Man was made with true faculties of the soule and true members of the body and a true conformity in both to the Will of God Man fell by falsehood but is redeemed in Truth and renewed againe in Truth Ephes 4.24 The earth is reall earth the water is true water all Gods workes are done in Truth Sect. 3 Thirdly Of the Truth of God HE is the essentiall Truth Truth flowes from him He is the onely true God Iohn 17.3 Hee is a God of Truth Psal 31. â— The Father is Truth so is the Sonne * John 14.6 So is the Holy Ghost †John 16.13 God is a true Essence true in his Attributes he is truely Eternall truely Omnipotent Daniel 10.21 Iohn 17.17 truely invisible and incomprehensible * His Scriptures are the Scriptures of Truth being true in the precepts promises and threatnings not a jot shall faile Here is the heavenly verity 2 Cor. 1.20 Math. 5. above nature sence and reason Nature and Sence are Reasons servants and Reason must stoope to Truth and Truth must be beleeved by Faith beyond Nature Sence and Reason for as the light availes not unlesse we have eyes to see so God and his Word are not rightly discerned but by faith without which a man still is ignorant and demands with Pilate what is Truth Iohn 18. Sect. 4 Fourthly Applications to edifie distributive FIrst this distinguishes the true God from false Gods In respect of God as Idols which are not true Gods for they are no Gods Ier. 2.11 Our God is the living and true God 1. Thes 1.9 And the onely God Iohn 17.3 As for Angels or Magistrates that are called gods †Psal 8. and Psal â—2 because the Magistrates execute the Judgements of God 2. Chron. 19.6 And God hath given them his Word Iohn 10.34 35. And Angels are Princes Dan. 10.13 Yet the Angels are messengers Heb. 1. last And Magistrates are mortall Psal 82.6 The eternall Iehovah is the true God and these are his servants Secondly is the Word the Truth In respect of the Word then wee should 1. Buy it Prov. 23.23 2. Keepe it In buying are three things first we see our need secondly wee goe where the commodity is to be had thirdly we give something for it by way of exchange Thus we must buy the Truth 1. We must see our need of it without the Truth we are in bondage and in darknesse and in the shadow of death and miserable The Truth will make us free set us at liberty give us light and life it will direct us and enrich us these considerations should cause us to prize it because it is of worth and we neede it 2. We must goe where it is to be had not to the Iewish Talmud nor Turkes Alcoran nor the Papists Legend but got to God who gives it who is the Author of Truth goe to the holy Bible where 't is printed to the congregations where 't is preached unfolded and applied goe to the society of the godly where it is professed and the power of it expressed read Commentaries and Expositions labour and enquire digge and search be studious and industrious let spare houres here be spent and vacant time be this way imployed 3. We must part with something for the Truth wee must part with some sleepe with some pleasure with some gaine nay if we part with all that we have for the Truth we shall be wise bayers and great gainers we shall be wise Merchants and obtaine the best bargaine Secondly as the Truth is to be bought so it is to be kept with Mary to lay it up in our hearts Iohn 2.51 Psal 119.10 The Word is kept by witnessing to it John 18.37 and by professing it for by professing it the Truth is knowne and spread abroad in the world We should witnesse in our profession three things of the Truth 1. That it is able to worke a through change * James 1.18 and to bring a man to a holy frame of heart and life †John 17.17 that the Word hath a regenerating power to make us new men 2. That the Truth hath a power to governe and guide a man in his place to make him a good Father or master a good servant a loyall subject a loving Husband a kinde neighbour a faithfull friend a mercifull Christian a just dealer c. 3. That the Truth is able to support him in reproaches under crosses and troubles that there are consolations to be had in the Scriptures for every condition in all changes and alterations Thus shall we shew our selves children of the Truth begotten by the Truth James 1.18 Nourished by the Truth 1. Pet. 2.1 2. And those that have the Truth dwelling in them * 2. Joh. 2. vers whereby they are enriched guided quickened emboldened strengthened and rejoyced Sect. 5 Fifthly Questions answered Quest 1 WHat duties doe we owe to the God of Truth Answ 1. To labour to know him Iohn 17.3 2. To give him a true worship Iohn 14.24 3. To commend our soules continually into his hands Psal 31.6 Quest 2 When doe we know the true God with a true knowledge Answ First when we know him in Christ Iohn 17.3 Secondly when wee know him our God that loves us Thirdly when we so know him that we doe flye to him in all our needs and troubles * Psal 9.11 Fourthly when this knowledge increases more and more Quest 3 How may we know the Truth from Errour Answ 1. The Truth makes God the highest and man the lowest 2. The Truth brings peace with it to that soule which imbraceth it 3. The Truth maketh the most sound professors and substantiall Christians 4. It seeks not violent meanes to uphold it nor base meanes and shifts as Hereticks and Tyrants 5. God preserves the Truth and sides with it and often manifests visible Iudgements on the opposers and gaine-sayers of the Truth Quest 4 May a Christian know that he is in the Truth Answ He may on sound grounds David knew that hee had chosen the way of Truth Psal 119.30 1. John 5. And St. Iohn saith Wee know that we are of God The high-way is light the by-wayes are darke and doubtfull Quest 5 What be the symptomes of an upstart Hereticke that opposeth the Truth Answ 1. He preaches ambiguously in darke phrases that so he may win disciples to his lodging 2. Hee delivers some Doctrine against the fundamentall points of Religion 3. He opposes the faithfull preachers as Iannes and Iambres withstood Moses 4. They are not in the same tale in their chambers and in the Pulpit to their followers and to others 5. They boast of illuminations and revelations 6. They challenge Dispures in which they falsifie the Scriptures and learned Authours pretending they are on their side 7. Their followers bewray them the hollow hypocrite the idle that live without a Calling or negligent in a Calling the unstable and giddy-headed they make a
wicked and hath no right Quest 9 In what place of the earth was Paradise Answ The place is ghessed at by the names of the Rivers which are mentioned to runne through it but the deluge of waters in the dayes of Noah deprived the men on earth of the beauty of it and when the place is disputed yet little is concluded Quest 10 What lessons doth the Earth teach us Answ 1. To be patient the Earth beares all 2. To be fruitfull the earth abounds with fruites 3. To be bountifull the Earth receives all 4. To be constant the earth is immoueable Our patience brings us much inward peace Our fruitfulnesse evidences we have life in us Our bounty and doing good wins others Our constancy brings us from duty to reward Quest 11 Why have the godly for the most part so small a portion of earthly things Answ 1. They enjoy God which is the best satisfaction 2. God keepes them short as Birds wings are clipped that they may not flye from him 3. They bend their chiefe studdies and endeavours for saving grace and spirituall riches 4. God gives portions heere to wicked men Psal 17. but he reserves for them an heavenly inheritance Quest 12 What are the markes of an earthly man Answ 1. When he awakes hee mindes earth 2. He is over-joyed if he winnes earth 3. He is over-grieved if he looses earth 4. He esteemes them the onely wise men that be wise for the earth to get great estates 5. Hee opposes the powerfull preaching of the word and the heavenly minded Christian 6. He is loath to heare of going from the earth 7. His delightfull discourse is most forthe earth 8. He is never wearied in studdying and in labouring for earthly things 9. Hee is never satisfied but still desires more 10. He is unwilling to part with earth though God and his Conscience and the poore call for it Quest 13 How should wee carry ourselves being inhabitants on the earth Answ 1. Labour to be Saints on earth Psalme 16.3 2. To consider we are strangers on earth Psa 119.19 First we should labour to be Saints on earth 1. By yeelding to the Ministery of the word which although others are not wrought on yet the Saints are gathered glued together and grow up into one body by the Ministery of the word Ephe. 4 11. 2. By separating from all grosse sinnes in the act and from all smaller sinnes in the allowance 3. By dedicating our selves and giving our selues to God 1. Speedily without delay 2. Totally without reservation 3. Resolutely agaynst opposition 4. Constancy not revolting Secondly as strangers on the earth 1. We should freely acknowledge we be strangers 2. Use this world moderately 1. Cor. 7. chap. 31. 