And he said wherefore wilt thou goe to him meaning the Prophet to day It is neither newe Moone nor Sabboth day Which sheweth that in the scarcitie of the preaching ministerie they went on those dayes to the Prophetes to heare the word of God The second dutie is to cause them to doe that which is commanded them in the third Commandement to that purpose Which although it be not proper to this place yet for the simpler sort it is thus set downe First to prepare themselues to the preaching of the worde by consideration of Gods ordinance and promise and their corruption so that laying aside al superfluitie of evil that they may with all meeknesse receiue the word Iam. 1.17 Luk. 8.8 Take heed therefore howe ye heare for whosoever hath it shall be given vnto him and who so hath not euen that which he seemeth to haue shal be taken from him And for the Sacramentes to consider Gods institution their ministerie his mercie in Christ their faith their repentāce and their wants and so seeking the assurance of grace of reconciliation and comfort to com vnto the table of the Lord. 1. Cor. 11.28 But let everie one prooue himselfe and so let him eate of that bread and drinke of that cup. Esa 1.16 Wash your selues purifie your selues put away the wickednesse of your actions and cease to doe evill before mine eies Esa 66.2 But vppon him doe I looke that is poore and contrite in spirite and trembleth at my words Mat. 5.23 Therefore if thou hast brought thy gift to the altar and there remembrest that thy brother hath ought against thee 24 Leaue there thy gift before the altar go thy waies First bee reconciled to thy brother and then come and offer thy gift Secondly in the workes themselues with reverence vnderstanding to heare and receiue the word to be touched according to the matter and with joy and assurance of fayth receiue solace and increase of grace by the right vse of the Sacraments and after to cal to minde and try by the Scripture thinges delivered and so hold fast the good to applie the comfort of the sacraments vnto al temptations afterward Psal 78.2 Heare my doctrine O my people incline thine eare to the wordes of my mouth Nehem. 8.10 After Nehemiah to witte the Kinges Embassadour and Ezra the Priest and Scribe and the Levits teaching the people said vnto al the people This is the day sanctified vnto the Lord your God mourne not neither weepe for all the people wept when they hard the words of the Law 1. Thess 1.5 Because our Gospel abode with you not in speach only but also in power both in the holy Ghost as also with much sure persuasion as ye haue knowne what maner of men we haue bin amongst you for your sakes Math. 26. And when they had song a Psalme they went out into the mount Olivet 1. Thess 5.20 Quench not the Spirit Set not light by preaching Trie al things Hold fast that which is good For obedience of life it behooveth them to teach them call on them and see them do this which they learn that the publike ministerie private vse of the word be not contemned neglected vnprofitable vnto them and so God provoked not onely against their familie but also the Church of which they are Cōtrarie to this is that men both themselues and their families goe to the publike ministerie as to a common matter let it fall after to the ground without any looking into the certaintie of doctrine the power practise of it and some with the ministerie of the the word become worse both they and their housholdes than those which neuer heard it Exod. 13.1 And declare vnto thy son in that day saying For this hath the Lorde done these thinges vnto me when I went out of Aegypt 9 So shal it bee vnto thee for a signe vpon thine hand for a monument betweene thine eies that the doctrine of the Lord may be in thy mouth to wit that the Lord with a strōg hand brought thee out of Aegypt Which with the rest of the law sheweth that at those times this must be done and that so throughlie that this worke by this meanes may bee a liuelie signe and the doctrine be so vnderstood that it may more fruitfullie and liuelie be communicated by conference one to another Also Act. 10.24 And the other day after they entred into Caesarea And Cornelius waited for them having gathered together his kinsmen and speciall friendes Nehem. 8.13 And all the people came to eate and drinke and to sende portions and to make great joy because they vnderstood those words which they had made knowen vnto thē 1. King 13.31 And it came to passe after they had buried him that he gaue commandement vnto his sonnes saying When I shall be dead burie me likewise in the sepulchre in the which that man of God is buried place my bones besides his bones 33. For surely the things which he hath foreshewed by the worde of the Lord against the altar which is at Bethel against all the high places which are in the Cities of Schomron shall come to passe Iob. 1.5 After it came to passe when they had finished the daies of the banquet that Iob sent and sanctified them and rising early he offered a sacrifice according to the number of them al. For Iob said Peradventure my sonnes haue sinned or cursed God in their heart So Iob did every of those daies Which sheweth he called on them to do their duties in sanctifying them selues and their families and preparing them according to the manner prescribed The duties in reforming are those duties wherby they must labor to reform everie thing amisse which is espied for Gods glorie their good and least it creepe further Contrarie to this is that many corruptions are not accounted of that they are winked at Iob. 1.5 Psal 101.3.4.5 I will not set before mine eies a wicked thing I hate the works of those that decline it shal not cleaue vnto me A froward mind shal depart from me I wil not acknowledge evill That tongue that privilie hurteth his neighbor I will cut out Him that is proude in look swelling in mind I cannot suffer The rule of this must be the meaning of the the ten commandements which because it is necessarie for the simple though not so proper for this place it is brieflie set downe They shal suffer none in their house vnrefourmed which either in judgmēt is known to erre from the truth of the worde of God or in maners from the practise of the same But if any delight in the ignorāce of god be careles to approue himselfe as one that wholly depēdeth on him loveth him feareth him reverenceth him laboreth to approue al his waies before him If any be given to idolatrie superstition c. and careth not in everie part of the worship of God to follow his revealed wil
