truth 1 LIke as they which builded again the material and stone wall of the earthly Ierusalem had not only the Trowell in one hand to build withall but moreouer the sword in the other to beate back their enemies which assaied to hinder the worke that was in doing So in like maner those men whoÌ„ the Lord hath appointed to build vp this spirituall Ierusalem of his the Church of God it behoueth them not only to hold fast the word of truth to edifie withall but moreouer they must bee of abilitie through the plentiful knowledge of the word to confute and confound all their gaine-standers Nehe. 4.17 18. c. Ioh. 17.17 2. Cor. 6.7 Ephe. 1. 13. Colloss 1. 5. 2. Tim. 2.15 Iam. 1. 18. 2. Tim. 3.16 17. 2. Timo. 2.25 2 As the Proclamation is the Princes who first set it foorth though it be afterward published againe of the Cryer So the word is Gods who first vttered the same though it be rehearsed a new of any learned writer 3. And as he that calleth the Kings Proclamation repeated by the Cryer the Cryers proclamation had need of a fauourable Interpreter to saue him from rebuke Euen so if any shall auouch the word and authorities of Gods Spirit repeated of learned men to be their authorities had need of a verie partiall hearer to quite him from blame 4 Like as if a man were sent on a message froÌ„ his Prince and by the way should heare his message repeated of one of his fellowes or more if when hee commeth to doo his message he should say thus saith my companion or thus saith my Lord the King my companion together what might we thinke of such one in so saying In like manner they which take so much paines to alleadge the words of the Lord or the summe and meaning of them vnder the name of learned writers or ioyne God and men togegether as cospeakers to make the matter sufficient as though otherwise it were not enough for they are vnwise to thinke that men will regarde what man saith in such matters 5 Like as if any Noble man of wisedome and credite shuld be called to witnesse the truth in any doubtful matter which hee well vnderstood and hauing declared the whole truth the partie that requireth the same should answere thus I would the rather belieue this that you haue said to be true if so be that I might heare some of your seruants to witnesse the same In this doing might not this Noble man well thinke that he were greatly abused that could not be credited vnlesse his men should also testifie thereof Euen so how can the Lord take it in good part seeing hee hath so often in his word commaunded that wee should speake nothing vnto his people but that which commeth from his mouth without any other additions and hath sufficiently set downe in his word the whole truth both what is needful for vs to doo and what to leaue vndone and yet many will not belieue him vnlesse they heare Heathen men and other learned writers to witnesse the same 1. Pet. 4.11 Deut. 18.18 Iere. 9.1 King 22.14 2. Chro. 17.7 8 9. Ezech. 3.4 17. 33.7 6 Like as if a Scholler will not beleeue that which his maister hath taught him vnlesse his schoole-fellow will say it is so this fond opinion of the Scholler maketh not the teaching of his Maister insufficient Euen so when a man will not beleeue that the word of God dooth teach or refell and confute this or that vnlesse the Doctors do so expound the same yet this proueth not but the Scripture of it selfe is sufficient to doo it though hee make not so much account thereof Esay 59.21 Hebr. 4.12 Iere. 23.29 22. Psal 19.7 8. Ministers must obey Christ AS no Ambassadour can haue any higher authoritie then is limited and expressed by plaine words in his Commission by the Prince or whosoeuer it bee that graunteth it and as euerie one of the Commissioners to whome a Commission is directed haue that authoritie which in their Commission is mentioned and no other Euen so in the Commission that Christ gaue to his Apostles euerie one of them ought obediently to obserue their maisters commaundement with his authoritie giuen to them and not to breake it and goe beyond the bounds and limitation of it The dutie of Ministers both to seducers and the seduced LIke as parents wheÌ„ their child is hurt with the biting of a Dogge are wont to pursue the Dogge onely but the weeping child they bemone and speake faire vnto it comforting it with most sweete words So likewise godly preachers must bee impatient zealous sharpe and vehement in condemning and detesting the false iuglings deceits of the Authors of false doctrine and maintainers of sects but contrariwise they must with all mildnesse good affection and gentle speech behaue themselues â—owardes those that are mysled gone astray and falne â—hrough weaknesse and so to reclaime them Gal. 6.1 Mens deuises LIke as if a wicked seruant doo take vpon him to serue his Maister with wholesome foode should mingle therwith some secret poyson to annoy him withal deserueth due punishment according to his demerites Euen so as displeasantly shall the confused minglings and