God presseth vs downe and keepeth vs lowe that hee may lift vs vp and exalt vs on high he throweth vs downe here in earth that hee may exalt vs in heauen and layeth many times disgrace vpon vs in this world among men that we may bee gracious in the worlde to come with himselfe his Angels and his Saints We are Heires not through workes but through grace 1 AS an earthly Father doth giue vnto his children according to their deeds that is inheritance to them that are obedient and disheriteth them that be disobedient Euen so God our heauenly Father promiseth inheritance to his children but those which of childrē are made obstinate and enemies he suffereth not to enioy the inheritance Rom. 4.5 6 8. 2 As it is manifest that the children of an earthly Father are neither children nor Heires through desert of their workes So after the same sort the children of God are neither made children nor Heires because of their workes but through the grace of adoption which is receiued by faith alone notwithstanding either of them both giue vnto his children according to their deeds Rom. 6.23 Humanitie or gentlenesse LIke as pride oppresseth loue prouoketh disdaine kindleth malice confoundeth Iustice and at length subuerteth states Euen so Humanitie stirreth vp affection augmenteth amitie maintaineth loue supporteth equitie and most soundly preserueth Cities and countries Quiet Hearts EVen as a quiet calme and pleasant water wil shew vnto vs if wee looke into it the very image and likenesse of our selues as it were a Glasse but being mooued stirred and troubled it dooth not so So likewise our owne Hearts if they bee quiet and not troubled with horrors nor distempered with feares will plainely shewe vs what we be so that we may easily know our selues and not bee deceiued but being filled with feares tossed with terrors and ouer-whelmed with troubles they cannot doo so Iohn 14.27 Psal 55.4 5. Heart of man 1 AS a pot full of sweete liquor if it be made hotte and boyled vpon the fire will driue away flies that they will not come neere it but if it bee colde the flies will by and by goe into it and it will receiue them and they will corrupt and consume it Euen so the Heart of man if it be inflamed with a true and sincere loue of God will not receiue into it those daungerous temptations which are continually flying about it but will remooue and driue them farre off and giue no place vnto them but if by reason of slouthfull idlenesse in heauenly things and for want of a godly courage it grow colde in the loue of the Lord thē is it obuious and wide open to all temptations it barreth out none it receiueth all none are reiected be they neuer so wicked all are imbraced entertayned and welcome then is it a receptacle of all abhominations as Idolatrie blasphemie murther Adulterie and whatsoeuer is wicked mischieuous and damnable 2 Like as if thou shalt cast into a Censer odoriferous and sweete Pomander balles the whole house will be filled with a sweete sauour and pleasant perfume but if thou shalt cast into it Brimstone or some such matter all the house will be full of most horrible stinch So in like manner if thou shalt put into the Heart of some man good and wholsome counsels and shalt instruct him with godly aduertisements and shalt open vnto him the fountain of the truth thou shalt bring to passe that there shall proceed out of his Heart a great sauour of a most sweet smel but if thou shalt fill him with euill and wicked counsels and shalt perswade and draw him to impietie hatred treacherie and al abhominations thou shalt be the cause of an intollerable stinch there shall come out of his Heart a most poysonfull sauour wherwith not only his owne Heart but the whole house wherein he is and all the common wealth where he abideth shall be hurt infected and poysoned 3 Like as if one cast into an hotte burning Furnace wood and stickes that be seare drie and ready to burne there wil arise and burne out a most pure and cleare flame of fire but if hee shall cast into the same Furnace greene stickes wet and stinking Rushes or some other such matter they wil burne in deede but the Chimney and whole house will be filled with smoake and wil bee euen blacke by reason of the thick darknesse which proceedeth of the foule stinking smoake So the Heart of man is a furnace continually burning if thou wilt nourish it with cogitations heauenly meditations of the loue of God there wil appeare and shine out of it a pure flame bright light of true vnfained loue to God man but if thou wilt chearish and maintaine it with thoughts deuises of self-loue thē it wil be ful of vile smoak stinch darknesse Rom. 1.21 4 As the Sunne riseth first and then the beasts arise from their dens the foules from their nests and men from their beds So whē the Hart sets forward to God al the mēbers will follow after it the tongue wil praise him the foote wil follow him the eare will attend him the eye will watch him the hand will serue him nothing will stay after the Heart but euery one goes like hand-maides after their mistresse Prou. 23.26 5 Like as that woman that would haue her dough leauened and layeth her dough in one place and the leauen in an other where one cannot touch the other loseth her labour Euen so he which would haue his Heart sanctified comforted and enlightned and will not giue it to God which should doo it greatly deceiueth himselfe because the tempter then commeth and takes them asunder seazeth vpon the Heart because he finds her alone 6 Euen as Dina was deflowred when she strayed from home So is the Heart when it strayeth from God Gene. 34.61 7 As Abraham when hee was bid to offer his Sonne rose vp betime and left his wife at home and neuer made Sara priuie least shee should stop him being more tender ouer her child like women then the Father is So we must giue our Heart to God before the flesh heare of it Gene. 22.6 8 Like as if Abagaile had consulted with Nabal whether she should haue supplied Dauid with victuals or no when he sent the myzer would neuer haue giuen his consent who scolded so soone as he heard of it therefore he went alone and gaue that which he asked and neuer tolde her husband what she would doo least he should hinder her which sought her welfare and his too So we should steale our Heartes from the world as the world stealeth them from vs and transport them to God when the flesh is a sleepe 1. Sam. 25.18 9 As no man sitteth vpon two seates together No man hunteth two games together No man iustleth with two Speares together So he that hath two Hearts if hee haue a true Heart of the one hee will haue a
in Affliction c. 16. As the father doth improperly punish his childe for his fault but properly and chiefly he respecteth his amendment and to haue him to leaue his former leaude wayes and to take a better course hereafter but the childe for his part when he is beaten must first consider his fault in saying This correction is for my lewde behauiour and so endeuour to amend and to doe better afterwards Euen so God in correcting vs doth not properly respect our sinnes but our reformation but wee our selues must find out a proper cause that is our sinnes For although that sinne is the beginning euen of all bodily diseases and chastisements yet it doth not follow that God alway respecteth their sinnes whom hee most sharpely punisheth as may appeare by the answere of Christ to his Disciples c. Iohn 9.1 2. 17 As a painefull and carefull Husbandman looketh diligently to all points of his businesse and bestoweth his industrie and labour in each respect as the time and season affoordeth and as the nature and qualitie of euery graine requireth in hope thereby to receiue a good encrease and plentifull crop Euen so God trieth each way by Afflictions to draw and bring al men of all sorts and conditions in this Theatre of the world to acknowledgement of their duties and desire of their saluation 18 Like as the Husbandman after hee hath plowed vp his land sowed it doth afterward harrow it and breake the hard clods thereof and after this reapeth thrasheth fanneth and searceth the chaffe from the corne and as he cutteth pruneth and loppeth his trees and keepeth them vnder least they should grow rugged or spread their boughs too farre out of course and order and finally as he graffeth planteth and teacheth his young Sients to be naturalized in another stocke then their owne So likewise doth God deale with men in this world punishing and afflicting some with losses hinderances and other tokens of his hidden iudgement for the better trial of their patience and constancie some though euill and wicked persons he tollerateth spareth and as it were winketh at in hope of their conuersion and amendment Deut. 8.2 3. Iudg. 10.13 15 16. 11.31 Heb. 12 5 6 7 8 9 10. 19 As children take patiently correction at their fathers hand though sometime it be preposterous and otherwise then it should be Euen so wee ought to take that crosse and Affliction patiently which God layeth vpon vs knowing that hee alwayes doth it for our good and comfort 1. Pet. 4.12 13. 20 As it is a common thing to trie golde and siluer by fire Euen so it should not seeme strange to the children of God to be tried by Afflictions 21 Like as there is nothing in heauen that pleaseth God so well as that honourable obedience that his Saintes do giue him in heauen So there is nothing vpon the earth so acceptable vnto him as when his Saintes vpon earth are readie to suffer for his sake Phil. 4.5 2. Tim. 2.3 Mar. 15.21 22 As the Iewes led our Sauiour Christ to be crucified they mette one Symon of Cyren the father of Alexander and Rufus and vpon him they layd the Crosse So likewise if any Affliction be layde vpon vs for Iesus Christ his sake wee must be well contented to carrie the same as Symon of Cyren was to beare the Crosse Matthew 16.24 Mat. 26 37 38 67. 27.46.50 Iob. 2.7 8 9. 23 As there were two Crosses prepared for our Sauiour Christ the one of passion as that woodden and materiall Crosse whereon his bodie suffered outwardly the other of compassion whereby his soule suffered inwardly So there is prepared a double crosse for euerie faithfull Christian the one of the soule the other of the bodie 24 As good Iesus was crucified by the bad Iewes so also hath God decreed that his children shal be afflicted in this world least they should be damned with this world 1. Cor. 11.32 25 As the Arke of Noah rose higher and higher by the swelling of the waters of the floud Gen. 7.17 Euen so the mindes of the righteous are brought neerer and neerer to God by persecution and Affliction 26 As blowing seemeth to disperse the flames and trouble them but yet maketh them burne more cleare Euen so Affliction though it be grieuous to the flesh yet it purgeth it of many sinnes and maketh the godly farre more excellent 27 As there is no comparison of one little water-drop to the whole huge Sea or of one small grayne of dust to the mountaine Imaus Euen so the light and short afflictions and troubles of this most short race are not worthy to be compared with the great and eternall glory of the life to come 2. Cor. 4.17.18 Rom. 8.18 28 As in the fining pot the goldsmith tryeth the siluer Pro. 17.3 27.21 So likewise doth God by troubles and affliction trie the hearts of men 29 As a seruant woorking abroad in the hotte Sunne Iob. 7.2 longeth for and is gladde of the coole shade So men in Affliction and miserie are glad of a litle ease 30 Like as if two children should fight and a man comming by should parte them and after beate the one and let the other go free euery man that seeth this will say that that child which he beats is his owne sonne Euen so when God chastiseth vs Heb. 12.7 hee sheweth himselfe vnto vs as a father if we submit our selues 31 As great and mightie fishes are not bred and fedde in small riuers and sweete waters but in the salt and bitter waters of the Seas So men that are excellent very famous by reason of the notable and manifold vertues wherewith they bee indued are not delighted in the false and deceitfull pleasures of this world but are nourished and as it were sweetly cherished and brought vp in Christ with very sowre sorrowes and bitter calamities which they endure most patiently beare for Gods sake 32 As to a valiant Souldiour nothing is more noble and worthy praise then to carrie the Armour and armes of his Prince So a true Christian man esteemeth nothing of greater valure and more honourable then to beare the armes and badges of Christ his Captaine that is to be throughly touched with great crosses many Afflictions and to be well armed with godly patience Gal. 6.17 2. Tim. 3.12 33 As a Phisitiō doth minister to his sick patients sowre and bitter potions to drinke that some hurtfull humor of their bodies may be expelled So God our heauenly father and Physition willing to cure the maladies and to salue the sores of our soules doth reach vnto vs many times the cup of Afflictions troubles and miseries that our sinnes and iniquities being taken away we may be restored to the former saluation of our soules 34 As he that would mortifie his greatest sinnes must beginne to do it with small sinnes which when they are once reformed a man shall
to behold the bright Sunne vnlesse it be couered with a cloude Euen so no man can abide the Maiestie of God but through the Lord Iesus Christ Communion with Christ 1 AS the head giueth sence and motioÌ„ to the members and the members feele themselues to haue sense and to moue by the meanes of the head Euen so doth Christ Iesus receiue and quicken euerie true member and by his heauenly power maketh him to doo the good which he doth 2 Like as from the stock sap is deriued to the graft that it may liue and grow and bring forth fruite in his kinde So likewise do all the faithfull that are grafted into Christ the true vine Rom. 6.4 5. Iohn 15.1 2. Ephe. 13.16 3 And as the graft looseth his wilde nature and is changed into the nature of the stocke and bringeth forth good fruite Euen so in like manner it is with them that are in Christ who by litle and litle are wholly renued from euill to good Act. 15.9 Conscience touched 1 LIke as they which haue diseased bodies are contented with no one Phisition but do coÌ„mit themselues to euerie man that will promise them helpe So also it fareth oftentimes with them that haue their consciences ouâ—â—pressed with the burden of their sinnes that they can be content to yeelde themselues to euerie hereticke that will promise them libertie 2 As after great stormes the ayre is cleare so after the flouds of repentant teares the Conscience is at quiet 3 As a sicke man that is pained diuersly complaineth of diuers places euen so a man troubled in Conscience vseth many phrases according to the diuersitie of afflictioÌ„s Psal 51.8 9 10 11 12. Consideration and earnest meditation of our estate needfull 1 LIke as a man that hath a iournie to make but from England to Constantinople although he had made the same once or twise before yet would he not passe it ouer without great and often Consideration especially whether he were right and in the way or no what pace he held how neare he were to his wayes end and the like Euen so euery Christian hath far more need of due Consideration who must passe froÌ„ earth to heauen being subiect to by pathes and manifold dangers as euerie pleasure of this world euerie lust euery dissolute thought euery alluring sight tempting sound euery diuell vpoÌ„ the earth or instrument of his which are infinite beeing a theefe and lying in waite to spoile him vpon this way towards heauen 2 As theeues seeme mad vnto wise men that seeing so many hanged daily for theft before their eyes will yet notwithstanding steale againe and all for want of due consideration Euen so the very same cause maketh the wisest men of the world to seeme very fooles and worse then franticks vnto God and good men that knowing the vanities of the world and the daunger of sinfull life doo follow so much the one and fear so litle the other Math. 7. Luk. 12. Rom. 2. 1. Cor. 1.2 3. Gal. 3. 3 Like as if a Lawe were made by the authoritie of man that whosoeuer should aduenture to drinke wine should without delay hold his hand but halfe an houre in the fire or in boiling leade for a punishment many no doubt would forbeare wine albeit naturally they loued the same and yet a Lawe being made by the eternall Maiestie of God that whosoeuer committeth sinne shall boile in the fire of hell without ease or end many for lacke of consideration commit sinne vpon sinne with as little feare as they do eate or drinke 4 As he may be thought to be but a foolish Marchant that for quietnes sake would neuer looke to his owne accounts booke whether he were behinde hand or before Or as a shipmaister were greatly to be laughed at that for auoyding of care would sit downe and make good cheare and let the ship go whither she would Euen so much more in the businesse of our soule it is madnesse and folly to fly consideration for eschewing of trouble seeing in the end this negligence must needs turne vpon vs more trouble and irremediable calamitie The Condition of mans creation AS a Marchant Factor when he is arriued in a straunge Countrey or as a Captaine sent by his Prince to some great exployt is accustomed when hee commeth to the place appointed then aduisedly considereth wherefore he was sent to what end what to attempt what to prosecute what to performe what shall be expected and re-required at his hands vpon his returne by him that sent him thither these cogitations no doubt shall stirre him vp to attend to that which he came for and not to imploy himselfe in impertinent affaires So likewise euerie Christian desirous of saluation ought to aske of himselfe why and to what end he was created of God and sent into this world what to do wherein to bestowe his dayes thus doing he shall finde that it was for no other cause but onely to serue God in a right maner in this life Deut. 6.13 Luk. 1.74.75 Whosoeuer breaketh one Commaundement is guiltie of the breach of all LIke as if a Father should say vnto his son do such and such things and I wil take thee for an obedient childe and giue thee all my possessions now the sonne breaketh somewhat of that which his father charged him withall and is therefore accounted disobedient and deserueth to loose whatsoeuer was promised Or as if one man bestow vpon an other house or land or some such like thing and in consideration thereof bindeth him to fulfill many conditions whereof if he breake but the least the gift is voide and it is all one as if he had neuer giuen any thing Euen so likewise we may not maruell when we heare that by the breaking of one point of one Commaundement wee faile of perfect righteousnesse and are made the heires of euerlasting damnation if God should measure out vnto vs the due reward of his damnation Deut. 27.26 28.58 59. Iam. 2.10 2. Euen as if a Rule be broken in some part or the linke of a round chaine yet we may rightly and truly say that they are not wholely and altogither broken So likewise if but one Commaundement be broken yet all are broken in the sight of God for the iustice of God is indiuisible The Couenant of God 1 AS it is the chiefe and principall part in the lawe of Wedlocke and before all required of the wife that shee kept this faith to her husband that shee admit no other man in his sight vnlesse shee will bee refused as an adultresse So likewise this is the chiefe point in the Couenant of GOD that wee sticke vnto him onely and alone or else to be put out from the Couenant Creature 1 EVen as a brittle glasse being filled with some extreame strong liquor cannot but burst in sunder not because of any antipathie which is betwixt them but because the glasse is not of sufficient strength to containe
and by the hand of the souldiour against the heart of Christ when he suffered death 10 As Dauid hauing heard Golias prate and talke his pleasure when they came to the poynt at the first stroke ouerthrew him So Christ with that very selfsame speare which at his death gaue him a litle venny in comparison or if it bee lawfull so to speake but a philip on the side which was soone after recured gaue the diuell a deadly wound in the forehead which with all his pawes he shall neuer be able to clawe off 11 As Dauid onely with his sling did vanquish and ouercome Golias So Christ onely by his death and by the power of his crosse did conquer and subdue the diuel 1. Sam. 17.51 54. 12 As Penny-royal being hung vp in the larder-house yet buds his yealow flower Or as Noahs Oliue tree being drowned vnder the water yet keepes his greene braunch Or as Aarons rod being clung and drie yet brings foorth ripe Almonds Or as Moses bramble-bush being set on fire yet shines and is not consumed Or as the Palme tree though it haue many waights at the toppe and many snakes at the roote yet still it sayes I am neither oppressed with the waights nor distressed with the snakes So Christ the right Penny-royall the true Noahs Oliue Tree the right Aarons rodde the true Moses bramble-bush and the true Palme tree though all the Iudgements of GOD and all the sinnes of the world like vnsupportable waights were laid vpon him yea though the cursed Iewes stood beneath like venemous snakes hissing and byting at him yet hee was neither so oppressed with them nor so distressed with these but that euen vpon his crosse he did most flourish when he was most afflicted 13 As Epaminondas being sore wounded in fight demaunded of his souldiers standing by whether his enemies were ourthrowne or no They answered yea Then whether his buckler were whole or no They answered all I. Nay then said he all is well This is not the end of my life but the beginning of my glory For now your deare Epaminondas dying thus gloriously shall rather be borne againe then buried So Christ likewise was sore wounded but his enemies death and the diuel were ouerthrowne and spoyled his buckler which was his Godhead was whole and vntouched therefore there was no harme done his death was no death but an exaltation vnto greater glorie Iohn 12.32 14 As Gedeons fleece when it was moyst the earth was drie but when it was drie the earth was moyst So when Christs fleece was moyst as a greene tree then were all we drie like rotten sticks but when his fleece was drie all the bloud and water being wroong out of his precious side then were we moystned with his grace Iudg. 6 37 38 39. 15 As a Lambe is much more nimble and liuely for shearing So Christ the Lambe of God by this shearing of his death which was a kinde of quickning to him and onely a trimming to him before he ascended to his Father as Ioseph was trimmed and polde before he appeared to Pharaoh 16 When Adam slept his side was opened So wheâ— Christ died his side was opened 17 As Adams side being opened flesh and bone were taken out So likewise Christs side being opened wateâ— and bloud were taken out 18 As of Adams flesh and bone the woman was builtâ— So of Christs water and bloud the Church was built so that the death of Christ is nothing but the sleepe of Adâ—â— 19 As Iacob trauelling towards Haram when hee had laid an heape of stones vnder his head and taken a nap by the way was much reuiued with it after his tedious iourney So Christ trauelling towards Heauen when he had slept a litle in that stony Sepulchre which was hewen out of a Rocke liued then most princely after his painfull passion Gen. 28.10 c. Math. 27.60 20 Euen as when many birds are caught in a net if a Pellican or any other great bird that is among them get out all the rest that are litle ones follow after So likewise Christ by his death as a great bird hauing broken throgh the net of death all we escape with him 21 As Honey being found in a dead Lyon the death of the Lyon was the sustenance of Sampson So Christes gall is our honey and the bitter death of Christ by reason of his righteousnesse is the sweete life of man Iudg. 14.8 9. 22 As Debora reioyced when Barack put Sisera to flight Euen so we haue great cause to reioyce seeing Christ by his Death hath put death to flight Iudg. 5.1 c. 23 Euen as a noble Champion hauing alreadie had a legge and an arme slasht off when all the stage in admiration of his vallour and manhood cries Saue the man saue the man yet puts out himselfe and standing vp on one legge and striking with one arme fights still as stoutly as if he had neuer bene hurt at all So Christ hauing bene scorned scourged already when the whole Theater of heauen and earth wept for him yea when the powers aboue the heauen came down and the dead vnder the earth rose vp to mone and pittie him onely he himselfe would neither aske any fauour of others nor yet shew any fauour to himselfe but was very angrie and called him Sathan that gaue him such counsell yea though all the Saints in heauen and earth did bleede at the very heart in a maner as much as himselfe did vpon the crosse to see so good a man so shamefully despited yet nothing could stay him but still he went on forward as pleasantly and as chearefully as to any banket or feast to this most rufull and dreadfull death 24 As when the heart of a man hath receiued a deadly wound he is accouÌ„ted for dead because he cannot escape death So sinne in the Death of Christ hath receiued a deadly wound so that by reason of that neare coniunction which by faith we haue with Christ we are said to be dead with him Rom. 6.3 4 c. Christ betrayed and sold AS Ioseph was sold of his owne brethren into the hands of straungers Euen so was Christ our Sauiour betrayed and solde of Iudas his owne Disciple and deliuered of his owne Nation into the hands of Pilate and the Heathen Math. 26.15 16. Christ dyed to deliuer vs. 1 AS Sampson who dyed himselfe to deliuer his people from the Philistines So likewise Christ to deliuer vs from the Diuels dyed himselfe Iudg. 16.30 2 Like as if a man should go to prison for debt or any such matter and one of his friendes should come in the meane season and pacifie the Creditor by satisfying and paying the debt then wee may well say that hee hath deliuered this man out of prison although hee came not there but should haue gone thither Or as when wee say such a man hath deliuered his friend from the gallowes wee meane not that hee was already hanged for then
