bondage of their Maisters with all their labours their force and diligence yea euen vnto bloud Euen so forasmuch as both our selues and all that we haue belong to God by right and hee possesseth vs as slaues and bondmen therefore what seruice soeuer we endeuour to doo him it is certaine that he can owe nothing vnto vs. Iob. 9 3 15 20. Psal 143.2 16.2 3. 5 As it hath bene sometimes said and truly reported of the Athenians namely that they knew what was meet to do but they wholly neglected to do the same Euen so many Christians know what is meete and right to doo but yet for the most part wholly neglect to do the same Luk. 12.47 Iam. 4.17 6 Like as the Lord according to his iustice and truth hath threatened terrible punishments to wicked and impenitent sinners Euen so contrariwise he hath promised rewards to them that do good Workes and worke righteousnesse Mat. 5.16 Rom. 13.9 1. Cor. 15.58 Ephe. 2.10 Phil. 4.8 Tit. 2.12 3.8 7 Like as if a man should say the Vine is made more fruitfull by bearing grapes or that the internall light of the Sunne is augmented by the externall emission of the beames So likewise for a man to say that inherent righteousnesse is by good Workes namely the fruites of righteousnesse augmenteth so to to say is not onely erronious but also ridiculous 8 Like as if a rich man not constrained but of his own good will should adopt one to be his sonne whome hee knoweth not and to whom he oweth nothing and shuld appoint him to be the heire of all his landes and goods and certaine yeares after that he hath bestowed this benefit vpon him he should lay vpon him a lawe to do this or that he cannot now say that he hath deserued this benefit by his owne works seeing that many yeares before he asking nothing had receiued the same freely and of meere fauour So God could not respect our Works and deserts going before righteousnesse for the promise and the gift of the holie Ghost was 430. yeares before the Lawe Gal. 3.16 17. 9 As it is impossible to seperate washing from water and burning from fire and good fruites from a good tree Euen so vnpossible it is to seperate good Workes from a true and a liuely faith Iam. 2.22 10 As Marchants or Chapmen doo oftentimes prise and esteeme their wares marchandise more then they be worth Euen so do we of our doings vertues and good Works but when they are examined and prised by those which know them as by the Spirite of God and his Prophets they are altogither iudged as old ragges torne tied togither and patched vp againe 11 As old Images new gilded ouer which outwardly hath some glistering shew but within are nothing but dust and durt Or as counterfeit mony which is of ill and naughty mettal how good a print soeuer it haue Euen so is the good that we do and al the righteousnesse vertue which is in vs is nothing but shame reproch Rom. 10.3 12 As the Temple sanctified the Golde that was vpon it but was not sanctified by the Gold or as the Altar sanctified the offering that was vpon it but was not sanctified by the offering Euen so good VVorkes do not beautifie a Christian man in the Lorde but the man in the Lorde doth beautifie the VVorkes Mat. 23.17 19. Reu. 14.15 13 As the Apple is not the cause of the Apple tree but a fruite of it Euen so good VVorkes are not the cause of our saluation but a signe and a fruite of the same Math. 7.17 14 As Caterpillers sometimes and blasting do fret and annoy the branches that the sap cannot haue his course and so the fruite faileth which seemed faire to the eye So rancour and displeasure diuision schisme and seperation among men being no lesse then noysome windes and Caterpillers to our Christian faith eate vp and drie away many times the sappe or iuice of loue and charitie whereby the expected fruite of good VVorkes is withered in the braunches 15 As sauoury water cannot come from a stinking puddle or sweete fruite from a sower roote Euen so no more can any good VVorke come from an vnregenerate man from a corrupt sinfull soule who although he giue his bodie to the fire for the profession and maintenance of the trueth and all his goods to the poore in a tender compassion of their miserie yet he being destitute of faith loue and the rest of the parts of regeneration dooth not by these workes please God or fulfill his Lawe 16 As the channel which is polluted and defiled doth pollute and defile the water that is without defilement in the fountaine Euen so the mind and will of man defiled by the remnant of sinne defile the Workes which as they come from Christ are vndefiled 17 As in fire there is both heate and light yet doo wee not say that the light dooth burne but the heate So in a man iustified there is both faith and good Workes inseperably yet dooth not good Workes iustifie but faith oâ—ely 18 As one Torch doth giue more light carried before then foure borne behinde So likewise our good Worke or deed done in life time and perfect health is more welcome vnto God then fortie after death 19 As the greene leaues outwardly sheweth that the tree is not drie inwardly So the good Workes openly testifie the zeale of heart inwardly Wise men 1 AS the olde naturall Phylosophers doo say that the Sunne feedeth on the salt water and that the Moone taketh her foode vppon the sweete water Euen so Wise men do seeke things bitter so as they be profitable when fooles onely passe for things pleasant and delightfull 2 As the Bee out of the most bitter things doth gather most sweet Honie So a Wise man out of things hard and vnpleasant picketh gaine and vtilitie 3 Like as Alexander did cause Bucephalus his Horse being olde to be carried on other horses to the battaile that he might be fresh for the fight So ought graue olde and Wise men be spared from labour that their good counsel might be onely regarded and had in necessities Wits 1 AS the vessell with a narrowe mouth of a long time may not bee filled but then at the length it holdeth the liquour more furer So Wits that be dull in receiuing learning wil most stedfastly remember the same once obtained 2 Like as too great a noyse hurteth the eare Or as too much meat annoyeth the stomack Or as heauie burdens hurt the bearers of them Or as too much raine doth more hurt then good to the ground Euen so weake Wits and weake consciences may soone bee oppressed with ouer hard questions Wisedome 1 AS that vessel can neuer be filled which alwayes powreth foorth and leaketh So may hee neuer receiue Wisedome which continually speaketh and at no time harkneth Prou. 17.27 Iam. 1. 19. 2 As the Asse Colt which of all other beastes
together Euen so Faith grounded vppon Christes passion Faith giueth the sappe of loue loue blossometh foorth in good workes And therefore in Faith we must be constant in loue feruent in workes diligent and in doctrine we must keepe order we may not let the effect presume before the cause nor the daughter before the mother 3 As workes without Faith make but a Pharisaicall hypocrite Euen so Faith without workes maketh but a carnall Gospeller 4 Like as the flame of fire burneth the wood without helpe of the light and yet the flame cannot bee without the light Euen so is it assuredly true that Faith alone consumeth and burneth away sinne without the helpe of works yet that the same Faith cannot be without good workes And therefore if wee see a flame that giueth no light we know by and by that it is but vaine and painted Euen so when we see not some light of good workes in a man it is a token that he hath not the true inspired Faith which God giueth to his chosen to iustifie and glorifie them with all So that most certaine it is that the loue of God and a mans neighbour doo of necessitie goe ioyntly together with Faith 5 Like as with the rysing of the Sunne there goeth ioyntly of necessitie the spreading foorth of his beames and his light Euen so of necessitie loue and good workes follow Faith in those that are iustified in so much as hee that loueth not and liueth well abideth in death 6 Like as that body wherein there remaineth no feeling or moouing liueth not And yet it followeth not thereupon that feeling and moouing are the cause of life but life is the cause of moouing Euen so the efficient cause of our iustification is