hated me before it hated you If yee were of the World the World would loue his owne but because you are not of the world but I haue chosen you out of the world therefore the world hateth you Remember the words that I said vnto you the Servant is not greater then his Lord if they haue persecuted mee they will persecute you also Iohn 15 18. For if they doe these things to a greene Tree what shall bee done to the drye Luke 23 31. Math. 10.16.1 Corinth 4 9.10 13 2. Cor. 6.9 Psalm 22.12 Notwithstanding they can haue no power at all against you except it be given them from aboue Ioh. 19.11.8 20. For if Balaak would giue vnto Balaam his house full of Silver and Gold hee could not goe beyond the word of the LORD to doe lesse or more Numb 22 18 38 24 12 13 23 8. But vnto you it is given in the behalfe of CHRIST not onely to beleeue but also to suffer for his sake Phil. 1.29 Ob The very tonges of these wicked men doe cut like a sharpe rasor Psal 52 2. Adders poyson is vnder their lips Psalm 140.3 Their teeth are as swords and their iawes are kniues to eat vp the afflcted out of the earth and the poore from among men Prou. 30 14. Iob. 17 6. Lam. 1 7. Isa 8 18. Psal 120.4 22 13.69 11 31 12 13 verses 22.6.7.8 verses 71.10 83.3 Ier. 18.18 Deut. 32.33 A. Beloved remember ye the words which were spoken before of the Apostles of our LORD IESVS CHRIST how that they told you there should be mockers in the last times Iud. 17.18 And call to remembrance the former dayes in the which after ye were illuminated yee endured a great fight in afflictons partly while yee were made a gazing stock both by reproches and afflictions and partly while yee became Companions of them that were so vsed Heb 10 32. But as the LORD turned the Curse of Baalam into a Blessing Deut 23 5. So it may bee hee will looke on your Affliction also and requite good for their cursing this day 2. Sam. 16 12. And if yee bee reproached for the name of CHRIST happie are ye for the Spirit of Glory and of GOD resteth vpon you which on their part he is evill spoken of but on your part hee is glorified 1. Pet. 4 14. Therefore hearken vnto me yee that know righteousnesse the people in whose heart is my Law feare yee not the reproaches of men neyther be afraid of theyr revilings for the Moth shall eat them like a Garment and the Worme shall eate them like Wooll but my Righteousnesse shall bee for ever and my salvation shall be from Generation to Generation Isa 51.7 And consider him which indured such contradiction of sinners least you be weary and faint in your minds Heb. 12.3 And goe forth vnto him without the Camp bearing his reproach Heb. 13.13 And say you vnto such a one why boastest â—hou in mischiefe O mighty man The goodâ—esse of God indureth continually Psa 52. â— And rherfore I will be more vile than â—hus and will be base in my owne sight â— Sam. 6.22 Math. 10.24 And turne vnto God and say haue â—ercy vpon vs O Lord haue mercy vpon â—s for we are exceedingly filled with conâ—empt our soule is exceedingly filled with â—he scornes of those that are at ease and â—ith the contempt of the proud Psal 123. â— 4 Remoue farre from vs reproch and â—â—ntempt for wee haue kept thy testimoâ—ies Psal 119.22 Ob. They do not only vse threatning â—nd reuiling words but they lay to my â—harge things I neuer did Psal 35. â—1 They reioyce at me as if I had beene â—ound among theeues Ier. 48.27 Act. 6.11 â—3 14. ver 25.7.17.6 Math. 11.18.26.65 Ioh. 10.20.7.12 Ier. 15.10 Isa 54.17 A. Also now thy witnesse is in heauen â—nd thy record on high Iob. 16.19 The Lord will not leaue thee in the hand of the wicked nor condemne thee when thou art iudged Psal 37 32. For he shall stand at thy right hand to saue thee from those that condemne thee Psal 109 31. And will put to silence those lying lippes which speake grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the Righteous Psal 31 18. wherein they thinke it strange that you runne not with them vnto the same excesse of ryot speaking evill of you who shall giue an account vnto him that is ready to iudge the quicke and the dead 1. Pet. 4 4. Isa 66 5. Blessed therefore are you when men shall reuile you and Persecute you and shall say all manner of evill against you falsly for my sake Reioyce and bee exceeding glad for great is your reward in Heaven for so persecuted they the Prophets which were before you Math. 5 11. Luk. 6 22. But let none of you suffer as a Murtherer or as a Theefe or as an evill doer or as a busie body in other mens matters yet if any man suffer as a Christian let him not bee ashamed but let him glorifie â—OD in this behalfe 1. Pet. 4 15. â—nd haue your conversation honest aâ—â—ng the Gentiles that whereas they â—â—ke against you as evill doers they â—y by your good Workes which they shall â—â—ld glorifie GOD in the day of Visiâ—ion For so is the will of God that by â—ll doing yee may put to silence the igâ—â—rance of foolish men 1. Pet. 2 12 15. 〈◊〉 being reviled wee blesse being perâ—uted wee suffer it being defamed wee â—reat wee are made as the filth of the â—â—rld and the of-scouring of all things â—o this day 1. Cor. 4 12. Thus doing mayest thou pray Deliâ—â— my soule O Lord from lying lips â—el from a deceitfull tongue Psal 120. â— And who is hee then that will harme 〈◊〉 if you bee followers of that which is â—nd 1. Pet. 3 13. Or if any shall so â—â—e as the Sparrow by wandring and the â—allow by flying escape so the Curse causeâ—â—e shall not come Prou. 26 2. Psalm 19 161. Ob. But I shall one day fall into their hands 1. Sam. 27 1. And be broughâ— before Governours and Kings for the Name of CHRIST Math. 10.18 And what alas shall I then doe A. Doe as TIMOTHY did who professed a good profession before many witnesses 1. Tim. 6.12 And as the Church of Pergamus did who held fast his name and denied not his Faith even in those dayes wherein ANTIPAS his faithful Martyr who was slaine where Sathan dwelt Reu. 2.13 And if they forbid you to speake any more in that Name then say vnto them whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken vnto you more than vnto God iudge yee For wee cannot but speake the things which we haue seene and heard Act. 4 19.20 Ob. Ah Lord God behold I can not speake for I am a Child Ier. 1.6 A. The hand of the Lord shall be vpon thee and shall open thy mouth and thou shalt bee no more dumbe Ezek. 33 22. The tongue of the Stammerers shall be