foolish deuises of Men be taken of the Lord in making mixtures of their owne deuises with his worshippe and seruice Mens traditions 1 AS when the naturall Sunne is darkned with cloudes that doo arise from the waters and from the earth Euen so our Sauiour Christ which is the true Sonne of righteousnesse is wonderfully darkned with the mysts and clouds of Mens traditions and dreames so that many times his comfortable light is cleane taken away from the eyes of our soules and consciences 2 Like as if the Sunne bee darkned the Moone of necessitie must loose her light Euen so when the chearefull light of the true Sonne of righteousnesse is taken away by Mens inuentions and superstitious doctrine and Popish traditions without all doubt the Church must vtterly loose her light it must needes bee without all heauenly vnderstanding and knowledge it must needes be in horrible darknesse and in the shadow of death Moderation of worldly care LIke as a traueller in his iourney is troubled with care for nothing but that which shall bee necessarie for him in his iourney So wee in the pilgrimage of this life must bee carefull for nothing but that which may benefite vs in our iourney to life euerlasting Man of no continuance 1 AS a dreame smoke vapour a puffe of wind a shaddow a bubble of water hay grasse hearbs flowers leaues a Weauers shuttle dried stubble are things of smal account and lesse continuance Euen so the glorie beautie magnificence strength and wisedome of Man is nothing else then vaine britle transitorie and ruinous vnlesse it bee sustained vpholden and vndershored by the heauenly power of the sure and eternall word of God Psal 73. â—â— Iob. 20.8 Psal 103.14 15. Iob. 7.6 7. 8.9
doo saue and keepe the same Euen so ought wee to deale in the holy Word of God wee must passe ouer nothing therein lightly nor despise one Word of al the sacred and diuine Scriptures but eagerly and earnestly to doo our best and greatest endeuours yea and to call and to crie most mightily to the Lord to aide assist and enable vs to dig out of the same VVord whatsoeuer is requisite necessarie for the saluation of our soules and eternall life The Workes of the three persons be vnseperable AS Reason cannot discern good euil truth falshood plainnesse and craft and sophistication without either will or memorie neither Will chuseth what him liketh without the other nor memorie remembreth not things gone without reason and will These actions and VVorkes which are said properly to belong onely to memorie and onely to reason and will in very deede are done by the workmanship of all three So the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost worke all things vnseperably not that each of them is vnable to Worke by himselfe but that they all three are one God one spirit one nature as reason will memorie are one soule Ioh. 5.17 19. Mans Wisedome often erreth AS in a fruitfull fertile ground among many wholesome and very medicinable hearbes some that bee daungerous and ful of poyson doo grow So the wits and Wisedome of men together with some profitable and wholesome counsels and admonitions doo bring foorth perilous and pestilent errors and are therfore with Wisedome and great discretion to be regarded euen as hearbs are to be gathered and vsed Wit 1 AS a Bee is oftentimes hurt with his owne Honie So is Wit not sildome plagued with his owne conceit 2 As emptie vessells make the loudest sound So men of least Wit are the greatest bablers Spirituall Warfaire 1 AS men may haue an ende of bodily warre either by making peace with their enemie by flying far from him or by ouercomming in fight But in the spirituall Warfaire wee cannot lawfully make any peace or agreement with our enemies the Diuell the world the flesh but in so doing it would be our ouerthrow and destruction for they be euen so many traytors and irreconciliable murderers yea it would bee worse for vs then for the sheepe to make peace with the Wolfe neither can we flie and so get from these enemies for the Diuell will follow vs into all places who hath a whole armie of Souldiers within vs euen our affections and couetous lusts that we beare about vs. 2 As God in olde time commaunded Iosua that hee should not feare the Cananites and assured him that hee would bee with him and that by ouercomming them he would bring his people into the land of promise So likewise wee must giue eare vnto God that calleth vs to this spirituall battell with assurance that he will stand with vs and in vs to the end that couragiously fighting vnder his banner against our enemies that labour to turne vs backe and to recoyle wee may finally by his grace and power obtaine full and perfect victorie and so ending his blessed voyage attaine to the fruition of the heauenly and Citie and our true countrey that wee may liue with him in glorie for euer Gods Wisedome may be knowne by the ordering of his creatures AS when thou seest a great and godly Citie consisting of many and sundry sorts of men some