God for the obedience passion and death of Christ onely And Faith is the instrument wherby we take hold of Christ our righteousnesse So then the loue of God and a mans neighbour must of necessitie followe Faith in him that is iustified Like as moouing and feeling do of necessitie follow life But loue and good workes cannot proceede but of Faith like as there can grow no good fruites but of a good tree 7 As wee commonly say that white haires make an olde man and yet our meaning onely is that they declare him to bee an old man Euen so when we say that woorkes doo iustifie it is ment that workes do but declare whom is iustified Iam. 2.18 8 Like as in the fire the light and the heate are ioyned together for mans vse yet the heate onely warmeth So likewise Faith and workes goe together in mans life and conuersation But yet it is Faith alone without workes that saueth 9 As the hand hath a propertie to reach out it selfe to lay hold of any thing and to receiue a gift But the hand hath no propertie to cut a peece of wood of it selfe without a sawe or knife or some such like instrument and yet by the helpe of them it can either diuide or cut Euen so it is the nature of Faith to goe out of it selfe and to receiue Christ into the heart As for the duties of the first and second Table Faith cannot of himselfe bring them foorth no more then the hand can diuide or cut Yet ioyne loue to Faith and then can it practise duties commaunded concerning God and man 10 As in regard of substance although the eye bee neuer alone yet in regarde of seeing it is alone Euen so though Faith subsist not without hope and loue and other graces of God yet in act of iustification it is alone without them all 11 Like as when any one of the Israelites were stung to death by fierie Serpents his cure was not by any Physicke or Surgerie but onely by casting of his eye vp to the brazen Serpent which Moses had receiued by Gods commaundement Euen so in the cure of our soules when we are stung to death by sinne there is nothing required within vs for our recouerie but onely that we cast vp and fixe the eye of our Faith on Christ and his righteousnesse Iohn 3.14.15 Forgiuenesse of sinnes onely from God 1 LIke as the Prince onely hath power to Forgiue and pardon fellonie or treason in his subiects Euen so God onely hath power to Forgiue sinne Mar. 2.7 c. 2 As that man is a Traytor who being a subiect himselfe will take vpon him to pardon treason or fellonie in another subiect Euen so is he a Traytor to God that will take vpon him to pardon that sin that is committed against God 3 Like as no man can forgiue debts but the Creditor to whom the debt is due So no man can forgiue sinnes against whom there is no sin committed but he onely that is hurt and offended by the sin and that is God either immediatly or by meanes Esay 43.25 4 Like as if one doo forgiue an other mans debts the debtor is abused if he do belieue that he is discharged of the bond of his debt and the Creditor hath wrong done him without whose knowledge and will the debts belonging vnto him are forgiuen and his debtor discharged which forgiuenesse he doth make void immediatly and doth neuerthelesse claime the debt vpon his debtor Euen so likewise if any man doo forgiue sinnes which be not done against himselfe he deceiueth him whom he forgiueth and sinneth against him also to whom the offence was done which hath the power only to forgiue or withhold the offences done vnto him and so he doth both not discharge the party that is guiltie and doth offend him also into whose right he doth vnaduisedly intrude 5 As men do not giue almes at any time to a stout begger who although he haue need yet will not confesse it and craue almes gently acknowledging his pouertie Euē so no more will the Lord giue vnto vs any spirituall almes to wit Forgiuenesse of sinnes vnlesse we shall humble our selues before him with true feeling of our pouertie and miserie Math. 9.13 11.28 False Doctrine 1 AS the herbe Blattaria wheresoeuer it bee strewed or laide the Mothes and Bats incontinently find it out and come vnto it So corrupt Doctrine wheresoeuer it be dispersed by and by such people as are corrupt wil flocke vnto it 2 As a dramme of the roote of Solanum somniferum causeth Idle imaginations two drams causeth madnesse and fower drams killeth one So a litle False Doctrine maketh an idle head Feeling of Faith and other good graces which we are indued with is not alwaies alike and the same in vs. 1 LIke as we are not alwaies alike disposed at one time as at an other So we haue not alwaies alike desire to see or to heare the word of God or to read it or to confer with our brethren which are more aduaunced in the knowledge and zeale of the true and right maner of worshipping of God then we are And likewise the spirite of God doth not touch and stirre vs vp alwaies
haue made conscience to vse such things as God hath left free and at their libertie Fained Friends 1 EVen as a brooke in winter is carried with great violence and runneth with a mightie force flowing ouer with abundance of waters on euery side when there is no want nor neede of waters but in the heate of Summer is dried vp and emptie when water is scant and hard to be had wherto thirstie passengers as they trauaile running in hope of water to drinke are vtterly deceiued So a fayned and hollow hearted Friend in the time of thy prosperitie and rich estate will promise thee many things when thou hast neede of nothing but if the winde shall turne and blow the contrarie way and thou shalt be turned and tossed with many sharpe brunts and blustring blasts of troubles aduersitie penurie and pouertie thy Friends as thou thought will bee like a tree withered through want of sap and like a ditch without water dried and parched with the heate of the Sunne 2 As a shaddow doth follow that man which is lighted with the bright beames of the Sunne but if the Sunne be hid or couered with a cloud the shadow vanisheth is cleane gone So a fained and counterfaited Friend doth follow and plie that man whome he perceiueth to bee rich to be famous honorable in the Princes fauour at whose hands hee hopeth that some thing will be gotten But if he shall fall into calamitie bee despoyled of his riches and shall tumble downe from the toppe of his honour into the lowevallie of disgrace hee presently forsaketh him and maketh no reckoning nor account of him Prou. 17.17 3 As a Swallow whose companie may be had in Summer but not in winter So likwise Friends as they go now a dayes will swarme about thee so long as thou art able and willing to feede their humors and serue their turnes but that ended they will leaue thee in the middest of a thousand surges and wants of what troubles soeuer shall light vpon thee Forgiuenesse of sinnes 1 AS the Serpent or the Toade when they die are not in so miserable a state as sinfull men because there is the ende of their woe and miserie So contrariwise when men dieth out of the fauour of God and without the benefit of Forgiuenesse of sinnes there is thē the beginning of his woe and miserie 2 Like as when Benhadad king of Syria was discomfited and ouercome by the king of Israell by the counsell of his seruants who told him that the kings of Israell were mercifull men he sent them cloathed in sackcloath with ropes about their neckes to intreate for peace and fauour Now when the King saw their submissiō he made couenant of peace with him So likewise we by our sinnes most iustly deserue hell death and condemnation euery day and therefore it standeth vs in hand to come into the presence of God to humble ourselues before him in sackcloth ashes crauing and intreating for nothing in the world so much as for pardon of our sinnes and that day by day without ceasing till the Lord giue his blessed answere to our consciences that all our sinnes are put out of his remembrance 1. King 20.32 Psal 32.1 Esay 38.17 44.22 Mich. 7.19 3 Like as a man that for some misdemeanour hath beene cast into prison and lyen there many yeares winter and Summer in cold yrons when he obtaines libertie he will often bethinke himselfe of his old miserie and take heede for euer least hee fall into the same offence againe So likewise he which hath seene his owne sinnes and felt the smart of them and withall by Gods goodnesse obtayned assurance touching the pardon and Forgiuenesse of them will neuer willingly and wittingly commit the like sinnes any more but in all things chaunge the course of his life Faith must not wauer in prayer AS the waue of the Sea is driuen sometimes into this coast somtimes into that according as the wind the raging of the Sea is So likewise a mā doubting now thinketh this thing shortly after his mind being chaunged he thinketh an other thing euen as he is driuen on with erronious doctrine and blind affections Such a man prayeth in vaine because hee is destitute of true Fayth Iam. 1.6 7. Forgiuenesse of sinnes free yet requireth thankfulnesse 1 EVen as the King his seruant owing him ten thousand Talants yet when he fell downe and besought him he forgaue him the whole debt freely and of his meere liberalitie So also God the Father dooth freely forgiue them all debts that is sinnes which flie vnto him for succour with trust and confidence in Christ Math. 18.23 c. Luk. 7.41 42. 