or if in any the partes commanded he appear negligent and cold Or to put them to any other vse than is commanded or be given to images superstitious monuments customes occasions or such like If any dishonor the name of God either in the vnreverent vsing or abusing or perverting and not vsing with that preparation before feeling at the present time fruite after which is prescribed his titles Word Sacraments works And if any prophane his Sabboth by vain pastimes going to plaies or giue not him self to the exercises appointed on that day out of the word If any neglect especial duties towards their equals superior or inferior in years gifts authothority as maisters parents ministers servāts childrē or people If any declare not a cōsciēce to fly evil anger malice contention quarelling fighting or any hurting of the person of a man either in soule or body not being carefull to succour the same according to his calling If any be found vnchast in body words countenance or gesture vntemperat in diet in apparel dissolute not caring to maintaine the contrary holines in himself and others If any care not for the goodes of another man but by falshood flatterie oppression c. diminish the same If he be negligent in increasing of his own by honest lawful means if he mispend it at cardes dice gaming c. If any care not to maintaine the good name of others but bee givē vnto vnnecessarie blasing of other mens infirmities by lying slandering backbiting tanting c. If any shewe himself careles to restrain the motiōs intisemēts vnto sin the lusts of the same Thē they shall vse the means following to redresse them The dueties which are to be applied to this rule are these Those which they must do by themselues Those which they must procure to be done by others Iam. 5.15 And the prayer of faith shall saue the sick and the Lord shal raise him vp and if he haue committed sinnes they shall be forgiuen him As this must be done for him in sicknes so in health as in this so in any other of the like nature The dueties they must do by themselues must haue two properties They must bee done with wisedom fit for those duties Patiencie fit Wisedom is that the causes may be thorowly sifted soundly reproued out of the worde of God According vnto this wisedome also vntill a fitter occasion this duetie may bee lette passe and with keeping the authoritie of the chiefe of the familie bee winked at for a time Eccles 7.21 Applie not thy minde to all the wordes that are spoken seeing thou oughtest not to heir thy servaunt cursing thee 22. For also many times thy minde is priuie that thou hast cursed others Prou. 20.21 Hee which bringeth vp his servants delicatlie shall in the end be depriued of his Children Patience fit for it is with keeping the authoritie of the chiefe of the familie to heare what can be alledged and by equitie also to allowe or dissallowe the same Contrary to which is hastines without discretion making the matter plaine that the conscience may be touched for the fault Also pride not to heare any excuse or defence deliuered in duetie submission and obedience of child or servaunt Finallie bitternesse which may provoke wrath rather then cause amendement Collos 3.21 Fathers provoke not your children to wrath least they bee discouraged Iob. 31.13 If I contemned the cause of my seruaunt or mine handmaid when they pleaded with me 14. For what shoulde I doe if the strong God should rise or if he shuld visite what should I answere him Nomb. 22.26 After the Angell of the Lord went forwarde stoode in a narrowe place where there was no place to decline either to the right hand or to the left 27. And when the Asse seeing the Angel of the Lord God lay downe vnder Baalam Balaam being kindled with wrath smote the Asse with his staffe 28. And the Lorde opened the mouth of the Asse which said vnto Baalam what haue I done vnto thee that thou hast smitten me nowe three times Baalam said vnto the Asse because thou hast mocked me I woulde there were a sworde in my hand for euen nowe would I kill thee Ephe. 6. And ye maisters do the same things towards them letting passe threatnings knowing also that your maister is in heauen neither that there is respect of persons with him And these are the properties of those duties The divers sortes are Rebuke Correction Prou. 22.15 The foolishnes which is bound vnto the hart of a Childe the rodde of instruction will remoue farre from him Prou. 23.13 Withdraw not correction from thy son when as thou shalt strike him with the rodde he shall not die thereof 14. Strike him with the rod and thou shalt deliuer his soul from the graue Prou. 20.30 Horscombes are for the evil man blewnes wounds and stripes pearcing throgh the inner partes of the bellie Prou. 29.15 The rod and rebuke giueth wisdome but the child let alone to himself shameth his mother Rebuke is a sharp admonition