fire naturall and fire metaphoricall Sect. 2 Secondly of naturall or proper fire 1. Fire is hid and secret 2. Fire appeares alwaies with another thing 3. Fire is alwaies in motion and working 4. The fire it ascending upwards The effects of fire are in the third Section First it gives light Secondly it gives heat Thirdly it consumes Fourthly it changes Fifthly it purifies Againe fire Is not lessened by giving heat it is encreased by adding fuell it pierces by degrees it is never satisfied First fire is hid and secret We see the earth and water distinctly we feele the aire but the earth lyes hid it appeares not of it selfe we must take paines to get it and care to looke to it when we have it Considerations 1. How is naturall corruption like to fire it lies hid Little thought Hazael that there had beene that wickenes in his heart which after manifested it selfe 2. King 8.13 2. As the steele discovers the fire which lay hid in the flint so doe occasions bring forth the corruptions which like fire lay hid For example 1. A mans preferment discovers what was in his heart as we see in Saul and in Vzzia 2. Chron. 26. 2. Affliction discovers a mans heart Isai 8.21 Rev. 3. A mans praises discovers him Prov. 27.21.9.20 21. 4. Heresies discovers a mans corruptions that lay hid he yeeldes when the lovers of truth shew themselves approved ones 1. Cor. 11.19 Quos experientia docuerit esse fidei pietatis sincerae 3. So is grace hid and secret in the heart as faith and love and meeknesse and patience yea occasions manifests the same as Iosephs chastity appeared by his mistresse tentation and Davids loyalty when she cut off the lappe of his masters garment and would not kill him we come to know the good and evill that is in our selves and others by experience and occasions will declare what grace and what sinne is in us Secondly Fire appeares with another thing The sparke stayes not unlesse yee nourish it with tinder or touch-wood then Brimstone or wood or cole or paper or match or straw or turffe or some combustible thing must shew it preserve and continue it Considerations 1. How doth grace manifest it selfe with that it works withall like to the fire it comes from God and is kindled in the heart and then Grace is the fire and thoughts is as the fuell Grace is the fire and words is the fuell Grace appeares with duties of piety workes of righteousnesse and Mercy 2. That which appeares with the fire doth nourish it and continue it so Faith begets prayer and prayer nourishes Faith Ioy begets strength and strength preserves Ioy dilligence it breeds assurance and assurance nourishes dilligence faith begets works and works confirme Faith patience comes from hope and hope prolongs patience as fire breeds ashes and ashes preserves fire 3. So sin appeares as fire in the fuell Jgnorance appeares in pride and pride will not be informed but be ignorant still Thirdly Fire is alwayes in motion ever working like the clock wound up and pulses which alwayes beate the fire ever goes forward working on the fuell to turne it into his owne nature Consideration So is Grace ever operative turning the subject where it is to his owne nature it ever provokes a man to read or pray or fast or worke or exhort or comfort others or reconcile them at oddes A man that hath Grace is never idle he is a busie Creature in his generall calling or his perticular or both hee will endeauour to spread truth and oppose errour and mortifie sinne in himselfe and stop sinne and bewaile it in others he is alwayes in action much in devotion 2. Sinne in the unregenerate is as fire ever in motion In their beds they imagine mischeife being risen they acte it they are resolved to do evill and act sin with a great delight Pharaoh was a plotter against Gods people and Saul breathed out threats and procures letters and takes a journy men will break their sleepe and be at cost and unwearied and unsatisfied in the service of sin In the fourth place Fire ascends upwards it being his natural motion and disposition so it ascends 1. Speedily as soone as t is kindled 2. Strongly because naturall motion is strong 3. Constantly naturall motions are constant 4. Easily without compulsion 5. If the flame be beaten down or kept down it breaks upward assoone as that is remooved that held it down and strives all the time t is opposed and kept downe Considerations 1. What fit resemblance is between fire and true grace Fire the naturall motion is upward so Grace makes the Soule ascend upward to seeke the things aboue Col. 3.1 and to make our Minds heavenly Phil. 3.20 2. Fire hath a strong motion upward so grace carries the soule to God with strength Psal 42.2 the soule thirsteth for God and thirst is the strongest passion In Act. 17.16 St. Pauls spirit was stirred for God non poterat sustinere he could not forbeare so grace stirres the heart upward to minde things above it makes men spiritu ferventes Rom. 12.11 fervent in spirit as Christ was strong in the Spirit Luke 1.80 hence Christians have deepe sighes strong cryes within them earnest groanes and longing strong and fervent prayers Psal 51. Iam. 5.16 3. Fire hath a constant motion upward so grace is alwayes aspiring to the things above when a man breakes off his sleepe he awakes with God Psalme 139.18 grace makes a man trust in God all the day Psal 25.5 to call upon God continually Psal 86.3 to set God alwaies before us Psal 16.8 grace is thinking devising contriving desiring questioning seeking and exercising it selfe about things above things holy heavenly gratious and spirituall 4. Fire ascends easily without compulsion so grace hath a propensity and facillity to heavenly things grace makes a man joyfull to come to the house of God Psal 122.1 and willing to come to the assemblies Ps 110.3 a