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
so seek to free themselues from the smart and griefe which would ensue and follow vpon the laying to of the said plaisters and corasiues to their festered sores and wounds and therefore he wil not trust them therewith but doth himselfe both lay and apply the same plaisters and corasiues to their sores and will himselfe cut out the corrupt and rotten flesh that groweth in their wounds Euen so it is not inough that a Preacher should deliuer vnto his Auditors and Parishioners a general doctrine and so leaue the application thereof to themselues for as it is commonly said that that which is spoken to all is spoken to none but hee ought so to applie his doctrine that euerie one of his hearers may haue his portion and thereby well perceiue that it is spoken to them As the Prophets and Apostles haue done 2. Sam. 12.7 Act. 13.38.39 14.15 c. 26.19 c. 3 As it is not possible that we can feede vpon meate except it be applied to our mouthes Euen so much lesse is it possible that our soules can be fedde and nourished with the word of GOD except it bee skilfully applied thereto 4 Like as if the foode and meate bee applyed to any other part but to the mouth the Application serueth not Euen so it is in spirituall things if they be not applied to the right parts and to the right diseases the Application may do them more harme then good 2. Tim. 2.15 Armies or hostes of men AS a mightie tempest and storme of great haile stones where they fall do beate downe and destroy all the fruites of the earth Euen so the Armies and hostes of men which God stirreth vp to plague any people withall do beare downe and destroy all before them Allegories AS they are much deceiued which thinke that the stories in the Scripture do signifie no other thing but that which was done So likewise they are too rash and bold that would draw all things to Allegories Adams disobedience 1 AS a Physition being in good health doth know diseases onely by speculation but when he is sicke he doth better know them because he doth both know them and feele them Euen so Adam although he knew before what obedience and disobedience was yet after the eating of the fruite he did not onely know but also felt what ill came by disobedience and therefore his tree is called The tree of knowledge of good and euill not because it giueth such knowledge of it selfe but it is so called ab euentu euen as the tree of life is called the tree of life ab effectu that is as some Diuines write that the fruite of this tree did conserue the integritie of mans health and the radicall moisture that he should neuer be striken with age with wrinckles with hore haires nor with any corruption but should haue remained in perpetuall young age Other there be whose iudgement is counted more true that it is called the tree of life not because it gaue life vnto man wherewith hee was indued afore but that it should be a Symbole and a memoriall of life taken of God Affliction is profitable 1 AS the little Bee gathereth the most sweetest hony out of the most bitter bloomes and flowers Euen so men of wisdome and vnderstanding receiue much vtilitie and fruite of the present sorrow and Affliction Gen. 37.39.41 Chapt. 2 Like as the holy Scripture attributeth a certaine rewarde vnto our good woorkes which woorkes notwithstanding it is not wee that woorke them but the Lorde which vseth vs as instruments of his Euen so is the crosse an instrument of God whereby hee subdueth our flesh keepeth vs in the schoole of correction and forceth vs as it were by violence from euill to goodnesse 3 As all the raine that falleth into the Sea maketh it not the fresher So all the afflictions that befall and happen the godly maketh them not worse but better 4 Euen as a father knowing that meere wine is not wholesome for his childe mingleth it with water So the Lord seeing that continuall prosperitie is not good for vs mingleth it with affliction crosses and aduersitie 5 Like as they which are delighted with hawking if they loue any Hawke more then the other do as well hood and lease her least shee should flie away from them as feede her that she may liue Euen so the Lord as hee doth bestow blessinges vpon his children so he doth also lay affliction on them least they being puffed vp with pride should forsake him and depart from him 6 As lightning is a glorie to the heauen but hurteth the earth So Afflictions are good for the diuine and christian Soule though they bee very troublesome to the bodie 7 As litle children accustomably do desire sweet meats which do annoy and hurt them and loathe and abhorre bitter thinges that would do them good Euen so some Christians and Gospellers such is their weakenesse and foolishnesse do pursue and hunt after pleasure ease idlenesse and prosperitie and shunne and flie from affliction crosses and persecutions then the which nothing is more requisite necessarie and profitable for the confirmation of a Christian life for it is that soueraigne tryed Treacle that quencheth the deadly poyson of selfe-loue worldly pleasure fleshly felicitie and carnall securitie 8 As it is not onely the propertie of the plough to roote vp all bryars brambles thystles thornes and weedes out of the arrable lande but also to prepare and make the same apt and fitte to receiue the pure seede into it when it shall be sowen vpon it So likewise it is the nature and qualitie of affliction not onely to roote out of the earthly hearte of man all the weedes of concupiscence and worldly delightes but also to prepare and make ready his heart and soule to receiue the wholesome and most seasonable seed of Christs doctrine when it is by his faithfull Ministers preached 9 As the hard hammer beateth off the rotten and cankered rust from the iron So in like maner the crosse and affliction beateth off the rotten rust of couetousnes whoredome drunkennesse extortion vncleannesse licentiousnesse gluttony wrath strife sedition sects malice such other like waâ—ward vices from the excellent anker of a christian faith preparing the same to all good exercises which other wayes would consume away 10 As the flaming fornace purifieth the good golde in burning and wasting away all the drosse thereof So affliction burneth and consumeth the drowsie drosse of mans deceiueable lustes for by it the world is crucified vnto vs and we vnto the world and by it we are made like vnto the image of the sonne of God 11 As the proyning knife wherewith the rotten dry and withered branches are cut away Euen so by affliction the putrified branches and vices of the tree and vine of a christian life are done away which by continuance would vtterly waste and make the same vnfruitfull so that by it our faith is increased our patience
confusion 2 As the sonnes of Princes are in great account with men in this world Euen so the Children of God are in greater account with God and all godly men both in this world and in the world to come 3 As the Children of Kings are attended vpon by Noble men and guarded with strong men yet both but men whose breath is in their nosthrils and their hands cannot accomplish the deuice of their heart Euen so the Children of God are attended vpon by God himselfe whose eye is alwayes ouer the righteous they are guarded by the Angels of God who for their swiftnes are said to haue wings for their readinesse they are said to stand in the presence of God and for their strength incomperable 2. Kin. 19.35 Psal 34.15 4 As the pleasures of the sonnes of men are such as the world doth affoord carnall securitie worldly prosperitie fleshy delights beastly sensualitie with pride and ease wealth fulnesse of bread and such like Euen so the pleasures of the Children of God are such as the world can neither giue nor take as the loue of righteousnesse delight in the law of God patience in affliction loue of the Saints which excell in vertue and such like Psal 1.2 16.3 1. Cor. 2.9 5 Like as the riches and treasures of the sonnes of men are gold and siluer houses and lands Lorships and manners rents and reuenues and such like which theeues may steale or moathes may eate or rust may freate or fire may consume or water may ouerflowe or time may weare or death may end So likewise the riches and treasures of Gods Children are the word of GOD Gods fauour forgiuenesse of sinnes freedome from hell and the diuell libertie with the Saints the spirit of contentation peace of conscience continuall ioy in the holy Ghost and a Kingdome of glorie in heauen with such like which no theefe can steale no rust can freat no fire can burne or consume no water can drowne no plague can infect no time can weare nor death can end 2. Cor. 3 17. Gal. 5.22 Esa 11.2 6 As those are in most honour with Princes which are said to stand in their presence and attend vpon them in their Courts as Daniel did So Gods Children shall stand in the Courts of God and haue the full fruition of his comfortable presence and therefore on the contrarie side the vngodly are herein accursed in that they are shut from the presence of God to wit his gracious presence for otherwise all things whatsoeuer are in his presence The Children of God 1 LIke as a heathen man beeing asked why hee did weare such a long bushie beard answered that so often as he beheld it he might commit nothing vnworthy the grauitie of the same hee would not be like a Tauerne with a bush at the doore and no wine within So likewise if any man shall aske the Children of God why they are called Christians the Church of God the spouse of Christ Citizens of heauen and by such like names of loue and honour they are to answere that so often as they remember these names and titles they ought not to commit any thing vnworthy the grauitie and maiestie of the same 2 As many Papists and some Protestants too who be superstitious and Popishly affected doo not remember what titles they haue nor by what names they be called and therefore they must haue puppets and images in their Churches and houses to put them in minde of their dutie to God Euen so some mens Religion and holinesse is all in their titles of Gods Children and in naked names of Christians which onely they hold when indeed all Christianitie is banished from them 3 Like as it is counted a shame for a Citizen to go like a Courtier or for a man to put on womans apparell or a woman to weare on mans apparell which is an abhomination to the Lord Euen so it is a greater shame for the Children of God who are Cittizens of heauen to go after the fashion of the Courtiers of hell or after the manner of the world Rom. 12.2 4 As when Christ the Lord of life was put to death there was darknesse vpon the face of the earth the vaile of the Temple rent the graues opened and the dead arose c. at the sight whereof the very enemies of Christ which watched him were afraide for that they had done vnto him yea they were constrained to confesse and say Doubtlesse this man was the sonne of God Math. 27.54 So likewise the Children of God that be or ought to be dead with Christ their head vnto sinne as he died for our sinnes then there will follow a wonderfull alteration in their liues there will appeare such zeale in professing of the Gospell such pittie in relieuing the poore such patience in bearing the crosse such faithfulnesse in performing of promises such charitie in iudging their brethren such mercie in forgiuing offences such sinceritie in worshipping of GOD such constancie in defending of the truth such watching ouer all their wayes and such wisedome in winning men â—o God that their very enemies which before did mocke â—hem hate them and persecute them shall be constrained with shame to say These are no doubt the Children of God these are good men these are true professors inâ—eed c. Rom. 6.4 5. c. 5 Like as worldly men in their houses in their apparell 〈◊〉 their feastings in their furniture and in euerie thing â—hey striue to haue matches all their things sutable So â—â—kewise the ChildreÌ„ of God must striue to haue their titles â—nd names their liues and qualities their profession and practise sutable and answerable the one to the other and so to depart from iniquitie 2. Tim. 2.19 6 As carnall men desire to be gorgeously apparelled Euen so the Children of God desire to be cloathed with their house which is from heauen 2. Cor. 3 4. 7 Euen as plants trees do spread abroad their rootes in the earth from whence they haue their nourishment So likewise the Children of God because they be fedde with delicates and dainties from heauen and are norished with the grace fauour of God they hold vp their hands they turne vp their eyes they lift vp their hearts mindes to God that is in heaueÌ„ from whence their soules receiue comfort ioy saluation and euerlasting life Saluation onely to be had in Christ if men know how to finde him 1 LIke as if a man knew certainly that in such a wood an infinite masse of money were hid if the owner thereof would giue it vnto him yet if by no meanes hee could finde the same what should the gift of such a treasure profit him thogh it were of value to purchase a kingdome nothing at all Euen so standeth the case betweene Christ and vs though we know neuer so well and certainly that saluation and all kinde of treasure is permanent and to be found in him and do belong
were the deliuerance too late but wee meane that hee deliuered him that hee should not bee hanged So likewise when the Scripture saith that Christ dyed to deliuer vs out of hell because hee saueth and deliuereth vs that wee come not there which else should surely haue gone thither and haue beene damned perpetually except Christ by his death had deliuered and loosed vs. Christ reuiueth vs againe that were dead LIke as the Pellican which hauing brought foorth her young ones dead or beeing stung or killed by Serpents shee pecketh foorth her heart bloud to reuiue them Euen so wee beeing conceiued and borne in sinne and altogether dead in our trespasses and offences stung of that olde and fierie Serpent the diuell which first beguiled our Parents in Paradise and so hauing the reward of sinne which is death we in this case are reuiued and quickned againe by the bloud of the true Pellican Iesus Christ which he from his heart hath shead and powred out for vs. Col. 2.13 14. Christs person consisteth of two natures 1 LIke as there must be both these two natures true and sound the properties of either being kept in one person of Christ to reconcile man to God and to strike this couenant So also to keepe this couenant that according to the promise and oath of God it may be euerlasting both natures must remaine for euer sound with their properties vnlesse we will haue the couenant in the piller and foundation to be shaken 2 Like as when the roote of a tree is hurt the braunches also doo wither and there can be no fruite hoped for Euen so the Doctrine beeing corrupt concerning the person of Christ and the two natures in the same person together with their distinct properties the doctrine also of the Priestly and Kingly office of Christ remaineth corrupt which are as it were the fruites of the doctrine concerning his person Christ though amazed and confounded with sorrowes and feares yet remained still sinlesse LIke as if you set two glasses filled the one with muddy water and the other with cleare Christall water and first let them stand till all the muddinesse in one be setled at the bottome then shake both these glasses in the one the mudde ariseth straightway and defileth all the water there in the other although you shake it neuer so much yet the cleare water though troubled likewise remaineth still all cleare as Christall Euen so if any of vs bee shaken and disquieted with any trouble our muddy affections arising doo presently defile vs all ouer but Christ in whom was mans true nature but not any the least defilement of nature beeing likewise shaken he remained still cleare from any the least spot of sinne at all Christ neuer lost his confidence in God LIke as those men do neuer loose their confidence and trust in God who by some violence are stricken into astonishment or naturally fall on sleepe their faith patience loue obedience decreaseth not in them for all that Euen so neither in Christ his assurance in God could neuer decay albeit his sinlesse nature might and did feare the paine and beeing astonished with excessiue paine might and did suddenly desire ease Math. 27.46 Mar. 14.33 c. He that Speaketh in the Church LIke as if the Harpe make a confused noyse and giueth no distinct sound it delighteth not it recreateth not because no man can tell what it is that is plaide So he that Speaketh in the Church in a language which other men vnderstand not cannot edifie because men vnderstand not what he speaketh Confessing of secret faultes LIke as he is vnwise that openeth his disease and committeth himselfe vnto an vnskilfull Phisition that will rather make him worse then cure him Euen so as vnwise is he that reuealeth his secret falls scapes to them whose mouthes are readie with the Pharisies to say See thou to that or to blabbe abroad their brethrens infirmities so making the matter rather worse then better Christ after a sort present with vs in bodie 1 AS the sun which thogh it remain stil in the firmamēt and therefore in verie deed toucheth not the eye yet the bodie of the Sunne is present to the sight notwithstanding so great a distance betweene So likewise the bodie of Christ which by his ascending is taken vp from vs and hath left the world and is gone to his father is indeed absent from our senses yet our faith is conuersant in heauen and beholding that sonne of righteousnesse and is verily in presence with it there present like as our sight is present with the body of the Sunne in the firmament or as the Sunne is present with our sight in earth Ioh. 14.19 16.28 Act. 7.55 Col. 3.1 Hebr. 4.16 10.28 2 As the Sunne with his light is present to all things So is also Christ with his Godhead Spirit and power present to all and filleth all Ephe. 1.23 Col. 1.17 18. How Christ sitteth at the right hand of God 1 AS it is the vse and custome of Kings and Princes which haue their deputies substitutes to whom they freely giue all authoritie to rule and gouerne and do cause that man to sit by him and at his right hand whom he will giue most honor and vnto whom he wil giue most authoritie and power Euen so we vnderstand by these words He sitteth at the right hand of God that our Sauiour Christ is exalted aboue all creatures and that hee hath dominion or gouernance in heauen and in earth and that he raigneth with his Father hauing equal power with him 1. King 2.19 Psal 45.9 110.1 Mat. 20.21 Phil. 2.9 10 11. 1. Pet. 3.22 Ephe. 1.20 21. 4.15 2 As those on earth that are set at the right hand of Kings do execute iustice in courts or Assises for the maintenance of the state and peace of the Kingdome Euen so Christ Iesus sitting at the right hand of his Father that is being made soueraigne Lord of all things both in heauen and earth is to hold a Court or Assise in which he shall come to iudge both the quicke and the dead Christ confounds his enemies AS Iosua dealt with the fiue Kings that were hid in the Caue he first makes a slaughter of their armes then he brings them foorth and makes the people to set their feete on their neckes and to hang them on fiue trees Euen so Christ deales with his enemies he treades them vnder his feete and makes a slaughter not so much of their bodies as of their soules And this the Church of God findes to bee true by experience as well as it findes the loue of Christ towardes it selfe Iosu 10.24 Luke 17.27 Psal 2.9 110.1 Corruption of truth by mans traditions AS sweete Dough is made sowre by a litle Leauen So is the sweetnesse and comfort of the doctrine of truth corrupted if it be neuer so litle entermedled with humane doctrine or mans traditions Mat. 13.33 16.6 The Creature
body he suffered in his soule the heauie wrath and indignation of his Father and the extreame tortures and torments of hell for a time no lesse then the the reprobates that be there alreadie and no lesse then all we by iust desert should haue suffered for euer if Christ had not done it for vs and yet fewe or none for all this will shead one teare giue one grone or sigh once from the bottome of his heart Christ his goodnesse considered there was neuer any creature dealt so vnkindly with him as man doth AS sometimes it falleth out that a Henne sitteth vpon Ducks egges and with her diligent sitting and the heate of her body she doth hatch and bring them forth and when they be able to follow her she clucks them and after her maner as though they were her naturall Chickens she doth call them about her but they being not of her but the Ducks kinde though by her they haue beene hatched and of her haue receiued life and though shee hath a continuall care to bring them vp and to defend them from such enemies as seeke to deuoure them yet neuerthelesse they will follow and seeke after that wherevnto by nature they are inclined and giuen when shee is scraping and scratching in the earth to finde them foode they will be in the water mire or foule puddle after their kinde she may cluck and walke alone they will not keepe her companie vnlesse perhaps in some daunger when the Kite is readie to catch them for some succour they will flie to her howbeit at the length when she perceiueth them to be vnnatural and vnkinde to her she doth forsake them and giue them ouer Euen so our sweete Sauiour Christ Iesus hauing taken great pains for vs and hauing humbled himselfe euen in the lowest degree of all humilitie that can be named as in comming downe out of his fathers bosome being most perfect most holy and omnipotent God being euery way equall and in nothing interiour to his Father to take our weake fraile and feeble nature vpon him and sinne excepted to haue a perfect feeling of all our miseries infirmities as wearisomnes of body hunger and thirst and such others and besides the induring of these many yeres together hauing suffered a most cruell death and euen at his death vpon the Crosse hauing tasted and taken a full cup of his Fathers furie and indignation which was indeed filled and prepared for vs as a iust reward for our sinnes and should haue beene our owne cup and our owne portion for euer and euer had he not euen then taken and supt it vp to cleare and to free vs from it Againe after all these things hauing still continued his humilitie in suffering death to keepe his bodie three dayes in the graue and euen as it were to treade and trample vpon him and then manger death hell diuell and Iewes hauing risen againe and being ascended and gone vp to his Father where now vntill his comming againe to iudge the quicke and the dead he sitteth at the right hand of maiestie and power He now speaketh and calleth vnto vs by his Prophets Apostles and Ministers and willeth vs to remember what case and estate we were â—n before he died and suffered all these things for vs and he would haue vs to know to be sure and neuer to forget that if he had not suffered death here vpon earth as hee did we should neuer haue found any way or entrance into heauen the celestiall ioyes and pleasures of the Lords saints saluation and eternall life should neuer haue beâ—onged vnto vs wee should haue had no more to do with them then they that liue without faith and die infidels The horrors of hell and the stinking lakes of vnspeakable shame confusion torments endlesse death and damnation should haue beene our inheritance lot and perpetuall portion Christ therfore doth daily put vs in mind that we be not our owne but his and that we bee the greatest and dearest purchase that euer was made in heauen or in earth and that the like price and cost was neuer bestowed vpon any creatures as vpon vs. When the Angels which were in heauen in the presence of their creator did once offend they were hurled out and cast into hell Christ would not bestow vpon them one pennie of all that great price and rich raunsome which he paied for vs he would not then become man to shed one drop of bloud for them but for our sakes hee spared not one drop but shed all The Hen that himselfe speaketh of was neuer so diligent and carefull to gather her chickings vnder her wings as he hath euer beene most ready to shroude and to protect vs against all the enemies of our soules and bodies Many mothers shal sooner forget the children of their owne wombe and vtterly forsake them before Christ will forsake vs yea he will neuer forget nor forsake vs vnlesse we first forget and forsake him Now therefore wee being his so dearely bought and so truely paid for hee calleth vpon vs euery day he clocketh vs and looketh for vs that we should follow him and treade in such steps as he hath appointed that we should not range at randome but keepe our selues within the hearing of his voice and our liues within the limits of obedience vnto the same these things he looketh for at our hands But we deale with this most kind most louing and most mercifull redeemer and Sauiour of our soules bodies euen so as the vnnatural vnkind Ducks deale with the Hen of whom they haue receiued life they regard not her clucking neither we Christs calling when shee is seeking and prouiding for them on the faire drie and wholesome earth they will bee in some foule water filthie mire or stinking puddle And when the Lord Iesus calleth vs to integritie of life to doo the thing that is iust and right in his owne eye and to speake the truth according to the knowledge of our hearts then will wee with greedinesse pollute our soules and bodies with al wickednes and things that be abominable then will we oppresse our brethren not caring who sinke if our selues swimme then will we not sticke to speake lies euen to Gods owne face And when the Lord calleth and sendeth vs to seeke heauenly things wee presently returne to the foule puds of the world carnal delights and vaine yea vile pleasures So that wee euer take the contrarie way to that which Christ commaundeth Christ calleth for our harts to haue them in truth and sinceritie with all diligence to attend vpon his pleasure and to waite on his will he would haue vs not in part but wholly to giue them vnto him and without the heart hee will receiue and take in good part at our hands and lips nothing But wee on the other side giue nothing lesse to God then our hearts There is nothing that may and cannot commaund our hearts haue them at pleasure sooner
