manners in this outward and ciuill conuersation of life and it is a rule of life or good workes in which those that are borne againe must shew their obedience to God And thirdly it chastiseth vs with the threates of Gods wrath and endlesse damnation and it punisheth vs with death sicknesse and other miseries all which are Sermons of the Lawe concerning Gods dreadfull wrath against sinne Gene. 1.26 27. 2.7 3 As a looking Glasse dooth neither wash nor make him faire that looketh therein but giueth occasion either to seeke for water or else for some other thing that may make him faire and cleane Euen so the Lawe sheweth vnto vs our sinnes and maketh knowne vnto vs our miserable estate and wretchednesse and how that there is nothing good in vs and that wee are farre wide from all manner of righteousnesse and so driueth vs of necessitie to seeke righteousnesse in Christ as to the Physition and fountaine of all saluation who onely hath by his death taken away sinne and death and deliuered vs out of the prison of the Law 4 Like as in the night by reason of the darknesse spread vppon the earth all things are hid and couered which causeth that wee cannot discerne and discouer the spots which we haue in our faces But when the light beginneth to appeare and that wee take a Glasse to behold our selues therein then they are discouered and shewe themselues So likewise during the time that we are couered with the darknesse of ignorance the sins and vices that dwel in vs are hidden there and yet oftentimes we thinke being leprous and deformed that we are beautifull and perfect but our eyes being once opened illuminated by the spirit and grace of our God and taking the Glasse of the Law therein to behold the estate of our nature and our life then we beginne to know the great and grieuous imperfections and wants that are in vs and so at once we loose the opinion which we had conceiued before of our owne righteousnesse and vertues and so are forced to flie to Christ for remedie c. Lawes like to copwebs AS little Flies are fast tied and easily snared in the copwebs but the Drones and great Flies breake and escape through them So likewise poore and meane men are fast wounden and holden in the penalties and daungers of Lawes but Lordes and men in great authoritie dayly breake Lawes and are not corrected So that the weakest goeth to the walles and the worst may holdeth the candle Labour lost AS a wife by long suite obtained sometimes much molesteth her husband So some men with great Labours and charges purchase that thing which afterward is their onely care and vexation Appearance of Learning amongst inferiours AS the Ship lying in the Hauen or ryuer seemeth huge and great but beeing in the maine Sea it sheweth both slender and smal So diuers which be but simple and meane in some places appeare to be wise excellent and Learned wheras amongst their betters they appeare base simple and plaine Lamenting for trifles AS if you forbid children one play of game then they straight doo crie and weepe not regarding any other kind of pastime So diuers kind of men wil so Lament for a trifle or small displeasure that therby they make all other commodities and pleasures altogether vnpleasant Labour LS the Mariner when he perceiueth a storme or tempest to be neare he first calleth vpon God by earnest praier that hee may safely attaine to the wished hauen and then striketh his sailes and vseth all good meanes which he supposeth needfull for the same Euen so we must so trust to the prouidence of God that we also vse our owne industry in all good meanes and sort conuenient The Loue of God in giuing his sonne for vs. LIke as if a man giue a penny hauing a great deale of money in his purse is not so much as when he giueth it hauing but it onely As when Zerephath gaue Heliah the handfull of meale hauing no more for her self and her son Euen so the wonderfull great Loue of God toward mankind appeared in this that hauing but one onely Sonne and not many Sonnes he would vouchsafe to giue him for a raunsome for the redemption of vs most wretched and vile sinners 1. King 17.12 Iere. 6.26 Amo. 8.10 Ioh. 3 16. 1. Ioh. 4.9 Loue. 1 AS a Candell wasteth it selfe to giue light vnto others Euen so a good Christian ought to spend his life for the benefit of others 2 Like as in the building of a house one stone is bound and fastned to another with morter Euen so in the spirituall building of Christ one Christian man is ioyned to another by Loue. 3 As fire goeth out if it be not mainteyned with wood So likewise Loue groweth cold which is not mixed with good workes 4 As the fire without wood turneth to ashes So doth â—oue without workes take an end and finish 5 As hatred is the cause of contentions among men So likewise Loue couereth faultes either by reforming them or by winking at them Pro. 10 1â— 6 As the rodde of Moses turned into a Serpent deuoured the serpents of all other roddes Euen so the Loue of God must deuour the loue of all other things 7 As that is the hottest fire which warmeth them that are furthest off So that is the most feruent perfect Loue which forsaketh none though they bee neuer so farre off neither friend nor foe that may be loued but imbraceth all in him who neuer dooth forsake vnlesse he be forsaken 8 As enuie hatred or malice mooueth vs to reproach and disdaine our brother when hee displeaseth or offendeth vs So in like manner Loue hideth and pardoneth the faultes which he committeth against vs though they be neuer so many 1. Pet. 4.8 9 As a King is honoured in his image So God in man is both loued and hated he cannot hate man who loueth God neither can he Loue God who hateth man 10 As fire cannot bee hidden in flaxe without some flame nor Muske in the bosome without smell Euen so neither can Loue bee hidden in the breast without suspition 11 As a cold stone by lying three or foure houres in the warme Sunne gathereth heate So the Loue of God shining vpon our soules ought to kindle vs both to loue him and all men for his sake Ioh. 3.16 1. Ioh. 4.16 19 20. Eph. 24 Rom. 5.8 13.10 1. Cor. 13.1 c. Lying 1 AS hee sinneth most greeuously that deceiueth blinde men or trauelling men by shewing them a contrary way Euen so much more heynously offeâ—â—deth hee that in matters of religion doctrine and godlinesse do bring men into errours through Lying because he doth therby as it were thrust them out of the kingdom of heauen Eze. 13.6 8 10. Iere. 23.25 26. 1. Tim. 4.2 3. Esa 9.15 16. 2 As the diuel is the Father of lyes So Lying is an euident token of his children Ioh. 8.44 3 As
is broken in peeces the stone remaining whole Euen so euery man which striketh against Christianitie hurteth himselfe and cannot preuaile against the same Christ became poore to make vs rich LIke as the poore birds haue their neasts to flie vnto and to rest themselues in So contrariwise our Sauiour Christ being base and poore had no place of his owne in the earth to rest his head in that so he might enrich vs. Math. 8.20 2. Cor. 8.9 Christ the bread of life 1 AS bread perishing nourisheth vs in this life for a small time Euen so Christ the bread that perisheth not but endureth for euer nourisheth to euerlasting life Iohn 6.48 51.58 2 As hee that will bee nourished by bread must eate it So likewise hee that will be benefited by Christ must beleeue in him Iohn 6.55 1. Cor. 10.17 Iohn 6.35.40 3 As the Diuell is the foode of the wicked which hee nourisheth in all iniquitie and bringeth vp into euerlasting damnation So is Christ the very foode of all them that be the liuely members of his body and them he nourisheth feedeth bringeth vp and cherisheth vnto euerlasting life Christ reiecteth not a weake faith LIke as the week or match of a Candle Link or Torch which either wanting Oyle Tallowe Waxe or Rosen or hauing thereof not sufficient yeeldeth foorth at sometime but a darke blinde snuffe and vnperfect â—ight Euen so Christ our Sauiour reiecteth not a weake slender and wauering faith which yet notwithstanding so long as any sparke of godlynesse apâ—eareth is not quite quenched and extinct albeit at â—ometime it be very neare therevnto Esa 42.3 Math. â— 20 Contentious men 1 AS wee see one coale kindle an other and wood to be apt matter to make a fire Euen so those that be disposed to Contention and brawling be apt to kindle strife and to set men together by the eares 2 As a litie sparke many times setteth a whole house on fire Euen so a Contentious and froward person of a litle matter of nought maketh much debate and diuision among louers and friends The Cup of Gods wrath LIke as we see men take the Cup one at an others hands and drinke in course Euen so we when wee haue tasted of the Cup of Gods wrath for our sins if wee repent we are to comfort our selues that it shall bee taken out of our hands and giuen to our enemies euen to those which hitherto haue made a spoyle of vs and they shall suck out the dregs thereof Esa 51.21 22. Iere. 51.7 Ezech. 23.31 32 33 34. Death of Christ 1 AS the Bands of Matrimonie are set free by the death of the marryed couple So are wee made dead to the Lawe by the death of Christ and freed from the yoake seruitude and bondage of it Rom. 7.3 4. 