man comes with gladnesse Philipians 1.4 heare 's with readinesse Acts. 10.33 his praises comes from his joy Psalme 63.5 his almes for a chearefull minde 2. Cor. 8.3 he is easie to be intreated Iames 3.17 he is as ripe fruit soone shaken as ripe corne soone threshed 5. If the flame be kept downe it ascends againe as soone as that kept it downe is removed So grace may be suppressed but take that away which keepes it downe it doth flame up againe presently Sinne quelled grace in David but his sinne being pardoned how did his graces flame upward what sweet prayers did hee make to God what holy Psalâ—s did he indite Tyranny and tentation and reproaches may seeme to extinguish the graces of Gods children but they burne inwardly Psal 39.3 and there is a recourse to God Jer. 20.9.12 and when they doe get victory enlargement and liberty then it is apparant the fire was kept in but by violence and they flame more than they did before as the Smiths
fire by his casting water on it burnes the more fervent Sect. 3 Thirdly Of the quallities and effects of fire 1. FIre gives light so saith the Prophet Isay 50.11 2. Fire gives heate so saith St. Marke chap. 14. vers 54. 3. Fire consumes Amos 2.1 Combusserit ossa c. 4. Fire it changes Psal 68.2 5. Fire it purifies Mal. 3.2 6. Fire encreases by adding fuell 7. Fire is never satisfied Prou. 30.16 8. It is not lessened by communicating heate Fire gives light so doth Gods word instruction is the light shines from the Law Proverb 6.23 by preaching men receive light Acts 26.18 Considerations 1. Light doth distinguish so doth the word by it we know what is good and what is evill 2. Light is comfortable so is the word Ier. 15.16 3. Light makes us walke safely so doth the word guide us in the waies of peace and safety Fire gives heate so doth Gods spirit he heates us with zeale and warmes our affections Considerations 1. Heate makes us joyfull a man that is warmed at the fire saith Aha Isai 44.16 so the comforts of Gods spirit makes a man much refreshed Psal 94.19 2. Heate makes a man active his benumednesse being removed so Gods peoâ—â—e are active being cheared with the comforts of Gods holy spirit the joy of the Lord is their strength Nehem. 8.10 3. The fire giving heate men presse to it and desire to be nigh it so Gods spirit working heate and comfort in our soules Luke 11.13 we should ever desire and much pray for it Fire consumes all combustible matter it meetes with as wood straw coale c. Considerations 1. The curse of God consumes Zach. 5.3.4 as the fire consumes two wayes either secretly by degrees or violently and swiftly so the curse is secret as a moath and rottennesse Hos 5.12 or more violent and terrible as a Lyon or Lyons whelp vers 14. 2. Fire consumes not only the house where it first kindles but the next house to it and if it be not quenched it reaches to many houses so the curse of God reaches to a sinner to his next heires yea if repentance doe not come betweene it reaches to the third and fourth generation Fire changes it turnes the couler of that you put into it it meltes the waxe comes neere it it hardens the clay it drives the moisture out of the paper or cloth that is held before it As fire changes so doth Gods spirit 2. Cor. 3.18 Considerations 1. In their condition they were captives 2. Tim. 2.14 now they have liberty 2. Cor. 3.17 They were children of wrath Ephes 2.2 they be changed to be children of God 1. Iohn 3.1 2. They be changed in disposition Isa 11.6 7 8. they were enemies Rom. 5.10 now are friends Ioh. 15.14 they have a divine nature 2. Pet. 1.4 and a new heart and a new spirit Eze. 36.26 3. They be changed in conversation the old companions they cry away from me Psal 119.115 they be changed in their speeches which were once rotten Eph. 4.29 but now gratious Col. 4.6 they are changed in their aâ—tions they eschew evill and doe good they practice righteousnesse and doe exercise mercy they doe performe duties of piety from an inward principle from a new life infused into them there is an universall change where Gods spirit comes savingly and effectually 5. Fire purifies and purges and seperats the drosse from the mettall Considerations 1. As fire purges and purifies so doe afflictions God hath his furnace in Sion there is fiery tryals to prove and to try the people of God Psal 66.10 1. Pet. 4.12 2. As the fire is made according to the will of the gold-smith so our afflictions are according to the will of God 3. As the time of the mettalls being in the fire is according to the wisedome of the goldsmith so the time of our afflictions are according to the wisedome of God 4. When the mettall is melted and the drosse taken away then it comes forth more pure so when our hearts are humbled and our corruptions purged then we come forth as gold Job 23.10 6. Fire increases by adding of fuell Addition breeds multiplication the more fuell the greater is the fire Considerations 1. So is it with coveteousnesse and riches as wealth comes in coveteousnesse encreases having hundreds the desires run after thousands the desires are not quenched with money no more then fire is with fuell 2. Addition of graces are as the fuell assurance of salvation as the fire the more graces the more assurance by the joyning grace to grace we make our calling and election sure 2. Pet. 1. 