2 As a Dead man in his graue cannot stir the least finger because he wants the very power of life sense and motion So likewise no more can he that is Dead in sinne will the least good Nay if he could either will or doo any good he could not be Dead in sinne 3 Euen as a Dead man in the graue cannot rise but by the power of God So no more can hee that is Dead in sinne rise but by the power of Gods grace alone without any power of his owne Iohn 3.3 Ephes 2.10 4.24 Phil. 2.13 Deuise of the wicked AS the Egges of the Cockatrice hatched are full of poyson Euen so are the deuises of the wicked and the execution of their enterprises hurtfull Esay 59.5 The Diuell fearefull and enuious 1 LIke as if an enemie of great might hauing also an aduantage of vs by reason of the ground wherein he hath planted himself be dreadful to vs so as we haue good cause to feare him Euen so much more we ought to bee afraid of the Diuel hauing the like or greater aduantages of vs. Ephe. 6.11.12 2 As a good Midwife is carefull to helpe the woman in trauell and saue the child Euen so the Diuell contrariwise is ready to hinder and hurt the Church to destroy her seede Reue. 12.2.3 God Delighteth in the conuersion of a sinner AS a Father taketh great ioy and comfort when his Sonne who was wilde vnthriftie and vngodly becommeth modest thriftie and religous Euen so it is a Delightfull and acceptable thing to God when any sinner is conuerted from his wicked and lewde course and now liueth Christianly Luk. 15.23.24 Dissentions AS Bees when they striue together and are stirred vp through some vehement motion with throwing of dust are brought into order and appeased Euen so men when they are tossed and tormented with troublesome broyles perturbations and passions if they would remember dust whereinto of necessitie they must be turned and neuer forget death which they shall neuer bee able to escape they would easily bestayed pacified and quietted would represse keepe within compasse their strangling lusts and vnruly appetites which cannot indure to be tamed and ruled by reason How to encounter with Death 1 LIke as if a man were to fight with a Dragon his best way to deale with him is to pull out his venemous sting Euen so the Dragon wherewith euery Christian man is to encounter is Death whose sting is sinne therefore that we may not take the foyle of Death we are in all our life to labour to bereaue him of this his sting 1. Cor. 15.56 2 As the Philistines that they might the better deale with Sampson cut off his haire where his strength lay So also euery one of vs that wee may the better deale with Death are to cut off our sinnes which bee the strength of Death Iud. 16.5 c. Death 1 LIke as hee that is to passe ouer some great and deepe ryuer must not looke downeward to the streame of the water But if he would preuent feare hee must set his foote sure cast his eye to the banke on the furthest side Euen so he that draws neare Death must as it were looke ouer the waues of Death and directly fixe the eye of his faith vpon eternall life 2 Like as if a poore man should be commaunded by a Prince to put off his torne and beggerly garments and in steade thereof to put on royall and costly robes it would be a great reioycing to his heart Euen so much more ioyfull newes must this be vnto all repentant and sorrowfull sinners when the King of heauen and earth comes vnto them by Death and bids them lay downe their bodies as ragged and patched garments and prepare themselues to put on the princely robe of immortalitie No tongue can bee able to expresse the excellencie of this most blessed and happie estate 3 Euen when a man was to offer a Bullocke or Lambe in sacrifice to God he must leaue his offering at the Altar and first goe and be reconciled to his brethren if they had ought against him So much more must this bee done when men are in Death to offer vp themselues their bodies and soules as an acceptable sacrifice vnto God Rom. 12.1 4 As Trauellers not thinking of the Sunne setting are ouertaken with darkenesse before they be aware So doth Death sodainly come vpon many that neuer thought of it neither haue learned to die nor what shall become of them when they be dead so that it behooueth all Christians that wil be saued to watch to stand stedfast in the faith of Christ to quite themselues like men and to be strong and to do all that they do in loue 1. Cor. 16.13 5 As earthen vessels are alike subiect to danger breaking whether they be new or olde made So likewise all men are open and subiect to Death alike whether they be yong men and in their lusty and flourishing age or they be old men and well strooken in yeares 6 Like as if a man shal come into a Potters ware-house where he shall see a large Table set full of Pots some old and some new some little and some great and shall demaund of the Potter which of them all shall first be broken he may well say for answer That which shall fall first to the ground Euen so among men he dieth not first that is elder but he that first falleth to the ground that is commeth first to his graue Psal 2.9 Esay 30.14 Reue. 2.27 7 Like as if a Begger should be commaunded to put off his old ragges that he might be cloathed with rich costly garments he would not be sory though he should stand naked a while till he were wholly bestripped of his rags So likewise when God calls a man to Death and bids him put off his old ragges of sinne and corruption and be cloathed with the glorious roabe of Christes righteousnesse there is no cause why he should be loth to die seeing his abode in the graue is but for a space while corruption be put off 2. Cor. 5.1 2. 8 As bread of all other nourishment doth sustaine the body So aboue all things a continuall thought of Death is wholesome for the soule 9 As yong schollers who hauing spent their time diligētly at their bookes return from the Vniuersities to their friends and are welcommed home both of father mother brother and sister euery one preasing forward with great desire to kisse them and to make the greatest demonstration of ioy and gladnesse that may be for their happie returne So in like maner when true Christians die depart out of this world where they are as it were at schoole to returne to their fathers house God himselfe is the first that biddeth them welcome and willeth them to enter into the ioy of their Lorde and Father Iesus Christ is the next which taketh leadeth them into the Pallace of the
meanes and way to life and saluation and doo drawe on to death and damnation and therfore they that be Elected to life eternall are also Elected to haue Faith and consequently to amende theyr liues Rom. 8.1 c. Ephe. 1.4 2.16 Colloss 3.12 1. Pet. 2.9 10. 3 Like as a poore mayden who hearing that some King had among all other chosen her to be his sonnes wife and withall ordained that to that ende she forsaking her parents and kinsfolkes should come to him on foote in the midst of winter no doubt she would willingly and readily leaue all and euen in winter and on foote come to the King to finish this great marriage as the like we reade of Dauid 1. Sam. 18.17 c. Euen so we vnderstanding and hauing witnesse that God hath chosen vs to be the spouse of his sonne Iesus Christ and coheires of his kingdome and also that it is his will that forsaking the world and the flesh we should walke through the path of good workes in amendment of life to come to heauen there to accomplish this happie mariage we ought feruently to renounce the world the flesh and euery thing that contrarieth his will that we may the more speedily and chearfully proceede in amendment of life and so performe this blessed marriage 4 Like as if the Sunne in his force shining vpon a stone can so heate the same stone that a man shall not be able to touch it with his hands Euen so much more shall we if we meditate vpon the loue of God towards vs in our Election albeit we were as cold as Marble be warmed and kindled to loue him with al our harts with al our strength and with all our minds 1. Iohn 4.19 Luk. 14.15 Expectation of reward AS two that should passe together towards their countrie the one to receiue honour for his good seruice done abroad the other as prisoner to be arraigned of treasons committed in former Dominions against his Soueraigne could not bee like merrie in their Inne vpon the way as it seemeth to me and though hee that stood in daunger should sing or make shew of courage and innocencie and set a good face vpon the matter Yet the other might well thinke that his heart had many a colde pull within him as no doubt but all wicked men haue when they thinke with themselues of the life to come or as if Ioseph and Pharaos Baker had knowne both their distinct lottes in prison to wit that on such a day the one should be called foorth to be made Lord of Egypt and the other to bee hanged on a paire of Gallowes they could hardly haue beene equally merrie whilst they liued together in time of their Imprisonment Euen so the like may be said and much more truely of vertuous and wicked men in this world For when the one doth but thinke vpon the day of death which is to bee the day of their deliuerance from their prison their harts cannot but leape for very ioy considering what is to ensue vnto them after But the other are afflicted and fall into melancholy as often as mention or remembrance of death is offered for they are sure that it bringeth with it their bane Gene. 40 41 43. chap. Gene. 30.1 37.4 1. Sam. 18.8 Eloquence in Sermons forbidden EVen as those sheepe which in the presence of their shepheards doo vomit and cast out againe the grasse which they haue eaten doo not profitably shewe how much and how wel they haue fed but those rather which doo inwardly digest and concoct their meate and doo giue abundance of milke doo beare the softiest weightiest and finest Wooll and doo shewe themselues to be fat faire and well liking For by these things they shew and plainely proue that their pasture is exceeding good Euen so not those Pastors Ministers and Preachers of the word which doo deliuer words and stuffe their Sermons with Eloquence and braue phrases doo fruitfully and throughly declare vnto the people that Vertues pasture is excellent good and wholesome to be desired of all but they rather which doo inwardly concoct vertue and do obserue it and bending themselues to the actions and performance thereof doo flowe with the sweete milke of mercie and doo cloath themselues and others with the fine fleeces of Christian loue and charitie doo euidently declare how much they haue profited in the doctrine of Christ and how much also others ought to profit in the same and doo stirre vp the hearts and minds of their hearers to vertue and godlinesse both with their doctrine and liuing 2. Tim. 4.1 2 5. Tit. 2.7 Math. 5.19 Our Elders and auncestors in time of ignorance had yet good consciences in Ciuill causes AS the men of Niniuie repented at the preaching of Ionas and not the Iewes at the preaching of Christ who was greater then Ionas Euen so the good and faithfull dealing which our Elders and ancestors had in times past in Ciuill causes doth reprooue our iniquities and shewe what they would haue beene if they had had the preaching of the Gospell so plainely as wee haue And therefore well saith a godly Father Men had better consciences then lesse knowledge Now haue they more knowledge and worse consciences Math. 12.41 Beza Epis 1. Excesse taketh away pleasures AS too bright a light dazeteth our sight and too great a noyse hindreth our hearing So likewise too great curiositie in deuising our pleasures taketh away a great part of the fruition of our delightes neither is there any thing that maketh our meate more sauerie then hunger and health Enemies of the Gospell AS Archers doo ayme their arrowes vnto a certaine marke So the Enemies of the Gospell bend and bestow all their endeuours vnto the subuersion of the true doctrine and of the true Church of God Psal 2.2 3. Faith 1 LIke as the Sun which although it remaine still in the Firmament therefore in very deed toucheth not the eie yet the peeces or resēblance of the body of the Sun is present and reacheth to the sight notwithstanding so great a distance betweene So the body of Christ which by his ascending is taken vp from vs hath left the world and is gone to his Father is in deed absent from our senses Yet our Faith is conuersant in heauen and beholdeth the Sonne of righteousnesse and is verely in presence with it there present like as the Sunne is perceiued by our sight in earth Iohn 14.19 16.10.28 Act. 7.55 Col. 3.1 Heb. 4.16 10.28 2 As the Sunne with his light is present to all things So is also Christ with his Godhead spirit and power by Faith present to all and filleth all Ephe. 1. 23. Col. 1.17 18. 3 Like as when a man hath libertie to goe into the treasure house of a King there to enrich himselfe wil first of all seeke to haue the keys wherwith he may open the doores and so enter for otherwise it wil nothing profit him
man when he is a thirstie tarrieth but for drinke and when hee hungereth abideth but for meate and then drinketh and eateth naturally Euen so is the Faithfull euer a thirst and an hungered after the will of God and tarrieth but for an occasion and whensoeuer an occasion is giuen hee worketh naturally the will of God 2 As the vnbelieuers declare their vnbeliefe by the working of the euill spirit in them outwardly the fruites of the flesh Euen so the belieuers declare their Faith by the working in them outwardly the fruites of the spirite 3 Like as when we heare a Musition play sweetely or a painter picture curiously we do not inquire what countrymen they are or whether they bee borne of noble parentage or no but diligently hearken to the Musicke and marke and view well the picture So a Faithfull and carefull hearer of the word must not so much regard the state and condition of the Preacher as diligently to marke the good things that he teacheth and so to practise them in his life and behauiour Fall of man through his owne pride AS we see a child who whilst he runneth vp and down to shew his new cloathes hee stumbleth euen vpon his cloathes and catcheth a Fall and seeing himselfe downe and his cloathes soyled and arayed in the dust he cryeth lowder at his Fall then hee crowed before at his new Coate So God hath put many excellent graces vpon thee thou crowest at the sight of them as Nebuchadnezzer did at the sight of his Pallace and like a foole thou art in admiration of thy selfe till thou stumblest euen vpon thine owne giftes and when thou art downe thou which before didst crow like a foole doest then crie like a child especially because thou seest thy excellent graces euen thy coate of diuers colours stayned and foyled with thy Fall Psa 75.6 7. The Famine of the soule LIke as when God sendeth a Famine that wee hardly find wherewithall to sustaine our liues then our condition is miserable Euen so much more daungerous and greater is the Famine of the soule when God taketh away from any people the sincere Preachers of his word Amo. 8.11 12. Feare of God 1 AS Ioseph did dreame that the Sunne and Moone did bowe vnto him So must the whole world Feare and stand in awe of Gods maiestie Gen. 37 9. 2 As Iacob told his vnckle Laban that except the Feare of Isaac had beene with him meaning the Feare of God who was Isaacs Feare he would haue sent him away emptie Euen so it is with vs all except Gods Feare remaine and continue with vs though the Lord hath deserued neuer so much at our hands yet we like vnthankfull Labans would send him emptie away and robbe him of the praise of all his blessings and graces bestowed vpon vs. Gene. 31.42 Pro. 1.7 14.27 Exod. 20.20 Gene. 42.18 Gods Face is fearefull to the wicked AS the Face of an earthly Iudge which can but kill the body is most fearefull and terrible vnto that partie which is brought before him for his wicked fact Euen so the Face and sentence of the eternall and heauenly Iudge of Iudges will bee most terrible against the wicked who after he hath killed can cast both body and soule into hell fire and from whose countenance flyeth away both the heauens and the earth Math. 10.28 Reue. 20.11 Friends vnprofitable AS the stumpe of a tooth is vnprofitable to eate withal So they in whom there is no faith nor credite to be reposed are Friendes vnfit and vnprofitable for a man in the day of trouble Prou. 25.19 A Friend forsaken AS a vessell how profitable so euer it hath beene to the owner and how necessarie for his turne yet when it is broken it is throwne away and regarded no longer Euen so such is the state of a man forsaken of those whose Friend he hath beene so long as he was able to stand them in stead Psal 31.12 Such a Father such a Sonne AS Vipers broode destroyeth them that breed them So generally the children of them that murthered the Prophets and shewed crueltie to the saints of God fulfill the measure of their fathers and are vnmercifully bent against all those that seeke their life and saluation Math. 3.7 23.33 A dead Faith 1 LIke as he that falleth into a Riuer if he neither moue hands armes nor legs is quickly drowned and sinketh downe dead to the bottom but if he swim escapeth aliue So he that trusteth to a dead Faith which because it hath no good effects and bringeth forth no liuely fruites as an holy loue to God man pietie patience pitie mercie compassion and such like vertues he must needes be drowned in vtter destruction and sincke downe into the bottomlesse gulfe and pit of hell but he that moueth his hands his feete to do the deeds of a true right Faith which worketh by loue and shall be a dooer of the word and not an hearer onely he shall escape safe out of all dangers and shall arriue at the happie hauen of eternall happinesse and euerlasting life through Christ Iesus Iam. 2.14 c. Gal. 5.6 Iam. 1.22 2 Like as if a man say to one that is hungry fill thy belly and giueth him nothing this shall not be true charitie So likewise if a man say he beleeueth bringeth forth no workes of Faith this shall not be true faith but a certaine dead thing set out with the name of Faith wherof no man hath to bragge vnlesse he will openly incurre reprehention seeing that the cause is vnderstood by the effects Iam. 2 15 16. Spirituall Fornication AS they that forsake their husbands and giue themselues ouer to straungers doo so become common Whoores Euen so such is the state of those which leaue God and the truth which sometime they professed and commit Idolatrie and cleaue to superstitions Ezech. 23.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8. Fasting when needfull 1 AS men accused in times past with longe hanging beardes with vncombred hayre with blacke array were wont humbly to abate themselues to the end to procure the mercy of the Iudge So likewise when we are accused for our sinnes before the iudgement of God when either pestilence or famine or war begin to range abroad or if any calamitie otherwise seeme to hang ouer our coūtrie then it behoueth vs both for his glorie and for common edification and also is profitable and healthfull for vs that wee should in pitious array humble our selues in Fasting and prayer before his maiestie and so craue to escape his seueritie Ioel. 2.25 2 As bridles are necessarie for wilde horses So likewise is Fasting sometimes for a Christian to tame the fleshe 3 As some men naturally are continually out of measure and inclined to one extremitie or other which are both naught and many there haue beene which haue alwayes continued but too licentious So also some there haue beene so superstitious in Fasting and abstinence that they
vnrulinesse of the child shee is somtime so mooued and prouoked that shee is angrie with it chideth it rebuketh it and beateth it Euen so such is the very nature and propertie of God to suffer no manner of misfortune to happen vnto vs but yet through our minifolde sinnes he is prouoked to punish and chasten vs. 5 As little as the Mother can forget denie forsake or giue ouer her childe though shee bee angrie with it and displeased at it Euen as little dooth God forsake or giue vs ouer in our neede and necessitie miserie and affliction though he seeme neuer so much to be displeased with vs. Esay 49.15 6 As a Maister doth not correct and chastise his scholler or seruant for any intent to hurt him or for any malice and euill will towards him but only that he should learne better afterward be more diligent and take better heede Euen so likewise Christ receiueth no Scholler or Disciple but such as will forsake himselfe and take vp his crosse and follow him c. Math. 16.24.27 7 Like as the Physition or Surgion doth cut away and burne out the rotten and dead flesh with his yron and instrument that the whole body bee not infected and poysoned and so perish Euen so doth God sometime afflict and punish our bodies sharpely and grieuously that our soules may bee preserued and healed and how deepe so euer God thrusteth his yron into our flesh and bodies he doth it onely to remedie and to heale vs. 8 As the Physition in making of his Triacle occupieth Serpents and Adders and such like poyson to driue out one poyson with another Euen so God in afflicting and correcting of vs occupieth and vseth the diuell and wicked people but yet all to doo vs good withall 9 As long as the Physition hath any hope of the recouerie of his patient he assayeth all manner of meanes and medicines with him as well sower sharpe as sweete and pleasant but as soone as euer he beginneth to boubt of his recouerie hee suffereth him to haue and to take all manner of things whatsoeuer the patient himselfe desireth Euen so the heauenly Physition as long as he taketh vs for Christians and hath any hope to recouer or to heale vs hee restraineth vs from our will and will not alwayes suffer vs to haue what we most desire but as soone as hee hath no more hope of vs and giueth vs ouer then he suffereth vs for a time to haue and enioy all our owne will and pleasure Iob. 5.1 c. 18. 10 Like as when the Horse-breaker giueth vnto a lusty fresh yong Horse too much of the bridle he is wilde and wanton and goeth not well as hee should doo and so by chaunce in a slipperie and slyding place he falleth headlongs ouer and ouer Euen so if our Creator and maker should suffer vs ouer much and giue vs too large libertie wee should soone wax wilde and proud thereof and so it might happen that wee should vndoo and destroy our selues therefore he giueth vs a sharpe bit in our mouthes and helpeth vs to bridle and to tame our flesh that the noble and precious soule perish not 11 Like as the Carter yerketh his Horse with the whip and striketh them sharpely when they will not drawe nor goe forward and yet fauoureth and spareth them also that he may enioy them the longer Euen so God striketh and whippeth vs when we do not right as we should do and yet neuerthelesse spareth vs and will not vtterly make an ende of vs. 12 Like as the poore shepheard when his foolish sheep stray abroad in the wilde wildernesse among the Wolues driueth them from strange wayes into the right way and hunteth them into their sure sheep-fold where they may be in safegard Euen so we likewise forsomuch as we mix our selues oft times among the worldlings and haue fellowship with those that are enemies vnto our Christian and true Religion therefore God commeth vnto vs and driueth vs with sorrow repentance from them that we should not be destroyed and perish togither with them 13 As the Heard-man will suffer such Calues and Cattell as are appointed shortly to the slaughter to runne and spring about in the pasture at pleasure and againe such as are reserued to labour are kept and vsed vnder the yoke Euen so Almighty God doth suffer and permit vnto those vngodly persons whose destruction is at hand to haue all pleasure and lust vpon earth and to accomplish and fulfill their pleasures and desires but the godly whom he will vse to his honour and glory those keepeth he vnder the yoke and restraineth them from the pleasant lustes of the world 14 Like as if the Gardiner cut off the knobs and the withered and crooked boughes from the trees in his garden and loppeth them a litle yet as long as the rootes remaine the trees are neuer the worse but waxe neuerthelesse and bring forth fruite Euen so doth God loppe and hewe the crabby old Adam with the crosse and afflictions not to the end to hurt or harme vs but to keepe vs in awe and to teach vs godly manners and Christian behauiour and therefore as long as the roote of Faith remaineth with vs though we be spoyled and destitute of all riches and of all maner of worldly bodily comfort yet shall we bring forth good fruits to the honor glory of gods holy name 15 As the Free-mason heweth the hard stones and heweth off here one peece there another till the stones be fit and meete for the place where he wil lay them Euen so God the heauenly Free-mason buildeth a Christian Church and he frameth and polisheth vs which are the costly and precious stones with the crosse and troubles that all abhomination wickednesse which do not agree vnto this glorious building might be remoued and taken out of the way 1. Pet. 2.5 16 As Physitions vse to heale men diseased with filthie potions Euen so God vseth to chastise and trie his children by the meanes of wicked things as by Sathan by wicked men c. which shall be damned 17 As in Cities the Gouernours thereof keepe executioners and hangmen not that they like or commend that office but only doo suffer them to execute their office for the better preseruation of their Citie So likewise God doth suffer Tyrants and vngodly men to afflict and grieue his faithfull seruants and all for their good 18 As we make great account of gold which is but a mettall that we will trie in the fire to make it please vs the better So after the same sort it is not to be maruelled that God sometimes trieth of very loue the faith of his Children to the end that when they are once wel purged from the dregges and filth of incredulitie which remaineth in them and are purified in the furnace of diuers afflictions and so melted as it were a new their faith may be of like account before him