5.12 2 As a strong Corasiue laide to a sore eates out all the rotten and dead flesh Euen so Christs death beeing applied to the heart of a Patient sinner by saith weakens and consumes the sinne that cleaues so fast vnto our natures and dwels within vs. 3 Like as in the common destruction of the first borne in Egypt they whose doores were sprinckled with the bloud of the Passeouer were safe So likewise if there shall come a common destruction vpon any land for their sinnes yet they that haue their soules sprinckled with the bloud of the Lambe Christ Iesus by his death shall be saued 4 As the life of Christ is the life of life So the Death of Christ is the death of death 5 As the Libard vseth a straunge kinde of pollicie to kill the Ape he lieth downe vpon the ground as though he were starke dead which the Apes seeing come all togither and in despight skips vpon him this the Libard beareth paciently till he thinkes they haue wearied themselues with their sporting then suddenly hee likewise leapes vp and catches one in his mouth and in each foote one which immediately he killeth and deuoureth Euen so such was the pollicie of Christ hee was laid in the dust for dead the diuell then insulted ouer him and trampled vpon him but he like a liuely Lybard starting vp on Easter day astonied the souldiers set to keepe him which were the diuels apes and made them lie like dead men euen as he tolde them before by his Prophet Math. 28.7 Ose 13.7 6 As the Cameleon when he espies a Serpent taking shade vnder a tree climbes vp into that tree and le ts down a threed breathed out of his mouth as small as a Spiders threed at the end whereof there is a litle drop as cleare as any Pearle which falling vpon the Serpents head kils him Euen so Christ climbes vp into the tree of his Crosse and le ts downe a threed of bloud issuing out of his side like Rahabs redde threed hanging out of her windowe the least drop whereof beeing so precious and so peerelesse falling vpon the Serpents head kils him Iosua 2.18.21 7 As the wilde bull of all things cannot abide any red colour therefore the Hunter for the nonce standing before a tree puts on a redde garment whom when the Bull sees he runnes at him as hard as he can driue but the hunter slipping aside the Bulls hornes sticke fast in the tree as when Dauid slipped aside Saules speare stucke fast in the wall Euen so such a hunter is Christ who standing before the tree of his Crosse puts on a red garment dipt and dyed in his owne blood as one that commeth with redde garments from Bozra therefore the diuel and his angels like wilde bulls of Basan runne at him but he shifting for himselfe their hornes sticke fast in his Crosse 8 Like as when Mahomet the second of that name besieged Belgrade in Seruia one of his Captains at length got vp vpon the wall of the Citie with banner displayed another Bohemian espying this ranne to the Captaine and clasping him fast about the middle asked one Capistranus standing beneath whether it would be any daunger of damnation to his soule if he should cast himselfe downe headlong with that Dogge so he tearmed the Turke to be slaine with him Capistranus answering that it was no daunger at all to his soule the Bohemian foorthwith tumbled himselfe downe with the Turke in his armes and so by his owne death onely saued the life of all the Citie Euen such an exployt was this of Christ The Diuel like the great Turke besieging not onely one Citie but euen all mankinde Christ alone like this noble Bohemian encountred with him and seeing the case was so that this Dogge the Diuel could not be killed starke dead except Christ dyed also therefore hee made no reckening of his life but gaue himselfe to death for vs that he onely dying for all the people by his death our deadly enemy might for euer be destroyed 9 As it was bootelesse for Golias to brandish his speare against Dauid So it little auailed the Diuell to shake his speare likewise in
Christ the greater glorie and gaue Sathan the greater shame Christ suffered and died as he was man AS the precious stone called the Carbuncle to see too is like an hotte burning cole of fire shining exceeding brightly the which feeleth no fire neither is it molten chaunged or mollified therewith If thou shalt take it and close it fast in a ring of lead and cast it into the fire thou shalt see the lead molten and consumed before thy face but the Carbuncle remaining sound and perfect without blemish as before for the fire worketh vpon the leade but vpon the Carbuncle it cannot worke Euen so Christ our Sauiour being in the hotte scorching fire of his torments suffered and died as hee was man but as hee was GOD hee neither suffered nor died the fire of his afflictions wrought then vpon his manhood but his diuinitie and godhead continued perfect and vtterly vntouched The Crosse maketh peace AS in a ciuell gouernment and common-wealth nothing is more occasion of war then ouermuch peace So in the Church and among Ministers of the Church as nothing is more pernicious then too much quietnesse so nothing more ceaseth priuate contentions oftentimes arising amongst them theÌ„ the publike Crosse of persecution The personall vnion of Christ. AS a certaine soule beeing ioyned to a certaine body maketh one certaine person as Peter Paul Iohn So the eternall word of the Father tooke vnto it that flesh of the virgine that is to say made the same so proper vnto it selfe that from hence commeth and proceedeth that person which is called Christ Christ the resurrection and life 1 LIke as in a perfect body when the head hath sense and motion the hand that is of the same body hath also sense motion conuenient for it So likewise Christ being the resurrection and the life as there is spirituall life in him so euery member of his shall feele in it selfe spiritual sense and motion whereby it is raised vp from sinne and liueth vnto God Ioh. 5.25 6.63 2 As the Burgesse of a Towne in the Parliament house beareth the person of the whole Towne and whatsoeuer he saith that the whole Towne saith and whatsoeuer is done to him is also done to al the towne So Christ vpon the Crosse stood in our place and bare our person and what he suffered wee suffered and when he died all the faithfull died in him and so likewise as hee is risen againe so are all the faithfull risen in him 3 As Christ by the merite of his death wipeth out our iniquities and by his bloud clenseth our consciences from all mortall sinne So in like manner by his resurrection from death he declareth himselfe to be righteous and in all respectes perfectly pure according to the law of God Rom 4.25 Psal 16.16 Christ hath prepared a place for vs in heauen LIke as if a man were assured that there were made for him a great purchase in Spaine or Turkie so as if he would but come thither hee might enioy it he would not forbeare to aduenture the daungers of the Sea and of his enemies also if need were that so hee might come to his owne Euen so seeing that Christ Iesus hath made a purchase for vs in heauen and there is nothing required of vs but that we will come and enioy it wee ought to refuse no paines or feare in the way but carefully to striue to get in Luk. 13.14 Christ our Intercessour LIke as he that would know whether the sunne shine in the firmament must not clime vp into the cloudes to looke but search for the beames thereof vpon the earth which when he sees he may conclude that the sun shines in the firmament Euen so if wee would know whether Christ in heauen make intercession for vs let vs ransacke our owne consciences and there make search whether we feele the spirit of Christ crying in vs Abba Father As for those that neuer feele this worke of Gods spirite in them their case is miserable whatsoeuer they be Rom. 8.26 Calamitie EVen as a cloud darkneth the ayre and couereth the sunne So Calamitie and miserie maketh cloudie the mind of man taking from him all his ioy it leaueth him bare and naked without comfort and full of sorrow 2 Like as lightnings do smite whatsoeuer they find in the earth except the Lawrel tree as Plinie affirmeth Euen so great Calamitie is able to take away and to ouerthrow whatsoeuer is in man or that hee hath saue onely firme and constant vertue for constant vertue is a goodly Lawrell tree euer flourishing and greene and will not be consumed burnt vp nor destroyed with any fire that breaketh out of the cloudes be it neuer so fierce nor with any violence of torments and troubles whatsoeuer Rude and wanton Children LIke as when any are stinged with the poyson-ful sting of Serpents foorthwith they labour for remedie against the same least the wound rot and put them to further annoyance Euen so such Children as bee infected and diseased with wanton Idlenesse being also destitute of good maners and learning must be sent to the schoole to be cured of their maister with the rodde of correction and vertuous education False Christians LIke as among a great sort which are striken with extreame sickenesse and diseases some doo alwayes scape as it pleaseth God So it is to be hoped that among an infinite number of false Christans God will touch some to bring them backe from the filthinesse and corruptions of the worlde and to leade them to the fearing of himselfe It is impossible to know who is a true Christian before he die LIke as in a ground sowed with diuers seedes no man can certainly knowe some seede from an other which shall bring forth fruite and which shall not yea though it haue alreadie put foorth yea and that more is though it be eared Euen so no one man can know an other man throughly to bee a Christian which is the greatest felicitie that is before the end of his race because no man is to bee counted happie before his deathes day by reason of many miseries and calamities which may befall him Christ the cause of our resurrection and life 1 AS the first Adam was the roote of all mankind and he conuyed sinne by sinne death to all that sprang of him Christ onely excepted So likewise Christ the second Adam which is the roote of all the elect conueyeth life both in body and soule to al that are vnited to him and by the vertue of his resurrection they shall rise againe after this life 2 Like as the power of the Godhead of Christ when â—he was dead in the graue raised his body the third day So also shall the same power of Christ his Godhead conuey it selfe vnto all the faithfull which euen in death remaine vnited vnto him and raise them vp at the last day Why God afflicteth his Children AS a godly and wise Surgeon purposing to cut
