Habakkuk vpbraideth the King of Babel with coueting an euill couetousnesse to his house for seeking Hab. 2. 9. 10. to set his house on high hee had consulted shame to his house and sinned against his owne soule Reason 1 First they molest their people with burdens and niggardlinesse with chafing and chiding and sometimes with strokes and violence Secondly they often prouoke the Lord to curse their habitations and to powre downe plagues vpon that which they possesse and them that dwell with them Thirdly they expose their posteritie and seed after them to the vengeance and iudgements of God as is threatned in the Scriptures and was executed on Ahabs line and many others Vse 1 Instruction to labour for godlinesse which will kill this greedinesse and worke in vs contentment that will bring riches to our houses and blessings to our children and happinesse to our selues as is at large to be seene in the Psalmes of Dauid The more wee labour for heauenly things the lesse Psal 112. wee shall like of earthly things and yet take the way to haue the greater plenty of them Consolation to those faithfull men to whom grace hath giuen victorie ouer their couetous affections They that haue subdued this sinne are vnder the dominion of no sinne for if they were how should they haue this assurance of life Those whom the spirit causeth to hate vnrighteous profit when it is offered to them the flesh cannot make hartily to loue any other corruptions And obserue that vnder life he comprehendeth all needfull things whereby men may commodiously liue Well is it with his estate who is firmly estated in this life heere promised That family is in good case whose gouernour is so good a man Happy are those children if they will embrace their happinesse whose parents are growne enemies to the world and friends vnto their owne soules Verse 28. The heart of the righteous studieth to answer but the mouth of the wicked babbleth out euill things A Good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth foorth good things He meditateth what to speake that he may vtter such matter as is most wholesome and profitable and that not onely when a question is demanded of him or he is otherwise spoken vnto but vpon any other occasion when it concerneth him to say ought For the word answer is more largely taken sometimes in the Scriptures than we vse it in our common speech as Matt. 11. 25. at that time Iesus answered and said I giue thee thankes O Father Lord of heauen and earth c. but the mouth of the wicked babbleth out euill things he can neither be silent nor speake well but is full of discourse and alwaies pratling rashly vainly offensiuely and leaudly The opposition standeth thus The heart of the righteous studieth to answer and therefore he vttereth things that bee good but the mouth of the wicked is hastily and rashly set on worke and therefore hee babbleth out things that are euill Doct. Hee that would speake well and doe good with his words must not be too swift and sudden in his speeches We shall finde in the next Chapter that the heart of the wise Prouer. 16. 23. guideth his mouth wisely and addeth Doctrine to his lips And Dauid directed before by the spirit that Salomon was after did fore-testifie the same which Salomon hath afterwards confirmed The mouth of the righteous saith hee will meditate of Psal 37. 30. wisdome that is vtter wisdome premeditated And his tongue will talke of iudgement When Hannah would free herselfe to Eli from the imputation of drunkennesse or other crimes she hath this to say for herselfe that out of the abundance of 2. Sam. 1. 16. her meditations and griefe she had spoken Reasons 1 First it is not easie on the sudden to apprehend the right because errour at the first ken standeth vsually in mens light and hindreth them from seeing the truth whereof they may better informe themselues by serious deliberation How was Eli deceiued in his swift censuring of Hannah How was Ioshua with the Elders of Israel ouerseene in making a league with the Gibeonites And how did Nathan mistake the matter when he would haue had Dauid gone in hand with the building of the Temple Secondly when the minde hath time and liberty to ponder vpon and will to weigh the point to bee spoken vnto it findeth out good arguments for good causes and digesteth the same in so apt a manner as may best perswade the hearts of the hearers Thirdly a meditating hart affecteth it selfe with that which it prouideth for others to heare and such men speake not alone truly and pertinently but faithfully also and conscionably their soule hauing first feeling of that within which after their mouthes are to deliuer out Vse 1 Instruction for euery man to looke to his lips that no words issue out thereat but by warrant from the heart that they examine all that is about to be said whether it hath beene aduisedly considered of by the minde By this meanes they may bee profitable for the edification of their brethren without it they will bee infectious and hurtfull By this they may bee seruiceable to God without it they are