselfe by one of his handes and serueth the Mason or slater with the other Euen so euerie good Christian in this world is as it were vppon a ladder his two handes are Faith whereby hee stayeth himselfe in his calling depending on the commaundement and promise of God and the other loue whereby he performeth the workes of his calling to the good and benefit of others 23 Like as a man
with a Palsie hand can stretch it out as well to receiue a gift at the hand of a King as he that is more sound though it bee not so firmely and stedfastly Euen so wee must know that a weake Faith will as truely apprehend Gods mercifull promises for the pardon of sinne as a strong Faith though not so soundly 24 Euen as it little profiteth the wounded man to haue the best medicine lying by him except he had a hand to lay the plaister vppon the soare Euen so the mercies of God can doo vs small good except wee haue Faith to applie them vnto our sinfull soules Habac. 2.4 2. Cor. 1.24 5.7 25 As our hand is to our mouth and the mouth to the stomacke and the windpipe to the hart so that if thou hast not a hand to feede thy month and a mouth to feede thy stomacke thy body must needs soone perish And againe if the windpipe should be cut asunder presently thy heart dyeth and al thy members fall downe because they want the breath of life Euen so if thy Faith which is the onely meane whereby thou receiuest the breath of Christs spirit into thy soule and whereby thou liuest that new life in Christ Iesus of which the Prophet Habacucke speaketh The iust shall liue by his Faith If this pipe and Cunduit bee perished or broken in thee by thine owne negligence or cut off by thine aduersarie the diuel who seeketh nothing else night nor day but thy euerlasting poyle then certainly both thy soule and body must needs perish too 26 As the Fig tree that bare no fruit was threatned to be cut down or as a Sun without light is but a painted Sun Or as a coale without heat is dead Or as a body without motion liueth not Euen so Faith without workes is dead and the Christians that bringeth not foorth the fruites of the spirite of Christ belongeth not to Christ and so is no Christian Luk. 16.6 Iam. 2.17 27 As Infidelitie is the head-spring of all wickednesse and vice So on the contrarie side Faith is the originall well and fountaine of all vertue and godlinesse Which Faith is declared not onely by words but by such deedes and workes as God hath commaunded vs in his holy and sacred Scriptures and where no such workes bee speake they neuer so godly there is no true liuely Faith Tit. 1.1 3 1 6. 28 As Beggers which not being woorth one farthing wil yet boast of great wealth So many brag of great Faith and holinesse but haue little or none euen as though they could remooue mountaines out of their places and yet know not what true Faith is Luk. 18.8 29 As the Sunne except it shine and beate vppon the face of the earth there will no fruite spring increase or riâ—â—pen Euen so except Faith shine in the soules of men they shall neuer be acceptable to God 30 As the Sunne shining in the firmament auaileth him not that hath none eyes to see the same neither him that winketh with his eyes and will not see but onely him that doth behold the light thereof So doth the death of Christ profit him nothing which lacketh true Faith to lay hold vpon the same but onely such as by a liuely and fruitfull Faith applie the same vnto themselues Gal. 2.20 Iohn 3. 6. tot 31 As some kind of medicines are so composed that they will serue for a generall helpe for all diseases So Catholike Faith doth serue against all diseases of the soule 32 As a Traueller which iourneying into a Countrie where he might liue delightfully profitably doth leaue the right and straight way and followes by paths which will leade him into daungerous places to the losse of his life is vnwise So euery one that thinketh to please God without Faith taketh a wrong course and deceiueth him selfe to the destruction and losse of his soule 33 As a shielde or buckler is the chiefe defence of a Souldier wherby he beateth backe his enemies weapons So likewise Faith in time of spiritual conflict repelleth the diuels weapons or instruments Psal 5.12 34 As the superstitions Pagans thought that an Idoll which they termed Vibilia kept them from erring out of their way So Faith which is our Vibilia will not suffer vs to wander out of the way so long as we doo all things according to that patterne which was shewed vs in the mount Exod. 25.40 35 As the argument is alway good for the subsistance of any subiect vnto the natural propertie of the same and contrariwise the propertie being set the subiect of necessitie must be seene So Faith which iustifieth man being set good workes which are the properties of the spirit of of Faith are necessarily set 36 Euen as good works being set Faith froÌ„ which they doo spring must needs be set So whersoeuer Faith is not good works are not where good works be not there is not faith the cause of good works 1. Tim. 1.18 19. Ma. 25.34 37 Euen as without eyes no man seeth without eares no man heareth without smelling no man smelleth without tasting no man discerneth tastes without touching no man toucheth any thing So without Faith can no man see heare smell taste eate and finally touch Christ 38 As by the preaching of the Gospell the holy Ghost doth kindle Faith in vs So he increaseth feedeth cherisheth confirmeth the same by the vse of the Sacraments Gen. 17.10 Exod. 12.13 Math. 26.26 27. 1. Cor. 11.23 39 As the bodie hath his hand mouth and stomacke whereby it taketh receiueth and digesteth meate for the nourishment of euery part So likewise in the soule there is a Faith which is both hand mouth and stomack to apprehend receiue and apply Christ and all his merites for the nourishment of the soule Gal. 3.14 40 As in the litle tender budde is infolded the leafe the blossome and the fruite So where men are displeased with themselues for their offences and do withall constantly from the heart desire to beleeue and to be reconciled to God there is Faith and many other graces of God infolded Isay 42.3 Math. 6.6 41 Euen as in a childe when he growes to be a man remains to be the same substaÌ„ce that was in the child before but now is made stronger by age and castes away all childish toyes So in the same Faith which we professe in our Baptisme must we grow learn the full vnderstanding of it that it may he felt sweeter vnto vs daily more and more while we liue euen to our last end and by which Faith we also grow in the feare of God and by which we be saued Faith is Faith though it be weake or small or lye hidden 1 LIke as a litle child who with his litle hands or as a pore man who with his rugged scabby hands refuse not to take bread other alms that men wil bestow vpon them aswel as if they were greater hole And like
alike And this is the cause that in our Faith as in all other qualities there is sometimes more sometimes lesse and that oftentimes it is more strong and liuely and then sometimes againe more remisse and faint 2 Like as we see the water is more hote or cold according as it is neare or farre off from the fire Euen so is it with vs according as wee are more or lesse exercised in the word and driuen by Gods spirit wee haue more or lesse zeale and affection 3 And altogether like as the disposition of the body followeth the qualitie and temperature of the ayre Elements and exercises to which wee giue our selues Euen so according to the places where we liue and the nourishment that wee there take is the estate of our soules and consciences But bee it that water is sometime hote and sometime colde and that it chaunge his qualities sometimes one way sometimes an other yet it is alwaies water Euen so the man that is elect after his regeneration is alwayes faithfull howsoeuer in that he is the childe of Adam he bee sometimes enclined to euill and that his Faith be not alwayes in one and the selfe same estate and that hee is not alwayes accompanied with the like zeale and affection For oftentimes it commeth to passe that we feele Iesus Christ to stirre and mooue himselfe in vs and by and by after wee haue no manner of Feeling at all But therefore hee ceaseth not to dwell in vs no more then our soules doo dwell in our bodies when we sleepe although in sleeping wee neither Feele them nor any of their operations Feeling of sinnes greater in some then of the merite and righteousnesse of Iesus Christ. 1 LIke as we Feele the calamities and miseries of warre more then the fruites and pleasures of peace and the griefes and diseases more then the quietnesse of health and the hardinesse of pouertie more then the profites and commodities of aboundance and riches Euen so we ought not much to maruaile if wee Feele the stingings and prickes of sinne a great deale more then the consolations of the righteousnesse of Iesus Christ seeing that sinne dwelleth in vs and not righteousnesse which thing is the cause that the one is more sencible then the other Notwithstanding for all this wee must not thinke that sinne is greater and stronger then righteousnesse or that it can in anye respecte bee compared vnto it or can bee more able to condemne and destroye vs then the righteousnesse of Iesus Christ and the grace of GOD is to iustifie and saue vs. Rom. 6.1 c. 2 Like as we haue sometimes in the ende of our finger some pain or grief which we feele a great deale more then the health that is all ouer the rest of the body yea thogh it be much greater then the paine of our finger Euen so we must not esteeme the greatnesse or the strength whether it be of righteousnesse or sinne according to that feeling we haue because the one that is sin is more sencible then the other and specially forasmuch as we embrace righteousnesse onely by Faith which is of those things that are not outward and sencible Feeling and finding not alwayes in our selues good desires to holy Exercises yet we must not be discouraged therefrom AS a man that taketh bread meate and eateth it without any great appetite hath not such a pleasure in eating as if he were well an hungred notwithstanding that which he receiueth ceaseth not to profit and sustaine him as we see in sicknesse Euen so do prayers and other Christian Exercises to which such cold persons do giue themselues And therefore it only remaineth for them to search the meanes how to encourage themselues and to do euen as a man would do to fire when it is almost out which he would haue kindled againe he bloweth it and layeth matter about it wherwith to kindle the same or as a man that putteth Oyle to a Lampe when the light is going out Babling of Foolish men and women AS there is no beast that more loueth his Whelpes or yonglings then the Asse or Ape So some Foolish women and fond men do more regard their owne tale and blind babling then all other mens Faith as God giueth vs it so he encreaseth the same in vs. AS it is the part of a naturall Father to nourish and set forth the childe which he hath begotten Euen so no doubt God is so faithfull that as he giueth Faith vnto his deare children so he doth furder feede and conserue the same also in them Psal 68.28 Luk. 17.5 Faith the onely trueth which reciueth the bodie of Christ crucified 1 AS the sustenance of bread and drinke being holden onely in the hand or gazed vppon with the eye nourisheth not except the same be inwardly receiued and conueyed into the stomacke and yet neither againe the receiuing of euery thing sustaineth mans bodie except it be meate and drinke which haue their condition properly to nourish So in like sort it is with Faith for as the beleeuing of euery truth and Faith of euery obiect saueth not but that Faith onely which is in Christs blood so neither againe doth the same blood of Christ profit vs except by Faith it be inwardly receiued Mat. 11.28 Ioh. 3.15 16 18. 14.1 11 12. 15.4 5 7. Act. 10.44 2 As the Sunne the fountaine of all light shineth not but onely to such which haue eyes to see nor yet to them vnlesse they open their eyes to receiue light Euen so the body of Christ crucified being the materiall sustenance onely of our soules it followeth that the same sustenance must be receiued by Faith into our inward hearts or else it is not effectuall 3 Like as Iustifying Faith goeth euer with his obiect Christ Euē so to the same faith also must be required that it stand not only in outward profession in words in tong and talke as swimming onely in the lippes nor in inward formes in shewes and gestures only which is but a dead and an idle Faith making an Hypocrite before men rather then a iustified man before God but must enter further into the inward heart and as the sustenance of the soule must inwardly be receiued and digested Forgiuenesse of sinnes to be preached to all men 1 LIke as God hath shut vp all in vnbeliefe that he might haue mercy vppon all Euen so hee will haue this grace of Forgiuenesse of sinnes of his mercy to be set forth and preached to all mankinde Rom. 11.32 Ioh. 3.16 1. Ioh. 2.1 2. 2 As the hungry stomacke is able to receiue meate but yet for all that vnlesse he which is hungry do receiue and eate the meate he is not refreshed So likewise the contrite and humble heart is able indeed to receiue Forgiuenesse of sins but yet vnlesse he do receiue it in very deed the conscience of sinne is not quietted but it dooth receiue it indeed when it receiueth the word
all voide of Friends was compelled to seeke salue for his soare euen of his enemie So such as haue no faithfull Friends at whose hands they should be counselled are faine sometimes to heare their foes 6 As the concord in Musicke of fiue tunes two halfe tunes seemeth as it were but one voice and sound So for true Friends there ought to be but one mind yet so doth the flatterer obey the talke of the rich man in all things that a man would thinke one onely spake and not two but such are to be tried 7 As if the field might be made more fertile with praysing and lauding it then should it bee no lesse praysed then plowed or dunged So if your Friend may by praising him be made better good it is then to commend him if not to what auaileth such hatefull fond and vnprofitable flatterie 8 As in trying vessels we first doo fill them with water not with wine So in prouing of our Friends we ought first to trie them with trifling matters before we do commit vnto them our weightie affaires and secrets 9 Like as a Physition cureth a man secretly he not seeing it so should a good Friend helpe his Friend priuily when he knoweth not thereof 10 As mightie flouds by how much they are brought into small ryuers by so much they loose of their strength So friendship cannot be amongst many without abating the force thereof 10 As the man that drinketh poyson destroyeth himselfe therewith So he that admitteth a Friend erre he perfectly knowe him may hurt himselfe by too much trusting him Faith onely the meanes of Forgiuenesse of sinnes 1 AS no man can bee said to enioy and possesse riches who is himselfe vncertaine whether he hath any riches or no Or as he that cannot bee said to enioy regall honours and princely dignities which doubteth whether he shall euer or neuer obtaine them So in like manner neither must wee thinke that there is any felicitie in remission of sinnes if this certaine and vndoubted trust of Forgiuenesse of sinnes be wanting Psa 51.12 103.12 Math. 9.2 Mar. 2.5 Rom. 5.1 4.7 8.38 Esay 1.18 44.22 Mich. 7.19 1. Iohn 2.12 Iob. 13.15 2 Like as we apprehend colours by the sight sounds by the eare Euen so we apprehend by Faith Gods promises in which he offereth life vnto vs and all other graces Rom. 5.1 Abac. 2.4 Iohn 3.15 Flatterie 1 AS glasse a thing of no great regard is much like vnto the Christall a thing precious and deare So Flatterie a thing as well vile as wicked doth imitate friendship a thing worthie of due laud and commendation 2 As oyle is death and destruction vnto Flies Ants and such others So is Flatterie and adulation vnto Princes and Prouinces vtter ruine and cleane decay 3 Euen as Oyle doth cause the fire to flame So Flatterie doth minister nourishment to errors So that it is not good to belieue a Flatterer for vnder the person of a most sweete friend he is a most bitter enemie Pro. 29.5 4 As no vermine will breede where they finde no warmth no vultures sleepe where they find no pray no Flies swarme where they see no flesh no pilgrime creepe where there is no Crosse So there is no Parrasite or Flatterer will lurke where he finds no gaine Faith and obedience requisite in them that be baptised LIke as there bee in the doctrine of Christ two partes one concerning Faith the other obedience Euen so they be both also required of them that be baptised For baptisme is added to the doctrine of Christ so that a man may say aright in this case as the Apostle saith vnto the Galathians I doo testifie to euery man that is baptised that hee is a debter to accomplish and keepe the whole doctrine of Christ Gal. 5.3 Follie of some men great LIke as he deserueth not to be reputed wise that applying all his studie to the trimming of his garments suffereth his body to perish with hunger and diseases Euen so neither ought such men to bee accounted wise that pursuing and following the delights and vanities of the body abandon and neglect the care of their soules The bodies beeing none other but the apparell to the soules as the garments to the body 2 As Flies are busie in the Pothegaries shops and if they happen to get into his glasses of sweete Syropes and oyntments and there die they stinke and so spoyle his Syrope or oyntment Euen so doth a little folly him that was had in great estimation for his wisedome Prea 10.1 Faith without a particular appliance hath no comfort or commoditie in it LIke as if a man should belieue himselfe to be rich because many men possesse great riches himselfe to bee filled and satisfied because other men haue whereuppon to eate Or himselfe to see because other men haue eyes herein he should much deceiue himselfe Euen so it is impudencie or rather infidelitie for a man to belieue that other men haue their sinnes pardoned them and not hee himselfe Abac. 2.4 Ephe. 1. 14. Flesh and spirite 1 AS the Ayre in the dawning of the daye is not wholly light or wholly darke as at midnight and at nooneday neither is it in one part light and an other part darke but the whole ayre in the same Horizon is partly light and partly darke throughout Or as in a vessell of luke-warme water the water it selfe is not onely hote or onely cold or in one part hote and in an other part cold but heate and colde are mixt together in euery part of the water Euen so is the Flesh and the spirite mingled together in the soule of man this is the cause why these two contrarie qualities fight together Gal. 5.17 2 As a man doth feele a paine which is but in the top of his finger more sensibly thē the health of his whole body yet the health of the body is more then the paine of a finger Euen so a godly Christian doth more feele the Flesh then the spirite yet the power and efficacie of the spirite by the vertue of the holy Ghost is such that it is able to preuaile ordinarily against the Fleshe and therefore the Fleshe is not more then the spirite and as men feele corruption not by corruption but by grace So the more they feele their inward corruptions the more grace they haue 3 Like as if the wood bee taken from the fire and the embers quenched yet neuerthelesse the stones oftentimes remaine hote and burning So the Flesh though it be chastised with hote and drie maladies or consumed by many yeares in trauaile yet concupisence abideth still in the bones Forgiuing of others 1 LIke as a Seale put to a peece of waxe leaueth an Impression or marke like it selfe in the wax which when a man lookes on he doth certainely know that there hath beene a Seale the print whereof is left behinde Euen so it is in euery one that hath readinesse to
man when he is a thirstie tarrieth but for drinke and when hee hungereth abideth but for meate and then drinketh and eateth naturally Euen so is the Faithfull euer a thirst and an hungered after the will of God and tarrieth but for an occasion and whensoeuer an occasion is giuen hee worketh naturally the will of God 2 As the vnbelieuers declare their vnbeliefe by the working of the euill spirit in them outwardly the fruites of the flesh Euen so the belieuers declare their Faith by the working in them outwardly the fruites of the spirite 3 Like as when we heare a Musition play sweetely or a painter picture curiously we do not inquire what countrymen they are or whether they bee borne of noble parentage or no but diligently hearken to the Musicke and marke and view well the picture So a Faithfull and carefull hearer of the word must not so much regard the state and condition of the Preacher as diligently to marke the good things that he teacheth and so to practise them in his life and behauiour Fall of man through his owne pride AS we see a child who whilst he runneth vp and down to shew his new cloathes hee stumbleth euen vpon his cloathes and catcheth a Fall and seeing himselfe downe and his cloathes soyled and arayed in the dust he cryeth lowder at his Fall then hee crowed before at his new Coate So God hath put many excellent graces vpon thee thou crowest at the sight of them as Nebuchadnezzer did at the sight of his Pallace and like a foole thou art in admiration of thy selfe till thou stumblest euen vpon thine owne giftes and when thou art downe thou which before didst crow like a foole doest then crie like a child especially because thou seest thy excellent graces euen thy coate of diuers colours stayned and foyled with thy Fall Psa 75.6 7. The Famine of the soule LIke as when God sendeth a Famine that wee hardly find wherewithall to sustaine our liues then our condition is miserable Euen so much more daungerous and greater is the Famine of the soule when God taketh away from any people the sincere Preachers of his word Amo. 8.11 12. Feare of God 1 AS Ioseph did dreame that the Sunne and Moone did bowe vnto him So must the whole world Feare and stand in awe of Gods maiestie Gen. 37 9. 2 As Iacob told his vnckle Laban that except the Feare of Isaac had beene with him meaning the Feare of God who was Isaacs Feare he would haue sent him away emptie Euen so it is with vs all except Gods Feare remaine and continue with vs though the Lord hath deserued neuer so much at our hands yet we like vnthankfull Labans would send him emptie away and robbe him of the praise of all his blessings and graces bestowed vpon vs. Gene. 31.42 Pro. 1.7 14.27 Exod. 20.20 Gene. 42.18 Gods Face is fearefull to the wicked AS the Face of an earthly Iudge which can but kill the body is most fearefull and terrible vnto that partie which is brought before him for his wicked fact Euen so the Face and sentence of the eternall and heauenly Iudge of Iudges will bee most terrible against the wicked who after he hath killed can cast both body and soule into hell fire and from whose countenance flyeth away both the heauens and the earth Math. 10.28 Reue. 20.11 Friends vnprofitable AS the stumpe of a tooth is vnprofitable to eate withal So they in whom there is no faith nor credite to be reposed are Friendes vnfit and vnprofitable for a man in the day of trouble Prou. 25.19 A Friend forsaken AS a vessell how profitable so euer it hath beene to the owner and how necessarie for his turne yet when it is broken it is throwne away and regarded no longer Euen so such is the state of a man forsaken of those whose Friend he hath beene so long as he was able to stand them in stead Psal 31.12 Such a Father such a Sonne AS Vipers broode destroyeth them that breed them So generally the children of them that murthered the Prophets and shewed crueltie to the saints of God fulfill the measure of their fathers and are vnmercifully bent against all those that seeke their life and saluation Math. 3.7 23.33 A dead Faith 1 LIke as he that falleth into a Riuer if he neither moue hands armes nor legs is quickly drowned and sinketh downe dead to the bottom but if he swim escapeth aliue So he that trusteth to a dead Faith which because it hath no good effects and bringeth forth no liuely fruites as an holy loue to God man pietie patience pitie mercie compassion and such like vertues he must needes be drowned in vtter destruction and sincke downe into the bottomlesse gulfe and pit of hell but he that moueth his hands his feete to do the deeds of a true right Faith which worketh by loue and shall be a dooer of the word and not an hearer onely he shall escape safe out of all dangers and shall arriue at the happie hauen of eternall happinesse and euerlasting life through Christ Iesus Iam. 2.14 c. Gal. 5.6 Iam. 1.22 2 Like as if a man say to one that is hungry fill thy belly and giueth him nothing this shall not be true charitie So likewise if a man say he beleeueth bringeth forth no workes of Faith this shall not be true faith but a certaine dead thing set out with the name of Faith wherof no man hath to bragge vnlesse he will openly incurre reprehention seeing that the cause is vnderstood by the effects Iam. 2 15 16. Spirituall Fornication AS they that forsake their husbands and giue themselues ouer to straungers doo so become common Whoores Euen so such is the state of those which leaue God and the truth which sometime they professed and commit Idolatrie and cleaue to superstitions Ezech. 23.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8. Fasting when needfull 1 AS men accused in times past with longe hanging beardes with vncombred hayre with blacke array were wont humbly to abate themselues to the end to procure the mercy of the Iudge So likewise when we are accused for our sinnes before the iudgement of God when either pestilence or famine or war begin to range abroad or if any calamitie otherwise seeme to hang ouer our coūtrie then it behoueth vs both for his glorie and for common edification and also is profitable and healthfull for vs that wee should in pitious array humble our selues in Fasting and prayer before his maiestie and so craue to escape his seueritie Ioel. 2.25 2 As bridles are necessarie for wilde horses So likewise is Fasting sometimes for a Christian to tame the fleshe 3 As some men naturally are continually out of measure and inclined to one extremitie or other which are both naught and many there haue beene which haue alwayes continued but too licentious So also some there haue beene so superstitious in Fasting and abstinence that they
maisters commaundement Euen so doubtlesse the selfesame worke is sinne in the seruants and creatures of God which to God is no sinne but an ordinarie worke appointed for some special purpose either for the manifestation of his power as was the hardning of Pharao or for the declaration of his mercie as was the fal of Dauid of Peter of Mary Magdalen and all other repentant sinners 4 As the Sunne sending foorth his beames and heate to the carrion and so engendreth in some corruption draweth to it selfe neither corruption neither yet any filthinesse neither yet dooth the Sunne by his puritie and brightnesse so purge the carrion but that it remaineth stinking and corrupt So doth God so worke by the wicked that the iustice which is in him doth not iustifie theÌ„ neither yet is hee defiled by their wickednesse and corruption Godly men wants nothing good for them AS a naturall Sonne may assuredly trust that his Father will doo for him all things that may bee for his setting foorth and preferment Euen so we may vndoubtedly assure our selues that hauing Almightie God to our Father we shal lacke nothing neither in this world nor in the world to come which may be profitable and expedient for vs towardes the enioying of the euerlasting inheritaunce which our heauenly Father hath prepared for vs. God alone sufficient to his people AS the Sunne hath no neede to be holpen of the companie of any other lights to giue light to the world and as one soule is enough to keepe life and to gouerne the body Euen so is one God alone sufficient to his people yea to all the world for all things aboundantly without the helpe of any other God tempteth no man to sinne LIke as if a man haue a seruant which is a theefe yet neuerthelesse he wold be esteemed for an honest man and to trie and proue him his maister leaueth his purse ful of money before him If his seruant take steale it away is he a theefe and doth he not declare himselfe to be such a one Yes vndoubtedly And now who made him a theefe The maister or the mony which was left where he might come by it Surely neither of both for the money is the good creatuâ—e of God And when the maister put it before his seruant â—e did not compell him to take it and to steale it If this seruant had beene an honest man hee would not haue touched it or if he had taken it he would haue brought it vnto his maister and would not haue kept it But seeing that the seruaunt was then already a theefe and had his hart giuen to theft when hee had the occasion to put in execution the wicked affection of his heart he did it And whereas he did it no sooner that was because that he had not the occasion and meanes For if occasion had beene sooner offered to him and if hee had found whereto to reach out his hand he would not haue kept it in and when hee beganne to put foorth his hand he hath not onely then begun to be a theefe but hee hath onely begunne to declare himselfe what he was As wee haue the example in Iudas who was a theefe a long time but he neuer shewed it vntill he had opportunitie Euen so although that God hath giuen the occasion to man for to proue trie him and for to make him to make knowne that which is in his heart It followeth not therefore that God hath done the sinne nor yet is the author of it and that we must impute the fault to him and not to him which hath committed it Iohn 12.6 Gene. 50.20 Iob. 1.11 One God and three persons 1 AS there is in man the soule the spirit and the body three distinct substances which neuerthelesse doo make but one man and not three In the soule there is the mind the vnderstanding and the will but these doo not make three soules but one In the Sunne there is the very substance of it the heate and the light and yet these there be not thereby made three Sunnes but one If the light and shining be taken from the Sunne we should then see the body of it no more And if the heate or warmeth be taken from the Sunne we should then not feele whether there were any Sunne in the skie or no Euen so if the word and spirit be taken from God we should then come by no knowledge of him at all Therfore wheras the Son and the holy Ghost are ioyned vnto the Father it doth further nothing to the making of many Gods but to the manifesting of one true God in nature and essence and three in personnes and properties which was to bee spread throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospell 2 Like as the Sunne in the firmament hath three distinct and sundrie things of the which euery one differeth from an other as the Globe the light and the heate And although euery one of these keepe seuerally their properties yet it is but one Sunne and is not diuided into three Sunnes So in the Deitie the vnitie of essence is not taken away by the distinction of persons and yet for all that is there no confounding of persons nor chaunging of one into an other For as there is but one Sunne in through the whole world no more is there but one God And as the Sunne sheweth himselfe by his beames Euen so God as Father doth shew himselfe by his Sonne Iesus Christ which is his word and eternall wisedome And as the Sunne by his heate dooth make vs feele his force Euen so God maketh vs feele his vertue by his holy spirit which is his infinite power Deut. 6.4 32.39 Esay 43.10 11 44.6 45.5.18.22 1. Cor. 8.6 3 As reason will and memorie are not three but one and the same soule So the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost are three distinct in propertie and one God The holy Ghost compared to fire and water 1 AS the fire is pure and cleane and can suffer no vncleannesse So the holy Ghost dooth purge clense and lighten the consciences of Christians setting them on fire with the loue of God Math. 3.11 Luk. 3.16 2 As fire is an Element exceeding pure and cleane and so necessarie for mans life that we may in no wise want or forgo it So also the water is very needfull for vs being a very cleare pure and cleane nature and very meete for to represent and signifie the nature office and properties of the holy Ghost Or as the water doth renew and comfort the earth maketh it fertile causing it to bring foorth fruite and also dooth wash away the filthinesse of the body So the holy Ghost dooth wash purifie refreshe and water the harts and consciences of the faithfull moouing stirring perswading ruling lightning and finally comforting them and making them to bring foorth pleasaunt fruites acceptable to God Esay 55.1 44.3 Ezech. 36.25 Iohn 3.5
7.37 3 Like as water dooth put out fire and quench thirst So the holy Ghost doth quench the fire of the euill concupisences of the flesh and doth also quench the thirst of the poore troubled soules satisfying them for euermore Yea hee doth asswage ease and comfort the griefes and mourning of the godly which commonly are in this world most afflicted and whose sorrowes do passe all humane consolation whereof he hath the proper name Paraclet or the Comforter Ioh. 4.13 14. 16.7 4 Like as in this life it commeth to passe in the Elect and chosen as wee see it by experience in bladders the which if they bee emptie and throwne into the water foorthwith they sinke But if they bee blowne and filled with wind they fleete and swimme aboue like a bubble and sinke not vnder the water Euen so mens minds being as yet voide and destitute of the spirite of God are drowned in their inordinate desires sensualitie pleasures and other sundrie passions and worldly affections But when they are replenished and filled with the holye Ghost they triumph ouer sinne and are of it neuer ouercome So that by his meanes wee haue abilitie to will those things that are right and to do those things that are good 5 As it is the nature of fire to warme the body that is benummed and frozen with colde So when a man is benummed and frozen in sinne yea when hee is euen starke dead in sinne it is the propertie of the holy Ghost to warme and quicken his heart and to reuiue him Mat. 3.11 Ioh. 3.5 6 As it is the propertie of Water to clense and purifie the filth of the bodie Euen so the holy Ghost dooth spiritually wash away our sinnes which are the filth of our nature 7 As Oyle doth strengthen the members and make them more nimble and doth also restore and heale them being broken So much more doth the holy Ghost make vs chearefull and quicke readily and constantly to performe the duties of our calling 7 As fire altereth things sometimes by burning out sometimes by inflaming So the holy Ghost altereth man by regenerating burneth out by mortifying the old man inflameth by quicking and raysing vp the new man Great men full of cares AS the toppes of trees placed on great mountaines are mooued with the least blast of wind that bloweth Euen so those men which are set in high places of honour and dignitie are troubled with the report of euery messenger though neuer so base whereas men of low degree and calling for the most part liue quietly at ease without any molestation Grace wrought by degrees AS a man looking stedfastly on a Diall cannot perceiue the shadow mooue at all yet viewing it a while hee shall perceiue that it hath mooued So in hearing of the word but especially in the receiuing of the Lords supper a man shall iudge euen his own faith and other graces of God to be little or nothing increased neither can he perceiue the motion of Gods spirit in him at that present yet by the fruites and effects thereof hee shall after perceiue that Gods spirite hath by little and little wrought greater faith and other graces in him A Godly life AS it cannot by any meanes come to passe that hee which enioyeth the beames of the Sunne should be in darknesse Euen so it is impossible that he which hath his conuersation with God should not be immortall Holy Ghost worketh where and in whom he will 1 LIke as the wind bloweth in what quarter of heauen it listeth and where it beginneth blowing where it endeth no man can tell neither can any man deuise meanes to stop the course of it Euen so with like libertie and with the like open apparance worketh the holy spirit of God where and in whom hee will and no power nor abilitie of man is able to resist and withstand it Iohn 3.8 2 As of drie Wheate one lumpe cannot bee made without moysture nor one loafe So neither could wee that are many become one in Christ Iesus without water which is from heauen that is without the holy Ghost Good will not to be mocked AS a man hauing a seruant that is an idle fellow who forefloweth his businesse mindeth other matters and goeth to his worke lastly and like a Beare to the stake would not bee pleased with his seruice but rather would shift his hands of him and send him packing Euen so the Lord our God cannot abide that wee should worshippe him with our bodies when our soules are farre from him that we should honour him with our tongues when our hearts wander from him Or that we should serue him in part some peece of the Sabboth and to serue sinne and Sathan the rest for he will not be mocked hee is euer iealous of his owne glorie Gal. 6.7 God a spirit which cannot be represented by any bodily shape LIke as a bodyly Image which representeth vnto vs the face of man ought liuely to set before vs all his lineaments and proportions that by the counterfaiting or engrauing we might conceiue whatsoeuer might bee seene in him which the same representeth Euen so the image of God must through the same likenesse set before our senses a certain vnderstanding of the knowledge of God For this we are sure of that nothing may beare the image of God but that which is a spirit because in very deed God is a spirite and therefore this image of God in man can haue no abiding place but in the soule Gene. 1.26 27. 2.7 5.1 Col. 3.10 Eph. 4.24 All Good things come from heauen AS the raine and dew falling from aboue watering the ground makes it fruitfull So likewise the grace of the holy Ghost comming from God the father stirre vp our minds to all goodnesse 1. Cor. 4.7 Iam. 1.17 Gentlenesse rather to be vsed then rigorousnesse AS some disease which by no force can bee expelled oftentimes is with the iuyce of hearbes asswaged So some men you shall sooner ouercome and winne by clemencie and Gentlenesse then by rigorousnesse and extremitie The Gospell to bee mingled with the law in preaching 1 AS the strong purgine blacke Hedebore giuen vncorrected with other things to allay the power of it hurteth more thē profiteth So the terrible iudgement of the word when it is preached without some comforts intermingled will doo more harme then good 2 As bitter Wormewood and sweete Honie mingled together are very profitable to take away the dimnesse of the bodily sight and to make a man see worldly things clearely So the bitter threatnings of the law and sweete promises of the Gospel laide together are most fit to take away the dimnesse of spiritual eyes and to make them see clearely heauenly things So outward aduersitie prosperitie mingled together 3 As Pepper-woort once sowen continueth and can hardly be destroyed So the word once receiued continueth and can hardly be banished Gospell 1 AS the law because it is the