3. Expect some wrongs no preferments 4. Wee should much praise God for our comforts here 5. Forget that behind and endeavour towards that befor◠Phil. 3. 6. To do good now Gall. 6.9 be ready to depart 2. Peter 1.10.11 For our encouragement in the way 1. Our Pilgrimage is not long 2. We have company 3. We shal be provided for 4. We have a guide Psal 119.105 5. VVe have attendants Psalme 91.6 A Heaven to receive us Of the Water 1. Of the Etymology and also the original of waters 2. Of the kinds of Waters 3. Of the usefulnesse of Water 4. Resolves concerning Water Sect. 1 FIrst of the Etymology of Water and the original of them the Latin Aqua some do derive it from à et qua quasi à qua vivimi◠vel à qua omnia fiunt Lodwick Rowsee D. of Physicke by which we live or of which all things were made Others will have it quasi aequa because nothing more equall and smooth then water when it is not troubled Adam named many of the Creatures but God he himselfe gave the name to the Waters in the generall Gen. 1.2 also the gathering together of the Waters he called Seas he gave the name to the Rivers For their originall we read of them as soone as we read of any thing the Spirit of God mooving on them the Earth to appeare out of them the waters are honourable for antiquity Sect. 2 Secondly the kindes of Water THe kinds of water are many there is salt water and fresh water the Sea water and the River water Well-water Raine-water Snow-water the Water in Bathes there is Waters of divers wonderfull operations some Water is sayd to kindle a torch some to make the Sheepes wool blacke that drinke it The Spaw doth intoxicate the braine some Waters are reported to be so cold that they turne Leather-gloues and bals into stone I have seene Cheese and Wood and a Toadstoole turned to stone I judge it came by such like water In Boetia are springs that helpe memory some waters make Women barren one River is reported to be bitter and salt thrice a day In Arabia is a fountaine which casteth up all heavy things put into it In Phrygia are two Fountaines one makes men laugh the other makes men crye there is a river in Bythinia which torments perjured persons being put into it amongst us some water will take Soape and some will not some water wil make better drinke then other At Bath the water springs alwayes hot In France is a river with the which a Scarlet is dyed excelling other colours the variety of Waters requires a Volume I only take an abridgement and a tast or touch Sect. 3 Thirdly of the usefulnes of the water FOr usefulnesse it hath a priority above the other elements it pierces the aire and ascends by the Sunnes exhalation it devoures the earth if it bee not strongly kept in by bankes it quenches the fire it hath great ability and therefore may be usefull it carries our ships makes fertile our grounds refresheth and nourisheth man and beast fowles and fishes the trees live by the water the earth upholds them a rose bush upheld in water without earth brings both leaves and roses as some affirme some creatures live by water but none without it most live without fire but none without water men beasts trees and corne cannot continue without water It washes and cleanses and cooles and refreshes In peace in warre in sickenesse in health in the house in the field alwayes water is usefull In conclusion no water no humane life no Common-wealth no world Fourthly Resolves concerning water Quest 1 What are those waters above the firmament Gen. 1.5 Answ They be the waters in the cloudes above that firmament where the fowles flie called heaven Psal 148.4 how heaven is diversly taken in Scripture reade before page 176. as every part of the water is called water so every part of the firmament is called by the name of the whole Quest 2 What may we observe concerning the sea Answ 1. Gods bounty in storing it with fishes 2. His power in keeping it within his boundes 3. His providence for commodities are in great ships conveighed in great quantity and more
speed from one people to another then could be by Camels or Horses also the Ilands are as Innes for seafaring men to refresh them Quest 3 How should they be quallified that goe to sea Answ 1. To prepare for danger for at sea be rocks quick-sands pirates tempests 2. To prepare for death for there is but an inch or two alwaies betweene it and them 3. To resolve to glorifie God when they doe see his great workes Quest 4 What is the cause of the saltnesse of the sea Answ Some thinke it is caused by the Sunne that draweth from it all thinne and sweet vapours to make raine leaving the rest as the setling or bottome others say it takes a saltnesse from the earth where it runnes God hath made it salt the meanes is hard to find Quest 5 What is the cause of the waters ebbe and flowing Answ One opinion is there be exhalations under the water that moves it two and fro others say the Moone causes the tides and ebbes we sooner find it is so then how it is so Reason is like the Sunne it discovers things under it but darkens the things above it Quest 6 From whence have the Springs and Rivers their originall Answ Some thinke from the aire converted into water they reason in nature is no emptinesse and in caves and hollow places of the earth is aire which by cold is resolved into water they give an example of Marble pillars which sweat before it raines but this is not an argument convictive the water that is on marble stones is not aire transmutated but rather exhalations of thin vapours which sticke there as the hoare frost sticks on mens beards and horses haires by a conveiance invisible a more sollide infallible answer is that of Solomon Ecles 1.7 all the rivers runne into the Sea yet the Sea is not full unto the place from which the rivers come they returne and goe so then the sea not the aire is the originall of the springs Solomon is to be preferr'd before Aristotle Quest 7 Why are some springs medicinable Answ Gods goodnesse is such he gives vertue to the creatures for mans good the second aire causes the waters come through divers mines of the earth and licke of them and participate of them and so become physicall Quest 8 What is the cause of the hotnesse of bathes Answ Some suppose there are burning minerals like Mount Aetna others thinke there are mines of brimstone they passe through others the tumbling of waters beating one against the other makes them hote we must be content to looke à posteriori God hee knowes a priori let us be thankefull for the effects when we find not the cause Quest 9 Whether are the most excellent the fishes in the water or beasts on earth Answ In the generall the beasts for they have more perfect senses converse more with men are more docible and serviceable Quest 10 Were fishes made of water onely Answ It is probable the fishes were made of the foure Elements but the water was the most predominate and the place of their habitation generation and conservation Quest 11 Were the Birds created of the water Answ It is thought not of the thickest of the water but the watery vapour aire and water is predominate in birds fishes in the water birdes in the aire have a resemblance 1. The elements they live in are cleare and perspicuous 2. The bird flies very swiftly so doth the fishes swim swiftly 3. The birds have wings and feathers the fishes have sins and scales The bird guids his flying with his taile so doth the fish his swimming 4. There be some fishes make a prey of others and devoure them so is it with the birds 5. The birds that prey on others doe not multiply so fast as those preyed upon so is it with fishes Quest 12 How are people compared to waters Answ In five particulars reade page 131. Quest 13 How is the word compared to waters Answ In sixe particulars reade page 3. Quest 14 How is the spirit compared to waters Answ 1. As water cleanseth from filthinesse so doth the Spirit of God Ezek. 36.35 2. Cor. 6.11 yee are washed c. by the Spirit 2. Water refresheth Iudges 15.19 much more doth the Spirit revive and quicken our soules 3. Water cooleth us so doth the Spirit in the time of tentation 4. Water makes fruitfull so doth the Spirit enable us to bring forth fruit to God 5. Those that have plenty of water we judge them happy so should we them that have Gods Spirit 6. No water no temporall life so without the Holy Ghost no spirituall life Quest 14 How is he said never to thirst that drinkes of the water Christ gives Joh. 4.14 Answ 1. He shall never thirst out of an emptinesse 2. He shall not thirst corruptly to satisfie his lusts Quest 15 Why is the sea called the red sea Exod. 14. Answ Some thinke because the mountaines and cliffes and sea bankes are red others say the originall word Suph signifies a Reede aboundance of Reed grow there so is to be understood the Reedy sea Quest 16 What water is best and most wholsome Answ The fresh water that is most thinne pure and freest from mixture and which tastes of nothing but it selfe Quest 17 How is Baptisme resembled to the Jsraelites passing through