that the young chicken may slip out of it Euen so none otherwise doth Death dissolue and breake vp our body but to the intent that we may attaine vnto the life of heauen 26 As the mothers wombe carrieth the child seuen or nine moneths and prepareth it not for it selfe but for the world wherein wee are borne Euen so this present time ouer all vpon earth serueth not to this end that wee must euer be here but that we should bee brought foorth and borne out of the body of this world by Death into another and euerlasting life Ioh. 16.21 27 Like as a childe out of the small habitation of his mothers wombe with daunger and anguish is borne into this wide world Euen so goeth a man thorow the narrow gate of Death with distresse and trouble out of the earth into the heauenly life For to die is not to perish but to be first of all borne aright 28 As the brazen Serpent which hauing the forme and proportion of a Serpent was yet without byting without mouing without poysoning Euen so though Death be not vtterly taken away yet thorow the grace of God it is so weakned and made voide that the onely bare proportion remaineth 29 Euen as when the maister of the Shippe perceiueth that he is not wide from the hauen place where he must land and discharge he sayleth on forth the more chearfully and gladly So likewise the nearer we draw vnto Death where we must land the more stoutly ought wee to fight and withstand our ghostly enemies 30 Like as he that goeth a far iourney hath vncertaine lodging trauaile and labour desireth to return home to his owne country to his father and mother wife children and friends among whom he is surest and at most quiet by meanes wherof he forceth the lesse for any rough carefull path or way homeward Euen so all we are straungers and pilgrimes vpon earth Our home is Paradise in heauen our heauenly Father is God the earthly father of all men is Adam our spirituall Fathers are the Patriarkes Prophets and Apostles which altogether waite and long for vs. Psal 39.5 6. 1. Pet. 2.11 2. Cor. 5.1.2 Phil. 3 2â— Heb. 13.14 31 Like as when a man liue in a darke miserable prison with this condition that he should not come forth till the walles of the Tower were fallen downe vndoubtedly he would be right glad to see the walles begin to fall Euen so our soule is kept in within the bodie vpon earth as in captiuitie and bonds now assoone as the bodie is at a point that it must needs fall we ought not to be sory therefore for by this approacheth our deliuerance when we out of the prison of miserie shal be brought before the most amiable countenance of God into the ioyfull freedome of heauen Psal 142.7 32 Like as it is no grief for a man to go sleep nor when he seeth his parents and friendes lay them downe to rest for he knoweth that such as are a sleepe do soone awake and rise againe So when we or our friends depart away by Death we ought to erect and comfort ourselues with the resurrection 33 As a good Housholder maketh prouision for himselfe and his familie and buyeth afore-hand fewell victualls and such things as he hath need of for a moneth or for a whole yeare c. according as hee is able Euen so much more ought a ChristiaÌ„ to prouide before his Death that which concerneth not onely one moneth or one yeare but an eternitie that hath no ende 34 Like as faithfull seruants waite for their maister So in like manner wee ought to looke for the comming of Christ when hee shall call vs out of this wretched world by Death Luk. 12.36 37 38 39 40. Math. 24.42 c. The time of our Death vnknowne LIke as Christ wold haue his last coÌ„ming to be hidden from men So also hee would haue the time of their Death for the very same cause to be vnknown vnto them vnlesse that he openeth the same vnto some either by particular reuelation or by probable coniectures Mat. 24.36 How to Draw neare vnto God LIke as hee is said to depart from God which doth abandon and giue himselfe to the lustes of the world by which he Draweth neare vnto the diuell So likewise he which departeth from these is said to Draw neare vnto God and so cleaueth vnto him by faith and true obedience Iam. 4.8 No Diuinitie except it be against God is prescribed to the Minister AS there is no Lawe by the which a Preacher for his doctrine may be punished if he speake not against the Prince So there is no Diuinitie by the which a Preacher is particularly prescribed or generally ordered if he speak not against God the mightie prince of peace Desires of heauen AS they that are straungers in a forraine countrie and haue parents and great wealth in their natiue soyle being hardly entreated where they soiourne and vppon the point to returne home into their countrie are vndoubtedly very glad thereof euen already they seeme to see their houses lands and possessions and in their conceites doo talke with their parents and feele a feruent Desire to be soone there Euen so we if wee remember that we haue treasures of eternall riches an vndefiled inheritance immortall incorruptible which is reserued for vs a heauenly Father that loueth vs in his welbeloued sonne our elder brother Iesus Christ in glory the Angels and holy Spirits inioy and that we their felow Burgesses haue our portion in al these goods and are euen vpon the point to be really in heauen with them we ought then to be rauished with a feruent desire to be lifted vp thither Phil. 1.23 Rom. 7.24 Daunces AS Apothecaries do couer their bitter Pilles with some sweete substance whereby to make them goe downe the easier So the Diuel vnder the sport and pleasure of Daunces maketh men to swallow lustfull desires and albeit they proceed to no greater iniquitie yet is this a mortall wounde to the soule considering that we knowe that such lusts are accursed in the sight of God Exod. 32.6 18.19 1. Cor. 10.7 1. Pet. 4.3.4 5.8 Rom. 12.2 2. Tim. 2.22 Iudg. 21.21 Ephe. 5.3 4 16.18 The Dutie of Parishioners to their Ministers 1 AS they that sit at a Table do eate chewe and digest their foode So they that be Parishioners and heare the word of God ought to listen vnto it meditate vpon it and print it in their hearts that so they may receiue the nourishment signified by the word and dutie to feede commended to the shepheards of Christs flock 1. Thes 5.12 Phil. 2.29 2. Cor. 7.15 Hebr. 13.17 2 As in meate we are not so much to seek licorousnesse as health So must it be in the preaching of the word for Ecclesiasticall assemblies be not lâ—ke to common Playes whereto men resort for pleasure but in Sermons we are to looke for that which is health
13.25 14.2 Hos 13.3 Iam. 4.13 Esay 40.6 Iam. 1.10 1. Pet. 1.24 2 As the Birdes when they flie doo guide themselues with their tailes and the Ship is guided by the sterne So we should looke to our taile namely that we are but dust and ashes Men knowne by their doings 1 AS the goodnesse and badnesse of trees are discerned by the goodnesse and badnesse of their fruites Euen so Men especially such as take vpon them to bee teachers of others are discouered by their well or euill doings Math. 7.16 Moderation in millitarie discipline LIke as in Vintage time the Grape gathering cannot be so cleane but that some bee left behind nor the shaking off of Oliues so precisely done but that some Berries remaine either among the leaues or in the top of the tree Euen so in the dolefull massacre and lamenâ—ble destruction of the people there should not bee made such a generall sweepe-stake but that some should â—ee left and reserued vnder hope of mercie Esay 17.4 5.6 10. Iere. 49.9 Men by nature cruell LIke as wilde and fierce beastes are often by industrie of man tamed and loose their desire to hurt Euen so Men by nature are glad and desirous one of an others hurt till God worke an alteration in them by his holy spirite and so reforme them Iere. 10.14 Esay 11.6 7 8. 65.25 Mothers ought to nurse their owne children AS euerie Tree dooth nourish that which it bringeth foorth So likewise it becommeth naturall Mothers to nourish their children with their owne milke Math. 2.14 Gene. 21.7 Exod. 2.8 9. Iud. 13.4 24. 1. Sam. 1. 23. 