GODS TREASVRIE DISPLAYED OR The promises and threatnings of Scripture c. Methodically Composed for the helpe of weake Memories And contrived into Question and Answere for the comfort of SIONS mourners and for the awakening of the Laodicean-like secure DEVT. 30.15 See I haue set before thee this day Life and Good Death and Evill LONDON Printed by B. ALSOP and T. FAVVCET for F. Clifton and are to be sold at his shop on new Fishstreet-Hill 1630. TO THE RIGHT honble ROBERT GREVILL Lord BROOKE of BEAVCHAMP-COVRT Grace and Peace RIGHT HONORABLE YOur Goodnesse as the timely Spring sprouting foorth into the buds and blossomes of pious resolutions and so Honourably atâ—ended is as a Citie set on a hill which cannot bee hid But promiseth a farre off vnto all honest passengers to bee a hiding place from the wind and a covert from the Tempest Isa 32.2 Wherefore this insuing Treatise hauing now receiued its birth being and as a Pilgrim being to passe abroad into the world to seeke entertainment doth conceiue hope of safety vnder your shadow and of good acceptation in the Church and among others of the houshold Faith and heires of Promise through your fauourable acceptance And therefore I haue made bold humly to present it vnto your Honourable protection and noble admission to doe your selfe its first service that from this hill of SION unto the valleyes of the same the streams therof running downe as a riuer of still waters may refresh and make glad the City of GOD. Which preasent as it is mine can promise no more vnto your Lordship than could the Carkeis of a dead Lyon vnto SAMPSON or than IEREMIAH his girdle which was profitable for nothing Iere. 13.7 And therefore as a thing vndesired to be buried out of your sight Yet if you shall vouchsafe to waye the contents and the matter whereof it consisteth you may be mooued to thinke the same meete to attend your most retyred presâ—nce But not to detaine your Lordship in the gate because of wisedomes voyce Prou. 8.1 Whâ—ch is as the noise of many waters Reu 1.15 Crying from within and saying Eate O friends drinke yea drinke abundantly O beloued Cant. 5.10 Yea come buy Wine and milke without money and without price Isa 55.1 Therefore humbly taking my leaue and leving your Lordship aâ— this feast of fat things which the Lord of hosts hath made vnto all people Iâ—a 25.6 there well to fare And with my vnfained and fervent desire and prayer vnto God for a daily grouth and increase of all grace in your Lordship so happily begunne I doe rest and shall for euer remaine Your Lordships most humbly devoted F. B. TO THE READER THough the Lord in Heaven of his infinite goodnes and mercy hath left vnto vs his poore people on eaâ—th his holy blessed word to be a light to our feet and a Lanthorne to our paths which is able to make vs wise to Salvation and absolute to every good worke to guide vs well and safely through this dangerous world and to bring vs home to himselfe at the last in peace And hath given vs charge to search the Scriptures as they that testifie of Châ—rist Iesus and in whâ—ch wee looke to haue Eternall life and that it should dwell plenteously in vs in all wisdome and hath given vnto vs in this Land peaceable and happy times affording vs leaue and opportunity to exercise our selues in the same yet such is the extreame folly and sinfulnesse of the heart of man that the most part of people cumber themselues about many things profits pleasures lusts or any thing and neglect that one thing that is necessary few chusing the good part that neuer shall bee taken from them that haue it but spend their time and strength of affection vpon fading vanities that will leaue them without comfort in their greatest need having a price in their hand to get wisedome which is farre beter than all pearles but haue no hart nor doe vnderstand the things that belong to their peace in this day of their visitation Wherefore as the Lord may take vp the lâ—ke complaint against vs as hee did against his Israel long agoe Hos 8.12 That hee had written vnto them the great things of his Law but they had counted them a strange thing so may he also haue a Controversy against vs as against them Hos 4.1.2 For that there is no mercy nor truth nor knowledge of God in the Land for the generality being too true with vs. And therefore he may iustly take away the Gospell of the Kingdome froÌ„ vs giue it to theÌ„ that will more highly esteeme it make better vse bring forth more fruit of the same Math. 27.43 And send vs a Famine â—ot of bread and thirst of water but of that bread of life the good word of God that Spirituall Manna so much loathed or at least so little regarded Amos 8.11.12 Yet as our gracious and good God forbeareth this sinfull and vnthankfull Nation with admirable and vnspeakable patience beyond expectation so ceaseth he not by many meanes to bring vs to a greater