rebellious and froward By this they may know and declare themselues to be righteous men and without it they shew themselues wicked and sinfull Neither is it enough to begin our meditations when wee should enter into our speech but to bee alwaies well stored therewith for all occasions as good housholders haue their victuals in a readinesse and not then to bee prouided when their guests are sitting downe at the table Reproofe of such as neuer set their hearts to study for any sound or fruitful matter no not then when they are to speake to God himselfe by praier of thanksgiuing nor with any vprightnesse when they are to speake from God in the ministerie of his word Nay rather the hearts of many doe study how to whet their tongues and open their mouthes wide to vomit out most pestilent venome and poison Verse 29. The Lord is farre off from the wicked but hee heareth the praier of the righteous THE Lord is farre off from the wicked Hee is neere vnto them in his essence whereby he filleth heauen and earth and in his presence whereby hee beholdeth their hearts and all their waies and in his iustice being at hand to punish them But he is farre off in respect of his fauour and helpe yea euen then when they pray vnto him in their manner so that they get no more good thereby than if they should call vpon one that is in another Countrey Vpon which occasion the Prophet exhorteth men to seeke the Lord while hee may bee Isa 55. 6. found and to call vpon him while he is neere The cause thereof may be gathered out of the eighth verse of this Chapter where the Sacrifice of the wicked is said to be abomination to the Lord. Who
A PLAINE AND FAMILIAR EXPOSITION OF THE Fifteenth Sixteenth and Seuenteenth Chapters of the Prouerbs of Salomon CERVA CHARISSIMA ET GRATISSIMVS HINNVLVS LONDON Printed by THOMAS HAVELAND for THOMAS MAN 1609. TO THE RIGHT VVORshipfull our approoued good friend ERASMVS DRIDEN Esquire Grace and peace be multiplied SIR hauing had long experience of your Christian and constant loue and fauour as also of your willingnes to read our bookes and your godly wisdome to iudge and discerne of all that you read we are bold to offer vnto your worship this testimonie of our vnfained thankfulnesse and to craue your fauourable patronage for the same Our former writings comming only as strangers yet alwaies found all good and kinde entertainment at your hands Therefore we cannot doubt but that this present treatise shall be welcome and well accepted not only for that it is like to the former for matter and manner but also because it shelters it selfe vnder your name and in speciall manner craueth our countenance And thus beseeching almightie God to blesse and prosper the faithfull indeuours of all that truly seeke the peace and welfare of his Church and daily more and more to multiplie his gratious mercies vpon your selfe your godlie wife and hopefull familie wee humblie take our leaue Yours in the Lord to be commanded John Dod Robert Cleauer TO THE READER THis briefe and summary collection of all the doctrines of the 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 and 17. Chapters of the Prouerbs which was intended for priuate vse I haue thought good with the Authors consent to prefix vnto this booke as that which I hope may be vsefull for many for by this direction those that cannot read all may make choice of that which most concernes them and those that haue read all may more easilie finde that againe which most contents them The reason why some verses with the doctrines are omitted is because they haue beene handled before A briefe Recapitulation of all the Doctrines of Mr. Cleauers bookes on the PROVERBS CHAPTER IX Verse 1. Doctrine 1. AL true wisdome is contained in the holy word of God Doct. 2. It belongeth onely to Christ both to build and beautifie the Churcb Doct. 3. The best way for good safetie is to become a faithfull Christian. Verse II. Doct. 1. The best cheere is that which is made for the soule in Gods house Doct. 2. It is not the wit of man but the wisdome of God that doth make the word comfortable Doct. 3. Gods fauour and grace is alwaies ready to bee found when it is faithfully sought Verse III. Doct. 1. They that will come to saluation must be brought to it by the ministerie Doct. 2. Christ Iesus hath appointed the preaching of the Gospell to be most publike that all might be instructed by it Verse IV. Doct. Ignorance should not hinder vs from hearing the word but incite vs to it Verse V. Doct. It concerneth vs duly to embrace the mercies of God when he doth offer them vnto vs. Verse VI. Doct. When we begin to cleane to God and good men wee must foortwith breake off all league with wicked men Verse VII Doct. The most faithfull Ministers are commonly exposed to greatest reproches Verse VIII Doct. Christian counsell is not to bee offered to an obstinate sinner Verse IX Doct. 1. The best men must be admonished Doct. 2. It is a note of a man that is truly religious to increase in grace and vnderstanding Verse X. Doct. 1. No man can be truly wise before he