1. Timo. 5.10 Men meere naturall AS the Moone decreasing hath her open side hanging downeward but increasing and gathering light hath her opening vp towards heauen So likewise Men meere naturall haue their hearts set onely vpon earth and earthly things but men regenerate haue the open side of their hearts euer towardes God heauen and heauenly things Godly Meditations AS a flint smitten against yron or steele doth driue out sparks of fire Euen so godly Meditations of heauenly things drawe out of hard hearts some warmenesse and as it were fire of the loue of God Psal 39.3 Marriage of it selfe is good AS drunkennesse is not to be referred to Wine which is the good and wholesome creature of God but the fault is to be imputed to the excessiue bibbing and ouer great greedinesse of man who abuseth Gods good creature Euen so Marriage of it selfe is good but many vse not well the thing that is good and therefore they feelâ— the smart of their foule abuse worthily Malicious AS the Spider weaueth her webbe of that which shee hath within her selfe So the Malicious can frame flaunders of their owne braines though they haue no matter to worke vpon Meane estate of life is safest LIke as they that dwell in vallies and in deepe and low habitations are not lightly hurt by any lightning Euen so that state of life that is lowe and Meane keepeth and maintaineth it selfe most sure and with least daunger against all manner of stormes Ministers that saue others are often reprobates themselues 1 AS they that builded the Arke for Noahs safegard were yet drowned themselues Or as they that were curious workers of the Sanctuarie for the Lord to dwell in were yet shut out themselues Or as they that made the Arke the Tabernacle and the mercie seate vppon it to shaddow and to defend other and yet not themselues shadowed or defended therewith Or as the Iewes who cried The temple of the Lord this is the Temple of the Lord when they most of all prophaned and defiled the Temple of the Lord Euen so such are those Ministers who teach others the right way to heauen but wanting the graces of Gods spirit yet cannot find the good and perfect way for themselues to bee saued Gene. 7.1 Exod. 25.8 10 11. Nehe. 3.1 c. Iere. 7.4 5. Rom. 2.17 18. to 24. 1. Cor. 9.27 2 As fire-brands and wood beeing kindled and set on fire doo giue light and warmth vnto others which are cold and in darknesse but are wasted and consumed them selues so that others receiue the benefite and they the losse and spoyle of themselues So an vnlearned and vngodly Minister whiles without repentance or remorse of conscience he deliuereth the word ministreth the Sacraments vnto others which are prepared knowe what they doo and doo reuerently heare the word and worthily receiue the Sacraments dooth onely hurt himselfe the rest receiue comfort by the word and are edified by the Sacraments they are saued though he perish 3 As the whetstone doth good and sharpeneth many Instruments but yet coÌ„sumeth it selfe Euen so many Ministers saue others and condemne themselues through want of faith and Christian behauiour 4 As a deformed Painter may make a faire picture So an euill Minister may saue others though he condemne himselfe Ministers must Preach according to the state of their people AS he is said to bee an vnskilfull Physition that ministreth a Purgation to clense idle humors when hee should minister a potion or oyntment to strengthen and comfort them Euen so is hee said to be an vnskilfull and an vndiscreet Preacher that takes in hand to comfort and strengthen his auditorie when they should be sharply reprooued and corrected Malice AS the hearbe Mint dooth much hinder and let milke to bee turned into cheese Euen so the Malice of the heart doth let beneuolence to encrease and grow Good Manners in the Church AS the materiall Sanctuarie had his outwarde ornaments as Gold and Siluer precious stones silke purple fine linnen and such like So the spirituall Sanctuarie which now consisteth not of wood and stone but of the soules of Christians besides religion which is the inward beautie it must haue also the outward ornaments which are good Manners comely behauior that nothing may be wanting vnto the due honour and dignitie thereof Man may not accuse God of vnrighteousnesse LIke as if a child of eight or tenne yeares old hearing a Phylosopher discourse of the greatnesse and course of the Sunne should argue against him and maintaine that the same were no greater then a Platter neither of any swifter pace then a Snayle the Phylosopher would not stand vpon the deliuerie of the reason of his discourse vnto him because the child could not be capable to conceiue it but he would tell him thou art yet a child Euen so is Man in comparison of God infinitly lesse in knowledge then is a child in comparison of the most excellent Phylosopher in the world and therefore hee ought not to reason striue or dispute with God why hee either electeth some to saluation or reprobateth othersome to damnation Rom. 9.19 c. Iob. 9.3 32. 38.2 3. Mans estate in this life LIke as it cannot bee that they which sayle on the Sea should bee void of all care So it is impossible in this life but a Man should be
of them that behold it the more excellent men are they iudged Euen so Hypocrites doo some deedes which to see too are very good workes but neuerthelesse they keepe their hearts minds and wils diuided and seperated farre from God These things to wit their hearts minds wils and purposes they steale from the Lord and doo bestow them vpon the world they regarde not God they seeke onely to please men in the action of vertue they haue no respect vnto vertue it selfe but onely and barely to the shewe and shape or likenesse of vertue Rom. 12.1 6.4 1. Cor. 5.7 8. Ephe. 4.24 41 As the Hearbe of the Sunne so called because it windeth it selfe about the Sunne in the morning very earely it beholdeth the rysing thereof and all the day it euen followeth the course of the Sunne euer turning the leaues towards the same but the roote it neuer changeth stirreth nor moueth it hath that still fast fixed within the earth So likewise Hypocrites will seeme to followe the Sonne of righteousnesse Christ Iesus but it is onely in leaues and outward shewes for their rootes that is their hearts are farre and fast within the earth where in deede their treasure is Math. 6.21 42 Like as Apple-trees which in the sweete and pleasant spring-time will bee well stored and full of goodly blossomes and will giue a franke offer and a large promise of much fruit but when the fruite is looked for and should be gathered there is none to be had they were but bare leaues and idle blossomes Euen so such are Hypocrites who wil lift vp their hands eyes and voices towards heauen and God and with such godly greene leaues will make a faire flourish a beautifull shew but their harts affections are surely set vpon earthly vaine vile and transitorie things and are as farre from God as heauen earth are distant one from an other Esay 29.13 Math. 15.8 43 As a Rushe or grasse without moysture withereth and drieth vp Euen so the Hypocrites because they haue not faith moystned with the grace of God perish and vanish away Iob. 8.11 44 As the Doer of Gods will doth abstaine from euill because it is contrarie vnto the will of God doth good because he is constrayned with the loue of him which is onely good So the Hypocrite contrarily abstaineth from euill for feare of punishment and doth the thing which seemeth good not constrained with the loue of God but mooued of his owne will by desire of praise or hope of reward Math. 7.21 45 As an Actor in a Comedie or Tragedy which somtimes resembleth Agamēnon somtimes Achilles somtimes their enemie Hector sometimes one mans person sometimes an other Euen so an Hypocrite wil counterfeit and seeme sometimes to be an honest and iust man sometimes a religious man and so of al conditions of men according to time persons and place 46 As the Ostrich hath things like wings would make one belieue that she could flie but cānot So an Hypocrite will resemble make a great shew of that which he is not 47 As Stage-players are not taken for them which they be but doo put on and represent a straunge person and hide that vnder a personage which they are not So the Scripture by a Metaphor calleth such Hypocrites as by externall gestures and deeds boast themselues for Saintes when for al that their minde is prophane and wicked that is when the outward man appeareth meeke as a sheepe when the inward man is rauening like a Wolfe Mat. 7.15 48 As the King that exacted of his debtor tenne thousand Talents did neuerthelesse frankly forgiue the whole debt to him which had nothing to pay but flied vnto the mercy of his Creditor So the Lord saith vnto the proude Hypocrite If thou wilt enter into life keepe the commandements Mat. 10.17 to the end that the Hypocrite descending into himselfe might confesse his filthines pouerty so craue pardon which had he done he had heard with the sinful woman Thy sinnes are forgiuen thee Luk. 7.48 49 As it is easie to know a peece of Gold from a peece of Brasse when they come both to the Anuile and to bee striken with the hammer for Brasse will not bee handled but when it cōmeth to the beating it breaketh maketh a sharp dinne and yrkesome Gold soundeth sweetly is pliable you may stretch it out both in length bredth in thin and fine leaues as you list So in like manner when an Hypocrite commeth betweene the Anuile the hammer of affliction hee brasteth with impatience he murmureth cryeth out and lamenteth in blasphemies against God whereas a faithfull Christian praiseth God giueth him thankes and layeth out his heart submitting himselfe willingly vnder the Lords hand that striketh him 50 As the Viper hath a smooth skin finely spotted without but most poysonfull within Euen so an Hypocrite hath sugered words faire speech but a deceitfull heart 51 Like as the Viper when shee goeth to the water to drinke casteth out her poyson and after she hath drunke receiueth the same againe So likwise an Hypocrite when he presenteth himselfe to be partaker of the Lords Supper will counterfeit much holynesse and seeme to bee religious and vpright