2 But euen as the king called againe vnto punishment that seruant being vnthankfull and cruell toward his fellow seruants and that which before he forgaue him when he humbly besought him now hee requireth againe of him being stubborne and cruell towards his fellowes So God after he hath receiued vs being sorrie for our sinne into fauour will haue vs imitate his example in liberalitie and goodnesse towards our neighbour Math. 18.32 33. Faith without workes is vaine 1 EVen as that speech is vaine wherein it is said to the needie warme your selues and fill your bellies when as helping hands are not also put to So that Faith is vaine and deade which is in the mouth without the fruite of workes Iam. 2.15 16. 2 As a Carkas wherin is no liuely spirit deserueth not to be called a liuing creature Euen so Faith that is dead and without workes deserueth not to bee called Faith Iam. 2.17 3 Euen as the spirit which is inwardly in a lyuing creature quicke and lusty doth bewray it selfe by moouing feeling and by the outward actions So likewise a liuely Faith doth shewe it selfe by good workes otherwise it is like a tree without a roote by which it is nourished held vp and adorned Iam. 2.18.26 4 As Almes and liberalitie to the poore which is but in faire speeches is cold and doth not helpe So in like manner the Faith which is but in words and outward profession of speech although it be with neuer so great brags is dead so that wee must vnderstand that a thing which is weake and dead in it selfe can by no meanes haue power to giue life and to saue 5 Like as if that liberalitie which is onely in words be cold dead and doth not profit the poore nor make him a liberall man which vseth it Euen so that Faith which is onely in speech is dead and therefore cannot saue or profit him which hath it For if words onely could profite or cause it to bee Faith then should words also profite the poore man or woman which is destitute But words onely can not make a faithfull man nor onely words make a liberall man 6 As a man is knowne to be dead when hee doth not breath cannot stir see heare such like and contrariwise when
is carried vpward by the vessel and at the same time goes downward because he walkes downeward in the same vessell at the same instant Euen so the Will of a man regenerate partly willeth and partly nilleth that which is euill because it is partly regenerate and partly vnregenerate Worldly wise men LIke as a woman who hauing so much worke to doo that shee could not tel where to begin sat her downe and left all vndone Euen so Worldly wise men who seeing many things out of order both in Church and Common-wealth and so little hope of any redresse or reformation thereof that they cannot tell which or what to correct or amend first and therefore they leaue sinne vnpunished and let men doo what they list Workes follow faith in euerie good Christian AS in materiall buildings after the foundation is laid ther remaineth the greatest labor time cost cunning diligence to be bestowed vpon the framing furnishing of other parts that must ensue Euen so the heauenly edifice or building of our soule haue laide on the foundation ground of true belief the rest of all our life time labour studies is to be imployed in the perfecting of our life and actions as it were in raising vp the wals and other parts of our spirituall building by the exercise of all vertues and diligent obseruatioÌ„ of Gods commandements without the which it will be to no more purpose for vs to bragge of our faith or knowledge in the scriptures or to say that we haue faith and looke to bee saued as well as other men then it will be to purpose to haue a foundation without a building vpon it Iam. 2.26 Mat. 3.8 Wickednesse and the fruites thereof 1 AS the godly when they die leaue not onely behinde them a good name and fame vnto themselues but also to their kindred Euen so contrariwise the wicked and vngodly when they die leaue not onely a reproach and shame to themselues but also to their kindred Math. 11.39 2 Like as when Grapes be full ripe and readie for the presse then we know that vintage is at hand So likewise when VVickednesse aboundeth Gods vengeance cannot be farre of Ioel. 3.13 Wife AS the glistering beames of the Sunne when it ariseth decketh the heauen So the vertuous dispositions of a good VVife adorneth the house The Workes of the world declare God the workeman thereof 1 AS a prisoner in a dungeon may easily by a litle beam that shineth in at a chinke conceiue there is a Sun from whence that beame descendeth Or as a Trauayler in the wildernesse that falleth vppon some Channell or Brooke may ascend by the same to the VVell or Fountaine Euen so he that beholdeth considereth the wonderfull VVorkes of the world may therby conceiue also the wonderfull Artificer or workeman that made them 2 Like as if a man do passe by sea into some forraine straunge or sauadge Countrey where nothing else but birds and beasts do appeare yet if hee should espie some exquisite building or other worke of Art and reason in the place hee would presently assure himselfe that some men dwelt or had bene in that Countrey for that such things could not be done by beasts or vnreasonable creatures Euen so if we cast our eyes in the view and consideration of the heauens with the Sunne Moone Starres and the rest of the creatures of this world we may then easily iudge that there is a God that hath made all these and so from time preserueth the same Psal 19.1 Iob. 38.4 c. 3 As in a Quiar or company of singers when the foreman hath giuen the first tune or note there cnsueth presently a sweete harmony and consent of all other voyces both great and small sharpe and meane So likewise God in the creation of this world hauing giuen once the first push or motioÌ„ to the highest heauen called the first moueable there ensueth vpon the same al other motions of heauens Planets Elements and other bodies in most admirable order concord and congruitie for conseruatioÌ„ and gouernment of the world 4 Like as if a man that stood a farre off vpon a Mountaine should see in a fielde vnder him a great huge and maine Armie of souldiers most excellent wel appointed eache one in order agreeing with other diuided into Rankes Squadrons Companies and Offices subordinat the one to the other by degrees and yet all rending one way all their faces bent vpon one place all mouing marching turning together all endeuoring with all cheerfulnesse towards the performance of one common seruice by mutuall assistance without dissention or clamour he that should see this as he could not but imagine some generall high Captaine to be among these souldiers whom all obeyed and from whose supreame commaundement and order this most excellent subornation agreement and vnion proceeded Euen so much more vpon consideration of the former coherence consent and miraculous subornation of creatures among themselues in their operations must we inferre that they haue some generall commaunder ouer them all by whose supreame disposition each creature hath his charge and peculiar taske appointed which he must performe for the