be vnfainedly religious Doct. 2. Sound knowledge is the mother of true deuotion Verse XI XII Doct. 1. Grace prolongeth mens daies on earth Doct. 2. Christians are most prouident to procure their owne good prosperitie Doct. 3. The wicked are most their owne foes Verse XIII Doct. 1. It is not a sure note of a good cause to bee set foorth with many words Doct. 2. So farre as any man giues himselfe to be an agent for sinne so farre he bewraieth his owne ignorance Verse XIV Doct. 1. Great men without grace are as much subiect to sinne and follie as poore men Doct. 2. Great meetings are seldome without the companie of sinfulnesse and Satan Verse XV. Doct. So soone as any one begins to seeke God the diuell and diuellish men will be ready to turne him out of the way Verse XVI Doct. Ignorant persons that regard not knowledge are the fittest prey for deceiuers Verse XVII Doct. Those things that be most vnlawfull doe best satisfie the humours of vnregenerate men Verse XVIII Doct. As euery sinne is more delightfull so it is more dangerous and deceitfull CHAPTER X. Verse I. Doct. THE comfort or sorrow of parents standeth much in the behauiour of their children Verse II. Doct. 1. No worldling is any thing the better for his wealth Doct. 2. The goodnesse of a Christian will worke him that happinesse which no outward goods could euer procure Verse III. Doct. Poore Christians are in better estate than wealthy wicked men euen in outward respects Verse IV. Doct. 1. False dealing rather hurteth than helpeth them that vse it Doct. 2. They greatly helpe their owne estate that are painfull and faithfull in their callings Verse V. Doct. Vse is to be made of good opportunitie Verse VI. Doct. 1. The greatest reward that God giueth his seruants in this life is to blesse them Doct. 2. When God entreth into iudgement with wicked men he will cause the plague so to manifest their sinnes that they shall not be able to denie them Verse VII Doct. The credit of good men will grow and the reputation of sinners will be turned into shame Verse VIII Doct. We ought to be tractable to the will of God without resisting or gainsaying Verse IX Doct. All sound safetie and boldnesse proceedeth from sincerity of heart and integritie of life Verse X. Doct. It is not safe to vse any member or gesture though neuer so closely to commit sinne Verse XI Doct. A good man is neuer barren of good speeches Verse XII Doct. 1. Not actions and speeches but ill affections of the hart are the cause of debate Doct. 2. Christian loue causeth men to bee mercifull to the soules and names of their brethren Verse XIV Doct. 1. It is not enough to bâ—ing the eare to heare holy instructions but the heart must also receiue and keepe them Doct. 2. The tongues of vngodly men are alwaies pernicious and hurtfull Verse XV. Doct. The extremitie of euery estate is dangerous and no estate safe without grace Verse XVI Doct. Riches are either profitable or hurtfull according to the owners vsage of them Verse XVIII Doct. 1. The Lord hath dissemblers in detestation Doct. 2. It is a note of a â—infull person to haue a bitter railing and slanderous tongue Verse XIX Doct. The multiplying of words doth make a bad cause rather worse than better Verse XX. Doct. 1. The best wealth of a Christian is laid vp in his heart and disbursed
as men wils are inclined vnto it Verse XXII Doct. He dealeth best for himselfe that ordereth his affaires with good aduice Verse XXIII Doct. Whosoeuer applieth his tongue to doe good therewith shall haue the greatest benefit by it himselfe Verse XXIV Doct. He that would haue glorie in heauen must liue after an heauenly manner on earth Verse XXVI Doct. The Lord is as well displeased with sinfull thoughts as actions Verse XXVII Doct. That way which the world takes to be best to prouide for themselues and theirs turneth to be most hurtfull vnto them Verse XXVIII Doct. He that would speake well and profitably must not be too sudden in his speeches Verse XXX Doct. The Lord hath ordained the senses of men for the benefit both of soule and body Verse XXXII Doct. The obedient only haue the disposing of their own hearts Verse XXXIII Doct. No man can haue any godlinesse in him that will not learne to be godly CHAPTER XVI Verse I. Doct. THE Lord hath the disposing of euery mans tongue Verse III. Doct. They are sure to speed well which doe deale for God and depend vpon him in their affaires Verse IV. Doct. The praise of God is set foorth by the worst things Verse VI. Doct. 1. Saluation is giuen by God not bought by men Doct. 2. The religious in heart will be innocent in life Verse VII Doct. The best way to haue mans fauour to doe vs good is to get Gods fauour Verse IX Doct. Men doe purpose many things but God disposeth all things Verse X. Doct. They that be in great authority had need be well furnished with wisdome and iustice Verse XII Doct. 1. The greater men be the more grieuous their faults are Doct. 2. The goodnesse and iustice of men in authoritie doth best vphold their state Verse XIV Doct. It is very dangerous to incurre the displeasure