ministerie of death it fitly serueth for the taming and maistering of the rebellious flesh Euen so the Gospell containing the bountifull promises of God in Christ is as Oyle to powre into our wounds and as the water of life to quench our thirstie soules And it fitly serueth for the strengthening of the spirite 2 As the Diamond which beeing moystned in the warme bloud of a Goate may bee brused though otherwise it cannot bee hurt with any fire be it neuer so hotte nor broken with any violence bee it neuer so strong Or as the Horse which erst while was outragiously fierce is by gentle handling meekened and made handsome for the Saddle Or as the Dogge in like manner whose nature is churlish and vntoward which is agreeable to his name is yet by gentlenesse brought to doo that that is not incident to his nature Euen so some men whose harts cannot be mollified and softned by the terrours iudgements of the law are yet reclaimed wonne and made to relent by the milde and gentle perswasions and promises of the Gospell 3 As the Doue found no footing at the first sending Euen so the Gospel of Christ doth not alwaies find entertainment Gene. 8.8 Math. 10.14.10.3.19 Act. 13.51 4 As the seede sowne in the fielde as wheate bringeth forth graine and corne according to his nature and kind So the Gospell preached bringeth foorth out of a godly heart that which both in it selfe it teacheth that which it deliuereth to wit faith in Christ amendement of life the knowledge of God loue towardes God and our neighbour and such other fruites as are sowne and preached 5 As the lightning that breaketh out of the clouds shineth ouer all Euen so doth the Gospell of Christ 6 As men light not a candle to couer or whelme it vnder a bushell but on a Candlesticke to light all that are in the house Euen so the light of Christes Gospell may not bee hid nor made a seuerall thing as though it pertained to some certaine holy personnes onely nay it is the light of the whole worlde and pertaineth to all men and therefore ought not to bee kept from any Math. 5.14 7 Like as the Frogges of Egypt raysed out of the dust by the diuelish art of the MagiciaÌ„s cried out against Gods veritie calling againe by Moses and Aaron the people of God to the true libertie and worshipping of God Right so doo the Popes Legates and Papistes molest with their talke and speech the preaching of the Gospell the free deliuerance the Christian libertie and true seruice of God Exod. 8.7 8 Euen as a murtherer guiltie of death contemning the fauour which he heareth to be offered vnto him of a most mercifull King calleth and procureth to himselfe the more grieuous punishment So in like case if any hearing the Gospell of grace imbraceth not the same is to himselfe the authour of heauier punishment and condemnation Godly men 1 LIke as in the straite Seas the water ebs and flowes Euen so is it in the Godly as long as they liue in this world according to their owne feeling there is an accesse and recesse a comming and going of the spirite Psal 1â—â— 5.88 77.2 3.7 8. 2 As the lights and starres of the firmament doo giue light to all which are vnder heauen So the vertues of Saints and Godly men doo giue light to others to follow their example 3 As the Palme tree is least at the bottome and the higher it is rhe greater and thicker the braunches are but all other trees are contrarie So the Godly are most conuersant and haue the best part that is the soule in heauen but the wicked are contrarie 4 As a Panther hath fower clawes and no more on each foote behinde but fiue clawes and no lesse on each foote before So the Godly though they be weake to the world-ward yet they are strong to God-ward Mat. 11.12 5 Like as the filthie doo more and more wallow themselues in the myre and array and defile themselues too vilely So the Godly doo more and more applie themselues dayly to cleannesse and holinesse of life Reue. 22.11 6 As the Owle is howted and wondred at among other birds Euen so the Godly are often made a gazing stocke and a wonderment vnto the vngodly because the course of Godlinesse is most straunge and foolish in their eyes Lam. 4.3 1. Cor. 4.9 7 As all Birdes though hating one an other do wonder at the Owle So likewise all the wicked beeing enemies amongst themselues doo set their seuerall powers against the Godly Psal 22. Luk. 23.12 The reason is because they hate nothing neither any people so much as the truth and the professors thereof Math. 5.11.12 12.34 8 As Sheepe are simple but yet bring profit to their owners both when they are liuing and when they are slaine Euen so the Godly are not onely harmelesse and innocent as Doues and yet can discerne of true doctrine and false but they are also very profitable both in their life and death The vse of Gods Gifts to men AS a sheepe hath and beareth a fleece of Wooll not for himselfe but for the necessitie and benefite of men Euen so the Gifts of God which he giueth vs either spirituall or temporall we are not to keepe them onely for our selues but to supplie the necessities and wants of others Eccle. 11.1 2 3. Gods promises LIke as if an earthly King should promise one a liuing whilst he liued it would be an occasion that he should lessen his carefulnesse for earthly things Euen so how much more should Gods Promise make vs carelesse for worldly things which is King of all kings Hebr. 13.5 6 7. Iosu 1.5 Psal 118.6 2 Like as nutritiue cordiall medicines are not good for euery sicke person especially when the bodie needeth rather a strong purgation then a matter restoratiue Or as incarnatiue medicines for the time allay the paine of the Patient but after the griefe becommeth more greeuous Euen so the comfortable applying of Gods Promises are not so profitable for euery one that is humbled especially when their soules are rather to be cast downe then as yet to be raised vp so the sugred consolations may for a time ouer-heale the conscience abate some present grief but so as afterwards the smart will be the sorer and the griefe may grow the greater wherof ensueth this effect that coÌ„fort seemeth to cure for a while but through want of wisedome in the right discerning of the cause we minister one medicine for an other and so for want of skil the latter fit grieueth them sorer than the former God the Authour of mens afflictions 1 LIke as if a maÌ„ hauing receiued a greeuous wound should not care for the healing of it should not hasten to the Surgion or Physition nor should prouide any remedie but should sometime accuse his owne sloth and negligence for that he did not auoid the arrow sometime grinning should byte the
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
world and are come to heauen God the author of all callings AS the Generall in the field appointeth euerie particular man his particular standing and office in which he must liue and die Euen so it is God that appointeth euerie man his particular place and standing and function wherein hee must continue to the ende of his life vnlesse God call him to some other God forsaketh his children sometimes and leaueth them to themselues 1 AS a mother sets downe her young childe and hides herselfe suffering it to crie and breake the face not because shee hates it but that shee may teach it to depend vpon her and loue her Euen so God giueth grace to his children and yet againe sometime hee doth in part withdrawe it from them and then they faile in their duties sundrie waies and this he doth to make them ashamed of themselues and to cause them to put all their confidence out of themselues in the merites of Christ 2 Like as the Corne fielde that is plowed and sowne with good Corne but yet for a time it neither giues rooting beneath nor so much as a shewe of any blade appeares aboue Euen so God grauntes his seruaunts the holy meane of saluation namely preaching prayer Sacraments and yet holds backe the efficacie of his spirit for a time Can. 2.4 5. 3 Like as the prisoner who hath escaped the hand of his Gayler hath an affection to runne a thousand myles euerie hower But hauing happily his Boltes on his legges he cannot for his life but goe very softly galling and chafing his fleshe and so with much griefe falleth againe into the hands of his keeper Euen so God giueth his children a strong affection to obey his will but hee lettes them faile in the obedience it selfe Rom. 7.22 23 24. 4 As the trees in the winter season that are beaten with wind and weather bearing neither leafe nor fruite but looke as though they were rotten and dead because the sap doth not spread it selfe but lies hid in the roote Euen so the manner of Gods forsaking his elect is when hee hides his graces for a time not by taking them quite away but by remoouing all sense and feeling of them Psal 77.7 8 9. The Godhead of Christ. 1 LIke as when a man sleepeth the soule is not seuered from the body but lieth as it were dead and exerciseth not it selfe Euen so the Godhead of Christ lay still and did not manifest his power in his manhood but did as it were lie a sleepe for a time that the manhood might suffer and thus the manhood seemed to bee forsaken Math. 27.46 2 Euen as the Altar in the olde Lawe did sanctifie the sacrifice that was offered vpon it and made the same propitiatorie So also the Godhead of Christ the Altar whereon hee offered his humanitie sanctified the same and made it propitiatorie and meritorious for all mankinde 3 Like as in Christ incarnate there be seuerall things and not seuerall persons So in the Godhead there be seuerall persons but not seuerall thinges Philip. 2 6 7. Hebr. 1.3 4 As Honie and Oyle being mixed together cannot be called either Honie or Oyle because when things are mingled together they cannot retaine a name of one of the simples Euen so the Godhead of Christ cannot be chaunged into his manhood or yet mingled with his manhood Because the properties of the Godhead cannot agree with the properties of the manhood nor the properties of the manhood with the properties of the Godhead For as the Godhead cannot thirst no more can the body be in many places at once God the refuge of the comfortlesse 1 AS the Rockes that are hard to be clambred vnto are good refuges for the afflicted to flie vnto from the face of their pursuers So God is the safetie of all such as in distresse doo flie to him for succour Psal 18.2 2 Euen as the Birdes and foules of the ayre that they may escape the nets and snares of the fowlers are wont to flie vp on high So we to auoyd the infinite snares of innumerable temptations must flie to God and lift vp our selues from the corruptions lying vanities and deceitfull slights of the world God vseth the ministerie of all AS in a great house there bee many vessels of sundrie sortes to diuers vses not onely of Gold and Siluer but also of wood and earth some for honour some for dishonour So likewise in the outward societie of the Church there bee men of all sortes appointed for diuers ends as apt and meete vessels for the Lord and some otherwise c. 2. Tim. 2.20 21. God no partiall Iudge AS drie wood is apt to burne greene wood though not so quickly will bee consumed with fire Euen so both strong and weake high and low rich and poore one and an other goe to wracke when God punisheth impietie and wickednesse Ezech. 20.47 A Godly man is a mightie man though he be neuer so poore LIke as precious stones though they bee cast into the mire yet they loose not their bewtie nature and propertie So likewise men indued with honestie replenished with goodly vertues and well acquainted with the true worshipping of the most high and gracious GOD although they be silent as men in their graues and are had in contempt of the world yet haue they not lost their dignitie and the true honour proper to Christians which consisteth not in the wealth and renowne of this world but in holinesse in righteousnesse and in the faithfull imitation of Christ God the life of the soule AS the Soule is the life of the body Euen so God is the life of the Soule and his spirit is the soule of our soules and the want of fellowship with him brings nothing but the endlesse and vnspeakable horrors and pangs of death The holy Ghost God AS Christ is called the word of God not a word of Letters or Syllables but a substanciall word that is beeing for euer of the same substance with the Father Euen so the holy Ghost is called the vertue of the most highest not because hee is a created qualitie but because he is the substanciall vertue of the Father and the sonne and therefore God equall with them both Guiltie before God AS in the malladies and diseases of the body that disease is most dangerous that hath possessed and seazed vpon the body and yet the bodie feeleth it not So likewise in all Gods iudgements to stand Guiltie before God is most daungerous because a man standeth Guiltie befor God many yeares and yet neuer feeleth it The Graces of the holy Ghost cannot finally be abolished 1 AS coales vnder ashes and as Sappe in the roote of the tree in the winter season are hid and couered and appeare not for a time at all in the braunches Euen so the common gifts and Graces of the holy Ghost may bee lost and extinguished but the giftes proper to the Elect cannot they may indeed be diminished
vnrulinesse of the child shee is somtime so mooued and prouoked that shee is angrie with it chideth it rebuketh it and beateth it Euen so such is the very nature and propertie of God to suffer no manner of misfortune to happen vnto vs but yet through our minifolde sinnes he is prouoked to punish and chasten vs. 5 As little as the Mother can forget denie forsake or giue ouer her childe though shee bee angrie with it and displeased at it Euen as little dooth God forsake or giue vs ouer in our neede and necessitie miserie and affliction though he seeme neuer so much to be displeased with vs. Esay 49.15 6 As a Maister doth not correct and chastise his scholler or seruant for any intent to hurt him or for any malice and euill will towards him but only that he should learne better afterward be more diligent and take better heede Euen so likewise Christ receiueth no Scholler or Disciple but such as will forsake himselfe and take vp his crosse and follow him c. Math. 16.24.27 7 Like as the Physition or Surgion doth cut away and burne out the rotten and dead flesh with his yron and instrument that the whole body bee not infected and poysoned and so perish Euen so doth God sometime afflict and punish our bodies sharpely and grieuously that our soules may bee preserued and healed and how deepe so euer God thrusteth his yron into our flesh and bodies he doth it onely to remedie and to heale vs. 8 As the Physition in making of his Triacle occupieth Serpents and Adders and such like poyson to driue out one poyson with another Euen so God in afflicting and correcting of vs occupieth and vseth the diuell and wicked people but yet all to doo vs good withall 9 As long as the Physition hath any hope of the recouerie of his patient he assayeth all manner of meanes and medicines with him as well sower sharpe as sweete and pleasant but as soone as euer he beginneth to boubt of his recouerie hee suffereth him to haue and to take all manner of things whatsoeuer the patient himselfe desireth Euen so the heauenly Physition as long as he taketh vs for Christians and hath any hope to recouer or to heale vs hee restraineth vs from our will and will not alwayes suffer vs to haue what we most desire but as soone as hee hath no more hope of vs and giueth vs ouer then he suffereth vs for a time to haue and enioy all our owne will and pleasure Iob. 5.1 c. 18. 10 Like as when the Horse-breaker giueth vnto a lusty fresh yong Horse too much of the bridle he is wilde and wanton and goeth not well as hee should doo and so by chaunce in a slipperie and slyding place he falleth headlongs ouer and ouer Euen so if our Creator and maker should suffer vs ouer much and giue vs too large libertie wee should soone wax wilde and proud thereof and so it might happen that wee should vndoo and destroy our selues therefore he giueth vs a sharpe bit in our mouthes and helpeth vs to bridle and to tame our flesh that the noble and precious soule perish not 11 Like as the Carter yerketh his Horse with the whip and striketh them sharpely when they will not drawe nor goe forward and yet fauoureth and spareth them also that he may enioy them the longer Euen so God striketh and whippeth vs when we do not right as we should do and yet neuerthelesse spareth vs and will not vtterly make an ende of vs. 12 Like as the poore shepheard when his foolish sheep stray abroad in the wilde wildernesse among the Wolues driueth them from strange wayes into the right way and hunteth them into their sure sheep-fold where they may be in safegard Euen so we likewise forsomuch as we mix our selues oft times among the worldlings and haue fellowship with those that are enemies vnto our Christian and true Religion therefore God commeth vnto vs and driueth vs with sorrow repentance from them that we should not be destroyed and perish togither with them 13 As the Heard-man will suffer such Calues and Cattell as are appointed shortly to the slaughter to runne and spring about in the pasture at pleasure and againe such as are reserued to labour are kept and vsed vnder the yoke Euen so Almighty God doth suffer and permit vnto those vngodly persons whose destruction is at hand to haue all pleasure and lust vpon earth and to accomplish and fulfill their pleasures and desires but the godly whom he will vse to his honour and glory those keepeth he vnder the yoke and restraineth them from the pleasant lustes of the world 14 Like as if the Gardiner cut off the knobs and the withered and crooked boughes from the trees in his garden and loppeth them a litle yet as long as the rootes remaine the trees are neuer the worse but waxe neuerthelesse and bring forth fruite Euen so doth God loppe and hewe the crabby old Adam with the crosse and afflictions not to the end to hurt or harme vs but to keepe vs in awe and to teach vs godly manners and Christian behauiour and therefore as long as the roote of Faith remaineth with vs though we be spoyled and destitute of all riches and of all maner of worldly bodily comfort yet shall we bring forth good fruits to the honor glory of gods holy name 15 As the Free-mason heweth the hard stones and heweth off here one peece there another till the stones be fit and meete for the place where he wil lay them Euen so God the heauenly Free-mason buildeth a Christian Church and he frameth and polisheth vs which are the costly and precious stones with the crosse and troubles that all abhomination wickednesse which do not agree vnto this glorious building might be remoued and taken out of the way 1. Pet. 2.5 16 As Physitions vse to heale men diseased with filthie potions Euen so God vseth to chastise and trie his children by the meanes of wicked things as by Sathan by wicked men c. which shall be damned 17 As in Cities the Gouernours thereof keepe executioners and hangmen not that they like or commend that office but only doo suffer them to execute their office for the better preseruation of their Citie So likewise God doth suffer Tyrants and vngodly men to afflict and grieue his faithfull seruants and all for their good 18 As we make great account of gold which is but a mettall that we will trie in the fire to make it please vs the better So after the same sort it is not to be maruelled that God sometimes trieth of very loue the faith of his Children to the end that when they are once wel purged from the dregges and filth of incredulitie which remaineth in them and are purified in the furnace of diuers afflictions and so melted as it were a new their faith may be of like account before him
heauen and earth whereto thou maist leaue and not be deceiued wherein thou maist trust and not be disappointed He will euer be at thy right hand that thou shalt not fall He will take thy part and will mightily defend thee against all thine enemies of thy body and of thy soule But if thou wilt shake hands with vertue and bid it adew and farwell and forsaking the wayes of God wilt liue as thou list and follow thine owne corruption and make no conscience of ought thou doest defiling and blemishing thy selfe with al manner sinne and iniquitie then bee sure the Lord will appeare vnto thee in his furie and indignation from whose Iustice and iudgements none shall euer be able to deliuer thee Mâ—l 3.6 Iam. 1.17 Psal 16.8 Glorie and renoume 1 LIke as the shaddow followeth the body as a companion inseparable Euen so doth Glorie renoume and fame accompanie excellent vertues worthy giftes and noble qualities 2 As a Smoke which at the first is great and thicke ascending vpward is quickly scattered and out of sight Euen so the Glorie of the proud men of this world by little and litle is obscured and vanisheth cleane away 3 As that fire smoketh not much which flameth at the first blowing So the Glorie that brightly shineth at the first is not greatly enuied at but that which is long in getting is alwayes preuented by enuie Not to belieue that there is a God AS there is no wound more mortall then the same that plucketh foorth mans heart or soule So likewise is there no poyson or pestilence of greater force suddenly in men to kill all faith hope and charitie with the feare of God and consequently to cast him headlong into the pit of hell then to denie the principle and foundation of all Religion namely that there is a God Psal 10.4 14.1 53.1 1. Tim. 3.16 Godly men see clearely the light of the word but the wicked doo the contrarie AS they that haue cleare and sound eyes doo easily induce the bright light of the Sunne wherewith eyes that be sore and diseased are greatly offended So vertuous and Godly men are illuminated and wonderfully cleared in their vnderstanding and the eyes of their minds with the diuine and heauenly light of the word of God wherewith the wicked and vngodly are highly offended in so much that they hate the light and loue darknesse more then it and so growing blinder and blinder euery day at the length they fall and tumble down headlong into the insaciable pit of eternall destruction Iohn 8.12 No heauen without the Grace of God 1 AS the Pilot of a Shippe without the shine of Sunne or Moone cannot take the Hauen of any land So a man without the light of Grace cannot attaine to the Hauen of Glorie but howsoeuer hee perswadeth himselfe that he casteth his Anchor in a place of safety it falleth out in the end that he casteth it vpon a Rocke where there is no hope of saluation 2 As those that were out of the Arke though they had wit glorie riches and learning were neuerthelesse drowned in the floud So no wit nor learning nor riches without the Grace of God can saue a man from euerlasting perdition Gene. 7.21 Gods fauour the safest refuge AS yong Chickens are in safetie from the Hauke and Puttocke so long as they straie not from about the wings of their dammes and when they do straie far from them they are easily taken of euerie vermine Euen so they that depart and lead their liues within the compasse and limits of his lawes and ordinances are most safely kept by him from the force inchauntments engines and all the subtill deuises of Sathan and his instruments but if they forsake God and not regarding his word diuide themselues from him by their sinnes and iniquities they must needes fall into the talons and iawes of that tyrannicall Hauke and hound of hell from whence there is no deliuerie 1. Pet. 5.8 The Glorie of God 1 AS the Glorie of God infinitely surmounteth the body the soule the honour and all that belongeth vnto man So it ought to bee in greater price and estimation with vs must continually be preferred aboue all things and neuer bee brought into the ballance of comparison with them Exod. 32.32 Rom. 9.3 2 As the want of zeale towards the the Glorie of God in all our doings and the preferring of earthly things before heauenly temporall before spirituall breedeth and nourisheth a corrupt manner of profession So it defileth all our counsels and workes and carrieth vs headlong to the loue of the world which is contrarie to the pure vehement and euerlasting loue of God 1. Cor. 10.31 3 As the saluation of men ought to bee deare vnto vs So the Glorie of God which consisteth in that his orders in his Church be kept ought to be much more deare that if at any time the controuersie could be betwene his Glorie and our saluation our saluation ought to fall that his Glorie may stand God would all to be saued EVen as an earthly Father is in such wise affected towards his children that hee would haue euery one of them to come to thriftinesse and be honest and worthie successours to him of his goods and substance and yet notwithstanding beeing made frustrate of his hope findeth the stubbernnesse and disobedience of them whereby they also at the length doo cast themselues with great ignominie into destruction and into some infamous kind of punishment Of this Father it may be said that he hath brought vp children kept to this so great mischiefe not that the will of his purpose was not farre other but that the children through their owne rebellion haue brought this mischiefe vpon themselues So God verily would haue all men made after his owne image to bee saued but if any of these beeing rebellious will not imbrace his word and by faith be conuerted but delighting themselues wholly in sensualitie pleasures and vanities doo die in their wickednesse these God suffereth to perish that they might sustaine the iust punishments as wel of their owne offences against the law of God as also of their contempt of obtaining saluation through Christ 1. Tim. 2.3 4. No man hath seene God at any time AS the children of Israel could not behold the shining face of Moses when hee had talked with God on the mount for the exceeding brightnesse therof but couered with a Vaile where through they did behold him So no man hath seene God at any time or can behold the face and presence of the Deitie and Godhead but so farre as it is both veiled and reuealed by the body and humaine fleshe of our Sauiour Christ Exod. 34.34 Iohn 1.18 1. Tim. 6.16 One God in Trinitie 1 EVen as a Margarite in euery part shining alike which if it bee defiled or fouled on one part looseth all his beautie So the Trinitie is but one God and if one person be dishonoured all three being
but one God are dishonoured 2 As one Sunne serueth to giue light to the whole world and one soule is able to rule quicken the whole body whereas notwithstanding neither the Sunne created the world nor the soule the body So much more one God shall be able to rule and maintaine his owne worke which with so great wisedome and power he alone did create vnlesse wee will make the worke greater then the Creator or charge the incomprehensible of God with any imperfection Why God denieth vs our petition AS sicke folkes are denied many things which they require because they bee often hurtfull vnto them So God denieth vs many things which we aske of him because they are not good for vs. Hearers of the word 1 AS desperate patients which at no hand will practise the good Physicke giuen them because they see their Physitions something sickly and crazie Or as those men that being as blind as a beetle yet doo most willingly refuse the true and faithfull directions of their appointed guides because as they thinke they haue a blemish in one of their eyes Euen so such are those Hearers of the word who say they will not belieue the Preacher say what he can will because hee doth not practise himselfe that which he preacheth to other 2 As al those excellent creatures of God so high so singular so pure so precious so beautifull and the same so shining were first formed euery of them by the word of the Lord from that vnfashioned that darke and confused Chaos are not therefore contemptible but rather most highly to be esteemed as apparant testimonies of the incomprehensible maiestie goodnesse wisedome power and prouidence of God For example Wine which is so friendly to nature such a strength to the weake such a solace to the sorrowfull and many wayes so medicinable for men is not therefore to bee despised because it is broched from a warped a woodden or a wormeaten barrel Or as Milke which is such a strength vnto nature so wholsome for diet and euery wayes so wonderfull in working is not therefore to bee misliked because it is drawne from an hayrie a fat or fleshie bagge Or as Roses which are most seemely in sight so sweete to smell vppon and so meete for medicine are not therefore to bee reiected for that they grow vp among prickes among brambles and briers Or as an Electuarie which comforteth nature purgeth corruption and restoreth to health is not therefore to bee forsaken because it is made of vile and bitter confections or brought out of a loathsome boxe Or as Siluer and Gold which are such singular treasures so glittering in sight and euery way most necessarie for mens vses are not therefore to bee abhorred because they are tryed foorth of the lowest Element which is the earth Or as precious stones which are so seemely in show so rich in valew and of such singular operation are not therefore to be loathed because they are commonly brought foorth by filthie and venemous beasts Or as silke which is most precious yet is for all that spunne by the vilest worme Or as the body of man which after a sort may be called the final cause of all creatures the most excellent in forme the perfectest in substance and which onely was ordained to eternall happinesse and yet was the same both formed of earth and fashioned euen of filthie clay by all which Similies we may truely conclude that for so much as the aforesaid matters are not to bee vilely esteemed notwithstanding they doo proceede from such vile and filthie beginning Euen so much lesse may the word of the Lord be reiected of any Hearers of the same beeing truely preached though the life and maners of those Ministers thereof be neuer so much to be misliked of men Gene. 1.3 c. Psal 33.8 9. 148.5 Rom. 1. 20. Math. 23.2 3. 3 As the Physition when he is sicke cannot heale him selfe nor hath not his iudgement so perfectly as he had before he was sicke but seeketh helpe at an other Physitions hand So the lernedst man liuing though he be a preacher himselfe as long as hee liueth and beareth sinfull fleshe about with him shall haue many sinfull and froward lusts and affections raigning in him which blindeth his sight that he seeth not his owne sinnes and therefore it is very needfull that hee should often Heare the Sermons and counsels of others although they be much his inferiors 2. Pet. 1.21 13. 1. Tim. 4.6 c. Tit. 3.1 c. 2. Sam. 12.1 c. 4 As a Spunge gathereth vp all liquor whether it bee good or bad Euen so some Hearers of Sermons receiue all that is spoken good and euill 5 As an houre Glasse or Condiut that which in an houre runneth in the same in an other houre runneth out againe So likwise some Hearers forget that in one houre which they heard and learned in an other 6 As a vessell that receiueth liquor which being powred out the dregges remaine Or as a Siue that retaineth and keepeth the good Corne and casteth out the chaffe Euen so some Hearers of the word preached doo reiect and neglect the wholesome and profitable doctrine and keepe in minde that which is not so necessarie and profitable 7 Euen as a Dogge beeing otherwayes but a filthie beast hath a tongue very medicionable for many malidies And as the Dragon though he be very cold of body himselfe yet for all that there proceedeth a fire from his mouth for the heat of others So likewise some preachers notwithstanding they bee lewde in life and key colde in godly conuersation yet for all that they may haue such a tongue as may prescribe a very soueraigne salue for the surfetting of their Hearers soules and they may also haue such a mouth as may kindle a fire to consume the corruptions of their Hearers and so also enflame them in newnesse of life and therefore to be heard willingly 8 As a famished man who doth neuer refuse any wholsome foode prepared for him by his Host though his Host himselfe will not taste thereof And likewise a verie sicke patient which neuer reiecteth an healthfull medicine though his Physition doth minister the same with a Leprous hand Or as a miserable begger will not forsake a faire peece of Siluer or Gold though it bee proffered him in a filthy fist And like as vnto an imprisoned Rebell who will neuer reiect the Princes pardon though it be brought him by a most leaud ribald Or as a sorrowfull distressed Caitiffe which willingly would heare any ioyfull newes notwithstanding the messenger which brings the same be a very vngracious varlet So there can be no more daintie diet prouided for Christians then the foode of their soules there cannot be a more healthful medicine be made for Christian Hearers of the word then that which amendeth their spiritual maladies Nor there can bee a more golden gift giuen vnto them then seuen times purified Gold