common and vniuersall seruice of the whole Workes good 1 LIke as when we mingle water with wine in a Cup or in a Glasse that which is powred in there is called wine though water be mingled with it and albeit there be more water then wine yet that which is the more principall and most precious part of all beareth the name Euen so the good Workes which we doo by the grace of God be it that they haue a great many spottes and imperfections as they proceede from vs yet for all that they hold alwayes the name and reputation of him who is the principall author 2 As sweete water issuing out of a pure Fountaine is by a filthy channel made corrupt So likewise Workes of Grace euen the best of them are mixt Workes partly holie and partly sinfull whereby it is euident to a man that hath but common sense that they are not answerable to the righteousnesse of the Lawe and that therfore they can neither merite life nor any way iustifie a man before God Phil. 2.13 Luk. 17.10 Esay 64.6 Rom. 3.20 Gal. 2. â—6 Ephe. 2.8 9. Tit. 3.5 3 As it is of necessitie that the tree be made good before she bring foorth good fruite and therefore the fruite maketh not the tree good but is rather the sign of a good tree Euen so it followeth that Workes doo not iustifie because they are done of those which before were made righteous through Grace So that a good Woorke maketh not a good man but a good man maketh a good Worke. Math. 7.17 18. 12.33 4 Like as bond men and slaues who were in such state in old time so in bondage to their Maisters that thogh they laboured toyled neuer so much yet they got nothing for themselues but were held and kept vnder the
with a Palsie hand can stretch it out as well to receiue a gift at the hand of a King as he that is more sound though it bee not so firmely and stedfastly Euen so wee must know that a weake Faith will as truely apprehend Gods mercifull promises for the pardon of sinne as a strong Faith though not so soundly 24 Euen as it little profiteth the wounded man to haue the best medicine lying by him except he had a hand to lay the plaister vppon the soare Euen so the mercies of God can doo vs small good except wee haue Faith to applie them vnto our sinfull soules Habac. 2.4 2. Cor. 1.24 5.7 25 As our hand is to our mouth and the mouth to the stomacke and the windpipe to the hart so that if thou hast not a hand to feede thy month and a mouth to feede thy stomacke thy body must needs soone perish And againe if the windpipe should be cut asunder presently thy heart dyeth and al thy members fall downe because they want the breath of life Euen so if thy Faith which is the onely meane whereby thou receiuest the breath of Christs spirit into thy soule and whereby thou liuest that new life in Christ Iesus of which the Prophet Habacucke speaketh The iust shall liue by his Faith If this pipe and Cunduit bee perished or broken in thee by thine owne negligence or cut off by thine aduersarie the diuel who seeketh nothing else night nor day but thy euerlasting poyle then certainly both thy soule and body must needs perish too 26 As the Fig tree that bare no fruit was threatned to be cut down or as a Sun without light is but a painted Sun Or as a coale without heat is dead Or as a body without motion liueth not Euen so Faith without workes is dead and the Christians that bringeth not foorth the fruites of the spirite of Christ belongeth not to Christ and so is no Christian Luk. 16.6 Iam. 2.17 27 As Infidelitie is the head-spring of all wickednesse and vice So on the contrarie side Faith is the originall well and fountaine of all vertue and godlinesse Which Faith is declared not onely by words but by such deedes and workes as God hath commaunded vs in his holy and sacred Scriptures and where no such workes bee speake they neuer so godly there is no true liuely Faith Tit. 1.1 3 1 6. 28 As Beggers which not being woorth one farthing wil yet boast of great wealth So many brag of great Faith and holinesse but haue little or none euen as though they could remooue mountaines out of their places and yet know not what true Faith is Luk. 18.8 29 As the Sunne except it shine and beate vppon the face of the earth there will no fruite spring increase or riâ—â—pen Euen so except Faith shine in the soules of men they shall neuer be acceptable to God 30 As the Sunne shining in the firmament auaileth him not that hath none eyes to see the same neither him that winketh with his eyes and will not see but onely him that doth behold the light thereof So doth the death of Christ profit him nothing which lacketh true Faith to lay hold vpon the same but onely such as by a liuely and fruitfull Faith applie the same vnto themselues Gal. 2.20 Iohn 3. 6. tot 31 As some kind of medicines are so composed that they will serue for a generall helpe for all diseases So Catholike Faith doth serue against all diseases of the soule 32 As a Traueller which iourneying into a Countrie where he might liue delightfully profitably doth leaue the right and straight way and followes by paths which will leade him into daungerous places to the losse of his life is vnwise So euery one that thinketh to please God without Faith taketh a wrong course and deceiueth him selfe to the destruction and losse of his soule 33 As a shielde or buckler is the chiefe defence of a Souldier wherby he beateth backe his enemies weapons So likewise Faith in time of spiritual conflict repelleth the diuels weapons or instruments Psal 5.12 34 As the superstitions Pagans thought that an Idoll which they termed Vibilia kept them from erring out of their way So Faith which is our Vibilia will not suffer vs to wander out of the way so long as we doo all things according to that patterne which was shewed vs in the mount Exod. 25.40 35 As the argument is alway good for the subsistance of any subiect vnto the natural propertie of the same and contrariwise the propertie being set the subiect of necessitie must be seene So Faith which iustifieth man being set good workes which are the properties of the spirit of of Faith are necessarily set 36 Euen as good works being set Faith froÌ„ which they doo spring must needs be set So whersoeuer Faith is not good works are not where good works be not there is not faith the cause of good works 1. Tim. 1.18 19. Ma. 25.34 37 Euen as without eyes no man seeth without eares no man heareth without smelling no man smelleth without tasting no man discerneth tastes without touching no man toucheth any thing So without Faith can no man see heare smell taste eate and finally touch Christ 38 As by the preaching of the Gospell the holy Ghost doth kindle Faith in vs So he increaseth feedeth cherisheth confirmeth the same by the vse of the Sacraments Gen. 17.10 Exod. 12.13 Math. 26.26 27. 1. Cor. 11.23 39 As the bodie hath his hand mouth and stomacke whereby it taketh receiueth and digesteth meate for the nourishment of euery part So likewise in the soule there is a Faith which is both hand mouth and stomack to apprehend receiue and apply Christ and all his merites for the nourishment of the soule Gal. 3.14 40 As in the litle tender budde is infolded the leafe the blossome and the fruite So where men are displeased with themselues for their offences and do withall constantly from the heart desire to beleeue and to be reconciled to God there is Faith and many other graces of God infolded Isay 42.3 Math. 6.6 41 Euen as in a childe when he growes to be a man remains to be the same substaÌ„ce that was in the child before but now is made stronger by age and castes away all childish toyes So in the same Faith which we professe in our Baptisme must we grow learn the full vnderstanding of it that it may he felt sweeter vnto vs daily more and more while we liue euen to our last end and by which Faith we also grow in the feare of God and by which we be saued Faith is Faith though it be weake or small or lye hidden 1 LIke as a litle child who with his litle hands or as a pore man who with his rugged scabby hands refuse not to take bread other alms that men wil bestow vpon them aswel as if they were greater hole And like