of great Potentates Verse XV. Doct. Great account is to be made of the fauour and good countenance of such as are in authoritie Verse XVII Doct. 1. Though godly men doe sometimes slip into sinnes yet they walke not in them Doct. 2. So much assurance hath euery one of his saluation and safetie as hee is carefull to keepe himselfe innocent and righteous Verse XIX Doct. Euery proud man though neuer so mightie is in worse case than the humble person though neuer so poore Verse XX. Doct. A beleeuing heart maketh an happie man Verse XXI Doct. Sound pietie will make a man prosperous Verse XXII Doct. Nothing is more needfull for the body than grace is for the soule Verse XXIV Doct. Nothing is more pleasant and profitable than gracious speeches to godly persons Verse XXVI Doct. No turbulent man can keepe himselfe from trouble Verse XXVII Doct. A malicious man is alwaies practising of mischiefe whether he pretend friendship or professe enmitie Verse XXVIII Doct. No bands of friendishp will hold where make-bates may haue hearing Verse XXIX Doct. It is the propertie of vngodly men to seeke to make others as bad as themselues Verse XXX Doct. A wicked man is most studious and cunning about mischiefe Verse XXXI Doct. It is a great honour for a man to be both ancient godly Verse XXXII Doct. It is a point of greater valour to subdue corruptions in ones selfe than to preuaile against other men Verse XXXIII Doct. Those things which seeme to be most contingent are directed by the prouidence of God CHAPTER XVII Verse II. Doct. GRace bringeth men to promotion and so doth sinne to debasement Verse III. Doct. No skill nor power nor meanes of man are sufficient to deale with the heart Verse IV. Doct. It is the propertie of them that doe and speake euill to be much delighted in hearing of euill Verse V. Doct. It is neither lawfull nor safe to be glad at other mens sinnes especially if they be Gods seruants Verse VI. Doct. 1. It is a great promotion to haue a long and large posteritie Doct. 2. Good parents and progenitors are great ornaments to children Verse VII Doct. 1. Good words are vnfit for bad men to vtter Doct. 2. Euil speeches are most vndecent in bad mens mouthes Verse VIII Doct. Great gifts winne friendship sooner than a good cause Verse X. Doct. Easie corrections where grace is preuaile more than great seueritie doth with gracelesse persons Verse XI Doct. No wicked man is better nor shall bee otherwise dealt withall than a rebell Verse XII Doct. No wilde beast is so sauage and hurtfull as a violent and wicked man Verse XIII Doct. Vnthankefulnesse is a great sinne Verse XIV Doct. So soone as men fall into strife they make way for trobles Verse XV. Doct. 1. It is a dangerous sinne to giue allowance to euill men Doct. 2. It is not safe for a man to lay blame vpon blamelesse persons Verse XVI Doct. No meanes can make a man wise that wanteth a good will to heauenly wisdome Verse XVII Doct. The change of a mans estate causeth no alteration in the affection and behauiour of faithfull friends Verse XXIV Doct. A gracious heart will shew it selfe in a seemely countenance Verse XXVI Doct. It is very dangerous to deale hardly with good men for their godly behauiour Verse XXVIII Doct. It is a point of singular wisdome to be silent till it be fit to speake FINIS AN EXPOSITION OF THE FIFTEENTH CHAPTER OF THE PROVERBS CHAPTER XV. Verse 1. A soft answer turneth away wrath but a grieuous word stirreth vp anger A Soft answer Gentle milde and peaceable speeches turneth away wrath pacifie the indignation of him that is displeased He speaketh of that which commeth to passe most commonly though not alwaies for sometimes men of a froward and seruile disposition are the more violent by how much they are mildlier dealt with and sharpe rebukes preuaile most with such to tame them with feare which would not bee intreated with faire perswasions But grieuous words Bitter biting and prouoking speeches stirre vp wrath not only increase it in them in whom before it was kindled but kindle it in them who before were kindly affected Doct. Milde behauiour is the best meanes to procure peace In another place there is another Prouerbe to the same purpose A Prince is pacified by staying of anger and a soft tongue Prouer. 25. 15. breaketh the bones This was Gideons armour against the rage of the Ephramites and this was Abigails armour for her selfe her husband and houshold when Dauid incensed by Nabals grieuous words was comming with purpose to slay them euery mothers childe Reason 1 First it is the weapon which God calleth vpon vs in such a case to take vp and vse and therefore hee worketh safety by it Secondly the strongest resistance is by opposition of contraries as fire is soonest quenched by water and a soft woole-packe is lesse penetrable at a Canon shot than a hard stone-wall Thirdly it is in the nature of man and of certaine other creatures to desist from fiercenesse when they see submission