of great reputation and very many of small estimation some exceeding rich and infinite others extreamely poore some in their fresh and flourishing youth and some crooked with olde age where all these though among themselues they be diuers and sundrie do liue in great concord and agree well together and are kept all within the bounds and limits of good and godly discipline thou wilt by and by iudge that the Prince or gouernour of the same is iust and very mightie and wise though thou seest him not Euen so in the huge greatnesse of this world and the agreement and well hanging together of the things contained in the same though differing in their natures and the apt and fit placing of the whole it cannot bee but that thou wilt presently conceiue in thy mind that there is a great a wise and mightie Creator and preseruer of these things For not onely the mightie workes of God in this great world that is in man himselfe for so he is called of some doo teach vs the wonderfull knowledge of God Gods Word the more it is searched the sweeter it is AS precious Iewels made of most pure Gold wrought cunningly and curiously with great workmanship the nearer thou shalt come vnto them and the more stedfastly and clearely thou shalt behold them the finer the brauer and more excellent thou shalt iudge them Euen so as thou shalt come nearer in vnderstanding and knowledge vnto the secrets and misteries of God contained in his written Word with the greater puritie of mind the more strength of faith and the brighter light of the grace of God thou shalt looke into them the profounder the deeper the more diuine and heauenly yea and the more comfortable to thy soule will they seeme and appeare vnto thee euerie day In so much that thou wilt iudge thy selfe to haue beene little better then blind and to haue seene nothing as thou ought in the mysteries of the diuine Word Psal 119.18 Wicked men die miserably 1 EVen as those Birdes and soules which fall to the ground to take the foulers baites are taken themselues So likewise those men which doo relie vppon the suggestions and inchauntments of the Diuell world and flesh and are taken in their traps doo die a most miserable and as it may well be called an immortall death 2 As there is neuer a man that beareth the name of a Christian but he will confesse that his great Grandfather Adam was expulsed and thrust out of Paradise for eating one Apple forbidden him by the Lord vppon paine of death and yet the same man that with open mouth will make that confession will euerie day eate seuen Apples as bitter and as straightly forbidden as that that is offend God seuen times as much as that and yet he will thinke to escape better cheape and easier then his Graund-father did that eate but one that is offended God but once but the eater of seuen shall finde the way into euerlasting life as hard yea harder to enter as the way into Paradise was to his Graund-father being once thrust out vnlesse hee speedily earnestly and truly repent him and giue ouer the eating of such fruits as the Lord hath forbidden him 3 Like as no water will sticke nor abide vpon Leapers by reason of the foulenesse and greasie matter of their Leprosie Euen so such Leapers and farre worse are we vpon whom no deawes nor any droppes of the grace and word of God will cleaue abide and continue Ouerweening Wittes despise Gods wisedome LIke as the Iewes said to him
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
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
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
made him in the forme of a Lyon to bee vigilant and diligent they made him in the forme of a Dogge 8 As Mendesij formed their God Pana with a Goates face and Goates legges and though they did their God great honour because among them their Heard-men of Goates were had in most estimation So doo the Papists who would yet be counted Christians paint and porture God and his Saints with such pictures as they imagine in their fantasies namely God like an old mā with a hore head as though his youth were past which hath neither beginning nor ending Saint George with a long speare vppon a iolly hackney that gaue the Dragon his deaths wound as the Painters say in the throate Saint White with as many round cheeses as may be painted about his Tabernacle So that there is no difference at all betweene a Papist and a Gentile in this Idolatrie sauing onely the name for they thought not their Images to be God bu◠supposed that their Gods would be honored that wayes as the Papists doo 9 As among the Gentiles there were some called Augures that by obseruation of the Birds of the ayre in their flying crying and eating made men beleeue they knew things to come So likewise some Papists thinke they can doo the same as if the Pie chatter they looke for guests If the Crow crie they say wee shall haue raine and if the Oule houle and crie it is a signe of death 10 As there were some that by the obseruation of the starres tooke