care and Conscience of our duty in this behalfe of exercising our selues I meane in his most blessed and good word partly sending vs of later yeares many Afflictians and Crosses and dayly threatning more that finding trouble and sorrow in the world we might be glad to seeke Comfort in God and in his blessed word He calles on vs also heereto by the daily Ministery of his Servants the Prophets together with their holy bookes and writings And that no meanes might be left vntried to doe vs good or leaue vs without excuse loe here to you which are the people of God how hee hath raised vp one from among your selues of the common order of men a priuate Christian I meane for your Conviction for your Instruction To convince you how much wisedome and vnderstanding may be obtayned euen of priuate peâ—sons by a constant and painefull Reading of the Scriptures ioyned with a diligent attendance on the publike ministery of the word as may well appeare by this worthy worke that this Author presenteth vnto you whereby the humble and wellminded Readers may be whetted on to the like diligence in the Scriptures which heere they shall see and that not without hope of attaining that which may be worthy of Iheir paines that so they may become wise and vndtrstanding Christians For want of which it proves a great fault euen among the better sort of people that they hold the points of their Religion from the mouth of their Ministers and not from the voice of God in the Scriptures and so build as if but a Foxe runne vpon it hee shall breake downe their stony wall If one of like parts and place shall teach the contrary they will bee shaken and ready to bee removed especially if hee bee backt with Authority whereas if every Truth he holds in Religion hee had it well grounded
on a plaine testimony of Scripture two or three he should not bee moued with every wind of contrary Doctrine but stand firme and vnmoueable as Mount Zion and having withall the loue of the Truth in his heart all the men and meanes in the world could nor should not remoue him from his stedfastnesse which is the honour of a Christian endeed And this wisedome skill and abâ—lâ—ty every man may see by this his worke to bee in the Author of this Booke who hath brought foorth so innumerable places of Scripture for his severall purposes with that soundnesse of Iudgement singular dexterity and great vnderstanding as is not to be expected from a private Christian But hee having beene a dayly hearer of the word and that from Zealous and fruitfull Teachers having made vse also of the same with great dâ—lâ—gence and constancy in his Famâ—ly and besides these spent very much time in private reading and study hee hath obtained a great degree in the Faith and is higher by head and shoulders as it is said of SAVL than the rest of his owne ranke For I count that Interpretation and giving the sense of Scriptures as it is a dâ—fficult so a peculiar worke to the Ministers of God ordinarily and not to be adventured vpon by Chrâ—stâ—ans in their Families or private meetings any further than they haue good bottome from that which they haue learned by the Ministery of the Word nor to write such Bookes as this wherein is occasion of the vse of so much Scripture least there should be found many mistakings therein which were both sinfull and dangerous and yet most likely But God hath very mercifully guided this Author in this his worke which may and I hope will be of much fruitfull and good vse in the Church of God For as it may helpe any ordinary Christian yea or Minister with more paralell places than may bee hee would haue at hand of himselfe so it will helpe well to the vnderstanding of many places of Scriptures seeing heere in what sense and to what purposes they are brought and applyed The paines hath beene very great no doubt to one man but if the Benefit may be much and good to many and so God be glorified the Author no doubt will thinke his labour happily bestowed and aboundantly rewarded which is my great desire and humble and earnest prayer also who is the true though weake and vnworthy Servant of the Church of God IOHN ROGERS CHRISTIAN READER IN the perusall of this Treatise thou shalt find that the Author threof hath taken very great paines and that which is more great paines to good purpose Great paines are but a small Commendation where they proue not beneficiall to a common good There are not wanting in the world that take paines more than enough in the Composing and writing of some Bookes of whâ—ch when they haue done it may bee truely said as of IEREMIES Girdle That they are Good for nothing Ier. 13 7. The curious trifles of many ill imployed wits want happily for no paines but consider whether such persons may not in another sense take vp SALOMONS words Eccles 2 11 I looked on all the workes that mine hands had wrought and on the labour that I had laboured to doe and behold all was vanity and there was no profit The a Non cernis quòd propterea animalium gloriosissima est apâ—s non quia laborat â—ed quia alijs laâ—orat Etiam aranca laborat fatigatur tenues per panetes extendit textur as omnem mulieris sapientiam excedentes sed est ignobile animal quia opus ejus est nulla ènus vâ—â—â—â— â— ales 〈◊〉 libi laborantes se defatigantes Chrysost ad Pop. Antioch Hom. 12. Spider is industrious in her kind and takes paines in making of her Web as well as the Bee in making of her Hony and Combes And yet who respects the Spiders web as the Bees worke The profit that comes of the labour of the Bee is it that makes her labour to be in more esteeme than the Spiders Now in this Treatise thou shalt find