and humble behauiour towards them which sheweth that a regard is had of them without contempt Vse 1 Reproofe of their folly whose stout stomacke can neuer be induced to mitigate anger with meeknesse but boisterously resist displeasure with fiercenes so are they conuinced of inhumanity which being once offended are euer implacable notwithstanding all milde perswasions vsed to satisfie them Consolation to them that deiect themselues before God in humility and praier for if gentle words preuaile so mightily with most men to appease their anger of what force shall the submisse supplications of penitent persons be with the Lord to quench his indignation Verse 2. The tongue of the wise setteth foorth good knowledge but the mouth of fooles powreth out folly THE meaning is that godly prudent men will vtter good matter and their speeches shall carry a grace and force with them as being rightly placed and wisely ordered And sinfull vngodly persons on the other side either vomit out that which is hurtfull false or vaine or else peruert and abuse that which in it selfe is true and wholesome See chap. 10. verse 32. Verse 3. The eies of the Lord are in euery place beholding the euill and the good THE eies of the Lord His certaine sight and knowledge He speaketh of God according to man attributing eies vnto him which he being a spirit hath not because we see with our eies and best know the things which wee see in euery place wheresoeuer any man is behold not only discerne and perceiue but purposely obserue and marke and that continually as the forme of the word in that Participle importeth the euill and the good all sorts of men together with their hearts and waies Doct. All men are alwaies in Gods presence When they see not him he eieth and looketh on them wheresoeuer they bee and howsoeuer occupied as Dauid saith not concerning himselfe only but euery man else in the same manner Thou knowest my sitting and my rising Thou vnderstandest my thought Psal 139. 2. 3. afarre off Thou compassest my paths and my lying downe and art accustomed to all my waies Reason 1 First he hath made mans eies and giueth sight to all and thereupon the Prophet concludeth that hee himselfe must needs see euery one and view their thoughts and behauiour alwaies Psal 94. 9. Secondly if any thing were concealed from him how should he lighten things that are hid in darknesse and make the very counsels of the heart manifest How shall hee bring euery Eccl. 12. 14. worke vnto iudgement with euery secret thing whether it be good or euill How should he passe an equall sentence vpon euery cause and person as becommeth the righteous Iudge of the world if the knowledge of any thing might be with-holden from him In him wee liue and mooue and all creatures haue their existence and being and hee filleth both heauen and earth and all places with his presence And whither then can any man possibly with-draw himselfe out of his sight Vse 1 Instruction to beware of secret sinnes that the closenesse of the place imbolden vs not to doe ought that wee would be ashamed to haue publikely looked vpon in an open assemblie because hee which is more to be feared than all the world beholdeth what we doe And who shall enioine him to be silent at our sinfull behauiour that he publish it not to all the world Reproofe of their madnesse that hope for euer to auoid the reproach and punishment of their sinnes by denying excusing colouring or cloaking of them as though if men giue credit to them that they are innocent God can bring no euidence to finde them guilty notwithstanding that hee take them with the manner and is in place at the deed doing of notable wickednesse Consolation to the godly that the Lord hath respect to the vprightnesse of their hearts and the integritie of their lines in euery worke of holinesse righteousnesse or mercy to render a recompence vnto them Verse 4. A wholesome tongue is as a tree of life but the frowardnesse thereof is as a breach made by the winde THE purpose and drift of this sentence is to declare that the course and custome of godly mens speeches is both comfortable and profitable to them which know how to make vse thereof as was that goodly tree of life in Paradise continually bearing fruit so pleasant and pretious On the contrarie side as a blustering winde which throweth downe trees and houses doth much harme so a violent and venomous tongue causing troubles and calamities is very pernicious and hurtfull For the former part see Chap. 11. 30. For the latter looke Chap. 12. 18. Verse 5. A foole despiseth his fathers instruction but he that regardeth correction is prudent A Foole A wicked and vngodly childe despiseth either refuseth to heare or else to obey his fathers instruction that admonition or counsell which his parents or other gouernours giue vnto him but he that regardeth submitteth himselfe vnto and is bettered by correction either in words or deeds giuen by whomsoeuer hauing authoritie ouer him is prudent sheweth wisdome and receiueth the fruit of the same See Chap. 13. 