bee maruelled that any is Dead which was mortall and borne to die 2 Like as a man which walketh ouer a fielde couered with Snow and sees not his way but when he thinketh to runne on sodenly fals into a pit Euen so they which haue all things at will and swim in pleasures which as a Snow couereth their way and dazeleth their sight while they thinke to liue on reioyce still sodainly rush vpon Death and make shipwracke in the calme sea Delight THey that seeke in Plato Demosthenes and specially in the sacred Scriptures nothing but vtterance and eloquence Are like vnto those that delight in the onely colour and sauour of salues and medicines False Doctrines and inuentions of men 1 LIike as hey wood stuble put to the fire are brought to sudden consuming Euen so the Doctrines and 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. 3.12.13.14.15 2 As there is no foode more wholsome then the foode of the word of God if it bee receiued sincerely as it is So there is none more noysome and hurtfull when it is marred with mixture of other things mingled with it then is the false Doctrine of men 3 As smoke hurteth the eyes and suffereth them not to see clearely So also doth peruerse Doctrine it dazeleth the eyes taketh away iudgement blindeth with error 4 As it is great foolishnesse to forsake the cleare fountaines and to drinke puddle water so it is great folly to leaue the sweete Doctrine of the Euangelists and to study the dreames of mens imaginations Discipline 1 LIke as if there were neuer so faire a garden or orchard planted and yet the same left without a fence or but with a bad fence so that somthing ere it were long shuld get in and so roote vp the hearbes and marre the plants Euen so is it in the Church where Discipline wanteth although there be neuer so sound and good preaching with Catechising against sin and wickednes yet the edge therof is so dulled that it is fruitlesse and of little force 2 Like as when a man goeth a stray and wandreth in some Forrest not knowing in what great danger it would no doubt be a great comfort to him to bee told of his errour and taught the right way Euen so the principall end of Discipline tendeth that euery member of the Church should walke in the feare of God and that if any one goe a stray he should be brought backe into the way of saluation Math. 18.15.16.17 3 Euen as when a man falleth into a ditch or deepe pit ready to be drowned he hath good cause to thanke him that pulleth him out and saueth his life So likewise we are to account our selues much bound and beholding to the Ecclesiasticall Discipline of Gods Church when wee through wickednesse and lewdnesse of life are ready to be drowned in hell then I say wee are by good documents exhortations reprehensions and publike admonitions hayled and drawne out of the same 4 As no Cittie Towne house or familie can maintaine their estate and prosper without Policie and Gouernment Euen so the Church of God which requireth more purely to bee gouerned then any Cittie or familie cannot without spirituall Policie and Ecclesiasticall Discipline continue increase and flourish 5 As the word of God is the life and soule of the Church So a godly order of Discipline is as it were sinewes in the body which knit and ioyne the members together with decent order and comelinesse It is a bridle to stay the wicked from their mischiefes It is a spurre to pricke forward such as bee slow and negligent yea and for all men it is the Fathers rodde euer in a readinesse to chastise gentlie the faultes committed and to cause them afterwarde to liue in more godly feare and reueâ—ence Drunken men AS one ouer-loaden with Wine can very hardly hide or keepe any meate in his stomacke So also the drunken man may keepe or containe in him no secretes Drunkards and Drunkennesse 1 AS Lot in seeking to make himselfe merry with wine did incurre thereby a perpetuall heauinesse Euen so all those that do practise the like are in great daunger of getting dishonestie and shame Gen. 19.32 2 Like as the immoderate drinking of wine was onely the cause of Lots abhominable and vile incest Euen so the like excesse in all other Drunkards is the onely cause why they do many things whereof being come to themselues againe they are then both sory and sore ashamed Pro. 31.4 1. Tim. 3.3 8. Tit. 1.7 Leuit. 10.9 Num. 6.3 Esa 5.11 3 As a man by reason is discerned from a bruit beast So when wine and strong drinke depriueth him of his vnderstanding and reason it depriueth man of man and placeth him in the degree of beasts Prou. 20.1.1 Cor. 6.10 5.11 22. 4 As there is no exercise more profitable for the children of God for their saluation or wherein God is greatlier glorified then in prayer thankesgiuing and praises to the Lord So is there nothing that sooner quencheth the vse of the same then Drunkennesse 2. King 16.9 Luk. 21.34.35 Eph. 5.18 Rom. 13.13 5 As long and sore raine moysteneth the earth and so conuerteth into mire that it cannot be tilled to bring forth fruite Euen so our bodyes distempered with too much drinke cannot receiue the spirituall Husbandrie neither yeeld any fruite beseeming the immortall soule Pro. 23.29 30. 1. Pet. 4.3 Mich. 2.11 6 As all men do desire to haue sufficient and competent showres of raine in their fields and closes so that they may be able both to exercise tillage and to enioy the plentie of their fruites and encrease Euen so in this field men should drinke but so much as behoueth least by excesse and Drunkennesse the very earth of their body being as it were turned into a very Fenne and Quagmyre may better serue to breede Woormes and Serpentes of vice and sinne then it should bee able to bring foorth the fruite of charitie 7 As whatsoeuer groweth in Fennes and Marshes bringeth foorth no fruite for therein doo breede Serpents and sundrie kindes of woormes which doo bring more horror and dread then encrease of victuall Euen so such are Drunkards being fit for no profit or commoditie for oftentimes in their Drunkennesse they know neither theÌ„selues nor any body else neither can they goe stand nor speake any thing that pertaineth vnto reason Esay 19.14 28.1 23 7. Amo. 2.5.15 8 As when there is too much raine the ground is vnfit for Tillage and turned to myre So when one is Drunken the spirituall tillage can take no force nor the soule bring foorth her fruites of Christianitie 9 As a Sip on the Sea without a guide leaning now on the one side now on the other so often in daunger So â—n like manner it often happeneth to the Drunkard who â—acketh the guide of reason
should keepe and fulfill the same will allow and take for payment our well meanings and good intents without either knowing or learning the same his will and mind 1. Sam. 13.9 c. 15.8 c. 2. Sam. 6.6 1. Chro. 13.9 10. Ioh. 16.2 Act. 6.12 c. Edifying of others LIke as they that carrie Muske or other sweete Odours about them cannot be hid but must needes bee made knowne to all and that others must needes smell them Euen so godly and faithfull men that carrie in their harts the Gospell of Christ must needes make others partakers of the same Epicurisme the fountaine of sinne AS the moyst and waterish grounds bring foorth nothing but Frogs and Toades So the belly and waâ—rie stomacke that is stuffed like a tunne bringeth foorth nothing but a drousie mind foggie thoughts filthie speeches and corrupt affections Equalitie in marriage 1 AS two Palfreyes or two Oxen of vnequall stature cannot bee coupled vnder one yoke So a Noble woman matching with a man of base estate or contrarily a Gentleman with a begger cannot bee consorted or coupled vnder the bands of wedlocke 2 As the Lord commaunded that an Oxe and an Asse should not bee yoked together because the match is vnequall Euen so it is an vnlawfull thing for the faithfull to marrie with Infidels or else to haue any thing to doo with them Deut. 22.10 2. Chor. 6.14 A great Errour for a man to thinke he shall be saued when he is dying if he say Lord haue mercy vpon me 1 LIke as if an arrand Theefe should thus reason with himselfe and say I will spend my dayes in robbing and stealing I feare neither arraignment nor execution for at the very time when I am to be turned off from the Ladder if I do but call vpon the Iudge I know I shal haue my pardon behold a most dangerous and desperate course Euen so the very same is the practise of carelesse men in the matter of their saluation for a man may die with Lord haue mercy in his mouth and perish eternally except in this world he enter into the first degree of eternall life Math. 7.21 Ioh. 5.24 2 As euery wound killeth not the man So euery Errour depriueth not man of saluation 3 As the naturall partes beeing wounded or infected bringeth death So those Errours that destroy the fundamentall heads of the trueth bring euerlasting destruction vnlesse the Lord preuent them with repentance Ouermuch Ease and pampering of the belly is a great prouocation to sinne AS with a pyle or stacke of small and dry wood the fire is quickly kindled and caused mightily to flame out Euen so the outragiousnesse of carnall and fleshly lust is greatly prouoked moued and stirred vp through ryoting daunsing banquetting quaffing gulling swilling and continuall feeding and pampering of the belly and by taking the body from good lawfull and honest exercises and giuing it to Idlenesse slothfulnesse and ouermuch Ease and rest from labours The fearefull Estate of many people 1 AS the Smythes Stithie the more it is beaten the harder it is made Euen so commonly the hearts of men the more they are beateÌ„ with the hammer of gods word the more dull secure and sencelesse they are 2 Like as when a Malefactor on the day of Assise is brought forth of the Iayle with great boltes and fetters to come before the Iudge as he is going all men pittie him and speake comfortably vnto him But why so because he is now to be arraigned at the barre of an earthly Iudge Euen so such is the Estate case of all impenitent sinners which is farre more miserable then the case