in life and conuersation but afterwardes he returneth to his vomite and continueth in his wicked course 52 As a Rush cannot grow without moystnesse so can not the Hypocrite because hee hath not faith which is moystned with Gods spirit Heretickes 1 AS one being bitten with a mad Dogge shall not only runne mad himselfe but also with his contagion shall infect others So they which haue conceiued any pernitious Doctrine or Heresie will not onely themselues be infected but also with their infection vtterly marre and defile others 2 As the wind doth not carrie away the sound good Wheate but the light chaffe neither doth a storme ouerturne a tree fast and soundly rooted Euen so no more doth euery wind of Doctrine carrie away true members of the Church but the chaffe and rotten members as Heretickes ignorant persons Hypocrites phantastical heads and new-fangled men c. 3 As vnconscionable Vintners mingle their Wine with water So Heretickes corrupt the truth and mingle their owne conceits with it Hypocrisie 1 AS it auaileth a man nothing at all to the ease and reliefe of his pouertie to haue false coyne in his purse it must be good currant money otherwise it doth further endaunger himselfe and openeth a gap to his vtter destruction Euen so a faire tongue with a foule heart is false coyne it will helpe no man if he say he hateth sinne and yet loueth it in his heart for in so doing he condemneth himselfe how many and how good prayers soeuer hee maketh 2 Like as little children will feare and be greatly afraid at bugges and without feare thrust their hands into a candle or fire So likewise many men will bee afraide to commit the lesse sinnes yet make no
they are Illuminated by him Sound Iudgement necessarie AS the eye is the sight of the body to guide and leade it in the right way and if it bee cleare the body cannot goe amisse Euen so the Iudgement is the eye of the mind which being sound true and framed according to Gods word then are our affections right the actions and motions of our mind right and good in Gods sight as far as mans weaknesse can comprehend Our Iourney to heauen 1 AS Trauellers that be vppon their Iourneys doo not abide in those Hosteries or Innes where they are wel vsed lodged or entertayned and where they finde pleaâ—â—nt Gardens walkes or such other intisements but after their baite or in the Morning doo passe on their way Eâ—en so we albeit God in this life giue vs goods honours houses and other carnall commodities yet wee must remember that we are trauellers and must not stay but goe forward on our Iourney toward heauen yea and in case we be afflicted with sicknesse pouertie or any other calamitie yet must we still thinke that we are vpon our Iourney and therefore taking comfort say Peraduenture we shall be better to morrow 1. Cor. 7.29 c. 2 As they who are to depart from a forraine land towards their owne countrie doo prepare things necessarie for their Iourney So must we likwise prouide that which is expedient for the happie performance of our Iourney towards our heauenly Countrie Vnbeleeuing Iewes AS that drie skin which a Snake doth cast to renew her age hath in it the shape likenesse and prints of eyes and that thin rinde also wherewith the eyes of the Snake are couered and yet in deed hath no seeing eyes So the wicked and vnbeleeuing Iewes did seeme to haue eyes but in deed they were blinde and Idle and emptie skins and rindes without sight they were men but not of God they had eyes of the flesh but none of the spirit they could see creatures but they had not one eye to beholde the Creator And as for Christ they had no more sight nor knowledge of him then they had of the Sunne and Moone when they were yet in the wombes of their mothers Iohn 9.29 The Infirmities of godly Fathers are set downe in the Scripture for our comfort and instruction EVen as they which first sayled in the Seas gaue proper names to daungerous Rockes and perilous places where they hardly escaped with their liues to the end that their posteritie by such markes might shunne shipwracke and passe safely away calling places diuersly as the Sage bed the Lauender bed with other like names best known to Saylers Or as Carters vse to set vp some bush or other like marke in that place where their Waine or Cart stuck fast for a warning to theÌ„ that come after So likewise haue the godly Fathers as the Patriarkes Prophets Apostles furthered vs by their falls and Infirmities and by their experience taught vs to eschew many incombrances which they because they brake the Ice first themselues could not foresee 2. Sam. 11.2 c. Iohn 18.17.25 27. Gal. 1.13 Luk. 15.12 c. Infidelitie 1 LIke as the Moulde which is blind to see things on earth cannot see the starres in heauen So hee which will not beleeue God concerning things on earth cannot beleeue him concerning heauenly things 2 Euen as a subiect or tenant disclooning his king and Lord and relying himselfe vpon a new maister euen one who is a deadly and professed enemie to his first maister doth incontinently depriue himselfe of all those farmes lands houses preferments and commodities whatsoeuer the which he did enioy whilst hee liued in alleagance to his Lord So the case standeth with man when as by Infidelitie he falleth from God for then he looseth all manner of blessings belonging either to his happinesse or to his holinesse yea it is impossible that a man should either loue feare honour or obey God from whom he looketh for neither good nor euill and therefore Infidelitie is to be accounted the roote of all euill Hebr. 3.12 Gods Iudgements not regarded of many 1 AS lightning breaketh the cloudes and the suddaine light dooth not so much illuminate as dull the sight of the eye So many feeling the hand of God are rather dulled then mooued forwards to heauen 2 As skilfull Physitions in curing diseases vse certaine degrees first they begin with gentler sorts of salues and if they doo little good then they lay sharper remedies vnto the wound for if medicines doo not heale the yron doth heale those which the yron healeth not the fire doth heale but such as the fire doth not heale those are incurable So God doth sometime reprooue mans wickednesse by his word if that dooth not helpe hee correcteth with sicknesse infamie and Imprisonment if these profite not hee inflameth the fire of his Iudgement in the mindes of men and maketh them agast and amazed with the terror of euerlasting torments if neither that can heale their cankor he leaueth them quite as incurable and giueth them ouer into a reprobate mind so that they haue neither a right Iudgement to discerne things nor any sorrow at all by reason of the filth of wickednesse wherin they wallow Instrumentall cause of preaching AS a builder must haue not onely an exquisite skill in building and an abilitie to accomplish his skill and faithfulnesse to performe it and meete matter or stuffe to worke vppon but apt Instruments also or tooles to trie foorth and fashion the building So likewise a Preacher must not only haue the spirit of God to direct him in preaching and vtterance to publish the same and faithfulnesse for the performance thereof and matter to practise vpon but fit Instruments also to proportionate the worke verie aptly in euery point namely Logicke and Rhetoricke with other artificiall helpes which be as it were the Instrumentall and causes of preaching Rash Iudgement condemned AS it is the point of great rashnesse a thing disallowed of all men euen in worldly affaires for one man to coÌ„demne another before he haue heard him Euen so it is great folly for a man to giue his Iudgement vpon spirituall matters before hee hath well weighed and aduised of them Act. 18.21 21.14 Rom. 1.10 15.32 1. Cor. 4.19 Psal 115.3 Prou. 18.13 Knowledge of God how it is attained vnto 1 AS our naturall eyes haue power to discerne the things of this world by the Sunne that we dayly see Euen so the Knowledge of God that wee hope to haue of him must come by grace through the light of him that can lighten our vnderstandings and open the eyes of our minds otherwise wee shall rest in continuall darknesse if our inward eyes receiue not light by that supernall Sunne 2 As there is great difference betwixt the viewing of a man in a darke or dimme Glasse and the sight of him face to face in a bright day Euen so is there much more difference betwixt our