to take heed of the euill reprooued aright as is gathered out of that before Correction is when with a sharpe rebuk of instruction punishment is inflicted or laid vpon the offender according to their discretion cōsideration being had of the fault all circumstances of the same Yet if this at any time for some causes be omitted a greter is to be threatened and performed when they shall next deserue the same Prou. 19.19 Be thou greate in the fervencie of anger in forgiuing the faulte saying that if thou shalt deliuer him thou wilt further punishe him afterwarde Contrary to this is too much lenitie also immoderate correction Prou. 19. The rod and rebuke giueth wisedome but a sonne permitted to himselfe shamed his mother Prou. 29.16 Chastise thy childe and he shall bring thee rest he shall delight thy soule Prou. 29.19 A servaunt is not chastised with wordes c. That which they must procure to bee done by other is that when the former meanes will not serue they do according to S. Iames his rule send for the elders of the Churche that they may by new admonitions rebukes and censures of the Church draw them to repentance and if that serue not to bring them to the Magistrate and so those which they may to discharge them from the familie vnlesse they amend and those which they may not to kepe them in such order till God or the common-wealth cut them of Iam. 5.15 And the praier of fayth shall saue the sicke and the Lorde shall raise him vp and if hee haue committed sinnes they shalbe forgiven him Mat. 18.16 But if he shal not hear thee take yet with thee one or two that of the mouth of two or three witnesses the whole matter may be confirmed Deut. 21.18 If any man shall haue a stubburne and rebellious sonne
their administration of houshold matters is altogether civill not religious For the familie the dutie which regardeth them is to keepe them in subjection for the performance of al duties of holines and religion and for the diligent performance of those woorks and labors which are fit for everie one 1. Tim. 3.4 Which may governe well his house which may keepe his children in subjection with all honestie 1. Tim. 3. If any be vnblameable the husbande of one wife having faithfull children which are not slaundered of riot either stubborne Psal 101.1 I will sing mercie judgment vnto thee ô Lord will I sing 2 I wil mark in an vpright way when thou shalt come vnto me I wil cōtinuallie walk in the soundnesse of my mind in the middest of mine house 3 I will not set before mine eies a wicked thing I haue hated the workes of them that decline it shall not cleaue vnto me 4 A froward minde shal depart from me I will not acknowledge evill 5 The tongue that privilie hurteth his neighbour I will cut out him that is proud in his eies and swelling in his mind I shal not be able to suffer 6 Mine eies shall waite vpon the faithfull of the land that they may abide with me He that walketh in the sounde way shall minister vnto me 8 The deceitfull man shall not dwell within mine house he that telleth lies shall not be established before mine eies Now for the performance of this general duetie two sorts are required which are Such as wher they most cōmonly go before them direct them Such as they must performe vnto them Gen. 35.2 Wherfore Iacob gaue commandement vnto his familie to all that were with him Put away the goddes of the people which are amongst you cleanse your selues changing your garmēts 3 Afterward arising let vs ascend to Bethel that there I may make an Altar to that strong God which heard me in the day of my distresse and was present with me in the way wherein I went 4 Which when they had given vnto Iacob all the gods of the strāge people which were in their hands and the earings which were in their eares Iacob hid them vnder that Oke which is beside Shechem Where we see that Iacob doth both instruct them what to doe and in the dooing of these things directeth them Such as wherein they must only goe before them and direct them are those which only ought to be done jointlie of the whol familie and then the superiours must bee there the chiefe directors of them otherwise when they are absent they must cause them to be done as in prayer before and after their labor in thanksgiving before after meate Iam. 5.13 Is any amongst you sick in mind Let him pray Is any man cheerefull Let him sing Psal 127. Vnlesse the Lord build the house their labour is but lost that builde it Vnlesse the Lorde keep the citie the keeper is diligent in vain 2. Let them bee in vaine vnto you which rise betimes which sit down slowlie which are fed with the meat of sorrowes so he giveth sleepe to his beloved Psal 55.18 In the evening and morning and at noon dayes will I meditate and make a noise vntill he hath heard my voice 1. Tim. 4.4 For whatsoever God hath created is good neither is anie thing to be refused if it bee taken with thanksgiving Luke 22.17 And he tooke the cup and when hee had given thanks he said take this and devide it amongst you So Abrahams servaunt saide Gen. 24.12 O Lord God of my maister Abraham cause I beseech thee that it com vnto me this day and exercise this goodnesse towardes my maister Abraham 48 And I bowed downe and worshipped the Lord blessed the Lorde God of my maister Abraham because he had brought me by the right way to take my maisters brothers daughter for his sonne And vpon any great judgment on the familie Church or common wealth to direct them in fastings and praiers with readings meditations and vse of the woord as may serue to giue especiall cause of humbling and especial cause fit of cōfort for that work Hest 4.16 Goe gather together all the Iewes which are at Susan and fast for me neither