of this man for they be fettered in bondage vnder sinne and Sathan and this short life is the way in which they are going euery houre to the barre of Gods iustice who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lordes there to be arraigned and to haue sentence of condemnation giuen against them We must giue diligence to make our Election sure AS men are carefull in the world and painfull ynough to make assurance of landes and goods to themselues and their posteritie Euen so we ought to be more careful and diligent to make our selues the ElectioÌ„ of God which is more worth then all the world beside 2. Pet. 1.10 The Elect are ordained to leade a godly life AS the Sunne was ordained to shine in the day and the Moone in the night and that order they keepe yea euery creature in his kinde obserueth the course appointed vnto it by creation as the grasse to growe and trees to â—ring forth fruite So likewise the Elect were ordained to this ende to leade a godly life and therefore if we would â—ither persuade our selues or the world that we are indeed â—hosen to saluatioÌ„ we must be plentiful in all good works and make conscience of euery euil way Ephe. 1.4 2.10 2. Thes 2.13 2. Timo. 2.21 Gods loue to his Elect. AS Ioseph loued all his brethren but Beniamin he loued with a more speciall loue and therfore he gaue messes of meate to them all but Beniamins messe was fiue times as much as the rest So God giueth libertie to all his creatures as a good a louing God in so much that the earth is full of his mercies but his loue to his Elect children by Christ is a thousand times more then the rest for them he vpholdeth in their integritie and doth set them before his face for euer Gen. 43.34 Psal 104.24 41.12 The Elect cannot finally perish AS an Elme or an Oke casts their leaues in the winter yet abideth their sappe still in them Esay 6.13 Euen so shall the holie seede continue in their substance so that though there appeare no fruites outwardly to our grosse sences yet the sure ground and substance which he hath there planted remaineth and though it haue no outward seale in our sight yet hath it a sure seale in Gods sight for the Lord knoweth it to be there which is sufficient Election to saluation doth not abolish but establish the second causes 1 AS God hath limited to euerie man the tearme of his life but withall he hath ordained and appointed that for the preseruing thereof he shall both eate and drinke Euen so God hath ordained necessarily that the Elect must be saued yet by such meanes as he hath appointed in his wisedome for the bringing of them to it to wit by hearing the Gospell preached by beleeuing in Christ by amending their liues by praying to God c. 2 As he that should abstaine from foode and say that he need it not to liue by should directly fight and striue against the will and pleasure of God and so tempt him So likewise they that say that being Elect they need not beleeue the Gospell nor amend their liues for the attaining to the kingdom of heauen do tempt God reuerse his prouidence striue against his will and so farre as in them lyeth abolish the
of Grace by Faith 3 As Forgiuenesse of sinnes is not obtained without true repentance and amendment of life So after it is once obtained it is not continued without the constant obseruing of the same For to what end is the disease cured which is of purpose procured againe when it is once healed Mat. 3.2 4.17 Ioh. 8.11 5.14 Faith hath need of continuall increase and yet is neuer perfect in this life 1 LIke as in euery mans body it is necessary there be encreases of the body according to the measure and quantitie of euery one vntill it come to the perfect measure Euen so it fareth with the case of Faith for the bringing of it vnto a iust measure sauing that the encrease thereof cannot be made vp in any certaine number of yeares as the body may but needeth to haue continuall increase as long as we haue our being here vpon earth by continuall preaching and Catechising by the right vse of the Sacraments by true and earnest prayer and by discipline Rom. 10.17 1. Cor. 3.2 6. Act. 2.38 Math. 7.7 1. Cor. 5.3 4 5. 2 Euen as a Candle or Lampe vnlesse they bee nourished with supply of new Tallow or Oyle are soone extinguished So also the word of our Faith vtterly decayeth vnlesse it bee preferred by newe Doctrines and meditations of Scripture Flatterer 1 EVen as the beast Hyena doth imitate a mans voice and so learneth ones name whom he calleth foorth and destroyeth So a Flatterer will so sooth you with yea and nay that at the length he will bring you to the pit of destruction 2 As a Camelion can turne himselfe into al colours saue white So will a Flatterer chaunge himselfe into all shapes and hewes saue honestie 3 As there is nothing more daungerous then poysoned honie So nothing ought more to be bewared then a Flattering friend 4 As lice doo forsake the dead bodies where the bloud is decayed and wherevpon they vsed before to feede So Flateres are present so long as prosperitie raigneth but in aduersitie they are fled and gone 5 As they which doo bring vp any wild beast will first behold wherewith his nature is pleased or offended vntill at the length by continuance the same is made tractable and tame So a Flatterer doth accommodate himselfe to the will mind and affections of his friends vntill at the length he may gather the knowledge of his inclination 6 As the shadow when the Sunne shineth doth follow thee whersoeuer thou goest So a Flatterer in thy prosperous state is euer with thee present 7 As Orators sometimes do speake in the persons of other So a Flatterer wil report that he heard things of thee although it were nothing so 8 As a Scorpion is a venemous creature which hath a pleasant face but woundeth deadly with her taile she stingeth not with her face but with her hinder part Euen so such a one is euerie smoothe tongued and flattering bodie which speaketh faire to his neighbours face and killeth him in his heart Prou. 26.22 28. 18.8 Rom. 16.18 9 As a Bee doth carry a floure in her mouth but behinde dooth pricke verie sharpely with her sting So likewise verie many in these dayes doo vse most sweete and pleasant speeches and will euen stroke as it were thy humour and disposition with soft and sugred communication to the ende that by reason of some malice couched in their hearts they may worke thy woe and vtter ouerthrowe Psal 118.12 Psal 78.36 37. Prouer. 28.23 Eecle 7.7 10 Like as the ende of an Orator is with eloquence to perswade and the end of the Physition with medicine to cure and to heale Euen so the end of the Flatterer is with his humble communication and sweete alluring talke to deceiue so that flattery is a sweete musicke to a mans eares but indeed there is none more pernicious and pestilent then that is 11 As a Looking-glasse dooth imitate whatsoeuer is set before it and dooth represent the likenesses of them that looke in it but by a contrary way for it sheweth the left side to be the right and if thou looke into the East it doth represent thee looking towards the West Euen so a Flatterer in voice and in gesture will imitate thee If thou laugh and be merrie he also will be pleasant and merrie If thou weepe he will weepe for companie If thou wilt backbite and slaunder a man he will take thy part and will with raylings obloquies and slaunders euen grieuously wound the same man And if thou wilt praise thy selfe hee will helpe thee Or if thou louest to heare thy selfe praised of others hee will carrie thee as it were vpon the wings of praises and commendations vp into the clouds and loftie skies Through his subtil slights and craftie deuises he turneth and bendeth himselfe euery way When hee will worke vpon men that be sad and heauie he is presently translated into their humor With men that are remisse and without courage hee dealeth merrily He handleth old men grauely and young men courteously with wicked men he is bold and impudent and with libidiuous and leacherous people he is filthie and shamelesse The Flatterer hath alwayes at his fingers ends and ready vnder his girdle the gestures voices inclinations and dispositions of all persons high and lowe he leaues out none that hee may deceiue all Hee will praise thee in thy presence and scorne thee in thy absence for the Flatterer is double tongued he now extolleth thee and doth set thee aloft with great prayses and by and by he will cast thee downe with iniuries and wrongs 12 As stickes and wood doo nourish and maintaine the fire but the fire doth waste and consume them So a man that is Flattered by smooth dissemblers and hypocrits doth maintaine his Flatterers for the most part but in the end they wil deuour and vtterly vndoo him Ficklenesse of the state of great persons AS the Pine is a great tree yet the fruite falleth quickly away So the goodnesse of many great persons quickly decayeth Friend and frindship to be tried and then trusted 1 AS Zeusis painted slowly and with leasure that which should long last and continue So must that Friend be a long time tried which shall for euer continue faithfull Eccle. 6.6 7. c. 2 As euill and vnwholesome meate can neither be detained in the stomacke without daunger of diseases neither expulsed without great griefe and paine So if you will keepe an euill Friend he will hurt you but if you will reiect him he will exclaime and breede you great tumult and trouble 3 As he which hath none other money then one counterfeit coyne is altogether monylesse So he which hath none other Friend then he which is vnproued or tryed may be well named friendlesse 4 Hee which goeth about to obtaine the frindship of many is like the vnchast woman who ioying herselfe with many hath no one assured louer 5 As Telephus the Sonne of Hercules