3. Wicked men adde â—o the people of God affliction and misery this they do willingly but by this meanes they adde fuell to their felicity and glory this they do unwillingly 7. Fire is never satisfied yea may adde till you be weary fire still desires more 1. So is it with all earthly things they doe never satisfie the restlesse desire of man the Bee flies from one flower to another as unsatisfied Solomon proved by experience no full satisfaction in earthly things like the fire we still desire more 8. Fire is not lessenned by communicating heate nor have we the lesse by communicating of our gifts to others wealth communicated to others lessenneth our store but in heavenly graces it is otherwise in heating others we are not the colder in quickning others we are not the more dull the Cock claps his wings and awakes himselfe he crowes and awakes others The fire burnes if that no body be neare it if you warme you there is no diminishing it burnes and heates and doth good with advantage to us and no dis-advantage to it selfe So much of proper fire next Sect. 4 Of improper fire metaphoricall fire BY improper fire we may understand the metaphoricall fire that is like fire or the extraordinary fire we read of which doth differ from our material Fire This is of two sorts 1. Supernall fire 2. Infernall fire 1. Supernall fire comming from above and of these are two causes 1. From Gods anger 2. From Gods favour 1. From Gods anger so Fire came downe from heaven on Sodome and Gomorrah Gen. 19.24 Also on them that offered Incense in the conspiracy of Korah Numb 16.35 On the Captaine and his fifty 2. Kings 1.10 2. From Gods favour so Fire came downe on the sacrifice of Solomon 2. Chron. 7.1 and on the sacrifice of Eliah 2. King 18.38 Thus God shewed his love and favour to these his seruants by fire from heaven 2. Infernall fire is that which the damned doe feele in hell set forth in Scripture 1. For the greatnesse there is fire and much wood the Prophet speakes to our capacity Isaiah 30.33 2. By the terriblenesse it is a lake of fire as St. Iohn saith Revel 21.15 3. The eternity of it is everlasting Matth. 25.41 This fire ceaseth on the soules of men it layes hold on spirits and hath 1.
is invisible The persons No man The time at any time Never man at any time saw God wee cannot see a Spirit but God is a most pure Spirit excelling the Angels First the Angels have many perfections but God hath all perfection Digressio Secondly the Angels receive all from him he hath all from himselfe Thirdly they are finite and limited but God is infinite Thirdly God is Incomprehensible to the minde as well as invisible to the eye no created Nature can comprehend him in his Essence nor his Attributes whatsoever wee conceive it is but in part there is much more we perceive not nor can comprehend In respect of his Eternity Eternity our capacity is like the Sunne which shewes things under it but darkens all about it wee can looke backe to the beginning if wee looke forward wee cannot conceive after time shall bee no more Concerning Gods being before time or after time Revel 10.6 we have but a glimpse a generall notion we can conceive but little our comprehension failes us Who can behold the Sunne in his glorious shining Glory much lesse can we comprehend the glorious Majesty of God who hath beheld it that he may demonstrate it not the Angels for they are faine to cover their their faces Isai 6.2 much lesse we that dwell in houses of clay who have that ignorance and guiltinesse that those glorious Zeraphims are freed from Nor can we comprehend his greatnesse Psal 145.3 Greatnesse no not by all our industry and searching Iob. 11.7 The heaven of heavens cannot conteine him 1 King 8.27 Wee are capable but to see his backe parts in this life Exod. 33.23 so much of God as can be perceived in his word and workes his greatnesse is such that the Nations are as the drop of the Bucket and the Ilands as a little dust Lebanon hath not wood enough for fire nor the beasts enough for a sacrifice for him Isaiah 40.15 16. Also his wisedome is unsearchable Wisedome a deepe we cannot fathom Rom. 11.33 the foolishnesse of God is wiser than men 1. Cor. 1.25 It is onely the Spirit of God that searcheth the deepe things of God 1. Cor. 2.10 and although vaine men would be wise Iob. 11.12 yet hee is but a beast by his owne knowledge Ieremiah 10.14 and we must bee constrained to confesse our darknesse Iob. 37.19 Applications 1. Is God invisible to the eye and incomprehensible to the minde let us then lay by our sence and reason and labour for faith though wee cannot apprehend nor demonstrate what God is yet we are to beleeve that He is Heb. 11.6 Hee that commeth to God must beleeve Note three things 1. Our felicity is to come to God 2. The meanes is by beleeving 3. God is that we must beleeve which we cannot see nor comprehend 2. By this 't is easie to distinguish the Eternall Iehovah from all false Gods being some of them visible all comprehensible those that adore them are more honourable then that they worship those Gods were but titular gods no Creators but created live lesse in being and perishing in conclusion Ier. 10.11 3. No man was ever a perfect Artist in the contemplation of God How little a portion doe they heare of him Iob 26.14 long in studying but little in fruition deepe conceites but poore conclusions Hoc solum scio Arist me nihil scire This onely I doe know that I know nothing 4. Yet are we to be diligent to study the knowledge of God and although we cannot finde him out in his perfection Iob 11.7 yet we must learne to know him to our salvation Iohn 17.3 and to encrease in the knowledge of God Col. 1.10 though wee cannot see his face he reveales his backe-parts to us Exod. 33.23 we are to know him by his workes Rom. 1.20 in his Sonne 2. Cor. 4.6 't is a shame living under the preaching of the Word to be ignorant of God 1. Cor. 15.34 and we are fooles before the Lord Jer. 4.22 Therefore let us cry for wisedome and call for understanding search for it as silver and digge for it as for gold then shall we finde the knowledge of God Prov. 2.3 4 5. Quest What is it to glorifie God Answ To glorifie God is not to add any thing to him to make him glorious but to acknowledge