vncomely as magnificall talke is for a poore foole So vnmeete is Lying and vntrue talke for a Prince Prou. 17.7 Learning 1 LIke as in meates the wholesomnesse is as much to be required as the pleasantnesse so in reading or hearing Authors we ought to desire as well the goodnesse as the eloquence 2 Like as a field although it be fertile can bring foorth no fruite except it be first tilled So the minde although it be apt of it selfe cannot without Learning bring foorth my goodnesse 3 As men in nothing more differ from the Gods then when they are fooles So in nothing they do come neare them so much as when they are wise and Learned The Lawe pointeth out true blisse but furthereth not the certaintie of it LIke as if a man should shewe a needie bodie a bagge of Gold vppon the toppe of a high Tower and yet not â—end him a ladder wherewithall he might clime vp to the â—op and fetch downe the bagge Euen so doth Gods Law â—nely point men to the soueraigne good without shewing vs how we may come by it seeing that no man fulfilâ—th the Lawe The fruites of Libertie are by good right required of Christians AS he which doth commit sinne is the seruant of sinne Euen so he which is deliuered by Christ will bee no more bond but free and therefore will not take vppon him the yoke of bondage Iohn 8.34 Rom. 6.20 Iam. 2.12 How we must behaue our selues in Lending to Artificers and labourers AS charitie doth not require that we should giue of our goods freely to them that are strong lustie and able to worke and labour So necessitie vrging Artificers and Labourers and they desiring to borrowe any thing of thee then thou must obey the rule of Christ and Lend without looking for a recompence in the like or in any other kind of dutie 2. Thess 3.10 11. Luk. 6.35 36. Esay 58.7 Prou. 19.17 Gods Liberalitie AS the fire ministreth light to a multitude and yet is minished or consumed thereby Or as in a candle of which many other candles be light the light is not thereby in any wise diminished or hurt at all Or as one supper dooth not refresh or suffiâ—e many as well as few but the the voice of one Preacher teacheth as well a hundreth as one Euen so God bestoweth innumerable benefites vpon vs and yet his Liberalitie is not hindred therewith Godly Life 1 AS when Moses had conuersed and beene with God fortie dayes vppon the mountaine at his comming downe his face shined and glistered with the heauenly glorie So will it be with vs by then we haue for twentiâ— or thirtie yeares beene conuersant in heauen we shall become heauenly and spirituall both in word and deed Exod. 34.69 2 As by experience we see that when a countrie man hath dwelled some twentie or thirtie yeares in the Court he forgetteth his countrie speech and course of Life and groweth to be as good a Courtier as if he had bene borne in the Court Euen so our earthly talke and communication our worldly course of life and the corruptions of the flesh that beare but too much sway in vs doo but ouer manifestly shew how little we are conuersant in heauen and consequently doo testifie that we account our selues Burgesses of earth and not of heauen 3 As the rough tazle or thistle dooth make the cloath smooth So doth a straight and strict kind of Life make the conscience more quiet It is our dutie to communicate at the Lords supper AS they who liuing in fornication and will not marrie least thereby their fornication which they are not minded to giue ouer should be the more grieuous as being conuerted into Adulterie are in a woefull state Or as they who hating their neighbours when they say the Lords prayer Our Father c. doo leaue out this petition Forgiue vs our trespasses as wee forgiue them that trespasse against vs and so refuse to aske forgiuenesse for their transgressions and seeke to continue in hatred against their neighbours are worthie double condemnation one in respect of their hatred that they continue in the other for their sinnes for the which they aske no forgiuenesse Euen â—is they that forbeare the holy supper in respect of their bad consciences doo pronounce sentence against themselues namely that they deserue double death First for their sinnes which they continue in wicked consciences And secondly they seperate themselues from the communion of Christ in whom onely is the fulnesse of life Lust and pleasure 1 AS Pils that are outwardly faire guilt and rowled in Sugar but within full of bitternesse Euen so Lust and pleasure is no sooner hatched but repentance is at hand holding her by the head readie to supplant her for pleasure and sorrow are two twinnes Esa 38.17 Gene. 3.6 2 As a painted Sepulcher faire without but within full of mortal infection and stench Euen so Lust and pleasure is presently turned to sorrow and teares and flieth and slideth away leauing rather cause of repentance then occasion of remembrance 1. Tim. 5.6 Esay 22.12 13 14. 3 As he that companieth with Millers or Colliers shal hardly escape free from blacking or meale So likewise shall hee hardly escape Lust and pleasures that haunteth with those that are giuen to follow their Lusts and pleasures 4 As greene wood laid vpon the fire albeit at the first it resisteth yet in the end doth burne and is consumed So is it with him that frequenteth those that giue themselues to Lusts and pleasures albeit at the beginning he resisteth the euill and for a while falleth not thereinto yet by continuall haunt he finally falleth in with them 5 As it is vnnaturall to kindle fire with water So is it vnpossible for Lust and pleasure to breede in a penitent heart that sorroweth for sinne Ioel. 2.12 16. 6 As Agis the last King of the Lacedemonians was in his youth giuen to all Lustes and pleasures but being established ruler of the land he quite gaue them ouer shewed such an example of temperance and sobrietie that the vse of pleasures quayling among his subiects they also addicted themselues to sobrietie Euen so we Christians albeit before the knowledge of the truth wee wallowed in the Lustes of the flesh yet being now raysed to this honour and estate to be made kings and priests yea euen the children of God ought now to be the more estraunged from all Lusts and pleasures to the end that after our example all others may renounce the same immitate our sobrietie Rom. 13.14 Hebr. 11.25 7 Euen as a Snayle by little and little creepeth vp from the roote of a tree vnto the top as shee goeth consuming the leaues and leaueth nothing behind her but foule and filthie slymish steps So likewise Lust and pleasure if wee consent vnto them wil creepe into our soules and bodies and will depriue them of all ornaments of vertue and will leaue nothing behind but a foule guiltie
vnto them who beeing turned from iniquitie do lead a new life 1 LIke as if the Seruant of some Noble man or Gentleman were for committing of treason felonie or murther condemned and going to the place of execution and his Lord or Maister of meere fauour and good will should not onely by earnest sute to her Maiestie procure a pardon for his life and so deliuer him from that villainous death but also should adopt and take him for his sonne and heire if he now after this his deliuerance go and say I will take my pleasure be Idle and follow mine owne phantasie and neuer endeuour to please or pleasure his Lord and Maister but rather seeke to hurt and displease him euerie way that hee can such a wretch deserueth to be punished most extreamely Euen so such as say that Christ hath Redeemed vs and by his death hath purchased for vs forgiuenesse of sinnes righteousnesse and life euerlasting and hath adopted vs to bee his sonnes and heires wherefore we will take our pleasure be Idle and rather we will doo more wickednesse doubtlesse Christ dyed not for such nor satisfied for their offences no nor yet merited heauen for them to the end that they shouid spend their dayes in Idlenesse and heape sinne vpon sinne but rather to liue Christianly and godly Ro. 6.4 Gal. 5.24 Tit. 2.11 2. Tim. 2.19 Luk. 1.75 Ephe. 1.4 2.10 1. Pet. 1.15 2 Like as if an Astrologer could or should tell an ambitious Cardinall that he should be Pope although hee did put an vndoubted trust therein yet for all that hee would not be Idle but would vse all the meanes that possible he could to attaine and come to that dignitie Euen so the Children of GOD the surer they are that Christ hath Redeemed them so much the more they vnderstand the great good will of God towards thē and therefore they are alwayes forced more and more by godly conuersation of life to make certaine vnto themselues the knowledge of their election and Redemption by Christ 2. Pet. 1.10 3 If a miserable and wretched Theefe shall haue committed many thefts and murthers and after that his wicked deedes were knowne the sonne of a King should be brought to be arrained and condemned for the same and so beare the punishment thereof and this theefe to be discharged and pardoned if herevpon the theefe should reioyce and make a scoffe at him when hee seeth the sonne of a King to be put to death and suffer the punishment that hee deserued such a Caytiffe deserueth a most horrible death Euen so at this present it fareth with vs behold our Sauiour Christ the onely Sonne of God is imprisoned and we deliuered hee condemned and we pardoned hee put to death and to all shame and we receiued to honour it is not therefore for vs to be drowsie-headed and liue securely and to flatter our selues in our sinnes and iniquities 4 As the Israelites were neuer able to yeeld sufficient thanks to God for their bodily deliuerance from the bondage which they were in in Egypt So to Christ our Sauiour for our Redemption and spirituall deliuerance from the tyrannie of Sathan and sinne Exo. 14.30 20.2 Psal 81.10 Gods Prouidence ouer his Children 1 AS it was impossible that Herod and Pilate together with the Gentiles and Iewes should conclude more and bring any more to passe