the Red sea Answ 1. The Israelites were as it were buried in the sea yet arose at the shore so in Baptisme we are as buried in sinne and rise to a new life 2. The Egyptians being drowned could no more hurt the Israelites so our sinnes in Baptisme being pardoned cannot prevaile any more 3. The Baptized Israelites all of them entred not into Canaan nor doe all baptized Christians enter into heaven 4. In the overthrow of Pharoah they were delivered from bondage so by Baptisme wee are delivered from the service of sinne and Sathan and vow warre against them 5. The Israelites after they passed through the sea did feede on heavenly Manna so Christians after baptisme doe partake of heavenly mysteries 6. As all the Israelites were baptized 1 Cor. 10. so all Christians have but one baptisme Ephesians the fourth So much of the waters Of Fire 1. Of the divers names of fire 2. Of fire properly so called 3. Of the qualities of fire 4. Of the improper fire fire met aphoricall 5. Divers resolves concerning fire Sect. 1 First of divers names given to fire SOmetimes fire is attributed to God Heb. 12.29 Our God is a consuming fire so Christ in purging the elect is like a purging fire Mal. 3.2 and the holy Ghost is like fire Matth 3.11 and the word is as fire to perplexe the carnall Luke 12.49 and fire to try and examine mens doctrines 1. Cor. 3.13 so afflictions are fire Psal 66.12 And fire is that which is made with combustible things as wood Acts 28.2 3. and coales Isai 54.16 But all fire may be ranked to two heads proper or improper fire
reports that encreases jealousie Quest 4 What lessons may we learne from the fire which fel on Sodome Answ 1. That God is just as well as mercifull 2. Strange sinnes bring strange punishments 3. The equity they burnd in lust first and then were burned with fire 4. Voluptuous living hath a smarting conclusion 5. Vniversality of sinnes brings universall destruction 6. Those which cannot abide to be reproved must abide to be punished 7. We should take examples least we make examples Quest 5 How is Gods word like to fire Answ 1. The fire gives light so doth Gods word Psal 19. 2. The fire gives heat so doth the word 3. The fire in his place rejoyces so doth the word rightly applyed Ier. 15. Job 23. 4. The fire consumes the combustible stuffe so the word consumes our sinnes and lusts 5. The fire changes some things and drawes some things to it so doth the word change us and win us and turne us to his owne likenesse Quest 6 How are the judgements like fire Answ 1. Fire is terrible when it is cryed fire fire so Gods judgements are terrible in the threats 2. Fire it impartiall so are Gods Judgements 3. Fire consumes so doe Gods judgements 4. Fire torments men so doe Gods judgements 5. The spoyle that fire makes is reported a farre off from the place so Gods judgements are heard of and famous for report and record 6. When fire is cryed and kindled men doe remove their Goods and cast water on their neighbours houses or flye away so in the threatning and beginning of judgements it is wisedome to pray and to give almes to lay up treasure in heaven to weep for the sinnes and miseries of others to the from the sins of the time unto the name of God to the throne of grace 7. When wee see the flame a farre wee beginne to bestirre our selves so the judgements on neighbour nations should now awaken us 8. The mining sunder ground are least perceived and yet most terrible sudden and inevitable so inward spirituall judgements are least perceived and most dangerous 9. As those that kindled the fire are worthy of our hatred and those that quenched it are worthy of our love so the wicked that procure Gods judgements are worthy of most hatred and the godly that preserve us from them or by their prayers remove them deserve most love Of Meteors 1. Of the names of Meteors 2. Of the matter whereof they are produced 3. Of the time when they doe appeare 4. Of the various formes and shapes of them 5. Of the place where they are Sect. 1 First of the names of Meteors A Meteor is taken more largely or more strictly Largely all vapours exhalations clouds windes tempests haile snow are Meteors Meteora is first things ingendred Secondly in the aire Thirdly unperfect things ingendred imperfectly in the aire strictly it is either from vapours arising from the water or exhalations from the earth or both so growing hard and clammy are called Meteors in the aire Sect. 2 Secondly of the matter of them FIrst negatively of what they are not Secondly affirmatively of what they be Negatively They are not of fire nor of aire and so are of unperfect mixture for the perfect bodies are either simple compounded of the foure elements The Meteors are not of fire for the fire consumes them and doth not produce them the fire I meane the elementary fire is so thinne it cannot be altered and made thinner if the fire were thicker it would become hot aire neither are Meteors made of aire for if aire were made thinner it would turne to fire the exhalation then is not from aire nor fire Affirmatively Meteors have their production from the Waters and Earth from the waters do arise moyst vapors from the Earth arise exhalations more hot and dry and are more thin and pierce the Ayre ascending up more free then Vapors to the place where they are fired and consumed and t is probable that Meteors are rather exhalations then Vapors As there be seene some at Sea it may be they arise from vapors or from some Isles of the Sea or exhalations may be drawne from Fleetes of ships and great Navies this is but conjectures wee must leave many causes in nature to the God of Nature who onely knowes them Sect. 3 Thirdly the time when Meteors appeare NOt in the heate of Summer for then the Sunne is strong on the earth in his heate and consumes the matter whereof the Meteors are formed Not in the deepe of Winter for then the Sunne is so farre distant that t is not so operative to raise the exhalations up into the Ayre But the Spring and Autumne is the ordinary time As for the Star that did lead to Christ in the deep of winter it may be the Countrey is temperate or it was an extraordinary Meteor or Starre for speciall use God can throw the reines on natures necke yet keepes the bridle in his mouth hee can worke by secondary meanes and without them Sect. 4 Fourthly of the various formes and shapes THe formes of Meteors are according to the quantity or quality if the quantity be very great it is not carried up to the upper Region of the Ayre when the grossenes and heavinesse is the quality of it but if the quantity be great and the quality be thin and light it goes to the upper Region and there is fired And to proove that great quantity is exhaled up in the Meteor it appeares in some Comets or blazing Stars which continue many dayes after they be fired before they be consumed which argues there was a great quantity that lasted so long Sect. 5 Fifthly of the place of Meteors THe place is to be considered two wayes First the place of their production Secondly whither they ascend 1. The place of their production is not farre North for that is too cold nor yet in the South for there the Sun beames are too hot but that part of the earth which is like the Spring and Autumne all the yeare there are most Meteors Vnder the Equinoctial line are none nor in the two extreames but in the temperate Climat there they arise 2. The place whither they ascend t is to the upper Region for the middle Region wanting the reflexion of the Sunne beames is extreame cold In the lower Region is Frosts and Mists in the middle Region Clouds and raine in the upper Region Comets and blazing stars Conclusions applicatory An Hypocrite is like unto a Meteor First a Meteor is raysed from the Earth yet is not earth So an Hypocrite is raysed in the Church yet is not of the Church They went out from vs saith St. Iohn but are not of us he is not of the true Church of Christs mysticall body 2. A Meteor hath an ascent yet is not heavenly so an Hypocrite may be advanced yet not of an heauenly disposition 3. An Hypocrite may make more shew than a true Christian as a meteor may blaze