1. Verse 6. The house of the righteous hath much treasure but in the reuenues of the wicked is trouble THE house of the righteous that is Either euery righteous man hath his house replenished with great store of wealth and substance or else a lesse quantitie doth as well suffice him God seeing it to be better and safer for him And whereas sometimes it falleth out that godly men haue neither so much as others possesse nor as themselues desire and seeme to stand in need of it groweth from the defect of their godlinesse for which the Lord correcteth them with some penurie and want and whereby their hearts faile of that fulnesse of contentment which more pietie and grace would worke in them The latter clause of this verse preuenteth an obiection that might be made against the former in this maner Why should righteousnesse be commended for making the righteous rich sithence sinne seemeth to make the state of sinners more prosperous than theirs To this it is answered that troubles are intermingled with their wealth and possessions as paines and toile in getting and cares and feares in keeping and griefe and anger in forgoing of all or any part of them See Chap. 10. 22. Verse 7. The lips of the wise doe spread abroad knowledge but the heart of the foolish that which is not right HE compareth the lips of wise men to the hands of good seedesmen who skilfully and in due manner and measure at euery steppe doe scatter the corne into the tilth shewing it to be a note of sound vnderstanding to take opportunitie wheresoeuer it is offered at home or abroad to direct their talke to the benefit and edification of the companie On the contrarie side the wicked out of the euill treasure of their hearts bring foorth euill things vttering vanitie and
would willingly come nigh to that which hee much abhorreth Who would not keepe off from smelling of noisome sents or looking on loathsome sights but hee heareth the praier of the righteous accepteth of it and yeeldeth to it is well pleased with that which they offer to him and granteth that which they desire of him This is the opposition The Lord is farre off from the wicked and reiecteth their praiers but hee is neere to the righteous and heareth their petitions See what hath beene spoken to this point in the eighth verse Verse 30. The light of the eie reioiceth the heart and a good hearing maketh the bones fat THE light of the eies The beholding of delightful aspects reioiceth the heart bringeth sound gladnesse to the soule that is seasoned with grace and looketh on Gods fauour with his blessings and a good hearing where there is comfortable matter related and an attentiue eare to hearken vnto it maketh the bones fat procureth health and good disposition of the whole body by meanes whereof the bones are replenished with marrow within and well stored with flesh and fatnesse without not that seeing serueth only for the comfort of the heart and hearing for the health of the body but each of them is profitable both waies And the same may bee vnderstood also in due proportion of the other senses Doct. The Lord hath ordained the senses of men for the vse and benefit both of soule and body Goodly prospects and ornaments hee offereth vnto the sight both aboue and beneath to please the eies pleasant speeches besides musicke and other sweet sounds to content the eares delicious food to sweeten the pallat and redolent smels to refresh the nostrils and in all these hee alloweth vs a naturall delight and a spirituall And diuers obiects hee hath consecrated meerely for holy vses as vnder the Law especially in Salomons daies and after were to be seene at Ierusalem the sumptuous building of the Temple the gorgeous garments of the Priests with gold and siluer and many pretious iewels and vessels then vsed in that house So were there also melodious instruments and songs to bee heard odoriferous ointments and perfumes to bee smelt feasts wherein much meat was dressed to be tasted And so haue we in the time of the Gospell our hearing handling seeing and tasting exercised in the Supper of the Lord and many ioifull messages are brought vnto vs by the ministerie of the word In all which the Lord respecteth the good of our soules and maketh our senses as tunnels thorow which hee powreth his graces into our hearts Reason 1 First there is an imbecillitie and weaknesse in the nature of man who is not able to confirme himselfe in faith without the helpe of sense Secondly our bountifull father declareth his admirable loue and kindnesse who giueth vnto vs as well spirituall as corporall blessings both at once one after a sort inclosed in another and maketh body and soule to feele their happinesse together Vse Instruction to labour for circumcised eares and sanctified eies and religious hearts otherwise many glad tidings may be published as was saluation by Christ himselfe and many wonderfull obiects may be offred as were the miracles which he wrought and yet neither soule nor body benefited by them as was the case of the vnbeleeuing Iewes and Phariseis When God spake with his owne voice from heauen and shewed diuers strange wonders on the earth and that euery day for forty yeeres together Yet saith Moses