sauage and wilde beastes 5 Like as the Sunne being high at noone causeth short and small shadowes but being low in the Morning or Euening it causeth the same to appeare both broade and large So by how much the more a man is endued with vertue and Godlinesse by so much the lesse desireth the boasting and aduauncement of himselfe whereas on the contrarie part one endued with the smacke and smell of vertue will straight cracke bragge yea and make thereof his boasts 6 As Egges that be ful doo sinke in the water but those that are emptie doo swimme aboue So he that is adorned with true vertue and learning will not so much brag or boast himselfe as he that is otherwise 7 As no man is so thankfull for health as hee that hath beene in continuall sicknesse Euen so no man feeleth the mercie of God that is not truely Humbled in his owne sight 8 As it is honestie for a man when hee is bidden to a feast to be remooued higher then he offereth to sit rather then to bee remooued lower Euen so Humilitie in our dealings bringeth Honour and estimation Luk. 14.9 10. 9 As proud persons stay themselues vpon their owne strength that is stay vpon a reede and vppon the Ice of one nights freezing and are like vnto smoake that mounteth vp on high and so in going vp is scattered and consumeth to nothing Euen so the Humble man is a Rocke or a square body which is alwayes stayed on which side soeuer it be turned 10 As Brasse or Copper dooth make a greater sound and is heard further off then Gold whereas notwithstanding Gold is farre more excellent then it So eloquence ioyned with knowledge soundeth lowder and farther then Humilitie coupled with charitie and yet such Humilitie is farre better and more excellent then it 1. Cor. 8.1 13.1 11 As the high hilles after much Tillage are often barren whereas the low Vallies by the streames of waters passing through them are very fruitfull Euen so the gifts of God ioyned with a swelling hart are fruitlesse but ioyned with loue and the grace of Humilitie they edifie 12 As a tree the more deepely it is rooted in the earth the taller it groweth and mounteth the higher Euen so a man the more humble and lowly that he is the more and higher doth the Lord exalt him Math. 7.17 Luke 1.52 53. Iam. 4.6 13 As a building is so much the firmer and stronger as the foundation and ground-worke of the same is laide lower and deeper Euen so the ground-worke of Christian Phylosophie is vnfained Humilitie and the deeper that the same is laide and setled in our hearts the surer and more permanent will the building of our religon be Luk. 14.11 18.14 Math. 23.12 14 Euen as wee see sometimes two men about to goe into some sumptuous and stately Hall or house through a very low and narrow doore the one stouping and bending himselfe dooth passe through and goe in without harme the other stout not stouping nor bending at all but preasing in with great force hurteth his head and falleth backward Euen so such a stately and princely place is the kingdome of heauen the habitation of the Saints of God whose way is very straight as Christ affirmeth and the doore thereof is lowe and narrow So that that man which humbleth himselfe and stoupeth low doth enter into that most stately and princely house of the King of heauen but hee that is puffed vp with pride and swelled with insolencie cannot get in at that gate he falleth to the ground his pride doth throw him backward Math. 7.13 14 11.29 18.3 4. 15 As spices smell best when they are smallest beaten So are a Christians good works more acceptable to God when they are lessened by Humilitie 16 As pride and good conscience can neuer goe together So Humiliation is the beginning of all grace and religion and such as haue knowledge in Religion and many other good gifts without Humilitie are but vnbrideled vnmortified and vnreformed persons 17 As the Vallies are more vsually fertile then the hils for that the fatnesse of the earth is more easily carried thither by raines and showers So must it be with vs if wee will be filled with the graces and blessings of our God we must be Humble low and plaine as the vallies 18 As that great Oratour Demosthines somtimes spake of pronunciation who beeing demaunded what was the first second and third especiall point of Rhetoricke answered alwayes Action So may wee likewise say of true Humilitie that it is the principal part of Christianitie and as it were all in all yea the life and soule thereof so that it be true entire and vnfeigned 19 As the heauier the burthen is the more it presseth downe So likewise the moe and the more hainous that our sinnes bee the greater is and ought to be our Humiliation 20 As it is in the parts of holinesse the more they are practised by the body in the life and action the more they are confirmed and encreased inwardly in the soule So the more that a man giueth himselfe to the vse of all the outward exercises of Humiliation before men the more doth he humble himselfe in the sight of God 21 As trees growing on the top of hills haue a rough barke crooked knots long bowes and therefore vnmeete for any building vntill they bee fallen pilled squared drawne home and can do nothing of al these themselues So likewise we as long as we be wandring in the mountaines and wilde woods of this world being highly minded and in great wealth or authoritie aboue others as on an hill we haue froward proud minds and not meete for Gods house vntill we be Humbled and made lowly in our owne sights and fall flat downe at Christs feete and haue the rough barke of our old Adam pulled off and our crooked affections cut away bee mortified and drawne home by the preaching of his word and working of his holy spirit 2. Cor. 3.5 Ioh. 6.44 Hypocrites 1 AS the cotten head of the hearbes Lysimachus Fodefoote Dandelion and Fleabane which a blast of wind carrieth cleane away So likwise the Religion and zealous profession of Hypocrites when a little trouble or persecution ariseth are then carried cleane away 2 As the small hearbe Biscort hath smooth and plaine leaues like vnto hearbe Patience but in the earth hath a crooked roote So many beare a smooth countenance and a faire shewe outwardly seeming to take all well which inwardly haue a crooked and an euill heart in meaning 3 As the small Celendine springeth and flowreth at the comming of the Swallowes and Summer birdes withereth at their departing So many men professing Religion rise at the warme prosperitie of some and fal away at their departure into the stormie winter of aduersitie 4 As the Holeworte with the solide roote and Holeworte with the hollow roote neuer growe together the one by the other in the same garden
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
or giuen to the respect of any person but ought to haue one single eye which is to bee set and placed vpon Iustice and equitie in euery matter and not to regard either persons or rewardes 1. Sam. 8.3 Esa 1.23 33.15 Psal 15.5 3 As a white or painted Wall the brauery wherof serueth for no profit but for a meere shewe Euen so such is the profit that commeth to the common-wealth by those Iudges which sitting in place of Iustice do wrong to men contrarie to the Lawes Act. 23.3 4 As a Iudge must not wrong one for anothers sake So must he not vniustly fauour one because an other hath displeased him Deut. 1.16 17. Prou. 24.23 5 As the Lyon though he be the King of beasts yet at length is made a pray to small Birds and then is that saying verified Better is a liuing Dogge then a dead Lyon Euen so Iudges and Rulers although they be great in authoritie yet at the last they are but a bayt for the small wormes Eccle. 9.4 Idlenesse 1 AS water though it be neuer so cleare and faire fresh and comfortable yet if it stand still in a pit or hole or be kept long in a vessell whence it hath no issue it will rot and smell and bee vnwholesome Euen so it fareth with children yea and with all the Sonnes of Adam if they bee Idle haue nothing to doo and no way to bestow their wit they will rot and prooue vnwholesome and deuise mischiefe all the day long Prou. 28.19 1. Timo. 5.13 2. Thes 3.10 11. 2 As labour and exercise of body in one man industrie and diligence of mind in an other man are sure forts and strong bulwarkes of Countries Euen so Idlenesse and negligence are the cause of al euil for an Idle mans braine becommeth quickly the shop of the diuell 3 As in all naturall things there is one thing or other which is the spoyle of it as the canker to the Rose the worme to the Apple and the Caterpiller to the leafe So the common spoyle to all youth is the contrarie to paines and trauaile which is Idlenesse Ezech. 16.49 4 As the trayterous seruant while his maister is a sleepe and all things at rest setteth open the doore for the theefe to enter in vppon him and spoyle him at his pleasure So Idlenesse while we are not aware lying soft vpon the pillowes of securitie openeth the doore for the diuell to enter into vs with full swing to the destruction both of body and soule 5 Like as while men slept saith the Euangelist the enemie came and sowed Tares among the Wheate So the fittest time that the diuell can finde to worke vpon vs is when wee are Idle for that is the sleepe of the soule Iudge 16.1 c. 6 Euen as a firebrand drawne from the fire and lying stil waxeth cold by little litle dieth and is extinct but beeing mooued and put to the fire burneth and flameth Euen so an Idle life dooth by little and little extinguish vertue but being will exercised it doth kindle encrease the same Iob. 5.7 Math. 2.1 c. 1. Cor. 3.8 7 As Idlenesse breedeth pouertie and beggerie in very many which might liue well and in good sort with diligent and faithfull labour So is the same very daungerous in those that be rich and feele no smart nor want in this life for whiles they giue themselues to foule Idlenesse voluptuousnesse doth ouercome reason and they are snared and taken in the deadly trappes of the deceitful flickerings of the world and are poysoned with carnall pleasures and fleshly delights which doo beare them faire in hand for a little while but at the length doo deceiue them and leaue them in shame and confusion Gene. 3.19 2. Thessa 3.10 8 As the earth when it is not tilled or trimmed dooth breede and bring foorth bryers brambles nettels and all noysome and vnprofitable things So Idlenesse in man doth breede and broode in him vngodly thoughts and wicked cogitations of all sortes and dooth allure hale draw and euen drag him to doo those things which are so odious in the sight of God that he must either most earnestly repent that he hath done them or else hee must die eternally for doing of them 9 As by the pumpe of a Ship water doth often secretly get in and increaseth so that through the negligence of the Maryner the Sip is drowned So by Idlenesse wicked thoughts concupiscences are multiplyed in our harts till at length our soules are in great daunger 10 As the Crab-fish as Plinie saith when he seeth the Oyster lye gaping against the Sunne beames putteth a Pible into the mouth of the Oyster and so getteth out the fish So likewise when wee lye Idle in securitie the diuell stealeth into vs. 10 Like as in a standing water wormes are ingendred and bred So likewise in an Idle body are engendred Idle thoughts and therefore wee must alwayes bee doing of some good workes that the diuell may finde vs alwayes well occupied and exercised 11 As by experience we see that those children which haue beene brought vp in learning and vertue proue honest and profitable for the common-wealth Euen so contrariwise those children which haue past their time in slouth and Idlenesse prooue dishonest and hurtfull to the Church and Common-wealth Ignorant men 1 AS those people will neuer come to the Physition to be healed which thinke not themselues to be sicke So likewise there are no people more vnapt to be taught and lightned of God vnto saluation then those which thinke they vnderstand and see of themselues when in very deed they are altogether Ignorant and for lacke of vnderstanding be ouerwhelmed and snared in the darkenesse wherein they were borne and so wallow themselues therein continually to their vtter destruction Psal 95.10 Esay 59.10 2 Like as that man that is Ignorant of the principles and rules that appertaine vnto the Science or Arte that he professeth can neuer come to the end skill or perfection that his profession requireth Euen so the ende of a Christian man is eternall life and his profession is to know and learne the principles and rules that most plainly and sincerely leadeth him vnto this end of euerlasting felicitie For he that is Ignorant of the meanes is Ignorant of the end and being Ignorant of the causes must needes be Ignorant of the effect Iohn 17.3 Esay 1.3 5.13 Prou. 1.28 29. 3 As he that will bee a Physition must learne the precepts that teacheth Physicke and he that would be a Musition must learne the rules of Musicke The Oratour the rules of Rhetoricke The Ploughman the rules of Husbandrie and so euerie man the rules that belong to his profession or else hee shall neuer profit in his Science or Arte nor be accounted a Craftes-man that knoweth not the principles of his craft Euen so no more before the maiestie of God is hee to bee accounted a Christian although he bee baptized
conceiue whatsoeuer might be seene in him which the same representeth Euen so the Image of God must through the same likenesse set before our senses a certain vnderstanding of the knowledge of God Gene. 1.26 27. 2.7 5.1 The Incommunicable properties of the Godhead AS the soule of man is wholly in the head and wholly in the feete yea wholly in euery part and yet the soule cannot bee said to vse reason in the feete or in any other part but onely in the head Euen so though all the persons of the Godhead bee one and the same essence yet doo they really differ each from other in regard of the peculiar maner of subsisting and therefore mans nature may bee assumed of the second person and not assumed either of the Father or of the holy Ghost Iustice. 1 AS the roote of a tree being vtterly rotten the boughs cannot bud and flourish nor bring foorth pleasaunt fruites in their due time So Iustice being violated it cannot be that peace can flourish and bring forth so plentifull fruites as shee is wont to doo 2 As the Image of Nabuchadnezzar although it had an head of fine Gold yet it fell and was broken all to peeces because it had feete of clay which beeing touched with a stone ouerthrew the whole inuention So Iustice many times falleth to the ground because although the Princes which are rightly called the heads of their countries be very excellent Iusticers and many as it were of the purest and finest Gold of vertue yet the ministers of Iustice are earthen and doo bend their hearts and minds to nothing but earth and clay and sometimes with giftes and rewards they are carried euery way for gaine they will sell Iudgement and so breake the necke of Iustice Dan. 2.32 33. 3 As there is no assurance of faire weather vntill the skie be cleare from cloudes So there can be in no Common-wealth a grounded peace and prosperitie where there is not informers to finde out offences as well as Magistrates to punish offenders 4 As a Physition cannot see euery secret griefe but vppon reuealement may applie a curable medicine for a hidden disease So many can discouer a mischiefe which the magistrate seeth not but the Magistrate alone must remedie the same No sound Iudgement can be giuen of a man vntill he be throughly tryed AS a Wall all whited on the out-side is not easily perceiued whether it bee made of stone or of clay vnlesse it bee smitten and tried with a mallet or some other instrument So a man garnished outwardly with good things to see too is not by and by Iudged and presently discerned whether hee be a man of patience of charitie and other vertues vnlesse he be first smitten and tried with the mallet or beetle of obloquies slaunders afflictions troubles and temptations Inuentions of men AS hey wood and stubble put to the fire are brought to suddaine consuming So the Inuentions of men not stablished by the word of God cannot beare the tryall of the holy Ghost but they by and by fall away and perish 1. Cor. 3.12 13. Inconstant men 1 EVen as the delicate Ballance of a Gold-smith is mooued with euerie little weight so that with one graine laide vpon it it falleth downward So with euerie thing whether it be luckie or vnfortunate we are wont to bee greatly mooued and doo suddainly chaunge our purposes Sometime wee exceed in mirth and by and by wee are ouerwhelmed with sorrow we are euen now praysing men to the skies and presently wee hurle them downe from heauen with our tongues and thrust them into hell We loue men and hate them we saue men and kil them all with one breath now wee choose vertue and by and by vice 2 As the Camelion chaungeth his colour according to the thing whereupon he sitteth So we likewise at euerie temptation doo chaunge our mindes and are driuen from our purposes and determinations and our wicked lusts and vngracious thoughts of our harts doo force and driue vs euen whither they will 3 As the Camelion will bee chaunged into any colour saue white So an Inconstant man is most apt and prone to all kind of vice but to no vertue The Ioy of tâ—e elect 1 AS the people reioyced exceedingly when Saloman was crowned King Euen so much more shall the Ioy of the elect bee when they shall see Christ the true Salomon crowned with glorie in the kingdome of heauen 1. King 1.40 2 As the wise men which came from the East to worship Christ when they sawe the starre standing ouer the place where the Babe was were exceeding glad So likewise much more shall the Elect reioyce when they shall see Christ not lying in a Manger but crowned with Immortall glorie in the kingdome of heauen Math. 2.1.9 10. The Ioyes of heauen endlesse LIke as if the whole world were a Sea and that euerie thousand yeares expired a Bird must carrie away or drinke vp one onely drop of it in processe of time it will come to passe that this Sea though verie huge shall bee dried vp but yet many thousand millions of yeares must be passed before this can bee done So likewise if a man should Enioy happinesse in heauen onely for the space of time in which the Sea is in drying vp he would thinke his case most happie and blessed but behold the Elect shall enioy the kingdome of heauen not onely for that time but when it is ended they shal enioy it as long againe and when all is done they shall bee as farre from the ending of this their Ioy as they were at the beginning The generall day of Iudgement 1 AS the Husbandman diggeth vp all vnfruitfull trees pareth off all rotten boughes weedeth out Cockle and Tares and casteth them into the fire Euen so God will serue them that he shall find emptie of good workes and without Oyle in their Lampes Math. 25.1 2. c. 2 As the Husbandman appointeth his seruant to purge his floure and with the Fan hee separateth the good seede from the chaffe Euen so God shall send his Angels to hiâ— floure that is into this world they shall carrie the good seede to wit the faithfull into euerlasting barnes but the chaffe and drosse that is the vngodly shall be throwne into a Furnace of fire where shall be wayling and gnashing of teeth Illumination by Christ. 1 AS the lights of heauen which wee see placed in the firmament for signes and to distinguish times daies and yeares doo giue light vnto them which are on earth So Christ doth Illuminate his Church and giueth watch-words by his precepts whereby it may knowe how to flie from the anger to come 2 As the eyes of our body are not alwayes Illuminated of the Sunne alike but the higher and nearer they come to it the more they perceiue the force of the brightnesse and heate thereof Euen so our soules the higher and nearer they approach to Christ the more clearely
present Knowledge of God in this life that which shall be in the life to come 1. Cor. 13.12 3 Like as when a man goeth to buy or borrowe some Candles and bringing them home being within night yet keepeth them vnlighted receiueth no comfort nor benefite by them Euen so if a man haue Knowledge in the word of God and yet his heart and mind is not enflamed and kindled with the loue of the truth his Knowledge will not profit him to saluation Knowledge of God 1 AS he that diggeth for treasure casteth the earth from him and maketh a deepe pit vntill hee finde that which he seeketh Euen so he that seeketh the Knowledge of God must castaway all earthly affections and wholly prie into heauenly affaires Prou. 1.4 5. 2 As great and rich Treasure is many times hid in an homely earthen vessell So it pleaseth God to put the precious Knowledge of himselfe and his truth into poore weake and fraile men 2. Cor. 4.7 Knowledge may be increased alwayes in the best LIke as he that vseth the hand and helpe of many Physitions though he be alwayes vnder the cure of some can neuer come to perfect health Euen so such as doo alwayes seeke and euer learne yet for all that they neuer come to the Knowledge of the truth 2. Timo. 3.6 7. Knowledge and beleefe in grosse 1 AS a man may carrie fire about him in a flint stone without heate and perfumes in a Pomander without smell except the one be beaten and the other chafed Euen so such men as Know and beleeue in grosse the misteries of our faith that there is a God which rewardeth good and euill that he is terrible in his counsels vpon the sonnes of men that there is a hell for sinners a heauen for good lyuers a most dreadfull day of iudgement to come a strait account to bee demaunded and the like All this they Know and beleeue in generall as marchandise wrapped vp together in a bundell but for â—hat they vnfold not these things nor rest vpon them in particular for that they let them not downe into their hearts nor doo ruminate on them with leysure attention for that they chew them not well in mind by deepe consideration nor doo digest them in heart by the heate of meditation they remaine with them as a sword in his scabard and do helpe them as little to reformation of life for which they were reuealed as a preseruatiue in their pocket neuer applied can helpe their health And thus they beare the generalâ— Knowledge of these mysteries locked vp in their breasts as sealed bagges of treasure that bee neuer told nor opened and consequently they haue neither feeling sence nor motion thereby 2 Like as it may bee that one man may know an other man by sight whom yet in deed he knoweth not thorowly because he vnderstandeth not what affection hee beareth towards him So men Know naturally that there is a God but what his will is or what is not his will they doo not know Rom. 3.11 Iohn 1.18 A godly King 1 AS breath is necessarie for the body of man So also is a godly King to the people whome hee gouerneth Lam. 4.20 2 As the roaring of a Lyon is fearefull So the wrath of a King is terrible Prou. 19.12 3 As a theefe taken in stealing with the deed dooing is brought to open shame Euen so Kings and Princes and nations putting confidence in Idols and yet deceiued in finding no helpe in them in time of their distresse are put to manifest shame and confusion Iere. 2.26.27 Meanes of Knowledge AS light endureth not alwayes but darkenesse succeedeth So the times and meanes to get Knowledge endureth not alwayes but wee are to vse them whilst God doth giue them Iohn 12.35 The Kingdome of heauen 1 LIke as Marchants can be well content when they see Pearles of great price to bestow all their substance and wealth on them hoping to be great gayners thereby Euen so much more godly Christians ought not to spare any earthly treasure or to forbeare any cost for the attainment of that most precious pearle the Kingdome of heauen Math. 13.45 46. 2 As hee that findeth a Treasure in an other mans ground cannot iustly enioy the same except at his great charge he first straine himselfe to purchase the soyle Euen so the Kingdome of heauen the heauenly riches cannot be had but of them which if neede so require can bee content to forgoe all their worldly wealth for it Math. 13.44 3 As wee doo naturally loue the body more then the soule and the goods and commodities of this temproall life more then the treasures of spirituall riches So wee seeke first the things that concerne this present life and as for those that belong to the Kingdome of heauen wee seeke after them but seldome sleightly and as it were for a fashion Math. 6.36 4 As all they that are possessed with righteousnesse peace and ioy of the holy Ghost which Saint Paul calleth the Kingdome of God are certaine to enter into heauen So it is in vaine to pretend to enter into the Kingdome of God which is in heauen vnlâ—sse the Kingdome of heauen which is the gate bee first in vs that is to say if wee haue not the true knowledge of God and of his Sonne Iesus Christ a liuâ—ly faith a feruent charitie vnlesse we increase in sanctification of body of soule and of mind vnlesse in our selues we doo feele a good conscience conioyned with peace and ioy in the holy Ghost and vnlesse we bee regenerate in newnesse of life Rom. 14.17 Iohn 3.3 1. Cor. 6.9 5 As where there bee two gates to a Towne it is not enough that we enter the first vnlesse we also passe throgh the sâ—cond So is it not enough that we being members of the Church vsing the holy ministerie which is as the first gate to the Kingdome of heauen vnlesse we thence proceed to the second in liuing as true and liuely members of the Church declaring the effects of the holy Ministerie by the testimonies of our faith mortification of the old man newnesse of life in briefe by dayly amendment of life 6 As when winter is ouer the nearer that the Sunne draweth vnto vs the more doth the earth being warmed by the heate therof fructifie and the longer that the daies are the more worke may we doo Euen so the nearer that the kingdome of heauen doth draw vnto vs by the comming of Iesus Christ especially by his ascention into heauen the more should we be heate in the loue of God and charity to our neighbours to bring forth the more fruit of holinesse and be the more addicted to all good workes 7 Like as it is commonly said that the Cat would fish eate but she would not her feete weate Or as Balaam wished that hee might die the death of the righteous and that his end might be like theirs but yet he would not obey the will
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
conscience and reproach to vs and our posteritie 8 As Wine and drunkennesse make a man sencelesse c. So Lust and pleasure peruerteth the sense and weakneth the soule 9 As Feuers or Agues the heate or cold wherof though they be internall yet are they more extreame and more painefull to be endured then the coldest or hottest season of all the yeare So likewise there is no fire whatsoeuer whose heate is so forceable as is the schorching flame of our owne Lusts and concupiscences Liberalitie to the poore AS housholders if they keepe their Corne in their Barnes all the yeare the vermine will consume it and so it will decrease but if they sowe scatter it in the field then they receiue increase thereof So likewise if we doo not scatter and bestow our welth and riches on the poore and needie God will rather decrease them then increase them Math. 6.19 2. Cor. 9.9 10. 1. Timo. 6.17 Hebr. 6.10 13.16 Married folkes are one a helpe to the other LIke as in the parts of a mans body there is a mutuall helpe and participation of the one towards the other Euen so ought it to bee also among Married folkes the one ought to bee an eye eare mouth hand and foote to the other In trouble the one must be the comfort of the other In aduersitie must the one bee the others refreshing yea and in all their life must the one be the helpe and succour of the other Gene. 2.18 Man 1 LIke as God hath created all things in the world for Mans vse and seruice Euen so he hath created Man alone for his glorie Act. 17.24 25. 2 Like as al things in the world serue Man and are subiect to man Euen so ought Man to be subiect to the Lord and to serue him and for this end man was created Act. 17.27 28 29. 3 As things that be nought worth are stil throwne out cast away not fit for any good purpose but to be reiected and troden vnder feete Euen so is Man a thing of nought Psal 144.4 4 As the excellent and noble Hauke called a Faulken vpon the fist of the fouler seeing a pray flying on high dooth by and by spread his wings and offer to breake the strings wherewith shee is holden and to bee gone after the pray but if shee be hooded she neither seeth the pray nor is any whit mooued Euen so Man whose nature farre excelleth all other liuing creatures thinking vppon the things that are aboue in heauen with God and with the eyes of his mind beholding eternall blisse and endlesse felicitie he is inflamed and pricked with a great and wonderfull desire to attaine vnto the same but if he bee hooded with ignorance spiritual blindnesse and a loue of this world he will neuer bee touched with any heauenly motion nor any whit moued with any right loue of God nor once turne so much as an eye of his mind towards heauen nor God Psal 42.1 2. Phil. 21.23 5 As the Crocodile is a creature of an incredible bignesse and yet hath his beginning of a very small and little Egge and is knowne onely to Egypt and to those Countries which are watered with the ryuer Nilus and in this thing is very admirable that no liuing creature that hath so small a beginning as of an Egge doth grow to such an exceeding bignesse Euen so such a one is Man when he forgetteth his originall and the foule matter of his beginning waxeth insolent and proud and yet in this one thing hee is more admirable that being moulded out of the earth and dust hee will make his heart a nest for pride and all abhomination to build and to dwell in Gene. 2.7 3.19 18.27 Iob. 4.19 10.9 to 13. Psal 146.4 78.39 Esay 40.6 7 8. 6 As the earth by his naturall course is borne downeward and is lowest of all Elements So Man borne by the talent and motion of his flesh is beyond horse and mule and is by the Prophets warned to learne wisedome by the Swallow by the Ant by the Spider by the Oxe by the Asse and almost by all the beasts in the field 7 Like as if a begger who hath not a ragge to couer him wil notwithstanding brag that he is the greatest Man and the richest in all the countrie and in all assemblies is not ashamed to take the highest place euery Man would iudge such a man worthie to be whipt Or if there were a theefe who being conuicted of many great crimes notwithstanding would be so shamelesse and so stately that he wold not hūble himself before his iudge nor any other Man he deserueth without any pitie to be punished with all seueritie Euen so in like maner if Man dissembling his beggerly estate his vice and ignorance will presume that he is wise rich vertuous he doth by this meanes make him selfe vnworthy of Gods mercy whereof he should participate if by an humble confession of his miserie he would seeke for it 8 As a vessell cannot be knowne whether it be whole or broken vntill it haue liquor in it So can no Man be knowne what he is before he be in authoritie Man wholly corrupted 1 AS we say not the essence of the Load-stone doth draw yron but the properties thereof So likewise the whole nature of Man is corrupt not in respect of the essence of the soule or bodie but in respect of the qualities The soule is corrupt not in respect of the essence which is spirituall but in respect of the qualities which be in the soule Psal 24.4 5. Ephe. 4.22 23 24. 2 Like as if a Man being fallen into a pit should rather be inquisitiue how he fell in then how to come out Or as a Man deserueth to be counted madde and vnwise that hath his house on fire will stand thinking how it came and not rather labour to quench it Euen so hee may be counted a foolish Man that is more carefull to know how he became wholly corrupted through originall sinne then to know and learne how rather to come out of it and so escape the daunger of it Maisters dutie towards their Seruants 1 AS the Centurian who had many seruants vnder his authoritie and they were all at his becke and commaundement most readie to obey him in any thing that he set them about and this good order hee brought them too by reason that his said seruants were deare vnto him that is he made a speciall reckoning of them and was as a father vnto them So likewise all Maisters are in conscience bound to esteeme and account well of their seruants and to vse their authoritie that they haue ouer them mildly and Christianly and then if their seruants do perceiue that they are deare vnto their Maisters so may the Maisters in time worke them like waxe to their owne minde except they be such as haue sold themselues to worke wickednesse Ephe. 6.9 2 As Maisters and Dames doo loue and cherish
cattes and dogges which haue bene brought vp any long while in their houses Euen so much more they ought to loue and fauour their seruants that haue done them long and faithfull seruice 3 As it is vnpossible that he that hath no skil in Musick can make an other man a Musitian Or as it is hard for a Scholler to learne that thing well that his Maister teacheth ill Euen so it is vnpossible that a Maister that is naturally negligent should make his seruant diligent Marriage euer esteemed for encrease of the Common-wealth AS he is counted no good Gardiner that being content with things present dooth diligently proine his old trees and hath no regard either to impe or graffe yong fettes because the selfe-same Orcharde though it be neuer so well trimmed must needes decaye in time and all the Trees dye within fewe yeares Euen so he is not to be accounted halfe a diligent Citizen that being content with the present multitude of Citizens hath no regard to encrease the number by lawfull Matrimony Mercie LIke as he that is without compassion in beholding an other mans wounds shall haue no bodie to pitie him if at any time he be hurt himselfe Euen so he that with pitie doth raise vp his neighbour being fallen shall haue many to relieue and comfort him if he himselfe fall into any calamitie Iam. 2.13 Mat. 5.7 Rom. 12.8 Prou. 3.3 4. 14.22 31. 16.6 19.17 The Miserie of worldlings 1 LIke as we see the Mules of Princes go all the day long loaden with treasure and couered with faire cloathes but at night shaken off into a sorrie stable much brused and gauled with the carriage of those treasures Euen so rich men that passe through this world loaden with gold and siluer and do gaull greatly their soules in carriage thereof are dispoyled of their burthen at the day of death and are turned off with their wounded consciences to the loathsome stable of hell and damnation 2 As we be iustly moued to pitie by beholding the momentany miseries of men and the distressed state of their bodies being consumed with sores and sicknesse and euen at deaths doore Euen so much more ought we to be grieued at the most fearfull state of worldlings for the eternall miserie of their soules not dying but being alreadie cleane dead in sinne and yet liuing in that state which leadeth to vnspeakable torment and the hotte burning furnace of the wrath of God Mercies of God 1 AS a riuer continueth running still Euen so the Mercies of God do daily light on the faithfull 2 As the ryuer hath a swift course So the Mercies of God helpe at a pinch Psal 46.1 c. 3 As a ryuer is deepe Euen so the Mercies of God are great neither can the bottome of them be sought out of any man 4 And as the ryuer hath this propertie as hath also all other water to binde and therfore doth not the earth dissolue because as the Phylosopher saith the water bindeth it in Euen so the Mercies of God do bind vs vnto himself or else we should dissolue and become Sathans sinke and puddle 5 As a begger will neuer goe foorth a begging vntill such time as hee can haue prouision or maintenance at home So wee will neuer come to Christ for Mercie so long as we see any goodnesse in our selues Psal 32.4 6 As a sparke of fire is in comparison able to drie vp all the water in the Sea Euen so no more is all the wickednesse of man vnto the Mercies and mercifulnesse of God 7 As no man is so thankfull for health as he that hath beene in continuall sicknesse So no man feeleth the Mercie of God that is not truly humbled in his owne sight Mans nature to be mortified 1 AS the seede of right Artichoke if the point of it bee not broken bringeth foorth the prickley Artichoke or Thistle So the best Mans child if his corrupt nature be not mortified wil bring forth nothing but vngodlinesse 2 Knecholme growing of it selfe bringeth forth fruit but being planted it bringeth foorth none But Mans nature if it bee suffered to grow of it selfe is vnfruitfull but beeing planted in Christ becommeth fruitfull in good workes 3 The superfluous moysture of Elecampane beeing dried vp it commeth fittest to his full vertue and is hot in the third degree but though the superfluitie of euill bee mortified in vs yet wee our selues will neuer come to our first perfection except we be quickned by Gods spirit c. A Mind troubled 1 LIke as a great and deepe wound cannot bee touched with ones hand thogh neuer so softly but with some griefe to the partie Euen so a troubled wayward Mind hard to please thinketh scorne of euery thing and is offended with the least word spoken 2 As the sicke-man cannot away with the sight of his wife blameth the Physition is grieued at his friend that comes to visite him yet being gone is displeased againe at their departure Euen so is the wauering way and trade of life and the wandering and inconstant mutabilitie of the Mind which seldome doth arriue at the quiet and desired port and hauen 3 Euen as they are queasie stomacked and are disquieted with vomiting doo leape from one Ship to an other that they might find some ease thereby vntill they perceiue themselues nothing the better but yet doo the same still that they did before carrying their vomite as we may say still about with them where euer they goe So in like manner they which euer anon choose now one and now an other trade of life doo rather entangle themselues in cares troubles of a discontented Mind then be discharged and rid there from 4 As it sometime falleth out that one receiueth an iniurie is grieued and studieth to reuenge an other beeing author of a wrong reioyceth at other mens harmes and fecks to keepe him stil vnder whom he hath once opprest Euen so is the Minde it selfe at warre with it selfe and through contrarie repugnant affections is rent and in a manner torne in peeces Magistrates dutie to their subiects 1 AS that medicine is more to bee allowed which healeth the parts of a mans body then that which vtterly burneth away the same So is that Magistrate more to be praysed which by correction causeth euill doers to amend then hee which by death and execution vtterly taketh the same away 2 As God is aboue all men the soule more excellent then the body and the kingdome of heauen more precious then earthly treasures So likewise doth the chiefe principall end of the Magistrates charge and office consist in the establishing and maintaining of the puritie of doctrine in the holy ministerie seruice of God the holy administration of the sacraments the inuocation of Gods name the order of Ecclesiasticall Discipline Rom. 13.4 1. Chro. 15.1 22.6 2. Chro. 14.3 c. 15.8 c. 17.6 c. 29.1 c.