The Iudges doo this to keepe them alwayes in feare and diligence to doo their dutie and to stop them from taking too great libertie So likewise God doth with vs when he will pardon our sins and set vs at libertie leauing vs notwithstanding a great sort of Infirmities and Imperfections which may alwayes serue him to charge vs and for matter to cal vs to a reckoning whē we would wind out of that bondage and boast our selues abroade of the goodlinesse of our reason and loyaltie Right Iustice is to bee iudged by the authoritie of Gods will AS often as there is any malefactor and wicked person to be punished they which be appointed to bee the Iudges ' doo declare vnto the Prince his wicked fact and so looke for a writte from him and that beeing had they doo see the paines prescribed therein to bee executed vpon the malefactor Now if the Iudges or Officers doo any thing contrarie vnto that it is taken for a great offence and rebuke done against the authoritie and iurisdiction of the Prince and they escape not cleare withall Euen so it is a much more Iust matter before God that none bee put to death contrarie or besides his will and word who is the onely Lord of life and death Ignorance 1 AS men that dreame and wake againe who when they are a sleepe thinke to haue found some great treasure and haue a great ioy in it but after their waking they see that all is vanished like smoake whereupon they vex and grieue themselues So likewise men slumbering in the night of Ignorance thinke that they are righteous before God but they are grieued when they find that this is a dreame which passeth through their spirites and vanisheth as soone as they be awake and are deliuered from the darknesse of Ignorance wherein they were a sleepe and buried 2 As in the night by reason of the darknesse spread vpon the earth all things are hid and couered which causeth that we cannot discerne and discouer the spots which we haue in our faces but when the light beginneth to appeare that we take a Glasse to behold our selues therin then they are discouered and shew themselues Euen so likewise during the time that we are couered with darkenesse of Ignorance the vices that dwell in vs are hidden there and oftentimes wee thinke being leprous and deformed that wee are beautifull and perfect but our eyes being open and illuminate by the spirite and grace of our God and taking the Glasse of the Law therein to behold the state of our natur our life thē we begin to know the great and grieuous imperfections that are in vs and we at once loose the opinion which wee had conceiued before of our own righteousnesse and vertues and perceiue what daunger we were in before 3 As men somtimes enquire for them amongst whom they doo stand So some are Ignorant in that which is so plaine that all others know it and they can hardly auoide the knowledge of it 4 Like as the day and the night is all one to those that are blind Euen so is superstition Idolatrie and the preaching of the Gospell to those that are Ignorant of the meanes of their saluation 5 As they that loue not the light hide their dooings in the darke so as it is a manifest token that their owne consciences beareth thē witnesse that their doings be naught So likewise they that loue and choose rather Ignorance then the knowledge of Christ it is a manifest token that they loath to see the filthinesse of their owne works Iohn 3.19 20. 6 As he that goeth in the darke catcheth a shrewd turne afore he woteth of it So he that walketh in Ignorāce runneth headlong to destruction when he least thinketh of it 7 As Lot was so long loytering and trifeling in Sodome that the Angel was faine to plucke him out with violence Euen so certainely vnlesse the Lord by the good meanes of his prouidence should plucke vs out of Ignorance and darknesse wherein we vse such trifling and plunging and delaying that scarce one of a thousand would bee saued Gene. 19.15 16. 8 As the light of Godly knowledge increaseth vertue So the darkenesse of Ignoraunce is a hinderance to all goodnesse Immoderate studie AS the field ouermuch dunged is burned withereth away So Immoderate study and learning doth vtterly dull and make blunt the students braine Iniurie LIke as if any doo offer any Iniurie or bodily harme to a Doue or a sheepe or to any innocent creature thogh it be vnto death yet they will not make any resistance So likewise if any Iniurie or wrong bee done to the faithfull seruants of God they will patiently suffer it without any resistance c. Instructers of children 1 AS the good ryders doo first bring their horse to be obedient vnto the bridles So they that Instruct children must first exhort them to obedience and humilitie 2 As Hannah made Coates for her Sonne Samuel who serued in the house of God So likewise parents and maisters ought to array their seruants and children with the godly ornaments of wisedome and knowledge which is from aboue 1. Sam. 2.19 Prou. 4.9 3 Like as a man will sow his ground with the best seed and plant his Orchard with the best fruite because he looketh for the greater and more gainfull increase in the time of gathering So in like manner men louing their children as well as they doo other commodities ought also to traine them vp in the best things which are found in the discipline knowledge and faith of Christ and so doing they should not only escape many a secret griefe and bitter mischiefe but also blesse the Lord with great ioyfulnesse when they finde this fruite of their education in knowledge of these good things Namely their children to be a comfort refreshing honour to their gray haires and their seruants necessarie helpes before them in all good causes and matters of honestie truth Iustice and mercie Gal. 6.7 Inconstant men 1 AS the beast Hienae and the beast of Egypt now called the Mouse of Indie be sometimes males sometimes females So many be so Inconstant that now they bee friendes now foes now Papists now Protestants now hotte now colde now wise now foolish c. Reuela 3.15 16. 2 As the Reede is shaken too and froo with euerie little small wind Euen so such is the Inconstancie and mutabilitie of the common people whome euerie small trifle dooth cause to alter their minde and Iudgement Math. 11.7 Iudges 1 AS the beame with ballances doth bow towards that part wherein is the greater weight So some Iudges fauour them most whose gifts be greatest and not whose cause is best Iob. 15.34 Deut. 16.19 27.25 1. Sam. 12.3 2 As they which desire with heede and more surely to see doo shut the one eye So a Iudge to the intent that he may discerne according vnto Iustice and equitie ought not to bee partiall
7.7 8 9. c. Gal. 3.19 5 As Christ rising from death is free from the graue Peter deliuered from the prison was free from the prison The sicke of the Palsie from his bed the yong man from his Coffen the mayden from her couch And yet the graue the prison the bed the Coffen the couch did remaine still Euen so the Law is abolished when wee are not subiect vnto it the Law is dead when we are dead vnto it and yet it remaineth still 6 As hee that hath an inward disease or corruption in his body although because it appeareth not on the outside he bee carelesse of the daunger yet when the same is launced and that hee perceiueth the inconuenience and perill ensuing thereby to his body he will then bee desirous of the Chirurgion Euen so the launcing of our sins by the preaching of the Law will cause vs beeing otherwise carelesse to seeke remedy in Christ 7 Like as the summe of our faith is comprehended in the Creed of the Apostles Euen so the Law of God is the direction and rule of good workes 8 Like as if a man were bound to pay a thousand pounds to his Creditor which he oweth him although this creditor did demaund this debt of him and he were not able to satisfie him or pay him yet the Creditor should not doo vniustly to aske him his thousand pounds For when the King did aske of his seruant the tenne thousant Talents that he did owe vnto him he did not vniustly or wrongfully Euen so all the whole Law of God is nothing else but a commaundement whereby we are commaunded and bidden to pay that vnto God that we owe vnto him For we are bound of dutie to loue God with all our harts with all our soules and with all our strengthes and our neighbour as our owne selfe for we are debters saith the Apostle but not vnto the flesh shal we say then that God is vnrighteous or that hee dooth vniustly in asking that thing of vs that we doo owe vnto him of bounden dutie But rather that he doth most iustly godly and righteously to demaund such things of vs. Math. 18.24 Deut. 6.5 Rom. 8.12 13. 