and demonstrate that glory is in him already God glorifies us by putting glory on us adding that unto us wee are destitute of We doe glorifie him by taking notice admiring and praising of him setting forth his glory That is done by Acknowledgement Either To himselfe or to men To himselfe by Admiration Praises To others by Speeches Actions Sufferings First we glorifie God by acknowledgment which is more than knowledge Rom. 1.21 The Wise Heathens that knew God did not acknowledge him nor demonstrate him accordingly they knew God vers 21. but regarded not to acknowledge him vers 28. then to our knowledge of God we must joyne an acknowledgment whereby we shall glorifie him This acknowledgment must be free Mark 1.24 Iudges 1.7 else we differ not from the divels which acknowledge God upon constraint so wicked men may acknowledge God by constraint The truth of this free a knowledgment will appeare by our Admiration and Praises Question Qu. What is Admiration Answer Answ To Admire is to wonder to marvaile Consider 1. The subject is the Admirour 2. The Object admired 3. Then how to attaine admiration of God First the Subject that admires is the reasonable creature for the unreasonable creature is not capable of actuall Admiration the unreasonable creatures may be frighted or amazed as Horses and any other beasts and also Birds and Fishes But Admiration requires Reason Deliberation and Consultation Then 't is plaine Angels and Men onely are the subjects of Admiration Secondly the objects of Admiration are either Supreme or Inferiour the Supreme is God the Inferior are the creatures of God We must not admire Positives nor Comparatives but Superlatives things most excellent things excelling We admire things beyond our capacity when our Reason can stretch it selfe no further As we see little children seeing curious workmanship the poore children are amazed and admire how 't is done they much honour and reverence the Artist that made the worke Thirdly how to attaine Admiration of God Question We must pray for the Spirit of illumination to see excellency in God Ephes 1.17 Answ 1 2. We must be given to divine Meditations as David in the 8. Psalme fals to Meditation then to Admiration So in Psalme 104. his Meditation concludes in Admiration Psal 104.1.24 Oh Lord how wonderfull are thy workes 3. We must learne to silence our Reason wee must admire where we cannot comprehend as Rom. 11.33 Oh the deepnesse of the riches both of the Wisedome and Knowledge of God Quest Wherein is God to be admired Answ 1. In his Essence secondly in his Attributes thirdly in his Workes
rule of Gods word Galat. 6.16 Sect. 6 Sixthly Questions resolved Quest 1 HOw must I shew mercy to them that offend mee Answ There is forgiving mercy that must be practised 1. To have a disposition to forgive without acknowledgement 2. To forgive willingly upon acknowledgement 3. To pray for the offender 4. To be grieved if any crosse befall him 5. To doe him good cheerefully if we can Quest 2 What mercy is to be shewed to beggers at the doore Answ Some hold they are not to be releeved but we have a rule to doe good to all Gal. 6.9 and God causes his Sunne to shine on the evill and good Matth. 5. They must be weaklings not sturdy rogues such as are ready to perish though they be evill their persons must bee nourisht not their evils maintained 't is mercy to instruct them with our reliefe Quest 3 How shall a man obtaine a mercifull heart Answ 1. He must see his neede of Gods mercy and humble himselfe till he feeles Gods mercy towards him 2. He must looke on miseries the heart is much affected by the eye 3. He must put himselfe in the condition of the sicke the prisoner the captive the oppressed the hungry the troubled in minde 4. He must be often in the acts of mercy that by degrees there may be obtained the greater disposition 5. Looke on the example of the mercifull see how mercy doth beautifie them and make them amiable 6. Lay Gods commands to heart Luke 6.36 Bee ye mercifull 7. Consider the estate of the unmercifull They shall have judgement mercilesse Iames 2.13 8. Lastly pray to God to encline the heart to mercy and compassion Aske and yee shall have Matth. 7. Quest 4 What are the benefits of a mercifull heart Answ 1. Mercy makes a man like God Luke 6.36 2. The mercifull have many a prayer for them and they cause God to be praised by many 2. Cor. 9.12 3. The mercifull are under the promise Matth. 5.7 What the broken heart seekes the mercifull heart findes at last that is mercy 4. The mercifull heart hath a mercifull hand so hee sowes seed and hereafter shall have a loyfull harvest 2 Cor. 9.6 5. Whensoever he goes to prayer he shall bee sure to be heard Isai 58.7 8 9 10. Of Justice 1. What Iustice is how t is defined 2. Of the justice of men 3. Of the Iustice of God 4. Applications distributive 5. Questions resolved about Iustice Sect. 1 First what justice is IUstice is to give to every one his owne it is to doe right to keepe equity Justice is either distributive in dealing so 't is communicative justice or distributive in punishing so it is corrective justice Justice is to give neither too much nor too little it is to be exact as a man that shootes which neither shoots over the marke nor short of it nor besides it but hits it just in the middle Sect. 2 Secondly of justice in men IUstice in men is either justice before men or justice before God Justice before men the heathen attaine to pay that they owe not to wrong their neighbour in dealing A heathen buyes a commodity of a Christian merchant and going away opens his wares and findes money he brings it backe to the Christian and saith I bought the wares not the money 't is unjust to me to keepe it Justice before God is legall or Evangelicall Legally just was