eat nor drinke those three daies night nor day I likewise and my maides wil fast so at length I will goe in to the King which is not according to the commandement and when I shall perish I will perish Nehe. 1.4 And it came to passe when I hearde these wordes I sate downe and wept and mourned certaine daies in which I fasted and prayed before the God of heaven 5. And I said I beseech thee ô Lord God of heaven most strong God greatest chieflie to be feared Keeping covenant mercie to them that loue him and keepe his cōmandemēts 6. Let thine eare be attētiue thine eies be open to harkē to the praier of thy servaunt which I pray before thee at this time day night for the Israelites thy servants I confesse the sins of the Israelits wherwith we haue sinned against thee I also the house of my fathers c. For as it is their duety in their own private fast to doe this by themselues so to direct others in the same when they doe it with them Contrarie to this is the vnchristian prophanesse in such cases Also the vnchristian shamfastnes of some and common negligence in others in these duties Such as they must perform vnto them are duties of Instruction Reforming Pro. 13.24 He which keepeth back his rod hateth his sonne but he which loveth him doth giue him instructions betimes Pro. 15.32 He which withdraweth himselfe from instruction dispiseth his soule but he that hearkeneth vnto rebuke possesseth his soule The dueties of instruction are that by a familiar most plaine maner of teaching they may growe in the knowledge of that truth which is according to godlines Gē 18.19 When as I haue knowne him shuld I not reveale it for this cause that hee may command his children and houshold after him that they may keepe the way of the Lord by exercising righteousnesse judgment and that the Lord may performe vnto Abraham that which he hath promised vnto him Genes 14.14 When Abraham had heard that his kinsman was taken hee armed his men instructed 318. and followed them vnto Dan. Deut. 20. They are for Continuall daily instruction That which respecteth the publike ministerie Exod. 12.25.26 Let it be therefore when ye shal come into the land which the Lord shall giue vnto you as he hath said shall obserue this worship Let it be I say when your children ask you what signifieth this worship vnto you that ye say it is the Sacrifice the passeover of the Lord who passing by the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt when he slew the Egiptians he deliuered our families Exod. 13.14 And let it be when thy sonne shall ask thee
hereafter saying what meaneth this that thou say vnto him with a strong hand hath the Lord brought vs out of Egypt out of the house of servaunts For it came to passe whē Pharao shewed himself cruel in letting vs go that the Lord slewe every first borne of men vnto the first borne of beasts Therfore I kill vnto the Lorde the males of all that open the womb but every first borne of my children I redeeme Dueties for daily instruction are Instruction out of the Scriptures Instruction drawen frō Gods workes Psalm 87.1 Receiue with your eares my people my doctrine incline your eare vnto the words of my mouth 2. I will open my mouth in a parable I wil powre foorth hid things which haue bene of olde tyme. 3. which wee haue heard and knowne as our Elders haue told vnto vs. 4. wee will not hide it from their children the after generation 5. being about to declare the praises of the Lord his might and his wonders which he hath done For he hath set a testimonie in Iacob and put a lawe in Israel which he commanded our Elders to make knowne to their Children 6. That the after generation the sonnes which should be borne rising vppe might declare it to their sonnes 7. And they may sette their hope on God nor might forget the woorkes of the strong God but keepe his commandements 8. Nor that they bee not as their elders a stubborn and rebellious generation a generation which hath not prepared their minde and whose spirit was not constant towardes the strong God Instruction out of the scripture is by the dailie reading of the same with them both to make them acquainted with the course of them so that they may marke the same for their better profiting by the allegations of the publike ministery also to refer those things which are plaine and easie or which they haue learned from the publike ministerie vnto such plaine instruction as they instructed may vnderstand know how to bring it in vse 2. Tim. 3.15 Thou hast knowne the Scriptures from a childe which can not be spoken of a thorow knowledge no not such as belongeth to the olde men who should bee sound in faith much lesse such as belongeth to a minister but such as this in being made acquainted with it and caused to marke as he was able the course of it and to learne for vse and practise such as his parents were able to note vnto him and he fit to receiue by dailie practise Deu. 6.6 And let these words which I command thee this day be in thy heart 7 And put them pearcinglie into thy children and speake of them when thou sittest in thine house when thou walkest by any way when thou liest down and when thou risest vp 8 Also bind thē for a signe vpon thine hand let them be for frontlets between thine eies 9 Brieflie write them on the postes of thine house on thy gates Contrarie to this is first that they are vtterly negligent ignorāt how they shuld doe this Then that some presume aboue this rule and goe beyond their calling especiallie that their housholde is not trained by this meanes nor made fit for the publike ministerie to amend their liues by such Christian exercises Instruction drawen from Gods works is by applying the works of God past or