9 Like as this consequence is nothing worth Money doth not iustifie or make a man righteous therfore it is vnprofitable the eyes doo not iustifie therefore they must be plucked out The hands make not a man righteous therefore they must bee cut off So likewise is this naught also The Law doth not iustifie therefore it is vnprofitable for we must attribute vnto euery thing his proper effect vse 10 As the Rauen was sent foorth before the Doue So the Law was giuen before the Gospell Gene. 8.6 c. Ioh. 1.17 Luk. 16.16 11 As the Rauen by nature is a foreteller of death Euen so the Law before hand inioyned the penaltie of death to Adams transgression Gene. 2.17 12 As the colour of the Rauen is blacke and full of melancholy Euen so it is the effect of Gods Law to bring a blacke day vpon the reprobate Ioel. 2.2 Math. 22.13 13 As the Rauen brought no tidings of the waters abating from the earth Euen so the Law telleth vs not that the wrath of God is appeased for our offences 14 As there belongeth first kniues and launcers to open that wound which is full of corruption and rottennesse euen to the bottome and then sharpe and bitter salue to draw out the corruption to eate out the dead flesh therof before there come any healing plaister neare it the nature whereof is to close vp and skin the vpper part of the wound which afterwards breeds great inconuenience makes the wound far more daungerous Euen so it fareth with al those which are wounded with the venimous dart of selfe-loue which woūd being choked with the corruption dead flesh of couetousnesse and pride and yet will vse no other medicine for the curing therof thē that pleasant healing salue of the Gospell which if they knew in truth how little the same did profit them before such time as the sharp launcing knife of Gods Law had opened the wound and the bitter salues of his iudgements and sharpe threatnings eaten out the rottennesse thereof they would goe an other way to worke vse a more sounder diet for the obtaining of health although it bee verie tedious and sharpe at the first Rom. 10.4 Gal. 3.24 15 As a Schoolemaister serueth not for his Sholler continually but till such time as the Scholler may growe to some good ability to goe forward at his booke by his own studie So the Lord feareth his people with the Lawe not alwaies but till such time as they haue sufficiently learned to know themselues and therfore to flie from themselues to Christ Iesus who freeth them from the curse and condemnation of the Law Gal. 3.24 16 Euen as a Rule directeth the Artificer in his worke and keepeth him from erring in any practise Euen so the Lawe and commaundements of the Lord are a rule to guide vs and to shewe vs wherein we erre from the right way 17 As a Line declareth the straightnesse or crookednesse of the tree Euen so the Law and commandements of God laid to our actions declare how much wee wander and goe astray 18 As a band dooth knit and hold many things together or as of many linkes is made one chaine And as by the sinewes our ioynts and parts of our natural bodies are tied and bound together Euen so by Lawe the politike body of a common-weale is vnited and knit together as one for the preseruation of peace in the profession of one true euerliuing and ouer-ruling Lord. 19 As among all other ordinarie accidents that are incident to the prosperitie or aduersitie of mankind there is nothing in earth that more fully proportioneth the ioyes in heauen then Musicke and Marriage to heare the one we leaue our meate and drinke and to bee ioyned to the other wee leaue Father and Mother Euen so among all ordinarie instructions incident to the earthly felicitie of mankind there is nothing that more fully proportioneth our condemnation to be iust then the Law nor any thing that more fully proportioneth our saluation to be in Iesus Christ then the Gospell In the one we heare thundring◠Earthquakes lamentations mournings and woe in the other nothing else but sweete voices pleasant songs and instruments of Musicke all proportioning and perpetually pointing our marriage with Christ Iesus in whom we are freed from the curse threats of the Law and al other inconueniences whatsoeuer 20 As a Scholler is in subiection to his Schoolemaister till he become learned and then he is set at libertie So in like manner the Law hath performed the office thereunto appointed when by it wee haue learned to know and see and acknowledge our infirmities corruption sinfulnesse vnrighteousnesse and to flie vnto Christ to be iustified by faith in him 21 As Honie by nature is very sweete
the heauenly and publike witnesse of the Church of Christ whereby the Lord testifieth that it is he which receiueth men freely into fauour and which clenseth from all blemishes and to be short maketh vs partakers heires of al his goodnesse Schooles 1 AS a man that hath diuers Orchards will also haue a Semenarie full of yong plants to maintaine it Euen so Schooles which are as Seminaries to Gods Church without which the Church fails to decay ought to bee maintained because they serue to make supplie of Ministers 2 As trayning makes Dogs fit for hunting So Schools and learning makes nature profitable The holy Scripture aboue the Church 1 AS the Sunne is cleare and bright not because that men doo iudge it to be so but rather men do iudge it to be so because it is so indeed and can iudge of it none otherwise Euen so the holy Scriptures contained in the canonicall bookes of the old and new Testament are the infallible worde of the liuing God not because the Church dooth iudge and allow it to bee so but rather the true Catholike Church doth iudge and allow it to be so because that it is so indeed can iudge of it none otherwise no more then the cleare and bright eyes can iudge of the light and brightnesse of the Sunne of the which the blind can giue no iudgement euen as the vnfaithfull and reprobate can giue no iudgement of the word of God nor yet allow it 2 As the Lawes of Princes ruling by Iustice ought to be receiued professed and practised of all their subiects Euen so much more the Church ought to bee gouerned by the Lawes of Christ her Lord and King 3 As the Lawes and ordinances giuen by Moses who was but a seruant might not bee abrogate chopped or chaunged of any mortall creature without the displeasure of the Almightie Euen so much lesse those Lawes and ordinances of the Lord Iesus beeing the chiefe Lord and ruler ouer all Deut. 27.26 Gal. 3.10 Iohn 10.4 5. 16.13 14. Schoolemaister 1 AS it is the part of a good Husband to vnderstand the nature and fertilitie of the ground which he dooth till So it is the part of a good Schoolemaister to discerne the disposition and nature of his Scholler 2 As Prometheus did make marueilous Images such as none other euer could So a wise discreete and learned Schoolemaister prepares to a child of an excellent wit that which an ignorant and vnlearned Maister vtterly destroyeth Scholler 1 AS if Appelles should see the forme of Venus or Protogenes the Image of Hialisus all with myre and dirt defiled they would no doubt be sorie So if a man see his Scholler whome he hath brought vp now enclined and giuen to lewdnesse he cannot chuse but greatly lament 2 As there be some women that cannot conceaue of some men yet accompaning with others they are become fruitfull for the encrease of children So there bee some Schollers that bee vnapt to learne vnder some Tutors Schoolemaisters but vnder others they will soone proue of a good quicke wit and learned 3 As the goodnesse of the ground is not much profitable for Corne vnlesse there be a meete husbandman to till and sowe the same So it is not enough to finde good towardnes in a Scholler vnlesse there be added vnto him a meete Schoolemaister to further the same 4 As a drop of water falling from the house Eaues weareth and holloweth the hard stone not by force but