God may reward and deale with his creatures as liketh him AS the Clay is in the Potters hand to order it at his pleasure So are men also in the hand of their Creator so that hee may reward them as liketh him best Esay 45.9 Rom. 9.20 21. God is a Husbandman to his people AS the Husbandman dungeth his land Tilleth and dresseth it that it may bring foorth good Corne So Almightie God tilleth and clenseth the hearts of his people the which bee prone vnto euill that they may bring forth good workes and not tares Ioh. 15.1 2. 1. Cor. 3.9 God is present euerie where but yet not with all alike AS a sound or noyse is hard more of some and lesse of other some beeing of equall distance from it as they bee of quicke or dull hearing So albeit God be present with all things yet he is in some more plentifully in some lesse not with partialitie but according to the diuersities of their capacities The holy Ghost is maker of the world AS the Hen is borne of her Egges and sitteth vppon them and so hatcheth her young Euen so the holy Ghost was borne vpon the waters sat vpon them brought foorth and hatched all creatures which are called waters Gene. 1. 2. Psal 104.30 God is all sufficient perfection 1 EVen as the Sunne although it enlightneth all the world yet doth it not loose any of his light So God now after that hee hath made all things is not any whit hereby the lesse powerfull or perfect 2 Euen as any King or tyrant when he graunteth vnto one that which hee hath taken away from an other may be said to play the part partly of an vniust and partly of a liberall man Euen so God if vsing his power onely hee had restored man it had beene on the one part derogation to his Iustice and on the other part too much had beene graunted to mercy Therefore it was needfull to find such a way to saue man that these fower properties in God without the which God could not be or bee called God might stand together and consist in the highest degrees Namely most high or perfect power Perfect righteousnesse Perfect mercie and Perfect wisedome God draweth out some goodnesse euen out of the wicked LIke as if thou commest into a Smiths or Ioyners shop and seest many tooles some crooked some bowed and hooked and some sawed in Now in this case thou wilt not condemne the Smith or Ioyner of vnskilfulnesse and his tooles all to bee naught but rather thou wilt acknowledge thy ignorance in the vse of them So in like manner must we doo in beholding the creatures of God in this world First acknowledge our owne ignorance Secondly reuerently esteeme of the Creator and lastly giue him all praise that hee hath not placed vs in the number of those that seeme confused Spirituall Generation AS euery man by carnall Generation of Father and Mother is carnally begotten borne into this mortall life So is euery good Christian spiritually borne by Christ vnto eternall life God vnchaungeable 1 EVen as the Sunne which vnto eyes being sound and without disease was very pleasaunt and wholesome vnto the same eyes when they are feeble sore and weake is very troublesome and hurtfull and the Sunne euer all one and the selfe same that it was before So God that hath euer shewen himselfe benigne and bountifull to those that are kind and tender harted towards his Saints and mercifull to those that shewe mercie vnto the same men when they fall into wickednesse and grow to be full of beastly crueltie the Lord sheweth himselfe to bee very wrathe and angrie and yet still one and the same immutuall God from euerlasting to euerlasting Psal 18.24 25 26 27. Iam. 2.13 2 As a looking Glasse dooth shewe whatsoeuer thou shalt set against it if thou shew thy selfe pleasant and milde vnto it it also sheweth it selfe milde pleasant vnto thee and if thou beest angrie and full of wrath and indignation thou shalt perceiue in like manner the countenance of the Glasse to be as it were furious and cruell to be holde whereas notwithstanding the Glasse is one and the same So God whereas hee is one and the selfe same immutable and euerlasting God who is a Glasse without spot or blemish and compared to a gentle Lambe sometimes to a fearce Lyon Esay 53.7 Iohn 1.29 Reu. 5.5 God by his spirit purifieth vs. AS there can bee no fire without warmth or light So cannot God be by his spirite in vs or with vs but hee will also sanctifie and purifie vs from all vice and corruption that he may consecrate vs vnto God Rom. 8.9 God rewardeth his faithfull seruants c. 1 AS a Maister when his seruaunts obey him and doo his will commaundeth his steward or gouernor of his house to minister vnto them all things necessarie and that nothing bee wanting but if they offend him and deale vnfaithfully with him he giueth a contrarie charge Euen so God the true and right owner of all things of whom the kingly Prophet Dauid saith The earth is the Lords and all that therein is the world and they that dwell therein If wee doo obey him and serue him faithfully and giue vnto him due honour hee commaundeth the earth his auncient steward to minister vnto vs great store of necessaries and to giue vnto vs all good rich and pleasant things in due time but on the other side if wee disobey him rebell against him and bee not afraid to doo those things which hee forbiddeth vs and will commit wee care not what sinne euen with greedinesse ioy and delight then hee commaundeth his steward the earth to denie foode vnto vs and to afflict vs with penurie and extreame want of all those things whereof it was wont to yeeld vs great aboundance and not to be so bold as to relieue or comfort vs vntill we be conuerted and flie vnto him confessing and acknowledging our sinnes from the bottome of our heartes and most heartely bewayling them shall prostrate our selues before the throne of grace crauing and crying for remission of sinnes in the death bloud-sheading of our Sauiour Christ crucified Psal 24.1 2 Euen as a Columne or Piller is sometime on thy right hand and sometime on thy left hand because thou dost chaunge thy standing sitting or walking for it is vnmooueable and keepeth one place So God is sometime fauorable and bountifull vnto thee and somtime seemeth to be wrath and angrie with thee because thou doest fall from vertue to vice from obedience and humilitie to pride presumption for in the Lord there is no chaunge no not so much as any shaddow of chaunge He is immutable alway one and euerlasting If thou wilt bend thy selfe to obedience and to a vertuous and godly life thou shalt buâ—â— haue him a strong rocke wherupon thou maist boldly build a Castle and Tower of defence He will bee vnto thee a mightie piller bearing vp
heauen and earth whereto thou maist leaue and not be deceiued wherein thou maist trust and not be disappointed He will euer be at thy right hand that thou shalt not fall He will take thy part and will mightily defend thee against all thine enemies of thy body and of thy soule But if thou wilt shake hands with vertue and bid it adew and farwell and forsaking the wayes of God wilt liue as thou list and follow thine owne corruption and make no conscience of ought thou doest defiling and blemishing thy selfe with al manner sinne and iniquitie then bee sure the Lord will appeare vnto thee in his furie and indignation from whose Iustice and iudgements none shall euer be able to deliuer thee Mâ—l 3.6 Iam. 1.17 Psal 16.8 Glorie and renoume 1 LIke as the shaddow followeth the body as a companion inseparable Euen so doth Glorie renoume and fame accompanie excellent vertues worthy giftes and noble qualities 2 As a Smoke which at the first is great and thicke ascending vpward is quickly scattered and out of sight Euen so the Glorie of the proud men of this world by little and litle is obscured and vanisheth cleane away 3 As that fire smoketh not much which flameth at the first blowing So the Glorie that brightly shineth at the first is not greatly enuied at but that which is long in getting is alwayes preuented by enuie Not to belieue that there is a God AS there is no wound more mortall then the same that plucketh foorth mans heart or soule So likewise is there no poyson or pestilence of greater force suddenly in men to kill all faith hope and charitie with the feare of God and consequently to cast him headlong into the pit of hell then to denie the principle and foundation of all Religion namely that there is a God Psal 10.4 14.1 53.1 1. Tim. 3.16 Godly men see clearely the light of the word but the wicked doo the contrarie AS they that haue cleare and sound eyes doo easily induce the bright light of the Sunne wherewith eyes that be sore and diseased are greatly offended So vertuous and Godly men are illuminated and wonderfully cleared in their vnderstanding and the eyes of their minds with the diuine and heauenly light of the word of God wherewith the wicked and vngodly are highly offended in so much that they hate the light and loue darknesse more then it and so growing blinder and blinder euery day at the length they fall and tumble down headlong into the insaciable pit of eternall destruction Iohn 8.12 No heauen without the Grace of God 1 AS the Pilot of a Shippe without the shine of Sunne or Moone cannot take the Hauen of any land So a man without the light of Grace cannot attaine to the Hauen of Glorie but howsoeuer hee perswadeth himselfe that he casteth his Anchor in a place of safety it falleth out in the end that he casteth it vpon a Rocke where there is no hope of saluation 2 As those that were out of the Arke though they had wit glorie riches and learning were neuerthelesse drowned in the floud So no wit nor learning nor riches without the Grace of God can saue a man from euerlasting perdition Gene. 7.21 Gods fauour the safest refuge AS yong Chickens are in safetie from the Hauke and Puttocke so long as they straie not from about the wings of their dammes and when they do straie far from them they are easily taken of euerie vermine Euen so they that depart and lead their liues within the compasse and limits of his lawes and ordinances are most safely kept by him from the force inchauntments engines and all the subtill deuises of Sathan and his instruments but if they forsake God and not regarding his word diuide themselues from him by their sinnes and iniquities they must needes fall into the talons and iawes of that tyrannicall Hauke and hound of hell from whence there is no deliuerie 1. Pet. 5.8 The Glorie of God 1 AS the Glorie of God infinitely surmounteth the body the soule the honour and all that belongeth vnto man So it ought to bee in greater price and estimation with vs must continually be preferred aboue all things and neuer bee brought into the ballance of comparison with them Exod. 32.32 Rom. 9.3 2 As the want of zeale towards the the Glorie of God in all our doings and the preferring of earthly things before heauenly temporall before spirituall breedeth and nourisheth a corrupt manner of profession So it defileth all our counsels and workes and carrieth vs headlong to the loue of the world which is contrarie to the pure vehement and euerlasting loue of God 1. Cor. 10.31 3 As the saluation of men ought to bee deare vnto vs So the Glorie of God which consisteth in that his orders in his Church be kept ought to be much more deare that if at any time the controuersie could be betwene his Glorie and our saluation our saluation ought to fall that his Glorie may stand God would all to be saued EVen as an earthly Father is in such wise affected towards his children that hee would haue euery one of them to come to thriftinesse and be honest and worthie successours to him of his goods and substance and yet notwithstanding beeing made frustrate of his hope findeth the stubbernnesse and disobedience of them whereby they also at the length doo cast themselues with great ignominie into destruction and into some infamous kind of punishment Of this Father it may be said that he hath brought vp children kept to this so great mischiefe not that the will of his purpose was not farre other but that the children through their owne rebellion haue brought this mischiefe vpon themselues So God verily would haue all men made after his owne image to bee saued but if any of these beeing rebellious will not imbrace his word and by faith be conuerted but delighting themselues wholly in sensualitie pleasures and vanities doo die in their wickednesse these God suffereth to perish that they might sustaine the iust punishments as wel of their owne offences against the law of God as also of their contempt of obtaining saluation through Christ 1. Tim. 2.3 4. No man hath seene God at any time AS the children of Israel could not behold the shining face of Moses when hee had talked with God on the mount for the exceeding brightnesse therof but couered with a Vaile where through they did behold him So no man hath seene God at any time or can behold the face and presence of the Deitie and Godhead but so farre as it is both veiled and reuealed by the body and humaine fleshe of our Sauiour Christ Exod. 34.34 Iohn 1.18 1. Tim. 6.16 One God in Trinitie 1 EVen as a Margarite in euery part shining alike which if it bee defiled or fouled on one part looseth all his beautie So the Trinitie is but one God and if one person be dishonoured all three being
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
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
auaile little except the wife carefully saue and keepe that which is prouided and brought home Heauen 1 AS our cloathes when they waxe olde wee chaunge them Euen so Heauen and earth and all that is in them shal be chaunged Psal 102.25 26. Hebr. 1.12 2 As smoake vanisheth and passeth away So likewise Heauen and earth and all that in them is shall vanish and passe away Esay 51.6 3 As we see many weake men for a prize to enter into combate or Iusts against a stronger then themselues and though they bee ouercome yet not to giue ouer till the last breath So must we for Heauen striue to excell in godlinesse those that haue greater giftes then wee and neuer giue ouer Houses of the wicked 1 AS Cages doo ordinarily serue for keeping of Birdes Euen so the Houses of wicked and vngodly men doo ordinarily serue for inuenting of deceits Iere. 5.27 2 As for the most part Cages are full of Birdes So the dwelling places of the wicked are replenished with all manner of guiles whereby they become great and rich Hell vanquished and ouercome by Christ. AS a Citie or Towne that is sacked rased and beaten downe euen to the ground and which is ploughed sowen ouer with salte and Harrowed is able to recouer it selfe or to harme the enemies that haue serued it so Euen so Christ our Sauiour hath giuen such a conflict and ouerthrow vnto Sathan by his death that he hath so brused and broken his head and hath gotten such a conquest and victorie ouer all the power of Hell that now it is no more able to hurt the children of God for whome Hell onely is ouercome and vnto them this victorie is gotten Hell hauing still his full power ouer the vnfaithfull Iudg. 9.45 The Lords Hostes is mightie 1 LIke as Fishers with nets and hookes catch fishe in great number Euen so shall they that God stirreth vp to execute his Iudgementes against any people catch and destroy great plentie of them Iere. 16.16 2 As flouds ouerflow and destroy all Euen so they by whome God plagueth any land or people doo spoyle all Ierem. 47.2 Horrer of sinne bringeth remorse of conscience AS the Theefe or wicked person cannot bee brought vnfainedly to confesse his fact before it bee made knowne and hee himselfe attached to appeare before a Iudge to bee condemned for the same So likewise the case standeth with euerie one of vs who by nature are no better then theeues and murderers before the Lord that we can by no meanes be brought in truth to confesse our sinnes before the monstrousnesse and vgly shape thereof with the paine and penaltie due thereunto bee set before our owne conciences and wee as it were summoned before Gods Iudgement seate to bee condemned for the same Iere. 2.26 27. Vaine is the Helpe of man AS Heath in the drie and desolate wildernesse where no habitation is is apt and good for nothing and yet easie to bee consumed with fire So also the man that putteth his trust in man and maketh fleshe and bloud his strangth and defence and passeth not on the Lord shall not see any good but shal perish together with his Helpes Ierem. 17.5 6. Holydaies LIke as the Children of Israel when they had made a molten Calfe and offered burnt offerings brought peace-offerings did then ordaine a Holy-day which they spent in eating drinking and pastime which corruption they tooke from the Egyptians Euen so likewise our Holy-daies which came from popish Idolaters and idolatrous Papists are for the most part spent and consumed in idle pastimes in much vanitie and belly cheare Exod. 32.5 6. 1. King 12.28 c. 1. Cor. 10.7 Holynesse AS the greater riches that a man hath the greater is his gaine desire and encrease of riches So the more Holynesse that any man hath the more carefully ought and the more fruitefully may hee labour in encreasing it Philip. 3.13 Hearts of strong men AS the Heart of a woman fainteth and yeeldeth in trauaile Euen so the Hearts of strong men faint when God will be their enemie afflict and scourge their countrie Iere. 49.24 The vnrecouerable destruction of obstinate Hearers AS an Earthen pot so broke to peeces that a sharde of it cannot be found fit for any vse So shall the destruction of such be whose eares cannot abide the truth but will needes haue their Preachers flatter them in their sinnes and foster them in their errours Esay 30.10 14. Humilitie ought to goe before dignitie 1 AS some Birdes before they flie out and mount on high stoupe downe with their heads and touch the ground with their bills So euerie man before he bee aduaunced to any high dignitie ought to shew great Humblenesse of minde and a casting downe of himselfe 2 Like as Wheate the weightier sounder and better it is the lower place it desireth and seeketh Euen so the Humble man the wiser and more gracious that he is the more pleasure and delight he hath in Christian Humilitie and lowlinesse But the proud man being lighter then the wind lifteth vp and extolleth himselfe aboue all things Whereupon it commeth to passe that hee peruerteth all the Lawes of God and man for that soueraigntie sake which he falsely imagineth to belong vnto himselfe Luk. 14.10 1. Cor. 4.7 Not proude but Humble men doo profite by reading and hearing of the word of God 1 AS the bough of a Tree the fuller it is of fruite the waightier it is and the greater and more plentifull fruite it beareth the lower hee stoupeth and Humbleth himselfe the more but the proude man like a fruitelesse and barren bough lifteth his head on high not seeking the profite and good of his soule but the idle prayses of men and the vaine-glorie of the world 2 Euen as if any man would steadily looke vpon the bright Sphere of the Sunne he should become blind because the weake sight of the eyes is not able to abide so great a brightnesse So whosoeuer trusting to his owne wit shall cast the eyes of his mind vppon the wonderfull and vnspeakeable brightnesse of the secrets of God hee shall be ouerthrowne of the same the sight of the mind being blinded and put out hee shall neuer attaine to that which he would because the great and hidden mysteries of the most high God cannot be comprehended by mans wit being puffed vp with pride or else there should be no difference betweene God and man if man of himselfe could attaine vnto the secrets of Gods eternall maiestie sealed vp in his blessed word and not to bee opened but by the mightie power of his most holy spirit Deut. 29.29 Psal 25.14 Esay 66.2 The Lord Humbleth vs in this world that he may may exalt vs in the world to come AS he that would haue a little flame of fire to mount and rise vp on high first keepeth it low and holded it downe with the force of a Fan and the gathering together of much wind Euen so