present to mooue them the better to confidence and trust in God by workes of his mercie to feare to offend God by works of his justice and so to sowe the verie seed of true religion and good conscience in them Gen. 18.19 When as I haue knowen him shoulde I not reveale it For this cause that he may commaund his children houshold after him that they keepe the way of the Lord by exercising justice judgment that the Lord may performe vnto Abraham that which he hath promised vnto him The dutie which respecteth the publike ministerie is Double First concerning the obeying of it The secōd cōcerning the vse of it First concernig the obeying of it they must if it be possible in their place calling adjoyn them to a set ministerie if not to bestow at least the Sabboth daies yea other also in seeking to the ministers and prophets of God to hear the word of God This is manifest first Because we must firste seek the kingdom of God wherof this is a part Esa 32.1 Beholde a king shall rule justlie and excellent ones shal govern according to the rule the eies of them who see shall not wink but the eares of them who hear shal hearken the mind of the hastie shall vnderstand knowledge and the tongue of the stutterer shall readilie speake shining thinges When Saviors to wit ministers of the doctrin of salvation shall ascende in the mountaine of the Lord to judge the mountain of Esau the kingdome shall bee to the Lorde Hobad 21. Divers administrations but one Lord. 1. Cor. 12. Wee are the Embassadors of Christ to beseech you to be reconciled 2. Cor. 5. Secondly it is the ordinarie meanes to beget and nourish faith in vs. How can they beleeue except they hear how can they heare without a Preacher how can hee preach without he bee sent Rom. 10. He hath given Pastors Doctors for the gathering together of the church the worke of the ministerie and building them vp to a perfect age in Christ that they be not as children wavering and caried about with everie wind of doctrine Ephe. 4. Attend to reading exhortation and doctrine in these continue in these things bee for in so dooing thou shalt saue thy selfe and others 1. Tim. 4. Secondly because it is the greatest blessing to haue it and the greatest plague to want it Iere. 23. having threatned them that they feed not the people he saith after I will gather the rest of my sheepe out of all the land whither I had driven them and I will bring them backe vnto their sheepcots where they shall multiplie and increase and I wil set over them Pastors which shall feed them so that they shal feare no more nor shall be wāting saith the Lord. Ier. 3. I will bring you to Sion where I wil giue you Pastors after my hart who shal feed you with knowledg and vnderstanding God will giue you indeed the bread of affliction water of oppression but none of my teachers shall bee shut vp anie more in a corner but thy eies shall see thy teachers and thy eares shall heare a voice behinde vs saying Here is the way walk in it Esa 30.20 A famine of breade nor a thirste of water but hearing the word of the Lord c. Mat. 8. But when he saw the multitude he had compassion on them because they were dispersed and scattered abroad as sheep having no Shepherd Then he said Surely the harvest is great but the labourers few c. Which sheweth howe miserable they are which want this benefite It alloweth also this dutie of seeking 2. King 4.22
which hearkeneth not vnto the voice of his father nor to the voice of his mother although they haue chastised him yet he hearkeneth not vnto them 19. At length his father and his mother taking him let them bring him to the Elders of their Cittie and to the gate of their place 20. And let them say vnto the elders of their Cittie This our sonne is stubburne and rebellious he hearkeneth not vnto our voice hee is a riotous person and a drunkard 21. Then lette all the Citizens overwhelme him with stones that he may die and take away that evill out of the middest of thee that al the Israelites may heare and feare Psal 101.7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within mine house he that speaketh lies shall not be established before mine eies And hitherto of the first sort of duties concerning Christian holinesse in the familie The other concerning the thinges of this life is convenientlie to provide the necessarie things of this life as that they haue convenient clothing food rest if on certain causes need be recreatiō 1. Tim. 5.8 But if any mā provide not for his especially those of his house he hath denied his faith and is worse than an infidell Pro. 31.21 She feareth not for her familie because of the snow for all her family is cloathed with double cloakes Pro. 12.9 The juste man regardeth the life of his beast but the cōpassions of the wicked are the compassions of the cruell And then much more the maister must care for the servantes that they may haue even that refreshing and ease which is meete And thus much for the generall duties and of their speciall duties toward those which shal be continually or ordinarily vnder their governmēt in the family Now followeth the other which is the entertainment of straungers whose property is the loue of entertaining of guestes 1. Tim. 3.2 Therfore a Bishop must be vnreprooueable the husbande of one wife watching sober modest given to hospitalitie c. Heb. 13.2 Bee not vnmindefull of entertaining guestes for hereby certain vnawares haue entertained Angelles 1. Pet. Be harberous one towards another without grudging The first duty required of this worke is a liberall and chearful ministring of protection al things which serue for the necessity comfort of this life as is meete for the abilitie of them which receiue and the