by his often falling Euen so a Scholler proueth learned not by power or strength but by much diligence and great reading 5 As Appelles became an excellent Painter because there was neuer a day but hee laboured himselfe to some learning So in like manner a diligent Scholler by dayly applying of his learning and often exercising of vertue attaineth to perfect honour and vertue 6 As young men which haue bestowed their time in labouring for learning and knowledge happily are apt and prone to come to great honour and preferment So contrariwise those Schollers which are giuen to their owne sensualitie and appetite are to bee auoided of all good men 7 Like as the goodnesse of the ground is not sufficient to bring foorth Corne except there bee a good Plower and seede Euen so a toward and wittie Scholler is not like to get good learning except he haue a master a good instructor and bookes Suites in Law how they are lawfull 1 AS a Souldier in lawfull warre may kill his enemie and yet loue him Euen a man may forgiue an iniurie that is done against him and yet seeke remedie by Law so it be in a Christian manner that is without priuate reuenge that it bee not scandelous to the Church that it bee to maintaine peace and that the partie offending may bee chastised and brought to repentaunce for his fault 2 Like as Physitions vse desperate remedies when weaker will not serue Euen so must men vse Law as the last meanes when all other faile Who is a Spirituall man AS the Scriptures call that man carnall which is not renued by the spirit and borne againe in Christes flesh and all his workes like euen the very motions of his heart and mind as his learning doctrine and contemptation of high things his preaching teaching and studie in the Scripture building of Churches Schooles or Hospitals founding of Colledges giuing of Almes and whatsoeuer hee doth though they seeme Spirituall and after the Law of God neuer so much So contrariwise he is Spirituall which is renued in Christ and all his workes which spring from faith seeme they neuer so grosse as the washing of the Disciples feete done by our Sauiour Christ and Peters fishing after the resurrection yea deedes of matrimonie are pure Spiritual if they proceed of faith and whatsoeuer is done within the lawes of God though if bee wrought by the body as the very wiping of shoes and such like howsoeuer grosse they appeare outwardly yet are sanctified Ioh. 3.6 1. Cor. 2.15 The Scripture sufficient to confute errours 1 LIke as if a man being taken with a Phrensie the Physition should come offer him a medicine which is of vertu to purge the superfluous humor that causeth the disease to make him whole sound and the phrantike man should refuse it and take an other to his owne contentation that would doo him no good were this medicine strengthlesse and not able to helpe his disease because the patient desired to haue an other rather then that Not so So in like manner although some men refuse to haue their errours and false opinions to be confuted by the word of God desiring rather to be tried by the writings of men which can do them no good to establish their faith this maketh not but the Scripture is sufficient to confute and refell erronious doctrine and all false opinions though they take it not so 2. As in the night season in darkesome places men are wont to
of a rich man and in so small a measure as that his aboundance hardly suffereth the euill thereof to be perceiued yet is he bitten that payeth it and he that taketh it an oppressour Exod. 22.25 How we must Vse the things of this world AS a Traueller vseth his staffe in his iourney as long as it doth further him so long he will carrie it with him but when it hindereth him then he casts it away So likewise must we Vse the things of this life namely as long as they are helpes to further and make vs fit for the kingdom of heauen but if they be any hinderance to this spirituall gegiment of Christ we must renounce them and cast them away bee they neuer so precious to vs. 1. Cor. 7.31 The best but Vnprofitable LIke as seruants bee they neuer so diligent in executing that which is committed vnto them yet cannot iustly vaunt themselues that they haue done any more then bounden dutie So all Christians when they haue trauelled as much as in them is possible yet they are to confesse themselues Vnprofitable seruaunts Luk. 17.9.10 God hath Vengeance in store AS in treasure-houses or store-houses men keepe all manner of things to serue their purposes Euen so God keepeth in store weapons of his wrath to Reuenge himselfe vppon the wicked for the iniurie and violence done to his Church Iere. 50.26 Vain-glorious talkers 1 AS new Wine will burst the vessells which it is put in except they haue a vent So a man desirous to heare himselfe can by no meanes holde his tongue Iob. 32.19 2 As a Dogge hauing an arrow sticking in his legge will not rest till hee haue it out Euen so no more will a foolish pratler rest till he haue spoken all hee knoweth of any thing or by others good or bad Vngodly men 1 AS the filthie Swine regarde not but thrust from them Roses that are most beautifull and sweete and seeme to contemne most fragrant and pleasaunt Flowers and doo rather seeke after foule puddles and stinking myre and forsaking daintie dishes and costly Iuncates doo franke themselues most greedily with wilde Masse and vncleane things So Vngodly men haue no taste of the word of God but hunting after vncertaine riches which are in continuall hazard and at the length wil deceiue them they are as it were fettered in the inchaunting pleasures and pestilent flickerings of the world 2 As Pilates souldiers with the wicked Iewes tooke Christ and stripped him off his garments buffetted him and slew him So likewise do Vngodly men by their wicked behauiour strippe him of all honour and slay him againe Vaine-glorious men 1 AS Organe players vnlesse some bodie blowe vnto them the windie bellowes do make no sound at all Euen so Vaine-glorious men vnlesse they be pricked forward with commendations and praises of others haue neuer any minde or purpose to bende themselues to any good action 2 As the lighter Ballance or ende of the beame will prease vpward and euer be highest So the Vainer more vnprofitable and vniuster that a man is the more will he vaunt and extoll himselfe and being a very impious vngodly and most wicked man will arrogantly assume vnto himselfe righteousnesse most impudently chalenge the name of a good and honest man when indeed he setteth more by one penny of money then by ten poundes worth of honestie and dooth loue more ten poundes of money then he doth the health wealth credite libertie life yea and more then the soule of his neighbour and Christian brother 3 Euen as an Archer dooth shoote nearer and sooner hit a faire great marke then a litle one So the Diuel doth easily hit with his arrowes and strike with his dartes the Vain-glorious man and proud men of the world but the humble and lowly he misseth with all the sleights cunning he hath We ought to Visit them that be in miserie 1 AS Beggers when they wold haue men to pitie them laie open their soares because that though things be neuer so great in themselues yet till they bee seene we will hardly beleeue them and therefore we do the poore much wrong many times in iudging their estate to be better then it is Euen so thereby is shewed what is the nature of all that if we will shewe mercy to others so cheerfully as we should we must Visit them in their necessitie and not turne our eyes away from beholding their need Luk. 10.30 c. c. Math. 25.40 Iam. 1.27 2 As the Queene of Saba came among others to make triall of the wisedome of Salomon which was so great which when she had done and had seene and heard all things she was greatly astonied and said vnto the King it was a true word which I had heard in mine owne lande of thy sayings and of thy wisedome howbeit I beleeued not this report till I came and had seene it with my eyes but loe the one halfe was not tolde for thou hast more wisedome and prosperitie then I haue heard by report c. Euen so may it bee saide of the condition of our brethren that though we heare much yet we shall not know the tenth part of their pouertie and miserie except wee will goe and see it and therefore cannot bee so moued to pitie them as the Lord would haue vs. 2. Chro. 10.5 6. 