never any but Adam in innocencie and Christ that just one who fulfilled all righteousnes Evangelicall justice is that when a sinner being justified by imputation of Christs justice labours for inherent justice by the vertue of the regenerating spirit in him the indeavouring after justice is called justice through Gods acceptation Sect. 3 Thirdly of the Iustice of God GOd is Justice 't is essentiall with God to be just The Lord is just Psal 92.15 Zephaniah 3.5 Hee is just in his decrees just in the execution of his decrees just in his government of the world just in all his punishments and judgements Hee is the judge of all the world the Lord of all just in himselfe just in his Lawes just in his rewards just in his punishments His Justice in punishing may bee considered five wayes 1. His justice past on Angels and on men on Angels his justice fell totally irrecoverably on men a world of them felt his justice at once onely Noah and his family excepted Cities have beene punished as Sodom Gomorra Admah Zeboim Families as Achans and Ieroboams Persons as Ananias Zaphira and Herod 2. His justice present for no age escapes without some demonstration of justice we or others feele Plague Warre or Famine decay of trade fearefull fires inundation of waters earth-quakes civill combustion and uproares among the people c. 3. His justice to come in this world or the next world there shall be a great Sessions and justice shall bee executed without all evasions bribes or shirts 4. Consider Gods justice spâ—rituall as a blinde man Isai 6.10 A hard heart Psal 81.12 A Reprobate sence The spirit of slumber Rom. 11.8 5. His justice and judgements are temporall on our bodies goods or names Deut. 28. Levit. 26. Sect. 4 Fourthly Applications distributive 1. IF jâ—stice be to doe right then away with all injustice if we do not God will away with us Mat. 7.23 discedite a me Awaâ— from mee ye that worke iniquity the unjust like â—ewd sonnes shal be dis-inherited 1 Cor. 6.9 'T is a plaine case all know it Know ye not saith St. Paul the unjust shall not inherit the Kingdome of heaven 2. This shoâ—ld provoke us to labour to be just to get faith that so we may be just before God clothed with Christs righteousnesse To get an honest heart and good conscience that we might practise justice To honour superiors this is right Ephes 6.1 To pay what we borrow and what we bargaine for to slander no man to be diligent in our places faithfull where wee are betrusted to sell a penny-worth for a penny to keepe just weights and measures to kâ—epe promises as we are able to love our wives with a matrimoniall love above all to exercise our gifts in our families to be courteous to strangers a comfort to the afflicted to bee gratefull for favours received to bee peaceable among neighbours all this is right to fit our actions to the occasions to live within our compasse preserve the meane it will preserve us this is just equall and right That we may be quickned to labour for justice in dealing take these motives 1 We shall be conformable to our head Iâ—sus Christ who was that just one 2. The Lord delights in them that deale justly 3. It is the way to honour Justice is of an exalting nature and makes a man to flourish 4. The fruit of Justi e is peace Isay 22. 5. The righteous shall be saved and have glory in heaven Matth. 13. Lessons from Gods Justice 1. God is not all of mercy as
wicked and hath no right Quest 9 In what place of the earth was Paradise Answ The place is ghessed at by the names of the Rivers which are mentioned to runne through it but the deluge of waters in the dayes of Noah deprived the men on earth of the beauty of it and when the place is disputed yet little is concluded Quest 10 What lessons doth the Earth teach us Answ 1. To be patient the Earth beares all 2. To be fruitfull the earth abounds with fruites 3. To be bountifull the Earth receives all 4. To be constant the earth is immoueable Our patience brings us much inward peace Our fruitfulnesse evidences we have life in us Our bounty and doing good wins others Our constancy brings us from duty to reward Quest 11 Why have the godly for the most part so small a portion of earthly things Answ 1. They enjoy God which is the best satisfaction 2. God keepes them short as Birds wings are clipped that they may not flye from him 3. They bend their chiefe studdies and endeavours for saving grace and spirituall riches 4. God gives portions heere to wicked men Psal 17. but he reserves for them an heavenly inheritance Quest 12 What are the markes of an earthly man Answ 1. When he awakes hee mindes earth 2. He is over-joyed if he winnes earth 3. He is over-grieved if he looses earth 4. He esteemes them the onely wise men that be wise for the earth to get great estates 5. Hee opposes the powerfull preaching of the word and the heavenly minded Christian 6. He is loath to heare of going from the earth 7. His delightfull discourse is most forthe earth 8. He is never wearied in studdying and in labouring for earthly things 9. Hee is never satisfied but still desires more 10. He is unwilling to part with earth though God and his Conscience and the poore call for it Quest 13 How should wee carry ourselves being inhabitants on the earth Answ 1. Labour to be Saints on earth Psalme 16.3 2. To consider we are strangers on earth Psa 119.19 First we should labour to be Saints on earth 1. By yeelding to the Ministery of the word which although others are not wrought on yet the Saints are gathered glued together and grow up into one body by the Ministery of the word Ephe. 4 11. 