lowe and he that humbleth him selfe shall be exalted Luk. 7. 18. Let the meeke brother reioice in his exhortation and the rich man in his humility because hee shall away hence as the flower of the grasse Iam. 1. Haue patience when thou arte brought lowe because in the fire is Golde siluer tryed and men acceptable vnto God are tryed by the furnace of aduersities Except you be conuerted become as one of these litle ones you shall not enter into the kingdome of Heauen Whosoeuer therfore shal humble him selfe as one of these little ones shall be greatest c. Matt. 18. Examples Christe Iesus our Sauiour the syncere fountaine of humilitie admonisheth al men to learne Humilitie of him saying Learne of me because I am humble meeke of heart Matt. 11. The Angel of God said vnto Agar Returne againe vnto thy mistresse and humble thy selfe vnder her handes â–ª Gen. 16. Abraham spake humbly vnto the Lord saying I will yet speake vnto my Lord although I am but earth and ashes Gen. 18. Iacob humbled himselfe very much before his brother Esau and so pacified his wrath Gen. 33. Moyses excused himself fiue times before hee would take vpon him the leading foorth of the people which yet the Lorde enioyned him and hee was not perswaded vntil he perceiued that the Lorde was angry Exod. 3. Gedeon when the Angell said vnto him goe in thy strength shalt thou deliuer Israel humbly aunsweared Beholde my stocke is weake in Manasses and I my selfe am the leaste in the house of my father Iud. 5. Dauid beeing tryed in manifolde troubles and finding greate comforte at the hands of God thus said It is good for mee that thou O Lorde hast chastised me Psal. 119. vers 71. Note his humilitie beeing crowned king by Samuell 1. King. 17. before Saule 1. King. 19. The prodigall childe returning to his father humbled himselfe Luke 15. For other Examples looke Saule 1. King. 9. Elisius 4. King. 2. The vii Plant Patience Definition THis vertue Patience is of great excellencie amongst humane kinde and best beseeming Christians namely tending to this effect that God may bee duely obeyed in our aduersities so as we doe nothing against the commaundements of God neither doe heape vppon vs his heauy displeasure but that for Christe his sonnes sake wee shoulde acknowledge him by saith to bee pacyfied and mercifull vnto vs that wee shoulde looke for his helpe and craue his mitigation of such afflictions as he in iustice layeth vpon vs and so in this Fayth hope should patiently beare whatsoeuer burden is layd vpon vs For the word of God doth highly extoll Patience commaunds vs to vse the same promiseth Gods help and deliuerance and teacheth that the godly ones are not heere afflicted by chaunce but by the will knowledge of God not that we should perish but that we should prosper more more after perils and as Saint Paule sayth Rom. 8. beeing made like vnto the sonne of God by afflictions should with him be like partakers of eternall glory Testimonies A patient man is better then one that is strong and he that can rule his affections is of more force then one that layeth siege vnto Cities Prou. 16. The Furnace tryeth the vessel of the potter so doth the tryall of troubles proue those that are righteous Ecc. 27 Troubles worketh patience patience maketh tryall and tryal bringeth hope Rom. 5. My Brethren count it for exceding ioy when you fall into diuers temptations knowing that the tryall of your faith worketh patience and patience maketh your worke perfect that you may be perfect and vpright not fainting in any thing Iam. 1. Now therefore keepe secret thy sorowe within thee and suffer manfully whatsoeuer chaunces shal happen vnto thee 3. Esdras 10. Blessed is the man which suffereth temptation because when he shall be tryed he shall receiue a crowne of life which God hath promised vnto all those that loue him Iam. 1. â—2 Bee patient therefore one with an other and confirme your heartes because the comming of the Lord is at hand Iam. 5. Examples Our sauiour Christ Iesus the most excellent mirror of perfect patience was first tempted of Sathan Matth. 4. Despised hated and disdained of the wicked worldlings Ioh. 17. and lastly persecuted and put to death by the cursed Iewes Mar. 15 leauing vs example that we should suffer iniuryes doone vnto vs and remit the reuenge vnto him that sayth Mine is vengeance and I will rewarde againe c. Deut. 32. Isaac suffered gladly that iniury to be offered him when his Father Abraham would haue sacrifized him Gen. 22. Ioseph patiently put vppe the crueltie of his brethren when they solde him and woulde haue put him into the pit Gen. 37. 45. Moyses prayed for Mary which spake so iniustly against him by his prayer she was healed Numb 12. Dauid fleeing from the face of Absolon said patiently vnto Sadoch If I finde fauour in the sight of the Lord he wil bring me againe 2. King. 15. 16. Tobias when he became blinde shewed a woonderfull Patience vnder the Lords scourge and against the derision of his wife and his friendes Tob. 2. 3. Other notable Examples were Iob. 1. 2. The three Children in the Ouen Dan. 5. and Eleazarus 2. Machab. 