3 Euen as Abraham when hee would prouoke himselfe to great humiliation as such a chastisement did require hee wept in the sight of the dead corpes that the beholding of it might mooue him the rather So likewise if wee would looke into the necessitie and calamitie of our brethren and set it before our eyes we should be more plentifull in well doing then we are and bee more readie to weepe with them that weepe and to be like minded one towards an other Rom. 12.25 26. Vertuous and godly men 1 LIke as the Margarites those little white shining precious stones which doo grow within shell fishes in the Sea in this point are very marueilous and wonderfull that though they bee bred and encreased in the Sea yet haue they no similitude and likenesse with the Sea for the Sea is blew or skie coloured but the Margarites are white the Sea is horrible and full of discomfiture but they are cheareful pleasant and beautifull to behold they mooue much greatly delight and allure mightily mens eyes to looke vpon them the Sea is bitter but they are amiable and without all bitternesse but rather in some sort and measure by reason of their clearnesse brightnesse they represent the skie the reason is because they receiue influence from thence Euen so such Vertuous godly men who are surely grounded and certainely setled in the loue of God and true Christian Religion who being borne brought vp in this world haue no resemblance likenesse nor fashion of the same in desire they be drawen in will they be seuered in words they differ in workes they vtterly disagree from it
in holy things to sanctifie polluted things Or as the whole part of a mans body touching the soare part cannot heale it but rather is in danger to be infected by it Euen so it followeth necessarily that the best Works in man are wholly corrupted so that if the Lord should straightly examine them no man can answere for one of a thousand Agge 2.13 Iob. 9.2 3. Our Weaknesse to please God LIke as if a man beeing hyred to doo a dayes worke should deceitfully worke but with one hand and so disappoint his Maister of the Worke which should haue beene wrought with both hands Euen so whereas God craueth in euerie action all our wisedome wit will memorie vnderstanding and affection wholly to concurre together we scarcely giue him a part of all Wisedome and strength to be ioyned LIke as a Tree that the wind hath shaken loose at the roote the higher and greater that it is the sooner it is ouerthrowne Euen so a Souldier the stronger that he is wanting Wisdome the sooner he is ouerthrown for courage and strength without Wisdome is foolish rashnesse and Wisedome without courage and strength is fearefull cowardlinesse ioyne them together and they make a perfect Souldier The Will is in stead of the fact before God LIke as he is not to bee accounted healthfull which though hee doo appeare whole in the outward parts yet hath some euill disease with in his stomacke either in his Liuer or in his Lights or in some other place Euen so he cannot bee taken for a iust and righteous man if God be iudge which although he do not outwardly vse whordome steale nor kill yet dooth in his heart desire other mens wiues seruants c. or any other goods and wisheth that he were dead or hanged whō he hateth Exod. 20.17 Good Workes but yet failing in the manner of doing AS the Elders of the Iewes who comming to our Sauiour Christ in the behalfe of the Centurion for his sicke seruaunt besought him instantly as though they might not be denied and they tell him that the Centurion is worthie of so much fauor as that forsooth the Lord Iesus should come to him heale his seruant for proofe whereof they alleadge two strong reasons one is hee loueth our nation an other is he hath built vs a Synagogue Euen so plead the Papists we are worthie O Lord of thy fauour we haue deserued so much at thy hands Or such a one that is now dead hath deserued so much as that thou shouldest receiue his soule for he loued vs well while hee liued he was an honest man hee made vs good cheare he kept a good house he filled our bellies our purses too besides this he hath built vs a stately Synagogue goodly Churches and Chappels of ease hee mended our high-wayes hee erected such a Colledge such an Hospitall therefore Lord thou must of necessitie receiue his soule into thy kingdome or else thou doest him wrong Luk. 7.3 4 5. Math. 7.21 22. By the written Word of God things amisse are discerned LIke as a man that hath neuer so good eyes yet if hee bee in a deepe darknesse cannot for all the goodnesse of his eyes know and discerne his owne Father standing directly before him much lesse a beame or a mote in his eye vntill such time as he hath light to discerne him withall Euen so though we bee neuer so well and sharpe sighted are we able to discerne a beame or mote in the Churches eye without the helpe of the light of the Word Psal 119.105 Ephe. 5.13 Math. 7.3 4 5. 2. King 22.1 c. 29.1 2 c. Not two Wills in God AS the sight of the eyes when they are dazeled disturbed doo imagine and suppose that there bee two candles burning when ther is but one Euen so our mind when it looketh vppon the Will of God supposeth that there bee two Wills in God one secret and an other reuealed which is a thing farre disagreeing from the nature of God The Wisedome of God AS the Lord is Almightie and able to deliuer his children and Church from the wicked and willing to do it Euen so dooth hee know the wayes and meanes most perfectly readily how to doo it at al times according to to his will and pleasure 2. Pet. 2.9 Wrath of God 1 AS all good neighbours will hastely run to the quenching of a daungerous fire So likewise all Christians ought to make speed to pacifie the Wrath of God when they perceiue the same to wax hotte against them Psal 2.12 2 As the water of mightie flouds doo with great violence rage flow and cannot be stopped So the Wrath of God commeth vpon the wicked who peruert all lawes and all Religion Hose 5.10 The Workes of Gods ministerie ineuitable LIke as it is to no purpose to seeke to take by force a Citie so well fenced and manned as it may be So likwise vaine are the attempts of them that oppose themselues to Gods Ministers to hinder them from dooing that for which God hath sent them Iere. 1.18 19. Gods Word the salue for our soules AS those parts which are within vs haue most need of carefull keeping because the inward disease is most daungerous Euen so the holy Ghost hath allotted vnto our inward infection the most soueraigne and all sufficient salue his Word Psal 147.3 Math. 8.8 Mark 1.40 Will of God 1 AS the Potter in tempering his clay if he cannot make and frame it according to his mind at length he will dash it in peeces So God created man not that he should doo his owne Will but Gods Will and therefore whosoeuer he bee that followeth the lustes of his owne wicked heart and wil not be brought to be conformable to Gods Will but continues rebellious still the Lord in his wrath will confound them eternally 2 Like as if a man haue a trade and other men come into his shoppe and vse such instruments as bee there to a wrong ende though they were their owne yet it would grieue him to see it So God created all things for his own vse and for the accomplishing of his Will but rebellious man conformes himselfe to the Diuils Will and thereby no doubt he grieuously offendeth God Good Workes vncontrollable AS no man can accuse the Potter for making of the same lumpe of Clay a drinking Pot and a Chamber pot So likewise none ought to quarrell or find fault with their Creator whose Workmanship they are framed at his good pleasure and will Rom. 9.21 Mans Weaknesse to doo any thing for himselfe AS it is with young children who when they are first taught to goe can stand no longer then they are holden vp by the hand Or as it is with those that learne to swim who as soone as they are left to themselues sinke to the bottome Euen so likewise is it with vs when God taketh his helpe from vs and ceaseth to defend and relieue vs or else to take