condition of those who are received Gen. 18.2 For when lifting vp his eies he looked behold three men stood before him whome whilest he saw hee runneth to meete them from the doore of the Tent and bowed himselfe to the earth And he said My Lorde If now I haue found favour in thine eies passe not I pray thee from thy servāt 4 Let there now bee taken a litle water wash your feet fit downe vnder this tree 5 In the meane time I will take and bring a morsell of bread and refresh your heart afterward ye shall go forwarde seeing for this cause you passe by your servant which said Do so as thou hast spoken 6 Therfore Abraham going hastily into the tent vnto Sara said Make readie at once three measures of corne Take fine meale knead it make cakes baked vnder the ashes 7 But Abraham running to the heard tooke a sucking calfe tender and good and gaue it to a servant which made hast to prepare it 8 Therfore taking butter and milk and the calf which he had prepared he set them before them who did eat he standing by thē vnder the same tree Gen. 19.1 And those two Angels comming vnto Sodome in the evening Lot sat at the gate of Sodom whom when Lot saw he rising went to meet them bowed himselfe with his face to the ground 2 And he said Behold now my Lords turn I pray you into the hous of your servant and wash your feete after rising in the morning ye shall go your way Which said Not so we pray thee for we can lodge all night in the streets 3 But when he was instant vpon them exceedinglie they turning vnto him entred into his house which made thē a banquet and did bake vnleavened breade and they did eate 1. Tim 5.10 Being decked with a fit testimonie in good woorks if she haue brought vp her children if she haue bene harberous if she haue washed the Saints feet if she haue succoured the afflicted if shee haue followed everie good woorke diligentlie The other is as occasion serveth mutuallie to edifie one another by calling to minde Gods workes mutual instructions and exhortations Also by bringing them to the publik seruice of God and causing them to keep with them the Sabboth as appeareth by the example aboue Rom. 1.10 Alwaies in my praiers beseeching that if by any means at length a prosperous iourney by the wil of God might be giuen me to come vnto you 11. For I long to see you that I might impart to you a spirituall gift that you may be established Contrarie to this is nigardlines such as was in Nabal in receiving of guests Also suffring God to be dishonored his word or Sabboth neglected or any such abuse to be cōmited by their guests and not labor by good means to amend them or remoue them from the familie And hitherto of the chiefe of the family and their duties as are generall to all Now for the most part the chief of the familie are maried folke and so in common the governours of the house They are called maried folkes because of the bande of mariage Mariage is that joyning of one man one woman together by the covenāt of God that they may be one flesh vntill they end their life Gen. 2.24 Therefore shall man leaue his father his mother and cleaue to his wife and they shal be one flesh Levit. 18.18 Take not one woman vnto another to vexe her by vncovering the shame of her that is maried vppon this in her life Pro. 2.17 Which forsaketh the guide of her youth and forgetteth the covenant of her God Malach. 2.14 But you say Wherefore Because the Lord hath witnessed between thee and the wife of thy youth against whom thou doest vnfaithfully yet she is thy companion wife covenanted vnto thee 1. Cor. 7.30 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth but if her husband be dead she is free to marie vnto whom shee will onely in the Lord. Rom. 7.1 Know ye not brethren for I speak to them that knowe the law that the law doth beare rule over a man as long as hee liveth 2. For the woman being subject vnto the man being aliue is boūd by the law but if her husbād be dead she is delivered frō the law of the man 3. Therefore whilest the man liveth she shall be called an adultresse if she becom another mans but if her husband be dead she is free from the law that she is not an adulteresse thogh she become another mans To be one
her father hold his peace concerning her let it be established 6. But if her father shall make her to breake it in what day he shal heare it let none of her vowes or bandes wherewith shee hath bound her selfe be established the Lord shal forgiue her because her father hath made that she should breake it 1. Cor. 7.36 But if any man thinke hee haue committed some vncomely thing against his virgin if she passe the flower of her age and that it ought to be done let him doe what he wil he sinneth not Let thē be joyned in mariage 37. But hee which abideth firme in heart neither is driven by necessitie but hath his owne will in his power and hath decreed this in his heart that he may keep his virgine he doth well 38. Therefore he that giveth her in mariage doth wel but he that giveth her not in mariage doth better Gen. 24.51 Behold Ribkah is before thee take her and go thy way that she may be a wife vnto the son of thy Lord as the Lord hath spoken Laban the sonne having the goverment of his father being olde was the chiefe in this businesse Gen. 24.55 And the brother of Ribkah her mother said let this maid tary with vs a few daies at the least ten afterward goe thy wayes 57. Then they said let vs call the maide aske of her mouth Their especiall recompence is to relieue and maintain them or any other which is knit vnto them in any especiall care and dutie as farre as their ability or duty towardes the wife and care of the familie will suffer Contrarie to this is contempt of your parēts