vpon them to speake of things to come by certaine superstitious and diuellish incantations which the Persians call Magos or Inchaunters the Greekes call them Phylosophers and the Latinists name thē wise men Euen so there are some among the Papists which be called Soothsayers or Prognosticators that write and speake of things to come as when Iupiter ruleth the constellations aboue and is not impeached nor let by the coniunction of his contrarie Planet wee shall say they haue a good yeare and a plentifull If Saturne and such as Astronomers attribute contrarie qualities vnto raigne we shall haue scarcitie and dearth of things 11 Like as Valer. li. 8. cha 1. writeth of one of the Goddesse Vesta her Nunnes that was falsely accused of an vnchast life desired the Goddesse to cleare her innocencie in that crime in some miracle as shee did The maide went to the ryuer Tiber with a siue and brought it full of water into the Temple of the Goddesse So likewise there bee some Papists that by the abuse of Gods name through the helpe of the diuell doo sometimes worke the same in healing men and beasts as in time of Poperie they perswaded some simple ignorant people that this Popish medicine could heale al diseases ✚ Isus ✚ Iob ✚ habuit ✚ vermes ✚ Iob ✚ patitur ✚ vermes ✚ In ✚ nomine ✚ patris ✚ filij ✚ spiritus sancti ✚ Amen ✚ Lamazabathani ✚ 12 Like as the Lanthorne holdeth the Candle not for it selfe but for others So Papists haue the word and baptisme among them not for themselues but for the true Church of God 13 Like as if an vnchast wife should receiue many Louers into her house in the absence of her Husband and beeing reprooued should aunswere that they were the friends of her husband and that shee kept them onely in remembrance of him Euen so the Papists alleadge that they vse and worship Images onely in remembrance of God hauing no commaundement so to doo but the contrarie 14 As it happeneth when we see the cloudes moue in a darke night our sight is so dimmed that we imagine the starres to goe an other way So the Papists not finding any end or stablenesse in the clouds of their errors are not able rightly to iudge of the truth but think that the Scripture and all goeth awrie 15 Like as Caligula who bidding many guests caused to be set before them golden dishes and golden cups and bad them eate Euen so the Papists haue blindfolded the people by keeping them from knowledge and by deuising to fill their eyes with dum showes to gaze vpon and their eares with bare sounds of words farre from their capacitie to reach vnto or profitably vnderstand Such haue most Profit as are farthest from great men AS the Moone haue by so much the lesse light by how much it is nearer the Sunne So haue they most Profit and honour which are far from great Lords Princes Poorenesse of spirit 1 AS the first step vnto health is to know a mans disease because hee that knowes his disease seekes conuenient remedie Euen so the first steppe to the heauenly riches is Poorenesse of spirit because he that feeleth this seeke riches elsewhere Math. 5.3 2 Like as sicknesse is by nature a step vnto death if the Physition helpe not So likewise this Poorenesse of spirit would send a man the straight way to Hel but that Christ imparted his riches vnto vs. 3 Like as the Poorenesse of beggerie is not onely extreame needinesse but also the open profession of the same Euen so the Poorenesse of spirit is not onely the vttermost want of heauenly riches that is to wit of righteousnesse holinesse and innocencie but also the profession of the same want before God of whom we desire release of our needinesse for Christes sake God protecteth the Penitent 1 AS the roote is the foundation whereon trees are stayed and whereby they receiue their nourishment Euen so all such as are Penitent and sorrowfull for their sinnes and leane onely vnto the mercie and protection of God shall surely prosper be perdurable and lasting Iob. 29.19 Hose 14.5 2 As a Citie the Walles and defences whereof are broken downe is in daunger of euerie enemie that is of force and might Euen so a man that hath no stay of his appetite affections desires is alwayes easie to be spoyled of any that will seeke it Prou. 25.28 Obstinate Persecutors vnrecouerable AS it is a meere madnesse for men to goe about to feede and chearish the Dogge that they know to be mad for they put themselues in daunger of his rage and yet doo him no good So likewise is it a great folly for a man to goe about to conuert them by the word of God who by plaine tokens haue shewed themselues to Persecute the truth not of zealous ignorance but of wilful and malicious obstinacie Math. 7.6 Preaching maketh a seperation LIke as in a Barne hee that maketh cleane the Corne with his Fan doth seuer the Wheate and the chaffe asunder and layeth vp the Wheate into the Garner Euen so Christ by the Preaching of his word doth disseuer his elect and reprobate and his elect hee will take home to himselfe and the reprobate hee reserueth to euerlasting fire Math. 3.12 Luk. 3.17 Prosperitie maketh men rebellious AS Cattell the lustier they are kept and the fatter they are fed are the more vnruly and readie to kicke against their