doo the will of my Father saith Christ which is in heauen Euen so is it often said that a hood maketh not a Muncke neither rounding or powling neither yet a long Gowne or a square Cap or Tippet maketh a true Apostle or Minister but he is counted to bee the assured Minister of Christ which both is able and can by sound doctrine exhort and comfort the gaine-sayers thereof and also doth diligently goe before the people of God by good example of life and vertuous conuersation 48 As it is the dutie of Iudges which doo sit in iudgement as concerning matters of life and death to shut the one eare to the accuser and to reserue the other for him that is accused after the example of great Alexander So likewise it is the part of Ministers to be ready to make answere to euerie question of the Law of God for he that is ignorant in Gods Law he may assure himselfe that he can by no meanes be Gods Minister Mind 1 AS we vse not the troubled water vntill it bee cleared againe So must we not vse our Mind being moued and angrie but suffer it first to be pacified 2 As out of the vessell which is filled with liquor the â—yre is expelled So out of a Mind replenished with verâ—ue and godlinesse all kind of vanities be voide Member of Christ falleth not finally AS a mans arme taken with the dead Palsie hangs by and receiues no heate life or sence from the rest of â—e Members or from the head yet for all this it remaines still vnited and coupled to the bodie â—nd may againe be recouered by plaisters and phisicke So after a greeuous fall the child of God that feeles no inward peace comfort but is smitten in conscience with the trembling of a spirituall Palsie for his offence neuerthelesse in deed remaines before God a member of Christ which shal be restored to his former estate after true and vnfained repentance Memorie AS the leaues of a booke which is sildom vsed wil cleaue fast together Euen so the Memorie waxeth dull if it be not oft quickned A Minde ruled by reason AS the ship which hath a strong ankor may safely stay in any hauen So likewise a man which hath his Mind ruled by reason will liue peaceably and quietly in any region of the world The Minde of man 1 AS Trees planted and set by the waters side seeme faire and pleasant adorned with store and varietie of fresh and greene leaues So likewise doth the Minde of man being garnished with godly knowledge moysâ—ned with the water of Gods diuine spirit flourish shine with the bright beames of vertue and spread abroad his boughes both of faith toward God and also yeeld foorth the fruite of Christian workes toward his neighbour Psal 1. 3. Esay 17.8 2 As the eye of the bodie although it behold all otheâ— things yet it cannot see either it selfe or some other partâ— of the bodie euen those which are nearest vnto it So it fareth with the Mind of man the eye of the soule it ranged ouer the whole worlde aboue the highest heauens anâ— beneath the bottom of the earth and yet it is a straunger 〈◊〉 home most ignorant of the owne estate 3 As we see in running Riuers that the force of the water is greatly diminished when as the currant thereof is turned into seuerall litle streames and that both the heate and light do loose much of their vertue when as they are dispearsed abroad into large and open places So likewise it happeneth to our Mindes when as they are applied vnto seuerall studies which sometimes are contrary one to the other so that we thinking through an ambitious desire to do many things in the end effect and bring to passe nothing as we should do 4 As Porke betokeneth vncleannesse from which we must abstaine and beasts did signifie that beastly affections should be killed So the Minde and will must be renued that it may allow chuse and do such things as please God 5 As the bodie being alwayes oppressed with labour looseth his strength and so perisheth So likewise doth the Minde of man oppressed with the cares and pleasures of this world loose all her force lust and desire that she had to the rest to come of eternall life and so dieth not onely the death of sinne but hasteth what she can to hate abhorre all vertue 6 As a ship hauing a sure Ankor may lye safe in any place So the Mind that is ruled by perfect reason is quiet euery where Merite or desert not to be looked for for well doing 1 LIke as if one say the Prince hath bestowed a great Office vpon such an honest man this betokeneth â—ot wherefore but vpon what maner of person the Prince â—estowed it Euen so in like maner if we say that God wil â—iue glory the kingdome of heauen and euerlasting life â—o them that walke vprightly this teacheth vs what maner of men the Lord will giue the inheritance vnto but not for what cause mouing him he will giue it vnto them Eze. 36.22 Math. 18.27 25.34 Luk. 17.7 9 10. Gal. 1.15 3.18 2 As he which is wicked and dooth wickedly hurteth himselfe and not God Or as hee that hath the health of his bodie and doth by good dyet keepe and preserue it dooth hee therefore deserue any reward at the Phisitions hands Verely no for he doth it not for the Phisitions profit but for his owne Euen so likewise he that by the gift of God hath obtained the health of his soule and by his grace doth the things that belong to the preseruation of the same shall we say that he dooth Merite or deserue any reward at Gods hand because that he is made such by his grace and gift and doth now through his helpe aide and assistance keepe the same grace for his onely profite and commoditie either by earnest beliefe or by vnfained loue or by assured hope or by well doing and patience in aduersitie and trouble c. 3 Like as if any man that hath a state or interest for terme of yeres and a taking of profit in a peece of ground by another mans liberall graunt doo also claime to himselfe the tytle of proprietie dooth hee not by such vnthankefulnesse deserue to loose the verie selfe possession which hee had Or like as if a bonde Slaue beeing made free of his Lorde doo hide the basenesse of the estate of a Libertine who is made free by maumission and not by byrth and boaste himselfe to bee a Free-man borne is hee not woorthie to bee brought backe into his former bondage Euen so althougâ— good woorkes proceede from the grace of God yeâ— they doo please him and are not vnprofitable to the dooers of them but rather they receiue for rewarde the most large benefits of God not because they deserue but because the goodnesse of God hath of it selfe appointed this price vnto theÌ„ But what spitefulnesse is this
that men not contented with that liberalitie of God which giueth vndue rewardes to workes that deserue no such thing do with ambition full of sacriledge endeuour further that that which is wholly of the liberalitie of God may seeme to be rendred to the Merites of men Murderer of soules LIke as if a Nurse should for wages take in hand to nurse a young child who either hauing no Milke or hauing milke enough would giue it none but suffer it to die for hunger in thus doing shee were a Murderesse Euen so that Minister that taketh a flocke to feede by Preaching and Catechising who either hath no knowledge to performe this dutie or hauing sufficient knowledge but yet is Nonresident and absent from them and so suffereth the people to perishe for want of instruction such a one before God is a soule Murderer Ezech. 33.2 c. 34.2 c. Iere. 23.1 c. Zach. 11.17 Esay 56.10 11. Marrying 1 AS they that purpose to plant any thing doo first consider the nature of the ground in the which they minde to plant Euen so much more should men that entend to Marrie haue respect to the nature and condition but especially to the soundnesse of Religion of the woman of whom hee desireth to plant Children the fruits of honestie and welfare 2. Cor. 6.14 c. Deut. 7.3 2 Like as that Husbandman doth with diligence Till that ground which he hath once taken to Farme althogh it be neuer so full of faultes as if it be drie if it bring foorth weedes though the ground cannot beare much weat yet through good husbandry he winneth fruit thereof Euen so in like maner he that hath a froward or irreligious wife must haue care and diligence to instruct and order her minde and courteously apply himselfe to weede out by little and little the noysome weedes of sinne out of her minde with wholesome precepts out of Gods word that in time he may feele the pleasaunt fruite thereof to both their comforts For as it is commonly said A good Iack maketh a good Gill. 3 Like as a man hauing one hand or one foote if by any meanes hee get himselfe an other may thereby the more easily lay holde on what hee listeth or goe whither hee will Euen so hee that hath marryed a Christian wife shall more easily enioy the healthfull pleasures and profitable commodities of this present life For in trouble the one is a comfort to the other in aduersitie the one is a refreshing vnto the other yea and in all their life the one is a helpe and succour to the other Ministers that haue moe liuings then one are neuer true teachers 1 LIke as a Dogge which as long as hee holdeth a bone in his mouth and knaweth it so long he holdeth his peace and cannot barke Euen so as long as Ministers haue this bone of pleasaunt riches and superfluitie of liuing they will neyther deale faithfully nor truly with the word of God nor yet carefully discharge their calling Magistracie and Ministerie not to be sued for 1 LIke as it is meeter that the diseased seeke to the Physition for counsell then that the Physition should goe about to seeke for the sick Euen so he that knoweth himselfe fit either for Magistracie or Ministerie any dignitie or Office should rather abide till hee be called thereunto then seeke for it himselfe Exod. 18.21 2 Like as a gouernour of a Ship is not chosen for his riches but for his knowledge So should the chiefe Magistrate in euerie Cittie be chosen rather for his wisedome and godly zeale then for his wealth and great possessions 3 Like as a battered or crazed Ship by drinking in of water not onely drowneth her selfe but all those that are in her So a ruler by vsing viciousnesse destroyeth not him selfe alone but all others besides that are vnder his gouernment 4 Like as a good Musition hauing any key or string of his Instrument out of tune dooth not immediately cut it off and cast it away but either with straining it higher or slacking it downe lower by little and little causeth it to agree So should Rulers rather reforme tansgressours by small corrections then seeke to cast them away for euerie trespasse The Ministerie of the word 1 AS all men knowe that the good estate of the body dooth chiefly consist herein that the meate wherewith it is nourished bee well dressed and made fit for the receiuer not raw offensiue or mingled with any hurtfull thing So without question the health of the soule doth chiefly depend on the Ministerie of the word that it offer â—o the Church nothing but that which is both in it selfe good and sound and also made fit for the present estate of the hearers 2 Like as most men are curious about the dressing of their bodily meate which is soone turned to filth and so cast away as a most loathsome thing yea which together with the belly for the which it is prepared shall be abolished 1. Cor. 6.13 So surely much more it is to be wished the contrary greatly to be wondered at that men wold be likewise as carefull in prouiding for themselues wise and cunning Cookes able to prepare a right the sacred word of the euerliuing God wherewith their soules are or ought to bee fed to eternall life But alas men spend their whole care time and substance about the one To wit the filling of their bellies and the feeding of their bodies and are altogether carelesse of the other thinking no cost sufficient for the one and euerie pennie that is bestowed on the other cleane lost Mind diseased and sicke 1 AS the sicke body cannot away with neither heate nor cold So a sicke Mind is neither pleased with wealth nor woe 2 As vnto them that are sicke all things are troublous they loath their meates blame Physitions and be angrie with their friends but health being restored they delight in things againe Euen so vnto a sicke Mind each life iâ— loathsom but to a sound Mind no trade of life is misliked 3 They which be sicke in body will giue themselues to rest they will keepe good diet and send for the Physition with speede But they that bee diseased in Mind doo abhorre all rest and remedy 4 Like as if the fountaine bee muddie and corrupted nothing that is pure can proceed from the same So if thâ— Mind bee infected with euill affectioâ—s it will corrupt aâ— that proceedeth from the same 5 As children and they whose stomacks are queasie cannot abide bitter and vnpleasant potions though they be wholesome but rather like sweete things best though most hurtfull Euen so wicked men fooles they whose soules Sathan hath bewitched like better of them that sing Placebo speake Placentia sowing pillowes vnder their elbowes and doo flatter them then they that tell them the truth and find fault with their sinnes 6 As a good stomacke turneth al that it eates into good nutriment and a bad
whiles they seeke for succour and comfort of the world they finde no better thing than death where they thought to haue found life experience dooth teach them that they sought for life in the house of death and for a medicine there where â—o good thing is to be had The necessitie of the Magistrate and a preaching Minister AS the wal within eke without is made ofsquared stones between the which the lesse stones are conâ—eined to make the building vp EueÌ„ so the preaching Miâ—ister within the church the Magistrate in the commoÌ„ weale should support and vphold the meaner sort in due obedience 2 Like as the Soule in excellencie surpasseth and exceedeth the bodie So dooth the office of the Preacher which principally is occupied in instructing of the soule deserue to be preferred before all such functions as concerne onely the bodie and the direction and ordering of the outward life of man out of which office of a diligent Preacher springeth and issueth the true outward obedience vnto the ciuil Magistrate who as he compelleth the Preacher perswadeth as he constraineth the Preacher allureth as he forceth with the sword so the Preacher draweth voluntarily by the doctrine of the word Meanes must be vsed 1 EVen as Noe thogh he knew he shuld be saued did not neglect the Means but made the Arke as God commaunded So also we though we be perswaded oâ— our saluation must notwithstanding vse those Means thaâ— God hath appointed and set downe for the same in hiâ— word 2 As God is able to keepe in health whom hee listeth either without foode physicke or any such meanes froâ— death of the bodie So likewise is hee able to deale witâ— the soule but yet he wil haue his appointed Meanes vseâ— as the hearing of his word preached Catechising and thâ— partaking of the Sacrament 3 Like as when a certain King maketh this Proclamâ—tion that of a company of rebelles or malefactors thoâ— who comming into his presence haue his scepter reachâ— out vnto them shall liue the rest shall haue the Lawe passe on them yet he keepeth himselfe within a stroâ— Castle the gates being fast shut herevpon many of thâ— malefactors casting off their olde and filthie apparell 〈◊〉 dresse themselues in the best manner they can to come before the king When they come to the place of his abode they find no entrance saue onely a few of them yet they that stand excluded are better to bee admitted then they who conâ—emning the Kings offer neuer looke towards him and yet in truth they that stand nearest to the gates doo no more deserue life neither are any more capable of it or any nearer vnto it for ought that they themselues can doo then they who bee a hundred miles off So God biddeth all cast off their sinnes their corrupt dispositions and liues and to come and seeke to him for grace yet they doo not by this Meanes deserue nor can by any Meanes compell God to admit them into his fauour and to touch their hearts with his spirit All should vse this Meanes and hope to obtaine grace yea none can hope to obtaine grace who doo not vse this Meanes yet some vse the Meanes and doo not obtaine and others obtaine not vsing the Meanes yet the Meanes is carefully to be vsed and necessarie to be knowne 4 Euen as we must be diligent to doo all good works and not put our trust of saluation in them but say when wee haue done all those things which are commaunded 〈◊〉 wee are vprofitable seruants Luk. 17 9.10 So likewise we must vse alwayes lawful Meanes to defend our selues â—â—d yet say Our helpe is in the name of the Lord which hath made heauen and earth for hee hath ordained such â—eanes to saue vs by and workes by the same our deliâ—erance when pleaseth him and sometimes to shewe his â—ower hee deliuereth vs without such ordinarie meanes â—sal 124.8 Mortification AS the Arke was to Noe a graue and yet the way to saue him Euen so he that will liue euerlastingly must be Mortified and die to his sinnes Gene. 7.1 c. Mourning for our sinnes 1 AS the Eagle feeling his wings heauy plungeth them in a fountaine and so reneweth his strength Euen so after the same sort a Christian feeling the heauie burthen of his sins batheth himselfe in a fountaine of teares and so washing off the old man which is the body of sinne is made yong againe and lustie as an Eagle Luk. 7.44 2 As Peters faith was so great that he lept into a Sea of waters to come to Christ Math. 14 28 29. So also his repentance was so great that hee lept into a Sea of teares when he went from Christ Mark 14.72 Luk. 23.63 3 As it is an Idoll and no God which hath eyes and seeth not So he is rather an Idol shepheard then a godly Pastour which hath eyes and weepeth not more or lesse one time or other in preaching to the people Iere. 9.1 Act. 20.31 4 Euen as the Oliue tree is most aboundant in fruit when it distilleth So likewise a Christian is most plentifull and powerfull in prayer when hee weepeth and Mourneth for his sinnes 5 As salt vapours aryse out of the Sea which afterward are turned into a pleasant shower So out of a sinfull sorrowfull soule dooth arise sobs and sighes like salt vapours which immediatly are turned into a sweete shower of teares 6 As a Quaile flies ouer the Sea feeling himselfe beginne to bee wearie lights by the way into the Sea theâ— lying at one side he layes downe one wing vpon the water and hold vp the other wing towards heauen least he should presume to take too long a flight at the first hee wets one wing least hee should despaire of taking a new flight afterwards he keepes the other wing drie Euen so must a Christian man doo when hee layes downe the wing of feare vpon the water to weepe for himselfe then hee must hold vp the wing of loue towardes heauen to reioyce for Christ and the other of sorrow for himselfe 7 As a Hinde goeth not still forward in one way but iumpes crosse out of one way into an other Right so a Christian in Mourning for his sinnes must iumpe crosse from himselfe to Christ and then backe againe from Christ to himselfe 8 As Hanna wept for her barrennesse Euen so haue we great cause to weepe for our sinnes seeing wee can conceiue nothing but sorrow and bring foorth iniquitie to death 1. Sam. 1.5 9 As Tamar wept being defloured by her brother So likewise we haue greater cause to weepe seeing we commit spirituall incest and Adulterie daily with the diuell 2. Sam. 13.19 10 As Hagar wept beeing turned out of Abrahams house So this ought to be the greatest cause of weeping vnto vs that our life is no life because wee neuer cease from sinning while we are heere pilgrimes straungers exiled and banished out of our Fathers house in heauen
hands be fenced with hedging gloues So are wicked Neighbours very cumbersome except a man bee well defended and take great heede vnto himselfe 2. Sam. 23.6 The Nobilitie of auncestors nothing auailable to those that are loose and lewd of life 1 AS it profiteth not a Ryuer to flow from a pure and cleare fountaine if it selfe be foule filthie and vnwholesome Euen so the Noblenesse of Fathers and the honour of elders and ancestors doth nothing pleasure at all their Sonnes when they themselues degenerate from their Noble and honourable parents bragging onely of their Nobilitie and chalenging their honour but despising their vertues doo shew themselues wicked loose and lewd of life For he that is not Nobled for some worthie acts of his owne nor renoumed by reason of some famous vertues knowne and found to be in himselfe there no honour in very deed is to bee looked for seeing there is nothing in himselfe that is good but onely a vaine and proud challenging of the worthinesse and excellencie of other men Esay 1.4 Ezech. 16.3 Ioh. 8.39 42 44. 2 Euen as Aesops Iay being clad with the faire feathers of other Birds did namely take vnto himselfe a beautie but beeing discouered and stript of all for a reward was throughly scorned and was turned into his olde blacke gowne when euerie bird had taken from him his owne feather So they that make their boast of the Noble acts of others and doo vaunt themselues of the dignitie of their predecessors and doo vsurpe vnto themselues the Nobilitie of auncestors themselues being naked of all vertue and vtterly void euen of common honestie temperance and sobrietie are constrained many times with great ignominie shame to put off other mens vesture and with no smal disgrace to forgo their vsurped honoâ—â— It is therefore a thing farre more honourable and worthier commendation that a man nourishe and be famous with his owne vertues and iust deserts then to borrow his prayse and honour of others Men are fitly though not naturally called the Sonnes of them whose deedes they doo and whose vices or vertues they immitate Obedience to God the whole dutie of man 1 LIke as amongst Archers there is but one onely marke whereto they must direct their arrowes to shoote well and yet many meanes to misse and shoote short So is there but one onely holinesse whereunto we must aspire and seeke after which is a setled desire fully resolued wholly to obey God but there are many kinds of vices and meanes to disobey him and to withstand his will 2 As it is a common practise of sicke men when they make their willes on their death beddes in the verie first place to commend their bodies to the graue and their soules to God that gaue them in hope of a better â—â—urrection and all this is well done but afterward they bequeath their goods gotten by fraude oppression and forged cauillation to their owne friendes and children without making any recompence or satisfaction but alas this should not be so Euen so Obedience that goes with good conscience must bee performed to all Gods comâ—â—undemens without exception and if it be done but 〈◊〉 some alone it is but counterfeit obedience and hee â—â—â—t is guiltie in one is guiltie in all Obedience of Christes death LIke as by the determinate counsell of God the Obedience of Adam conueyed it selfe by naturall propagation from him to all his ofspring foreuer Euen so on the other side the Obedience of Christes death appertaineth fully to all those that are spiritually begotten of him by a liuely faith Originall sinne 1 LIke as Corne how cleane soeuer it bee purged from the chaffe and straw if it bee fowne will neuerthelesse spring vp againe both with straw and chaffe Euen so in like manner how cleane so euer the children of God themselues are purged from their sinnes by the bloud of Christ yet their children notwithstanding doo grow vp with the seeds of all sinne in them 2 As a great house is darke hauing but a little window and not because there is any fault in the Sunne that shineth into it Euen so wee are euil of our selues and not by any fault that is in God Psal 5.4 Old men readie to imbrace superstition LIke as young Children that want reason and discretion will catch at the burning candle which if theâ— knewe that it would hurt them they would not doo iâ— So likewise Old men and Old women will soonest be drawne into superstition because it hath a glitterinâ— shew which they would not doo if they knew the hâ—â— that it bringeth to their soules Col. 2.23 One manner of sinning in the godly and another in the vngodly AS a wicked man when he sinneth in his heart heâ—ueth full consent to the sinne But the godly thouâ— they fall into the same sinnes with the wicked yet thâ— neuer giue full consent for they are in their minds wills and affections partly regenerate and partly vnregenerate and therefore their willes will partly abhorre that which is euill Rom. 7.22 Math. 26.69 70 71 72. Offenders ought to be reprooued and admonished 1 AS hee that seeth a murtherer and standeth by and giueth him the looking on without giuing foorth any thing to shew him his disliking of the fact is worthy to be accounted accessarie to his murther Or as hee that seeth a blind man running into a pit and neither stayes him from running into it neither yet helpeth him out being falne into it but letteth him there bee drowned is guiltie of his death Euen so is hee to be accounted that seeth his brother kill his soule by sinning and will not endeuour to doo what hee can by rebuking him to stay him from so doing Hebr. 3.13 Leuit. 19.17 Gal. 6.1 Ephe. 5.11 1. Thessa 5.11 14. 2 As one member is ready to helpe an other as the hand is readie to plucke out a thorne or thistle by the dilection of the eyes euen out of the least toe So godly Christians ought to be readie by admonition and repreâ—ension to plucke out sinne and errour one out of an oâ—er that as speedily as may be least they be like Caine. â— Cor. 12.14 Gene. 4.9 3 Like as if there be a Moate fallen into the childs eye â—he Mother thereof will take and bestow great paines by â—â—iping and blowing and licking to get it out and all this â—hee doth of loue to her child because shee knoweth that â—he moate would in time be noysome perillous and doo â—â—ch harme to her childs eye Euen so if there were that â—he in Christians one towards an other that ought to be â—â—y could not but do their best endeuor by admonition and reprehention one to helpe an other to get out the least more of sinne and errour that their brethren are infected with Math. 7.4.5 4 As Physitions doo oftentimes cut off a rotten member least it corrupt and putrifie the other members So it behooueth men of authoritie if they will preserue the
doo not condemne the Art of Nauigation because some haue made shipwracke but their want of knowledge that haue so done So in like manner wee may not condemne the Profession of Christianitie because some making shewe of Christianitie haue committed grieuous sinnes but they that haue abused the good Profession Pacifiers of other men being angrie must not be angrie themselues AS the Chirurgion in healing them that hath the tooth-ache doth not so sorrow for the others griefe as he doth reioyce for his owne health but is indifferent and pleasant So he which goeth about to remedie an others anger ought not to bee mooued himselfe but pleasantly to handle the sicke mind of his neighbour Prosperitie or aduersitie make not a good or bad man AS we may not take it for a sure token and good argument that the doings of wicked men do please God or that they bee in the fauour of God because they haue good and prosperous successe in their affaires Euen so we may not condemne the godly because they sometimes want necessaries and be in aduersitie for if the successe be euill the cause is not therefore straightway euill neither if the successe bee good is the cause therefore straightway good Yet no doubt there is great difference betweene the hauing of a good cause and the hauing of an euill cause Iob. 21.7 c. Iere. 12.1 c. Mal. 3.14 15. Psal 37.1 c. 2. Cor. 11.25 26. Gene. 39.20 Iudg. 20.21 25. 2. King 24.1 c. Iere. 27 19 20. Performance of Gods Commaundements LIke as if a Debtor were bound to paye a thousand pounds which hee oweth vnto his Creditor though the same Creditor did demaund this debt of him beeing due and yet hee were not able to satisfie or pay him yet this Creditor should not doo vniustly to aske of his Debtor his thousand pound Euen so no more is God vnrighteous to aske and require of vs the Performance and due obseruation of all and euerie part of his commaundements at our hands although wee cannot satisfie it accordingly Math. 18.24 Prayer before holy exercises LIke as a man diseased in his body seeketh and taketh the counsell of a Physition that by receiuing a medicine of him hee may recouer his health and so haue a good stomacke to his meate So wee whensoeuer Gods word goeth against our stomacke and that our soules loatheth it must by Prayer seeke to Christ our heauenly Physition that hee may make our soules to like of Gods word which is the bread of saluation least wee starue for want of the same Ioh. 4.14 6.27 Preaching required before the receiuing of the Sacraments 1 AS the print in Wax is more fitly receiued and fully expressed when the wax is wrought and warmed first So likewise the effect of the Sacrament of the bodie and bloud of Christ is more liuely felt and seene when the people repaire and resort thereunto with minds and hearts wel instructed Catechised prepared and throughly examined 2 As it is a good conclusion that for so much as Peter in that hee is a man is borne to haue and by common course of nature hath two legges therefore Iohn and Thomas and all the rest haue so Euen so for so much as Iohn Baptist by reason of his ministery had need first to preach then to baptise it followeth that all others that haue that ministerie committed vnto them must doo the like Mat. 3.1 c. Act. 19.4 5. Preparation needfull before the receiuing of the Lords supper AS it is very conuenient that hee that will heare the word fruitfully should prepare himselfe before to heare So likewise is it very needfull for him that will receiue the Lords supper comfortably that hee should by examination bee Prepared before the receiuing thereof for this Preparation both before hearing and receiuing is as it were a kind of Physick for preparatiues are ministred alwaies before Physicke otherwise it would do no good but hurt So vnlesse examination goe before the Sacrament the party sealeth vp the threatnings which are written against him instead of the promises which are made vnto him for the Sacrament is a seale and therfore sealeth good or euill as euery other seale doth Rom. 4.11 Promises of God AS it is a fancie of the Physitions that he which carieth Mugwort in his bosome will not be wearie in his trauaile So also it is a truth of the Lord that hee which carrieth the sweete Promises of the Gospell in his heart shall not faint in his troubles Priuate Prayer reading meditation and conference at home 1 LIke as most men be carefull enough in making their prouision curious in marking what is wholesome or hurtfull for them precise and constant in keeping their houres for dinner and supper yea and willing to keepe themselues to some kind of meate So contrariwise many refuse the food of their soules as a fruitlesse and vnsauorie thing which chiefly consisteth in the pure vse of Gods publike worship and partly in holy Prayers meditations readings in priuate although the most part be content for some carnall respect to shewe themselues in the publike assemblies yet fewe there are that are carefull to redeeme the time and to make himselfe by Priuate reading and meditation more fit to reape fruit by the publike ministerie of the word and Sacraments 2 As they who through errour preiudice or self-loue are so adicted to their priuate studies that they dispose or neglect the publike ministerie shal without speedie mercie from God fall into diuers fond opinions and daungerous errours and pine away in their ignorance and sinnes Euen so to litle purpose is our hearing of Sermons abroad if there be not a setled and constant course of priuate Prayer reading meditation conference at home 3 Like as naturall men who are most greedie of the world wil not misse scarce once in a yere their ordinarie houres of eating drinking Euen so much more ought Christians not to bee fickle or vnfaithfull in forgetting omitting the times of reading and praying vnto God meditation and conference at home Prouidence of God 1 LIke as when the staffe or cruch of an aged man is taken from him he therupon fals Euen so when Gods blessing is taken from our bread and sustenance which is as the power of nourishment and staffe of our bread and food it becomes vnprofitable and ceasseth to nourish 2 As a shaddow doth protect and defend vs from the beames and heate of the Sunne Euen so God doth protect vs from daungers Psal 91.1 3 Like as in high defenced Towers we are safe from the enemie So likewise by the Prouidence of God wee are in safetie from our foes Psal 3.4 4 Like as in a Clocke there be diuers wheeles whereof some be mooued slower some faster and yet all are directed by one handle So also in this world though there be many creatures and haue diuers actions yet they are all guided and gouerned by one and the