grieving of them neglecting to help succour them c. 1. Tim. 5.4 But if any widow haue children or Nephewes let them learne first to shew godlines towards their own house and to recompence their owne kindred for that is an honest thing and acceptable before God Mat. 15.4 For God hath commanded saying Honour thy father and thy mother and hee that curseth father or mother let him die the death 5. But ye say whosoever shall say to father and mother by the gift that is offered by me thou maist haue profite 6. Though hee honour not his father or his mother shall be free thus haue you made the commandemēt of God of none authority by your traditions Gen. 47.12 And Ioseph nourished his father and his brethren and all the houshould of his father with meat as putting it into the mouth of the children The especiall dutie of servantes is to doe all thinges which their maister shal according to Gods wil giue them in charge Col. 3.22 Servants be obedient to them that are your maisters according to the flesh in all thinges not with eie-service as men-pleasers but in singlenesse of heart fearing God Luk. 17.7 Who is it also of you that hauing a servant plowing or feeding cattell would say vnto him by and by when he were come frō field goe and sit down at the table 8. And would not rather say vnto him Dresse wherwith I may supp and gird thy selfe and serue mee till I haue eaten and drunken and after eat thou drink thou 9. Doth he thank that seruāt because he did that which was commanded him I trowe not Contrarie to which is that some will do one thing only at this time and which pleaseth him The manner of dooing this hath two partes Diligence Faithfulnesse Tit. 2.9 Let seruants be subiect to their maisters and please them in al things not answering again neither pickers but that they shew all good faithfulnesse that they may adorne the doctrine of God our Saviour in all thinges Their diligence is in a single heart as to the Lord not only by labour and travel but praier religious care and all good means to perform the things laid on them Contrarie to this is eie-service Col. 3.22 Servants be obedient to thē that are your maishers according to the flesh in all thinges not with eie-service as men-pleasers but with singlenes of heart fearing God 23. And whatsoever ye doe do it hartily as to the Lord and not vnto men Ephe. 6.5 Servants be obedient vnto them which are your maisters according to the flesh with feare and trembling in singlenes of your hearts as vnto Christ 6. Not with service to the eie as men-pleasers but as the servants of Christ doing the wil of God from the hart 7. With good wil serving the Lord not men Gen. 24.9 Therefore the servant putting his hand vnder his thigh sware vnto him concerning this matter 10. Afterward the servant tooke ten Camels of the Camels of his maister that he might goe on his journey for hee had al the goods of his maister in his hand And rising he went vnto Syria between the rivers vnto the citie of Nachor 11. Where causing the Camels to rest without the citie beside a wel of water in the evening at what time the woman came foorth to draw 12. And he said O Lord God of my maister Abraham bring to passe I pray thee that it may come to passe vnto mee this day and shew this mercie vnto my maister Abraham 26. And he inclined his face to the ground bowed himselfe to the Lord saying Blessed bee the Lorde of my maister Abraham which hath not left his mercy and faithfulnesse towards my maister His diligence also appeared greatly when he said I wil not eat til I haue spoken my words or matter ver 33. in making speed he said Stay me not seeing the Lord hath prospered my way Send me backe that I may goe vnto my Lord c. Faithfulnes in their labor charges to seeke the vttermost they can the commodity and benefite of their maisters Contrary to which is picking turning another way in banquetting feasting riot c. This appeareth most liuely in the description which Iacob doth make of his faithfull service to Laban This is the twentith yeare since I haue bene with you thy sheep thy goats haue not left their young and the rammes of thy flocke haue I not eaten The torne I brought vnto thee but made it good my selfe at my hand thou diddest require it Likewise the stolen by day and the stolen by night I was about my woorke when the heat consumed mee by day and the frost by night and sleepe departed from mine eies Gen. 31.38.39.40 And thus much for the order of houshold which is prescribed by the word of God THE RESOLVTION AND INTERpretation of the Lordes praier out of Math. 6.9 and Luke 11.2 OVR Saviour Christ being both desired of his Disciples to be taught how to pray having reprooved the abuse of vnnecessarie vain repetitions of one and the same thing giveth his disciples commandement to pray as he taught them in this prayer Saying Pray thus and when you pray say Our Father c. that is let the things which you require giue thanks for the differēce which