world and are come to heauen God the author of all callings AS the Generall in the field appointeth euerie particular man his particular standing and office in which he must liue and die Euen so it is God that appointeth euerie man his particular place and standing and function wherein hee must continue to the ende of his life vnlesse God call him to some other God forsaketh his children sometimes and leaueth them to themselues 1 AS a mother sets downe her young childe and hides herselfe suffering it to crie and breake the face not because shee hates it but that shee may teach it to depend vpon her and loue her Euen so God giueth grace to his children and yet againe sometime hee doth in part withdrawe it from them and then they faile in their duties sundrie waies and this he doth to make them ashamed of themselues and to cause them to put all their confidence out of themselues in the merites of Christ 2 Like as the Corne fielde that is plowed and sowne with good Corne but yet for a time it neither giues rooting beneath nor so much as a shewe of any blade appeares aboue Euen so God grauntes his seruaunts the holy meane of saluation namely preaching prayer Sacraments and yet holds backe the efficacie of his spirit for a time Can. 2.4 5. 3 Like as the prisoner who hath escaped the hand of his Gayler hath an affection to runne a thousand myles euerie hower But hauing happily his Boltes on his legges he cannot for his life but goe very softly galling and chafing his fleshe and so with much griefe falleth againe into the hands of his keeper Euen so God giueth his children a strong affection to obey his will but hee lettes them faile in the obedience it selfe Rom. 7.22 23 24. 4 As the trees in the winter season that are beaten with wind and weather bearing neither leafe nor fruite but looke as though they were rotten and dead because the sap doth not spread it selfe but lies hid in the roote Euen so the manner of Gods forsaking his elect is when hee hides his graces for a time not by taking them quite away but by remoouing all sense and feeling of them Psal 77.7 8 9. The Godhead of Christ. 1 LIke as when a man sleepeth the soule is not seuered from the body but lieth as it were dead and exerciseth not it selfe Euen so the Godhead of Christ lay still and did not manifest his power in his manhood but did as it were lie a sleepe for a time that the manhood might suffer and thus the manhood seemed to bee forsaken Math. 27.46 2 Euen as the Altar in the olde Lawe did sanctifie the sacrifice that was offered vpon it and made the same propitiatorie So also the Godhead of Christ the Altar whereon hee offered his humanitie sanctified the same and made it propitiatorie and meritorious for all mankinde 3 Like as in Christ incarnate there be seuerall things and not seuerall persons So in the Godhead there be seuerall persons but not seuerall thinges Philip. 2 6 7. Hebr. 1.3 4 As Honie and Oyle being mixed together cannot be called either Honie or Oyle because when things are mingled together they cannot retaine a name of one of the simples Euen so the Godhead of Christ cannot be chaunged into his manhood or yet mingled with his manhood Because the properties of the Godhead cannot agree with the properties of the manhood nor the properties of the manhood with the properties of the Godhead For as the Godhead cannot thirst no more can the body be in many places at once God the refuge of the comfortlesse 1 AS the Rockes that are hard to be clambred vnto are good refuges for the afflicted to flie vnto from the face of their pursuers So God is the safetie of all such as in distresse doo flie to him for succour Psal 18.2 2 Euen as the Birdes and foules of the ayre that they may escape the nets and snares of the fowlers are wont to flie vp on high So we to auoyd the infinite snares of innumerable temptations must flie to God and lift vp our selues from the corruptions lying vanities and deceitfull slights of the world God vseth the ministerie of all AS in a great house there bee many vessels of sundrie sortes to diuers vses not onely of Gold and Siluer but also of wood and earth some for honour some for dishonour So likewise in the outward societie of the Church there bee men of all sortes appointed for diuers ends as apt and meete vessels for the Lord and some otherwise c. 2. Tim. 2.20 21. God no partiall Iudge AS drie wood is apt to burne greene wood though not so quickly will bee consumed with fire Euen so both strong and weake high and low rich and poore one and an other goe to wracke when God punisheth impietie and wickednesse Ezech. 20.47 A Godly man is a mightie man though he be neuer so poore LIke as precious stones though they bee cast into the mire yet they loose not their bewtie nature and propertie So likewise men indued with honestie replenished with goodly vertues and well acquainted with the true worshipping of the most high and gracious GOD although they be silent as men in their graues and are had in contempt of the world yet haue they not lost their dignitie and the true honour proper to Christians which consisteth not in the wealth and renowne of this world but in holinesse in righteousnesse and in the faithfull imitation of Christ God the life of the soule AS the Soule is the life of the body Euen so God is the life of the Soule and his spirit is the soule of our soules and the want of fellowship with him brings nothing but the endlesse and vnspeakable horrors and pangs of death The holy Ghost God AS Christ is called the word of God not a word of Letters or Syllables but a substanciall word that is beeing for euer of the same substance with the Father Euen so the holy Ghost is called the vertue of the most highest not because hee is a created qualitie but because he is the substanciall vertue of the Father and the sonne and therefore God equall with them both Guiltie before God AS in the malladies and diseases of the body that disease is most dangerous that hath possessed and seazed vpon the body and yet the bodie feeleth it not So likewise in all Gods iudgements to stand Guiltie before God is most daungerous because a man standeth Guiltie befor God many yeares and yet neuer feeleth it The Graces of the holy Ghost cannot finally be abolished 1 AS coales vnder ashes and as Sappe in the roote of the tree in the winter season are hid and couered and appeare not for a time at all in the braunches Euen so the common gifts and Graces of the holy Ghost may bee lost and extinguished but the giftes proper to the Elect cannot they may indeed be diminished
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
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
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
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
Idolatrie and superstition whereby also their ignorant mindes and weake consciences are much disquietted for a time yet for that they procure in the ende their former health and seeke onely to restore them a right to their perfect libertie in Christ they cannot therefore bee truely termed disturbers either of the outward or inward peace of the Church but rather the faithfull defenders thereof for that they doo daily admonish their people to conforme themselues to the right manner of seruing and worshipping God according to his word and to beware of such stinking Garlike and Onions of Egypt as naturally they are apt to surfeit vpon Numb 11.4 5. Patience 1 AS in playing tables we know not what cast shal happen but that which happeneth is the players part to play well So what things shall happen in our life is not in vs to appoint but that which happeneth is our dutie by Patience to accept and vse well 2 As the Apostles did waite with Patience for the promise of Christ for so soone as he was ascended into heauen they came straight to Ierusalem where they continued tenne dayes till the holy Ghost was sent So likewise must wee prescribe no time to the Lord but Patiently waite for those things which we want Act. 1.11 12. 2.1 2 3 4. 3 Euen as the Husbandman labouring in tilling and sowing their fieldes doo patiently looke for fruite So the godly ought by Patience to looke for the end of faith which is the saluation of their soules Iam. 5.7 Preacher 1 AS one peece of wood cannot possibly kindle an other vnlesse the same bee first kindled it selfe So likewise no Preacher can inflame his hearers with the loue of Religion which is not first inflamed himselfe with the loue of the Lord and a care of his glorie nor conuert or teach an other rightly that is not truely conuerted and taught himselfe c. Luk. 22.32 Rom. 2.21 2 As the aboundance of fruites or as a plentifull haruest procureth the paineful ploughman to labour afresh and with a future hope to put his hand to the plough to bend his backe to the burden and most willingly abide the brunt of euerie blast because hee seeth such store of fruites from his former labours So surely euery godly Preacher perceiuing his former practise to bring foorth such profit hee is pricked forward to labour more diligently in his calling accounting those paines his onely pleasure and making those his carefull hearers his daily delight saying Loe these are the trees of righteousnesse these are the planting of the Lord in whom he is glorified c. Prou. 11.30 Esay 61.3.9 3 As the yong Crab-fish being checked on a time of her elder for going so crokedly said first go you straight before vs and then wee will the straighter follow your steps So if the Preacher will haue his hearers to doo and practise that which he teacheth them then hee himselfe must doo and practise that which he teacheth them that so his good behauiour may be their ensample otherwise they will cast his owne dung in his face and say Physition heale thy selfe Luk. 8.16 11.33 1. Pet. 2.12 Math. 23.13 Mal. 2.9 Luk. 4.29 4 As those foolish Carpenters who building and preparing the Arke for the sauegard of Noah and his family were drowned themselues in the floud Or as a grinding-stone which by giuing an edge to the tooles yet becommeth