the Author to haue beene a diligent Industrious Bee that hath brought a great deale of profitable sweet Hony to this his hiue it being a Treasurie and Collection out of the Word of GODS Promises which are sweeter than the Hony and the hony Combe Thou shalt in this Authors Industry see how much is to be gotten by the diligent and observant reading of the Scriptures I wish with all mine heart that his Industry may proue exemplary and that many may hereby be provoked to the like religious diligence in acquainting themselues with the word It was good counsell that a godly old man gaue b In vita Musculi apud Melch. Ad. pâ— 370. MVSCVLVS when he first began to Preach That Si bonus velit fieri Concionator det operam vt sit bonus Biblicus That if ever he would proue a good Preacher hee must take paines to be well acquainted with the Bible And it were to be wished that all Preachers would follow that counsell Preaching would proue the more solid savourie and successefull But I will goe further than that old man and I say Si bonus velis fieri Christianus des operam vâ— sis bonus Biblicus If thou wilt proue a good Christian thou must be well skilled in the Holy Bible How happy were it if the Scriptures were more carefully read then they are It is said of c Nunquam Cyprianus absque Tertulliani lectione vnum diem praeterijt crebro dicere solirus Da Magistrum Tertullianum significans CYPRIAN that he let no day passe without reading TERTVLLIAN was wont often to say Giue me my Master meaning TERTVLLIAN Such diligence in reading the Scriptures would do well Especially they being GODS owne Epistle and letter from Heaven vnto vs that we should know his mind And if Princes letters are to be read thrice over then how much more sayes d De Principum Epistolis prouerbio dicitur ter eas legendas sed profecto Dei Epistolae sic enim Scripturam appellar Gregorius septies ter imo septuagies septies seu vt plus dicam iâ—finities legendae sunt c. Luther in Gen. 16. LVTHER should the Scriptures bee read seaven times thrice yea seaventy times 7. times thrice yea infinite times over We are commanded Prov. 2 4. To seeke for Knowledge as for Silver and to search for her as for hid treasures If it be asked where we must seeke the Prophet tels vs Isa 35 16. Seeke in the booke of the Lord and reade If it be asked where we must search our Saviour tels vs Ioh. 5.34 Search the Scriptures Those are indeed the Mines where the veines of this silver and these hid treasures are to be found And yet to see how silly men are in wearying themselues by digging in those earths which yeeld little precious treasure and in the meane while neglect
Abrahams seede and heyres according to promise Gal. 3.29 Neither because they are the seed of Abraham are they all children but in Isaac shall thy seed be called that is they which are the children of the flesh they are not the children of God but the children of the promise are counted for the seede Rom. 9.7 Now wee brethren as Isaac was are the children of promise Gal. 4.28.3.7 1 Pet. 3.6.1.2.10 Luk. 19.9 Mat. 3.9 Ioh. 8.39.47 Hos 1.10.2.23 Isa 65.1 Ob. This priuiledge may concerne some great personages of the Gentiles but not such abiect and dispised persons as I am A. Hearken my beloued brethren hath not God chosen the poore of this world rich in faith and heires of the Kingdome which he hath promised to them that loue him Iames 2.5 For you see your calling how that not many wise men after the flesh nor many mighty nor many noble are called but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and God hath chosen the weake things of the world confound the things that are mighty aâ— base things of the world and things whâ— are despised hath God chosen yea thiâ— which are not to bring to nought thiâ— that are that no flesh should glory in presence 1 Cor. 1.26 Isa 66.2 Ob. If I could doe some thing woâ—thy of such a reward there were thâ— some hope A. God hath called vs not according workes but according to his own purpose aâ— grace whieh was giuen vs in Christ Iesâ—â— before the world began 2 Tim. 1.9 For 〈◊〉 promise made to Abraham that he shoâ— be the heyre of the world was not to â—braham and his seed through the Law 〈◊〉 through the righteousnesse of faith For they which are of the Law be heires faith made voyd the promise made of none â—fect Ro. 4.13.11.5 Luk. 17.7 Tit. 3.3 Ob. Notwithstanding it will not oâ— of my minde but that it is my well dâ—ing if at all that must enter mee in this estate A. This perswasion commeth not of him that calleth you Gal. 5.8 For God sent foorth his Sonne made of a woman made vnder the Law to redeeme them that are vnder the Law that we might receiue the adoption of Sonnes Gal. 4.4.5 And therefore tell me you that desire to be vnder the Law doe you not heare the Law For it is written Cast out the bondwoman and her sonne for the sonne of the bondwoman shall not be heyre with the sonne of the freewoman Gal. 4.21 Gen. 21.10 Q. How comes it then to passe that wee miserable creatures should be so highly exalted A. We haue not chosen him but he hath chosen vs Ioh. 15.16 And hath predestinated vs vnto the adoption of children by Iesus Christ to himselfe according to the good pleasure of his will Ephes 1.5.11 For behold the heauen and the heauen of heauen is the Lords the earth also with all things that therein is Only the Lord hath a delight in vs hath chosen vs aboue al people as it is this day Deu. 10.14 Isa 60.21 Rom. 11.5 Ob. Can it bee imagined that meâ— instamped with the diuels image should become the children of God A No For there are also giuen vnto vs great and precious promises that 〈◊〉 