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because hee will fight with Serpents The fourth is called a Grashopper because of his Leaping The Marginall Note saith these were kinds of Grashoppers to us unknowne 4. Qu. What were the Legs of Iron and Clay Dan. 2.33 Ans The fourth Monarchie divided into two kingdomes Syria and Egypt 1. These two Kingdomes were as Iron to the Church 2. They issued from the Brasen-bellie and Thighes from Alexanders Monarchie 3. These Kingdomes were one stronger than the other the King of the North was strongest 4. Their Matrimoniall Leagues would not hold together as Iron and Clay can make no firme lasting Coniunction 5. Qu. What is meant by Cant. 5.15 His Legs are Pillars of Marble set upon sockets of Gold Ans Christs goings are commended 1. For Comlinesse Pillars of Marble be long and straight and beautifull 2. For strength and stabilitie Marble is lasting 3. For Glorie the Sockets be Gold the most precious of Metals Christ comes beautifull as one to be desired his goings are strong none can let his comming nor rase-out his foot-steps his foot-steps be golden steps he brings Glorie with him to that people to that soule where he comes Resolves Concerning the Feete 1. Qu. VVHat may we observe from Moses putting-off his shoes from his Feete Exo. 3.5 Ans There be three Causes of putting-off the shoes 1. By way of Humiliation as David did 1 Sam. 15.30 2. By way of Resignation Deut. 25.9 Ruth 4.7 3. By way of Reverence so Moses put-off his shoes Divers Opinions Concerning Moses Action 1. Some thinke to Consecrate the place but Gods presence made it holie before 2. Another Opinion The shoes were made of dead Beasts skinnes Now he must put-off the feare of Death 3. Or to put-off the shoes to acknowledge he is not the Head of the Church he resignes his right by that Action that is another Opinion 4. Moses must put-off his carnall Affections when hee approches Gods Presence this is a true Opinion The Iewes from the Precept Leviticus 19.30 Yee shall Reverence my Sanctuarie Concluded None must come there with shoes on his Feete 2. Qâ—est What is meant by Saules going in the cave to cover his Feete 1 Sam. 24 3â— Ans To doe his easement wee call it to untrusse a poynt The Holie Bible teaches a holie Expression of things unseemely to be spoken Adam knew Hevah Gen. 4.1 The Title of Psalme 51. A Psalme of David after he had gone-in to Bath-sheba 3. Qu. What learne wee from Rom. 16.20 The God of Peace will tread Satan under your Feete Ans 1. To encourage them against false Teachers he promises them victorie 2. The God of Peace will destroy him that breaks Peace 3. Wee must not trust to our owne strength to subdue Satan t is God can doe it 4. Satan shall be subdued and kept under 5. God did this for the Christians in that time who suffered under the Roman Persecuters 6. As GOD raiseth up an Adversarie to the Negligent 1 Kings 11.14 So he threatens to crush the greatest Enemie of the Diligent 7. When Satan is subdued then Grace florishes presently The Apostle wishes the Grace of Christ as soone as hee had spoken of Satans being troden under our Feete 8. If Satan the Chiefest then all other Enemies that be Inferiour must needs be subdued 9. Though Satan hath a Throne for a time Revelation 2.13 Yet hee must come under Foote in a short time hee shall be trod under Foote shortly 10. Those which have trod on Satan and beene victorious should encourage us as Iosua did encourage from former Experience Iosua 10.24.25 4. Quest What is meant by Esai 3.16 The Daughters of Sion made a tinkling with their Feete Ans 1. They had some Bells or Plates that sounded 2. whatsoever it was it made a noise as they went 3. Such a noise as they would be taken notice of 5. Quest How are the Affections like the Feete and the Feete like the Affections Ans 1. The Affections be a part of the Soule and the Feete be a part of the Bodie 2. The Affections be in Motion so be the Feete 3. The Affections be soone cold so be the Feete 4. The Affections must be guided so must the Feete 5. The Affections goe by two and two so the Feete are in number two Quest How doe the Affections goe by two and two Answer There is Joy and Griefe Loving and Hating Desiring and Fearing Hoping and Despairing c. 6. Feete well shod with shoes will treade on Stones or Thornes yet goe-on Comfortably And Affections well shod with Patience will goe on Crosses and Troubles with Constancie 7. When the Feete be cold t is uncomfortable so when the Affections be cold t is uncomfortable 8. Stirring or Fire warmes the Feete so Duties and the Ordinances warme the Affections 9. A paire of little shoes will serve a paire of little Feete so those which Affect little a little will content them 10. As Children doe grow Elder so their Feete grow bigger and stronger So GODS Children as they grow Elder their Affections should grow better and stronger Section 4 Fourthly How Man is a Medium betweene an Angell and a Beast and of other Mediums 1. THE Angell is all Spirit the Beast is all Flesh Man is a Medium Soule and Flesh 2. The Angell hath cleere Understanding the Beast hath no Understanding Man is a Medium in his Knowledge above Beasts lesse than Angels 3. The Angels Love is Divine the Beasts Love is sensuall Man is a Medium and by Grace he loves Divinely by Nature sensually 4. The Angell doth service willingly the Beast by compulsion Man is a Medium by Grace hee is willing by Nature hee is dull and backward and must be forced by Lawes threates corrections c. 5. The Angell is full of Admiration the Beast may be frighted but cannot Admire Man is a Medium he may be frighted and hath Reason so is capable of Admiration 6. The Angell never dies the Beast dies Man is a Medium his Bodie dies his Soule dies not Of other Mediums 1. THERE is Earth there is Water Slime is a Medium 2. There is Aire there is Water Vapours are a Medium 3. There is Aire there is Fire Exhalations are a Medium 4. There is Slime there are Stones the Sea-some a Medium 5. There is a Diamond there is Water Crystall the Medium 6. There is Water and Metals Quick-silver the Medium 7. There are Rootes and Stones the Corall the Medium 8. There are Animals and Plants the Mandrake the Medium 9. There are Fowles and Beasts the Ostrich the Medium 10. There are Birds and Creeping-things the Bat the Medium 11. There is Raine and Haile the Snow the Medium FINIS
height of glory I looke for a Heaven above First let mee be heavenly ey'd to read secondly heavenly minded to contemplate thirdly heavenly changed to beleeve to convert to be renewed Sect. 2 Secondly Of the clearenesse of the Heavens IT is the elementary Heavens I now thinke upon they are for clearenesse and purity compared to molten glasse Iob 37.18 And the blewnesse of them to our view is because of the farre distance betweene the eye and the object Reflexions 1. If Heaven be so pure that we see Deut. 26.15 how pure are the invisible Heavens that is a pure place called Gods holy habitation 2. Gods dwelling is pure He will not abide in a sinfull soule nor with a profane heart I must be purged clensed and humbled if I will have God with me Isai 57.15 3. If Heaven be so pure then God himselfe is a pure and holy God 1. John 3.3 4. A pure conscience a cleane heart a sanctified soule is a kind of Heaven on earth When I looke towards Heaven and consider the purenesse of the Element let me desire to be pure it is heavenly and excelent A legall purity I can never obtaine here an Evangelicall purity I must endeavour after to be cleansed from my guiltinesse by Christs blood and from my filthinesse by his Spirit Sect. 3 Thirdly Of the height of the Heavens HEaven is the Throne of God Matth. 5.34 and Thrones are on high Solomon had staires to ascend to his Throne because he sate as Judge above the people 1. King 10.18 19. So Gods Throne is on high The Heaven is high above the earth Psal 103.11 as the large circumference to the little Center the distance is very great men may ghesse at it but not certainely conclude how farre it is Reflexions 1. Feare 1. What cause have I to feare the Lord for as farre as Heaven is above the earth so large is his mercy to them that feare him Psal 103.11 This should enlarge my endeavour after the feare of the Lord. 2. Circumspection 2. God sees all our actions here below for hee dwelleth in the high Heavens and from thence beholds us Psal 33.14 3. Heavenly mindednesse 3. Though the visible Heavens be high yet our humane flesh is carried higher Heb. 4.14 9.24 Christ is ascended farre above all Heavens Ephes 4.10 There I hope to come there I desire my heart may be often Colos 3.1 Sect. 4 Fourthly Of the largenesse of the Heavens THE Heavens for their largenesse are said to bee spred out Iob 37.18 Psal 104.2 Ier. 51.13 The largenesse may be demonstrated three wayes 1. By a visible apparision for wee can see on our Horizon but halfe of the Heavens In the Moneth of March when the Sunne riseth at 6. and sets at 6. wee then may make a tryall 2. By an Astronomicall relation or Geometricall collection the Earth is large yet it is but as the Center to the Heavens circumference 3. By a divine conclusion Heaven is the dwelling of the great God and the receptacle of the Saints Psal 2.4 Iohn 14.2 Therefore the visible Heavens bee large though not so large as the invisible Reflexions 1. God is a great God great Princes are knowne by their great Palaces so I know God is a great God by his dwelling place 2. I perceive a progresse from little to great from the little wombe of my Mother to this great world the habitation of mortals I trust I am going from this little Terrene Globe to the large Heavens the habitation of Angels 3. Though the Heavens are large yet they cannot containe God 1. Kings 8.27 God comprehends all and is incomprehensible himselfe 4. I may be straitned and put in prison on earth but when I leave earth I