it selfe more blunt then before Or as a Candle which by giuing light to others is consumed it selfe Or as a Mearestone which directeth the poore traueillers aright in their viage but yet it standeth still it selfe at a stay Or as that miserable Husbandman that selleth away al his best Corne but keepeth the refuse to himselfe Or as Cyrus the foolish Wine seller solde others of the best Wine and did drinke the lees and dregges himselfe Or as a fire-brand which kindleth and setteth other wood on fire but it is consumed and burnt it selfe Or as a sicke Captaine which may giue his Souldiers good counsell though himselfe bee vnable to strike a stroake Or as an Alabaster box which containeth very precious oyntments for such as are sicke but feeleth it selfe no sauour thereof Or as a Librarie ful of singular good knowledge for such as are desirous to learne but hath neither vse nor profit thereof it selfe Or as a gilden Cup full of very wholesome Wine for the comfort of those that are drie but yet it remaineth it selfe a thirst Or as a foolish Minstrell which singeth one thing with the mouth and harpeth an other with his hands Euen so that Minister that giueth good counsell to other but followeth it noâ— himselfe that buildeth vp with one hand but breaketh downe with the other which Preacheth soundly buâ— liueth lycentiously which reprooueth others for stealing and yet stealeth himselfe who blameth others foâ— Adulterie but yet breaketh wedlocke himselfe who condemneth the ill dooings and dealings of others and yet dooth the same things himselfe Such a one may as sure himselfe that without speedie repentance he shall neuer escape the iudgements of God Gene. 6.21 Math. 14.38 39. Luk. 17.26 27. 1. Pet. 3.20 Gal. 2.18 Psal 50.17 18. Rom. 2.21 22 23. 5 As there is but one onely meanes to saluation for all whether Prophet or Apostle Preacher or people Iew or Gentile bond or free or of what condition so euer So surely those are the best kind of Preachers in deed which deliuer the doctrine of Christ with some experience and feeling thereof in themselues which verily addeth a maruellous efficacie and force to that doctrine deliuered Gal. 2.6 Ephe. 6.9 Col. 3.25 1. Pet. 1.17 6 As the sicke man seeketh not a Physition eloquent but expert and cunning So of a Preacher there must not be required a phrase of speech adorned and affected but plaine wise and for edification 7 Like as some men entangled in ouer many turnings â—oo make a short way very long So likewise some Preachers in teaching trifling questions and matter that edifieth not doth greatly hinder his hearers from profiting in wisedome and knowledge 8 As a blind sore and wounded eye which cannot direct and leade the body is rather a blemish and a burâ—en to the naturall body then a commoditie Euen so a man allowed and appointed to be a spirituall Pastor and Preacher which hath not the knowledge and grace to Preach the Lawe and the Gospell is but a blind and sore eye not able to direct and guide the spirituall bodie the people of God of whom he taketh charge of Mat. 6.23 〈◊〉 15.14 Act. 8.31 10 As a family or houshold left without a guide or Steward waxeth disordered as Schollers wanting a Schoolemaister cannot be learned as a ship destitute of a guide is vnlikely to be preserued Euen so the state and condition of such Churches and parishes are most wofull and lamentable which are depriued and lacke true and faithfull Preachers who are the Lords stewards to dispose his secrets the
good part and doo of his owne free will although shee had spoken nothing thereof and when shee knoweth what her husbands will is in things shee gladly talketh with him thereof and accordingly as shee seeth him disposed to doo shee will often desire him to doo it Euen so the godly Christians which vnfainedly loue God in that they know his wisedome and will is best cannot forbeare but often pray and talke with him and desire him to doo that which he knoweth is best and which they know also he would do if none should aske or pray for the same 8 As Rebecca when two twinnes stroue in her wombe was troubled and said why am I so Wherefore she went to aske the Lord namely by some Prophet So when we feele this inward fight betwixt the fleshe and the spirit the best thing is to haue recourse to God by Prayer Gene. 25.22 9 As the children of Israel by compassing the Citie of Ierico seuen dayes by sounding Rams hornes ouerturned the walls thereof So by serious Prayer and inuocation of Gods name the spirit is confirmed and the Turrets and Towers of the rebellious flesh battered Ios 6.34 Math. 26.41 1. Pet. 4.7 10 As the preaching of the word serues to declare and to conuey vnto vs Gods graces Euen so in Prayer wee come to haue a liuely feeling of the same in our hearts for it is the key whereby we open the treasures of God and pull downe his mercies vpon vs. Psal 106.23 Ephe. 6.18 11 Like as if a man be to come before an earthly Prince he will order himselfe in apparell gesture and word that hee may doo all things in seemelinesse and dutifull reuerence Euen so much more are Christians to order themselues when they are to appeare before the liuing God in Prayer Eccle. 5.1 12 As a child cannot without blushing call him Father whom he cares not continually to displease through his lewd conditions neither can his Father delight in such a child Euen so with what face dare any man in Prayer call God his Father whome hee makes no conscience to offend and displease most rebelliously by word and deed 13 As that Citie which is not fenced with Wals may be easily brought vnder subiection of the enemie because it wanteth that which should withstand the force and encounters of the enemie So likewise the diuell will easily bring our soules in subiection vnto him and with no great paines lead them to all kind of lewdnesse vnlesse they be fenced by often and feruent Prayer vnto God 14 Like as the Sunne giues light to the body So Prayer giueth light to the mind for as it is daungerous for a man neuer to see the Sunne So it is much more perillous for a Christian man neuer to pray 15 As trees bring foorth no fruit vnlesse they receiue Sap and nourishment from the rootes Euen so wee can neuer increase in godlinesse vnlesse we bee continually watred by our Prayers 16 As theeues and robbers beholding a man florish his sword about his eares will not then set vpon him Euen so the wicked spirits seeing vs fenced by our Prayers will straightway giue backe and leaue vs vnassaulted 17 As waues of water are tossed and carried away by force of wind So likewise hee that prayeth without faith must needs be carried of euery forcible affection therefore cannot looke to obtaine his petitions Iam. 1.6 7. 18 As women preuaile with men in their suits by great importunitie Euen so godly Christians by Prayer without ceasing do obtaine their requests of God Luk. 18.3 7. 19 Like as the poore Captiue is alwayes creeping to the prison doore often labouring to get off his bolts and fetters and to escape out of prison So likewise must wee alwayes creepe to the Lord for his spirit by Prayer to free vs out of this bondage and prison of sinne and corruption and euerie day come nearer the prison doore looking when our blessed Sauiour will vnbind vs of all the fetters of sinne and Sathan and fully erect his kingdome in vs. 20 As a Mother that carrieth her child in her armes if it crie for the Dugge and suckes the same it is aliue but beeing obserued many dayes together if it neither crie nor stirre it is dead So in like manner it is an vnfallible note of a true child of God to crie to his Father in heauen by Prayer but hee that neuer crieth nor feeleth himselfe stirred vp to make his mone to God is in a miserable case and he may well be thought to bee but a dead child 21 Like as we see green wood lying in the fire sobbing and smoaking long before it wil burne Euen so no doubt all Gods children doo feele a strife and combat in their spirits in many of their Prayers Esay 38.41 c. 22 Like as euery Fencer or florisher proueth not a valiant and couragious man when hee commeth to fight in good earnest Euen so no more are those Prayers found effectuall neither can such men speake a word to the purpose when affliction hath laid hold on thē in deed wheras a true Christian neuer sheweth his manhood nor his cunning in this weapon of Prayer more then when he is to fight for life and death and the greater the daunger is with so much the stouter courage is he endued Psal 32.6 23 As he that truly loueth delighteth in nothing more then in the often talking conference with him whom he loueth Euen so where there is true and vnfained loue vnto God there is a burning desire by often Prayer to talke with God so as no perill nor danger no not of losse of life can stay or hinder it as may appeare by Daniel Dan. 6.10 24 As the more wood is laid on the fire the greater is the flame So likewise is the continuall talking with God by Prayer a great increasing of our loue towards him as on the contrarie the seldomer we common with him by Praier the more doth our loue towards him from time to time abate slake vntil in the end it be cleane quenched 25 As a certaine kind of Serpent when hee commeth to drinke doth vomit vp al his poyson So a godly Christian when he commeth to pray must banish and cast away all anger malice and hatred of his heart 26 Like as the Ship with prosperous wind is speedily carried in her course So our Praier is more profound and is better hard when our minds are feruent with some desire Psal 17.1 27 As Elizeus did cast salt into the waters of Iericho to make them sweete So must wee salt and season our Prayers with teares to make them fauorie and delightsome to God 2. King 2.21 28 Like as if men of great and loftie spirits who to God are as silly wormes creeping on the earth stand so much vpon their reputation that as it is recorded of the Senatours of Rome in old time they thinke it a great disgrace vnto them that any man