these ye might be partakers of the diuine nâ—ture hauing escaped the corruption that 〈◊〉 in the world through lust 2 Pet. 1.4 Wherby we haue put off the old man witâ— his deeds and haue put on the new maâ— which is renewed in knowledge after thâ— image of him that created vs Col. 3.9 Anâ— are changed into the same image from glory to glory 2 Cor. 3.18 Q. What are the causes by which this Image of God is wrought in vs A. 1 Principall efficient the Spirit of the Lord 2 Cor. 3 18. For we are borne not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God Ioh. 1.13 That which is borne of the flesh is flesh and that which is borne of the Spirit is Spirit Ioh. 3.6.8 Tit. 3.5 2 Instrumentall the word For of his owne will begat hee vs with the word of truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures Iames 1.18 Being borne againe not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible by the word of God which liueth and abideth for euer 1 Pet. 1.23 3 Ministring the Preachers who do beget vs by the Gospell 1 Corinth 4.15 And doe trauell in birth vntill Christ bee formed in vs Gal. 4.19 Isa 66.8 1 Cor. 9.1.2 Q. How may we know our selues to haue this image and so to be the children of God A. By these markes wee know that we are of God when yet the whole world lyeth in wickednesse 1 Ioh. 5.19 1 God himselfe hath sealed vs and hath giuen the earnest of the spirit in our hearts 2 Cor. 1.22 which spirit beareth witnesse with our spirits that wee are the children of God Rom. 8.16 2 Hee that beleeueth on the Sonne hath the witnesse in himselfe that hee is borne of God 1 Ioh. 5.10.5.1 3 He that is of God heareth Gods word Iohn 8.47 And as new borne babes doâ— desire that sincere milke of the Word thaâ— he may grow thereby 1 Peter 2.2 4 If you know that hee is righteous you know euery one that doth righteousnesse iâ— borne of him 1 Iohn 2.29 And being new borne hee doth not commit sinne because his seed remaineth in him and he cannot sinne because hee is borne of God In thiâ— therefore are the children of God knowne and the children of the diuell whosoeuer doth not righteously is not of God 1 Ioh. 3.9.3 Epist 11 Rom. 8.14 5 Loue is of God and euery one that loueth is borne of God and knoweth God 1 Iohn 4.7 6 Blessed are the peace-makers for they shall be called the children of God Mat. 5.9 But if you haue bitter enuying and strife in your hearts glory not and lye not against the truth Iames 3.14 For your spot is not the spot of his children they that are such are a crooked and peruerse generation Deut. 32.5 Hosea 1.9 Deut. 32.32 33. Iohn 8.44 Isa 57.3 Q. What may this priuiledge of being the children if God teach vs A. 1 To pray that the eyes of your vnderstanding being inlightned ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance is in the Saints and what is the exceding greatnesse of his power to vsward who beleeue according to the working of his mighty power Ephes 1.18 2 To call no man your father on earth for one is your father in heauen Math. 23.9 But be yee followers of God as deare children For yee were once darknesse now are yee light in the Lord walke as children of the light Ephes 5.1.8 And let your light so shine before men that they may see your good workes and glorifie your Father which is in heauen Math. 5.16 Mal. 1.6 1 Pet. 1.17 Ephes 4.30 3 To
thou shalt be called the City of righteousnesse the faithfull Citie Isa 1 26. Psal 72 3. Isa 26 9. Mal. 3 3. Prou. 20 7. Eccles 7 15. As for me my righteousnesse I hold fast and will not let it goe my heart shall â—ot reproach me so long as I liue Iob 27.6 For behold heere I am witnesse against mee before the Lord and before his anoynted whose Oxe haue I taken Or whose Asse haue I taken Or whom haue I defrauded Whom haue I oppressed Or of whose hands haue I received a bribe to blinde mine eyes therewith And I will restore it you 1. Sam. 12 3. Receiue vs wee haue wronged no man wee haue corrupted no man wee haue defrauded no man 2. Cor. 7 2. The Lord is witnesse and his annointed is witnesse this day that you haue not found ought in our hands 1. Sam. 12 4 We haue not taken one Asse from you neither haue wee hurt one of you Numb 16 15. 1 Sam. 25 14 15 1 29 6. 2 King 12 15 2 22 5 2 145. 1 Sam. 29 8. Iob 29.14 Isa 51.1 7. Gen. 6 9. Deut. 33 21. Prov. 8 15. Q. But is the practise of Iustice a guift of GOD common vnto all A. The wicked borroweth and payeth not againe Psal 37 21. They know not to doe right saith the Lord who store vp robberie and violence in their Pallaces Amos 3.10 There is no equitie in their goings they haue made them crooked pathes Isa 59.8 They will sell the Righteous for silver and the Poore for a paire of shooes they pant after the dust of the Earth on the head of the poore and turne aside the way of the meeke Amos. 2.6 Among them Iudgement is turned backward and Iustice standeth farre off for Truth is fallen in the street and Equitie cannot enter yea truth faileth and he that departeth from evill maketh himselfe a prey Isa 59.14 Micha 2.1 2. Hos 12.7 Q. What is the danger which such wicked oppressors do bring vpon themselues A. He that doth wrong shall receiue for the wrong that he hath done Col. 3 25 For I will come neere to them in Iudgement and I will bee a swift witnesse against those that oppresse the hirelings Mal. 3 5. For as much as their treading is vpon the poore and they take from them burdens of Wheate they haue built houses of hewen stone but they shall not dwell in them they haue planted pleasant vineyards but they shall not drinke the wine of them The prudent shall keepe silence in that time for it is an evill time Amos 5 