conceiue whatsoeuer might be seene in him which the same representeth Euen so the Image of God must through the same likenesse set before our senses a certain vnderstanding of the knowledge of God Gene. 1.26 27. 2.7 5.1 The Incommunicable properties of the Godhead AS the soule of man is wholly in the head and wholly in the feete yea wholly in euery part and yet the soule cannot bee said to vse reason in the feete or in any other part but onely in the head Euen so though all the persons of the Godhead bee one and the same essence yet doo they really differ each from other in regard of the peculiar maner of subsisting and therefore mans nature may bee assumed of the second person and not assumed either of the Father or of the holy Ghost Iustice. 1 AS the roote of a tree being vtterly rotten the boughs cannot bud and flourish nor bring foorth pleasaunt fruites in their due time So Iustice being violated it cannot be that peace can flourish and bring forth so plentifull fruites as shee is wont to doo 2 As the Image of Nabuchadnezzar although it had an head of fine Gold yet it fell and was broken all to peeces because it had feete of clay which beeing touched with a stone ouerthrew the whole inuention So Iustice many times falleth to the ground because although the Princes which are rightly called the heads of their countries be very excellent Iusticers and many as it were of the purest and finest Gold of vertue yet the ministers of Iustice are earthen and doo bend their hearts and minds to nothing but earth and clay and sometimes with giftes and rewards they are carried euery way for gaine they will sell Iudgement and so breake the necke of Iustice Dan. 2.32 33. 3 As there is no assurance of faire weather vntill the skie be cleare from cloudes So there can be in no Common-wealth a grounded peace and prosperitie where there is not informers to finde out offences as well as Magistrates to punish offenders 4 As a Physition cannot see euery secret griefe but vppon reuealement may applie a curable medicine for a hidden disease So many can discouer a mischiefe which the magistrate seeth not but the Magistrate alone must remedie the same No sound Iudgement can be giuen of a man vntill he be throughly tryed AS a Wall all whited on the out-side is not easily perceiued whether it bee made of stone or of clay vnlesse it bee smitten and tried with a mallet or some other instrument So a man garnished outwardly with good things to see too is not by and by Iudged and presently discerned whether hee be a man of patience of charitie and other vertues vnlesse he be first smitten and tried with the mallet or beetle of obloquies slaunders afflictions troubles and temptations Inuentions of men AS hey wood and stubble put to the fire are brought to suddaine consuming So the Inuentions of men not stablished by the word of God cannot beare the tryall of the holy Ghost but they by and by fall away and perish 1. Cor. 3.12 13. Inconstant men 1 EVen as the delicate Ballance of a Gold-smith is mooued with euerie little weight so that with one graine laide vpon it it falleth downward So with euerie thing whether it be luckie or vnfortunate we are wont to bee greatly mooued and doo suddainly chaunge our purposes Sometime wee exceed in mirth and by and by wee are ouerwhelmed with sorrow we are euen now praysing men to the skies and presently wee hurle them downe from heauen with our tongues and thrust them into hell We loue men and hate them we saue men and kil them all with one breath now wee choose vertue and by and by vice 2 As the Camelion chaungeth his colour according to the thing whereupon he sitteth So we likewise at euerie temptation doo chaunge our mindes and are driuen from our purposes and determinations and our wicked lusts and vngracious thoughts of our harts doo force and driue vs euen whither they will 3 As the Camelion will bee chaunged into any colour saue white So an Inconstant man is most apt and prone to all kind of vice but to no vertue The Ioy of tâ—e elect 1 AS the people reioyced exceedingly when Saloman was crowned King Euen so much more shall the Ioy of the elect bee when they shall see Christ the true Salomon crowned with glorie in the kingdome of heauen 1. King 1.40 2 As the wise men which came from the East to worship Christ when they sawe the starre standing ouer the place where the Babe was were exceeding glad So likewise much more shall the Elect reioyce when they shall see Christ not lying in a Manger but crowned with Immortall glorie in the kingdome of heauen Math. 2.1.9 10. The Ioyes of heauen endlesse LIke as if the whole world were a Sea and that euerie thousand yeares expired a Bird must carrie away or drinke vp one onely drop of it in processe of time it will come to passe that this Sea though verie huge shall bee dried vp but yet many thousand millions of yeares must be passed before this can bee done So likewise if a man should Enioy happinesse in heauen onely for the space of time in which the Sea is in drying vp he would thinke his case most happie and blessed but behold the Elect shall enioy the kingdome of heauen not onely for that time but when it is ended they shal enioy it as long againe and when all is done they shall bee as farre from the ending of this their Ioy as they were at the beginning The generall day of Iudgement 1 AS the Husbandman diggeth vp all vnfruitfull trees pareth off all rotten boughes weedeth out Cockle and Tares and casteth them into the fire Euen so God will serue them that he shall find emptie of good workes and without Oyle in their Lampes Math. 25.1 2. c. 2 As the Husbandman appointeth his seruant to purge his floure and with the Fan hee separateth the good seede from the chaffe Euen so God shall send his Angels to hiâ— floure that is into this world they shall carrie the good seede to wit the faithfull into euerlasting barnes but the chaffe and drosse that is the vngodly shall be throwne into a Furnace of fire where shall be wayling and gnashing of teeth Illumination by Christ. 1 AS the lights of heauen which wee see placed in the firmament for signes and to distinguish times daies and yeares doo giue light vnto them which are on earth So Christ doth Illuminate his Church and giueth watch-words by his precepts whereby it may knowe how to flie from the anger to come 2 As the eyes of our body are not alwayes Illuminated of the Sunne alike but the higher and nearer they come to it the more they perceiue the force of the brightnesse and heate thereof Euen so our soules the higher and nearer they approach to Christ the more clearely
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
of God Numb 23.10.19 c. So in like manner many do wish and be desirous to enter into the Kingdome of heauen but yet they will not doo the will of God neither labour nor take any paines for the meanes that is the preaching of the word of God whereby they may come by it Mat. 7.21 19.16 c. Luk. 13.24 Math. 11.12 Luk. 16.16 Ioh. 6.27 Knowledge 1 AS that man that hath receiued abundance of wealth at his maister hands dooth notwithstanding steale from him and robbe him of that which is his owne is more worthie of death then hee that had no meanes to helpe himselfe Euen so is it with him on whome the Lord hath bestowed Knowledge and yet according to the same will not ioyne obedience for obedience is the Lords and hee that faileth herein robbeth God of his honour 2 As he which hath Knowledge shal if with the same he ioyne not obedience haue greater punishments then he which hath lesse Knowledge So also he that hath lesse Knowledge or none at all and will not labour for vnderstanding and spirituall wisedome shall surely feele those torments wherewith the other was afflicted on whome the Lord bestowed more Knowledge Luk. 12.47 48. Mat. 7.21 Rom. 12.2 Ephe. 5.17 3 As Wine without the mixture of water doth trouble the braine c. So Knowledge without loue doth make a man proud Knowledge and sight of our selues 1 AS salt is made of Sea water but so long as it is in the Sea it is not salt it must be taken out of the Sea and placed vpon the drie land that being in salt pits where the Sunne may shine the ayre blow vpon it the water may be thickned and so conuerted into salt Euen so this world is a Sea so long as wee liue in the world tossed with the ebbings and flowings of the worldes inconstancie and ouerwhelmed in the bitter waters of the sinnes and wicked practises of the same we are as yet no salt we must go out of the world enter into the land to wit into our selues and take a iust viewe of our owne imbicilitie and haue a due consideration of our owne miserable and wretched estate that the Sonne of righteousnesse may thrust out his beames and the wind of heauenly grace may blow vpon vs and so we may be turned into an admirable wonderful salt that being seasoned our selues we may be meanes and the Lords instruments to season others 2 As our eyes which do behold heauen and earth and other innumerable creatures of God doo not see themselues but looking in a Glasse by that meane they perfectly see themselues So we doo not see and consider our owne frailtie brickle estate but if we will set before our eyes the glasse of the remembrance of death and the true Knowledge of our selues beholding diligently this cleare Glasse we cannot choose but very plainely see our selues and what we be Iam. 1.22 23 25. Kings AS in a suddaine casualtie of fire or in a Citie surprised there is great feare So prophane and supersticious Kings and their Counsellors when the voice or doctrine of the Gospel is heard doo tremble for feare and do mortally hate the same as the firebrand of sedition in a common-wealth and as the loosenesse of discipline Psal 2.2 Loue of the world AS a Nurse that weaneth her childe from the loue and liking of her milke doth annoynt her Teate with Alloes Mustard or some other such bitter thing So our mercifull Father to the end that he may retyre and weane vs from the Loue of worldly delights vseth to send vs tribulation and affliction which of all other things hath most force to worke that effect as we see in the example of the prodigall Sonne 1. Cor. 11.32 Luk. 15.12 c. Gods Loue. 1 AS a sure friend is not knowne but in time of neede So Gods goodnesse and Loue is neuer so well perceiued as it is in helping of vs when we cannot helpe our selues Psal 41.11 2 As Adams fall did serue to manifest Gods iustice and mercie the one in punishing the other in pardoning of sinne which otherwise wee had neuer knowne So the troubles of the Church serue to manifest first our deserts by reason of our sinnes Secondly our weaknesse and inabilitie to helpe our selues and thirdly the Louing kindnesse of the Lord our God in sauing and defending that so we might be truely thankfull and returne al the prayse and glorie to God and none to our selues Rom. 9.22 23. 3 As a Father keepeth his Sonne and heire short without any money in his purse or any thing else at his owne will till the time come that hee shall inherite and in great wisedome he doth it for if his Sonne should haue the inheritance presently he wold wast it and spend it vainely So God dealeth with his children and for no other cause both in singular wisedome and Loue that they may say afterward By this I know that thou Louest me c. Psal 41.11 Life variable and troublesome 1 AS the Sea by tempest is sometimes troublesome and then is quiet and calme by faire weather againe So the Life of man sometime is oppressed with sorrow and extreame necessitie and somtimes it floweth with ioy and wealth at will 2 As a flower so soone as it bloweth and is ripe is cut downe or very shortly gathered So likewise is the continuance of a mans Life Iob. 14.2 Esay 40.6 7. 3 As the beautie of a flower sodenly fadeth is quickly gone So likewise is all the glorie and graces of all flesh Psal 103.15 Iam. 1.10 11. 1. Pet. 1.24 4 As now the Sunne is shadowed with cloudes and by and by shineth forth bright So likewise the Life of man is subiect to chaunge Iob. 8.9 5 As Vapours appeare for a little while and afterward vanisheth away quite out of sight Euen so the Life of man is quickly vanished and gone Iam. 4.14 6 As wind suddenly passeth away with a blast So also suddenly passeth the Life of man Iob. 7.6 7. 7 As there is no way so plaine but it hath many turnings and by-pathes that vnlesse a man take good heed he may wander and goe out of his way Euen so the Life of man hath many by-pathes to walke in so that vnlesse he take great heede hee wil easily wander out of the right way 8 As there is no way but it hath a beginning so it hath an ending So likewise the Life of man as it hath a beginning so also it hath an ending Louer of vertue AS some Louers doo much delight in the pale colour of her whome they Loue So the Louer of vertue and godlinesse doth nothing abhorre the banishment of sincere Christians neither the pouertie of sound professors nor yet the condemnation of the faithfull Saints of God Learning 1 AS the Bird bringeth all kind of foode vnto her young ones neast and is nothing the better her selfe therefore So some doo onely Learne
that they may immediately teach not seeking thereby to amend and make better themselues 2 As vessels that are to bee filled are bowed and made apt to receiue the liquor that is powred therein So ought a Learner to accommodate and applie himselfe that nothing of that which is profitably spoken doo scape him 3 Like as in meates one and the selfe same dish is diuersly set forth according to the inuention of the dresser and appetite of the eater Euen so in Learning one and the selfe same point is diuersly handled according to the discretion of the writer and capacitie of the reader 4 Like as choyse and good Wine looseth his verdure and strength if it bee put into a vile and vnpure vessell Right so a good word or sentence if it bee spoken of an euill man or Learning if it chaunce to a wicked man taketh none effect 5 As the Diamond enchased and set in Gold giueth a farre brighter glosse then if it were set in leade yron or other baser mettal Euen so the loue of godlinesse and vertue planted in a Learned mans breast bringeth forth farre greater and more excellent fruit then if an vnlearned man enioyed the same graces Lying of God and his truth most offensiue AS hee sinneth most grieuously which deceiueth trauelling men by shewing them a contrarie way Euen so much more hainously offendeth he that in matters of Religion doctrine and godlinesse doo bring men into errours through Lying because he doth therby as it were thrust them out of the kingdome of heauen Ezech. 13.6 8 10 19. Iere. 23.25 26 35. 14.14 Esay 9.15 16. 1. Cor. 15.15 Iam. 3.14 Lords Supper 1 LIke as in the person of Christ his manhood was seene on earth and his Godhead being not at all seene did notwithstanding great and wonderfull things without any chaunging or confounding of natures Euen so in the Lords supper we see the bread and Wine Christs body we see not which notwithstanding worketh in vs. 2 As the body of the Sunnes light aboue is in it selfe whole albeit it bee dispersed heare beneath So likewise Christ in heauen aboue is whole notwithstanding he suffereth vs in his supper each one to bee full partakers of his body and bloud when hee giueth himselfe vnto vs and yet without any diminition at all of himselfe when he offereth himselfe vnto vs which are weake without beeing inclosed in vs when he is receiued of vs and without any dishonour at all to his maiestie when he commeth into our small cottage and will haue our hearts to be his Temple and dwelling place 3 Like as the forbidden fruit which Adam and Eue did eate in the Garden of Eden by Sathans prouocation procured their death Euen so that heauenly Manna which Christ hath appointed for our spirituall foode in his supper dooth bring vnto the worthie receiuers thereof euerlasting life Gene. 2.17 4 As the sicke man the weaker hee knoweth himselfe to bee should so much the more earnestly desire meate both to receiue nourishment and to refresh his strength Euen so so farre off it ought to bee that our weaknesse should keepe vs from the receiuing the Lords supper that it ought rather to spurre vs forward to come vnto it that by it we might be strengthened in faith and repentance 5 As the word of God is all one whether it fall vppon the euill or vpon the good surely it is all one in the minds of the hearers So the Sacrament of the Lords body and bloud is all one whether it be receiued of the good or of the euill and as the Gospell in it selfe is the power of God to sauing it doth also saue but it is not al alike to the vnbeleeuing as it is to the beleeuing So the Sacrament is of it selfe the body of Christ but to the wicked which doo contemne it and to them which do receiue it vnworthily it is farre otherwise 6 As a mother hauing brought foorth her little one dooth not forsake it but nurseth and bringeth it vp So Christ hauing ordained Baptisme to bee as a seale and pledge of our spirituall new birth into his Church did institute the holy supper to the end that by participation in his body and bloud we might the more bee strengthned in this assurance that Christ is ours together with all his benefites and so feede our soules spiritually to life euerlasting 7 As a litle waxe powred vpon other waxe is made all one with it Euen so they that receiue the Sacrament of the Lords supper worthily abide in Christ and Christ in them 8 As the Child when he commeth to age is bound to honour his parents not onely for his begetting and bringing into this life but also because they haue fed and brought him vp and still do continue the same duties vnto him Euen so should it be with vs whome God hath as it were begotten into his Church through our Baptisme and to whome hee hath since in his holy supper ministred the foode of our soules in the Communion of the body and bloud of Iesus Christ for not onely our spirituall new birth by Baptisme but also the spirituall foode which that good Father giueth vnto vs in his holy supper doo binde vs to honour him yea and should thereto mightily induce vs considering that for foode of our soules hee hath deliuered his onely Sonne Iesus Christ to bee crucified for vs. 9 Like as if any man had a child so sicke that nothing coulde serue for his foode and recouerie but precious Pearles confected or preserued this child should be much bound to loue and honour his parents that for his reliefe had not grudged at such cost and expences Euen so wee shall deserue great reproofe of our heauenly Father who feedeth vs in his holy supper not with pearles but with the very flesh and bloud of his Sonne Iesus Christ in case wee should make no account to please him by amendment of life withall considering that as there is no comparison betweene pearles the body and bloud of Iesus Christ so the spirituall life of our soules is without comparison much more excellent then the life of our bodies 10 As meate and drinke ministred vnto the body doo maintaine the life motions and senses of the body So from the communion in the body and bloud of Iesus Christ which is the foode of the soule must proceed the spirituall and heauenly life cogitations affections words and deedes 11 As it were a straunge case if the body by eating and drinking should gather no sustenance and consequently want all motions sense and bodily operation So were it a monstrous matter that the soule communicating in the body and bloud of Iesus Christ should gather no spiritual foode that might bring foorth newnesse of life and holynesse in words and deeds 12 As the hololy supper is the table of Gods children the faithfull and members of the Church of Iesus Christ So the communicating thereat is a solemne protestation
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
doo the will of my Father saith Christ which is in heauen Euen so is it often said that a hood maketh not a Muncke neither rounding or powling neither yet a long Gowne or a square Cap or Tippet maketh a true Apostle or Minister but he is counted to bee the assured Minister of Christ which both is able and can by sound doctrine exhort and comfort the gaine-sayers thereof and also doth diligently goe before the people of God by good example of life and vertuous conuersation 48 As it is the dutie of Iudges which doo sit in iudgement as concerning matters of life and death to shut the one eare to the accuser and to reserue the other for him that is accused after the example of great Alexander So likewise it is the part of Ministers to be ready to make answere to euerie question of the Law of God for he that is ignorant in Gods Law he may assure himselfe that he can by no meanes be Gods Minister Mind 1 AS we vse not the troubled water vntill it bee cleared againe So must we not vse our Mind being moued and angrie but suffer it first to be pacified 2 As out of the vessell which is filled with liquor the â—yre is expelled So out of a Mind replenished with verâ—ue and godlinesse all kind of vanities be voide Member of Christ falleth not finally AS a mans arme taken with the dead Palsie hangs by and receiues no heate life or sence from the rest of â—e Members or from the head yet for all this it remaines still vnited and coupled to the bodie â—nd may againe be recouered by plaisters and phisicke So after a greeuous fall the child of God that feeles no inward peace comfort but is smitten in conscience with the trembling of a spirituall Palsie for his offence neuerthelesse in deed remaines before God a member of Christ which shal be restored to his former estate after true and vnfained repentance Memorie AS the leaues of a booke which is sildom vsed wil cleaue fast together Euen so the Memorie waxeth dull if it be not oft quickned A Minde ruled by reason AS the ship which hath a strong ankor may safely stay in any hauen So likewise a man which hath his Mind ruled by reason will liue peaceably and quietly in any region of the world The Minde of man 1 AS Trees planted and set by the waters side seeme faire and pleasant adorned with store and varietie of fresh and greene leaues So likewise doth the Minde of man being garnished with godly knowledge moysâ—ned with the water of Gods diuine spirit flourish shine with the bright beames of vertue and spread abroad his boughes both of faith toward God and also yeeld foorth the fruite of Christian workes toward his neighbour Psal 1. 3. Esay 17.8 2 As the eye of the bodie although it behold all otheâ— things yet it cannot see either it selfe or some other partâ— of the bodie euen those which are nearest vnto it So it fareth with the Mind of man the eye of the soule it ranged ouer the whole worlde aboue the highest heauens anâ— beneath the bottom of the earth and yet it is a straunger 〈◊〉 home most ignorant of the owne estate 3 As we see in running Riuers that the force of the water is greatly diminished when as the currant thereof is turned into seuerall litle streames and that both the heate and light do loose much of their vertue when as they are dispearsed abroad into large and open places So likewise it happeneth to our Mindes when as they are applied vnto seuerall studies which sometimes are contrary one to the other so that we thinking through an ambitious desire to do many things in the end effect and bring to passe nothing as we should do 4 As Porke betokeneth vncleannesse from which we must abstaine and beasts did signifie that beastly affections should be killed So the Minde and will must be renued that it may allow chuse and do such things as please God 5 As the bodie being alwayes oppressed with labour looseth his strength and so perisheth So likewise doth the Minde of man oppressed with the cares and pleasures of this world loose all her force lust and desire that she had to the rest to come of eternall life and so dieth not onely the death of sinne but hasteth what she can to hate abhorre all vertue 6 As a ship hauing a sure Ankor may lye safe in any place So the Mind that is ruled by perfect reason is quiet euery where Merite or desert not to be looked for for well doing 1 LIke as if one say the Prince hath bestowed a great Office vpon such an honest man this betokeneth â—ot wherefore but vpon what maner of person the Prince â—estowed it Euen so in like maner if we say that God wil â—iue glory the kingdome of heauen and euerlasting life â—o them that walke vprightly this teacheth vs what maner of men the Lord will giue the inheritance vnto but not for what cause mouing him he will giue it vnto them Eze. 36.22 Math. 18.27 25.34 Luk. 17.7 9 10. Gal. 1.15 3.18 2 As he which is wicked and dooth wickedly hurteth himselfe and not God Or as hee that hath the health of his bodie and doth by good dyet keepe and preserue it dooth hee therefore deserue any reward at the Phisitions hands Verely no for he doth it not for the Phisitions profit but for his owne Euen so likewise he that by the gift of God hath obtained the health of his soule and by his grace doth the things that belong to the preseruation of the same shall we say that he dooth Merite or deserue any reward at Gods hand because that he is made such by his grace and gift and doth now through his helpe aide and assistance keepe the same grace for his onely profite and commoditie either by earnest beliefe or by vnfained loue or by assured hope or by well doing and patience in aduersitie and trouble c. 3 Like as if any man that hath a state or interest for terme of yeres and a taking of profit in a peece of ground by another mans liberall graunt doo also claime to himselfe the tytle of proprietie dooth hee not by such vnthankefulnesse deserue to loose the verie selfe possession which hee had Or like as if a bonde Slaue beeing made free of his Lorde doo hide the basenesse of the estate of a Libertine who is made free by maumission and not by byrth and boaste himselfe to bee a Free-man borne is hee not woorthie to bee brought backe into his former bondage Euen so althougâ— good woorkes proceede from the grace of God yeâ— they doo please him and are not vnprofitable to the dooers of them but rather they receiue for rewarde the most large benefits of God not because they deserue but because the goodnesse of God hath of it selfe appointed this price vnto theÌ„ But what spitefulnesse is this
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