shall come to a large place above the large visible Heavens called for largenesse a Kingdome Luke 12.32 Sect. 5 Fifthly Of the firmnesse of the Heavens THey are called Firmament for stability Psal 19.1 Our bodies are generated and soone corrupted but the Heavens continue to this day Psal 119.90 91. Reflexions 1. These Heavens we see continue a long time but the Heaven I hope for continues without alteration to eternity A Kingdome it is that cannot be shaken Heb. 12.28 2. Gods Worke is excellent being out spread and firme If a Brazier or Gold-smith stretch out his metall it loses firmenesse and growes to weaknesse Gods workes are admirable 3. Heaven is firme but the Word is more firme Mat. 5.18 Those that looke so much on security doe teach me where to looke for it 2. Pet. 1.19 We have a sure word of the Prophets Psal 93. Sect. 6 Sixthly Of the motion of the Heavens THe earth is fixed and hath foundations Micha 6.2 and hangeth on nothing Iob 26.7 but the heavens have a yeerely monethly daily revolutions Astronomers hold an opinion of divers sphaeres the neerest is the sphaere of the Moone the next where Mercury is the 3. hath Venus the 4. the Sunne the 5. Mars the 6. Iupiter the 7. Saturne the 8. the other Starres the 9. Compasses the rest and turne about every day this is above common capacity but certainly the earth turnes not round as meat on a spit but is fixed and stands still and the heavens are in motion Reflexions 1. I now have found who can make the perpetuall motion men would doe it God hath done it I honour his worke I blame mans folly 2. It is heavenly to be in motion it is earthly to be dull and sluggish I desire to be ready to every good worke Tit. 3.1 and to run the way of Gods Commandements Psal 119.32 3. I shall be of swift motion at last 1. Cor. 15 44. at the resurrection Seventhly Of the heavens dissolution or redintegration AT the last they shall waxe old as doth a garment Psa 102.27 and at the last day shall passe away with a noise 2. Pet. 3.10 and be folded up as a booke or role Isa 34.4 Heâ— 1.12 and shall be disolved 2. Pet. 3.12 the Angels have forme not matter so are everlasting we have matter and forme generation and corruption the heavenly sphaeres have matter and forme of long duration but not for ever whether they shall be annihilated or redentigrated whether brought to nothing or refined and remaine with the earth as monuments of Gods eternall power and wisedome I am ignorant of it and leave it to them more wise to judge Reflexions 1. Oh with what detestation should I thinke of sin It is sin hath tainted this great fabricke and will bring a dissolution 2. There is something will stand me in stead and is of great consequence at that time when all my silver and gold is melted and the world burned that is holinesse which now I must prize at a high rate and pray and labour for it 2. Pet. 3.11 3. If heaven mâ—st be disolved that is so firme then my fraile weake body will soone come to a dissolution I am earth and must
returne to the eâ—rth my time is short I am like to the Ice which was is and shall be water againe 4. Oh that my affâ—câ—ions were above these perishing heâ—vens had I a leaâ—e of land as long as the heavens endure at last my lease would burne and the heavens faile let me O Lord more meditate on my eternall estate and and affect things most durable 5. I perceive the excellency of God beyond all created nature the heavens waxe old as a garment and shall be changed Psal 102.28 but thou Lord art Iehova and changest not Mal. 3.6 Iames 1.17 so much of the heavens Of the Sunne The Sunne is the chiefe of the Planets the fountaine of light the mirth of the world the measure of time 1. The Sunne is great and large 2. The Sunne is swift in motion 3. Of his exceeding brightnesse 4. Observe the order of the Sunne 5. Consider his operation 6. His eclips Sect. 1 Fist the Sunne is great and large SOme hold the Sunne is 166 times bigger than the earth Some say he is greater some lesser but God saith in his word He is a great light Gen. 1.16 Reflexions 1. If ever I should be great in the world yet I am not excluded from doing service if I will be taught by the Sunne who serves little creatures though himselfe be great 2. This Sunne is great and of a burning light yet is so ordered that he heates us but not consumes us which were he neare us he would doe for in some places hee burneth more than a furnace Ecclesiasticus 43.3 4. 3. Great is the Lord that made the Sunne Ecclesiasticus 43.5 The glory of God appeares in his workes Sect. 2 Secondly the Sunne is swift in motion SO swift that he runnes his race Psal 19.5 No arrow nor bullet flies so swiftly for in twenty foure houres he turnes round the celestiall globe the earth is many thousand miles about then what are the heavens 1. I admire Gods wisedome to make a creature so exceeding large and yet so swift in motion 2. CoÌ„siderations If the Sunne that is visible and materiall bee so swift what are those invisible immateriall swift winged Seraphims 3. Though the Sunne be swift in motion yet he doth good wheresoever he comes to teach me so to dispatch my affaires in such haste that I be usefull and profitable so may I like the Sunne bee good and swift both at once Sect. 3 Thirdly of the brightnesse of the Sunne IT is so bright and shining that our eyes cannot endure it it communicates light and it sends the beams downewards whereas the fire flames upward light and brightnesse makes one stone more precious than another and a starre to excell a stone and the Sun excels them all Reflexions 1. Let me looke higher than the Sunne to that blessed God who gives light to the Sunne oh father of lights send thy light into my darke soule and turne me from darknesse to light that I may walke as a childe of light 3. I am bound to communicate to others according to that I have received I learne this of the Sunne who benefits others with his light 3. If I can obtaine righteousnsse imputative and inherent I shall shine as the Sunne in the kingdome of God Sect. 4 Fourthly of the order of the Sunne THe Sunne keepes order and moves in his appoynted place from the end of the heavens to the end of the same Psal 19.6 Astronomers say he moves in the Zodiack called the twelve signes keepâ—ng his order 1. Apparantly in open view of the world 2. Constantly without standing or going backe unlesse God bid him as Ios 10. 2. King 20.11 3. Profitably for true distinctions of time and powerfull influence on the creatures here below Reflexions 1. My Religion teacheth me to be like the Sunne to travaile in my owne circle to understand my owne way Prov. 14.8 to meddle with my owne businesse 1. Thes 4.11 2. I may urge my selfe by consideration of the comlinesse of order and the benefit of it A bricke out of the wall makes the place deformed and more weake Cities and Countries and families and ships and armies are preserved by order 3. I may from the Scripture learne to keepe a constant order as to awake with God in the morning to send up my praises before him Psal 59.16 to speake gratiously Colos 4.6 to frequent godly society Psalme 16.3 To apparrell my selfe as becomes religion 1 Tim. 2.10 to be just in my dealing Mich. 6.8 to be mercifull Colos 3.12 to instruct my family Gen. 18. Thus from yeare to yeare to keepe in my circle apparantly constantly profitably others will rejoyce in this order and approve it Sect. 5 Fifthly the opperation of the Sunne IT workes in the heavens in the aire in the earth and water In the heavens Heavens it conveighes light to all the inferiour Orbes as the Moone and Starres It heates the aire Aire which is cold of it selfe and enlightens it which is darke of it selfe It exhales vapors from the water Water which the windes do carry so it fals in raine or haile or snow upon the earth It causes hearbes and trees and men and beasts to grow and live on the earch Earth A Reflexion I must reflect on my selfe and stirre up my selfe to be opperative 1. Towards God by confidence reverence and prayer 2. Towards the Sâ—riptures by esteeming them â—eading them hearing them preached by loving the word rejoycing in it and subjecting to it 3. To the Godly I must be operative by acknowledging them joyning with them delighting in them praying for them releeving comforting and edifying of them 4. To the world I m must be operative by the withdrawing my affections by the bearing of reproaches and flying the corruptions thereof 5. To Sathan I must be operative by watchfulnesse faith prayer diligence and resistance 6. To friends I must be operative by gratitude lovingnesse keeping their secrets 7. To enemies I must be operative by forgivenesse love compassion well-wishing 8. To superiors by reverence faithfulnesse obedience 9. To inferors bâ— example kindnesse and Counsaile Oh that I could give light to some heate to others draâ— some upwards and be a meanes to provoke to â—ruitfulneâ—â—e and growth that I may in some measure be operâ—t ve Doe thou O blessed â—ord worke powâ—rfully upon me by the operation of thy blessed Spirit Sect. 6 Sixthly Of the Eclips of the Sunne 1. THe Eclips is foreknowne 2. There is a cause of the Eclips 3. It is but a short time 4. How men doe looke upon it Conclusions First the Eclips is foreknowne for the time the horizon the continuance 1. There is an order in the course of nature else it could not be foretold 2. There is a lawfull Astronomy differing from a conjecturall Astrologie which is but a busie vanity 3. The foretelling of the Eclips is usuall and not so wonderfull as the simple would make it it is