so putteth himselfe into their hands Euen so we cannot turne back that is to say offend God but with this condition that we shall fall into ruine and euerlasting perdition 45 As he which is fallen into a deepe Caue cannot so easily get out as he fell in So it is easie to Sinne but not so easie to be rid of it againe 46 As we are all angrie with Adam because he obeyed his wife rather then God So we must be angrie with our selues for our Sinnes in that we studie to obey and please our flesh and men more then God 47 As God did allow the good things and euer had somewhat to say for the euill that hee found in the seuen Churches So will his maiestie reckon with vs for all our Sinnes not onely of omission but commission although hee doo finde some yea many good things amongst vs. Reue. 2.1 c. 48 As he who taketh a taste of Honie is easily drawne on by sweetnesse of it to eate of it to his great hurt So the pleasure of Sinne being once felt and enioyed wil not afterwards be easily reiected and contemned 49 As the Marchant venturer hauing receiued a great losse by Sea or the Souldier a great wound in battaile often become desperate and carelesse of their owne estate So in like manner a Christian by committing some grieuous Sinne is brought to this passe that hee layeth aside the care and studie of holinesse and letteth all goe at sixe and seuen 50 As one hauing a weake constitution of body beeing in safetie and as we say out of gunshot is liker to liue then the strongest man being in battaile in the middest of his enemies Euen so a weake man being out of temptation and auoiding occasions of Sinne is liker to stand then he who rashly rusheth vpon the pikes and hath many occasions of sinning although in his minde affection and purpose he doo more abhorre from Sinne and so haue a greater measure of the contrarie grace then the other 51 Euen as men doo most fortifie by Art those places of their Townes and Cities which are weakest by nature and flocke thither a pace to defend wher they see the enemie most busie in assaulting So the care in auoiding Sin by considering the nature effectes of it and by eschewing the occasions of it ought to be exercised chiefly in regard of those sinnes and the occasions of them where vnto we know our selues naturally inclined to the which we are oftnest tempted and haue oftnest yeelded 52 As that Citie which is continually besieged and assaulted cannot but bee taken at length at one time or other as they who haue the care and defence of it committed vnto them cannot but sometimes remit of their diligence and bee ouertaken with sleepe drinke forgetfulnesse faire promises pretenses or by some such meanes So wher the corruption of Sinne is continually working in the heart it cannot be but that it should at one place or other vppon one occasion or temptation or other burst forth into open Sinne. 53 As a most naughtie Roote beeing not plucked vp out of the ground doth continually grow and bud more and more Euen so Sinne when wee chearish it doth get dayly newe strength vnto it vntill a monstrous floud of Sinnes haue ouercome vs. 54 Like as when one man standeth bound to an other for the performance of diuers couenants if he breake but one yet he forfaiteth his bond but if hee breake two three or moe of the couenants then is not onely his bond forfeited but also the Lawe hath more force and vauntage against him to condemne him Or as hee that standeth bound to an other for the payment of a peece of money at a certaine day and breaketh his day is yet neuerthelesse still indebted although the Creditor doo not straightway sue his bond but of good will forbeareth him for a time Euen so by euerie Sinne we encrease our debt to God for if we breake one title of Gods Law and faile in one point we are guiltie of all and haue forfaited our Obligation but if we of purpose and willingly heap Sinne vpon Sinne and as it were make an Art of sinning our cōdemnation shal then be the greater And although the Lord in his mercie forbeareth for a time to take punishment of vs for our Sinnes to the end to mooue vs to repentance yet stand we still debters vnto him and are to yeeld an account for the same at his good pleasure Iam. 2.10 Deut. 28.58 Rom. 2.4 55 As that Steward that doth spend and wast his maisters substance without regard and neuer looketh to his debt booke the body of such a one is commonly laid in prison Euen so he that neuer trieth himselfe by the Law of God neither in the first nor second Table shall be placed there as Christ saith where the worme dieth not where shall bee weeping and gnashing of teeth for by euerie Sinne and transgression we doo encrease our debts which God will request of vs except wee craue of him with a liuely faith pardon of them Mar. 9.44 46. Math. 22.13 Reue. 19.20 