subiect to many cares anguishes and vexations Mercilesse Men. 1 AS beasts are not eaten vntill they be dead boyled or rosted Euen so Mercilesse Men whilst they liue will do no charitable deeds or workes of mercy to the poore vntil death hath theÌ„ in his pot ther boyle them after his maner only at their death in their last testament they wil perhaps leaue some Legacies to be giuen when they bee dead but death must be sure of theÌ„ before the pore be sure of a pennie It were better done by much to relieue the poore with their owne hands in their life time it is not amisse that they doo good then but it were better done before Ezech. 16.49 Prou. 14.31 19.17 21.13 Math. 5.7 2 As oftentimes yong children the more the Father doth cocker and dandle them the lesse they care for him and if he say vnto them I wil haue this or that done none so readie to bid him commaund and doo it himselfe as his owne children So it many times falleth out with vs God our heauenly Father hath blessed vs and blessed vs againe and yet when he saith I will haue you to be mercifull and pittifull to your needie brethren like stubburne children we sit still and stop our eares as if we heard not Math. 9.13 Prou. 11.17 Luk. 6.36 Mich. 6.8 No difference of Men after death AS Trees growing in the wood are knowne some by difference of their trunkes or bodies some by the properties of their boughes braunches leaues flowers and fruits but this knowledge is had of them whiles they stand grow are not consumed but if they be committed to the fire turned into ashes they cannot be known for it is vnpossible that when the ashes of diuers kindes of trees are mingled together the tall Pine-tree should bee discerned from the great and huge Oke or the mightie popler from a little lowe shrube or any one tree from an other Euen so Men whiles they liue in the wood of this world are knowne some by the stocke of ancestors some by the florishing leaues of their words eloquence some in the flowers of beautie some in the fruits of honestie many by their sauage ignorance and barbarousnesse and some by their mild lenitie and kindnesse but when death doth bring them into dust and hath mixed and mingled them al together then their ashes earth dust cannot be discerned or knowne for when the ashes and dust of all are mingled together then shall there appeare no difference betweene the mighty Princes of the world and the seely poore soules that are not accounted off of the learned and vnlearned betwixt rich men and beggers or betweene the wise and the foolish Man is borne to loue God 1 AS Birds of all sorts do desire the ayre fishes seeke for water and the fire of the earth mounteth flameth vp towards the Elementall fire and all things seeke their place and centre and doo tend towards the same Euen so we ought to seeke after our God who is our onely rest our centre and onely God 2 As flouds and ryuers with great force runne into the Sea because they came out of the Sea Euen so we ought to loue God to aspire towards him in al feruencie of loue to drawe neare vnto him who is that vnmeasurable Sea of all goodnesse from whence we came for hee hath made vs after his owne similitude likenesse Gene. 1.26 3 As we are bound to keepe the precepts commandements of God So are we most strickly bound to loue honour and obey himselfe 4 Euen as the Horse is ordained to runne the Oxe to plough and the Dogge to hunt So is Man borne aboue all things to loue God Masse AS an harlot who setteth her body to sale dooth paint her selfe to all lasciuiousnesse and vncleannesse doth scrout her selfe with rings Iewels and putteth on costly apparell therewithal to allure to her selfe companions whose substance she may wast away Euen so that whore of Babylon called the Masse commeth abroad set out as it â—ere with Gold and Iewels whilst shee doth vse certaine holie lessons and songs out of the word of God wherby she doth easily deceiue the ruder sort and the simple who deceiued with the outward shew do think her to be a very chast virgin who indeed is a most filthy harlot hurting her companions more then the vilest harlot that may be Vnlearned Ministers are not to be admitted vntill they be fit AS an Egle so long as her yong ones be not very fledge and throughly feathered she doth not suffer them to goe out of the neast and to flie abroad but after they be perfectly winged and in their beautie strength of their feathers she throweth them out of the nest that they may flie and exercise their wings and feathers and vse them to the end wherefore they haue them Euen so our Sauiour Christ that heauenly Eagle after his resurrection commaunded his Disciples to stay at Ierusalem as it were in a neast and not to depart thence vntill in the day of Pentecost he had filled them with the grace of the holy Ghost and then hee commaunded them that passing through the world and trauelling through diuers coastes of the earth they should publish abroad and spread farre and neare the Gospell of his kingdome Act. 1.4 2.2 3 4. Math. 28.19 The Misteries of Gods word are not to be opened to the wicked AS a Marchant that is expert and skilfull in his profession and facultie will not open nor shewe his richâ— wares and costly marchandise vnto those whom he wel knoweth will not buy them which do come into his shoâ— or ware-house either as curious persons or as crafty spies and subtill searchers not with any purpose to buy buâ— to doo some euill and calleth vnto him onely thosâ— whom hee knoweth to be verie willing and desirous to buy Euen so the Lorde his manner is not to open his heauenly Mysteries and the deepe secrets of his sacred and most holy word vnto them whom hee perceiueth and seeth plainly to seek after them vainly and curiously or with a wicked mind and corrupted purpose to search them out to the end they may tread and trample them vnder their feete and dooth call them onely to the true knowledge of his Lawes and ordinances and doth instruct and teach them whom he is sure will profit them selues and others thereby Matth. 7.6 12.38 39. Luk. 23.8 9. When Man in trouble seeketh for comfort from the world he seeketh for life in the house of death AS the blood in the body of a Man being corrupted with a poysoned Arrow dooth by and by flie to the heart euen seeking and hoping as it were to finde some remedie and helpe there and yet dooth euen so soone as it toucheth the hart find death wher it sought for life So Men when they are sore pressed with calamities do make the world their first refuge and
whiles they seeke for succour and comfort of the world they finde no better thing than death where they thought to haue found life experience dooth teach them that they sought for life in the house of death and for a medicine there where â—o good thing is to be had The necessitie of the Magistrate and a preaching Minister AS the wal within eke without is made ofsquared stones between the which the lesse stones are conâ—eined to make the building vp EueÌ„ so the preaching Miâ—ister within the church the Magistrate in the commoÌ„ weale should support and vphold the meaner sort in due obedience 2 Like as the Soule in excellencie surpasseth and exceedeth the bodie So dooth the office of the Preacher which principally is occupied in instructing of the soule deserue to be preferred before all such functions as concerne onely the bodie and the direction and ordering of the outward life of man out of which office of a diligent Preacher springeth and issueth the true outward obedience vnto the ciuil Magistrate who as he compelleth the Preacher perswadeth as he constraineth the Preacher allureth as he forceth with the sword so the Preacher draweth voluntarily by the doctrine of the word Meanes must be vsed 1 EVen as Noe thogh he knew he shuld be saued did not neglect the Means but made the Arke as God commaunded So also we though we be perswaded oâ— our saluation must notwithstanding vse those Means thaâ— God hath appointed and set downe for the same in hiâ— word 2 As God is able to keepe in health whom hee listeth either without foode physicke or any such meanes froâ— death of the bodie So likewise is hee able to deale witâ— the soule but yet he wil haue his appointed Meanes vseâ— as the hearing of his word preached Catechising and thâ— partaking of the Sacrament 3 Like as when a certain King maketh this Proclamâ—tion that of a company of rebelles or malefactors thoâ— who comming into his presence haue his scepter reachâ— out vnto them shall liue the rest shall haue the Lawe passe on them yet he keepeth himselfe within a stroâ— Castle the gates being fast shut herevpon many of thâ— malefactors casting off their olde and filthie apparell 〈◊〉 dresse themselues in the best manner they can to come before the king When they come to the place of his abode they find no entrance saue onely a few of them yet they that stand excluded are better to bee admitted then they who conâ—emning the Kings offer neuer looke towards him and yet in truth they that stand nearest to the gates doo no more deserue life neither are any more capable of it or any nearer vnto it for ought that they themselues can doo then they who bee a hundred miles off So God biddeth all cast off their sinnes their corrupt dispositions and liues and to come and seeke to him for grace yet they doo not by this Meanes deserue nor can by any Meanes compell God to admit them into his fauour and to touch their hearts with his spirit All should vse this Meanes and hope to obtaine grace yea none can hope to obtaine grace who doo not vse this Meanes yet some vse the Meanes and doo not obtaine and others obtaine not vsing the Meanes yet the Meanes is carefully to be vsed and necessarie to be knowne 4 Euen as we must be diligent to doo all good works and not put our trust of saluation in them but say when wee haue done all those things which are commaunded 〈◊〉 wee are vprofitable seruants Luk. 17 9.10 So likewise we must vse alwayes lawful Meanes to defend our selues â—â—d yet say Our helpe is in the name of the Lord which hath made heauen and earth for hee hath ordained such â—eanes to saue vs by and workes by the same our deliâ—erance when pleaseth him and sometimes to shewe his â—ower hee deliuereth vs without such ordinarie meanes â—sal 124.8 Mortification AS the Arke was to Noe a graue and yet the way to saue him Euen so he that will liue euerlastingly must be Mortified and die to his sinnes Gene. 7.1 c. Mourning for our sinnes 1 AS the Eagle feeling his wings heauy plungeth them in a fountaine and so reneweth his strength Euen so after the same sort a Christian feeling the heauie burthen of his sins batheth himselfe in a fountaine of teares and so washing off the old man which is the body of sinne is made yong againe and lustie as an Eagle Luk. 7.44 2 As Peters faith was so great that he lept into a Sea of waters to come to Christ Math. 14 28 29. So also his repentance was so great that hee lept into a Sea of teares when he went from Christ Mark 14.72 Luk. 23.63 3 As it is an Idoll and no God which hath eyes and seeth not So he is rather an Idol shepheard then a godly Pastour which hath eyes and weepeth not more or lesse one time or other in preaching to the people Iere. 9.1 Act. 20.31 4 Euen as the Oliue tree is most aboundant in fruit when it distilleth So likewise a Christian is most plentifull and powerfull in prayer when hee weepeth and Mourneth for his sinnes 5 As salt vapours aryse out of the Sea which afterward are turned into a pleasant shower So out of a sinfull sorrowfull soule dooth arise sobs and sighes like salt vapours which immediatly are turned into a sweete shower of teares 6 As a Quaile flies ouer the Sea feeling himselfe beginne to bee wearie lights by the way into the Sea theâ— lying at one side he layes downe one wing vpon the water and hold vp the other wing towards heauen least he should presume to take too long a flight at the first hee wets one wing least hee should despaire of taking a new flight afterwards he keepes the other wing drie Euen so must a Christian man doo when hee layes downe the wing of feare vpon the water to weepe for himselfe then hee must hold vp the wing of loue towardes heauen to reioyce for Christ and the other of sorrow for himselfe 7 As a Hinde goeth not still forward in one way but iumpes crosse out of one way into an other Right so a Christian in Mourning for his sinnes must iumpe crosse from himselfe to Christ and then backe againe from Christ to himselfe 8 As Hanna wept for her barrennesse Euen so haue we great cause to weepe for our sinnes seeing wee can conceiue nothing but sorrow and bring foorth iniquitie to death 1. Sam. 1.5 9 As Tamar wept being defloured by her brother So likewise we haue greater cause to weepe seeing we commit spirituall incest and Adulterie daily with the diuell 2. Sam. 13.19 10 As Hagar wept beeing turned out of Abrahams house So this ought to be the greatest cause of weeping vnto vs that our life is no life because wee neuer cease from sinning while we are heere pilgrimes straungers exiled and banished out of our Fathers house in heauen
should say that he had in vaine asked helpe at their hands Euen so much more wil God the great king of heauen and earth who is as able as the richest and as willing to giue as the frankest yea and hath as great care and that not without cause of his glorie as any man hath of his worldly worship renowme thinke scorne that any man should say there is no helpe for me in God I haue in vaine afflicted my soule humbled my selfe at his footestoole by Prayer cleansed my wayes in his sight repaired to the place of his presence and called vpon him there is nothing to be hoped for or gotten at his hands 29 Euen as the Smith striketh the yron while it is hote and fit to receiue any forme or impression So God although he could imprint his grace in the coldest hardest and flintiest disposition of the heart yet he rather doth it when as the affections of men are stirred vp and enflamed either by the ministerie of the word and publike Prayer during the which regeneration is ordinarily wrought in men or else by some priuate Christian exercise as reading the Scripture and serious meditation but especially by praying and singing Psalmes to God in the time of the which actions it pleaseth God sometimes to send his spirit into the hearts of his elect 30 Like as a medicine or playster cannot heale a wound if there be any yron sticking in the same So in like manner the Praier of a man profiteth him not as long as there is sorrow in his mind or hatred in his brest for if charitie want all things be void 31 Euen as a child when he feareth any euill or harme towards runneth to his father for helpe and succour So in like manner the children of God they runne to God by Prayer in all their daungers and distresses Gene. 16.11 21.17 32 As a louing Father in regard of his ignorant and somtimes negligent child doth giue him things vnasked but not to the rebellious Euen so God doth oftentimes bestow his graces and benefites vpon vs without Prayer 33 As parents rather take pleasure to heare their children stammer then to heare some other speake eloquently Euen so doth the Lord take pleasure in the Prayers of his Saints because in Christ hee taketh them for his children 34 As the knowledge of God ought not to be vnperfect or doubtfull So Prayer should not be faint or slacke without courage or quicknesse 35 Like as he that is in prison desireth euer to be deliuered whether hee be eating drinking or sleeping and as he that is sicke desireth alwayes to bee whole euen so dooth euerie Christian man pray continually yea euen when hee seemeth not to pray for Prayer consisteth not in much babling Math. 6.7 But in spirit and veritie Iohn 4.24 and in vehement desire of the heart towards God 36 As a Sonne being pinched with any griefe or want doth straight way runne to his Father for reliefe So doo the faithfull in the manifold miseries and crosses of this present life seeke for helpe at the hands of their heauenly father by Prayer Ephe. 5.1 37 As the exercising of the body doth not onely preserue it in the naturall vigour but also increaseth strength of it and keepeth it from sicknesse So by the daily vse of Prayer wee shall find that the Lord will increase in vs all spirituall graces farre aboue our owne expectation or the opinion of any other Ephe. 6.18 It is no Presumption to be assured of our saluation 1 LIke as if a king should make a promise vnto some one of his seruants whom he fauoreth and the same partie should aunswere againe I stand in doubt of your promise or I hardly beleeue the performance of your promise might not the King well thinke himselfe greatly dishonoured to haue it doubted whether he be a man of his word But if he should sweare for the Performance of his promise yet the partie would not credit him he would neuer put that vp or suffer such an iniurie Euen so after the same manner it must needes follow that seeing God hath bound himselfe both by promise and by oath that it is great presumption for vs not to beleeue him yea it is all one as to thinke that God may lie or that he may be forsworne which is horrible blasphemie Hebr. 6.17 18. 2 Like as it is al one if a man be cōdemned for treason to haue his pardon sent him being but one man alone or hauing a great sort moe cōdemned vnto death with him as if a general pardon be sent for them all Euen so it is betwixt God and vs we were all condemned he hath sent a general pardon to as many as beleeue his promise which he offereth and sendeth vnto all in generall as hee also offereth and sendeth vnto euerie one in particular saying that whosoeuer beleeueth and trusteth in Christ shall be saued God therefore hath told some men that is such as beleeue that they shall be saued and such as doubt of his promise and his oath that they shall be damned So that it is no presumption to be sure and certaine of our saluation Mar. 16. Iohn 3.16 17 18. 5.24 Act. 15.11 Pure mind AS the Sunne is not defiled by shining vpon a puddle or dunghill but doth rather drie vp and driue away the stinch Euen so a Pure and chast mind striueth against the vncleannesse of the world and ouercommeth it but is not defiled it selfe Proceeding in Religion LIke as the young child must not looke to bee fed alwayes with the Teate or pappe but as it groweth in yeares so to feede on stronger meate Euen so good Christians must not content themselues to haue learned the principles of Religion but they must labour also to Proceed and come to perfection by learning the substantiall and higher points of Religion and not to bee like truants alwayes sticking at one lesson Hebr. 5.13 14. 1. Pet. 2.1 2 3. Prayer must be made to God alone LIke as if a King would send out a Proclamation that all his subiects whensoeuer they had any suit or trouble should come to himselfe and let him vnderstand their case to the intent to winne his subiects fauour and to make knowne his good will towards them then that man might well bee counted foolish that knowing this would seeke and sue to some Noble man to get him to speake to the King for him and this King might iustly be offended and displeased at him for so doing Euen so it standeth betwixt God and vs who hath commaunded vs to call vpon him in the day of trouble so hee will deliuer vs and therefore those that make Saints their mediatours doo robbe him of his honour and glorie that is due vnto him c. Psal 50.15 Profession abused AS wee doo not condemne the Art of Physicke because some Physitions haue giuen poyson for Apothicarie drugges but those that abuse the Art Or as wee
and brimstone vppon the third it would make them afraid Preachers must be faultlesse AS when the Priestes did offer they did especially prouide that their sacrifice should haue no spot on it least it should not be acceptable to God So the Preachers of the word must haue a speciall care that there bee no blots in their liues or Sermons Prophets AS wee looking on those things which are before our eyes doo see them no otherwise then they are So the Prophets did foresee things to come as though they were present and as they were in deed Philosophie AS the earth heauen and ayre and such like are not therefore to be contemned because some haue abused them and worshipped them as Gods So Philosophie is not to be despised though it haue errors in it but what profit soeuer can be gathered out of it the same is to bee applied to the vse of our life Vaine Pleasures 1 AS pilgrimes and straungers doo not vse to delight themselues with the Pleasures of the Country whither they trauell as straungers but so vse them that they set not their hearts on them but are readie and willing to leaue them if it were to morrow So also must we being pilgrimes heare on earth neuer set our hearts or affections on the vain Pleasures of this life but vse this world as though we vsed it not 1. Pet. 2.10 2 Euen as there is a kind of tickling in the flesh which causeth laughter that is both vncomely and vnseemely and like vnto a convultion and shrinking of the sinowes So likewise all those Pleasures of the body which are prouoked onely by fantasie and conceit of mind are sottish feeble troublesome and farre differing from nature 3 Euen as the affection which a wicked person beareth to a strumpet dooth exceedingly diminish the loue which he should beare vnto his lawfull wife So likewise the loue wee beare to these vaine and transitorie things and especially vnto Pleasures which is like vnto an olde and common whore who draweth vs exceedingly from our duties and diminisheth that zeale and affections wee should beare towards our spouse Christ Iesus to those things which he commaundeth vs. 4 As Bees doo first giue Honie and forthwith pricke with their sting So bodily Pleasures of which the Epicures make three sorts namely to feed delicately to drink pleasantly and to liue lecherously the rest seruing herevnto whether they delight the eyes or prouoke the bodie by what meanes soeuer vnto pleasure they call appurtenances beareth a shewe of goodnesse while it tickleth the minde by her enticements but in the end it bringeth most bitter sorrow Prou. 5.3.4 5 As drunkards do by drinking not quench the thirst and satisfie their appetite but encrease the burning thirst of their bodies and the insatiable intemperance of their mindes So all other worldly Pleasures the longer they are enioyed the more greedily they are desired and more obstinately preferred before God and spirituall graces Iere. 13.23 6 As the bough of a tree being by the growth of many yeares become stiffe and strong is now farre more easily broken then bowed So for the most part men of age experience and worldly wisedome doo sooner loose their liues then leaue their vaine Pleasures and carnall desires which they haue carefully nourished and strengthned all their life time 7 As affliction and miserie doo strike at the faith of a Christian So the enioying of worldly Pleasures in the time of prosperitie doth diminish the other parts of sanctification by the immoderate and vnlawfull seeking and vsing of earthly pleasures Keeping of Promise LIke as the Mulberrie-tree is said to be the wisest of all trees because it buddeth last of all and not til the cold be past and bringeth forth fruite first which is ripe before the cold commeth againe So we must be slow in promising and quicke in performing Pride maketh God to take his graces from vs and to bestow them vpon others 1 AS the slaue that hath stolen from his Lord and Maister and wil acknowledge no dutie no rent nor any seruice wherein he is bound vnto him doth deserue to loose all such lands as he holdeth of his Maisters So in like maner if God who requireth nothing of vs but a confession and acknowledgement of the good he hath done for vs seeing vs to refuse this dealeth iustly with vs if he shut vp his liberality from vs and bestoweth the same vpon others 2 Like as if a great Lorde should receiue some poore man into his house giuing him nothing but wherewithall he might maintain himselfe in mean estate and should perceiue that within two or three yeares after he purchased lands put money to vsury kept a great port and to be at other excessiue charges his maister might haue good occasion to thinke he were a thiefe seeing that he had nothing when his Lord tooke him into his seruice So likewise we considering how poore we are by nature that we came into the house of our God all naked laden as it were and couered with filth and beggery if being there we wil vaunt our selues in so doing we should rob God of his glorie and giue him iust cause to take them from vs and to giue them to others Pride corrupteth all our workes 1 AS a little Worme-wood will quickly marre a whole vessel of wine So in like manner when as our life is most perfect godly yea most diuine and angelicall the least Pride that may be wil wholly corrupt it and make it worse and more imperfect then euer it was good 2 As it were a lamentable thing to see a Marchant after a long and prosperous Nauigation suffer Shipwracke in the hauen and losse of al in that place where he hoped to repose himselfe and enioy the fruit of his labours So in like manner it is when a man like vnto the Pharisie hath liued well in this world carefully obseruing the commaundements of God and wisely and politickly carried himselfe among men in the end through a presumption and Pride in himselfe or contempt of his neighbour he vtterly casteth himselfe away 3 Like as when we are on the top of an hill or of some high place we take good heed to our feete and we walke warily for feare of stumbling So in like maner must they behaue themselues whome God hath exalted aboue others either in authoritie knowledge vertue or wealth or any other grace whatsoeuer it hath pleased him to bestow vpon them in particular maner considering that the meanes to bee preserued and continued in that estate wherein they are is to trust in him and continually to cleaue vnto him to the end that they always may liue in his feare and in humble manner retaine and keepe their minds in his obedience in remembrance and consideration of his goodnesse and not to be Proud and arrogant 4 As the Peacocke beholding his gay and goodly feathers waxeth forthwith very proud thereof but as soone as he casteth