yeerely knowne and by many Foxe told Conclusions Secondly the cause of the Eclips is the interposition of the Moone betweene the Sunne and the Earth 1. As the Moone hinders for a time the light of the Sunne so inferiour things Eclips our joy and hinder grace though for the present they are sensible objects and have a kind of luster and beauty on them 2. If those we shew favours unto shall at any time disparage us remember the Sunne is Eclipsed by the Moone notwithstanding all her light is from it received 3. Let me learne to recompence injuries with favours the Moone darkens the Sunne but the Sunne conveyes light to the Moone and makes it bright and glorious Conclusions Thirdly the Eclips is but a short time 1. We perceive blessings best by their want how welcome is the light unto us after we have beene a little deprived of it 2. How good is God in giving so excellent a Creature as the Sunne and keeping the use of him from us not every day nor weeke and never but a short time 3. The darknesse at the death of Christ was not an ordinary Eclips from the sixth houre to the ninth from 12. to 3. of the clocke Mat. 27.45 The Sunne was then long hid 1. As ashamed of their great wickednesse 2. Or darkned because the Sunne of righteousnesse was Eclipsed 3. Or to shew the darkenesse was to come on the Jewes this Eclips was more then ordinary Fourthly how men doe looke on the Eclips We looke on it not so much with an eye ascending as descending by a bason or pot of water men use to looke upon it 1. As the beholding what is done above Conclusions is to looke in another Element beneath so I am not to looke up into Gods secret counsell for my predestination but descend into my heart whether it be regenerated and changed as men looke on the dyall not the Sunne to know the time of the day 2. When the Sunne is bright shining men take no especiall notice but in the Eclips they then are prying and observing consulting and talking so is it with a Christian if by mutable accidences he be Eclipsed of his excellency for a time then the cause is pryed into and he is most spoken of 3. I looke in water below to see what is done in heaven above I looke to my baptisme with water and there sâ—e my remission by that which water signifies which is the blood of Christ I looke downe there is mans baptisme I looke up there is Gods baptisme I see below what is done above 4. The pot of water which gives me a demonstration can give me a clensing so the same word that gives me light and discerning can give me a clensing refreshing 5. To looke on the Eclips I doe not with a direct view but through a Cipresse or five or by a pot of water I looke with a descent view all wayes are by secondary meanes so in divine mysteries I must use the prospect of the word the teaching of the Minister and learne by experience in use of meanes 6. As it is with him that despises a secondary meanes but gazes on the Sunne in the Eclips doth dazell his eyes and perceives not so clearely as another that uses secondary helpes so he that will have immediate revelations and infusions sliting the ministery proves not so sound in judgement as others who use the meanes Of the Light Having meditated of the Sunne I cause my thoughts to look back to that light which was before the Sunne wherein I consider 1. What Light is 2. What the Light was before there was a Sun Sect. 1 First What Light is LIght is either uncreate or created the uncreate light is God and in respect of his Majesty brightnesse and glory wisedome and knowledge he is called light 2. Ioh. 1.4 5. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God is light The created light is 1. naturall 2. metaphoricall 3. supernaturall 4. glorious 1. Naturall such was the light before the Sunne and the Moone Gen. 1.14 Genesis 1.3 or the light that is in the Sunne Moone and Starres called lights 2. Metaphoricall is the light of reason and understanding Ioh. 1.8 3. Supernaturall is the light of grace when God shines into our hearts giving us saving knowledge 2. Cor. 4.6 this inward light hath outward manifestation by godly actions which are called light that shines among men Mat. 5.16 4. The light of glory is the estate of glorified soules in heaven there the Saints are said to be in light Col. 1.12 Sect. 2 Secondly What the Light was which was before the Sunne THe learned have divers opinions of it one thinkes it was a spirituall light another thinkes it was the Element of fire a third thinkes it was a bright cloud another that it was a dispersed light put after into the Sunne another thinkes it was a great light which could not bee beheld now whole but after dispersed A light it was but how it moved how it was placed the scriptures are silent we may be too curious to search and take great paines to lose our labour Quest 1 Seeing the light is from the Sunne how could there be three dayes before the Sunne Answ First there is a primary cause of the light and an instrumentall the primary cause is God he can give light to the day without the instrument Secondly we must distinguish betweene the creation and the gubernation of the world in the first creation God made a light to divide the day and the night in the gubernation of the world the Sunne doth give the light Quest 2 What is the benefit of naturall light Answ First it discovers things in their formes dimensions and colours Secondly it cheares and comforts the creatures here below Theeves doe hate the light and those which have sore eyes doe shunne it and Owles and Bats doe hide themselves from it Theeves doe hate the light not simply but accidentally because it discovers their evill deeds and sore eyes are weake and cannot behold that they rejoyce in the Owles and Bats are night birds and though they shun the day-light yet they like the moone-light Thirdly light is for action wee worke in the light in the darke we are unfit for action and like the Egyptians sit still Object Some workes are done in the darke as thefts murders and adulteries Answ The workes of darknesse are the baser workes the excellent workes are done in the light Quest 4 What is the benefit of the vicessitude of light and darknesse and the change of the day and night Answ 1. The night makes the day more pleasant to us when it comes 2. The night drawes men to a constant resting both they and their servants 3. The wild beasts by night seeke their prey 4. By this meanes time is measured Conclusions 1. God is the cause of causes Hee is not tyed to secondary meanes he can giue light without the Sunne 2. God
some people have places of eminence others are more obscure and retired Conclusions 1. If waters bee governed by the Moone it may teach us not to despise government it is nature that is refractory grace submits 2. United forces are strong many droppes make a Sea and carries great ships 3. Let me pray for the waters of the Sanctuary the saving graces of the Spirit that I may be cleansed from my naturall pollutions for water cleanseth that my tentation may be allayed in respect of their heate water cooleth that I may be made fruitfull in all goodnesse water causes fructification thus I have a little digressed from the moone to the waters it being an element I am much conversant withall So much of the Moones regiment Of the Starres 1. Of the time of their creation 2. Of their exceeding greatnesse 3. Of the multitude of the Starres 4. Of their use and service 5. Of the glory of the Starres 6. Other Questions resolved concerning Starres Sect. 1 First Of the time of their creation THe Starres were created in the beginning of time in the fourth day of the world Gen. 1.16 1. The Starres are ancient yet usefull they do keepe their vigor and brightnesse to this time to teach mee if I live to be old to flourish in my age to keepe my vigor and zeale 2. The fourth day after the creatures beganne to come to order then the Starres were made to teach me this that at the first I am but a confused Chaos then comes conviction as the first light but when I come towards perfection endeavour to separate my affections from my sinnes and there is a Firmament of heavenly mindednesse in my upper region now there is knowledge and judgement and sanctified reason set up by the Lord to shine orderly in my hemisphaere as the Sunne Moone and Starres Before the fourth day there was a light for the day but none for the night Now lights are made for the dark to teach me now there is no time but I should behold Gods workes I may in a darke night see the army of heaven above my head and so take occasion to praise my Creator The fourth day were Lights made there was light before but now more excellent and durable lights Let my last workes be my best and my progresse be such that my conclusion be most excellent and honourable The fifth day the Starres were made now if a man be within doores there is a Candle if he go forth there is Starre light God loves the prosperity of his creatures day and night have we externall light from Heaven I desire a perpetuall spirituall light from the God of Heaven Sect. 2 Secondly of the greatnes of the Stars TO leave all Astronomicall conjectures I may conclude the Starres are of an exceeding greatnesse else it were unpossible to see them they are so farre above us Applications 1. Greatnesse and Goodnes may be together God is great and good so are the Stars so have some men bin great and good as Iob David Iosias such men are honourable alive and being dead men speak of them and their goodnes both together 2. Cron. 32.32 2 Chron. 