Sacramentall signe 1 AS the word is all one to the euill as to the good So the Sacramentall signes bee common as well to the euill as to the godly but yet neither the one part or the other dooth helpe any thing at all to such as are voide of faith 2 As men bind themselues in Obligations putting too their hands and seales so as they cannot goe backe Euen so when God commaunds vs to receiue Sacramentall signes in faith and withall promiseth to the receiuers to giue the thing signified hee bindes himselfe as it were in bond vnto vs to stand to his owne word Sinne which is committed of frailtie differeth from Apostasie and backsliding LIke as it is one thing to ray a bodies feete after they be washed and an other matter to goe tumble all the body againe in filth and myre like Swine Or as it is not all a like when a woman dooth sometime offend hir Husband as when shee breaketh her faith and bond of wedlocke and setteth her selfe quite out from all the honest knot of wedlocke Euen so it is one thing simply to Sinne which the children of God also doo and an other matter vtterly to fall and runne backe from the grace of God and to mocke and crucifie Christ a new which the reprobate doo and not the elect Iohn 1.8 10. 2.1 Hebr. 6.4 5 6. 10.26 A Sacraments are witnesses of the truth LIke as the chiefe end of Sacraments is this that they are testimonies to confirme the truth by which the Lord in his Church euen visibly dooth testifie that the things now vttered by preaching of the Gospell and by the promises assured to the faithfull from the begining of the world are in euery point so brought to passe and are so certainely true as they are declared and promised in the word of truth Euen so Baptisme is
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
recouer againe being dead shall no more fall but continue in their holinesse Wicked children of godly parents 1 AS the faire Echium bringeth forth an euill fauoured seede and that euill fauoured seed againe bringeth foorth a faire Buglosse So sometime a godly Father begetteth an euill child and a Wicked child againe sometimes begetteth a godly Sonne 2 As the foreskin of the flesh remaineth in him which is begotten of one circumsised and the Chaffe commeth againe with the Corne though the seede bee neuer so cleane So it is in originall sinne and in sinfull children of Religious parents The Word of God how it worketh in men diuersly 1 LIke as the materiall Sunne in the Firmament which being but one and euer the same yet is in some sort an occasion of contrarie effectes for whereas properly it lightneth and is comfortable to the eyes that bee sound and cleare improperly it dimmeth and breedeth annoyaâ—ce to such as are maymed in sight againe wheras it softneth Waxe it hardneth Clay and as it procureth a sweete sauour from Flowers so it draweth nothing but a stinking smell from dead carrions So likewise the Word of the Lord beeing preached it worketh in the godly and the wicked a contrarie effect for it lightneth the one and blindeth the other it softneth the one and hardneth the other it draweth a sweete fauour from the one and a vile stinke from the other it maketh some better but some others it maketh worse it allureth some to repentance but other some it causeth through their peruerse nature to encrease in pride and contumacie Psal 19.8 119.105 Esay 6.9 10. Math. 13.13 14 15. Act. 28.26 27. Rom. 11.8 Act. 2.37 Act. 7.51 54. Phil. 4.18 Hebr. 13.16 Rom. 22.11 2 Like as water notwithstanding it bee but one and euer the same yet it is in some sort also an occasion of contrarie effects for beeing the one among fire it quencheth the same but being cast into Lime it sets it on fire So in like manner the Word dooth naturally quench the fierie affections in the children of God but accedentally inflameth the fierie dispositions of the children of Sathan Esay 55. 1. Ioh. 4.13 Iere. 44.16 3 Euen as the Flowers although they be euer the same yet are they the matter of diuers things and effectes For whereas they are Honie to the Bees they become verie poyson to the venemous Spider Or as the Honie which is wholesome for sound stomackes is verie hurtfull for those that are sicke of the Collicke not through fault of it selfe but of the receiuer So likewise the word of God is wholesome and profitable to the godly but otherwayes to the wicked 4 As the fire which purgeth the Gold consumeth the drosse which beeing put vnto Frankencense procureth sweete perfumes which are great recreations for men which yet is present death vnto Swine So surely the Word of God it worketh like contrarie effectes in the godly the wicked For it is Honie to the one and poyson to the other It is verie healthfull for the one and hurtfull to the other It purgeth the one and consumeth the other It draweth a sweet sauour from the one but a foule stincke from the other Lastly it is a recreation for the one but a destruction to the other Psal 19.10 107.20 Tit. 1.9 2.8 1. Timo. 1.9 10. Ioh. 13.10 15.3 5 As the godly by their obedience doo feele in the Word the mightie power and wisedome of God to their saluation So the vngodly by their disobedience do finde nothing therin but the inuincible power of God to their endlesse damnation 2. Thess 1.10 1. Pet. 1. 