in afflicting Iesus Christ our head then the hand and counsell of the Lord hath ordained to be done from euerlasting So also it is impossible that the Herods of our time the Pilates the Pharisies togither with the mad and bewitched people should take more in hand and bring more to passe in afflicting the members of Christ then the hand and counsell of God hath first decreed to be brought to passe by them Act. 4.27.28 Iohn 7.30 8.20 2 As the smallest birds of the earth are not taken without the will and prouidence of our heauenly Father Euen so nothing good or euill dooth happen vnto Gods Children without his prouident will Math. 10.29 Amo. 3.6 3 As the Lord in mercie feedeth the birds of the ayre that they haue sufficient and also so gallantly decketh the Lillies of the field which bee so gorgiously and so richly cloathed that euen Salamon in all his royaltie was not apparelled like one of them Euen so much more if wee haue an assured trust in him so liberall and bountifull a Father he will not doubtlesse see vs his Children lacke any thing that good is concerning our foode or sustenance apparell or cloathing as shall be meete and expedient for vs. Math. 6.26 28 29 30. What Comfort we receiue by the name of Christ or annoynted 1 LIke as the annoynting whereby at Gods Commaundement Prophets Priests and Kings were appoynted amongst his people with an outward and visible Oyle was a publike testimonie that God would gouerne and defend his people by this person and also keep and vphold his diuine worship and likewise teach his people and this person had commaundement of this thing that they might suffer themselues to be gouerned cleansed and taught Euen so the Sonne of God manifested in the flesh concerning his manhood is annoynted with the holy Ghost without measure which is the truth of that outward annoynting and so is ordeined and giuen of the Father to the Prophet Priest and King of his Church 2 As it must needs be that all they be made sadde that doubt vnder what Lord they are in this life whether vnder Christ or Satan So on the contrarie it cannot be but all they must be filled with ioy who by the inward testimonie of the annoynting of faith and by the outward washing of holy Baptisme are assured that they are vnder Christ the King of righteousnesse Col. 1.13 Luk. 17.21 2.10 11. 3 Like as in time past when Salamon by the commandement of God was annointed there was publike ioy amōg the people of God because they knew that God wold do them good and defend them by the hand of a King Euen so wee when we heare out of the word of God that our Lord Iesus is Christ that is that same annoynted of the Lord we ought with the Angels to be filled with an exceeding ioy of minde beeing surely perswaded that euen in this very thing that the heauenly Father hath appointed and in very deede giuen his owne Sonne Christ that is annoynted to bee our King that he dooth openly from heauen declare that hee by his sonne will become the euerlasting restorer and defender of his Church Christian Seruice AS in a mans body one part is very readie to doo seruice to an other the foote to the eye and the eye to the foote Fuen so euerie Christian man as parts of the mysticall body of Christ must be willing and ready to do seruice one to an other not enuying those which bee in greater calling nor scorning his inferiours Christianitie LIke as euery thing which striketh a hard Stone
he doth any of these he is knowne to be aliue Euen so is it with Faith if it can or doo bring foorth no good workes then is it dead on the contrarie part the actions and stirring thereof doo shewe it to bee aliue 7 Euen as we see some painter so skilful that he can cast such colours in painting fire that at the first blush it might make a man iudge it to bee fire indeed But if a man hold his hand to it to feele for some heate and to make triall by the effects a child will be able to iudge easily that it is but a dead image because the effectes are wanting Euen so there bee very many men as cunning as any Painter to make a shew of Faith through great bragges and vaunts that God is their God and that they put all their whole trust in him that they looke to be saued as well as the best yea though but a fewe yet they hope to bee of the number of those 8 As an vnfaithfull seruant which doth his businesse deceitfully and hypocritically to his Lord and Maister whose wages hee taketh and in the meane time fauoureth his enemie and laboureth by all the meanes that hee may to please him and with his diligence to serue him Euen so in like manner hee which boasteth of Faith in Christ and in the meane time liueth loosely and wickedly hee dooth no otherwise then to speake outwardly those things with his mouth from which both the heart it selfe and all the studies and actions of his whole life doo disagree Ioh. 8.40.44 For the loue of Christ wee must Forsake all 1 AS a faithfull wife hauing her husband in a straunge Countrie who sending for her dooth foorthwith Forsake Father and Mother Friend and acquaintaunce goods and landes not regarding either perill or pouertie that maye happen vnto her so that shee may bee in the fellowshippe and companie of her husband because shee loueth him and hath her sure confidence and trust in him and is sure that she shall participate with him whatsoeuer he hath Euen so wee that are faithfull Christians ought vnlesse we would be reputed vnnaturall braunches vnkind louers and insolent persons to abandon and Forsake for the loue of Christ who hath married vs vnto himselfe with the Ring of Faith all worldly and fleshly pleasures what and how many so euer they be yea and our liues too Mat. 10.37 Luk. 14.26 2 As a weake woman will not refuse to forsake all and to follow her louing husband who is nothing else but earth ashes flesh bloud and corruption hauing yet no certaintie of his life nor no full assuraunce of his person nor presence Euen so much more wee ought to Forsake all when our heauenly husband Iesus Christ for our saluation and commoditie and because hee would make vs like vnto himselfe doth call vs out of our owne countrie and to follow him which is the author of life the preseruer from perils the giuer of all good giftes and the most faithfull louer of our soules 3 Like as a husband that hath diuers mansion places the which also by the common right of marriage belong vnto his wife who causeth her to dwel in what house it pleaseth him and when he list he causeth her to remoue and to chaunge habitation as he thinketh best which shee willingly is contented with beeing a dutifull wife and delighting in the companie of her husband So likewise Iesus Christ who is the Lord of the vniuersall world who also hath married vs to him by Faith will haue this prerogatiue ouer vs namely to place vs in which of his houses it pleaseth him best So that it is our part for his loue to Forsake all and to obey him and willingly to dwell in what place he will haue vs and there to remaine in leading a Christian life till such time as he shall call vs thence vnto some other place Superstuitie in Feastes and banquets 1 LIke as if a Horse by eating too many Oates should grow heauie dull and slacke to goe or draw the owner would beware of giuing him too much least hee should both loose his prouender and weaken his horse Euen so in meate and drinke and long sittings at Feasts if the plentie make vs heauie and slowe in our vocations namely in the seruice of God we haue iust cause to cut it off and so to take away the abuse which is especially hurtfull and to be condemned 1. Cor. 10.31 2 As men vse to put water into their wine for feare of drunkennesse and to put salt in their meate to season it Euen so must our speeches and talke sauour of sobrietie Christian reformation at Feasts and other meetings Iob. 1. 4.5 Math. 12.36 Fauourers and furtherers of wicked actions and sinne EVen as when some huge and great Fish is drawne out of a ryuer in a net many small ones which are about him are taken and drawne out with him Right so it is the Lords manner not onely to tangle and to trap within the infringible net of his indignation heauie iudgements the first Authors and chiefe bruers and brochers of Idolatrie treason treacherie or any kind of euill whatsoeuer But all those also will hee censure with the same weight and measure of punishment which haue any pleasure in those forbidden euils and are so farre from beeing offended and grieued at the same that they wish in their harts good successe continuance vnto thē Eze. 29.4 5. A fellow-like Feeling LIke as there is no one part in our carnall body that is hurt but that all the rest of the members Feele smart by the same Euen so ought wee to haue compassion one vpon an other when hee is in trouble and suffereth any sorrow and our neighbours businesse ought no lesse to be ours then our owne Rom. 12.10.15 16. Free-will lost in Adam 1 AS he which killeth himselfe doth it whilst he is aliue but being dead cannot reuiue himselfe againe So we had Free-will to doo good before we lost it in Adam but hauing lost it we cannot recouer it 2 As a man that is in close prison must needes thereabide and cannot possibly get forth and walke where hee will Yet can he moue himselfe freely and walke within the prison So likewise though mans will be chained naturally by the bonds of sinne and therefore cannot but sinne and thereupon sinneth necessarily yet doth it also sinne Freely 3 As that prisoner that is not onely sicke and weake but euen starke dead Which cannot stirre though the keeper vntie his boltes and chaines nor heare though hee sound a trumpet in his eare and if the said keeper would haue him to moue and stir he must giue him not only his hand to helpe him but euen soule and life also Euen so such a one is euery man by nature not onely chained and fettered in his sinnes but starke dead therein as one that lyeth rotting in the graue not hauing any abilitie or