he had obtained the same and had gotten it written and sealed which done hee would carrie it home locke it vp safe and sound and many times looke vpon it with great ioy and gladnesse Euen so such is the case of euerie one of vs by nature we are rebels and traitours against God and haue by our Sinnes deserued tenne thousand deathes now our only stay and refuge is that Christ the Sonne of God was condemned for vs and therfore in Christ we must sue for pardon at Gods hands and neuer rest till we haue the assurance thereof sealed vp in our hearts and consciences alwayes remembring that euer after wee lead a new life and neuer commit the like Sinnes against God any more 30 Like as if a man should be so farre in debt that hee could not be freed vnlesse the suretie should bee cast into prison for his sake nay which is more bee cruelly put to death for his debt it would make him at his wits end and his very heart to bleed So likewise is the case with vs by reason of our Sinnes we are Gods debters yea bankrupts before him yet haue wee gotten a good suertie euen the Sonne of God himselfe who to recouer vs to our former libertie was crucified for the discharge of our debt Math. 18.23 c. Ezech. 12.10 31 As the Iuie by litle and little creepeth vpon the Oke till at the last he doth ouer-grow and destroy the Oke So likewise doth Sinne by little and little get vp and get the strongest and mightiest men sometimes vnder him as it did Salomon and Dauid and Peter and diuers others for al their wisedome and learning and iudgement and experience which they had both of themselues and of the world 32 As a litle Leauen sowreth the whole lumpe of dow Or as a little fire whereof but one sparke is sufficient to kindle a great fire and to burne downe a whole Citie Or as a tree whose stubbes remaining in the ground are enough to giue one a fall Or as Iezabel that painted harlot whose very remnants as the schull of her head and the plames of her hands must be buried least they infect the ayre Or as a Mote in the Sunne is but a little thing and yet enough to hinder the sight to paine the eye and to trouble the whole body Or a hayre is but a little thing yet enough to stiffle a man Or as the flies of Egypt were but little things yet none of the least plagues Or as the lice were lesse thē the flies yet one of the greatest plagues that came vnto Egypt Euen so such be our Sinnes which wee call little Sinnes and the Papists call veniall Sinnes that may bee washed away with a little holy water c. we count them little and nothing and not to be stood vpon nor once to bee touched but in time we may prooue them to bee the greatest plagues that will trouble vs if securely and rashly we venture vpon them 2. King 9.30 c. Exod. 8.16 21. 33 As a moth-eaten garment and worm-eaten wood hath no more vse but to be cast away the one to the dūghill the other to the fire Euen so no more vse with God hath a soule moath-eaten and worme-eaten with Sinne but to be cast out of Gods presence into the fire 34 As wee are loth to haue our wounds often grated vppon and cannot well away to haue our soares rifled seared launced but rather couet to haue them fed with healing salue So likewise we are hardly brought to haue our consciences ground or our Sinnes ransacked sifted searched and ripped vp but rather we could wish to haue them playstered with sweete promises and bathed in the mercies of God 35 As it is farre safer before incarnatiue and healing medicines to vse corosiue and mundifying waters without which though some sores may seeme to close and skinne vp apace yet they prooue worse and bee rotten still at the coare they haue aboue a thinne skinne and vnderneath rotten flesh So in like manner wee would cloake hide and couer our Sinnes as it were with a Curtaine but it is more sound Chirurgerie and diuinitie to haue our consciences pricked and pierced with the burning yron of the Lawe and so to cleanse the wound of our soule by sharpe threatning least that skinne beeing pulled ouer the conscience for a while wee lament the rotten corruption which remaines vncured vnderneath and so wee be constrayned to crie out of our Sinnes openly 36 As it is a folly then to dissemble our soares whilst they bee curable and after to make them knowne when they be vncurable Euen so it is a great follie to dissemble our Sinnes whilst they may be remedied and so after to bee constrayned to blaze them all abroad when they are remedilesse 37 As wilde beasts who so long as they are sleeping stirre not but being awaked they flie in a mans face and rend out his throate Euen so in like manner the Sinnes which a man committeth lies at the doore of his heart though hee feele them not and if he doo not preuent the daunger by speedie repentance God will make him to feele them once before hee die and rayse vp such terrours in his conscience that he shall thinke himselfe to be in hell before hee be in hell and therefore it is good for euerie man to take heede how he continues an enemie to Christ Gene. 4.7 38 As men may be too carefull in seeking after Physitions to remoue the diseases of their bodies So may they be too too carelesse in seeking after Christ to remoue the Sinnes of their soules 39 As the body is soone hurt with wounds but it is not cured but with much griefe and torments So the soule is soone wounded with Sinne but it is not so soone or easily healed 40 Like as it is easier for one to hold a stone whilst hee hath it then to recouer it when it is fallen out of his hand So it is easier to preuent and eschew Sinne then to recall or hide it once committed 41 As in a Well except there be some water in it we cannot easily see the baggage that lieth in the bottome So in the depth of the heart without teares we cannot see our Sinnes for the lesser our sorrowes are the greater are our Sinnes 42 As hee that waxeth pale and is afraid of the hissing and biting of a Viper and dooth runne to the Physition Euen so much more is filthie Sinne to bee abhorred and feared which hath worser poyson then all Vipers and much more sooner ought medicines and a remedie to be sought for it 43 As when wee walke and liue according to Gods word and in his feare wee goe to God to heauen and to euerlasting life So by Sinning in lieu of going forward we slip backe and draw towards death 44 As hee that flieth from his enemies that pursueth him in lieu of sauing himselfe in some towne turneth backe towardes them and
into subiection to their fond and fantastical humours they become of men diuels incarnate Sinne is to be reproued in all estates AS those which haue Corne fields thinketh it not a thing vnmeete to be told by their seruants of thistles and weedes which would hinder and marre the Corne if they prouide not to haue them plucked vp Euen so it is not an vnworthie thing to shew vnto those which are of high calling the hurtfull and daungerous weedes which would ouergrow and choake the heauenly seede of the Gospell sowne in the Lords field Sathan inflameth wicked cogitations into our minds by his temptations AS the Smith doth not make himselfe the hote coales that be in his Forge but doth blow the fire with bellowes and so the coales are kindled and made hote and fierie So the Diuell doth blow and inflame those daungerous and wicked cogitations which are conceiued in our hearts minds with the bellowes of manifold temptations and so labouring to kindle the fire of all iniquitie he ministreth nourishment to all our wicked and damnable purposes For the heart of man is like vnto a Smithes Forge his euil bad cogitations are hote burning coales he that doth blow the bellowes to make them burne vp and to consume both our soules and bodies is the Diuell that auncient enemie of our happinesse and saluation Sathans craft to deceiue Eue and the world EVen as a Fouler doth lay abroad and spread his net to take the Birds where baite is there they may feede So the Diuell when he would take Eue spread his net in gluttonie and tempted her with a beautifull Apple till at the length to the harme and woe of all their posteritie both shee and her husband were taken and trapt to our woes Gene. 3.1 2. c. Ose 13.6 Luk. 6.25 Similitudes in the Scripture AS Images and Pictures are not in all points alike or correspondent to that which they represent but differ in colours bignesse or thicknesse So the things and Similituds in the Scripture are not in all points alike to that which is likened vnto them Seruice of man AS that Seruice of men which is done by constraint carelesly and negligently is iustly hated reiected So the Lord hateth reiecteth all Seruice of man which proceedeth not from a chearefull loue and earnest zeale of his glorie 1. Cor. 13.13 16.14 Tit. 2.14 Sathan called God AS the belly is called a God because they which are giuen to the pleasures thereof make more account of it then of God So after the same sorte is Sathan called a God and the Prince of this world 2. Cor. 4.4 Iohn 12.3 14.30 Sinne is noysome to Gods spirit AS the smoake of any filthie smelling thing driueth away Bees So the smoake of the dunghill of our corruptions namely our Sinnes will driue away the holy Ghost out of our hearts Swearers LIke as if we see a man hold vp his hand at the barre of an earthly Iudge wee pittie him and we are sorrie for him Euen so much more ought wee to pittie common Swearers blasphemers who are no better before God then rebels that hold vp their hands at the barre of his iudgement seate as guiltie malefactors Exod. 2.7 Little Sinnes to be regarded AS a man may die as well by the choaking of a Flie as by the deuouring of a Lyon Or as a Ship may as well be sunke by too much weight of Mustard seed as of great stones and lumpes of lead So likewise little Sinnes will sinke a man to hell as soone as great Sinnes Strength LIke as through wickednesse mans mind is ouercome and brought into a base