hath the more pittie vpon him and hold his hand and ceaseth the sooner but if the child shewe himselfe froward crie any thing loude or murmur grudge against him then is the Father the more angrie and fearce ouer him and beateth him the more sharply Euen so the heauenly Father punisheth the patient man more easily and healeth him the sooner but towards them that murmure against him hee sheweth himselfe sharpe and fearce 3 Like as the Bird that is caught with the lime rod the more shee striueth to deliuer her selfe the more doo her feathers cleaue and hang to the lime Or as the Fish that is caught in the net the more he seeketh to get out the more it windeth it selfe in Or as he that is bound with chaines or fetters of yron the more hee strayeth abroad the more harme he dooth to himselfe Euen so such as are froward and vnpatient in aduersitie do encrease their sorrow and hurt themselues the more 4 As hee that hath an heauie burthen vpon his backe the more he strugleth and striueth shutleth and mooueth the same the more dooth it grieue him Euen so the more froward and vnpatient a man is vnder the crosse the more grieuous and painefull is it vnto him for a good heart in aduersitie taketh away the halfe of his misery the feare of aduersitie and paine before it commeth is worse then the paine it selfe when it commeth 5 Like as in a Schoole of defence he that sheweth the most manly touch and hath wonne the victorie hath the greater commendation and higher honour Euen so is it much more commendable and a greater honour to ouercome to subdue our spirituall enemies and to haue the victorie against the assaults of the flesh and the diuell 6 As he that forsaketh his bodily Maister without a iust cause is taken before the world for a man that lacketh faith truth and honestie Euen so likewise it is a great point of dishonestie and vnfaithfulnesse for a Christian in the time of affliction vnder the crosse to forsake Christ and his word and thorow impatiencie to worke and do against the same 7 As when men in warfare lying in campe will play the sluggards and be slouthfull and not resist the enemies stoutly and manfully their friendes are destroyed their houses spoyled their vilages set on fire their deare friends and neighbours murthered and slaine and their wiues and daughters defiled and rauished and all goeth to hauocke and is full of miserie Euen so in the spirituall warfare and field if we yeeld vnto the flesh and the diuell and resist them not manfully constantly we cast our selues into perpetuall daunger miserie and vnquietnesse but if we fight against the ghostly enemies stoutly and Patiently wee may the sooner attaine to perpetuall rest and quietnesse 8 Like as he that is sicke if he will not receiue the medicine because it is bitter and sower it is no maruaile nor wonder if the same man perish in his sicknesse and disease but if hee would suffer himselfe to bee handled after the mind and counsell of the Physition he might ouercome the smart haue good hope to bee restored to his health againe Euen so all right and faithfull Christians that are Patient in aduersitie may conceiue a much more stedfast and sure hope that they shall attaine to euerlasting rest of bodie soule whereas contrariwise they which remaine and continue in their frowardnesse and impaciencie against God the heauenly Phisition must smart for it euerlastingly both in bodie and soule 9 As Poets faine that there is a tree which for euerie braunch which was cut from it would presently send out two and the more men labour to kill it the more the life of it encreased So must men afflicted doo and double their Patience and vertues by persecution and not be killed at the first stroke 10 As a good Souldier that hath manfully and carefully done his endeuour in the battell conceiueth a certaine and sure hope that his Prince for whom hee hath fought hazarded his life will giue him thanks recompence him and giue him some preferment Euen so when as by constant Patience our faith hath beene proued and found good then doth our hope increase more more and wee do conceiue a firme assurance and sure certitude of our saluation Proud men 1 EVen as wild beasts being about to inuade and to set vpon their pray will stoupe low and bend thēselues that they may fall and rush vpon it with the greater force and more violence Euen so Proud mischieuous men beeing slie and subtill sometimes will crouch and beare themselues very lowly that vnder the colour of dissembled vertue they may supplant deceiue the simple and godly honest man aduance themselues and worke mischiefe to others Psal 10.4 9 10. 2 As in a threshing place Chaffe is seene aboue the Wheate not because it is better but because it is lighter and whereas it is the viler and of the lesser value yet notwithstanding it getteth the higher and worthier place Euen so in this life a Proud and vaine man is exalted aboue the humble and lowly not for any worthinesse iust desert or true vertue that is in him but for his vanitie and a false opinion that hee hath conceiued of himselfe and whereas he is of very little or no value yet he putteth him selfe before others which are beyond him in vertue wisedome and nobilitie but the lowly though the worthier and more excellent man doth euer humble himselfe not because he is of lesse value but because hee hath in him greater weight of wisedome vnderstanding and true nobilitie 3 As Haukes trusting to their wings will flie exceeding high as though they would peace the cloudes themselues but for their too high flying they are oftentimes lost So men depending vpon the wings of prosperitie beeing puffed vp and swelled with pride the higher they clime the more mischieuous is their fal and with the greater disgrace are they hurled downe headlong Who is said to be Perfect 1 AS Abraham because by faith hee preferred obedience toward God before the life of his most deare and onely Sonne is said to be Perfect and the yong man following Christ if he had preferred pouertie and liberalitie toward the poore before his riches had beene Perfect according to the sentence of Christ So likewise euerie one which by a true faith preferreth obedience toward God before all things of this world is said in Scripture to be Perfect and on the contrarie they which preferre worldly things their owne affections honour glorie pleasures and diuers other deceits before obedience toward God are vnperfect yea they do but in vaine glorie of the name of Christians Gene. 22.2 3 4 6 9. Mat. 19.21 Iam. 1.4 Gene. 17.1 Math. 5.48 2 As all men through Adams fall haue in them by nature the seedes of all sinne none excepted no not the sinne against the holy Ghost So by grace of regeneration
through Christ all the faithfull haue in them likewise the seedes of all vertues needfull to saluation and hereupon they both can and doo endeuour to yeeld Perfect obedience vnto God according to the whole law God reuealeth his will vnto vs by Preaching 1 AS a man if he be of credite maketh the hid thoughts of his hart to be knowne by speaking Euen so God who is the truth it selfe reuealeth vnto vs by the Preaching of the Gospell his counsell and his will touching our adoption and saluation and confirmeth this reuelation by the vse of the holy Sacraments 2 As a Ship is held fast by the Anchor that it might not be carried away of the wind Euen so God wold that the reuealing of his counsell by the doctrine and Preaching of the Gospell should hold vs fast and assure vs against all doubts of our Adoption yea and to pearce euen into the very heauens with assurance whereof our forerunner Iesus Christ hath taken possession both for himselfe and for vs. Puritie of soule and body to entertaine God offering to dwell with vs. 1 LIke as if a man were certified that a Prince would come to his house hee would dresse it vp and haue all things in good order as might be Euen so much more wee ought to endeuour to Purifie and clense our soules and bodies from all sinne that they may bee fit Temples for the entertainment of the holy Ghost whome Christ Iesus hath sent to bee our comforter 1. Cor. 6.9 Iohn 14.16 16.7 2 As the Shunamite was careful to entertaine the man of God Elisha for shee said to her husband Let vs make him a little Chamber I pray thee with Walles and let vs set him there a bed and a stoole a table and a candlesticke So likewise much more carefull ought we be to entertaine God himselfe who is content to come and dwell with vs and therefore wee must adorne our bodies and soules with grace that he may lodge and sup and dine with vs as he hath promised but on the contrarie if wee defile our bodies with sinne wee banish the holy Ghost out of our hearts and suffer the diuell to dwell in vs. 2. King 4.10 Reue. 3.20 Professors that seeke themselues and not God AS the foolish Virgines went forth to meete the bridgroome with Lampes in their hands as well as the wise but they neuer so much as dreamed of the horne of Oyle till the comming of the bridgroome So likewise many men liue in the Church of God as members therof holding vp the Lampe of glorious Profession but in the meane season they seeke onely for the things of this life neuer casting how they may assure thēselues in conscience touching their reconciliation with God till the day of death come Math. 25.1 2. c. Patience in all crosses whatsoeuer so that we may liue with God afterwards 1 AS the Prodigall and desperate Sonne who did so humble and submit himself that he desired no more to be taken for a Sonne but to be put to labour as a day labourer and an hired seruant so that hee might but onely remaine in his Fathers house Euen so whatsoeuer God sendeth we ought to take Patiently so that wee may but onely dwell in the house of God in heauen with him euerlastingly Luk. 15.18 19. 2 As that Pilot is to bee praysed which can rule a Ship cunningly not onely in calme weather but in time of tempests So hee is a good gouerner of himselfe which can do it not onely in prosperitie but doth also ouercome aduersitie with Patience 3 As Noes Arke the higher the water and floud was the higher it did rife So must our courage and Patience be in the deepest troubles Prosperitie most pleasant after long aduersitie AS the spring time following comming immediatly vppon the rough and hard winter is the more acceptable pleasant and welcome vnto vs Or as a battell the sorer our enemies doo assault and fight against vs the greater is the ioy and triumph at the victorie and ouerthrow of them Or as hee that hath kept his bed a long time and lyen sicke a great season afterward when he is recouered health is a more precious treasure vnto him then euer it was before that hee felt what sicknesse was and also such as mourned and were sorie for his sicknesse doo receiue an infinite ioy and an exceeding reioycing at his restoring vnto health againe Euen so doth God depriue vs for a time of riches wealth prosperitie our naturall countrie bodily health and such other transitorie benefits for this purpose that when hee giueth them againe vnto vs we may the more reioyce be gladder of them Math. 18.12 13. Luk. 15.22 23 24. Of greatest Paines greatest gaines AS Roses which are the most pleasant flowers doo spring and wax out of thornes Euen so of hard and great trauell springeth the most pleasant fruit In Prosperitie we must prouide for aduersitie AS a waterman or Marriner will neuer let out his sayle so farre but that he may soone pull it in againe Euen so euerie man as long as all things stand well and vpright with him he ought to foresee and prepare in time for the contrarie Perseuerance in Prayer AS the Heathnish woman of Canany al hope and comfort in the remedie and counsell of man set apart desireth helpe and succour of Christ and although the Lord giueth her at the first a rough and sharpe answere yet she is nothing abashed nor will not be so answered Euen so hold thou on likewise with this Cananitish woman saying and crying still O thou Sonne of Dauid haue mercy vpon me and so shalt thou heare at length this comfortable Gospell and absolution Thy faith is great bee it vnto thee as thou desirest Math. 15.22 c. Prosperitie is sometime hurtfull 1 AS it happeneth to him that is quiet and at ease that he falleth soone a sleepe and hauing an Apple or any other thing in his hand it falleth or is easily takē from him So the ease of the fleshe bringeth vs a sleepe in the world and causeth vs to leese the spirituall good things and to suffer them to fall to the ground 2 As the great lake in India called Asphaltites is neuer troubled with any waues stormes or tempests but is euer quiet Euen so such are they which lead their liues in tranquilitie peace and quietnesse and are neuer pressed nor broken with any calamities nor tossed and troubled with any sorrowes or miseries in the world but are euer at hearts ease and liue as they list 3 Euen as a straunger in a farre Countrie hauing and enioying all things seruing either for necessitie or pleasure careth litle for returning home So he which hath all things needfull for this life in aboundance at his hearts desire little careth for heauen or heauenly things Counterfeit Professors are most enemies to the Church 1 EVen as of all the enemies that Iuda had the tenne Tribes of
treasures The yron one is the viler but yet it is the better Euen so such a King is our God and such an house is that heauenly habitation of his Saints wherein are inestimable treasures endlesse ioyes and vnspeakable good things which are worthier and more excellent then man is able to expresse 2. Cor. 2.9 All which heauenly treasures God hath promised to all them that shall enter into his holy hill or house of Saints The golden key which the most part of this world do choose and trust too that they may enter into heauen is worldly wealth and aboundance of riches ioyned with couetousnesse which will neuer open the Lords house where are kept his celestiall and inestimable treasures but that key doth open a foule and vile house of this world which is full of all filthinesse abhominations The yron key is spiritual Pouertie against the which the kingdome of heauen is neuer shut but standeth euer wide open to all them that bring with them that key Math. 5.3 Therfore let vs make no account of the golden key but let vs for Christ and his kingdome forsake and dispose the deceitfull riches of this world which are desired and sought for farre and neare by Sea and land with daungers and losse of the bodies and soules of many thousands as though men could bribe God for their sinnes and purchase heauen with their worldly trifles and let vs without murmuring and grudging with all patience of heart and mind beare and imbrace Pouertie and al those crosses and afflictions which vnto the world seeme bitter and intollerable of which kind very many doo happen in the life of men Let vs earnestly seeke after the riches of the Lords kingdome and euerlasting life for they be stable and permanent and let vs not set our hearts and affections on this world for it waxeth old and rotten it staggereth is ruinous and ready to fall Iob. 21.13 Prou. 11.4 Posteritie degenerating EVen as thicke and blacke cloudes doo obscure and darken the bright and glittering starres So degenerating Posterities and such as bee polluted and blemished with treacherie and iniquitie doo dishonour their auncestors and doo extinguish the cleare light of their noble vertues and doo put vppon them the vgly darksomnesse of their owne vices that although they be noble men by birth and discent yet they fall into obliuion and by little and little are quite forgotten Outward Professors are often hypocrites EVen as many men are much delighted with Musicke and will most gladly heare Musitions make songs of the noble acts and singular vertues of many men but neuer care to imitate one vertue of a thousand which they heare with prayses extolled vnto the skies So very many men in these our dayes are outwardly very forward to heare Sermons and the word preached and as Ananias will bee willingly to see too at some cost to maintaine Preachers and all is in many but meere hypocrisie to please their owne humours with straunge and new matter with some Logicke Rethoricke and brauerie of wordes which they looke for without any purpose to frame their liues after such doctrine as the Preacher deliuereth Gods mercie in his Promises 1 LIke as if I owe to a Creditor vpon a very formall bill a hundred pounds he will not to the end to enduce me to pay the same faithfully Promise to giue me tenne times so much more yet thus dooth God deale with vs who is so wonderfull in his goodnesse that hee vouchsafeth to Promise vs so many benefites if wee amend our liues that is to say if we performe the thing whereto wee are alreadie bound 2 If he that is free bindeth himselfe to serue an other then it is reason that his Maister shuld Promise him some wages and reward for his seruice But wee are not free but alreadie bound to serue our God yet doth hee Promise vs great benefits if we imploy our selues faithfully in his seruice by amending our liues Preaching killeth sinne AS the Walles of Iericho did fall downe flat at the sound of the Trumpets and the shouts of the people Euen so sinne and wickednesse will fall flat downe and decay in the people when Ministers shall faithfully and carefully execute their office by diligent preaching and Catechising Iosu 6.20 Esay 58.1 Hose 5.8 Prosperitie argueth not a man to hee saued and contrariwise c. AS Haukes of the best kind whiles they liue are highly esteemed and much made off and are daintily fed and tenderly looked vnto and are carried vpon the fistes of great and mightie men but when they be dead they are throwne out vpon the dunghill and on the other side the Partridge when shee liueth is troubled afflicted and pursued of all euerie Carter and Ploughman is readie to fall vpon her to do her violence and to kill her but when shee is dead shee is brought to the tables of Princes and is very honourably set before them So very many that in this life are counted very famous and notable men and do lead their liues in great Prosperitie worldly wealth and haue all things at their wills and pleasures when they remooue hence and depart this life they shall be hurled vpon that most foule and filthie dunghill of hell to bee tormented in the stinch and abhomination for euer But others which in this life are encumbred tormented and afflicted with diuers and sundrie calamities and euen for their vertues sake are hated of the wicked and contemned of the world when they shall depart out of this life they shall bee brought and presented before the Lord with great honour and placed with the King of heauen in euerlasting glorie that is full of honour and full of vnspeakable ioyes 2 As the skilfull Physition dooth giue to a patient of whose recouerie he dispaireth all things that hee requireth but he denieth many things to him of whose health hee hath good hope So God many times bestoweth his blessings of worldly things vpon the reprobate when hee for diuers respects refuseth to giue them to the godly The Passion of Christ to be reuerenced AS he which reioyceth when an other hath killed the kings Sonne is conuinced also to bee partaker of the treason So he which is glad off doth not speake reuerently of Christs Passion is guiltie of it Long escaping of Punishment a hinderance that many doo not repent AS an old Theefe that hath stolen a long time and escapeth both prison and gallowes is animated and encouraged more boldly to proceed in his wickednesse thinking hee shall so alwayes escape So many filthie and loose liuers goe forward in their abhominations without repentance thinking that because God doth not incontinently punish them and shew some manifest iudgement and signe of his wrath vpon them therefore they shall be acquited for altogether Whereas contrariwise if God should by and by strike them downe as soone as they had sinned by thundering vpon one and lightning vpon an other and raining fire
the cōuersation of the wiues 1. Pet. 3.1 Euen so much more may the maister of the family do vnto God and his Church honourable seruice not only by sanctifying his house by the word of faith but also by hauing alwayes in a readinesse verie notable matter to further the building of Gods dwelling place 2. Timo. 1.5 3.15 Act. 16.1 3 As the disorder of one Priuate family namely of one Micha of Ephraim was an occasion that Idolatry did spread thorow the whole Tribe of Dan and so continued many yeares Iudg. 17 18. Chap. Euen so contrarily Gideon being stirred vp by the goodnesse of God to the reformation of one meane family in Manasseh was the cause of a very great deliuerance to the whole natiō from most mightie and cruell enemies and most abhominable Idolatrie for the space of fortie yeares Iudg. 6 7. 8. chap. Curious Questions to be auoyded 1 AS it is sufficient for one that would bee heated or warmed by the fire that hee stand neare it for if hee put his hand into it he shall surely bee burned So they that presume to dispute and Question about God about hell c. further then the word reuealeth falleth into blasphemie and so into hell fire 2 As a boysterous noyse or hidious sound grieueth the hearing ouer aboundance of meate noyeth the stomacke grieuous burthens bee wearisome to the bearer continuall raine hurteth the earth and ouermuch of any thing is noysome and hurthfull So doo difficult Questions quickly ouercharge weake and meane wits Rashnesse to be eschued especially of the godly 1 AS hee that is soonest wearied that knoweth not how far his iourney is So worketh hee and goeth about his businesse with tediousnesse till repentance ouertaketh him who well knoweth not the estate and manner thereof before 2 As the enemie lying neare the Walles is the cause why the Citie dooth watch and take diligent heed So when your enemie diligently waite and marke you then will you doo nothing Rash or void of reason Resurrection of all at the latter day 1 LIke as at the last day the bodies of the righteous and faithfull shall rise againe vnto immortalitie glorie and honor the greatnesse wherof the eye hath not seene nor the eare heard nor the hart of man conceiued So the vnrighteous and reprobate shall rise againe with their very bodies vnto euerlasting shame and both body soule shall goe into hell with the diuell and his Angels there to abide euerlastingly Esay 66.24 Mark 9.44 Math. 25.30.46 Ioh. 5.28 29. Act. 24.15 2. Cor. 5.10 Dan. 12.3 Reue. 20.13 2. Pet. 2.4 5 6. 2 Like as the vngodly in this word haue with their bodies taken their owne pleasure ioy and delight Euen so in the life to come they shall be plagued and punished with euerlasting paine and torments in the same bodies 3 Like as when we see seed sowne to putrifie and corrupt we are yet in good hope that it will spring vp againe with fruit for vnlesse it be dissolued it cannot rise againe So in like manner we must hope of our owne bodies being buried when we see their corruption yet wee must then bee most certainely perswaded that they shall rise againe for death doth not so much waste the body as the corruption of it Act. 16.8 1. Cor. 15.1 2 3 4. c. Ioh. 5.28 11.24 Act. 24.15 Repentance 1 LIke as if a Noble man or Gentlemans seruant were for committing of treasony fellony or murder condemned and going to the place of execution his Lord or Maister of meere fauour and good wil should not only by suit to her Maiesty procure a pardon for his life and so deliuer him from that villainous death which for his deserts he had worthily deserued but also should adopt and take him for his Sonne heire shuld this fellow after this his deliuerance goe and say I will now be idle take my pleasure and follow mine owne phantasie and neuer endeuor to please or pleasure my Lord or maister but rather I will seeke to hurt displease him euerie way that I can What shall wee say in this case Be not these most wicked and desperate words And doth not such a fellow deserue most grieuous punishmēts Euen so the like say they who either by word or deed say that Christ hath redeemed vs by his death hath purchased for vs forgiuenesse of sins righteousnesse and so deliuered vs from hell and made vs the Sonnes of God and heires of heauen wherefore wee will stand like idle persons or rather doo more wickednesse and liue as we list c. Christ our Sauiour doubtlesse died not for such nor satisfied for their offences no nor yet merited heauen for them to the end that they should spend their dayes in Idlenesse and heape sinne vppon sinne and become altogether wicked but that they seeing his great loue and how greatly sinne displeased him seeing hee was willing to redeeme them from sinne Sathan death and hell should no more commit sinne but loue honour and obey him thanke him put their trust in him and worke vertuous and good works plenteously not as bond seruants to escape hell for so much as Christ hath deliuered them neither yet thereby to winne heauen which he by his passion hath purchased for them but as naturall Sonnes for the glorie of God mooued thereto by motion of the holy Ghost and by faith and loue For godly Christians doo vndoubtedly feare to sinne so much more then the wicked doth by how much more they know that God dooth in this present life punish his legitimate children more then bastards Rom. 6.4 Gal. 5.14.2 Timo. 2.19 Tit. 2.11 c. Luk. 1.75 Eph. 1.4 2.10 1. Pet. 1.15 1. Pet. 4.17 18. Iere. 25.12 Iona. 1.12 2 As for examble like as if an Astrologer should tel an ambicious Cardinall that he should bee Pope although he did put an vndoubted trust therein yet for all that hee would not be idle but would vse all meanes possible to attaine and come to that dignitie Euen so the children of God the surer they are that Christ hath redeemed them so much the more they vnderstand the great good will of God towards them and therefore they are alway forced more and more by Repentance and godly conuersation of life to make certaine vnto themselues the knowledge of their election and redemption in Christ 2. Pet. 1.10 3 Like as the fire without heate or warmth is no true fire So is it a cleare matter that faith without Repentance is no true faith Luk. 19.8 23.40 41 42. Act. 2.37 19.18 19. 4 As it is the nature of some cloth if it bee stayned when it is wet the staine will seeme to bee easily washed out but being drie it will appeare againe Euen so some men thinke that they haue Repented when they haue done it to halfes and therefore they are to repent againe as those that breake out of prison are brought thither
the first dash Regenerated but this Regeneration riseth by degrees and being once begun then it proceedeth faire and softly and by little and little encreasing euerie day till we come to euerlasting life in the heauens 2 Euen as that begger which hath but a patched or an ouerworne robe had euer need to be carefull in peecing and mending the same least otherwise his nakednesse appeare vnto all So surely this Regeneration or righteousnesse of ours beeing in respect of our selues but a torne and tottered robe wee had need euerie houre to labour and exercise our selues in the repayring thereof least our filthinesse breake foorth and euen to sigh and to groane vntill we be with our house which is from heauen 2. Cor. 5.3 Reue. 3.18 16.15 Righteousnesse not in vs. 1 AS an euill tree cannot bring foorth any good fruit nor a rotten or worm-eaten seed can engender any thing but like it selfe So we for so much as our thoughts our affections our words our actions and generally our whole life and nature being examined it shall bee found that in vs there is nothing but vanitie and the verie matter of death and damnation and that we neither doo nor can doo any thing that may be able to abide the Righteous examination of the iustice of God but onely to flie to him for mercie Math. 7.17 18. 12.33 Psal 51.7 53.2 3. Ose 2.3 Luk. 15.18 18.13 14. Rom. 3.10 11 12. 2 As they that are sicke of the Dropsie who by reason of the grosenesse of their bodies seeme to bee in good estate notwithstanding they be ful of nothing but water and euil humors which in the end are the cause of death Euen so such as are arrogant presumptuous and puffed vp with a vaine conceite of their owne Righteousnesse though they be in great credit reputation in the world yet before God their state is miserable and abhominable Luk. 16.15 3 As Marchants who praise and esteeme their wares and marchandise more then they are worth and as olde Images newe gilded ouer which outwardly hath some glistering and shew but within are nothing but dust and durt or as counterfeit money which is naught how goodly a print so euer it hath Euen so all our Righteousnesse vertues and good workes when they shall be examined and prised by those which knowe them as by the spirit of God and his word they are altogether iudged as old ragges torne tied together and patched vp againe Esa 64.6 Dan. 9.5 c. Phil. 3.8 4 Like as if a man would boast of his strength health and yet were subiect to a thousand diseases Or of his knowledge and yet were ignorant of all good learning Or of his riches and yet were indebted and endaungered to the whole world would not one mocke him as an Idiote and a foole Euen so wee as well shew our ignoraunce and what slender vnderstanding we haue when wee will attribute any Righteousnesse to our selues and boast our selues in it be it neuer so little Iere. 9.23 5 As the basest Gold though it bee rayed with some durt is alwayes more precious then the brightest Copper or Lead that a man can find Euen so the Righteousnesse of a Christian man though it bee defiled through many infirmities and imperfections yet notwithstanding is more to be esteemed then all the Righteousnesse of hypocrites and Infidels 6 As there is no man so hard to be healed as hee that thinketh himselfe to be hoale For as much as he alwayes refuseth counsell of the Physition and will take no remedies nor keepe any good diet or gouernement of himselfe which should be meete and healthfull for him Euen so likewiset here is no man farther off from the Righteousnesse of God then he that hath some opinion of himselfe For such commonly are obstinate and cannot without great difficultie bee brought from the perswasion which they haue conceiued of their owne Righteousnesse 7 As newe Wine with the strength of the working thereof will breake old Bouels so that if it should be put into them it should bee but spilt and lost Euen so they who haue placed Righteousnesse in the outward exercises of Religion cannot sauour taste or receiue the doctrine of Righteousnesse by faith onely in Christ Math. 9.17 The Righteousnesse of Iesus Christ which is one onely may be distributed to all the faithfull 1 AS the soule of man is wholly throughout the whole body and euerie part alike Euen so is the Righteousnesse of Iesus Christ wholly in the body of the whole Church as the soule to giue it life and to mantaine it So that it is altogether in euerie of the particular members to make them strong whole stout and of courage to doo all their Offices and duties Or as the voice of a man which beeing heard of a great many persons is in such sort receiued of euerie one of thē prouided that they be attentiue that the same is wholly vnderstood without being diuided or sundred in any respect And as the face of a man may bee receiued in many Glasses and wholly represented to all without any diuision or seperation of the same 2 As an old rotten tattered garment cannot be comely peeced with newe whole and sound cloath Euen so they that plant and place their Righteousnesse in fasting and other externall exercises cannot admit that Righteousnesse that commeth onely and wholly by Christ Math. 9.16 3 As the Israelits were forbidden to cloath themselues with Linnen and Wollen made in one garment So likewise must all true Christians at this day put vpon them the Righteousnesse of Christ Iesus onely not mingling it with their owne merits Deut. 22.11 4 As the Sunne when hee riseth obscureth and darkneth the light of the skies dismisseth scattereth them Euen so the Righteousnesse of faith which for Christ his sake is imputed vnto vs doth vanquish the darknesse and as it were driueth away the night of the glorie of mens workes 5 As the sinne of Adam was the cause of condemnation vnto eternall death So in like manner the Righteousnesse of Christ is the cause of iustification vnto eternall life Rom. 8.1 2. Religion LIke as in labour or worke he that begunne last ought with the more diligence to redresse his slacknesse and recompence his late comming So he which lately began to professe and imbrace Religion vertue or godlinesse ought with the more feruentnesse and zeale to endeuour to attaine the same Reading of Bookes 1 AS they which be thirstie first doo drinke and at leisure doo behold the fashion of the cup if it bee engrauen or bee marked So ought we first to Read things that be most profitable then if leisure will serue vs wee may note and consider things elegant and trim 2 As it is more profitable oft to dung the ground then much and that at one time So is it more for one vtilitie to Read with moderatnesse dayly then at one time and that greedily 3 As a
not bee confounded one with an other but euery seed will haue his proper hearbe Euen so the bodies of men although they bee mingled together yet euerie body shall receiue his owne flesh at the generall day of iudgement 3 Like as seed cast into the earth during the cold and stormes of winter smally appeareth or not at all but as soone as the Spring commeth it sprouteth foorth and flourisheth growing more and more vntill the Haruest come and then it recompenceth the Husband mans labour with plentiful encrease Euen so our bodies though they fall as seeâ—e into the ground are not neglected of God who regardeth the smallest graine and vilest seede but shall one day bring them out of the graues where they were laid in a far better case then they were before 4 As in winter time by the nipping Frost the trees loose their leaues and the grasse withereth but at the Spring they both receiue that which they before seemed to haue lost So likewise though men die each in his order now one and then an other yet they perishe not but shall liue againe at the last day when the euerlasting Spring shall bee without either Autumne or Winter 5 As God giueth life vnto the Infant inclosed in the Mothers wombe and maintaine the same after a secret and wounderfull manner vntill the tenth moneth when it can be there râ—â—ained no longer but must bee brought foorth into the world Euen so God in whose hand is life and death keepeth vs aliue in the middest of death the bodies which were cast into the earth at the sound of the last vnknowne trumpe liuing vntill then after a wonderfull sort shall arise at which time the graues and euery place wher our bodies died shal yeeld vp the dead that were in them when as they shall truely liue and that for euer 6 As the Ashes in the night time so couereth the fire that no sparke thereof nor any light appeareth in the house but yet it may easily be kindled reuiued by drie straw or a small match Euen so our life that cannot die lieth as a sleepe in our mortified bodies which God in his good time by his mightie word and power can and will awake 7 Like as in sleepe which is as deaths kinsman no part doth his dutie the eyes see not the eare heareth nothing wee can neither feele nor walke but euerie member is as dead ouerwhelmed with sleepe when as in the meane time the mind liueth euer moueth and the next morning approaching rayseth vp the body when as euerie member and part performeth his wonted worke and more liuely refreshed by sleepe Euen so though our carcases being in terred seeme to bee depriued of all sence and moouing yet they perish not but when the last and euerlasting morning shall arise vpon them at the end of the world they shall rise againe and the earth shall yeeld them far more glorious when as God hath purged away the corruption and filthinesse of them as by the meanes of sleepe 8 As in the Lawe the offering of the first fruites and all the fruites of the earth were sanctified So also by Christ the first fruites of them that sleepe the promise of the rysing againe of our bodies to life euerlasting is to vs confirmed and assured Exod. 23.16 34.26 Leuit. 23.10 Deut. 26.2 c. 1. Cor. 15.20 Colloss 1.18 Reue. 1.6 9 Like as it would make glad the heart of a lame man or cripple to heare that all his limmes should bee restored againe perfectly as they were at the first Or as it would greatly reioyce the heart of a poore naked begger to heare that hee should bee cloathed with most precious garments of Silke and Gold Euen so much more ought all Christians to bee ioyfull and glad to heare that they shall be restored to all integritie of bodie and soule at the general Resurrection and so be cloathed with most perfect pure innocencie of life for euer and euer 10 As Hearbes dead in winter flourish againe by the raine in the spring time So the dead Corpes that lye in the dust shall rise vp to ioy when they shal feele the deaw of Gods grace Esay 26.19 11 As the same seede in substaunce that is sowne springeth againe yet altered in forme and fashion Euen so our bodies shall rise againe the same in substaunce but maruellously altered in qualities 1. Cor. 5.37 38. 12 As our bodies except they consume rise not again yet altered in forme and fashion Euen so our bodies shal rise againe the same in substance but maruellously altered in qualitie 13 As often as we rise from sleepe hauing our wearie limmes refreshed and as it were reuiued so that we feele our selues in better case and abilitie to do any manner of thing then before Euen so we should often remember that death vnto the godly is but a resting of their wearie bodies and bones till they rise againe exceedingly bettered by immortalitie and glorie and therefore termed by the name of sleepe 1. Thes 4.13 14. 14 So bright and so glorious as one starre appeareth aboue an other So much shall the state and condition of our bodies at their Resurrection excell the state and condition that they are now in during this time of immortalitie 1. Cor. 15.41 15 Like as the Husbandman taketh no thought nor sorrow for the seede that is cast into the earth because he hath a sure trust and hope that it shall come again with a plentifull and an exceeding recompence Euen so the faithful are not so vnmeasurably heauy and sorrowful for the death of their faithfull friends as the heathen and vnfaithfull are which haue no hope or beliefe of the Resurrection Reue. 14.13 1. Thes 4.13 14. 16 Like as if impotent and miserable men as experience sheweth can by art euen of ashes make the most curious workemanship of glasse Euen so we may in reason thinke that the omnipotent and euerliuing God is able to raise mens bodies out of the dust 17 As the Goldsmith by his Art can sunder diuers mettals one from an other and some men out of one mettall can draw another Euen so much more may we think it possible for the Almightie God to raise mens bodies being dead and turned into dust and mingled with the bodies of beasts and other creatures or one mans bodie with another 18 As the cloud tooke vp the very true bodie of the Lord yea euen the whole perfect Christ So likewise shal all godly persons bee taken vp into the aire to meete the Lorde their God that they may liue with Christ their Lord and head for euermore Act. 1.9 1. Thes 4.17 19 Like as the roote giueth all vertue and sappe vnto the tree Euen so is the matter of the Resurrection of the dead thorow Christ the chiefest greatest and true principall point of the word and affaires of God Esa 26.19 1. Pet. 4.6 20 As the wicked vnbeleeuers haue in this