melting it Euen so in like manner the holinesse of God may better be known in the reuolt of Hypocrites approching vnto him by honorable offices in his Church and profession of his word and so he may bee the more glorified of the people in such iudgements and also so much the lesse will hee suffer their corruptions but will punishe them more sharpely Leuit. 10.3 2. Timo. 4.10.14 15 16. 30 As a thicke Wood and goodly groue giuing great shaddow very pleasant to behold dooth delight the eyes of the beholders so greatly with the varietie and thicknesse of flourishing trees and pleasaunt plants that it seemeth to be ordained only for pleasures sake and yet within is full of poysonfull Serpents rauening Wolues and other wilde hurtfull and cruell beastes Euen so an Hypocrite when outwardly he seemeth holy and to be wel furnished with the ornaments of all sorts of vertues dooth please well and delight much the eyes of his beholders but within him there lurketh pride couetousnesse enuie and all maner of wickednesses like wild and cruell beasts walking and wandring in the wood of his hart For fained holinesse is double iniquitie 31 As a Swanne whose feathers are all white but her flesh blacke white without and blacke within Euen so he is not to bee counted religious but an Hypocrite that doth couer hide his foule faultes and loathsome sinnes with a faire and beautifull shew of vertue fayning an holyner where none is 32 As the Viper although shee bee pestilent and poysonfull yet notwithstanding whiles shee is nummed with cold she may safely be handled not because shee hath no poyson in her but because in her cold and numnesse shee cannot vse it Euen so pernicious and dissembling Hypocrites do somtime want opportunitie and power to practise and to put in execution their wicked and detestable treacheries 33 As the skin of a Foxe is of some value and in request but the fleshe is nothing woorth So outward shewes of holinesse are highly esteemed with Hypocrites but cleannesse of the heart and inward puritie is of them no whit regarded 34 Like as an Apple that is very beautiful without but is rotten within Or as a goodly tall Tree that flourisheth and is full of leaues but yet fruitlesse Euen so such is an Hypocrite who would seeme to be that he is not and hateth to be that he seemeth 2. Tim. 3.5 35 As the Ostrige beeing a great and mightie foule hath wings but doth not flie neither is lifted vp from the ground with them So very many men in the world doo seeme to be carried vp to heauen vpon the wings of their ceremonies but are in deed in heart mind and desire fast nailed to the earth 36 As the Kite being a most greedie rauening foule mounteth exceeding high so that you would thinke she toucheth the gliding clouds and as she flieth doth spred her wings and yet when shee is at the highest shee hath her eyes fast set and fixed below in the earth prying and spying to catch if shee can some poore Chicken or ther pray within her talens in deed shee flieth high but neuer looketh vp towards heauen but altogether downe towards the earth Euen so thou shalt see a number of 〈◊〉 faining a certaine sanctimonie counterfeiting much holinesse who although they are thought with the contemplation of heauenly things to be rauished and taken vp into the cloudes yet they mind nothing lesse then true godlinesse neither any thing more then earth and earthly things Their studie is for worldly honour their greatest carking and care is for rich and large reuenues for dignities Princes fauors and worldly wealth Such men turne their backes to heauen and flie from God and so being disappointed of that light which they seemed to 〈◊〉 for they are wrapped in palpable and most daungerous darknesse 37 As Brasse is a mettall of red colour and hath a certaine likenesse of Gold but is indeede Brasse not gold Euen so such are Hypocrites which vnder the shape and colour of Religion and holinesse do couer a Chaos and confused heape of all wickednesse and abhomination Such men when they seeme best are then worst for of all wickednesse there is none more pernicious then that of â—â—eâ—â—s which when they are most bent to deceiue they handle the matter so that they seeme to bee honest vertuous and godly men 38 As he that hath a painted Oxe and hunteth followeth for Partâ—idges is not an Oxe but vnder the shape and likenesse of that simple creature lieth in waite for the prettie fine Birds that he may take them and kil them So likewise an Hypocrite that with a counterfeited and fained holinesse wil colour and couer impietie wicked purposes or whatsoeuer is against the word and will of God 〈◊〉 not a iust man but vnder the colour and shape of godlinesse and honestie seeking the prayse and glorie of the world he casteth in his head and worketh by degrees the ruine decay and vndoing of his neighbours that he may compasse their goods lands and possessions gaine some honour and dignitie among men 2. Tim. 3.5 39 Euen as the swiftist Haukes going about to seaze vpon and to take the Bird that flieth as it were in the top of the ayre doth not by and by when shee first seeth her flie directly towards her but rather at the first with fetching of a compasse doth seeme to forsake and to despise her and to draw and to flie from her but at the second or third flight she goeth toward her in the ayre with a wonderfull force and incredible swiftnesse to take her in the ayre and to rend her in peeces Right so doo Hypocrites behaue themselues for at the first to see too they wil seme to thee not to regard but to contemne the riches and promotions of the world but then they coyne and counterfeite a simplicitie fouling for a greater matter then yet they see present and reaching at some higher aduauncement and greater dignitie then that present time and occasion dooth offer but at the second or third flight when euerie thing dooth answere their expectation thou shalt peceiue that withall speede and greedinesse they will lay hold vpon those things which thou thoughtest they had contemned They doo not wish or desire any thing more neither can any thing more highly please them then the very selfesame things which they once made the worlde beleeue they detested and could not abide them These are double hearted men they haue wicked lippes and hands that worke iniquitie they be those sinners that goe two maner of wayes and euerlasting woe is their reward Math. 2.8 40 As Painters which haue a greater regarde to the colours and shadowes of Images and Pictures then vnto the substaunce of the same and contemning the inward parts they bestow all the wit skil and cunning they haue in expressing and painting out a bare shaddow and outside of the thing and the more they deceiue the eyes
present Knowledge of God in this life that which shall be in the life to come 1. Cor. 13.12 3 Like as when a man goeth to buy or borrowe some Candles and bringing them home being within night yet keepeth them vnlighted receiueth no comfort nor benefite by them Euen so if a man haue Knowledge in the word of God and yet his heart and mind is not enflamed and kindled with the loue of the truth his Knowledge will not profit him to saluation Knowledge of God 1 AS he that diggeth for treasure casteth the earth from him and maketh a deepe pit vntill hee finde that which he seeketh Euen so he that seeketh the Knowledge of God must castaway all earthly affections and wholly prie into heauenly affaires Prou. 1.4 5. 