house of Dauid waxed stronger and stronger In like manner the spirit must alwayes endeuour it selfe to that which is before and neuer leaue fighting with the flesh till the house of Saul who was a limbe of the diuel that is the flesh waxe weaker and weaker and the house of Dauid who was a figure of Christ that is the spirit waxe stronger and stronger 2. Sam. 3.1 10 As Abraham did runne from the doore of his Tent to meete the Angels So must we endeuour to runne forward not onely looking for but also hastning vnto the comming of the day of God that we may if it be possible meete the Lord in the aire with all his holy Angels Gene. 18.2 2. Pet. 3.12 11 As the Cherubins spread out their wings on high and couer the mercie seate So must wee spread out our wings stretch out and endeuour our selues and bee alwayes prest and readie to flie as it were to doo the will of God if wee would haue his will done in the earth as it is in heauen Exod. 37.9 12 As hee that hath the thumbes of his hands cut off may perhaps doo something but he is so long about a little that he were better sit still and doo nothing then be so long pidling about nothing Or as hee that hath the thumbes of his feete cut off may peraduenture goe forward but is such a Snayles pace which he goes that he were better stand still and not goe at all forward then go so slowly forward So we likewise must not goe so slowly forward as though the thumbes of our hands and feete were cut off but rather we must striue to come to Perfection and to runne as fast as it is to bee supposed that that mightie man could which had vpon euerie hand six fingers and vpon euerie foote six toes 2. Sam. 21.21 13 Euen as those beastes in Ezechiel did runne and returne as lightnings So must euerie one who is enlightned with the spirit of God follow as swiftly as lightning which dooth no sooner flash downe from heauen to the earth then he must in affection mount vp from the earth to heauen Ezech. 1.14 14 As the Israelits were commanded to eate the Passeouer in haste So in like manner all we which are true Israelites must gird vp the loynes of our minds and follow hard and runne a pace towards Perfection and redeeme the time that both the wrath of God may passe ouer vs and also the mercie of God may abide with vs. Exo. 12.11 15 As the Ostridge neuer flies with his wings but only lifts vp his body with them when he runnes and in the pinion of each wing hee hath a sharpe spurre wherewith he pricketh his owne selfe that so hee may run the faster So we ought by all good meanes to quicken our dull dispositions that we may follow hard euen as wee see the Ostridge eggeth his own selfe forward with the flapping of his wings Esay 40.31 16 As Pindarus writeth that King Therons coursers were such as wold neuer be wearie of going So we must follow and still endeuour to come to Perfection and neuer be wearie of well doing 17 As Atalanta ranging out on the right hand to gather vp those golden Apples which Hippomenes for the nonce threw forth before her did loose the wager shee ran for So likewise they which are not thankfull to God for the glorious peace and prosperitie of his Church but runne after euerie fond and straunge deuised doctrine and take vp all pretie nouelties as golden Apples which euerie man le ts fall shall misse the marke and loose the garland of glorie and so neuer attaine to Perfection 18 As Paul left Cyprus on his left hand when he sayled toward Syria So wee must if we will runne towards the marke of Perfection leaue all Atheisme all Gentilisme al Poperie al prophannesse al lewdnesse on the left hand and also wee must forsake all those worldly affections which may draw vs any way from the marke of true godlinesse Act. 21.3 19 As Gunners winke with the leftreye that they may leuell more truely So likewise we must not beâ—old any vngodlinesse or sinister dealing with our eyes but wee must ayme directly toward Christ and either if it be possible hit the mark of Perfection or at least wise with those left handed Beniamities come within a haires breadth of it Iudg. 20.16 20 Like as when Diogenes sawe a bungling Archer sâ—oote he ranne as fast as he could to the marke the lookers on demaunded what he meant in so doing Hee answered to make sure that he might not be hit for this fellow sayes hee meanes neuer to come neare the marke So likewise when wee see prophane straglers starting aside like a broken bow and roauing a great way wide on the left hand we must rather labour to attaine to Perfection that so wee may not onely keepe our selues safe from the danger of their il example but also we may giue ayme as it were to others by our good ensample and direct them that they be neither wide nor short to draw to the marke of Perfection 21 As Iosephs brethren stood so long dallying and delaying and trifling out the time that hauing a iourney to buy Corne they might haue returned twise before they would goe once Or as Eliseus when Elias called him went about the bush as wee say and would needes goe bid his Father and his Mother farwell before hee would follow the Prophet So when wee are called of God to professe his Religion we may not stand temporising and circling and consulting with flesh and bloud before we follow toward the marke of Perfection neither must we fetch a compasse but rather endeuor with a straight course to come to Christ Gene. 43.10 1. King 19.20 22 As the Bee beeing to flie home to her Hiue and fearing least if shee should bee taken by the way with the wind shee might so perhaps bee blowne about in the ayre counterpeizes her selfe with a little stone and so flies straight home So likewise we must not bee wauering and carried about with euerie blast of doctrine like a Reed shaken in the winde but must be built vppon the chiefe corner stone and grounded vpon a rocke and established with grace that howsoeuer the raine fall or the flouds arise or the wind blow or what times so euer come yet we may stand fast and alwayes follow Christ directly till we come to Perfection Ephe. 4.14 15. Luk. 6.24 Hebr. 13.9 Math. 7.25 23 As Theseus being guided by Ariadnes threed which shee tied at the entrance into Dedalus Labyrinth escaped all the daunger and errour of it Euen so wee must make Christ the doore by which we must enter into the Labyrinth of all out affaires and tie Rahabs threed at this entrance and follow it all the way that so we may bee safe and goe in and out and find pasture and come to Perfection Iosu 2.14 Ioh. 10.9 24 Like as a lustie Hound
of a good kind ordereth his going so well that though he haue run ouer many fields and through a thousand thickets already yet he neuer remembreth any labour which is behind but forgetteth it and if he chance to lap water in some brooke by the way yet euen while he lappeth hee lifteth vp his head and still goeth on plieth him forwards to his game So must we doo in this pursute of Perfection seeing Christ hath now sprinkled all the way betweene heauen and earth with his bloud and so hath made it a freshe and a liuing way therefore wee which haue noses like the Tower of Lebanon must as Bloud-hounds trace him by the foote and runne after him in the smell of his oyntments and hunt hotly vpon his fresh and liuing way with a fresh and liuely faith and though we haue gone very farre and done a thousand good deedes alreadie yet we must alwayes forget that which is behind till wee haue gotten if not the childrens bread yet at the least wise some little crum of mercie that falles from our maisters table some litle drop of blood that falls from our Lords side which will be sufficient to make vs perfect men in Christ Hebr. 1â— 20 Cant. 1.4 25 Euen as that altar of perfume was placed not in any common roome or in any odde corner of the Tabernacle but in the Sanctuary it selfe somewhat beyond the vaile close to the golden Censer verie neare the mercy feate So a Christian heart which is a spiritual altar of perfume and of a sweet sauour to God must daily endeuour it selfe to that which is before and stil more more aspire to heauenly things and alwayes nearer and nearer approach vnto Perfection and vnto the throne of grace and continually higher and higher aduaunce itselfe to him that is the highest and holiest of all Exod. 36.6 Heb. 9.4 2. Cor. 2.15 26 As the Israelites so soone as they had pitched in Mithkah which signifies sweetnesse by and by remoued their Tents from Chashmonah which signifies swiftnesse So we must ioyne sweetnesse and swiftnesse both together and assoone as we haue tasted and seene how sweete the Lord is presently we must remooue our Tents from thence and follow hard and runne not only sweetly but also swiftly in the way of peace which leadeth vnto Perfection and life Num. 33.26 27 As a Pomegranate hath many graines within him in his case and a little rounde circle or a crowne without him vpon his head now these graines being sweete in taste and red in colour are orderly set one by another and point vp or as it were looke vp altogether to the crowne So in like manner we which are plantes of the Church as an Oâ—chaâ—dâ— of Promegranaâ—es must growe and goe on still to Perfection not onely when we enioy the sweete taste of pleasant prosperitie but also when we beare the redde colour of bloudie persecution and consenting in a kinde of conformitie and perfect peace and vnitie one with another we must point vp altogether with the finger of faith to Christ and looke vp continually with the eye of lone to our head who by being first crossed is now come to be crowned with honour and glorie 28 As Iacob wrastled all the night long and neuer gaue oâ—er till about the breaking of the day that he was called Israel So likewise we must wrastle all the night long of this life and neuer giue ouer till the day breake and the shadowes flie away and we come to the maruellous light and sight of God by Perfection Gene. 32.24 Mar. 13.35 Cant. 4.6 29 As Ioseph signifieth encreasing and Aramathia signifieth getting the reward So we must alwaies encrease and goe on still to attaine Perfection till we get the reward 30 Like as they which runne their Horses for a wager spurre them hardest at the races ende So seeing our saluation is nearer now then euer it was therefore we must runne faster then euer we did especially because the very Horse and Mule and diuers other bruite beasts which haue no vnderstanding though they haue bene neuer so much wearied tyred before yet when they come neare home they will mend their pace And therefore the more to blame should we be if hauing trauelled thus far alreadie in the way to Perfection and being come by this time almost to our iournies end we should now go no further when indeed we ought if it be possible to runne much faster to our euerlasting home in heauen 31 As the holy Angels blush and holde downe their heads when they see vs stumble or trippe neuer so litle So on the other side they shoute and clappe their hands when they see vs runne chearfully in a good course and come away a pace to Perfection 32 Euen as a royall King when one of his Nobles returnes home which hath in a forraine Countrey by chiualrie or feates of armes or other like excellent parts atchieued and gotten great renowme to his Realme presently sendeth for him to his Court and in open audience giueth him words of grace and aduaunceth him to hie preferments and honour So Christ our most magnificent King immediately vpon our arriuall and entrance into heauen but of the forraine Countrey of this world will reach forth vnto vs his holie hand conducting vs to the eternall Tabernacles of rest and as for all the prayers that we haue made all the teares that we haue shead all the almes that we haue giuen all the other exercises of Christian life that we haue performed though neuer so secretly in this pursuite of Perfection he will openly reward them and most gloriously crowne them when all the host of Angels shall triumph for our corronation and the blessed Saints shall thinke themselues more perfect for our Perfection and all the Court of heauen shall applaude our prayses and God himselfe shall say Amen to our felicities 33 As they which by the counsell of Hefiodus doe often adde small things to small and so at last become rich So he which groweth in vertue more and more at last becommeth perfect Priuate men and women may greatly further the Chuch 1 AS women did worke diuers things for the Tabernacle in the dayes of Moses Or as the Temple was not built but by men of all sorts in the time of Salomon and the walles of Ierusalem vnder the guiding of Nehemiah So may Priuate men very much further the building of the spirituall Temple which is the congregation of Christ Exod. 35.25 1. King 5. Nehem. 3. Iosh 24.15 Act. 10.2 7. Gene. 14.14 18.19 Rom. 16. toto Iere. 35.1 c. 2 As out of Abraham Isaac and Iacobs house sprang forth the Churches of the Iewes So the glorious congregations of the Gentiles in like manner beganne in the families of Priuate men For as seruants well nurtured may adorne the doctrine of God our Sauior in all things Tit. 2.10 and husbands obeying not the word may without the word be wonne by
that euer was and God hath bestowed the same on his Elect and hee requires nothing at their handes but that they would turne their faces from this world and walke vnto it in the way which hee hath chalked foorth vnto them in his word Therefore if they be desirous to haue Saluation life euerlasting they must come forth of the broad way that leades to destruction and enter into the straight way that leades to eternal life they must acqaint themselues with the guides which are the faithfull Ministers of the word that wil cry vnto them Here is the way walke ye in it when they shall goe to the right hand or to the left 2 As Simeon going into the Temple by the motion of Gods spirit met with Christ So if we will be ruled with the same spirit frequent holy assemblies we shal meete with our Saluation Christs Spirit 1 AS the light cannot match with darkenesse So likewise Christs Spirite cannot accord and match with sinne and lusts of the flesh 2. Cor. 6.14 2 As Raine with the moysture therof fatteth the earth to make it fruitfull Euen so the holy Spirit with his inuisible grace doth make vs fruitfull to produce the fruits of righteousnesse Ioh. 7.38 3 As fire consumeth euerie thing that it layeth holde on So the Spirit of God consumeth all the corruption of our hearts and originall sinne in vs. 4 As fire giueth light to the bodily eyes So the Spirit giueth light to the eyes of the soule Ephe. 1.17 5 As fire giueth life quickneth those that be benummed with cold So the Spirit of God doth quicken and put life into those that be dead in their sinnes Ephe. 3.5.16 6 As a man that made a bargaine will bee carefull to keep the earnest pennie that he loose not all his bargaine So also must we be carefull to keepe the Spirit of God the earnest pennie of our saluation that we bee not depriued of the same Ephe. 1.13 Sacraments AS Circumcision which was a Sacrament of the olde Law was a seale in that time to our Fathers of righteousnesse Euen so be our Sacraments to vs in these daies seales of Gods promises vnto vs and all haue one strength and vertue Rom. 4.11 Sinne of set purpose AS hee that striketh the King ignorantly not knowing him to be the King is nothing in so much fault as he that striketh him knowing it is the King Euen so hee that dooth offend God of ignorance is to bee lesse blamed then he that wittingly and willingly offendeth him Luk. 12.47 48. God giueth vs vnderstanding to know the Scripture EVen as the Disciples of our Sauiour Christ had no knowledge nor vnderstanding vntil God gaue it thē So fareth it with al the rest of Gods children that althogh they heare neuer so much his Apostles Preach yea Christ himselfe personally sounding in their eares yet except the Lord open their hearts and minds as he did Lydia it auaileth not one Math. 16.17 Act. 16.14 Sinnes are our greatest enemies 1 AS a huge and mightie fire will bee asswaged and at the length quite put out if the stickes and other matter that doth chearish and increase it be withdrawne and kept from it So in like manner our affections and troubles will come to an end if we doo cease to doo euill and giue ouer sinning before it giue ouer vs for our Sins are as drie stickes and stubble wherwith the fire not onely of the wrath and malice of Infidels and heretikes but also of the wrath and indignation of God is kindled increased and most mightily stirred vp against vs. 2 As wee wonder at the Creator not onely in great matters as heauen earth the Sunne Elephants c. but also in like creatures as pismires lice wormes flies c. So a soule giuen to Christ must as wel regard litle as great matters and Sinnes knowing that wee must giue an account for euerie idle word Math. 12.36 For the health of the Soule the bodie is to bee kept in subiection LIke as when one part of a man that is sicke is not capable of the remedie wherewith he may be holpen the Physition is wont to applie the same remedie to an other part as if one bee grieued with an extreame Ach of the head then the Phisition vseth to strike a vaine of the arme because the head will not abide Phlebotomie or bloud letting So that we may helpe and heale many diseases of the Soule wee must keepe the body in subiection to the spirit and tame the lusts of the flesh and labour to bridle our affections and to keepe them within the compasse of reason sobrietie and temporance Spirits that die in the Lord. EVen as the Spirit of Christ passed from the Crosse into Paradise at the verie same moment that it departed out of the body and thence returned into the body that whole Christ in respect that he was man might be afterwards glorified So likewise all good Christians doo beleeue that their Spirits and soules who die in the Lord doo straightway depart vnto God there to enioy that measure of glorie that is appointed for them vntill that they being adioyned againe vnto the same bodies which will be the very same in substance truly corporall though in a far more excellent estate shall liue vnder Christ their head for euermore Luk. 23.43 Reue. 14.13 The Lords Supper 1 AS Bread nourisheth and strengthneth man and giueth him abilitie to labour So the body of Christ eaten by faith feedeth and satisfieth the soule of man and furnisheth the whole man to all duties of godlinesse 2 As Wine is drinke to the thirstie and maketh merrie the hearts of men Euen so the bloud of our Lord Iesus drunken by faith dooth quench the thirst of the burning conscience and filleth the hearts of the faithful with vnspeakable ioy The holy Spirit the earnest pennie of our inheritance 1 AS in a thing that is bought there is sometimes giuen an earnest pennie to wit some part of the money agreed on as wel for the beginning of the payment as by consequent for the assurance that the bargain shal be held firme So likwise the holy ghost who by faith engendreth peace ioy in the harts of the faithful is the earnest penie assuring vs by this beginning of the spirituall blessings which God promiseth to his children that he holdeth vs for his possession purchased to the prayse of his glorie and that at the length he will gather vs into the full enioying of the inheritaunce of heauen Ephe. 1.13 14. Rom. 8. 29 30. 2 Like as when a man dooth purchase an inheritance he first giueth earnest that is some part of the money promised that serueth as a beginning to the payment of the totall Summe So God hauing redeemed vs by the bloud of Iesus Christ giueth the earnest pennie of his holy Spirit that is to say a beginning of knowledge of the true God of sanctification of loue to God of
2. King 6.17 c. 19.35 3 Like as a sicke person although hee doubt nothing of the faithfulnesse honestie and tendernesse of his Physition or Surgion towards him yet for al that desireth him to handle his wound and to dresse him easily and tenderly as is possible for him Euen so in like manner may wee call vpon God that if it bee not against his honour glorie hee will vouchsafe to giue some mittigation and easement of our paine and specially wee must desire of him to graunt vs strength that we faint not nor bee ouercome with the feare or greatnesse of our sorrow and griefe by reason of our great Troubles whereby we might forsake him and fall into some wickednesse Psal 50.15 91.15 Iohn 14.13 Patience in Trouble verie needfull 1 AS a Lambe or a sheepe is led vnto the slaughter and neuer crieth nor openeth the mouth but suffereth and abideth it patiently and meekly Euen so ought the children of God when they are accursed and reuiled not to curse or reuile againe when they are smitten not to smite againe but to suffer all manner of smart and paine and not once to bleare or to open their mouths against it Esa 53.7 Iere. 11.19 Math. 5.10 11. 2 Like as they that are sicke and distressed and diseased can be content to suffer and abide any of their members of their bodie to be cut off and to bee burnt so that they may bee any thing relieued and eased thereby of their great smart and continuall paine which is yet but transitorie and to bee made whole and sound againe Euen so ought we gladly and willingly to suffer our Lord God and to bee still and quiet when hee sendeth vs aduersitie whereby we may be relieued and discharged of eternall paine and obtain health blisse and saluation for our soules 3 As a good Captaine leadeth and ordereth his army according as the occasion requireth Euen so a vertuous man behaueth himselfe patiently well in Trouble and aduersitie and maketh the best of it 4 Like as a Marchant man maketh faire voyages and great iournies and ventureth bodie and goods and nothing is too hard and sower for him only for worldly and transitory gaine and lucre and yet his hope is vncertain whether he shall gaine or loose and though he gaineth neuer so much yet he bringeth home nothing but fraile and transitorie goods which shall haue an ende So we likewise haue a long voyage to make euen from earth to heauen and therefore we should be as well content as prompt glad and willing to suffer all maner of perils and daungers that may happen by the way seeing that we shall haue an infallible and sure hope of eternall euerlasting riches for Iesus Christ sake 5 Like as when a man of an high and noble birth is contemned and mishandled in a straunge land where he is not knowne it grieueth him nothing so much as if the like should happen vnto him at home in his owne natural Country Euen so our naturall Country is in heauen vpon earth we are but straungers and Pilgrimes therefore we ought the rather to suffer all things patiently here only that we may haue rest among the inhabitants in our right eternall Land and Country Hebr. 13.14 Phil. 3.20 1. Pet. 1.3 4 5. 6 As a man of warre preparing himselfe with all manner of things appertaining to warfare though his enimies be neuer so strong yet he forgetteth al feare neuer once thinketh vpon the stroakes and wounds but onely vpon the victory and tryumph and goeth his way and fighteth manfully like a giant against his enemies only for worldly glory and lucre Euen so it would redound to the great slaunder and shame of Christians if they for the honour glorie and pleasure of God should not as promptly willingly and manfully fight against their ghostly enemies for higher and greater tryumph lucre and commoditie though they should endure many Troubles and great aduersitie 7 Like as when a man playeth at the Tables he cannot alwayes cast what hee would haue but whatsoeuer he hath cast he must make the best of it So likewise whatsoeuer things happen in our life contrary to our will we must with courage and constant faith take and turne all Troubles and aduersities to the best and neuer dispaire 8 Like as when a litle child that can scarcely go chanceth to stumble vpon a stone he falleth downe by and by in the same place and there lieth stil weeping and crying til some bodie take him vp So contrariwise Christians who haue reason and vnderstanding must vse and indeuour themselues that whatsoeuer Troubles sicknesse or inconuenience soeuer happeneth vnto them yet by and by so farre as is possible to labour to heale ease and remedie it 9 As a vertuous Childe wil not forsake his father in his need or Trouble nor an honest and louing wife her husband or spouse nor yet a faithfull seruant his maister So much lesse should a godly Christian forsake or deny God his Father or Christ his spouse and heauenly Lord and maister in Trouble and aduersitie 10 Like as worldlings and carnall men fornicators whoremongers and murtherers care neither for shame nor for any thing else and spare no labour or trauell so they may bring to passe their wicked lust and desire and yet oftentimes they misse of it Euen so much more a faithfull Christian ought to be constant earnest painfull and patient in honest and good things though yet he bee letted and greatly hindered by many Troubles much aduersitie Loue towards God worketh patience in Trouble 1 AS Iacob serued seuen yeares for the damsel Rahel and by reason of the heartie loue that hee bareth vnto her the time was but short vnto him and the dayes that he serued for seemed but a short space Euen so whosoeuer loueth God will beare and take patiently whatsoeeuer Troubles God shall lay vppon him and whatsoeuer hee suffereth for Gods sake it shall bee easie vnto him Gene. 29.18 2 Like as a Souldier first for feare of prisoning and of the shamefull death which hee should suffer if the battell should be lost and againe in hope of the great reward and excellent honour and renowme if the victorie goe on his side will fight the more boldly and lustily Euen so euery true Christian is stirred and prouoked to more faithfulnesse and patience in Trouble when hee considereth the exceeding profit and commodity of patience and againe the greate hurt and discommoditie of impatience in Trouble No Transubstantiation in the Sacrament AS Bread and drinke by natural nourishment be changed into a mans body yet the body is not changed but is the same that it was before So although the Bread and Wine bee Sacramentally chaunged into Christes bodie yet his body is the same and in the same place that it was before that is to say in heauen without any alteration or chaunge of the same Tyrants AS the wings of Eagles