life with their bodies taken their owne pleasures ioy and delight Euen so in the life to come at the Resurrectiō of the dead they shal be plagued and punished with euerlasting paine torment in the same bodies Mat. 25.41 c. 2. Cor. 5.10 Act. 24.15 Ioh. 5.29 21 Like as when the Corne is cast into the ground it seemeth to bee lost for it rots and wasteth in the ground but afterwards it springeth faire 1. Cor. 15.36 37. So when the body hath beene corrupted it tarrieth the time appointed by God to come out of the earth and to be altogether perfect 22 As the Corne by meanes of the seed taketh againe a new shape and that more fayrer So the faithfull which dieth and goeth to rest with the seede of Iesus Christ which is the spirit of God is raysed againe by the same spirit which rayseth the Sonne of God from death 23 Like as Christ rose againe in the selfe-same body in which he suffered So we also shall rise againe in the selfe-same flesh which we carrie about with vs. 24 Euen as Christ after his Resurrection had an other glorie much greater then he had before So we shall bee farre otherwise after our Resurrection and so renued into a more glorious state 25 As the Sun and the Moone being of one substance differ in dignitie and excellencie So likewise in the Resurrection our bodies shall haue more excellent qualities then they haue now Regeneration 1 As there is need of no Lawe to compell the bodie to eate or drinke to digest to sleepe to goe to stand to fit and to doo their workes of nature for it is readie to doo them of it owne nature when the case so requireth and when it is meete without all respect either of reward or punishment and may not vnfitly be said as concerning these things not to be vnder a Law notwithstanding thereupon nothing lesse followeth then that it doth therefore abstaine from such workes vnto which in deed it so much more applieth it selfe as they are lesse commaunded and are more naturall vnto it Euen so after the same sort altogether dooth the godly man behaue himselfe concerning the workes of godlinesse he is carried to the doing of them by that his newe nature of the spirit albeit there were no Law at all and all both hope of reward and feare of punishment were away 1. Timo. 1.9 Reue. 6.14 2 Like as if a man haue all his mind set vpon drinking and gulling in of Wine and strong drinke hauing little delight nor pleasure in any thing else it argues a carnall mind and vnregenerate because it effectes the things of the flesh and so of the rest Euen so on the contrarie hee that hath his mind affected with a desire to doo the wil of God in practising the workes of charitie and Religion he I say hath a spirituall and a renewed heart and is Regenerate by the holy Ghost Rom. 8.14 Gal. 5.17 3 As God in the beginning created vs after his owne Image So also must hee Regenerate vs according to the same which he doth by the holy Ghost the third person in Trinitie one and the same euerlasting God together with the Father and the Sonne Iohn 3.5 Math. 16.17 Ioh. 8.36 15.5 4 As a liuing body although naturally it bee the subiect of sense yet some one part of it may bee benummed and senselesse So the soule of one Regenerate hath in it at least the beginnings and seeds of all graces howsoeuer some of them at sometimes doo not worke or appeare Whereas a carnall man is altogether destitute yea vncapable of them 5 Euen as we know that the trees haue heate and life in their rootes in the middest of the coldest and sharpest winter yea as many beastes lie all the winter long in holes of the earth without eating drinking stirring or hauing any iotte of heate sense or life in any of their outward parts and yet there is a remnant of life and of heate lurking in the heart which being in Summer stirred vp doth reuiue the beast so that it is able to goe or runne vp and downe and to performe all naturall actions in the manner as it did before So likewise a totall decrease or an vtter decay of holinesse as whereby nothing is left cannot happen to any one who is truely Regenerate who in the greatest extremitie and depth of his fal retaineth some reliques of Gods spirit and of grace receiued yea some life of faith whereby he liueth to God in Christ howsoeuer he be to the eyes of all men and euen in his owne conscience a dead rotten stocke 6 Euen as a man being sodenly taken with the plague or any infectious sicknesse sayeth he knoweth not how it happeneth onely hee seeth the effects of it Euen so the action of Regeneration in it selfe is secret and vnknown but manifest in the effects which follow of it Regeneration not without sinne LIke as the Israelites suffered the Iebusites to dwell amongst them to their great harme Euen so sinne remaineth in our mortall bodies conquered in deed that it dooth not raigne ouer those that serue the Lord yet not cleane taken away but left for our exercises who hauing our mortall enemie dwelling in vs should fight against sinne vnder the banner of faith in Christ Iesus who onely hath can and will continually defend his people subdue their enemies and giue his children the victorie Repentance AS a prisoner will striue to get out of prison by all kind of means he can thogh he grate off some of his flesh Euen so a man that is out of the fauour of God must trie by all kind of wayes that he can that if hee cannot come to Gods fauour by one way he may yet by an other Psal 51.1 c. The Redemption of Christ vniuersall 1 AS the Sunne is the generall giuer of light to the whole world though there bee many which doo receiue no light at all of it Or as there was among the Iewes vppon the yeare of Iubylee a generall deliuerie of all bond men although many abode still in their bondage and refused the grace of their deliuerie Euen so the Redemption of mankind by Christ is auaileable for all although reprobate and wicked men for want of the grace of God doo not receiue the same yet there is no reason that it should leese his title and glorie of vniuersall Redemption because of the children of perdition seeing that it is ready for all men and all be called vnto it 1. Tim. 2.6 Col. 1.13 14. 1. Pet. 1.18 Tit. 2.14 2 As they who beeing taken in warre are wont either to be slaine or to bee condemned vnto perpetuall bondage except they bee redeemed and ransommed Euen so such were wee all being taken prisoners of the diuell who had vs body and soule in his owne power from whose kingdome and tyrannie Christ hath most mercifully Redeemed vs. Rom. 14.8 1. Cor. 3.22 Phil. 1.21 1. Pet. 1.18
are sooner forsaken of God then others Rom. 9.22 Eccles. 9.1 5 As that is not alwayes a good horse which hath his bridle and Sadle adorned with gold So also may not that Rich man be accoūted blessed who hath rich atire sumptuous buildings and costly moueables 6 Euen as a Flie comming to a platterfull of sweete and pleasant honie if shee thrust not her selfe altogether into it but onely touch and taste it with her mouth and take no more then is necessarie and needfull shee may safely goe away and flie to an other place but if shee wallow and tumble in the Honie then is shee limed and taken in it and whiles shee is not able to flie away she doth there loose her life Euen so if a man of all his Riches take onely so much as may sustaine him and honestly maintaine his estate bestowing the rest well and Christianly his Riches then cannot hold him backe nor barre him out of the kingdome of heauen but if couetousnesse shall bewitch him and still pricke him forward to scrape together more and more and shall make him euen vnsatiable then they take him and holde him and so belime the wings of his mind that he cannot once in all his life haue one flight towards the kingdome of heauen and thus being in thraldome and bondage to wicked Mammon the ende of his pleasures in this world is the beginning of his sorrowes in the world to come 7 As Aesopes Dogge who hauing a peece of meate in his mouth and espying the shaddow therof in the water thinking it had beene an other peece of flesh snatched at it and through his greedie desire lost that which before hee had Euen so Rich men who might peaceably and quietly enioy the goods they haue and with pleasure the fruites of their labours by their couetous humour they depriue themselues wholly thereof and setting before their eyes a fraudulent and deceitfull hope of things that seeme to bee good forget for the most part those things that are good indeed 8 Like as when we see a man that drinketh continually yet cannot slake his thirst we coniecture forthwith that he is distempered that he hath more need to be purged and his body to be cleansed from corrupt humours then to giue him more drinke Euen so the great desire of Rich men which alwayes eateth which hath so monstrous a bellie and vnsatiable like vnto the graue doth euidently declare that the mind is very sicke and therefore to recouer it selfe it must be first purged and cleansed of the passion that tormenteth it this being done the disease would continually cease 9 As it is hard for a Periwincle in the Sea to swimme or for a Snayle vpon the land to creepe while they beare their houses vppon their backes Euen so it is hard for a Rich man that trusteth in his Riches with all his bigge bunches of wealth vppon his backe to goe through the needles eye and to enter into the kingdome of heauen Mark 10.25 10 As the Moone when shee is at the full is farthest from the Sunne of whom shee hath her light So likewise many Rich men who doo flowe on euery side with the goods and Riches of this world do euen then in the middest of their wealth withdrawe themselues farthest from God from whom themselues and all their treasures and whatsoeuer haue their being Luk. 8.14 Act. 17.28 11 As the Moone is not eclipsed nor looseth any light but when it is at the ful Euen so some Rich men are wont then thiefly to bee eclipsed and darkned concerning the loue of God and their neighbours when they be full of Riches and abound with worldly wealth A Remnant reserued AS in the time of gathering of Oliues a few berries escape here and there vngathered So when God doth bring generall destruction vpon any land for the impietie of the people therein and for the contempt of his word and ordinances a fewe here and there shall escape Esay 17.6 24.13 Reprobate are in perpetuall remembrance AS the letters carued in stone or other hard mettalles with tooles of yron and steele are wont to be set vp for a perpetuall memorie of that which men will haue remembred So God neuer putteth out of memorie the froward sinnes of obstinate and wicked men Iere. 17.1 The Register of our saluation AS the Penne of man serueth to commit to writing those things whereof hee would haue the remembrance continued So the holy Ghost Registreth in the hearts of the children of God those things which God seeth necessarie for their saluation to bee recorded of them 2. Cor. 3.3 Renued holinesse AS in the natural birth of man his body commeth into the world not so great and strong as afterward it becōmeth but litle weake and impotent So in the spirituall birth of Regeneration the soule of man is not in the first momēt indued with perfection but with a smal measure of Renued holinesse from the which it is to grow and go on forward to a perfect estate The Renued happinesse of man EVen as when Saule turned his backe to goe awaye from Samuel God chaunged him and gaue him an other hart and made him an other man 1. Sam. 10.9 Euen so doth God by changing the minds wills of his elect so secretly as that they themselues know not which way it is done make them new men and prepare them for his euerlasting kingdome A Remnant saued 1 AS a number of things should yearely decay come to nought except seeds of them were saued whereof they are by sowing renued Euen so the people that beare Gods name vpon earth should in the day of visitation of their sinnes be cleane and vtterly destroyed as Sodom and Gomorrah but that God spareth some Remnant to bee as it were a seed for the encreasing of his Church and people againe Rom. 9.29 2 As great and mightie vapors with the force and power of the Sunne are taken and lifted vp from the earth and do seeke after the Sunne by whose strength and vertue they are carried vp on high and growing into clouds doo euen follow the Sunne So there is a Remnant and a little flocke of Christes that in a true and vnfained and sincere loue of God are lifted vp from the loue of the world and from all earthly and fleshly affections so far as is possible for a man in this life to bee and doo seeke the Lord and his kingdome in the singlenesse of their hearts and thinking the time of their abode heere in this vale of all miseries too too long they dayly sigh and grone for a dissolution the comming of Christ to iudge the quick and the dead Esa 60.8 9. The portion of Reprobates LIke as of the shreddings of the Vine cōmeth no profit neither can they serue for any other vse but for the fire So those whome God cutteth and casteth off from his Church can serue for no other end but for Hell fire Ezech.
15. 2. c. Reading is not preaching 1 AS the smell or sight of meate doth good to the hungrie man but it will not feede him except he taste of it So by Reading of the Scriptures men may haue some feeling smell of Religion but they shall neuer throughly taste of it without preaching 2 As meate that is rawe and fat may bee called good but it is not to bee eaten before it bee made ready and dressed So are the Scriptures Reade good holy and pure but not sufficient foode for the people without preaching 3 As is a whole Loafe set or cast before children which want strength to cut it Euen so is Reading without preaching which indeed is a right cutting and diuiding of the bread of life that euerie one may haue his seuerall portion 1. Timo. 2.15 4 Like as if one shoulde offer good treasures to his friend but yet such as were hid shut vp and fast locked and could not bee come by in thus dooing hee should mocke his friend Euen so bare Reading without preaching is bare feeding because preaching is an opening of the treasures to the ioy of Gods children 5 As fire couered with ashes dooth little or nothing heate or profit them that stand by it Euen so bare Reading is smally auaileable to the people without preaching which preaching is an explaining and a discouering of hard and darke points Like as if the Husbandman should cast whole strikes and bushels of Corne on his land together on heapes he should both loose his labour and his seede Euen so that Minister that only Readeth the Scriptures in the Church and preacheth not dooth loose his labour and deceiueth his auditorie 7 As that Fisher catcheth no fish who shuffleth his Nettes on heapes and not opening them Euen so that Minister that contenteth himselfe with the simple reading of the Scriptures in the Congregation winneth no soules to God Refusing the meanes 1 AS we see many men at some times not so much grieued for the sicknesse it selfe as for that they haue willingly neglected the meanes which might haue preserued their health or else for that they haue abused the phisick that might haue restored their health to them againe Euen so in like manner it fareth with those who haue either vnreuerently refused the meanes which should haue kept their soule from surfetting or else vnthankfully haue abused those helpes which might haue recouered them againe 2 As a riche man is sometimes humbled for not giuing money to the poore which he might haue done So likewise some are much grieued for not vsing their good gifts to the benefite of Gods Church so also others are troubled for abusing their gifts to the hurt of Gods Church The Resurrection a wofull day to the vnrepentant 1 IF a man were bidden to goe to bedde that after he had slept and was risen againe he might goe to execution it would make his heart to ake within him yet this yea a thousand folde worse is the state of all impenitent sinners they must sleepe in the graue for a while and then rise againe that a second death may be inflicted vpon them in bodie and soule which is the suffering of the full wrath of God both in bodie and soule eternally Ioh. 5.29 2 Like as when a Traueller comes into an Inne hauing but a penny in his purse who sitting downe calles for all store of prouision and dainties whose behauiour and doing may be thought in the iudgement of all men to be foolish and madde because hee spendes so freely and hath no regarde to the reckoning which must follow Euen so much more foolish and madde is the practise of euerie man that liueth in his sinnes and bathing himselfe in his pleasures in this world neuer bethinketh howe hee shall meete God at the last day of iudgement and there make a reckoning for all his doings A Reward 1 AS a Reward is giuen to a workeman after his worke is done So euerlasting life is giuen vnto the faithfull after the trauailes and miseries of this life ended Rom. 6.23 2 As hee which runneth a race must continue and runne to the end and then be crowned Euen so must we continue to walke in good workes vnto the ende and then receiue our Rewarde eternall life 2. Timo. 4.8 Reall presence 1 LIke as when a word is vttered the sound comes to the eare and at the same instant the thing signified comes to the mind and thus by relation the word and the thing spoken of are both present together Euen so at the Lordes Table Bread and Wine must not be considered barely as substances and creatures but as outwarde signes in relation to the bodie and blood of Christ and this relation arising from the verie institution of the Sacrament stands in this that when the elements of bread and wine are present to the hand and mouth of the receiuer at the verie same time the bodie and blood of Christ are presented to the minde thus and no otherwise is Christ truly present with the signes 2 As one Candle is lighted by an other and one torch or candle light is conueyed to twentie candles Euen so the inherent righteousnesse of euery beleeuer is deriued from the store-house of righteousnesse which is in the manhood of Christ for the righteousnesse of al the members is but the fruite thereof euen as the naturall corruption in all mankinde is but a fruite of that originall sinne which was in Adam Remission of sinne AS it is meete and needfull that the inferiour seeke to the superiour the begger to him that is rich and liberall the sicke man to the Physition the offendant to the mercifull Prince So it is the dutie of man to seek for Remission of sinne for spiritual life health and wealth at the hands of God the onely giuer of all good things Amo. 5.6 Math. 6.5 11.28 Riches and dignities make wicked men worse AS great Flouds and swelling Riuers when they ouerflow their chanels and do break through their banks by reason of their raging violent streams and so spread and runne abroad cannot fill and couer the fielde with water but they hurt corne and grasse or what so else is in their way So great Riches mightie powers and high dignities when they grow and encrease in wicked vngodly men doo not spread abroad and runne ouer the fields and limits of Common-wealths but they do much harme to wit they polle and pill away the riches substance of the silly weake and poore men they fill theyâ— purses with the bloud of innocents they build their houses and establish their dignities vpon the disgrace and the oppression of the Saints and seruants of God and whatsoeuer is in their way to their liking they carrie it with them by hooke or crooke by right or wrong they care not who weepe so they laugh who be emptie so they be full who be vndone so they be aduaunced Here hence come slaughters
and murthers thus are many brought into great calamities and miseries But they that doo these things to others do hurt themselues most for whiles they hurt others in their bodies goods or names they kill their owne soules Our Religion is not new AS a man in trauelling calleth it a new way which hee neuer went before though the way it selfe be of long continuance and knowne of olde Euen so may this our way and doctrine bee well called a new Religion not as though it were not before Poperie which the Papists count so old and is not but because that men through the the mistie clouds of their errors and abuses neither so generally nor so perfectly did knowe or traced it before Act. 17.18 Where Religion is not there is no wisedome 1 AS the one eye of the body is so assisting to the other for the making perfect of our sight together that hauing the vse of both we attaine thereunto and otherwise the one being blinded the light of the other is somewhat dimmed shadowed perhaps in the end fadeth away and leaueth vs altogether in darknesse Euen so standeth the case betweene Religion wisdome the lights of the mind being linked placed together in the mind of mā as the eyes thereof to giue light to his whole vnderstanding so that no wisedome is to bee allowed without true Religion where Religion is not there is no wisedome 2 As we account him rather blind or blinking then otherwise that shall say he hath eyes sound pure perfect and yet in the open day wil neuer shew vse of them in the presence of men but continually be wimpled and weare a veyle so that no man can perceiue whether he do see or no Euen so wisedome is no wisedome and not to be accounted off in any so long as it is dissembled and not employed that other men may see good proofe thereof for that Religion is no Religion that sheweth not it selfe by his plentifull fruites so that what choyse soeuer they that seeme wisest or holiest make of Religion doing it so as other men shall not be able to discerne it in them nor to be witnesses thereof they are indeed to be esteemed neither wise nor Religious 3 As the Sunne which hath his Globe his light his heate is so conioyned and wheresoeuer the one shineth the other cannot but warme Or as the soule body are so compact in one that the body cannot but perform the pleasures of the same Euen so in whom so euer true righteousnesse in Christ is in him also ther cannot but be true Religion the true feare of God holinesse of life which is the singular seruing of God in the inward desire of hart vnfainedly Luk. 1.6 Psal 116.10 Act. 4.20 Iere. 20.9 Rage AS Fire being kindled but with a small sparke worketh otentimes great hurt and dammage because the fiercenesse thereof was not at the first abated So anger being harbored in the heart breaketh foorth oftentimes into much crueltie Riches oftentimes draw men to extreame daunger 1 AS among a flocke of sheepe the Wolfe chuseth out alwayes the best and the fattest and the Eagle likewise taketh the fattest Goose in the field Euen so do those men that liue of ruine spoyle when as they are minded to forrage and purloyne for themselues they search out the richest and best houses and those fields wherein there is the greatest store of Corne. 2 As we do with spunges which wee squeese straine with out hands to make them yeeld vs that water which they haue before soaked vp So also Princes great men when they haue giuen their seruants the meanes to waxe wealthie and that they haue taken great paine to enrich themselues by a litle at once then afore they be aware vpon the suddaine they laye hold vpon them and spoyle them of that they haue gathered Riches make couetous and prodigall men euill spoken off 1 AS we see that Flies will stay no longer in a kitchen then there is greace to nourish them So flatterers and claw backes foole and bauds which are vsually in the houses of prodigall men as soone as his wealth begins to diminish that he waxeth poore they wil then straightway giue them ouer yea if hee be euill spoken of in their cōpanies the same men as wel as others wil gretly blame him for that he wasted his goods so riotously so folishly 2 Like as men doo with springs which so long as they yeeld water so long they are haunted but when they bee once drie there is no further reckoning made of them So flatterers brainlesse persons whose tongues are as light as their mindes such as for a morfell of bread or a meales meate will praise or dispraise whom you will if the partie fall into pouertie by prodigalitie they will then cast him off and make no account of him Some Repent to haue eaten too much AS many Repent that they haue spoken too much but few that they haue bene too silent So likwise it is true that many Repent themselues that they haue eaten too much but no man sorroweth for his temperance and sobrietie Sinne in all men 1 AS wee see those riuers which spring out of little Wells are of the same nature that the head spring is wherof they come though they runne two or three hundreth miles off through diuers countries Or as those Crabs are sower and bitter this day which grow on the Crabtree which is a hundreth or two hundreth yeares olde because the first roote and plant was sower and bitter So likewise wee all be Sinfull that bee borne of Adam and sower and bitter as hee was because he the first tree was such a one and the spring whereof we came was corrupt and filthie 1. Cor. 15.21 22. Hebr. 7.9 10. Rom. 5.12 2 As there is no Bread without Branne no Corne without Chaffe no Garden without weedes no Wine without Lees no Gold without drosse So there is no wight that liueth hath liued or shall liue onely man without Sinne. Sinne how daungerous a thing it is 1 AS it skilleth not whether the shippe sinke by sipping and leaking in of the water in a long time or whether it bee ouerwhelmed by surges at once Euen so whither little Sinnes or great sinnes worke our destruction it is all one therefore we must auoide and eschue not only great sinnes but little sinnes also 2 Like as if a Father should bee sicke of such a disease that nothing would heale him but the heart bloud of his owne child hee would presently iudge his owne case to be daungerous and would also vow if euer he recouered to vse all meanes whereby he might auoid that disease So likewise seeing nothing could cure the deadly wound of our Sinne but a playster made of the heart bloud of Christ it must make vs acknowledge our pittifull case and the hainousnesse of the least of our sinnes and stirre vs vp to
newnesse of life 2. Cor. 5.19 Saluation onely in the Church 1 AS Sothern-wood will grow no where but in Gardens where it is planted So the godly wil not grow any where but in the Church and body of Christ where they are engraffed 2 Euen as it was necessarie that they which should be saued from the floud should be in the Arke So likewise all they that will be saued from the floud of Gods wrath must of necessitie bee in Christ and so in the Church Gene. 7.1 c. Sacrament of the Supper compared with the Paschall Lambe 1 AS the Paschal Lamb was instituted eaten the night before the children of Israel were deliuered out of Egypt So likewise was the Supper of the Lord instituted and eaten the night before wee were deliuered from our sinnes Exod. 12.1 c. 1. Cor. 11.24 25. c. 2 As the Paschall Lambe was a very Lambe indeed Euen so the Sacrament is very Bread and Wine indeed 3 As the Paschall Lambe was called the Lords passeouer or passing by of the Lord which destroyed the power of Pharao deliuered him So the Sacrament is called the body and bloud of the Lord which destroyeth the power of the diuell and deliuereth vs. 4 As the Children of Israel were but once deliuered from Egypt notwithstanding they did take euery yeare a Lambe to keepe the deed in perpetuall remembrance Euen so Christ our Sauiour bought and redeemed vs but once for all although the Sacrament thereof be often distributed and broken among vs to keepe the benefite in perpetuall memorie 5 As many as did eate the Paschall Lambe in faith and beleeued Gods word as touching theyr deliueraunce from Egypt were as sure of the same thorowe faith as they were sure of the Lambe by eating of it So as manye as doo eate of the bodie and blood of Christ by faith and beleeue Gods word as touching theyr deliueraunce from Sinne Death Hell and damnation are as sure of theyr deliueraunce thorow faith as they are sure of the bread by eating of it c. Sinne how carefully it is to be auoyded 1 AS the diseases of the bodie and corporall death doo much disquiet and trouble our mindes that wee commonly tremble and quake at the onely mention of them Euen so howe much more ought wee to feare the sicknesse of the soule and death of the same which commeth by reason of sinne then which there can bee no greater nor more fearefull calamitie come vnto vs. 2 Like as euerie man dooth auoide so much as in him lyeth the paine miseries diseases and death of the bodie Euen so howe muche more ought wee to decline and eschewe the death of the soule and the causes of these euilles which bee Sinnes and offences and feare the anger of God which wee so by our transgressions doo procure 3 As the Physition seeing in a Glasse by the water the diseases within the body by skill and learning searches out the cause of the disease and ministers good things for the same Euen so wee in looking into the Glasse of Gods word shall soone perceiue the diseases and infections of Sinne which are in vs and the cause thereof and so wholesomely minister some profitable and comfortable remedies for the same 4 As little theeues beeing let in at a window will set open great gates for greater theeues to come in at Euen so if wee accustome our selues to commit little Sinnes and let them raigne in vs they will make vs the fitter for greater offences to get the aduantage of vs and to take hold on vs. 5 As all kind of wild beastes escaping out of the snare will take heede least they come there any more yea though they should bee in bondage euen vnto man the most excellent of all other creatures Yet man by Sinne falling into the snares of Sathan cannot beware though hee shall bee in bondage to the most cursed of all creatures 6 As a drunken man whilest hee ingorgeth aboundance of Wine feeleth no discommoditie thereby but afterwards he seeth and feeleth the inconuenience of the same So in like manner Sinne whilest it is in committing dooth darken the light of reason howbeit afterwards the conscience arysing sheweth both the vglinesse of Sinne and the absurditie of the fact and so vexeth the soule more grieuously then if all the world accused him of the same Sacraments are not corrupted by the wickednesse of Ministers 1 LIke as there is no difference betweene the selfe-same image or figure of any thing imprinted or sealed with a Ring or signet of Golde and with a signet made of yron or wood Euen so the word and Sacraments being ministred by a lawfull Minister although otherwise a wicked and an vngodly Minister yet be the same Word and Sacraments of the same vigour strength and efficacie as when they be ministred by a man of excellent vertue and godlinesse For as the Father shall not die for the childe nor the childe for the Father So the Minister shall not die for him that receiues at him nor the partie that receiues for the euilnesse of the Minister for euery one shall sincke in his owne sinne so that the Minister which doth so wickedly corrupt the holy Sacramēts and holy ordinances of God ministreth them to his own damnation and iudgement Deut. 24.16 Ezech. 18.20 2. King 14.6 2. Chro. 25.4 1. Cor. 11.29 2 Like as among men if a Letter be sent so that the hand and feale of him that sendeth it be well knowne it maketh no matter who or what manner of man be the carrier Euen so it ought to suffice to know the hand and seale of our Lord in his Sacraments by what lawfull Minister so euer they bee brought for the malice or leaudnesse of man cannot change the nature of the ordinance of God And therefore the vertue and efficacie of the word and Sacrament consist and depend not vpon the worthinesse or vnworthinesse of the Minister but in and vpon the commaundement ordinance power and authoritie of God onely 3 Like as Gold is Gold of whom so euer it be giuen or receiued Euen so likewise is the Sacrament whether it be giuen by a good or bad Minister For Iudas although he were a theefe yet hee Preached and baptized whose doctrine and baptisme was as well the doctrine and baptisme of Christ as was Peters and Andrewes Iames and Iohns Ioh. 6.70 12.6 4 Like as if the Treasurer or Receiuer of a Prince doo deliuer forth false counterfeit money in stead of good the Office whereunto hee is called cannot make it other then false and counterfeit money because he dooth not execute his Office faithfully but doth chaunge the good money which hee receiued to distribute by the commaundement of his Lord and Maister into that which is not the same that he receiued to be distributed and by this meanes they which shall haue receiued the same shal be deceiued and spoyled On the other side although he were