6. The viii Plant Perseueration in godlynesse Definition PErseueration or continuaunce of vertuous and godly life is the limitted path of perfection which GOD requireth of all his chosen seruants which haue begun to runne the race of righteousnesse not to stay in the middest neither to start aside neither yet to looke back at any time but to goe forwardes without wauering or distrust in the acknowledgement of God and in the faith of Christe constantly and for euer so continuing vntill the very last breath of our life and not to be discouraged by any sinister chaunces or aduersities neither suffer our selues to bee seduced from so good a purpose by any maner of meanes because whosoeuer haue once tasted the comfortable sweetnesse of Gods good graces may be well assured if they continue with a stedfast faith in Christe vnto the end they shall inherite the promised rewarde euen the Crowne of life for euer Apo. 2. Testimonies My sheepe heare my voice and I giue them eternall life no man shall take them out of my hands Iohn 10. God is faithful which suffereth not vs to be tempted aboue our strength but giueth an end with teÌ„ptation that we may be able to goe thorowly with our vocatious Cor. 10. I will not leaue you destitute of comforte but I will come vnto you I will pray my Father and he shall sende vnto you another comforter euen the spirite of trueth which shall remaine with you for euer Iohn 14. My little Children despise not the correction of the Lorde nor faint not when thou art chastised for the Lord chastiseth euery sonne which he receiueth Goe on forwardes in discipline God offereth himself vnto you as to his childreÌ„
de Officiis Looke what rewarde he hath at Gods hande which trauaileth in Gods behalfe suche a rewarde hath hee and shall haue which intertayneth wel such a trauailer and their recompence shal be equall both his which he relieueth for Gods sake and his which trauaileth for Gods sake Iohn Chrysost super Mat. Learne therfore without curiositie good Christiā to minister hospitalitie lest hapily he whō thou shuttest out of thy house and whom thow deniest suche charitable reliefe be Christe him selfe 1. August contra haereses Examples Our Sauiour Iesus Christe sending foorth his disciples affirmed to preache whosoeuer succoured them succored him and whosoeuer despised them despised him Luke 10. when he himselfe went through the worlde hauing not where to lay his head he was lodged at Marthas house Luke 9. Abraham very diligently and gladly receiued Angels into his house and caused such thinges as was needefull and necessary for thē being strangers too bee ministred vnto them Gen. 18. Loth also entertaining Angels into his house whom he thought had beene men did so honour them and so worthily entreate them offering all things that were needeful for thē Therefore was he saued from the firie plague of Sodom Gen. 19. Rebecca also ministred godly help of hospitalitie vnto those straungers which shee receiued furnishing them with lodging mans meate and Horse meate for the time of their abode Gen. 24. Iethro with smal entreatie or petitiō made receiued Moyses guestwise for the which cause hoth Iethros daughter and his Nephews were by Moyses greatly aduanced and hand in reputation Exod. 9. 2. The spies which Iosua sente foorth were frendly and faithfully entertayned by the harlot Raab and afterward let goe agayne Ios 2. 6. Zacheus gladly receiued our Lorde Iesus into his house and the same our Sauiour much more made him reioyce agayne saying This day is health happened into this house Luke 19. For other notable examples of hospitalitie looke Iudicum 19. as Beniamin in Gaba Elias 3. King. 17. the Sunanite 4. King. 4. Iob. 31. the Apostles Act. 10. The xviii Plant Liberalitie Definition LIberalitie is that vertue which proceedeth from good will or affection of the minde of him which fauoureth either necessitie vtilitie honestie decencie or sincere godlines especially not so muche weighing the priuate satisfaction of a mans owne minde as in bestowing his liberalitie to the effectual reliefe help commoditie and comforte of others according to his power and abilitie in geuing and rewardinge not soo much for worldly prayse to be spoken of as of meere good wil for vertuous consideration respecting what to geue where to geue when and to whom and wherefore For wee ought to take heede as Seneca sayth that wee deale not our almes at a wrong dore that is to say in bestowing benefits in vaine as in geuing weapons too women bookes to ploughmen and nettes too them which be geuē to studies of learning Therfore who so in bestowing their benefits haue these considerations they surely saith Cicero which for zeale to vertue and godly studies are bountifull and beneficiall in this maner these men howe muche they profite many others so many moe worthy helpers and wel willers shall they gayne vnto them selues and againe by custome of this beneficencye shal they be better prepared and as it were better exercised to deserue wel of many men Cicero lib. Offici Testimonies Riches well bestowed and to good vse doe gaine many friendes to him that so employeth them Prouer. 19. For distributiō of almes to the poore reade Eccle. 4. For God loueth a cheerefull geuer 1. Cor. 7 Let not thy left hand knowe what thy right hande doeth Mat. 7. Let thy welspringes flow abrode and thy riuers into the streates Prouer. 