to vse all this to the several profite and end for which these are ordained as we will shewe in some of the principal particulars In the exercise of the word preached being the way to open trueth to our judgment and vnderstanding to plant it and to root it in our heartes and affections We are cōmanded to put away all other things out of our mind and all superfluitie or malice or filthinesse whatsoever and be ready swift to heare yea and to receiue the worde of the Lord by his minister his husbandman is ready to ingraft in our soules Iam. 1.18 Luke 8.18 In the action it selfe we must with all attentiuenes so giue our heart as we must haue a present touch and feeling of those thinges which are deliuered that The vse afterward is by repeating examining by the scripture and applying to bring in promises we may rejoice receiue comfort and strength in his threatnings we may throughly feele our owne estate miserie and so be humbled for the same to practise of life conversation 1. Thess 5.20 Acts. 17.11 In the preparation is forbidden the great loosnes carelesnes of men once to think about what they are the vnreuerence litle regard of the mighty furniture of the Lord in his servants yea sometimes the captious proud stubborne malicious purpose in hearing In the action it self we see by that is forbidden our heades ful of other matters running vpō our profits pleasures c. the great hypocrisie of many who taking some delight in the thinge outwardlye haue no true feeling wrought by it when they hear Ezec. 33 31.32 The brawnie and fat heart which being never a whit moved never or to small purpose repeateth examineth applieth or practiseth Ezec. 33.31 Zeph. 2.1 2. Sam 12. Mark 6.20 In the Sacraments the preparation is an examination of our faith in Christ 1. Cor. 11.28 Iob. 1.5 of repentance Esa 1.16 66.2 speciallie also in reconciliation of our brother Mat. 5.2 Here great ignorance slothfulnes blockishnes which without al awe reverence to presume to pertake the same to our great judgment 1. Cor. 11.28 Gen. 4.5.7 In the action or work it self we must feel a most sweet sure confirmation of our faith of receiuing of Iesus Christ with his wisdom righteousnes sanctificaton redēption that by the liuely feeling of this wee should be throughlie inflamed to giue praise thāks vnto the Lord with the Church Mat. 26 30. The vse is after al tēptations to receiue comfort relief by them Psal 51.9 Of one correction for the rest as of excommunication the preparation is by the authoritie majestie of Christ the action a fearful sentence with majestie justlie pronounced the vse for the sleying of the flesh that the spirite might bee saued in the day of the Lord. 1. Cor. 5.4 The reason followeth For he wil not hold him innocent that taketh his name in vaine That is he wil condemne him as S. Iames and S. Paule write the one against rash swearing the other of the abuse of the Sacramentes interpreteth Aboue all thinges sweare not my brethren c. least you fall into condemnation Iam. 5 12. 1. Cor. 11.29.34 4. Commaund Hitherto these precepts which commaund duties in the worship of the Lorde which wee owe everie day vnto him Now followeth that dutie which one day in seuen must be given vnto the Lord in the sanctification of his Saboth Remember So he seemeth to speake because when as this commaundement was before given they had neglected the same The Saboth day to sanctifie that is to seperate it from a cōmon vse and dedicate it to a peculiar holy vse vnto the Lord. So the gold the vessels c. were said to be holy dedicated for the holy vse of the temple might not be given or put to any other vse To sanctifie a Saboth therefore is to call our selues not from our owne sinfull waies which wee must doe eeverie day but from our honest and lawful callings that giuing our selues to godly and Christianlie exercises of our faith we may be strēgthened in the waies of God and so in thought word and deed consecrate a glorious Saboth vnto the Lord. Therfore it is called the Saboth of God Exod. 20.10 Leuit. 23.3 He calleth it an holie convocation that is dedicated to holy meetings So Esai 58.13 Hereby is confuted their opinion that take it a Saboth kept if they rest from their labours so in the meane time they labor in plaies dansings vain songs enterludes c. as though the Lord had called vs from our profitable labor commanded to displease him in these vanities Again others also who if they be better than the former abstaining from those things haue notwithstanding their heads hearts and mouthes so ful of worldly things as they do not indeed perform the trueth of the Saboth when as it should bee kept as the rest of the Law not only in action but also in the thoughts of the heart words of the mouth Esa 58. Amos 8.5 But before we come to the proper and peculiar exercises we wil set downe reasons that prooue it perpetuall for the Church in this world to haue one such day in sevē to be dedicated vnto the Lord that so we may haue the vse of it in our conscience and of the ceremonie ceased I will speake in the end First because of the covenant of the Law which biddeth vs doe so liue thereby driving vs vnto Christ Rom. 10.5 Ther are ten partes called ten wordes or sentences of which if we take away this there will be but nine Exod. 34.18 Secondlie if Adam being in his soundnes because his mind not being infinite could not doe his worke praise God pray to him meditate in his creatures of his wisdom mercie c. had need for that purpose wholly to giue himself ouer more fullie thē he did by times in other daies once in seven daies how much more having in vs so much ignorance hardnes of heart c. that we might help our weaknes grow forward Thirdly when this was a peece of the image of God in him that he did not onely those daylie duties after mentioned together with tilling and keeping the garden Gen. 2.15 euery day but was further able one whole day in soule bodie to giue ouer himselfe to the former Saboth exercise of praying praising c. Either we must not knowe and not be borne again to this piece of excellencie or els wee must haue this peculiar commandement to humble vs in this point to driue vs vnto Christ afterward also be a rule and square vnto vs of the same Fourthlie the Apostles in taking this day and giving it the name of the Lordes day Apoc. 1.10 as before that was called the Lords Saboth and ordaining publike exercises Act. 10.7 and privat 1. Cor. 4.2 As they did shew that