8 9. 2. Thess 1.7 8 9. 6 As the thunder-Bolt which being cast foorth from the cloudes spareth euerie such matter as submitteth it selfe to the force thereof but breaketh to powder whatsoeuer hard thing shall withstand the same So the Word which proceedes from the Lord by the mouth of his Ministers dooth neuer returne in vaine but is either a soueraigne salue to such as are broken in heart or otherwise an hammer to dash in peeces such as are obstinate in hart And therefore cannot properly bee accounted the cause of sinne though by reason of mens sundrie natures it may in some sort be said to be an occasion thereof Esay 55.10 11. Iere. 23.29 Word of God 1 EVen as the Gold Siluer are put to the fire so much the surer proofe they haue of their goodnesse and finenesse So the Lords truth the more exactly it is weyed with spirituall examination so much the greater confirmation of credite it receiueth 2 As Wells the more they are drawne the better they are Euen so the Word of God the more diligently it is handled vsed the more plentifull fruit is receiued by it 3 As we cannot liue without meate and drinke which God hath ordained for our bodily life So wee cannot haue faith without the preaching and hearing of the Word of God 4 As the fish called a Carpe which seeing the Net to be cast into the water diueth suddenly downe to the bottome and dasheth her head so deepe in the mudde that the compasse of the Net slippeth ouer her cleane or at the most doth touch no more then the tippe of her tayle but take her it cannot So the most kind of men are of so carping a nature that they no sooner perceiue the Net of Gods Word to be preached in the Church by their faithfull Minister but foorthwith they begin to diue so deepe in the dunge of their owne delights and to dashe their minds so much in the mucke of worldly trifles that either the net of Gods Word dooth slip ouer them cleane or at the most it doth but lightly touch them yet let them shift as they can they shall bee taken one time or other if they belong vnto the Lord. 5 As Crowes are then most busiest to doo hurt when the Husbandman soweth his seede and when the same seede beginneth to sprout Euen so Sathan and his infernall spirits are then most careful to steale away the seed of the Word of God when it is first preached as also when it beginneth to take some roote in the hearts of the hearers Math. 13.4 Mark 4.4 Luk. 8.5 6 As Gold Siluer and precious stones are not consumed with materiall fire but rather are made more pure EueÌ„ so the pure Word of God suffereth neither hurt nor dammage in spirituall fire that is temptation and persecution 7 As wild Campion Larks-spur Canterburie beles throwen before Scorpions taketh away their power to doo harme So the Word preached sincerely dooth strike men with such a terrour that they dare not doo the euill they intended 8 As the water of Lilium Conuallium if it be drunke restoreth speech to him that hath lost it by the Apoplexie So the Word of Christ truly receiued maketh them to speak that could not 9 As Maister-woort where it is sowne delighteth the ground So the Word where it is
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
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
stomacke turneth all that it eates into raw humors Euen so a good Mind conuerteth all that it heareth and all that it seeth and all that it feeleth vnto some profit but a bad Mind maketh a temptation of euerie thing Rom. 14.14 Tit. 1.15 7 As a field although it bee fertile without Tillage cannot bee fruitfull So the Minde of man without the word of God and heauenly instruction must needes bee barren and can bring foorth no effects of faith nor fruites of godlinesse 8 Like as if one drinke or eate sleepe or labour too much it hurteth the corporall health which cannot bee preserued but by a mediocritie in all things So likewise may we say of the Mind which surely is not in health if it be either too hautie proud or presumptuous or too base lowe and submisse 9 As the ayre is cleared with the brightnes shine of the Sunne and when the Sun is downe and set the ayre is couered with darknesse Euen so the Mind of man when it â—s purged cleared with heauenly wisedome fought and â—rawn out of the word of God doth shine most excellentâ—y sendeth forth a pure perfect light of Christianitie â—hich may easily bee discerned to proceed come from God himselfe but being without that true light it is ouerwhelmed with an horrible and fearefull darknesse and giueth out nothing but filthy mysts and stinking vapors which doo spring rise out of the corruption and rotten nature of man and euen from hell and Sathan himselfe Murder 1 LIke as if a subiect deface the armes of his Prince it is counted an