he both can and will helpe him after this he comes to his former health againe So in like manner euerie man is wounded with the deadly wound of Sinne at the very heart and he that would be saued and escape damnation must see his Sinne be sorrowfull for it and vtterly dispaire of his owne strength to attaine saluation thereby Furthermore hee must see himselfe to stand in neede of Christ the good Phisitian of his soule and long after him and crie vnto him with deepe sighes and grones for mercie after this Christ Iesus wil come with a plaister of his own heart blood which being applied he shall finde himselfe reuiued and shall come to the assuraunce of the forgiuenesse of all his sinnes Psal 51.1 3 8 12 17. 10 As a man that hath lost wife goods and children should be much grieued So hee that hath committed great Sinnes ought to bee as a man brused betweene the wall and the doore 11 Like as a man is more to bee blamed which goeth out of his way in the cleare Sunne at nonetide then hee that misseth his way by night with a candle Euen so are men more to be punished for such foule Sinnes as they commit in the cleare light of the Gospell then in the time of the Law 12 As of clouds when they be vanished away there is nothing seene Euen so the Sinnes of God people when hee forgiueth them are clearely put both out of sight and remembrance Esay 44.22 13 As Opium Hennebane and other things extreamely cold hide not paine but make the body so astonied for a time that he feeleth not the paine but afterward when it commeth to it feeling the disease and paine is commonly more grieuous then before So Sinne and want of zeale c. hide not from torment of conscience but make the soule so astonied for a time that it feeleth not the torment yet afterward when it commeth to his feeling againe the torment is more desperate then before 14 As it would not auaile or profit a Citie diligently to watch at one gate and keepe it shut against the enemie if in the meane while al the rest stood wide open to him So likewise it is to no purpose to keepe ourselues from one Sinne or vice vnlesse we make account and conscience to abandon our selues from all other vices 15 Like as Surgions when they must cut off any part of the body vse to lay playsters to it to mortifie it that being without sense and feeling it may bee cut off with lesse paine Euen so in like manner we are to vse all helpes and remedies prescribed in the word which serue to weaken or kil Sinne that in death it may be abolished 1. Cor. 9.27 Gal. 5.24 Col. 3.5 2. Timo. 2.21 16 As a debt doth binde a man either to make satisfaction or else to goe to prison So likewise our Sinnes binds vs either to satisfie Gods iustice or else to suffer eternall damnation 17 As we see by experience that a ship which leaketh is more easily emptied at the beginning then afterward Or as a ruinous house the longer it is let runne the more charge and labour will it require in the repairing Or as we see that if a man driue a naile with a hammer the moe blowes hee giueth to it the more hard it is to plucke it out againe Euen so that man that committeth Sinne vppon Sinne and by perseuerance therein thinketh to finde the redresse thereof more easie hereafter then now is greatly deceiued 18 As a riuer that glideth and runneth very swiftly vntill there bee a damme or beame put ouertwhart then it makes a swelling and a roaring neither by any meanes will be quiet So mans Sinfull life doth passe quietly without any noyse till the beame of Gods iustice ouertwhat him 19 As a round bowle throwne downe a steepe hil neuer ceaseth or stayeth till it come to the foote bottome thereof So likewise mans corruption of it selfe as prone to Sinne as a bowle to runne downe a hill neuer ceaseth to sinne till it receiue the reward thereof which is death Rom. 6.23 20 As Gun-powder and a rotten tree fired at the roote neuer ceaseth burning till they bee all consumed So the wicked will neuer giue ouer their Sinning till all hope of eternall life be vtterly taken away 21 As Tinder catcheth the least sparke and is kindled thereby So likwise out corrupt nature is easily prouoked and drawne to Sinne. 22 As the Viper conceaueth her young to her owne death So also man admitteth Sinne into his heart but to his owne great hurt 23 Like as the Midwife is busie about a woman in trauaile to bring forth the child into the world So busie also is Sathan vntil he hath brought forth the monstrous birth of Sinne in mens conuersations 24. As huge as the Sea is yet one may taste the faltnesse of it in a drop So likewise in one Sinne we may see how ill fauoured the rest be Rom. 13.13 25 As the forbidden nee when it promised our parents knowledge tooke their knowledge from them So euerie Sinne giueth other wages then it promiseth Gene. 3.6 26 Like as if a man passe by some high daungerous place in the night when he cannot see hee is not afraid but if yee bring him backe againe in the day and let him see what a steepe and daungerous way he came hee will not bee brought the same way againe for any thing So it is in Sinning for men liuing in ignoraunce and blindnesse practise any wickednesse and doo not care for Gods iudgements but when God of his goodnesse bringeth them backe and openeth their eyes to see the downfall to the pit of Hell and the iudgements of God due to their Sinnes then say they they will neuer Sinne as they haue done but become new men and walke in the way to eternall life 27 As it is the nature of a Canker or Gangreene to runne from one ioynt to an other from toe to the foote from the foote to the legge from the legge to the thigh till it haue wasted and destroyed the life of the body Euen so we giue Sinne but an entrance it will soone ouer if spread the whole man and if the diuell may bee suffered but to put one talent in our hearts he will presently wind himselfe into vs his head his body and all 28 As men which worke in mynes and coale-pits vnder the earth are troubled with nothing so much as with dampes which make their candle burne darke and somtimes put it quite out Euen so euerie mans Sinnes are the dampes of his heart which when they take place doo dimme the light of his iudgment and cast a myst ouer his mind and darken his vnderstanding and reason 29 Like as if a man should commit such an heinous offence as that he could no other way escape death but by the Princes pardon he neither would nor could be at rest til by one meanes or other
he had obtained the same and had gotten it written and sealed which done hee would carrie it home locke it vp safe and sound and many times looke vpon it with great ioy and gladnesse Euen so such is the case of euerie one of vs by nature we are rebels and traitours against God and haue by our Sinnes deserued tenne thousand deathes now our only stay and refuge is that Christ the Sonne of God was condemned for vs and therfore in Christ we must sue for pardon at Gods hands and neuer rest till we haue the assurance thereof sealed vp in our hearts and consciences alwayes remembring that euer after wee lead a new life and neuer commit the like Sinnes against God any more 30 Like as if a man should be so farre in debt that hee could not be freed vnlesse the suretie should bee cast into prison for his sake nay which is more bee cruelly put to death for his debt it would make him at his wits end and his very heart to bleed So likewise is the case with vs by reason of our Sinnes we are Gods debters yea bankrupts before him yet haue wee gotten a good suertie euen the Sonne of God himselfe who to recouer vs to our former libertie was crucified for the discharge of our debt Math. 18.23 c. Ezech. 12.10 31 As the Iuie by litle and little creepeth vpon the Oke till at the last he doth ouer-grow and destroy the Oke So likewise doth Sinne by little and little get vp and get the strongest and mightiest men sometimes vnder him as it did Salomon and Dauid and Peter and diuers others for al their wisedome and learning and iudgement and experience which they had both of themselues and of the world 32 As a litle Leauen sowreth the whole lumpe of dow Or as a little fire whereof but one sparke is sufficient to kindle a great fire and to burne downe a whole Citie Or as a tree whose stubbes remaining in the ground are enough to giue one a fall Or as Iezabel that painted harlot whose very remnants as the schull of her head and the plames of her hands must be buried least they infect the ayre Or as a Mote in the Sunne is but a little thing and yet enough to hinder the sight to paine the eye and to trouble the whole body Or a hayre is but a little thing yet enough to stiffle a man Or as the flies of Egypt were but little things yet none of the least plagues Or as the lice were lesse thē the flies yet one of the greatest plagues that came vnto Egypt Euen so such be our Sinnes which wee call little Sinnes and the Papists call veniall Sinnes that may bee washed away with a little holy water c. we count them little and nothing and not to be stood vpon nor once to bee touched but in time we may prooue them to bee the greatest plagues that will trouble vs if securely and rashly we venture vpon them 2. King 9.30 c. Exod. 8.16 21. 33 As a moth-eaten garment and worm-eaten wood hath no more vse but to be cast away the one to the dūghill the other to the fire Euen so no more vse with God hath a soule moath-eaten and worme-eaten with Sinne but to be cast out of Gods presence into the fire 34 As wee are loth to haue our wounds often grated vppon and cannot well away to haue our soares rifled seared launced but rather couet to haue them fed with healing salue So likewise we are hardly brought to haue our consciences ground or our Sinnes ransacked sifted searched and ripped vp but rather we could wish to haue them playstered with sweete promises and bathed in the mercies of God 35 As it is farre safer before incarnatiue and healing medicines to vse corosiue and mundifying waters without which though some sores may seeme to close and skinne vp apace yet they prooue worse and bee rotten still at the coare they haue aboue a thinne skinne and vnderneath rotten flesh So in like manner wee would cloake hide and couer our Sinnes as it were with a Curtaine but it is more sound Chirurgerie and diuinitie to haue our consciences pricked and pierced with the burning yron of the Lawe and so to cleanse the wound of our soule by sharpe threatning least that skinne beeing pulled ouer the conscience for a while wee lament the rotten corruption which remaines vncured vnderneath and so wee be constrayned to crie out of our Sinnes openly 36 As it is a folly then to dissemble our soares whilst they bee curable and after to make them knowne when they be vncurable Euen so it is a great follie to dissemble our Sinnes whilst they may be remedied and so after to bee constrayned to blaze them all abroad when they are remedilesse 37 As wilde beasts who so long as they are sleeping stirre not but being awaked they flie in a mans face and rend out his throate Euen so in like manner the Sinnes which a man committeth lies at the doore of his heart though hee feele them not and if he doo not preuent the daunger by speedie repentance God will make him to feele them once before hee die and rayse vp such terrours in his conscience that he shall thinke himselfe to be in hell before hee be in hell and therefore it is good for euerie man to take heede how he continues an enemie to Christ Gene. 4.7 38 As men may be too carefull in seeking after Physitions to remoue the diseases of their bodies So may they be too too carelesse in seeking after Christ to remoue the Sinnes of their soules 39 As the body is soone hurt with wounds but it is not cured but with much griefe and torments So the soule is soone wounded with Sinne but it is not so soone or easily healed 40 Like as it is easier for one to hold a stone whilst hee hath it then to recouer it when it is fallen out of his hand So it is easier to preuent and eschew Sinne then to recall or hide it once committed 41 As in a Well except there be some water in it we cannot easily see the baggage that lieth in the bottome So in the depth of the heart without teares we cannot see our Sinnes for the lesser our sorrowes are the greater are our Sinnes 42 As hee that waxeth pale and is afraid of the hissing and biting of a Viper and dooth runne to the Physition Euen so much more is filthie Sinne to bee abhorred and feared which hath worser poyson then all Vipers and much more sooner ought medicines and a remedie to be sought for it 43 As when wee walke and liue according to Gods word and in his feare wee goe to God to heauen and to euerlasting life So by Sinning in lieu of going forward we slip backe and draw towards death 44 As hee that flieth from his enemies that pursueth him in lieu of sauing himselfe in some towne turneth backe towardes them and
men which are not well setled in vertue nor grounded in godlinesse nor armed with the holy word and spirit of God but to winne and ouercome if hee could men that are furnished with a strong and liuely faith and such as are stayed and do relie vpon the Lords protection he vseth sundry subtilties and most daungerous and forcible temptations Math. 4.1 c. 3 Euen as the Fisher when he taketh some great Fish doth not by by violently strike and twitch her but letteth his fishing line go at the length vntill the fish do swallow downe the hooke and so worke her owne destruction least if at the first he should twitch her too hard the fishing line or thrid should break and his baite and hooke lost the fish should escape Euen so Sathan the Diuell when he hath gotten a poore sinner fast vpon his hooke and hath intangled fettered him in the chaines of some daungerous and deadly sinne and hath bewitched him with the forceries of the flesh and the world he doth not sodeinly oppresse exasperate him least at the first dash he play the Diuel openly and roughly like a Diuel as hee is the sinner shuld break his bands and escape his snares But he doth cherish him and maketh much of him and doth suffer him now and then both to speake and to doo some things that sauour of vertue that by little and little hee being made fast and dead sure vppon the hooke of sinne and wickednesse hee may by degrees worke his owne woe and vtter destruction So that the diuell doth stretch out his angling rod threed and all not that hee may let the sinner escape but that hee may make him the surer and hold him the faster 4 As Achfah who when shee had begged of her Father an inheritance of the South countries then shee must haue certaine grounds with Wells and Springs Euen so such a shamelesse begger is Sathan the diuell that he will still haue a little sinne and a little and neuer leaue till by little and little he getteth both body and soule into hell Iosu 15.18 19. 5 As little Children who know not what is good for them for if they begin to taste Honie once they will not leaue eating by their good wills till they be sicke with eating Euen so so sweete hath Sathan made sinne to the taste of the wicked that they crie still a litle more of it and finde no fault with it but that there is too little and they cannot haue enough 6 As Flies are alwayes busie about a sore place So that is a sport or pleasure to Sathan which is a sore or a paine to man 7 As an Oxe will eate no kind of grasse but that which is greene and fresh Euen so the diuell will be sure to haue his foode of the finest and best Spirituall graces from God LIke as the earth engendereth not raine nor is able by her owne strength labour or trauell to procure the same but receiueth it of the meere gift of God from aboue Euen so faith grace forgiuenesse of sins or Christian righteousnesse are giuen vs of God without our workes or deseruings 2 As the earth of it selfe is not able to get or procure to it selfe seasonable showers of raine to make it fruitfull Euen so much lesse are we able by our owne strength works and deseruings to winne procure to our selues faith grace forgiuenesse of sinnes or Christian righteousnesse vnlesse God himselfe by meere imputation and by his vnspeakable gift do bestow the same vpon vs. Swearing LIke as he that maketh a custome of striking with his hand it is likely that he should sometime strike vniustly Euen so he that maketh a custome of Swearing in true matters will at the length euen forsweare himselfe in matters of no importance by reason of his custome and vse which he hath got in Swearing Sonnes by adoption 1 LIke as if a King or Noble-man should of meere loue and fauour take in a begger nay a Traytor and make him his heire Euen so God did with vs and such fauour did he freely shewe to so many of the sonnes of Adam as it pleased him to adopt and so to make them his children 1. Iohn 3.1 Iohn 1.12 Rom. 8.14 2 As Iaball the sonne of Adah the wife of Lamech is called the father of such as dwell in Tents for he was the first inuenter of Tents And Iuball his brother is also called the father of such as play vpon Harpes and vpon Orgains or Pipes yet we may not therefore call the Tentes Iabales children and the Orgains and Pipes the sonnes of Iuball Euen so God is called the father of the reprobate but metaphorically because hee first created them but yet they can no more be called the adopted Children of God then the Tents might be called the Children of Iaball or the Harpes and Organes the children of his brother Iuball Gene. 4.20 21. 3 As the Sunne which sometime shineth and sendeth foorth her light dispersing the clouds and sometimes againe is hidden vnder the cloudes Or as the Sea is one while ebbing and an other while flowing Or as the Moone is sometimes waxing and sometimes waning Euen so the adopted children of God by reason of their manifolde corruptions imperfections and rebellious thoughts of their harts haue not the spirit of God alwaies felt in themselues nor perceiued in them by others in a like measure but it is in them somtimes in a greater measure sometimes in a lesse 4 Like as Trees planted by the water side which doo bring foorth fruit in due season yet the same Trees haue both a summering and wintring a spring time and a fall of the leafe when Winter comes they seeme as though they were dead but in Summer they shall waxe fresh and greene againe and yet the fruit of the same Trees are first in the sap onely then it commeth into buds and so into blossomes whereof some are smitten with blastings some are nipped with frost and cold and some are eaten with Wormes but if they escape all these then from blossomes they come to bee Apples and at the first they are greene and liuely and some doo lust to eate them but they are still hard and harsh but in time they come to their full growth And when they are ripe then are they either shaken downe with the wind and Swine deuour them Or if they bee fairely gathered yet are they pluckt from the Tree that hath borne them then are they bought and solde whereof some perishe and are cast out of doores The fairest and the sweetest are brought either to the fire to bee roasted or to the Table to be pared and cut in peeces and so to be eaten then the tree is naked and seemeth to be dead but the next Spring doo fetch all againe So likewise are the fruites of the spirit in the adopted children of God first in the sap of faith onely which is hidden in the heart then it
commeth into good thoughts then into good workes by degrees but many times they are nipped and smitten in the bud or in the blossome that is either in thoughts or words that they neuer come to workes The workes likewise of the Sonnes of God are at the first faire and fresh but yet hard and harsh and when they are come to any perfection they are either wind-shaken and deuoured by beastes or smitten with persecution then are they bought and sold and euerie man handleth them as they list In a word the fairest the pleasantest and the best of our workes must be pared and picked for daintie mouthes and queasie stomackes and in the end consumed of all and then are our labours come to their perfection whether they bee of the Church or Common-wealth and then do many of Gods children thinke themselues naked and dead and there is no cause why they should for their fruits whether they perish in the bud or in the blossome or in the ripening or howsoeuer they be handled yet they prooue that the sap of Gods spirit is in them the next spring of Gods grace will fetch all againe Psal 1.3 5 As men say of fruit this is but little but it is good here be not many of them but those that are of them are very daintie they are right of such and such a kind Euen so the adopted children of God may say My faith is but litle and weak my loue is not so much as I would it were my zeale is but little and my patience is but small but it is true faith and true loue and true zeale and true patience euen from the very heart roote without dissembling O Lord encrease it and strengthen it Luke 17. 5. Mark 9.24 6 As the adopted Sonnes of God are planted by the ministerie of the word and spirit Euen so they florish and abound in fruit by the same meanes as also by the Sacraments and prayer c. Psal 92.13 14. Rom. 1.17 7 Like as if a King Prince or Nobleman should make a poore begger borne his louing Sonne and heire by adoption hee were greatly bound to loue him and to bee thankfull vnto him for euer Euen so much more wee ought to loue the Sonne of God Christ Iesus that hath made vs Sonnes and heires to his Father by his death and redemption Saluation 1 AS an Helmet saueth the head of a Souldier in the day of battaile So Saluation which commeth from the Lord saueth and protecteth vs from the deadly wounds of our spirituall aduersaries Ephe. 6.17 2 As the Pismire prouideth foode in Summer time to liue by in Winter So in like maner we must labour to attaine and get Saluation with the meanes thereof in the Summer of prosperitie that so wee may liue spiritually in the Winter of aduersitie 2 As a supper is made when the day draweth to an end Euen so is full Saluation giuen to the godly about the end of the world 4 Like as the Infant cannot liue without a Nurse So neither can we haue Saluation without Christ The Spirits to be tried AS Marchants credite men so farre as their wealth and money will reach but yet trust not them that do not keepe their day and credite Euen so in the promises that deceiuers make vnto their fellowes wee must regarde what ground they haue for them and how they can bee performed Saluation to be preferred before either profit or pleasure 1 AS the eye is marueilous necessarie for the guiding of the whole body and a member that hardly may bee spared yet if there come daunger vnto the rest of the body by it wee must rather suffer the losse of it then the whole body should perish for it Euen so wee are to loose with contented minds our dearest friends or whatsoeuer commodities of this life though wee can as hardly spare them as our right eye if they hinder vs in the way of life and Saluation Math. 9.47 2 Like as when a mans foote is so soare that it cannot be healed and putteth the other parts of the body in danger to be infected by it is wont to be cut off for the preseruation of the rest Euen so when our friends or any earthly commoditie whatsoeuer shall become hurtfull to our soules and endaunger vs to loose life euerlasting we must then reiect them Math. 18.8 They whom God setteth on worke must needes Speake AS when the Lyon roareth whosoeuer is within his daunger cannot choose but bee afraid So when the Lord Speaketh what Prophet or preacher of his can hold his peace Iere. 47.2 Amo. 3.8 Securitie is the high way to destruction AS the Oxe when hee is driuen to the Butchers stall goeth willingly because his hope is that he shall bee driuen to some better Pasture and neuer feareth vntill the Axe bee readie to be laide vppon his head Or as a foole when he is led to the stockes goeth chearfully and neuer feareth vntill his feete bee fast snared therein So likewise many men goe securely forwards weltering in the broad way without remorse of conscience perswading thēselus that that is the perfect way because the greatest number do walke therin and neuer perceiue their owne folly vntill till they snared in the traps of destruction A Spirituall man discerneth all things AS a man of cleare eye-sight is able to iudge of colours and to know one colour from an other Euen so such as are indued with the grace of God doo as plainely and euidently iudge of Gods word trie out the truth thereof from the deuises and doctrines of men Scriptures 1 AS the Lawes must bee interpreted not according to the censure and iudgement of them to whome they were giuen but after the will and meaning of the Iudge and Lawgiuer which made them So the Scriptures must bee interpreted by the Scriptures and the word by the word and that which is spoken obscurely in one place by that which is declared and vttered more plainely in an other place 2 As the Carpenter knowes his Rule to be straight not by an other Rule applied vnto it but by it selfe for casting his eye vppon it hee presently discernes whether it bee straight or no So likewise wee knowe and are resolued that Scripture is Scripture euen by the Scripture it selfe though the Church say nothing so be it we haue the spirit of discerning when wee read heare or consider of the Scripture And yet the testimonie of the Church is not to be despised for though it breede not a perswasiton in vs of the certaintie of the Scripture yet it is a very good inducement thereto 3 Like as the Physitions in their bookes doo most diligently discribe euen such diseases as are most filthy not to the intent to praise commend them or els alow thē but to the end they may bee exactly knowne and the more perfectly cured So the holy Scripture in sundrie places doth most manifestly rehearse mischieuous deedes euen such as
Christians obey sinne they are the Seruants of sin whose wages is death Rom. 6.16 22 23. Gods Spirit purified 1 AS cleane water washeth and maketh cleane our bodies So the Spirit of God maketh our hearts and soules cleane in the eyes and sight of God Ezech. 36.25 2 As no man that hath the Spirit of God can blaspheme Christ and worship Idols So none can acknowledge Christ for Lord and God without the same Spirit 1. Cor. 12.3 3 As Iohn by the fire and Spirit meaneth nothing but the Spirit of God which purgeth and purifieth as the fire doth Math. 3.11 Euen so our Sauiour by Water and the Spirite meaning nothing else but the Spirit of God which cleanseth the filth of sinne and cooleth the boyling heate of an vnquiet conscience as water washeth the thing which is foule and quencheth the heate of the fire Iohn 3.5 Sinne maketh our bodies the Diuels dungeon LIke as if a man had a faire house wherein he must entertaine a King and should make thereof a Swinstie or a stable all men would say that hee did greatly abuse both the house and the King Euen so mans body being at the first made a Pallace for the euerliuing God if a man shal abuse it by drunkennesse swearing lying fornication or any vncleannesse he doth make it in stead of a Temple for the holy Ghost to be a stie or stable for the Diuell For the more filthie a mans body is the more fit it is to bee a dwelling place for Sinne and Sathan 1. Cor. 6.15 Sathans subtiltie 1 AS Naab the Ammonite warring against the men of Iabes Gilead would not raise his siege but vpon condition that hee might thrust out all their right eyes So Sathan the enemie of our soules who seeketh by all meanes possible our destruction neuer ceaseth to assault vs vntill hee haue depriued vs of the eye of right iudgement that wee may not see our saluation in Christ Iesus onely 1. Sam. 11.2 1. Pet. 5.8 2 Like as if men by long experience and obseruation of the naturall causes can attaine vnto such great knowledge of things to come that they can tell twelue yeares before the change of the Moone the Eclips of the Sunne what day hower and minute it shall bee Euen so much more Sathan who is a more excellent nature then man and greater experience hath knowledge of things to come for that he hath beene practised therein from the beginning of the world and is also more circumspect in obseruing of causes because thereby he deceiueth man a poore simple soule 3 As Amalek resisted the children of Israel that they might not enter into the land of Promise So dooth the Diuell with Christians that they should not enter into heauen Deut. 25.17 Exod. 17.8 9. Spirituall man AS a man sore wounded and diseased may for a time or season bee depriued almost of all operations of the naturall life to the outward shewe of his owne indument and feeling Euen so may a Spirituall man be soare wounded by Sathan and diseased by the present sight and feeling of his sinfull corruption specially in temptation that he may thinke yea appeare to others that the life of the spirit is not in him Impenitent Sinners LIke as a Captain that hath taken some hold or Sconse doth rule and gouerne all therein and disposeth it at his wil and pleasure Euen so it is with all blind ignorant and impenitent Sinners not one Diuel alone but euen legions of Diuels possesse them and rule their hearts and therfore how soeuer they may sooth themselues and say all is well for God is mercifull yet their case is far worse then Mary Magdalens was who had bene possessed with seuen Diuels Mar. 16.9 Preuenting of Sinne. 1 EVuen as a Father when hee sees his childe too bolde and venterous about Fire Water takes and holds it ouer the fire or ouer the water as though hee would burn or drowne it wheras his purpose indeed is nothing else but to preuent daunger for the time to come So in like maner Christs subiects are bolde to sinne by nature and therfore to preuent a mischief he doth exercise them with affliction and seemes for a season as thogh he wold quite forsake his Church but his meaning is only to preuent offences in times to come Hosea 2.6 2 As Beasts which going in the way see green pastures and desire to enter in and therefore go to the hedge but feeling the sharpenesse of the thornes dare not venture to go in So likewise Gods people like vnto wilde beasts in respect of sinne viewing the green pastures of this world which are the pleasures therof are greatly affected therewith and if it were not for the sharpenesse of crosses and temptations which are Gods spirituall hedge by which he keepeth them in they would raunge out of the way and rush into Sinne as the Horse into the battell Sentence of condemnation why set downe AS a wise Father of a family will check his seruant and if the cause require correct him in his childes presence and that the child it selfe may learn therby to feare and stand in awe of his father So likewise Christ the most carefull and wise gouernor of his Church hath set downe the Sentence of condemnation against the wicked that the children of God in this world when soeuer they shall heare or read the same might be moued thereby to stand in great feare of God and more dutifully performe obedience to his commaundements Mat. 25.41 The holy Spirite regenerateth not all AS the Sun doth not warme euery thing that it lighteneth So neither doth the Spirit regenerate nor draw to the loue of wisedome all which it illuminateth and to whom he giueth the knowledge of his doctrine but onely the godly and the faithfull Math. 24.46 Mot to grieue the Spirit of God 1 AS men vse their guests friendly curteously shewing vnto them all seruice dutie So likewise must we do to Gods Spirit which is to come to dwell abide in vs dooing nothing in any case which may disquiet or molest him Ephe. 4.30 2 Like as when the Arke of the couenant which was a signe of the presence of God was in the house of O bed Edom then the Lord blessed him and all his house Euen so much more when the holy Ghost dwelles in any mans heart there is more then the Arke of the Lord present euen God himselfe and therfore such an one may looke for a greater blessing if he grieue not him by sinning 2. Sam. 6.11 1 Thes 5.19 The vse of all prescribed meanes to Saluation is necessary 1 IF a King should giue vnto one of his subiects a Princely Pallace vpon condition that he shall goe vnto it in the way which hee shall prescribe hee would no doubt take what pains he could to know the way and afterward endeuour to keep continue in it So likewise the kingdome of heauen is the most glorious and royall Pallace
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
Adam hath need of Trouble and aduersitie to cleanse and purge vs from the cankered rust of sinne 3 Like as a Knife though it be neuer so smooth if it be not vsed it waxeth rustie and the same rust fretteth it and marreth it but the more that it is occupied though it be somewhat worne thereby yet it is the more bright Euen so although a man hath a good nature and inclination if hee be not occupied and exercised with Trouble and aduersitie he waxeth rustie cankard rotten but through the crosse and tribulation though the rust haue wonne somewhat of him being a man and of himselfe weak yet he shall thereby be made more bright cleare and beautifull againe Leuit. 26.14 c. Hebr. 12.11 4 As the seede that is cast into the fielde must suffer the winde rayne snowe frost and all manner of tempests and yet it waxeth and bringeth foorth fruite Euen so the spirituall seede which is the word of God being receiued of a deuout and a feruent heart is not destroied thorow Trouble but bringeth forth right good and profitable fruite 5 As a Walnut-tree the more it is beaten the better it is and not the worse Euen so man thorow many stripes and muche aduersitie turneth from ill and waxeth good 1. Pet. 4.12 6 As there is nothing better for the thick skinne of an Horse or an Asse then a verie sharpe whip to yerke him with Euen so there is nothing more fit and profitable for our stubburne and hautie flesh then much sorrowe and vexation whereby it may bee stirred and pricked forward 7 As Woollen-cloath must be often beaten and brushed least moathes breede in it Euen so shall spirituall Moathes and wormes to wit wickednesse sinne and abhomination haue the lesse power to breede in vs if we be well brushed and beaten in time with Trouble affliction and aduersitie Prou. 20.30 8 As Flesh that commeth fresh out of the shambles vnsalted waxeth soone vnsauerie and wormes breede in it but the salt with his sharpnesse keepeth it sweete from corruption Euen so doth God cast and sprinkle salt vpon vs thorow diuers temptations and afflictions that they may bite and season vs that wee corrupt not nor perishe in sinne 9 Like as that body that is alwayes idle and neuer mooueth nor hath no exercise is easily subiect vnto sicknesse and infirmities but those bodies that haue their exercise and labour are more lustie and sound and can better continue Euen so the soule that is well exercised with Trouble and affliction hath occasion cause to be beautifull sound and cleare 10 As Lie the sharper it is the cleaner it taketh away al manner of filth out of cloathes Euen so the greater and sharper our Trouble and aduersitie is the more filth and inconuenience it draweth and biteth from our corrupt and poysoned nature 11 As Worme-wood is very good and wholesome for a raw and weake stomacke which is of a naughtie digestion Euen so bitter Trouble and affliction is verie wholsome and necessarie for the weak and feeble soule Trouble and sorrow doo helpe and further vs toward the feare and loue of God 1 LIke as when a Trespasser is led out to bee headed hanged burnt or otherwise to bee punished other that see him doo learne to feare and to beware of that thing which brought the offender to his last end Euen so when God sendeth any plague either vpon some speciall person or else vpon some whole Commonaltie all other ought so to consider the same as though they themselues were in the place of the afflicted person as though his Trouble and sorrow were their owne that they may the rather feare God and take heed that they fall not into the like vengeance of God 1. Pet. 4.17 18. 2 As a Dogge that is of a good nature if his Maister strike him yet he loueth his Master notwithstanding and fawneth vpon him Or as a good child although his Father or Mother beate him yet he loueth them neuerthelesse and desireth to haue their fauour againe Euen in like manner are true Christians minded towards their heauenly Father but such children as bee wicked and of an euill disposition when they bee a little scourged they runne away from their Fathers and murmure against them Trouble is good and profitable to teach men patience 1 LIke as men vse to clip and to cut shorter the feathers of Birds or other foules when they begin to flie too high or too farre from them Euen so doth God diminish our riches possessions estimation honour authoritie and power that we shuld not passe our bounds and glorie too much of such gifts 2 As the body when it is wearied and consumed with labour and trauell desireth ease and rest that it may lie stil Euen so the soule being laden and oppressed with Trouble and affliction is brought to a narrow issue and then it hasteth after rest quietnesse and nothing vexeth it lesse then pride Dan. 3.1 c. 29. 4.31 2. Cor. 12.7 3 As a peece of yron or of Siluer striken or beaten with an hammer waxeth broader thinner smoother and softer Euen so the stonie and hard hearts of men thorow heauinesse and aduersitie are made more buxom and plyant that a man may winde them as a man might say euen round about his finger 4 As a curst wilde Colte hath a Snaffle put into his mouth that he bite not him that handleth him Euen so the Snaffle of the crosse and aduersity doth let and hinder vs being froward furious and full of spite malice and reuengement that we commit the lesse wickednesse abhomination and vncharitablenesse in our liues 2. Chro. 33.1 2.9.11 c. Act. 9.2 3 4. 5 Like as when a man hath bene a long season healthfull and without any manner of sicknesse he cannot take sicknesse by and by so patiently as he ought to doo Euen so likewise hee that neuer felt any affliction or aduersitie whensoeuer any happen vnto him hee is sore vexed with impatientnesse but aduersitie teacheth men patience and practiseth them therein Rom. 5.3 4. 6 As men eate diuers things by morsels which if they should eate whole would choak them So by diuers daies wee suffer Troubles which if they should all come together they would make an end of vs in one day Trouble maketh men temperate AS the Physition when he perceiueth that his patient will eate ouermuch and will waxe too fat he measureth and restraineth him and by breaking somwhat from him hee restoreth him to his health againe and so saueth him Euen so when wee doo shamefully misuse Wine Corne bread and drinke and other giftes and creatures of God to maintaine drunkennesse surfetting excesse and riot then dooth God punish vs with hunger dearth penurie and with other plagues that we should learne therby to bee temperate and to keepe measure and to vse his benefits thankfully Trouble teacheth men to contemne the world 1 LIke as he that taketh a iourney in hand