2. By separating from all grosse sinnes in the act and from all smaller sinnes in the allowance 3. By dedicating our selves and giving our selues to God 1. Speedily without delay 2. Totally without reservation 3. Resolutely agaynst opposition 4. Constancy not revolting Secondly as strangers on the earth 1. We should freely acknowledge we be strangers 2. Use this world moderately 1. Cor. 7. chap. 31. 3. Expect some wrongs no preferments 4. Wee should much praise God for our comforts here 5. Forget that behind and endeavour towards that befor◠Phil. 3. 6. To do good now Gall. 6.9 be ready to depart 2. Peter 1.10.11 For our encouragement in the way 1. Our Pilgrimage is not long 2. We have company 3. We shal be provided for 4. We have a guide Psal 119.105 5. VVe have attendants Psalme 91.6 A Heaven to receive us Of the Water 1. Of the Etymology and also the original of waters 2. Of the kinds of Waters 3. Of the usefulnesse of Water 4. Resolves concerning Water Sect. 1 FIrst of the Etymology of Water and the original of them the Latin Aqua some do derive it from à et qua quasi à qua vivimi◠vel à qua omnia fiunt Lodwick Rowsee D. of Physicke by which we live or of which all things were made Others will have it quasi aequa because nothing more equall and smooth then water when it is not troubled Adam named many of the Creatures but God he himselfe gave the name to the Waters in the generall Gen. 1.2 also the gathering together of the Waters he called Seas he gave the name to the Rivers For their originall we read of them as soone as we read of any thing the Spirit of God mooving on them the Earth to appeare out of them the waters are honourable for antiquity Sect. 2 Secondly the kindes of Water THe kinds of water are many there is salt water and fresh water the Sea water and the River water Well-water Raine-water Snow-water the Water in Bathes there is Waters of divers wonderfull operations some Water is sayd to kindle a torch some to make the Sheepes wool blacke that drinke it The Spaw doth intoxicate the braine some Waters are reported to be so cold that they turne Leather-gloues and bals into stone I have seene Cheese and Wood and a Toadstoole turned to stone I judge it came by such like water In Boetia are springs that helpe memory some waters make Women barren one River is reported to be bitter and salt thrice a day In Arabia is a fountaine which casteth up all heavy things put into it In Phrygia are two Fountaines one makes men laugh the other makes men crye there is a river in Bythinia which torments perjured persons being put into it amongst us some water will take Soape and some will not some water wil make better drinke then other At Bath the water springs alwayes hot In France is a river with the which a Scarlet is dyed excelling other colours the variety of Waters requires a Volume I only take an abridgement and a tast or touch Sect. 3 Thirdly of the usefulnes of the water FOr usefulnesse it hath a priority above the other elements it pierces the aire and ascends by the Sunnes exhalation it devoures the earth if it bee not strongly kept in by bankes it quenches the fire it hath great ability and therefore may be usefull it carries our ships makes fertile our grounds refresheth and nourisheth man and beast fowles and fishes the trees live by the water the earth upholds them a rose bush upheld in water without earth brings both leaves and roses as some affirme some creatures live by water but none without it most live without fire but none without water men beasts trees and corne cannot continue without water It washes and cleanses and cooles and refreshes In peace in warre in sickenesse in health in the house in the field alwayes water is usefull In conclusion no water no humane life no Common-wealth no world Fourthly Resolves concerning water Quest 1 What are those waters above the firmament Gen. 1.5 Answ They be the waters in the cloudes above that firmament where the fowles flie called heaven Psal 148.4 how heaven is diversly taken in Scripture reade before page 176. as every part of the water is called water so every part of the firmament is called by the name of the whole Quest 2 What may we observe concerning the sea Answ 1. Gods bounty in storing it with fishes 2. His power in keeping it within his boundes 3. His providence for commodities are in great ships conveighed in great quantity and more
speed from one people to another then could be by Camels or Horses also the Ilands are as Innes for seafaring men to refresh them Quest 3 How should they be quallified that goe to sea Answ 1. To prepare for danger for at sea be rocks quick-sands pirates tempests 2. To prepare for death for there is but an inch or two alwaies betweene it and them 3. To resolve to glorifie God when they doe see his great workes Quest 4 What is the cause of the saltnesse of the sea Answ Some thinke it is caused by the Sunne that draweth from it all thinne and sweet vapours to make raine leaving the rest as the setling or bottome others say it takes a saltnesse from the earth where it runnes God hath made it salt the meanes is hard to find Quest 5 What is the cause of the waters ebbe and flowing Answ One opinion is there be exhalations under the water that moves it two and fro others say the Moone causes the tides and ebbes we sooner find it is so then how it is so Reason is like the Sunne it discovers things under it but darkens the things above it Quest 6 From whence have the Springs and Rivers their originall Answ Some thinke from the aire converted into water they reason in nature is no emptinesse and in caves and hollow places of the earth is aire which by cold is resolved into water they give an example of Marble pillars which sweat before it raines but this is not an argument convictive the water that is on marble stones is not aire transmutated but rather exhalations of thin vapours which sticke there as the hoare frost sticks on mens beards and horses haires by a