slauerie vnto all euill So likewise by Strength it ouercommeth and hath the victorie and is aduaunced vnto freedome and dignitie The State of man AS the good estate of a Subiect or seruant consisteth in this that hee liuing in the fauour and good liking of his King or Maister procured by his loyall obedience and faithfull seruice is free from all euils and iniuries and enioyeth al things either needful or pleasant So the State of man being pure from sinne is good and happie otherwise if by sinning and rebelling against God he incurre his displeasure most wretched and miserable Thankfulnesse for Gods graces and benefits 1 LIke as a Husband louing his wife tenderly to make his affection knowne vnto her by bestowing vpon her many great presents of Gold and costly Iewels is much grieued if shee dissemble the giftes which hee hath bestowed vppon her and say shee hath purchased them by her owne money Euen so God can in no wise be pleased with vs if we will conceale or else attribute to our selues the graces which he hath bestowed vpon vs which he would haue to be testimonies tokens and demonstrations of the inuiolable loue and fidelitie that he beareth vnto vs. Deut. 8.1 2 c. 9.1 c. 2 As a Hare or a Conie cannot chewe their cud vnlesse they haue champed it before Euen so if a man bee presently Thankfull after a benefit receiued so shall hee be the more able to call it to mind afterwards Tale-bearers AS wood serueth to kindle keepe fire Euen so Tale-bearers stirre vp kindle and nourisheth strife Prou. 26.20 Humane Traditions AS the flowers of Lysimachus are faire to see yet vnsauorie So humaine Traditions make a faire shew but there is no spiritual sauour or sweetnesse in them Time seruers 1 AS the Apple tree which in the Spring time buds and openeth it selfe so that it dooth as it were become white by reason of the blossomes but a shower falling vpon it many of the blossomes are shaken off and the frost also dooth much more consume them afterward when the fruite beginneth to spring foorth some great winde much of it being come forth falleth downe and when it waxeth ripe the Cater-piller commeth which with other wormes gnaweth spoyleth it so much that scarce the twentieth part yea scarce the hundreth part many times remaineth Euen so it commeth to passe with the hearers of the Gospell in the beginning therof euery one coueteth to be a Protestant and a good Christian euerie one liketh of it verie well and the first fruites thereof are very pleasaunt but when winde a shower or tentation commeth many fall away from it by companies afterward sects and seditions arise which like vnto woormes and cankers gnawe and infect the fruites of the Gospell and so many false opinions spring vp that very fewe doo perseuere in the true profession thereof Math. 13.21 21. 2 As the Reed is tottering shaking and yeelding euery way with the least winde that bloweth So likewise be all such as are weather-cockly Temporizers as in their words deeds be wauering vncōstant slippery changeable fickle faint-hearted and dare not stoutly persist in their conceiued opinion but as turn-coates say and vnsay doo and vndoo Math. 11.7 Luk. 7.24 3 Euen as luke-warme water doth annoy the stomack so farre that the
Frost dooth kill and destroy the tender sweete pleasant and beautifull blossomes Euen so the Vsurer likewise many times by his extreame Vsurie dooth kill men women and children 11 As a poore siely sheep hath succour and shelter vnder a Thorne bush in some storme or tempest a little while but when shee departeth from the bush it keepeth backe a peece of her fleece and the oftner shee goeth the barer and nakedder she is so that at the length she is able to abide neither bush nor storme Euen so such a bush of Thornes is the Vsurer to the poore borrower hee will leaue him at the length no fleece on his backe hee will leaue him no house ouer his head vnlesse it bee some prison house to die in no bed to rest vppon no flesh on his bones nor no credite in the world 11 As the Thorne bush that pincheth and pulleth the poore sheepe neuer thriueth nor proueth any good timber but serueth only for the fire So the Vsurer serueth for nothing but Hel and howsoeuer he thriueth here he shal be pinched there 13 As hee that cutteth downe a Tree by the rootes dooth with all cut downe the boughes twiggâ—s 〈◊〉 braunches also So likewise the Vsurer consumeth vtterly vndoeth and with sorrow drieth vp the marrow in the bones of parents to the shortning of their dayes and withall dooth euen destroy their poore sweete infantes also 14 As the Caterpillers of Egypt were surely tethered that they harmed no place but where they themselues were But these Caterpillers the Vsurers will sit at home in their Chaires like a Boore that is a franking in his Stie and will consume a man one two or three hundred miles from them for they by their Brokers doo flie ouer and view all the lands lordships manners parkes woods groues fields medowes pastures and whatsoeuer farmes leases or other commodities of Noblemen Lords Knights Esquires Gentlemen yeomen and husbandmen and here they gobble vp a whole Towne and there a goodly Parke here a Lordship or Manner there a most pleasant wood 15 As the Worme Teredo whereof Plinie maketh mention in his naturall historie which is as soft as silke in the feeling of the hand but biteth so hard with the teeth that it eateth the strongest Timber Euen so such a thing is Vsurie and the Vsurer soft in his words and faire in his promises but by his deeds he stingeth to death wasteth the greatest substance 16 As Vultures and Rauens will picke out the guts of a mans bellie Euen so likewise the Vsurer eateth vp the fruits of other mens labours 17 Like as fire which is an actiue and insatiable Element for it burneth and consumeth all the wood that is laid vpon it So the Vsurer the more he hath the more he desireth and like Hell gates he is neuer satisfied Vngodly man AS hee that shall euer and anon bee casting himselfe into the fire and water and runne vpon daungerous places to breake his legges armes or necke and further shall take pleasure in doing all this is either a foole or a mad man Euen so is the Vngodly man as oft as hee sinneth which endeuoureth as much as in him lieth to pitch his soule into Hell and whereas hee taketh pleasure in sinne hee sports himselfe with his owne destruction Vnbeleefe 1 AS an emptie vessell is capable of water and yet being closely stopped none can enter into it though it be powred vpon it in great aboundance Euen so it fareth with our hearts they are capable of Gods graces but being stopped by Vnbeleefe no grace of God can enter into them though daily and plentifully offered 2 As men that are but ciuill haue care to auoide robbing and killing because God giues commaundements against stealing and killing Euen so much more we ought to striue against our manifold doubting distrustings and Vnbeleefe of Gods loue in Christ hauing a commaundement of God that calles vppon vs and bindes vs to doo so Vnthankfulnesse 1 AS the Israelites were no more thankfull and obedient when they had peace and liued in a land that flowed with Milke and Honie then when they were in the solitarie desart and wilde wildernesse Euen so the most part with vs in England are no more thankefull in this peace of the Gospell nor any whit more desirously giue themselues to serue and worship God aright then if they should liue in a land fruitlesse and destitute both of spirituall and temporall blessings 2 Like as the ingrate and vnkind Cuckowe after that shee is nourished and brought vp of the poore hedge Sparrowe to some good perfection of age in so much that shee is able to get her owne foode and liuing is then so much forgetfull of the kind loue of this Sparrow that all mercie and compassion set apart shee eateth and deuoureth her vp Euen so some children who haue beene with great care and expences brought vp of their parents to such good perfection of age as they might bee able to liue and maintaine themselues and also be a great comfort to their parents doo notwithstanding shewe themselues so vnkinde and Vnthankfull to them that by their obstinacie and vngracious behauiour they bring the gray heads of their parents to the graue with sorrow as Esau and Absolom Gene. 27.46 28.6 c. 2. Sam. 15. 1. c. 16.11 c. 17.1 2. c. Gene. 37.17.35 42.38 3 As euerie thing that is weightie and heauie tendeth and presseth downeward yet notwithstanding the clouds that are full of water and swelled with moysture doo ascend vpward because the Sunne taketh them from the earth and with his force draweth them vp on high which being lifted vp in the ayre are gathered to gether and thickned and so doo couer and hide the brightnesse of the Sunne by whose helpe and attraction they were taken and carried vp but notwithstanding their malice they beeing desperate and scattered abroad the Sunne they conquerer and ouercommer of darknesse thrusteth through his beames breaketh the cloudes and giueth light with his shine Euen so the Iseralites when they lay in Egypt a long time in obscuritie thraldome bondage and slauerie to Pharao and his people and were euen nalled as it were to the earth of all contempt and crueltie were then taken vp and set in great and high dignitie by the Sonne of righteousnesse but afterward they went about to obscure and extinguish the brightnesse and light of God himselfe by whose benefit thay had gotten that honour and dignitie which they had and without whom they were nothing but bond-slaues of miserie and wretchednesse but seeing they were like foule blacke clouds they were dispersed away the glorie of Christ against their wills and in spite of them together with the brightnesse of his name did breake out and shine abroad and giue light throughout all the world 4 If a Prince should promise a Tayler or Shoomaker tenne thousand crownes for one yeares seruice he would not refuse it