with their stripe or blow doo mar the wings and breake the feathers of other birds Euen so the mightie and great men of the world with their Tyrannicall crueltie and most hellish impietie were wont to drawe to destruction and to drag to death the weaker sort and such as are innocent and tender the glorie and praise of God 2. King 21.16 Math. 23.37 Act. 7. 52. Hebr. 11.37 Thankfulnesse for benefits receiued AS it is against good manners for a man to mourne at the Marriage of his friend Euen so it is against dutie for men not to reioyce with Thankesgiuing when they by euident testimonies perceiue the fauour of God towards them in coupling them to himselfe Math. 9.15 12.49 50. We are Gods Temple 1 AS Baltasar King of Babylon by vsing the vessels belonging to the house of God in a banquet and drinking in them with their Princes and Concubines did prophane them and was for the same soone after rewarded for the same night hee lost both his kingdome and life Euen so surely they that shall abandon not the vessels but the Temple it selfe and not a Temple of stone and of wood but euen their bodies and soules that are made the liuely Temples of the liuing God to prophane and filthie vses of the world and the flesh in lieu of dedicating the whole to the holy seruice of God who is with them do most filthily prophane the Temple of God and so can expect no other then a most horrible vengeance and punishment 1. Cor. 3.17 2.6.14 c. 2 Like as when a King maketh his entrie into a Towne or Cittie hee findeth those streetes where he is to passe made cleane and his Palace hanged Euen so much more ought we whom God hath chosen to be his Temple and to make his entrie into vs to be with vs and to dwell with vs to purifie and clense from all filthinesse and vncleanenesse and to adorne the place of his habitation with all vertue and liuelinesse 3 As they that weare long garments when they come to foule wayes doo tucke and gird them vp least they should load them with mire by dragging them through the same So we whose minds and affection doo so bend to the earth that they doo euen traile thereupon walking through this world full of mire and corruption must tuck them vp towardes heauen least they should touch such daungerous damnable mire from the which we ought wholly to retire and seperate our selues that we may bee made holy Temples to the Lord. 1. Pet. 1.13 14. Leuit. 11.44 10.2 2. Timo. 2.21 Temperance AS a man cannot be Temperate if he bee not prudent So no man can be strong or valiant if he be not Temperate Vnitie among brethren AS you may not with any kind of might breake the Faggot or Bauen that is whole when as yet you may lightly breake the stickes thereof seuerally or being a sunder So are brethren easie to be ouercommed which doo striue together but being at amitie they are not so soone discomfited Vertue alwayes accompanied with praise AS our shaddow followeth vs although against our will So likewise glorie praise and commendations doo follow Vertue and learning Vaine-glorie 1 AS winds being about to cease doo most vehemently blow So mortall men when they doo most exalt themselues then are they nearest their fall and end 2 As nights succeed dayes and Winter Summer So griefe and sadnesse follow Vaine-glorie and pleasure Spirituall Vsurie LIke as he which lendeth looketh iustly to receiue his owne againe Euen so let him that is mercifull to the poore most assuredly expect that the things which hee layeth out shall be rendred againe of God with a most liberal increase as it were with a threesold Vsurie Prou. 91. 17. Math. 5.41 Deut. 15.10 Math. 25.27 28. Vertue to be encreased with life LIke as they that are tosted here and there with sundrie tempests haue not sayled much but were greatly encumbred So such as haue liued long neither yet haue profited any thing in Vertue and godlinesse are not said to haue liued but lingred Vnwilling to die LIke as hee is ouermuch giuen to Wine which would sucke vp the dregges So is hee too greedie of life which in old age could not be content to die Vertue 1 LIke as if a man cast a precious stone into the durt it will notwithstanding shewe foorth the beautie of it againe Euen so the Vertue of a holy and righteous man wil shew forth it selfe whithersoeuer it be cast either into bondage prison or prosperitie 2 Like as precious and costly Spices and Odours doo smell and sauour best when they be brused broken or set on fire Euen so the praise and commendation of Vertue thorow continuall vse and exercise and thorow aduersitie is spread wide abroad and made minifest and known euerie where 3 Like as true faith is not Idle but working and powerfull by loue Euen so true Vertue is not a bare affection of the mind or the bare purpose of the will but dooth set out it selfe by outward honest actions and dooth shine in them from whence all the praise thereof dooth consist in the action Tit. 3.8 1. Thess 4.12 Rom. 12.17 4 As wee are wont to eate Peares and the kernels of Nuts but throw from vs vppon the ground the parings and shels So we ought vnfainedly to bee in loue and delight with Vertue and godlinesse and to continue despise the shape or shadow of the same being seperated and diuided from Vertue it selfe for to retaine and hold the fashion and likenesse of Vertue without the substance of the same is meere hypocrisie 5 Like as when Orpheus went to fetch his wife Euridice out of Hell hee had her graunted to him vpon a condition that he should not turne back his eyes to looke vpon her till hee had brought her into heauen Yet hauing brought her forward a great way at length his loue was so excessiue that hee could not continue any longer but would needs haue a sight of her wherupon forthwith he lost both her sight and her selfe she suddenly againe vanishing away from him So if we haue any Vertue which is to be loued as a man is to loue his wife yet wee must not be so blind in affection as to doate too much vppon it or to bee alwayes gazing and wondering at it least by too much looking vppon it and by too well liking of it and by too often remembring of it wee loose it 6 As the Sunne being directly ouer vs our bodies haue the lesse shadow as we may perceiue at noone and a little before and after So also the more Vertue and goodnesse is in vs the lesse ostentation and boasting we should haue 7 Contrariwise as this is a signe of the going down of the Sunne his departure from vs when as our shadows become great So also this is an argument to prooue that Vertue diminisheth in vs when pride and presumption increaseth 8
Psal 19.7 52 As a man will be more warie to trie euerie peece of Gold when he sees many counterfeit and florishing Angels to flie abroad So when christians shall see many sorts of doctrin crawling daily like Locusts out of the bottomlesse pit they must be more diligent to taste trie which is the sound and sincere Word 1. Ioh. 4.1 Iere. 23.28 53 As the biting and sharpnesse of Mustard together with his hot and fierie taste which is many times seene to make the eater thereof to rubbe his nose and wring out teares and which also by prouoking of neezing doth excellently purge the head from rough phlegme and rheumatike substance Euen so the Word of God being faithfully preached and rightly applied doth pearce the conscience shake the mind enkindle inflame the heart excite and stirre vp drowsie faint and dull minds to ensue vertue and performe the duties of pietie and doth many times force and fetch out teares of earnest and heartie repentance Act. 2.37 54 As they that vse the benefit of the day to trauel and walke in needeth not to stumble fall at the things that lie in their way for that they haue light to direct them by So likewise they that direct themselues in their calling by the light of the Word of God goe aright and vpright because God doth guide them Ioh. 11.9.10 55 Like as Gods curse is apparant in that earth which notwithstanding the raine and all the dressing that men can vse bringeth nothing but weedes bryers and brambles So they that heare the word of God faithfully preached and continue in ignorance and proceede in impietie and vngodlinesse haue manifest seales of their damnation Hebr. 6.7 8. 56 Like as if Corne be spilt or shed in any cōmon way the foules presently fall vpon it and deuour it and suffer it not to remaine there any longer Euen so the seed of the VVord when it is preached and fallen into hard hearts is by and by taken away of the Diuell and wicked spirits and so cannot remaine there nor bee vnderstood Math. 13.19 57 Euen as a man receiuing the best friend that he hath into his house will lodge him in his best roome that hee hath So likewise should a Christian lodge Gods VVord in no worse place then in his heart Col. 3.16 58 As no man knoweth how sweete Honie is but hee that tasteth it So wee cannot vnderstand the profite of Gods VVord except we haue experience therein Prou. 24.13 14. 59 As the salt which Elishia did cast into the spring of Iericho was profitable to that land Euen so the Word of God is as healthsome to mens soules 2. King 2.21.22 60 As King Salomon by continuall exercising of himselfe in wisedome did both resolue the Queene of Saba of all her hard and curious questions and wrote many parables to instruct other men that were to come after him So likwise Christians by acquainting thēselues in the Word of God shall be able to satisfie both their owne consciences in matters of Religion and to teach the ignorant that which they ought to know Math. 13.52 61 As Iacobs sleeping in the land of Canaan was a figure of his continuall rest and perpetual possession of the same So likewise the stedfast setling of our sences in the VVord of God is an infallible argument of our continuall enioyin thereof Gene. 28.13 Luk. 10.42 62 As all the sheafes in the Haruest did bow to Iosephes sheafe So must all men be controlled and subiect to Gods Word Gene. 37.7 63 Like as the Sunne dooth not heate all those that it lightneth Euen so the Word of God dooth shewe men what they ought to doo but not enflamed them with a desire to performe the same for it is one thing to knowe that we should be wise and an other to be wise indeed 64 As the Israelites might not sow two kinds of seedes in one and the same ground Euen so the immortall seede of Gods VVord must onely bee receiued in the furrowes of our hearts Deut. 22.9 65 As raine and Snow falling from heauen returneth not thither againe but watereth the earth and maketh it fruitfull Euen so the Word that commeth out of Gods mouth shall not returne voide but shall accomplish and bring to passe that which God will shall prosper in that whereunto he sent it Esa 55.10 11. 66 As the seede once sowne wheresoeuer it pleaseth God to graunt his blessing vnto it whether the sower sleepe or wake or whatsoeuer he doth and howsoeuer he is occupied groweth and encreaseth till it come to maturitie and ripenesse So likewise the Word by the ministerie of God being scattered where God worketh withall by his holy spirit there it bringeth a great maruellous and an vnlooked for encrease Mar. 4.20 67 As of mortal and corrupt seeds men are first borne to this mortall and corruptible life So must wee of the immortall and incorruptible seede of the Word be borne againe to a life immortall and incorruptible if wee will liue euer 1. Pet. 1.23.24.25 68 As it is impossible that Corne should grow or prosper and come to good among the bushes of thornes So likewise is it impossible that the seede of the Word preached should become the seede of new birth to him that continueth full of worldly cares and is snared with the deceitfulnesse of riches Math. 13.22 1. Pet. 1.23 69 Like as he that is a thirst doth greedily and ioyfully receiue a cup of water or beere to quench his thirst and to ease him for a little time Euen so much more greedily should Christians receiue the VVord the water of life whereby the thirst of their soules shall be quenched eternally Math. 10.42 Ioh. 4.14.15 70 As the Israelites in the wildernesse whensoeuer the cloud and piller of fire stood still they stood still when it went they went Euen so must the VVord of God be a piller of fire vnto vs when it commandeth vs to stand we must stand still and whatsoeuer we doo in our calling we must haue direction for the same out of Gods VVord Numb 9.21 22. Luk. 5.4 1. Timo. 6.1 c. Deut. 17.16 c. Psal 119. c. 71 As children are so greedily carried with a desire of their foode that when hunger pincheth them they neither regard leisure necessitie nor the willingnesse of their Mothers but all excuses and businesse set apart so soone as they crie for it they must be fed Euen so wee must not thinke it enough to desire the Word but we must be earnest and feruent and importunate in calling and crying for it 1. Pet. 2.2 72 As the Lampe burned continually in the Temple without quenching Euen so the Word of God must continually sounde in our eares without intermission Leuit. 24.2 3. Act. 2.46 Ioh. 6.27 73 As Dauid longed for the Well of Bethlehem So must Christians long and languish for the Milke of the Word 2. Sam. 23.15 1. Pet. 2.2 74 Like as a vapour
charge of vs or to doo any thing at all for vs and so leaueth vs to our selues we then languish and so faint fall downe to our vtter vndoing yet wee perceiue not this vntil we be exercised with affliction 2. Sam. 24.17 Vngodly Warriours 1 AS they that powre on Oyle and cast on dry straw vpon a fire do not quench the flame but minister matter for it to burne more ragingly So likewise sinnes being the cause of warres and inflaming the wrath of God the vngodly Warriours doo euen increase continue them and make them more fierce and raging For where the Captaines in warre be irreligious giuen to drunkennesse whoredomes riot and horrible swearing it is wonderfull to behold the soule enormities and monstrous abhominations which the common Souldiers commit 2 As the King and the kingdome are not beholden to those men which liue in vngodly wayes although they seeme to doo great seruice to the Common-wealth in as much as they be of those that prouoke the wrath of God and thereby put the state euen of both King and kingdome in hazard So are they not the safer but in more daunger through those hardie Warriours which sinne so grieuously The World 1 AS a wrastler imbracing him whom he striueth in the wrastling place for victorie lifteth him vp the higher that with the greater force hee may hurle him against the ground So this World dooth extoll vs that with throwing vs downe headlong it may hurt vs and that we may fall from the top of deceitfull and transitorie glorie downe to the bottome of most certaine and perpetuall ignominie 2 As the Sea floweth and ebbeth and all the waues thereof at the length fall into the earth So the World is neuer quiet it extolleth some and casteth downe others but all the vanities of it are ended in the graue 1. Ioh. 5.19 3 As the Sea doth cast to shore shell fishes of all sortes weedes and many other things and not long after dooth sup vp receiue and deuour cast into the depth the same againe Euen so this World doth now thrust vs out of fauour and by and by receiueth vs againe and when wee thinke our selues to be vpon a very safe shore and that we haue leisure and time to rest vs and to meditate vppon some worthie and excellent things euen then wee finde our selues deceiued and are tossed among the waues of infinite troubles and are swallowed vp of innumerable calamities because many things that we neuer thought of haue preuented vs and the flickerings false promises of this cousoning Worlde haue deceiued our hope and disappointed our expectation 33 As a Childe will loue his Nurse for the Dugs sake though she be an whore Euen so many men loue this present World for the vain pleasures and carnal delights of the same though indeed the World be a verie strumpet 34 Euen as the Eagle is carried vp on high and falleth not vpon the ground but to seek his necessary foode and hauing caught his praie by and by flieth vp againe and maketh no abode below on the earth So we ought to haue our mindes occupied in heauen and all superfluous care of worldly things laide apart with the eyes of our mindes faith to behold our God and in the quietnesse and staidnesse of our soules rest our selues vpon his grace without hauing more to do with this VVorld then in our seuerall callings to seeke lawfully those necessaries onely which may serue for the presentation of life 35 As a Staffe made of a Reede is hollow and emptie So the confidence trust which we put in the VVorld is vaine and will deceiue vs. Esa 31.1 36.6 35 As we see sometimes in the aire a Cloude hauing the figure and likenesse of a tall and mightie man which by and by is spred abroad and representeth huge high Towers but in the turning of an hand being taken with a blast of winde it is dissolued and vanisheth away Euen such is the trust that we put in this transitorie VVorld it setteth before vs in the conceit of our imagination that we shall be great men and that we shall be very famous and attaine to great dignitie it dooth promise vnto vs mountains of Gold and huge loftie Towers of honor and renowme but all these things are Towers builded in the aire and Castles made of winde and grounded vpon vanitie which are dissolued and dispearsed most sodainly 1. Ioh. 2.15 1. Cor. 7.31 Iam. 4.14 The Word of God the onely weapon to ouercome the world c. AS that man that will giue an onset encounter with an enemie or wil defend and keep himself vnwounded at his handes hath neede of a sword in his hand to smite the enemie withall and to repell his violence So who soeuer will tryumph and carrie away the victorie ouer this world flesh diuel must hold fast in his hand that is in his maners conuersation and the whole course of his life the Word of God which is called the sword of the spirit and is sharper then any two edged sword Ephe. 6.17 Deut. 6.1 2. c. Prou. 6.20 21. It is in the Will of God to forsake his creature LIke as it is in the power and libertie of a man to kill an Oxe or a Sheepe for his vse to hunt and kill the Hare and Partrige for his pleasure Euen so much more without iniustice may it be in the Will and libertie of God the Creator to refuse forsake his creature for his glorie Mot inough to know Gods Word but we must be doers of it EVen as a Bird doth not flie with one wing alone but with twaine So it is not inough that we know much of the Lordes Word and will but we must doo it also It will not suffice vs at the latter day that we haue bene great professors of the Gospell and are deeply learned if also we haue not bin inflamed with a loue to God aboue all things and haue not loued our brethren as our selues Iam. 1. 22. Psal 128.1 Not to be wearie of Well doing 1 AS the Sunne dooth not leaue shining and sending forth his bright beames although a cloud will somtimes darken his light Euen so we must not giue ouer to exercise godlinesse and to doo Well euen towards them that bee our enemies and will hate and persecute vs and the better we doo the worse they will deale with vs. Gal. 6.9 Math. 5.44 2 As the Nut and Oliue trees although they be beaten with rods yet bring foorth most plentifull fruites So we must not bee wearie of Well doing nor cast the exercise and practise of godlinesse behind vs but rather more willingly and feruently proceed and goe on in the same although the friends of this world shal braule and rate at vs. Workes of hypocrites 1 AS in a Glasse although there appeare a certaine similitude yet it is false in as much as those things are represented in the Glasse
on the left hand which are indeed on the right those that are on the right hand are shewed to be on the left and by this meanes there is a counterfeiting of the truth Euen so in the Workes of hypocrites although there bee a faire shew outwardly in the sight of men yet it is false for that those things which are vngodly wicked are counted holy and true Iam. 1. 23 24. 2 As the strong bitternesse of the Allow tree taketh away the sweetnesse of the sweetest Honie So euil Works destroy and take away the praise of good deeds Gods Word is true AS the Sunne ceaseth not to giue light and brightnesse although some man shutteth his eyes that he may not see it nor be lightned therewith Or as meate ceaseth not to be good and nourishing although it be receiued without profit of a stomacke euill disposed So likewise if many vnwilling to beleeue that the will of God is such as he hath declared by his Word reiecting by their incredulitie the grace which God offereth them this their incredulitie ought not to make any good Christian to cal into doubt the truth of God and the testimonie of his good will towards him Math. 9.29 Good Workes make vs not pure in Gods sight 1 LIke as if an Asse were trimmed and decked in a Lyons skinne and would needs be a Lyon yet his long eares beeing alwayes vpward should easily descrie and bewray him Euen so if we adorne garnish and set forth our selues with glorious beautiful Works neuer so much so that no man can say but that wee are vtterly innocent and inculpable in diuers and many points yet notwithstanding we haue filthie vncleane and wicked hearts full of securitie and neglect of God altogether giuen to the loue of our selues and to all manner of dissolutenesse 2 As a Schoolemaister will take in good part the diligence that his Schollers can doo and if hee see them put their good wills thereto hee will beare with their faults and teach them their lessons but to the stubburn and froward hee will shewe no gentlenesse but cast them off So likewise God with those whom he hath chosen in Christ before the world was made will beare with their infirmities and winke at their litle faults teach them to doo better and praise their well doings and gently correct their faults but his enemies and outcasts because whatsoeuer they doo is hypocrisie hee loues them not but euen their prayer is turned to sinne and whatsoeuer they doo is defiled because they be not graffed and chosen in Christ Iesus Gen. 4. Tit. 1.15 Rom. 14.23 Wicked men take parts together against their Ministers and godly men AS there was such affinitie and alliance betwixt Hypocrates Twins that when the one wept the other wept also when the one laughed the other laughed and when the one was touched the other was touched ones ioy was an others ioy and ones griefe was an others griefe Euen so is it with the Wicked and reprobate impes of the Diuell if the Minister speake against one say they hee speaketh against all touch one touch all so wise they are in their generatioÌ„ as they wil not say The Preacher spake against me but he spake against such a one Worldly minded men LIke as a man that looketh on a Towne platted in foure leaues of Paper he shall somewhat discerne the order of the streetes and houses thereof but afterward if he shall lay downe in the like quantitie of Paper the whole prouince wherein that Citie standeth and the same will not shew so great as a mans naile and lastly if hee shall represent the whole world in as much Paper hee shall then see neither house nor Towne yea scarcely the whole Prouince perhaps hee may find the names of the Realmes and see their extent in the breadth of two or three nayles and looking from heauen the whole world wâ—l not seeme so much Euen so then it is a great folly or rather a madnesse for those that are straungers vppon earth and burgesses of heauen diuersly and by sundrie meanes to offend God for the getting of a small portion of earth which is as nothing wherein they resemble Esau who for a peece of bread and a messe of pottage sold his birth-right Gene. 25.34 Hebr. 12.16 The true Worship of God 1 EVen as a foule and stinking Viall infecteth the pure and good Ointment which is put into it Euen so the Worship of God if it be placed in a foule hart it wil soone corrupt and shortly turne into flat Idolatrie and wicked dissembling 1. Cor. 5.7 2 As a litle Leauen leaueneth a whole lumpe Euen so a little vngodlinesse and worldly affections sowreth the whole masse of Gods Worship and seruice and maketh it vnpleasant vnto him 1. Cor. 5.6 3 As the true God is to be worshipped alone So is he to be Worshipped in truth as he himselfe and not as man inuenteth Exod. 26.1 c. 2. Chro. 3.1 c. Leuit. 10.2 We ought to put in practise the Word of God 1 AS Medicines doo minister health to none but those that take them whose nature also is strong and wel prepared to receiue their operations So it is requisit that they which heare and read the Word of God should receiue and apply it to themselues and pray vnto God to prepare them and by his holie spirite so to dispose their hearts that the doctrine exhortations may worke their operation in them Ephe. 3.20 21 22 23 24. Iam. 1.22 2 Like as they that haue learned the Art of sowing of Cord-wainerie or Draperie and so forth yet are not reputed Taylors Cord-wainers or Drapers vnlesse they do in act execute those Sciences which is indeed the purpose of their Apprentiship Euen so let vs neuer looke to be true and sound Christians or Gods children notwithstanding wee haue learned the Word of God and the manner thereof vnlesse we also performe the workes of Christians of the children of God Lu. 11.28 Rom. 2.13 3 As when wee haue trimmed and shorne our heades and beards before we come forth we looke in the Glasse whether it be well Euen so much rather ought we after we haue heard the Sermon the end whereof tendeth to amend our liues immediately to looke vpon and peruse our soules to the end to see whether our corruptions and vices being cut downe and mortified the same be cleare and pure in the sight of God 4 As Hearbes prepared by Art doo heale the bodie So likewise the Word of God rightly applied doth cure a sicke soule The Word of God ought to be carefully searched into AS they which doo digge mettals out of the earth doo not contemne nor despise the least gobbets and peeces that they espie but take all but especially if they finde by digging a veine of Gold they leaue no way vnsought but with all care diligence they looke about them and doo dig the Gold and earth together and most diligently