conveiance invisible a more sollide infallible answer is that of Solomon Ecles 1.7 all the rivers runne into the Sea yet the Sea is not full unto the place from which the rivers come they returne and goe so then the sea not the aire is the originall of the springs Solomon is to be preferr'd before Aristotle Quest 7 Why are some springs medicinable Answ Gods goodnesse is such he gives vertue to the creatures for mans good the second aire causes the waters come through divers mines of the earth and licke of them and participate of them and so become physicall Quest 8 What is the cause of the hotnesse of bathes Answ Some suppose there are burning minerals like Mount Aetna others thinke there are mines of brimstone they passe through others the tumbling of waters beating one against the other makes them hote we must be content to looke à posteriori God hee knowes a priori let us be thankefull for the effects when we find not the cause Quest 9 Whether are the most excellent the fishes in the water or beasts on earth Answ In the generall the beasts for they have more perfect senses converse more with men are more docible and serviceable Quest 10 Were fishes made of water onely Answ It is probable the fishes were made of the foure Elements but the water was the most predominate and the place of their habitation generation and conservation Quest 11 Were the Birds created of the water Answ It is thought not of the thickest of the water but the watery vapour aire and water is predominate in birds fishes in the water birdes in the aire have a resemblance 1. The elements they live in are cleare and perspicuous 2. The bird flies very swiftly so doth the fishes swim swiftly 3. The birds have wings and feathers the fishes have sins and scales The bird guids his flying with his taile so doth the fish his swimming 4. There be some fishes make a prey of others and devoure them so is it with the birds 5. The birds that prey on others doe not multiply so fast as those preyed upon so is it with fishes Quest 12 How are people compared to waters Answ In five particulars reade page 131. Quest 13 How is the word compared to waters Answ In sixe particulars reade page 3. Quest 14 How is the spirit compared to waters Answ 1. As water cleanseth from filthinesse so doth the Spirit of God Ezek. 36.35 2. Cor. 6.11 yee are washed c. by the Spirit 2. Water refresheth Iudges 15.19 much more doth the Spirit revive and quicken our soules 3. Water cooleth us so doth the Spirit in the time of tentation 4. Water makes fruitfull so doth the Spirit enable us to bring forth fruit to God 5. Those that have plenty of water we judge them happy so should we them that have Gods Spirit 6. No water no temporall life so without the Holy Ghost no spirituall life Quest 14 How is he said never to thirst that drinkes of the water Christ gives Joh. 4.14 Answ 1. He shall never thirst out of an emptinesse 2. He shall not thirst corruptly to satisfie his lusts Quest 15 Why is the sea called the red sea Exod. 14. Answ Some thinke because the mountaines and cliffes and sea bankes are red others say the originall word Suph signifies a Reede aboundance of Reed grow there so is to be understood the Reedy sea Quest 16 What water is best and most wholsome Answ The fresh water that is most thinne pure and freest from mixture and which tastes of nothing but it selfe Quest 17 How is Baptisme resembled to the Jsraelites passing through the Red sea Answ 1. The Israelites were as it were buried in the sea yet arose at the shore so in Baptisme we are as buried in sinne and rise to a new life 2. The Egyptians being drowned could no more hurt the Israelites so our sinnes in Baptisme being pardoned cannot prevaile any more 3. The Baptized Israelites all of them entred not into Canaan nor doe all baptized Christians enter into heaven 4. In the overthrow of Pharoah they were delivered from bondage so by Baptisme wee are delivered from the service of sinne and Sathan and vow warre against them 5. The Israelites after they passed through the sea did feede on heavenly Manna so Christians after baptisme doe partake of heavenly mysteries 6. As all the Israelites were baptized 1 Cor. 10. so all Christians have but one baptisme Ephesians the fourth So much of the waters Of Fire 1. Of the divers names of fire 2. Of fire properly so called 3. Of the qualities of fire 4. Of the improper fire fire met aphoricall 5. Divers resolves concerning fire Sect. 1 First of divers names given to fire SOmetimes fire is attributed to God Heb. 12.29 Our God is a consuming fire so Christ in purging the elect is like a purging fire Mal. 3.2 and the holy Ghost is like fire Matth 3.11 and the word is as fire to perplexe the carnall Luke 12.49 and fire to try and examine mens doctrines 1. Cor. 3.13 so afflictions are fire Psal 66.12 And fire is that which is made with combustible things as wood Acts 28.2 3. and coales Isai 54.16 But all fire may be ranked to two heads proper or improper fire