2 As great and rich Treasure is many times hid in an homely earthen vessell So it pleaseth God to put the precious Knowledge of himselfe and his truth into poore weake and fraile men 2. Cor. 4.7 Knowledge may be increased alwayes in the best LIke as he that vseth the hand and helpe of many Physitions though he be alwayes vnder the cure of some can neuer come to perfect health Euen so such as doo alwayes seeke and euer learne yet for all that they neuer come to the Knowledge of the truth 2. Timo. 3.6 7. Knowledge and beleefe in grosse 1 AS a man may carrie fire about him in a flint stone without heate and perfumes in a Pomander without smell except the one be beaten and the other chafed Euen so such men as Know and beleeue in grosse the misteries of our faith that there is a God which rewardeth good and euill that he is terrible in his counsels vpon the sonnes of men that there is a hell for sinners a heauen for good lyuers a most dreadfull day of iudgement to come a strait account to bee demaunded and the like All this they Know and beleeue in generall as marchandise wrapped vp together in a bundell but for â—hat they vnfold not these things nor rest vpon them in particular for that they let them not downe into their hearts nor doo ruminate on them with leysure attention for that they chew them not well in mind by deepe consideration nor doo digest them in heart by the heate of meditation they remaine with them as a sword in his scabard and do helpe them as little to reformation of life for which they were reuealed as a preseruatiue in their pocket neuer applied can helpe their health And thus they beare the generalâ— Knowledge of these mysteries locked vp in their breasts as sealed bagges of treasure that bee neuer told nor opened and consequently they haue neither feeling sence nor motion thereby 2 Like as it may bee that one man may know an other man by sight whom yet in deed he knoweth not thorowly because he vnderstandeth not what affection hee beareth towards him So men Know naturally that there is a God but what his will is or what is not his will they doo not know Rom. 3.11 Iohn 1.18 A godly King 1 AS breath is necessarie for the body of man So also is a godly King to the people whome hee gouerneth Lam. 4.20 2 As the roaring of a Lyon is fearefull So the wrath of a King is terrible Prou. 19.12 3 As a theefe taken in stealing with the deed dooing is brought to open shame Euen so Kings and Princes and nations putting confidence in Idols and yet deceiued in finding no helpe in them in time of their distresse are put to manifest shame and confusion Iere. 2.26.27 Meanes of Knowledge AS light endureth not alwayes but darkenesse succeedeth So the times and meanes to get Knowledge endureth not alwayes but wee are to vse them whilst God doth giue them Iohn 12.35 The Kingdome of heauen 1 LIke as Marchants can be well content when they see Pearles of great price to bestow all their substance and wealth on them hoping to be great gayners thereby Euen so much more godly Christians ought not to spare any earthly treasure or to forbeare any cost for the attainment of that most precious pearle the Kingdome of heauen Math. 13.45 46. 2 As hee that findeth a Treasure in an other mans ground cannot iustly enioy the same except at his great charge he first straine himselfe to purchase the soyle Euen so the Kingdome of heauen the heauenly riches cannot be had but of them which if neede so require can bee content to forgoe all their worldly wealth for it Math. 13.44 3 As wee doo naturally loue the body more then the soule and the goods and commodities of this temproall life more then the treasures of spirituall riches So wee seeke first the things that concerne this present life and as for those that belong to the Kingdome of heauen wee seeke after them but seldome sleightly and as it were for a fashion Math. 6.36 4 As all they that are possessed with righteousnesse peace and ioy of the holy Ghost which Saint Paul calleth the Kingdome of God are certaine to enter into heauen So it is in vaine to pretend to enter into the Kingdome of God which is in heauen vnlâ—sse the Kingdome of heauen which is the gate bee first in vs that is to say if wee haue not the true knowledge of God and of his Sonne Iesus Christ a liuâ—ly faith a feruent charitie vnlesse we increase in sanctification of body of soule and of mind vnlesse in our selues we doo feele a good conscience conioyned with peace and ioy in the holy Ghost and vnlesse we bee regenerate in newnesse of life Rom. 14.17 Iohn 3.3 1. Cor. 6.9 5 As where there bee two gates to a Towne it is not enough that we enter the first vnlesse we also passe throgh the sâ—cond So is it not enough that we being members of the Church vsing the holy ministerie which is as the first gate to the Kingdome of heauen vnlesse we thence proceed to the second in liuing as true and liuely members of the Church declaring the effects of the holy Ministerie by the testimonies of our faith mortification of the old man newnesse of life in briefe by dayly amendment of life 6 As when winter is ouer the nearer that the Sunne draweth vnto vs the more doth the earth being warmed by the heate therof fructifie and the longer that the daies are the more worke may we doo Euen so the nearer that the kingdome of heauen doth draw vnto vs by the comming of Iesus Christ especially by his ascention into heauen the more should we be heate in the loue of God and charity to our neighbours to bring forth the more fruit of holinesse and be the more addicted to all good workes 7 Like as it is commonly said that the Cat would fish eate but she would not her feete weate Or as Balaam wished that hee might die the death of the righteous and that his end might be like theirs but yet he would not obey the will
Isarel that were their brethren and gaue an outward profession of the name of God with them were the greatest and most daungerous So likewise among the enemies that Syon Gods Church hath the most vehement and bitter are the false hearted and counterfeited Israelites carnall Protestants Papists heretickes and other prophane men 2 As one enemie within the Citie is more daungerous then ten without Euen so carelesse Professors and prophane men as they haue most power to hurt so are they furiously enraged against the truth of the wayes of God and being set on fire to remaine in their sinne euen sell themselues to worke wickednesse Persecutors are often giuen ouer themselues AS God in great mercie stayeth the rage of our enemies that they cannot so spoyle and make waste of the bodies and liues of the godly minded and such as daily labour and profit in true feare of God as is like they would So yet they remaine themselues euen men vowed and giuen ouer to the wil of Sathan hauing their harts set on those things that are euill and their feete swiftest to commit sinne Prou. 1.16 The three Persons coequall in eternitie AS fire is not before heate and light no more is the Father before the Sonne and the holy Ghost Against Prayer for the dead AS they that are departed out of this life bee past our Prayers being either in ioy or misery Euen so we hauing no word of God whereupon faith leaneth to Pray for the dead cannot but sinne in doing it and that we do it not of faith Rom. 14.23 2. Cor. 5.10 Ioh. 3.18 The godly profit much by cruell Persecutions AS a man much mooued with anger and through indignation and wrath intending to kill his brother should throw at him precious stones goodly Pearles and rich Iewels should not damnifie nor hurt his brother because hee would gather them vp keepe them and inrich himselfe with them Euen so tyrants disposed to kill and with fire and sword to put to death the Saints and true seruants of God which doo excell in true pietie and vnfained loue to God and man doo Persecute and torment them with diuers sorts and sundrie kindes of true martyrdome of which things the children of God are glad and doo reioyce and grow stronger and richer in Christ and being throughly armed with a godly patience they doo take and beare Persecutions most quietly for Gods sake without murmuring or grudging euen as their crosse wherwith most willingly they follow their Lord and Sauiour Christ and doo account such tortures inestimable riches and themselues happie that they be thought worthie to suffer such things for the truth sake and in the Lords quarrell Act. 5.41 Peace and vnitie of the Church AS in a true perfect and certaine Clocke the wheeles beeing tempered and in equall and due proportion diuided do performe their courses and doo keepe their seuerall compasses without iarring or differing one from an other euenly and alike so that one mouing the others are mooued and one standing the rest are still and stirre not so that though they bee many in number in forme fashion and agreement they are but one Euen so in a Christian Common-wealth and Church there ought to be one and the selfesame will and so great a concord and likenesse of minds reconciled and drawne together with the infringible band of sincere loue in Christ that though in bodies they be infinite innumerable yet in vnanimitie consent and good agreement in the Lord Iesu they should be all as one man Psal 133.1 Luk. 1.79 Ephe. 4.3 Rom. 14.17 Promises made to particular persons appertaine to their successors LIke as what league truth or Promises of fauour soeuer is made to any King in the same is his kingdome contained and his subiects are also partakers of the same So the Promises made to Abraham Isaac Iacob and Dauid belong not to them onely but to their children also their successors heires people and subiects Amo. 9. Physicke commendable 1 AS pure Corral will receiue no colouring Or as pure Ciuet will neuer leese his fauour Euen so Physicke is so exquisitely excellent that it need not haue any counterfeit helpe and the Physitions haue their commission so lawfull that they cannot bee condemned nor iustly disdained 2 As it is to bee prooued by Gods word damnable sinne for a man to kill himselfe with fire water sword or such like So likewise it is sinne for a man to destroy himselfe in not seeking after Physitions and Chirurgions when time and opportunitie is offered for recouerie It is our dutie to be present at publike Prayer LIke as when a whole Burgesses of a Citie doo come before their Prince and with one voice craue pardon for some offence or beg some grace or fauour the Prince will bee more mooued then if they being absent some one man should speake for the whole Euen so when the whole Church assemble together dooth with heart and mind in presence of God accompanie the Prayers which the Preacher as the mouth of the congregation powreth foorth let them be assured that those Prayers doo penetrate the heauens and that God is mooued to heare them Matth. 