11 3 15 5 4 7. Hab. 2 6 10 11. Pro. 20 10. Iam. 5.1 Mich. 6 12. Deut. 27 17 25. Mich. 2 3 8 9 10 Zac. 5 1 c. Q. But I haue obserued none to prosper more than these men A. Better is the poore that walketh in his vprightnesse than he that is perverse in his way though he be rich Pro. 28 6 A little that the righteous man hath is better then the riches of many wicked Psal 37 16. For an inheritance may be hastily gotten at the beginning but the end thereof shall not bee blessed Prou 20 21. Bread of deceit may bee sweet to a man but afterward his mouth shall be filled with grauell Prou. 20 17 For as the Partridge sitteth on egges and hatcheth them not so he that getteth riches and not by right shall leaue them in the midst of his dayes and at his end hee shall be a foole Ier. 17 11. Eccl. 5 13. Prou. 12 27 13 11 10 2 20 17 16 8 21 7. Iob. 20 28. Q. What may these things teach vs A. Therefore with-hold not good from them to wbom it is due when it is in the power of thy hand to doe it Prou. 3 27 Remoue not the old Land-marke and enter not into the Feilds of the Fatherlesse Pro. 23 10. Doe no vnrighteousnesse in iudgement in met-yard in weight or in measure Iust ballances iust weights a iust Ephah and a iust hin shall you haue Leuit. 19 35. Trust not in oppression become not vaine in Robbery Psal 62 10. And let no man goe beyond and defraud his brother in any matter because the Lord is the avenger of all such as we also haue forewarned you and testified 1. Thes 4 6. Content Ob. Alas I haue coveted greedily all the day long Prou. 21 6. and therefore am vpon euery occasion tempted to Injustice Eccles 4 7 6 1 2. Hab. 2 5. A. Why so For I haue coveted no mans siluer or gold or apparell Act. 20 33. Yea I haue learned in whatsoever estate I am in therewith to be content I know both how to be abased I know how to abound every where and in all things I am instructed both to bee full and to bee hungry both to abound and to suffer need I can doe all things through CHRIST which strengtheneth me Phil. 4 11. Iob 1 21. 2. Sam. 19 33 c. Q. What are these examples to me A. Therefore take heed and beware of covetousnesse for a mans life consisteth not in the aboundance of the things which hee possesseth Luk. 12 15. But yet every one that is greedie of gaine taketh away the life of the honours thereof Prou. 1 19 Moreouer he that loueth siluer shall not be satisfied with silver nor he that loveth aboundance with increase Eccl. 5 10 Onely Godlinesse with contentment is great gaine For we brought nothing with vs into this world and it is certaine that we shall carry nothing out And therefore hauing food raiment let vs therwith be content 1. Tim. 6 6 Which that you may be 1 Drinke of the water which I shall giue you of which whosoeuer drinketh shall never be more a thirst but the water that J shall giue him shall be in him a well of water springing into everlasting life Ioh. 4.13 2 And withall pray saying Incline my heart vnto thy testimonies and not to covetousnesse Turne away mine eyes from beholding vanitie and quicken thou mee in thy way Psal 119.36 Eccles 6.12 Hab. 2 13 Prou. 23 4. CHAP. XXIIII Of Sinceritie and Perseverance Q. THese were excellent Graces if they were accompanied with Sincerity A. True for GOD himselfe desireth truth in the inward parts and therefore in the hidden part he shall make thee to know wisedome Psal 51 6. For he shall put his law in thy minde and write it in thine heart Ier. 31.33 Whereby thou shalt stand with thy loynes girt about with truth Eph. 6 14. And be as the Kings Daughter all glorious within Psal 45 13 And as the Elder to the elect Ladie whom he loved in the truth for the truths sake which dwelleth in vs and shall be with vs for ever Ioh. 2 Epist 1.2 So that in the vprightnesse of thine heart thou shalt willingly offer vnto the Lord an offering in Righteousnesse 1. Chro. 29.17 For thus Enoch walked with God Gen. 5 22. Behold also Nathaniel an Israelite indeed in whom was no guile
against the motions of the Flesh this feare yet remaines least by any meanes as the Serpent beguiled EVE through his subtiltie so my minde should be corrupted from the simplicitie that is in CHRIST 2. Cor. 11.3 Iob 1.7 A. Resist the Devill and hee will flie from you Iam. 4.7 Now is the iudgement of this world now shall the Prince of this world be cast out Ioh. 12 31. Ob. What hope haue wee to preuaile against so potent an Enemy A. I haue written vnto you Young men because yee haue overcome the wicked oâ— 1. Ioâ— 2.14 For wee know that hee that is begotten of GOD keepeth himselfâ— and that wicked one toucheth him not â— Ioh. 5.18 For the Church of Pergamâ— dwelling even where Sathans throne waâ— yet held fast her professâ—on Revel 2.13 Iob 2.3 Ob. It is not possible for mee in mâ— owne stâ—ength to preuaile A. For this puâ—pose appeared the Sonâ—â— of GOD that he might destroy the workâ— of the Devill 1. Ioâ— 3 8. Who shâ—â—â— bruise Sathan vnder your feet shortly Rom. 16.20 And though the Prince of this world come yet hath hee nought iâ— him Ioh. 14.30 But in two combateâ— was foyled and in the third was put to flâ—ght by him Math. 4.1 So as the gates of Hell prevailed not against him Math. 16.18 Numb 21.9 Q. Wherewith was CHRIST furnished against Sathan A. Forasmuch as the Children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himselfe likewise tooke part of the same that â—hrough Death hee might destroy him that â—â—d the power of Death that is the Devill â—Heb 2.14 And the Saints overcame â—â—m also by the Blood of the Lambe Rev. 12 11. Q. May not Sathan ouercome at the â—ast A. No for CHRIST hath spoyled Principalities