32.32 2. The Stars are great in quantity yet do seeme smal to the beholders so are the godly great with God smal in account of the World greatly dignified with heavenly graces protected with Angels yet slighted of the World and of little account 3. The Stars are small to our sence yet great to our reason the senses are no fit Iudges of the things a far off or aboue us he that walkes by sense only is a sensuall man he that is guided by reason is a rationall man hee that hath the light of faith excels them both Sect. 3 Thirdly of the multitude of the Stars THey cannot be numbred Jer. 33.22 If we looke up we may behold the army of them and conclude they are exceeding many But how many that exceedes our humane capacity here the best Arithmetician is at a non-plus Applications First seeing I cannot number the Stars for t is impossible it is my wisdome to number my dayes for that is profitable to humble and weane my heart from pride and wordlines 2. As the multitude of Stars discovers to us our impotency so it discovers both Gods wisdome and omnipotency his wisdome Psalme 147.4.5 verses Hee counteth the number of the Starres and cals them all by their names his wisdome is infinite his power Iob 9.9.10 he doth great things and unsearchable yea maruailous things without number these considerations are raysed on his making of the Stare 3. It may comfort us in this that many shal be saved Gene. 22.17 Beleeuers shal be as the Stars for multitude Though compared with Reprobates they are a little flocke yet in themselves they are innumerable 4. The spacious Heavens are al over bespangled with Stars to shew the perfection of Gods workes with glorious ornaments and it shewes Gods bounty to us below which at sea and land every where enjoy the stars for profit and delight Sect. 4 Fourthly of the use of the Stars FIrst they are for ornament 2. They are for distinction of day and night 3. To shew the seasons of the yeare 4. They be signes of weather 5. They have an influence on the inferiour things here below Considerations applicatory First the Stars are for ornament and ornaments are for welbeing and do come from riches First God gives a being then a welbeing he gives a being in grace and sayth to the Soule live then he gives endowments and comely ornaments Ezek. 16.11 If once I have a being in grace I shall have an honourable being at the last therefore I must hope and waite 2. I am to admire Gods riches and bounty hee hath made for himselfe and doth enioy the Heavens earth and the seas with all their ornaments Rich men have great variety and every roome is furnished wee admire them too much lâ—t us admire Gods magnificence and riches his royalty and bounty in all his workes 3. Ornaments are not unlawfull Solomon had his Throne with carved Lyons by the stayes which were for ornament soft rayment may be in Kings houses Ioseph had a party coloured coate Gen. 37.23 and a ring and a chayne of gold Gen. 41.42 people may use them according to their dignity These Cautions are needfull 1. That they be rather cast on us by some act of Gods providence not eagerly cared and sought for 2. That we avoid garishnes and neglecting modesty 3. That we in cost on them exceed not our abillity 4. That we mind them not so much as we do the inward graces and ornaments of the soule 5. That we take the ornament God gives that wee take heed of the pride God hates 6. That every day wee be not brave like Dives we that are inferiour people 7. That we lay them aside in times of humiliation Exodus 33.4.5 verses Secondly The Stars are for distinction of day and night the
together and runnes round Thirdly other windes doe continue longer in motion the Whirle-winde parts assunder and is sooner dissolved Quest 6 What thoughts are we to have when wee doe thinke on the winde or feele it Answ Such as these or the like 1. To think of Gods goodnes which now opens his treasures and sends forth the winds to us 2. I should have thoughts of obedience for the windes obey Christ 3. I must beleeve more than I see I cannot see God nor Angels nor my owne soule nor the Winde yet beleeve all this to be 4. I may thinke of my mortallity for my life is as the winde that passes away Psalme the one hundred and third 5. I should desire the Spirit of God which as the winde blowes where it listeth to blow on my soule that I may be truely regenerated and so flourishing in grace that I may bee as a garden Iohn 3. Cant. 4.16 Quest 7 How are wicked men like the winde Answ 1. In their rage and malice the blast of the mighty is as a storme Isaiah Chapt. the twenty fifth verse the fourth 2. In their mutability the windes are variable and inconstant so are wicked men in their words Psalme 5.9 in their deedes therefore compared to a broken tooth or sliding foote and wee are fore-warned not to put confidence in them Mich. 7. 3. The windes are in all parts wheresoever we goe and the wicked walke on every side and are in all places Psal 12.8 Quest 8 How are the wicked like a storme in their malice and persecutions Answ 1. A storme comes of windes and water two contrary elements so wicked men are sometimes differing among themselves yet joyne both against the godly Manasses against Ephraim Ephraim against Manasses both against Iudah Isaiah Chapter the ninth verse twenty one 2. A storme comes often times in secret when men are asleepe so wicked men come on the godly at unawares Psal 11.2 3. The storme comes to spoyle and undoe men so the wicked will spoyle and undoe the godly as saith the Prophet they will undoe a man and his heritage 4. The storme doth wet but not wound us so the persecutions of the wicked doe wet our cheekes with teares but hurt not our soules 5. The storme is not in all places nor lasts alwaies nor is the rage of the wicked on all persons nor all times Revel 2.10 Sathan shall put some of you in prison some not all and yee shall have tribulation tenne dayes not alwaies the time is limited Quest 9 Why are the godly resembled to a garden and the Spirit to the North and South winde Cant. 4.16 Answ 1. As in a pleasant garden that with sweete gales of winde hath prospered there men doe take pleasure to walke so Christ takes delight to be among his gracious people 2. In such a garden is variety of hearbs and flowers fruits and spices so in the people of God are variety of gifts and graces 3. Such gardens are fenced and walled so Gods people are protected and defended 4. Such gardens are weeded and watered so Gods people are purged and instructed 5. In such gardens is beautifull order so it is with Gods people in their severall places they performing severall duties medling each Christian with their owne businesse are in a beautifull order 6. As such a Garden seemes dead in winter yet there is life at the rootes so Gods people doe seeme dead in afflictions yet there is grace in their hearts 7. The garden is the most beloved plot of ground though the owner have much land so the people of God are beloved above others though all the earth be the Lords 8. A blinde man and one that cannot smell hath small felicity in such a garden so those Sathan hath blinded and those that have no spirituall savour doe finde small comfort or felicity in the company of the goâ—ly though they bee excellent in graces and the gales of the holy Spirit as the North and South winde hath blowne upon them Thus having gone thorow with some digressions and many imperfections the Heavens the Sunne the light before the Sunne the Moone the Stars the Aire the Clouds the Raine-bow the Raine the Earth the Water the Fire the Windes I here make an end of these Meditations and conclude the few leaves ensuing with Meditations of Man in whom is the Compendium of all the reste he hath matter and substance with the Heavens reason with the Angels light with the Sun a parcell out of the earth sence with beasts growth with trees I had almost forgot sin with Divels The Exordium ALl our thoughts can