18.19.20 Act. 16.13 21.5 Zacha. 8.21 Psal 65.2 Ioel 2.15 The dutie of the Poore AS the prodigall childe hauing goods in the wasting of them gaue himselfe to the worlde and the flesh but hauing fallen into pouertie thought vpon his fathers house and returned thereto So should the discommodities and wants which the Poore doo finde in their estates loosen their harts from the earth and cause them to aspire to the house of their heauenly Father where they shal enioy all spirituall and euerlasting treasures Luk. 15.12 c. Iam. 2.5 1. Cor. 4.11 Hebr. 11.24 25. The dutie of Pastors and Ministers 1 AS they which shall be saued by the Ministerie of Pastors shall be their crowne and ioy in the day of the Lord and they which shall win most to righteousnesse shall shine as the starres for euer So contrariwise the bloud of such as shall perish through the negligence of Pastors shall be required at their hands Phil. 4.1 Dan. 13.3 Ezech. 3.17 Hebr. 13.17 2 As he is knowne to be a Taylor that cutteth out and soweth garments he a Shoe-maker that maketh shoes he a Phisition that imployeth himselfe in curing of sicknesses and so of others Euen so likewise is a Pastor and a Minister knowne in that he preacheth and teacheth the word of God 1. Tim. 4.16 1. Pet. 5.2 Mar. 16.15 2. Tim. 4.1 1. Cor. 9.6 Math. 28.19 20. Ier. 1.6 c. 3.15 3 As the Phisition who ordeineth a potion which in stead of health procureth death is not a Phisition but a murtherer Euen so is it with the Pastors that do preach lyes in stead of truth Ezech. 22.27 28. Iere. 25. toto 4 As a Housholder cutteth out bread at meale times to his children So in like manner a faithfull Pastor must be apt and fit to teach and
and goeth into a straunge Countrie when hee commeth into a pleasant Towne where he meeteth merie companie and good companions peraduenture he spendeth away the time and tarrieth too long among them and so forgetteth his houshold and things at home but if one hard mischaunce after an other happen vnto him then he maketh the more haste home again to his wife children where he hath more rest quietnesse Euen so when these transitorie things as riches health beautie honour and dignitie happen vnto vs if we wil once gape vpon them and delight so much in them that we doo the lesse regard and esteeme the heauenly life then will God make the way rough crabbed vnto vs here in this life that we should not take and esteeme this transitorie life in this world for our right naturall Countrie towards the which wee take our iourney Psal 137.1 c. 2 As a man must somtimes spurre his Horse although he be a good and quicke Horse that so hee may goe and runne the faster and speedier Euen so we cannot goe forward in our vocation and calling so speedily nor so wel as we ought to do except we be prickt forward with sharpe spurres and scourges 3 Like as when the Maister striketh his slouthfull dull and sleepie seruant then he laboureth the more diligently and is more profitable vnto him Euen so we all for the most part of vs haue the nature of such slouthfull and sluggish seruants which will doo nothing well except we be driuen by compulsion and euen whipped and beaten vnto it 4 As those be euill seruants which will doo nothing vnlesse a man bee euer vppon their bones with a cudgell yea and then wil doo nothing well neither yet notwithstanding must a man neuer cease driuing and forcing of them vntil such time as they begin to amend and to serue willingly with a good hart Euen so although no compelled seruice that is violently wroong out of a man doth please God yet the continuall inuring and exercising in goodnesse may make it at length so pleasant and delectable vnto vs that we shall haue delight therein Troubles and aduersities is a furtherance to eternall life 1 LIke as the Corne is first threshed Fanned and rid from the Chaffe and then laide vp and reserued in the Garner Euen so godly Christians vpon earth are beaten mishandled euill intreated whereby they are purged and rid of many wild light maners and so are brought into the euerlasting Barne of the kingdome of heauen 2 As no man can triumph or be crowned except hee hath foughten and warred manfully which cannot bee without great daunger labour and trauel Euen so can no man attaine to the crowne of eternall life except he hath first suffered much Trouble sorrow aduersitie 1. Cor. 9.24 25. 2. Timo. 1. 8. 2. Timo. 4.7 8. 1. Pet. 5.1 Iam. 1.12 3 As the man that is sicke must receiue the purgation and medicine how sower or bitter so euer it be that hee may the sooner recouer his health againe and not die Euen so when we suffer the hand of God to rule and order vs being content and patient therewith although it smarteth and grieueth vs yet it shall profit and helpe vs to euerlasting health and soundnesse Math. 5.4 10. 7.13 14. Luk. 6.21 Ordinarie meanes to auoide Trouble are not to bee condemned or refused 1 LIke as a Shipmaister being vpon the water and foreseeing a tempest to bee at hand calleth vppon Gods ayde and helpe and yet for all that hee hath a sure eye to the sterne to rule that as hansomely and cunningly as he can Euen so in like manner of necessities and perils it is lawfull and men ought also to vse all manner of honest and conuenient meanes as Physicke and medicines in sicknesse labour and trauel with the sweate of our browes in pouertie the power and authoritie of the Magistrate in wrong iniurie debate and dissention battell array against the enemies of our Countrie and such like so that no man build nor trust in any manner of thing sauing in the very liuing God onely which can helpe deliuer and remedie all things without any middle or meane if there were none at all Act. 27.10 c. 2 As weake tender and diseased eyes are refreshed and quickned with greene and freshe pleasant colours Euen so cumbred and Troubled minds are wonderfully refreshed receiued and restored to strength through seemely honest and measurable myrth and pastime as by hearing of instruments of Musicke by walking abroad by altering and chaunging of the ayre and by going out of such places as bee obscure and darke into such as bee verie lightsome and especially for a man in his Trouble to visite his speciall friends or to bee visited of them God deliuereth from Trouble in due season LIke as God seeth the Trouble and affliction of his Church how it is vexed Euen so hath hee appointed a iust time how long hee will suffer the wicked to take their pleasure and how farre they shall goe and attempt and when that is expired no longer nor no further can they goe Iere. 25.1 vnto 15. 29.10 Psal 46.1 c. Math. 28.20 God helpeth and comforteth such as are in Trouble by his word and spirit 1 LIke as a Captaine in warre giueth his Souldiers that are vnder him a great courage by speaking manfully and comfortably vnto them Euen so God will haue his word dayly to bee published and proclaimed abroad to those that are in Trouble to the ende to encourage his Souldiers that fight vnder his banner Math. 18.20 2 As in Winter the trees although they seeme not only vnfruitfull but also vtterly dead yet the Sunne with his comming when the winter hath taken her leaue doth so mollifie resolue and warme both the earth it selfe and the trees that they bud out againe waxe greene bring foorth fruit Euen so when the faithfull are esteemed and seeme as though they were depriued and destitute of all helpe and as it were vtterly forsaken in time of Trouble yet dooth the heauenly spirit of God lighten warme and strengthen their hearts to all goodnesse God sometime mittigateth Troubles that wee may the more easily ouercome them 1 AS a Captaine giueth sometime his Souldiers libertie to take their rest ease and pastime that they may somewhat refreshe themselues and afterward fight the more manfully and freshly Euen so our spirituall Captaine graunteth ofttimes vnto his Children a certaine recreation ease and rest whereby they may refreshe and reuiue themselues that they may afterwarde handle themselues the more valiantly in their spirituall affaires 2 Like as a man of warre hath a lust and a courage to fight hauing diuers valiant seruants about him which will suffer him to take no wrong Euen so the holy Angels doo compasse about and defend vs that in all manner of Trouble and affliction wee are bolde and able to stand and continue it valiantly Psal 34.7 c.