and Powers and made a shew of them openly triumphing over them in his Crosse Col. 2.15 And when hee ascended vp on hâ—gh he led Captivitie captiue Ephes 4 8. Wherefore hee is able to saue them to the vtmost that come vnto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Heb. 7.25 For hee giveth vnto them Eternall life and they shall never perish neither shall any plucke them out of his Fathers hands because his Father which gaue them him is greater than all Ioh. 10.28 Psal 68 18. Ob. But the Dragon and his Angels doe still continue their fight against vs A. I haue put enmitie betwixt thee and the Woman and betweene thy seed and her seed it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heele Gen. 3.15 Therefore though they fight yet they prevaile not neither shall their place be found any more in Heaven Revel 12 8. Luk. 10.18 Prou. 29 27. Q. What shall then become of them when they are so cast our A. The great Dragon was cast out that old Serpent called the Devill and Sathan which deceiveth the whole world hee was cast out into the earth and his Angels were cast out with him Reu. 12 9. Ob. How is it then that when the sonnes of God come to present themselues before the Lord Sathan is not shut out Iob 2 1. but is ready to stand at his right hand to resist them Zach. 3.1 A. The Lord said Simon Simon behold Sathan hath desired to haue you that he may sift you as Wheat but I haue prayed for thee that thy faith faile not Luk. 22.31 Saying the Lord rebuke thee O Sathan even the Lord that hath chosen Ierusalem rebuke thee Zach. 3.2 Q. Did the Lord IESVS make good his promise A. Yea for though he were once foyled yet he againe recouered for he went â—â—t and wept bitterly Luk. 22.62 Q. Was he not by this foile of his made for euer after the more faint-hearted A. No for with greater courage and boldnes he both Preached and professed the name of Christ. Act. 2 14 3 12 4 8 4 19. Ob. Notwithstanding my feare is that at my appearing before Gods tribunall Sathan will find some thing whereof to accuse me A. Why art thou so fearefull O thou of little faith Math. 8.26 For I heard a loud voyce saying in Heaven now is come Salvation and strength and the Kingdome of our God and the power of his Christ for the accuser of the Brethren is cast downe which accuseth them before our God day and night Reu. 12.10 Moreouer when Christ commeth he will convince the world of iudgement because the Prince of this world is iudged Ioh. 16 8 11. There is therefore no feare in loue but perfect loue casteth out feare 1 Ioh 4 18 And herein is our loue made perfect that wee may haue boldnesse in the day of Iudgment because as he is so are wee in the world 1 Ioh. 4 17. Q. What shall then become of the Divell at the last A. The Divell that deceiveth Men shall be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the Beast and the false Prophet are and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever Revel 20.10 Q. What vse make you hereof A. Therefore reioyce yee Heavens and yee that dwell in them Revel 12 12. 2 Fight the good sight of Faith 1 Tim. 6 2. And staâ—d fast in the faith quit you like men and bee strong 1 Cor. 16 13. in the Lord and in the power of his might 〈◊〉 â—ut on the whole armour of GOD that ye may bee able to stand against the wiles of the Divell Ephes 6 10. 3 Be sober be vigilant because your adversary the Divell as a roaring Lion walketh about seeking whom hee may devoure 1. Pet. 5.8 1 Cor. 16.13 4 Pray with all prayer and supplication in the spirit and watching therevnto with all perseverance and supplication Ephes 6 18. Ob. If the Divell be cast out and is gone what need is there of any more watching against him A. When the vncleane spirit is gone out of a man hee walketh through dry places seeking rest and finding none he saith I will returne vnto my house whence I came out And when he commeth he findeth it swept and garnished Then goeth he and taketh 7. other spirits more wicked than himselfe and they enter in and dwell there and the last state of that man is worse than the first Luk. 11.24 CHAP. XXVII Of the temptations of the World and in particular of Afflictions Ob. NOtwithstanding all my watching and praying if the Divell should cast out of his mouth water as a flood vsing the world as an assistant am I not in danger to be carryed away of the Floud A. No for the earth shall helpe the Woman and by opening of her mouth shall swallow vp the Floud which the Dragon shall cast out of his mouth Revel 12 16 Thus Gallio helped PAVL against the Iewes Acts 18 14. So did the towne-Clarke also against the vprore of the people Acts 19 35. And the Scribes on the Pharises part helped him against the Sadduces Actâ— 23 9 23 22 21 31 32. 2 Coâ— 11 32. Exod. 2 6. Est 9 3. Ob. But doe wee
shall be taken by her Eccl. 7 26. As was Herod by the dancing of Herodias Math 14.6 Numb 31 16. Dan. 11 32. Q. But what meanes must bee vsed that so I be not overtaken by such inticements as these A. 1. Concerning the workes of men by the words of his mouth thou shalt be kept from the path of the Destroyer Psal 17.4 For when wisedome entreth into thine heart and knowledge is pleasant vnto thy Soule discretion shall preserue thee and vnderstanding shall keepe thee to deliver thee from the strange woman even from the stranger that flattereth with her words Pâ—â—â— 2 10 2 16. 2. Because as he that walketh with a wise man shall be wiser so the Companion of fooles shall be destroyed Prou. 13.20 Therefore from such turne away 2 Tim. 3 5. And say O my Soule come not thou in to their secret vnto their assembly mine honour bee not thou vnited Gen. 49.6 But depart from mee O yee will doers for I will keepe the Commandeâ—ent of my God Psal 119.115 I will not â—â—t with vaine persons neither will I goe 〈◊〉 with dissemblers Psal 26 4. Prou. 23 10 24 1 2 22 24 25. 