Shame for they shall bee looked upon as spectacles of wrath to their infamy Isaiah 66.24 2. This fire differs from fire on earth and hath with it darknesse and paine our fire gives light and warmth 3. This fire hath with it indignation and an exceeding vexation for there is gnashing of teeth 4. Divines thinke there is horrible blasphemie because of their torments 5. The company of the divels most fearefull and terrible And in this Fire 1. Is no resistance for now they suffer Jude 7. and are bound hand and foote Matth. 22.13 2. Is not the least mittigation Luke 16.24 25. 3. There is a gnawing worme in the fire Mar. 9.44 4. A senciblenesse of the torment Luk 16.24 5. A knowledge that others be in joy Luke 16.23 6. The torment is on the whole man all the faculties of the soule and all the parts of the body The degrees of torment 1. According to the measure of wickednesse committed Matth. 23.14 2. According to the meanes of grace they despised Matth. 11.24 Sect. 5 Fifthly of divers resolves concerning fire both naturall and divine and of Meteors First of them that are naturall Quest 1 HOw many waies may fire be put out Answ First by spreading it abroad Secondly by withdrawing of the fuell Thirdly by throwing water on it So our lust may be quenched by separating of them by taking away that which doth nourish them by teares of repentance Quest 2 Why doth fire burne hottest in frosty weather Answ The extremity of the cold aire provokes it to be more vehement Quest 3 Why doth Wine and some strong waters burne and take fire Answ Because of the strongnesse and clamminesse and fatnesse that is in it it is combustible Quest 4 Why doe men burne the ends of pales which they do put in the ground Answ That the moysture being expelled the putrefacting part may remaine the longer in the ground without rotting Quest 5 What is the cause of the continuall fire that is on mount Aetna Answ The minerals of Brimstone or some other combustible Oare which quantity being great the fire continues thus the learned doe thinke Quest 6 Quenching the hot Iron in the Smiths forge why doth it â—isse and make a noyse Answ First suddaine alterations breedes distemper in the very iron Secondly violent extreames doe fight and make anoyse Quest 7 How may we prove the foure elements in a fire-stick Answ 1. There is fire in the one end of the sticke 2. There is water wooses out at the other end 3. There is aire fumes out with the water 4. The sticke burnes to ashes there is earth Quest 8 Why doe children love to play with the Fire Answ 1. Because of the finenesse of the colour 2. Because they want experience of the operation of it Quest 9 Why doe english people make bonefires the fifth of every November Answ 1. That the Fire may be a lively remembrance of our deliverance from Popish Fire 2. That our children might aske the meaning and be instructed in Gods mercies to us 3. To daunt the enemy when they see us rejoycing whom they rather would see weeping and mourning 4. We expresse outwardly what we have inwardly the fire of zeale and thankfulnesse 5. The burning of the wood shewes how traitors shall burne in hell 6. We would teach them we make fires not to burne them as they did us but to give them light and warmth Secondly other resolves concerning metaphoricall fire Quest 1 How is anger like to fire Answ 1. A little may grow to a great flame 2. Fire and anger be hurtful out of their proper places 3. Fire is dangerous neare flaxe and anger is dangerous where is provocations 4. Wisedome orders fire so a wise man orders his anger 5. Fire raked in ashes stirring discovers it so concealed anger occasions doe manifest it 6. There is likenesse in the quenching of fire and anger 1. Fire is quenched by with-drawing fuell so anger is appeased by removing that which doth nourish it 2. Fire is quenched by water and anger is quenched by teares of humiliation 3. Houses on fire are holpen by pulling downe so anger is cured by pulling downe pride and high conceits Quest 2 How doth wickednesse burne like fire Answ 1. One coale kindles another so one wicked man doth infect another 2. Fire consumes so doth wickednesse consume all good in the soule the strength of the body the goods the good name 3. Some sport with fire some sport with sinne 4. When fire gets mastery wee are undone so when sinne gets dominion we perish 5. When a man sees fire in his house too late he cries desperately so it is with sinne at the death bed 6. Fire hath undone them that were very rich so wickednesse did undone the very Angels 7. If we espy fire very dangerous if we can timely quench it we doe rejoyce so if we espy our sinnes and timely repent it aboundantly comforts us 8. If a man be cryed unto his house is on fire if hee he stirre not he is like to perish so if the Preacher crye out of the sinne in mans soule if hee repent not hee perishes 9. If fire be almost put out if it have matter it will revive againe so wickednesse curbed by law education shame example if not throughly mortified it will revive againe 10. If fire be blowne it is more furious so if sin bee provoked furthered and animated it is more furious provoked lusts are strong Quest 3 How is jealousie like unto fire Answ 1. As fire is ever working so jealousie is never at rest 2. Fire works on the least advantage so doth jealousie 3. Fire blowne and added unto is outragious so is jealousie if it be stirred and new matter added to it 4. Many times the neighbours are called to helpe quench fire so often times the neighbours and the friends are called to appease the jealous party 5. Fire will except of no gifts nor be intreated not to burne so the jealous man will endure no ransome though the gifts be augmented Prov. 6. 6. Fire lies sometimes invisible in the ashes so jealousie lies secret hid in the heart 7. Fire burnes those that touch it so the jealous person is angry with those converse with them 8. A sure way to quench fire is to cast on water and take away the fuel so to quench jealousie the best way is to weepe for them and to give them no just occasion 9. If a man come with a handfull of flaxe or straw to beate the fire hee encreases it so to come to the jealous party with passion rough words or threats doth more enrage them 10. Put two fires together they doe burne the hotter so put two jealous persons together let them talke together they strengthen each other 11. Fire sometimes burnes where it should not so the jealous person sometimes suspects were he should not 12. Fire welcomes that will encrease it so doth the jealous party welcome the tales and