reach unto may be considered in two heades The Creatour and the creatures The Creatour is knowne to us in his Essence and his Attributes the creatures are two wayes considered invisible and visible the invisible two wayes either the habitation or the inhabitants the habitation expresse two wayes made though without hands and glorious the glory expresse two wayes in the perfection and perpetuity the perfection two wayes freedome from all evill the presence of all good The Inhabitants considered two fold the Angels and Saints the Angels considered two wayes in their Nature and office their Nature considered two wayes in the puritie and celeritie their purity is considered derivately and comparatively their office is two fold to praise GOD to doe service to the Elect their praises are these two wayes considered as t is sincere and perpetuall their service to the Elect is unseene and certaine Againe the Angels are considered in their number their number is knowne to GOD unknowne to Man the Saints are considered in their Soules there in their bodies here in the grave onely two excepted Henoch and Elias whose bodies are in Heaven before as types of Christ as evidences of the Resurrection The visible creatures are two fold the Heavens and the Earth the Heavens are two wayes considered in their sphaeres and orbes or in other phrases the Heavens and their ornaments the Heavens are considered as out-spread and firme the orbes are two fold the Sunne and the Planets the Sunne is considered in his light and swiftnesse in his light is two things as t is the fountaine and as t is communicated the Moone is considered in her mutation and blemishes the Stars are set forth in multitude and glory The Earth is considered singly or coniunctively coniunctively by a Synecdoche as t is land and water making one globe The waters are considered in the Sea in the Rivers the Sea is considered in his bounds in his motion the motion is considered in the flowing and ebbing the bounds are considered in the stabilitie and perpetuitie The Earth is singly considered in the substance and dependance the dependance on Gods power in the Aire the substance in the massinesse and riches the riches latente or patente the patente invegatives or the sensitives the sensitives have life and feeling the vegatives are part in the earth part above the earth
Soule and body from God and Glorie is eternall death Secondly how the Soule can be said to dye It dyeth not in respect of existence and being but relatively in respect of Gods Grace and favour as the body being dead there is eares and eyes and handes and feete but without life so it is a carkasse till life be put into it being voide of motion so the Soule hath understanding memorie will and affections yet is dead by Nature having no spirituall motion hence t is said Men are dead in trespasses and sinnes Ephes 2.1 Let the dead burie their dead Matth. 8.22 This thy brother was dead Luke 15.31 She that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth 1 Tim. 5.6 Thirdly the cause of death is sinne there was an immortall lively estate in mans innocencie Death was threatned as a punishment and was accomplished when man had sinned Adam stood or fell for himselfe and his Posteritie as Levie paid Tithes in Abraham Heb. 7.9 So we sinned in Adam being in his loines so death went over all men in asmuch as all men have sinned Romans 5.12 Fourthly the signes and markes of death 1. Where a dead body is there in time is rottennesse so t is with the dead soule Psalme 53.3 All are corrupted that is loathsome and stinking Ainsworth 2. Where death is there is insensiblenesse So the Soules dead in sinne are past feeling Ephes 4.19 They are so sensles they feele nothing though the foundations of the earth be remooved Psal 82.5 They in greatest danger be as the drunkard asleepe on the top of the mâ—st Pro. 23.34 3. Where men are dead they feede not present to them the daintiest dish they taste not of it so men that are dead in sinne feede not on Christ the heavenly Manna nor on the word the foode of their Soules if wisedome make her feast and prepare her dainties the living are her guestes the dead in sinne heare not her invitations not come to her house nor eate with her at her table Of Gods Image on the Soule resolving First what an Image is 2. What the Image of GOD is 3. How Adam was made after Gods Image 4. Whether this Image still doth remaine 5. In whom t is repaired First what an Image is It is not onely a resemblance for the Sunne resembles God in light and brightnesse but yet the Sunne is not an Image of GOD an Image is a likenesse forme shape and similitude Gen. 1.26 Let us make man in our Image Exodus 20.4 Thou shalt not make any graven Image nor the likenesse The Image is substantiall so Adam begate Seth in his likenesse Gen. 5.3 So Christ is the substantiall Image of his Father Coloss 1.15 Heb. 1.3 Or an Image is artificiall Matth. 22.20 Whose Image is this saith Christ. By Art Images are molten graven carved painted or an Image is spiritually taken Ephesians 4.24 This Image is Holinesse and Righteousnesse Secondly what the Image of GOD is No corporall likenesse is Gods Image for he is a Spirit of infinite perfection the Image of God is Knowledge Goodnesse Soveraigntie Righteousnesse Immortalitie Blessednesse c. Thirdly how Adam was made after Gods Image 1. He was made Good Gen. 1 3. Simply good without mixture of evill 2. He was made in Knowledge Col. 3.10 He knew God and the Creatures after an excellent manner and gave the Creatures sutable names Gen. 2.19 3. He was created Holy Ephes 4.24 free from all sinne set apart for God So fourthly He was made Righteous Eccles 7.3 being conformable to the will of his Creatour fit to conceave a right of things in his mind fit to will righteousnesse to remember righteousnesse to love righteousnesse to speake righteousnesse and to doe it 5. He was made Glorious having these admirable endowments shining in his Soule and his body without infirmitie or deformitie strong nimble active healthie 6. He was Immortall heate and cold moisture and drought were as I take it perfectly compounded fire and water aire and earth so curiously mixed and so tempered by the Lord of the Artistes that man was not in this estate capable of sicknesse sorrow paine or death 7. He was Lord over Gods works and bare the Image of God in superioritie Psalme 8. Thus was man every way happy resembling the blessed God the favour of his Lord shined upon him the Creatures submitted to him the Aire did not distemper him the Lyon fawned on him like the dog he had no lusts nor passions within him he was ioyfull and wise and rich filled with contentment and satisfaction he most lively resembled and was the very Image of his Creatour Fourthly whether this Image of God doth still remaine in us Man being in honour he stood not in that condition but is like the beastes that perish insteed of goodnesse Now we are evill Matth. 7.11 Insteed of knowledge wee are Ignorant 1 Cor. 2.14 Wee were created holy in Adam but now are uncleane Iob 14.4 Insteed of righteousnesse wee have found out many Inventions contrarie to righteousnesse Eccles 7.31 Insteed of glorie we have shame which makes us cover the nakednesse of our bodies with garments and the nakednesse of our soules with excuses diminutions distinctions imputations to others Insteed of Immortalitie we have death attends on us and is sure of us although we be Lords over the Creatures sometimes they rebell 1 Kings 13.24 In steed of being happie now we are accursed in our Natures with sinfull dispositions Rom. 7.23 And accursed in our labours the Earth sometimes denyes fruits to releeve us and brings forth bryers and thornes to greeve us Micha 6.15 Gen. 3.18 Fifthly In whom is the Image of God repaired Onely in the Regenerate they so learne CHRIST that they are renewed in the spirit of their mindes Ephes 4.23 GOD shines in their hearts 2 Cor. 4.6 And turnes them from darknesse to light Act. 26.18 In the Gospell they so behold Gods glorie so as they are changed into Gods Image 2 Cor. 3.18 They put off the old man which is corrupt and put on the new man which maketh them like their first Creation in holinesse and righteousnesse Ephes 4 24. These new Creatures are after the Image of God by resemblance and are in this his Image 1. He is a God of knowledge 1 Sam. 2.3 And these are an understanding people being fed with knowledge Ier. 3.15 the Image of God is repaired in knowledge Colos 3.10 2. God is an holy God Leviticus 11.44 The Regenerate are a holy people 1 Pet. 2.9 3. God is a mercifull God Exodus 34.6 And these are mercifull like him Colloss 3.12 4. God is righteous Psalme 92.15 And these are a righteous people Psalme 11.6 5. God keepes his Covenants Daniel 9.4 And these people keepe their Covenants Psal 15.4 6. God cannot abide iniquitie Habakkuk 1.13 And these people hate evill Psalme 97.10 Adam had Gods Image in his body and soule the Image of God was in his Nature and if he had not