1 Cor. 5 9. Psal 120.5 6.106 35.143 10. Numb 25 1. Deut. 4 28. Prou. 1 10. 3 Because wee cannot altogether avoyd their company but by going out of the world 1. Cor. 5.10 See therefore that yee walke circumspectly not as fooles â—â—t as wise Ephes 5.15 working out our saluation with feare and trembling c. that yee may be blamelesse and â—â—rmlesse the sonnes of GOD without â—ebuke in the middes of a crooked and â—eruerse Nation among whom you shine is lights in the world holding foorth the word of Life Phil. 2.12.15.16 Leu. 18 3 4. 4 Pray Incline not my heart vnto aâ—y evill thing to practise wicked workes with men that worke iniquitie and let me not eate of their dainties Let the Righteous smite me it shall be a kindnesse and let him reproue me it shall bee an excellent oyle which shall not breake my head Psal 141.4 5. CHAP. XXX Of temptations by false Teachers Ob. IF neither the tyrannie of Persecutors nor the practices of prophane ones shall vnsettie vs from our stedfastnesse then are wee safe and out of danger A. But there were false Prophets also among the people even as there shall bee false Teachers among you who privily shall bring in damnable Heresies euen denying the Lord that bought them 2 Pet. 2 1. And many of them shall come in my Name saying I am CHRIST and shall deceiue many Math. 24 5. Act. 15.1 1. Ioh. 4 1. Ob. You teatme such Seducers who â—ill not sticke to say the same of you A. This I confesse vnto thee that afâ—â—r the way which they call Heresie so worâ—â—ip I the GOD of my Fathers beleeving â—ll things which are written in the Law â—nd the Prophets Act. 24 14. Ob. Many of these being learned in the Scriptures and as they say grounâ—ing their opinions on the same how â—hould they swarne from it A. Some of these speake lyes in Hypoâ—risie having their Consciences seared with a hote Iron 1 Tim. 4.2 2 Oâ—hers of them God hath shut vp â—heir eyes that they cannot see and their â—earts that they cannot vnderstand Isa â—4 18.6.10 1. Cor. 1.19 Rom. 11.8 3 The God of this world also hath blinded the mindes of some of them which beâ—eeue not least the light of the glorious Gospell of CHRIST who is the Image of God should shine vnto them 2. Cor. 4.3.4 â— Chro. 18.21 4 Some things in the Scriptures themselues are hard to be vnderstood which they that are vnlearned and vnstable wrest vnto their owne destruction 2 Pet. 3 16. Q. How commeth it to passe that these broaching abroad Errour in stead of Truth should be so readily receiued A. Such are deceitfull workers transforming themselues into the Apostles of CHRIST and as the Ministers of righteousnesse 2 Cor. 11.13.15 Who through Couetousnes doe with fained words make marchandise of men 2. Pet. 2.3 And come in sheepes cloathing though inwardly they are ravening Wolues Math. 7 15. Iude 12. 2 They speake of the World and therefore the world heareth them Ioh. 1 4 5. 3 Many are laden with sinnes and led away with divers lusts and therefore are ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth and so are led captiue by such 2 Tim. 3 6. Q. Why then doth God permit such dangerous Heretickes to remaine in the Church A. There must be heresies among you â—hat they which are approved may be made â—anifest among you 1 Cor. 11 19. Q. But are not wee also in danger to â—e seduced by them A. Wee are of GOD he that is of God beateth vs although he that is not of God â—eareth vs not Hereby we know the Spirit of Truth and the spirit of Error 1 Ioh. â— 6. And you also little Children being if God haue overcome them because greater is he that is in you than he hath is in the world 1 Ioh. 4 4. Moreouer CHRIST â—alleih his owne sheepe by name and leadeth them out And when he putteth forth his â—â—ne sheepe he goeth before them and the sheepe follow him for they know his voyce and a stranger will they not follow but will â—ee from him for they know not the voyce of strangers Ioh. 10 3. And therefore such Heretickes shall proceed no further for their folly shall be manifest vnto all men And you for your part haue fully knowne my Doctrine and manner of life c. Onely evill men and seducers shall waxe worse and worse deceiuing and being deceiued 2. Tim. 3.9.13 Ob. Notwithstanding it staggereth mee not a little to see and heare what miracles some such haue wrought A. I haue confidence in you through the Lord that you will be none otherwise minded Gal. 5.10 For who should so bewitch you that you should not obey the truth before whose eyes IESVS CHRIST hath beene evidently set forth and Crucified among you Gâ—â— 3 1. Kâ—owing this that Antâ—christ his comming is after the working of Sathan with all power and signes and lying wonders and wâ—th all deceiueablenesse of vnrâ—ghteousnesse in them that perish 2. Thess 2 9. Q. How may I bee preserued from thesâ— impostures A. Beleeue not every Spirit but try the spirits whether they are of GOD 1. Ioh. 4 1. prouing all things and bolding fast that which is good 1 Thess 5 21. As did the Church of Ephesus who tryed them which said they were Apostles and were not and found them lyars Reu. â— 2. 1 Cor. 14 32. Prou. 14 15. Isa 8 â—0 Acts 17.11 Q. Shew vs then the markes whereby they may be knowne A. You shall know them by their fruits â—ath 7 16. 1 By their Entrance For hee that â—ntreth not in by the doore into the sheepefold but climbeth vp some other way the same is a Thiefe and a Robber but he that â—â—treth in by the doore is the Shepheard