with their stripe or blow doo mar the wings and breake the feathers of other birds Euen so the mightie and great men of the world with their Tyrannicall crueltie and most hellish impietie were wont to drawe to destruction and to drag to death the weaker sort and such as are innocent and tender the glorie and praise of God 2. King 21.16 Math. 23.37 Act. 7. 52. Hebr. 11.37 Thankfulnesse for benefits receiued AS it is against good manners for a man to mourne at the Marriage of his friend Euen so it is against dutie for men not to reioyce with Thankesgiuing when they by euident testimonies perceiue the fauour of God towards them in coupling them to himselfe Math. 9.15 12.49 50. We are Gods Temple 1 AS Baltasar King of Babylon by vsing the vessels belonging to the house of God in a banquet and drinking in them with their Princes and Concubines did prophane them and was for the same soone after rewarded for the same night hee lost both his kingdome and life Euen so surely they that shall abandon not the vessels but the Temple it selfe and not a Temple of stone and of wood but euen their bodies and soules that are made the liuely Temples of the liuing God to prophane and filthie vses of the world and the flesh in lieu of dedicating the whole to the holy seruice of God who is with them do most filthily prophane the Temple of God and so can expect no other then a most horrible vengeance and punishment 1. Cor. 3.17 2.6.14 c. 2 Like as when a King maketh his entrie into a Towne or Cittie hee findeth those streetes where he is to passe made cleane and his Palace hanged Euen so much more ought we whom God hath chosen to be his Temple and to make his entrie into vs to be with vs and to dwell with vs to purifie and clense from all filthinesse and vncleanenesse and to adorne the place of his habitation with all vertue and liuelinesse 3 As they that weare long garments when they come to foule wayes doo tucke and gird them vp least they should load them with mire by dragging them through the same So we whose minds and affection doo so bend to the earth that they doo euen traile thereupon walking through this world full of mire and corruption must tuck them vp towardes heauen least they should touch such daungerous damnable mire from the which we ought wholly to retire and seperate our selues that we may bee made holy Temples to the Lord. 1. Pet. 1.13 14. Leuit. 11.44 10.2 2. Timo. 2.21 Temperance AS a man cannot be Temperate if he bee not prudent So no man can be strong or valiant if he be not Temperate Vnitie among brethren AS you may not with any kind of might breake the Faggot or Bauen that is whole when as yet you may lightly breake the stickes thereof seuerally or being a sunder So are brethren easie to be ouercommed which doo striue together but being at amitie they are not so soone discomfited Vertue alwayes accompanied with praise AS our shaddow followeth vs although against our will So likewise glorie praise and commendations doo follow Vertue and learning Vaine-glorie 1 AS winds being about to cease doo most vehemently blow So mortall men when they doo most exalt themselues then are they nearest their fall and end 2 As nights succeed dayes and Winter Summer So griefe and sadnesse follow Vaine-glorie and pleasure Spirituall Vsurie LIke as he which lendeth looketh iustly to receiue his owne againe Euen so let him that is mercifull to the poore most assuredly expect that the things which hee layeth out shall be rendred againe of God with a most liberal increase as it were with a threesold Vsurie Prou. 91. 17. Math. 5.41 Deut. 15.10 Math. 25.27 28. Vertue to be encreased with life LIke as they that are tosted here and there with sundrie tempests haue not sayled much but were greatly encumbred So such as haue liued long neither yet haue profited any thing in Vertue and godlinesse are not said to haue liued but lingred Vnwilling to die LIke as hee is ouermuch giuen to Wine which would sucke vp the dregges So is hee too greedie of life which in old age could not be content to die Vertue 1 LIke as if a man cast a precious stone into the durt it will notwithstanding shewe foorth the beautie of it againe Euen so the Vertue of a holy and righteous man wil shew forth it selfe whithersoeuer it be cast either into bondage prison or prosperitie 2 Like as precious and costly Spices and Odours doo smell and sauour best when they be brused broken or set on fire Euen so the praise and commendation of Vertue thorow continuall vse and exercise and thorow aduersitie is spread wide abroad and made minifest and known euerie where 3 Like as true faith is not Idle but working and powerfull by loue Euen so true Vertue is not a bare affection of the mind or the bare purpose of the will but dooth set out it selfe by outward honest actions and dooth shine in them from whence all the praise thereof dooth consist in the action Tit. 3.8 1. Thess 4.12 Rom. 12.17 4 As wee are wont to eate Peares and the kernels of Nuts but throw from vs vppon the ground the parings and shels So we ought vnfainedly to bee in loue and delight with Vertue and godlinesse and to continue despise the shape or shadow of the same being seperated and diuided from Vertue it selfe for to retaine and hold the fashion and likenesse of Vertue without the substance of the same is meere hypocrisie 5 Like as when Orpheus went to fetch his wife Euridice out of Hell hee had her graunted to him vpon a condition that he should not turne back his eyes to looke vpon her till hee had brought her into heauen Yet hauing brought her forward a great way at length his loue was so excessiue that hee could not continue any longer but would needs haue a sight of her wherupon forthwith he lost both her sight and her selfe she suddenly againe vanishing away from him So if we haue any Vertue which is to be loued as a man is to loue his wife yet wee must not be so blind in affection as to doate too much vppon it or to bee alwayes gazing and wondering at it least by too much looking vppon it and by too well liking of it and by too often remembring of it wee loose it 6 As the Sunne being directly ouer vs our bodies haue the lesse shadow as we may perceiue at noone and a little before and after So also the more Vertue and goodnesse is in vs the lesse ostentation and boasting we should haue 7 Contrariwise as this is a signe of the going down of the Sunne his departure from vs when as our shadows become great So also this is an argument to prooue that Vertue diminisheth in vs when pride and presumption increaseth 8
or perfume in the ayre which in some mens nosthrils is sauorie and pleasant and doth reuiue them and others it striketh starke dead Euen so the Word preached by Gods Ministers lawfully called by him therunto hath the same power and force in it which Christ himselfe shewed when he spake on earth for it is the sauour of life vnto life to saue those that heare it Or it is the sauour of death vnto death to those that contemne it Ioh. 18.4 5 6. 2. Cor. 2.16 75 As it is the vse of Physicke to cure men of diseases when they are falne into them so also to preserue them from sicknesse before it haue taken hold of them Euen so it is the power of the Word to asswage the trouble of conscience when it dooth once presse vs as also to preuent it before it hath ouertaken vs. 76 As it profiteth nothing to graffe a plant if with a whirle wind or storme it bee pulled vp by the rootes before it beare fruit So the Word of God being preached heard and laide vp in our minds shall doo vs no good if before it bring forth fruit with some blustering blasts and sturdie storme of temptations it shall be rooted out of our hearts Psal 1.2 77 Euen as a twig or braunch taken from a very good and fruitfull tree and graffed into the trunke or stocke of some wilde tree as a Crab Thorne or such like dooth drawe the stocke or trunke to the nature of the twig or braunch that now it beareth other leaues and other fruit then it was wont to doo So the Word of God wel planted and surely graffed in our barren hearts by preaching and Catechising doth draw vs and conuert vs vnto and into it self and causeth vs to beare other goodly leaues of holy and godly Words and other most pleasaunt and wholesome fruits of vnfained vertues and graces but by the way we must needes crop and cut off the boughes of our olde sinnes that Christ may be graffed in vs and then no doubt our fruit shall bee such as God for his Sonnes sake wil accept and take in good part at our hands 78 As men are wont accustomed to make account of precious things and not to cast them at randome but to keepe them safe vnder locke and key Euen thus safely and surely must the Word of God when it is heard and preached bee kept in our hearts if we will euer come by true wisedome Psal 119.11 Luk. 2.19 Heb. 2.1 Iam. 1.21 79 Euen as we cannot feele the fauour and taste of any meate vnlesse we chaw the same So also wee neuer feele any fruit of Gods Word vnlesse the same abide in vs and we doo as it were chaw and ruminate the same 79 As the Sun at sometime of the yeare in some place dooth afford his shine and light vnto the people and yet dooth little or nothing warme them So the knowledge and vnderstanding of the Word and will of God preached dooth not by and by worke an hungring and thirsting to lead a vertuous and godly life in all those whom it hath instructed and most perfectly taught what they should doo and how they ought to liue They receiue knowledge and vnderstanding from it but they refuse the grace and denie the power of it 80 As the Iewes which crucified the Sonne of God euen Iesus Christ were conuerted by hearing Peter preach but one Sermon But we are worse then they who haue heard many hundreds of Sermons and yet are many of vs neuer touched with any remorse of conscience nor moued to any serious or true repentance Act. 2.37 38 39. 81 Like as we see Crowes and other foules follow the heeles of the sower to picke vp and deuour such graine and Corne as doo lie vncouered So in like manner doo the Diuels come like greedie foules into the assemblies wher the Word of God is preached to take it away from the hearts of the people that it may not growe there Math. 13.4 82 As a Purgation made for the body many times worketh not his operation by reason of the ill temperature of the body or else of the region that too much by reason of her draweth humours of man into the exteriour parts of the body So likewise the Word of God powred into the eares and vnderstanding of man worketh not many times his operation in cleansing the soule from the humours and corruption of sinne by reason of the ill temperature and disposition of the persons that vseth to read and heare the Scripture 83 As the child before he is borne into the world abideth in the Mothers wombe and taketh all nourishment of her So we must learn what God is within the bounds of his Word not at rouers vntill he mercifully deliuered vs from this bondage and out of the dungeon of the body and graunt vs to behold him face to face 84 As playsters except they bee applied in order and time and be laid vpon the wound though they be neuer so good yet they cannot heale Euen so it is with the Word of God and the parts of it which except they bee vsed in order and time conuenient will not humble and receiue vs as their vertue is 85 Like as the red Sea was a safe passage for the Israelites comming out of Egypt and a drowning to the Egyptians Or as the fire of Babylon hurt not the three children cast into the Ouen but yet burnt the Ministers which cast them in Or as the Lyon saued Daniell aliue but quickly did deuour his accusers Euen so such is the nature of the VVord of God that as it is a condemnation to the wicked so it is the power of God vnto saluation to all those which beleeue the same Exod. 14. toto Dan. 3.21 25. Dan. 6.22 24. Rom. 6.16 86 As there was in the Arke the tables of the Law the pot of Manna and Aarons rod So in the Word of God there are Commandements mercies for the faithfull and iudgements for the impenitent and vnfaithfull 87 Euen as salt is good both for the keeping of dead flesh from corruption and for the healing and purging of that which is aliue So the Word is profitable for them that be dead in trespasses and sinnes to make them aliue and for them that bee aliue in Christ to heale and purge them of sinne 88 Like as the Sunne shining on the earth is not polluted or hurt thereby but rather cleanseth all things So the holy Word of God is not polluted by a sinfull body but purifieth it 89 As Honie through the sicknesse and heate of a Feuer dooth make the bitter things that are taken into the mouth to seeme straunge and worse then they are indeed So Gods VVord beeing digested and receiued into our soules dooth make vs more abhorre the bitternesse of sinne lust vanities c. 90 As we make great account of our Charters whereby we hold our earthly liberties yea we gladly read them and acquaint our selues
6.26 27. 4 As the raine watereth the fieldes and maketh them fruitfull and causeth Corne to grow and giueth strength vnto the same and garnisheth and beautifieth all godly plants with aboundance of most pleasant fruites Euen so the VVord of God and doctrine of Christ bedeaweth and moysteneth the children of God and feedeth and nourisheth their soules to euerlasting life and causeth them to bring forth very excellent vertues and most rich and plentifull fruits and effectes of a true Christian faith Esa 55.10 Hebr. 6.8 Ezech. 34.26 5 As no man may entertaine and conserue the life which hee receiued by meanes of his soule by the foode and nourishment which an other dooth take nor by that which an other eateth and drinkeâ—h but onely by that which hee himselfe doth take and by meates and drinkes which hee receiueth in his owne person So likewise is it of the nourishment of the faith of euerie man by the VVord of God for the entertainment and conseruation of the spirituall life Wisedome to be vsed in reprehending an other LIke as it is not enough for the Physition or Surgion to know the wound the maladie and soare disease and to tell the patient therof prescribing him the names of the simples that hee must take for the curing therof but they had need to prescribe him the manner of the compounding them and quantitie of each one which they would haue him to take with diuers other circumstances or else it is like that the receipt will doo more hurt then good Euen so is it in spying of beames or motes that is of faults and sinnes committed by other yet it is not enough to know the fault and tell the partie of it and what is good for it but in the administration of that which is good great Wisedome is to be shewed Math. 7.4 5. 18.15.16 c. 1. Timo. 5.20 Whoredome 1 LIke as a fire beeing kindled in a Citie if the winde blow vehemently stayeth not in the burning of one house or two but spreadeth farre and wide and draweth a great destruction with it So likewise Whoredome being once kindled stayeth not in one man but inuadeth and spreadeth ouer all parts of the Citie Prou. 6.27 c. Iob. 31.9 2. Sam. 12.19 16.22 Heb. 13.4 Mal. 3.5 2 As not onely hee that killeth with the hand but also hee that expresseth by token or word the malice of his heart is before God guiltie of murther So in like maner not onely hee which committeth vncleannesse in deed but he also that doth solicite a woman by signes words is taken to bee guiltie either of Adulterie or incest or of deflouring or of Whoredome although the worke it selfe follow not 3 Like as he is before God a plaine theefe that hath a purpose to steale though hee steale neuer a halfe-pennie because he is not stayed from it by will but either by feare of punishment or by some other meanes Euen so hee cannot be excused from Adulterie which in purpose and endeuour is inclined to the worke of Adulterie either in his eyes hands gesture of body and filthie communication Prou. 5.3 c. 1. Cor. 6.10 Deut. 23.17 18. Pphe 5.3 5. 1. Cor. 10.8 Reue. 21.8 1. Cor. 6.15 16 17. Will of God not curiously to be searched into LIke as a seruant must not enter into the searching of those things which bee most secret points of his Maisters will which doo not belong vnto his knowledge but rather must marke with all the diligence hee can to know what his will is towardes him and to imploy himselfe wholly thereunto Euen so it is not our parts to search the secrets of Gods Will which doo not belong vnto vs but rather to prooue and vnderstand what the Will of God is towards vs. Deut. 29.29 Iohn 6.39 40. 1. Timo. 2. 4. 1. Thess 4.3 Rom. 12.2 Math. 7.21 Weaknesse of iudgement 1 AS there is a certaine Weaknesse of the sight which causeth the patient to thinke that hee seeth strawes when hee seeth none So there is a certaine Weaknesse of iudgement which maketh men thinke they spie faultes when they doo not 2 As they which haue the Tenasme of body often goe about to auoide the filth of the body but cannot So many haue a Tenasme of soule who labour often to cast out their euill and cannot A Word spoken not recalled AS it is not easie to take againe the Bird that wee suffer to flie out of our hands So is it most vneasie to call againe a Word once pronounced and spoken Woman 1 LIke as the kicking of a Mule is oftentimes with wine letted So contrariwise the malapert sawcinesse of a Woman is with wine prouoked 2 Like as a man that is stung with Bees will thereupon forsake the Honnie Euen so such is a Wife that being offended with the manners of her Husband doth therefore forsake him 3 As none dooth feele and perceiue so well on what place the shoe dooth wring him as the wearer So none doth know so well the ouerthwartnesse of his Wife as he that is married vnto her 4 As the Bird of Egypt which when she is old purgeth al the filthie humors of her body with spices of Araby and sendeth forth of her mouth a woundrous sweete breath Euen so a Woman when shee is past bearing of children then should shee sauour and breath all heauenly things so that she neither doo nor say any thing that is not religious and godly and that may bee an example for the yonger Women to follow Tit. 2.3 4. 5 As a vessell the weaker it is the more it is to be fauored and spared if wee will haue it to continue Euen so a Woman because of her infirmities is much to bee borne withall 1. Pet. 3.7 6 As the perfect Gold which is of a pure substance sooner receiueth anye forme then the sturdie Steele which is a grosse and massie mettall So Womens effeminate minds are more subiect to suddaine affection and are sooner fettered with the snares of fancie then the hard hearts of men Warre AS the Temple of Diana at Ephesus beeing in twentie yeares by all the people of Asia and by so many Princes builded should in one night be fiered by the vile harlot Herostratus Euen so great Cities by Warre are easily ouerthrowne but not so soone to bee builded againe Esay 19.2 Chusing of a Wife LIke as he that will plant any thing well doth first consider the nature of the ground in the which he intendeth to plant Euen so much more hee that entendeth to marrie should haue respect to the condition of that woman out of whom he desireth to plant children the fruit of honestie and godlinesse Will of a regenerate man AS a man that hath one legge sound the other lame who in euerie step which he makes doth not wholly hault or wholly goe vpright but partly goe vpright and partly hault Or like a man in a boate on the water who goeth vpward because he
on the left hand which are indeed on the right those that are on the right hand are shewed to be on the left and by this meanes there is a counterfeiting of the truth Euen so in the Workes of hypocrites although there bee a faire shew outwardly in the sight of men yet it is false for that those things which are vngodly wicked are counted holy and true Iam. 1. 23 24. 2 As the strong bitternesse of the Allow tree taketh away the sweetnesse of the sweetest Honie So euil Works destroy and take away the praise of good deeds Gods Word is true AS the Sunne ceaseth not to giue light and brightnesse although some man shutteth his eyes that he may not see it nor be lightned therewith Or as meate ceaseth not to be good and nourishing although it be receiued without profit of a stomacke euill disposed So likewise if many vnwilling to beleeue that the will of God is such as he hath declared by his Word reiecting by their incredulitie the grace which God offereth them this their incredulitie ought not to make any good Christian to cal into doubt the truth of God and the testimonie of his good will towards him Math. 9.29 Good Workes make vs not pure in Gods sight 1 LIke as if an Asse were trimmed and decked in a Lyons skinne and would needs be a Lyon yet his long eares beeing alwayes vpward should easily descrie and bewray him Euen so if we adorne garnish and set forth our selues with glorious beautiful Works neuer so much so that no man can say but that wee are vtterly innocent and inculpable in diuers and many points yet notwithstanding we haue filthie vncleane and wicked hearts full of securitie and neglect of God altogether giuen to the loue of our selues and to all manner of dissolutenesse 2 As a Schoolemaister will take in good part the diligence that his Schollers can doo and if hee see them put their good wills thereto hee will beare with their faults and teach them their lessons but to the stubburn and froward hee will shewe no gentlenesse but cast them off So likewise God with those whom he hath chosen in Christ before the world was made will beare with their infirmities and winke at their litle faults teach them to doo better and praise their well doings and gently correct their faults but his enemies and outcasts because whatsoeuer they doo is hypocrisie hee loues them not but euen their prayer is turned to sinne and whatsoeuer they doo is defiled because they be not graffed and chosen in Christ Iesus Gen. 4. Tit. 1.15 Rom. 14.23 Wicked men take parts together against their Ministers and godly men AS there was such affinitie and alliance betwixt Hypocrates Twins that when the one wept the other wept also when the one laughed the other laughed and when the one was touched the other was touched ones ioy was an others ioy and ones griefe was an others griefe Euen so is it with the Wicked and reprobate impes of the Diuell if the Minister speake against one say they hee speaketh against all touch one touch all so wise they are in their generatioÌ„ as they wil not say The Preacher spake against me but he spake against such a one Worldly minded men LIke as a man that looketh on a Towne platted in foure leaues of Paper he shall somewhat discerne the order of the streetes and houses thereof but afterward if he shall lay downe in the like quantitie of Paper the whole prouince wherein that Citie standeth and the same will not shew so great as a mans naile and lastly if hee shall represent the whole world in as much Paper hee shall then see neither house nor Towne yea scarcely the whole Prouince perhaps hee may find the names of the Realmes and see their extent in the breadth of two or three nayles and looking from heauen the whole world wâ—l not seeme so much Euen so then it is a great folly or rather a madnesse for those that are straungers vppon earth and burgesses of heauen diuersly and by sundrie meanes to offend God for the getting of a small portion of earth which is as nothing wherein they resemble Esau who for a peece of bread and a messe of pottage sold his birth-right Gene. 25.34 Hebr. 12.16 The true Worship of God 1 EVen as a foule and stinking Viall infecteth the pure and good Ointment which is put into it Euen so the Worship of God if it be placed in a foule hart it wil soone corrupt and shortly turne into flat Idolatrie and wicked dissembling 1. Cor. 5.7 2 As a litle Leauen leaueneth a whole lumpe Euen so a little vngodlinesse and worldly affections sowreth the whole masse of Gods Worship and seruice and maketh it vnpleasant vnto him 1. Cor. 5.6 3 As the true God is to be worshipped alone So is he to be Worshipped in truth as he himselfe and not as man inuenteth Exod. 26.1 c. 2. Chro. 3.1 c. Leuit. 10.2 We ought to put in practise the Word of God 1 AS Medicines doo minister health to none but those that take them whose nature also is strong and wel prepared to receiue their operations So it is requisit that they which heare and read the Word of God should receiue and apply it to themselues and pray vnto God to prepare them and by his holie spirite so to dispose their hearts that the doctrine exhortations may worke their operation in them Ephe. 3.20 21 22 23 24. Iam. 1.22 2 Like as they that haue learned the Art of sowing of Cord-wainerie or Draperie and so forth yet are not reputed Taylors Cord-wainers or Drapers vnlesse they do in act execute those Sciences which is indeed the purpose of their Apprentiship Euen so let vs neuer looke to be true and sound Christians or Gods children notwithstanding wee haue learned the Word of God and the manner thereof vnlesse we also performe the workes of Christians of the children of God Lu. 11.28 Rom. 2.13 3 As when wee haue trimmed and shorne our heades and beards before we come forth we looke in the Glasse whether it be well Euen so much rather ought we after we haue heard the Sermon the end whereof tendeth to amend our liues immediately to looke vpon and peruse our soules to the end to see whether our corruptions and vices being cut downe and mortified the same be cleare and pure in the sight of God 4 As Hearbes prepared by Art doo heale the bodie So likewise the Word of God rightly applied doth cure a sicke soule The Word of God ought to be carefully searched into AS they which doo digge mettals out of the earth doo not contemne nor despise the least gobbets and peeces that they espie but take all but especially if they finde by digging a veine of Gold they leaue no way vnsought but with all care diligence they looke about them and doo dig the Gold and earth together and most diligently
vncomely as magnificall talke is for a poore foole So vnmeete is Lying and vntrue talke for a Prince Prou. 17.7 Learning 1 LIke as in meates the wholesomnesse is as much to be required as the pleasantnesse so in reading or hearing Authors we ought to desire as well the goodnesse as the eloquence 2 Like as a field although it be fertile can bring foorth no fruite except it be first tilled So the minde although it be apt of it selfe cannot without Learning bring foorth my goodnesse 3 As men in nothing more differ from the Gods then when they are fooles So in nothing they do come neare them so much as when they are wise and Learned The Lawe pointeth out true blisse but furthereth not the certaintie of it LIke as if a man should shewe a needie bodie a bagge of Gold vppon the toppe of a high Tower and yet not â—end him a ladder wherewithall he might clime vp to the â—op and fetch downe the bagge Euen so doth Gods Law â—nely point men to the soueraigne good without shewing vs how we may come by it seeing that no man fulfilâ—th the Lawe The fruites of Libertie are by good right required of Christians AS he which doth commit sinne is the seruant of sinne Euen so he which is deliuered by Christ will bee no more bond but free and therefore will not take vppon him the yoke of bondage Iohn 8.34 Rom. 6.20 Iam. 2.12 How we must behaue our selues in Lending to Artificers and labourers AS charitie doth not require that we should giue of our goods freely to them that are strong lustie and able to worke and labour So necessitie vrging Artificers and Labourers and they desiring to borrowe any thing of thee then thou must obey the rule of Christ and Lend without looking for a recompence in the like or in any other kind of dutie 2. Thess 3.10 11. Luk. 6.35 36. Esay 58.7 Prou. 19.17 Gods Liberalitie AS the fire ministreth light to a multitude and yet is minished or consumed thereby Or as in a candle of which many other candles be light the light is not thereby in any wise diminished or hurt at all Or as one supper dooth not refresh or suffiâ—e many as well as few but the the voice of one Preacher teacheth as well a hundreth as one Euen so God bestoweth innumerable benefites vpon vs and yet his Liberalitie is not hindred therewith Godly Life 1 AS when Moses had conuersed and beene with God fortie dayes vppon the mountaine at his comming downe his face shined and glistered with the heauenly glorie So will it be with vs by then we haue for twentiâ— or thirtie yeares beene conuersant in heauen we shall become heauenly and spirituall both in word and deed Exod. 34.69 2 As by experience we see that when a countrie man hath dwelled some twentie or thirtie yeares in the Court he forgetteth his countrie speech and course of Life and groweth to be as good a Courtier as if he had bene borne in the Court Euen so our earthly talke and communication our worldly course of life and the corruptions of the flesh that beare but too much sway in vs doo but ouer manifestly shew how little we are conuersant in heauen and consequently doo testifie that we account our selues Burgesses of earth and not of heauen 3 As the rough tazle or thistle dooth make the cloath smooth So doth a straight and strict kind of Life make the conscience more quiet It is our dutie to communicate at the Lords supper AS they who liuing in fornication and will not marrie least thereby their fornication which they are not minded to giue ouer should be the more grieuous as being conuerted into Adulterie are in a woefull state Or as they who hating their neighbours when they say the Lords prayer Our Father c. doo leaue out this petition Forgiue vs our trespasses as wee forgiue them that trespasse against vs and so refuse to aske forgiuenesse for their transgressions and seeke to continue in hatred against their neighbours are worthie double condemnation one in respect of their hatred that they continue in the other for their sinnes for the which they aske no forgiuenesse Euen â—is they that forbeare the holy supper in respect of their bad consciences doo pronounce sentence against themselues namely that they deserue double death First for their sinnes which they continue in wicked consciences And secondly they seperate themselues from the communion of Christ in whom onely is the fulnesse of life Lust and pleasure 1 AS Pils that are outwardly faire guilt and rowled in Sugar but within full of bitternesse Euen so Lust and pleasure is no sooner hatched but repentance is at hand holding her by the head readie to supplant her for pleasure and sorrow are two twinnes Esa 38.17 Gene. 3.6 2 As a painted Sepulcher faire without but within full of mortal infection and stench Euen so Lust and pleasure is presently turned to sorrow and teares and flieth and slideth away leauing rather cause of repentance then occasion of remembrance 1. Tim. 5.6 Esay 22.12 13 14. 3 As he that companieth with Millers or Colliers shal hardly escape free from blacking or meale So likewise shall hee hardly escape Lust and pleasures that haunteth with those that are giuen to follow their Lusts and pleasures 4 As greene wood laid vpon the fire albeit at the first it resisteth yet in the end doth burne and is consumed So is it with him that frequenteth those that giue themselues to Lusts and pleasures albeit at the beginning he resisteth the euill and for a while falleth not thereinto yet by continuall haunt he finally falleth in with them 5 As it is vnnaturall to kindle fire with water So is it vnpossible for Lust and pleasure to breede in a penitent heart that sorroweth for sinne Ioel. 2.12 16. 6 As Agis the last King of the Lacedemonians was in his youth giuen to all Lustes and pleasures but being established ruler of the land he quite gaue them ouer shewed such an example of temperance and sobrietie that the vse of pleasures quayling among his subiects they also addicted themselues to sobrietie Euen so we Christians albeit before the knowledge of the truth wee wallowed in the Lustes of the flesh yet being now raysed to this honour and estate to be made kings and priests yea euen the children of God ought now to be the more estraunged from all Lusts and pleasures to the end that after our example all others may renounce the same immitate our sobrietie Rom. 13.14 Hebr. 11.25 7 Euen as a Snayle by little and little creepeth vp from the roote of a tree vnto the top as shee goeth consuming the leaues and leaueth nothing behind her but foule and filthie slymish steps So likewise Lust and pleasure if wee consent vnto them wil creepe into our soules and bodies and will depriue them of all ornaments of vertue and will leaue nothing behind but a foule guiltie
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