vnto them the Lord hath not giuen you a heart to perceiue and eies to see and Deut. 29 4. eares to heare vnto this day Reproofe of their madnesse that put away from themselues these comforts and yeeld vp their senses to bee weapons of Satan and instruments of their owne miserie Their eies and eares are as the grates or rather open mouthes of sinkes thorow which all sinfull lusts and vile affections doe passe into their soules as pride and enuy and maliciousnes impuritie and couetousnesse with innumerable others which cannot but fill them vp to the brinkes with wofull sorrowes troubles and torments Consolation to Gods people in regard of their state to come if our dimme sight now when as as S. Paul saith we looke but as it were thorow a glasse be yet so ioifull and comfortable if our hearing which is mixed with much deafnesse doe produce such liuely effects to the heart and whole man what shall be our felicitie heereafter when wee shall be able perfectly to apprehend all that wee shall heare and see and all that we shall heare and see will be perfectly excellent and glorious Verse 31. The eare that heareth the correction of life shall lodge among the wise THE eare that heareth The person which inclineth his eares together with his heart and yeeldeth obedience to the correction of life to wholesome reproofes whereby we are taught to liue well and directed to life eternall shall lodge among the wise shall bee wise and receiue the reward of wisdome as a domesticall companion and fellow seruant with other wise men in the family and houshold of God Doct. Due reproofes being duly regarded doe make for the saluation of Gods people as well as promises Euery man is a Traueller and euery such Traueller sometimes doth fall into by-waies and euery by-way is exceeding dangerous and therefore faithfull is that friend that reduceth him into the right path that wandereth aside and happy is he that is directed by his friends admonition To this purpose is that which is said in one of the former Chapters He that regardeth instruction is in the way of life but he that refuseth Prouer. 10. 17 correction goeth out of the way When Wisdome neere the beginning of this Booke doth proffer and publish her greatest fauours she maketh a way to her promises with expostulations and rebukes saying O ye foolish how long will ye Prou. 1. 22. 23. loue foolishnesse c. turne you at my correction Loe I will powre out my minde vnto you and make you vnderstand my words And there we take to bee the fittest place for the prosecution of this point Verse 32. Hee that refuseth instruction despiseth his owne soule but he that obeieth correction possesseth his owne heart HE that refuseth instruction which disdaineth to be admonished of his faults and directed in his waies despiseth his owne soule dealeth as hardly with his owne soule in bringing shame and destruction vpon it as if it were a thing that he despised and were a mortall enemie vnto but hee that obeieth correction which listeneth vnto and is guided by wholesome lessons whether sharpe or gentle possesseth his owne heart hath the vse and ordering of his minde and whole soule and preserueth it from the power of death and damnation The opposition is this Hee that refuseth instruction despiseth his owne soule and casteth it away but he that obeieth correction regardeth his heart and possesseth it Doct. 1 None are so much their
may bee most mooued to shew thee compassion If thou be falsly accused make cleere thine innocencie with humilitie if iustly charged acknowledge thy fault with submission if remission may conueniently be granted beseech thy Soueraigne to pardon thee if so much cannot be obtained yet intreat that at the least hee would pitie thee Terrour for that sinfull swarme of Iesuites Seminaries and other treacherous Papists of euery sort whose practise and profession is to subuert the state and maiestie of the Prince They do not only detract from him and transfer to a forrainer the mortall aduersarie of Christ and Kings that authority soueraigntie which he hath in matters of greatest moment but denie him allegeance in ciuill causes and refuse to secure him from their force and violence against his person and dignitie If this audacious obstinacie if this egregious contempt If this most barbarous disloialtie should neither stirre vp the Lord nor the Lords Vice-gerent to punish them what safety could there be in ruling or danger in rebelling But certaine it is that God wil not passe by it though man would and his sword is sharper than mans is and his hand will strike stronglier than mans can and therefore let them and let all other sorts of sinfull creatures know that if the Kings wrath be as a messenger of death that Gods wrath will be a worker of their eternall destruction Verse 15. In the light of the Kings countenance is life and his fauour is as a cloud of the latter raine THE meaning of this sentence is that where the King and great personages doe affect and make manifest their loue there is ioy and credit and protection and preferment and all