iniurie so great that it shall bee reuenged and punished as Murder for that this in like sort tendeth to the confusion of all order Euen so he that defaceth the image of God by Murder which is Imprinted in men such an outragious villaine deserueth double punishment 2 As it is good for mans body betimes to cut off a rotten member least the sound part be drawne to it So likewise it is profitable for the safetie of humaine societie to take out of the way Murderers noysome and hurtfull Citizens least the corruption of one by litle and little creepe into the whole body of the societie 3 Like as if such tyrannie should bee vsed against any naturall woman as violently to pull her infant from her breasts cut the throate of it in her owne bosome compell her to receiue the bloud of her owne deare child into her owne mouth all nations would hold the fact so abhominable that the like had neuer beene done in the course of nature Euen so no lesse wickednesse commit they that Murder and shed the bloud of Gods children vppon the face of their common Mother the earth Mercie of God to be appealed vnto LIke as that woman did who when shee stood arrayned at the Barre before Alexander the great and waâ— according to her demetites condemned shee then said I appeale from thee ô King Alexander wondering at hâ—â— said thou art a mad woman doest thou not knowe that euerie appellation is from a lower Iudge to a higher but who is aboue me Then said she I know thee to be aboue thy Lawes and that thou maist giue pardon and therefore I appeale from Iustice to Mercie and for my faultes I craue pardon So likewise must we doo when wee looke into the perfect law of Gods word and see him readie to condemne vs for our sinnes and our conscience witnesse that we haue deserued death wee must appeale from Iustice and our deseruings vnto his pardon forgiuenesse and both call and trust to bee partakers of that saluation which he hath purchased offered to the whole world for his Mercies doo passe all our miseries as farre as God is greater then man and his pardon can forgiue all that call on him in true faith 1. King 20.30.31 32. c. Math. 18.26 27. Luk. 7.37 c. 15.21 18.13 2. Chro. 33.12 13. Insufficient Ministers 1 LIke as if a man should faine himselfe to bee a Physition and had no skill at all in Physicke and yet should take a summe of money to heale a sicke man and after should runne away or if hee tarried with the sicke man and neither did him any good nor could doo him any were not this apish Physition a theefe Euen so that Minister that taketh vpon him to bee a Minister and taketh wages of a people to doo those duties that belong vnto a Minister to doo that is faithfully to Preach vnto them the word of God and diligently to Catechise them but yet either doth it not or cannot doo it such one is in deed a theefe and a Church robber c. Ioh. 10.1 c. 2 As in a Common-wealth hee is not to be borne with that would iustifie false and counterfeit money or â—oyne So likewise is he to bee reprooued condemned and rebuked not a litle which will iustifie an ignorant a lewd and a counterfait Minister bicause he doth approue such coine for good as neuer came out of the Lords consistorie which no good or faithfull Christian euer did 1. Cor. 9.14 16. 1. Tim. 3.13 Tit. 1.7 8 9. 3 Like as none that is a good subiect to his Prince not onely wil not traffique with counterfait coine but moreouer will doo his endeuour to haue it defaced and openly nayled vpon the poste Euen so euery true seruaunt of Christ will not onely be farre off from dealing with any such wicked and counterfeyt Minister but moreouer will doo his best in all godly manner that such a one may bee forced to take some other calling vppon him c. 4 As a blind man groping for the wall when he knoweth not how to come by a guide is in great distresse So likewise such ignorant people as are destitute of faithfull Ministers and not knowing by whome to be guided by found instruction are in a most fearefull state Esay 59.10 56.10 11 16. Act. 8.31 Matth. 15.14 5 As Vineger is to the teethe and smoake to the eyes So is a wicked idle and insufficient Minister to the people dulling their sences and blinding them with ignorance Zach. 11.17 Matth. 5.13 Ioh. 10.13 6 Like as it is impossible for an euill man drowned in all kinde of vices to enter into the heauenly Paradise Euen so it is for the leacherous couetous arrogant and stout stomacked and insufficient or vnpreaching Pastor or Minister to make his people and parishioners chaste humble and meeke and fit and able to embrace the kingdome of God Psal 50.16 17. Prou. 29.18 Ier. 23.1 2. c. 48.10 Rom. 2.1 c. Luk. 22.32 12.42 c. Misterie of the Gospell AS the vertues of water Betony Penniwort sea Chick-weed Blew-bells wilde Elder dames Violets Golden-flower of Perowe redde Lillies bastard Hiacinthes Talpia are yet vnknowne what maruell then if heauenly things and many Mysteries of the word be hid Ministers must be able to confute the enemies of Gods