such prosperitie as man may be a meanes of for so much the word life doth import and the same is amplified by the two similitudes of lightsome and comfortable sun-shine and of fruitfull and profitable showres especially those which they called the latter raine whereby the ground was refreshed after the drought and the corne was ripened before the haruest And yet are not all promiscuously without difference in so happy an estate when superiours doe set by them vnlesse the Lord doe also grace them for mans friendship can neuer doe good vnto Gods enemies as may appeare by the condition of Doeg and of the noble man vpon whom the King of Jsrael leaned and of the Priests of Baal whom 2. King 7. Jezabel maintained and of the false Prophets whom Ahab respected Doct. Great account is to be made of the fauour and good countenance of Princes and such as haue authoritie ouer vs. The cheerefull lookes of a good ruler vpon a worthy person is as a bright morning after a darke night and as dew vpon Prouer. 19. 12 the grasse after a great drought as the holy Ghost maketh resemblance It was not a small comfort to Mephibosheth to finde so much grace at Dauids hand nor a little honour to Daniel to be so much esteemed of Darius and other Kings vnder whom he liued And the like may be said of Joseph and Hester of Mordecai and Nehemiah whom the Scripture mentioneth to haue beene in great credit with those Monarchs whom they serued and were in subiection vnto Reason 1 First a good man may discerne the fauour of the Lord in the face of his gouernour who as S. Paul witnesseth is the Minister of God for the wealth of them that doe well Rom. 13. 4. Those whom mighty men doe set by the most of inferior places will be ready to make much of so that one great friend will occasion many others to be very friendly though not alwaies with sound affection yet often times with good profit and comfort Thirdly they which enioy the loue and good liking of Princes and principall Commanders haue opportunitie put into their hands whereby they may succour the distressed and pleasure their brethren and promote righteous causes as may bee exemplified in those faithfull fauorites formerlie specified Vse 1 Instruction to them whom the Lord hath aduanced to thrones and dignities or to any degree of authoritie though not the highest that they shew most courtesie to them that be most honest and giue best countenance to them that be of best behauiour Sithence God hath deputed them to keepe his roome it doth well become them to follow his example whose gracious fauours neuer faile the righteous nor the light of his countenance at any time shineth on the wicked That was one of the principal clauses of Dauids Vow which he made to God before hee entred into the possession of his Kingdome that he would know or rather acknowledge by any kinde and familiar vsage no euill man Mine eies saith hee Psal 101. 4. 6. shall be vnto the faithfull of the Land that they may dwell with me He that walketh in a perfect way hee shall serue me Great mens kindnesses haue as much operation in the people as seasonable showres in the hearbes and plants And is it not then to be wished that they were restrained from sinfull weedes and nettles lest they grow ranker and smell the worse and reserued for vertuous hearbs and flowers which may be the more odoriferous and flourish the better Certaine it is that the hands of vngracious wretches are greatly strengthened and made able to doe much mischiefe by being fauoured of men in eminent places which may easily be preuented or staied by frownes or checks or disgracings from them And this serueth also for a motiue to inferiours to incite them to seeke by due desert in good seruices to be well esteemed of and in credit with those that beare rule ouer them Who knoweth whether the Lord may not direct their eies to take notice of them and incline their hearts to bee affected towards them But because it is scarse possible for a Prince to grace all or to know euery one of his dutifull subiects therefore they which according to S. Peters precept doe religiously feare God and loyally honour the King haue cause to comfort themselues in the fauour of the most mighty Monarke of heauen and earth which doth infinitely more exceed the greatest kindnesse that all the greatest states in the world can shew to their dearest friends than the Sunne-beames at noone in the clearest Summer daies doe excell the smallest sparke of fire in the earth in brightnesse It is euerlasting as he is eternall It is vnchangeable as hee is immutable It is effectuall as he is almightie It is most glorious and comfortable as he is the God of glorie and consolation Verse 16. How much better is it to get wisdome than gold And to get vnderstanding is more to be desired than siluer HOw much better It is so farre better to seeke and finde heauenly wisdome and the knowledge of God rather than gold yea euen that which is fine and pretious as the word importeth and siluer as that the ods and difference is inexplicable the greatnesse of it cannot be