5. Geue and it shal be geuen vnto you c Luke 6. Minister vnto the necessitie of the holy ones of god Rom. 12. Forget not due beneuolence and good wil one towards an other for with such sacrifices is God pleased Heb. 13. Breake thy bread vnto the hungrye Esay 58. Euery one of a good purpose and meaning that is to say willingly and francklye bestowe your benefites not grudging or with compulsion 1. Cor. 7. Liberalitie is not defined in the quantitie of the beneuolence geuen but in the qualitie of zeale or affection in him that geueth Hier. de viduis That is called perfect liberalitie when a man with silence concealeth his benefits emploied for the necessities of others whom the poore mans mouth commendeth and not his owne lips Moreouer perfect liberalitie is commended by faith because by the conuenient place and time especially towards the housholde of faith Ambro. lib. 1. de offici Examples Our Lorde and Sauiour Christe Iesus the liuely and most large fountaine of liberalitie perfourmed and alwayes wil performe a hundred folde in this life and life euerlasting in in the world to come to al such as for his sake shall forsake all worldly goodds to follow him Mat. 19. Mar. 10. Luke 18. Zacheus was very liberally disposed when he saide vnto the Lord Beholde Lorde the half of my goods I geue to the poore if I haue doone any man wrong I restore him foure folde Luke 19. The children of Israel with a diligent and godly minde offered their deuotions to builde the worke of the Tabernacle and whatsoeuer else was nccessarie for the ceremoniall vse thereof so that the woorkemen were enforsed to say vnto Moyses the people offereth more then is necessarie or needeful Exod. 25. 36. To bias endeuoured to imparte vnto the brethren of his kindred suche thinges as they needed he also fed the hungry and clothed the naked as appeareth Tobi. 1. Godly liberall and mercifull was Iob vnto the poore saying I haue bin a comfort vnto the hart of the widowe and a father of the poore Iob. 29. 31. The widowes Mite was a slender token of beneuolence and yet esteemed by Christe with the giftes of rich men Luke 21. The Apostles against a dearth determined to succour the brethren in Iudaea with corne which they sent by Barnab Saule Act. 11. The xix Plant. Mercie Definition MErcy is a woorthy vertue which may bee rightly called not onely a griefe of minde conceiued sorowing for an others misery calamitie especially of good godly learned honest and vertuous persons but also effectually working by external meane to help relieue cōfort succour others so far as equity brotherly charitie may extend This mercy and compassion saith Lactantius Firmianus lib. 6. cap. 12. is a singuler ornament appertaining vnto iustice to succour and defende the Orphanes Widowes and helples because the whole law of GOD so cōmaundeth Besides these as Cicero saith we ought to be merciful vnto those especially which by reason of infortunitie casualtie of goodes or losse of liues either for extreame miseries and not for any maner of trespasse against God and man greeuously committed do stand in neede of our commiseration This vertue thus rightly to vse sayth
for what sonne is he whom the father chastizeth not Heb. 12. Put vpon you all the whole armour of God that you may bee able to resist in the euill day and that you may stand stedfastly in all thinges that you haue done Ephe. 6. So runne that you may receiue 1. Cor. 9. But whosoeuer continueth vnto the ende shal be saued Matt. 10. Examples Our Lorde and sauiour Christe Iesus giuing light to the borne blinde person by vertue of the holy Ghost made him constantly perseuer against the Phariseis and to withstand them The Apostles constantly perseuered in preaching teaching and working woonders in the name of Christe Iesus passing from place to place and from countrie to countrie Acts. 1. 4. 11. 13. 20. Ioseph notwithstanding his Mistresse whome he serued did dayly molest seeke to discredite him yet he for all that shewed himselfe dutifull faithfull in his seruice continewed so to his great perferment Gen. 39. Dauid beeing sore rebuked of his elder brother also dissuaded from his purpose by Saule did not yet any whit shrinke from his purpose but fought manfully ouercome Goliah 1. King. 17. Ioab constantly perseuered in the seege of Rabbath till he had woon the cittye 2. King. 12. Also in the battell against Absolon 2. King. 18. Although Nehemias was oftentimes hindred in building yet he ceased not from his woork till hee had fullye built vppe she wall Nehemi 4. 6. Eliachym the high Preest spake vnto all the people of Israell saying Knowe you that because the Lord hath heard our prayers if you continew still in fasting prayer in the sight of god c. Iudith 4. The Sociates of Daniel constantly said vnto the King of Babylon be it knowen vnto thee O King that we worshippe not thy Gods. c. Dan. 3. Other notable Examples were Daniel Dan. 6. Susanna Dan. 13. The vii brethren 2. Mac. 7. The blinde borne Ioh. 9. The Apostles Acts. 1. The ix Plant True Inuocation vpon GOD. Definition AS in the heart of man God the true knowledge of God feare faith and loue of God ought to shine and feruently appeare So our Prayer is the moste excellent instrumentall meane or witnesse of the minde ought godly to confesse and pronounce the Lord God ought rightly to vse the name of God in al puritie and sanctifie or honor the same with all dutifull reuerent and louing feare For to that ende hath God giuen the benefite of the tongue and speech vnto men especially that they should declare the goodnesse of God towardes them that they should praise him in his holinesse pray vnto him for continuance of his gratious goodnesse giue thanks vnto him for the same excite others vnto the consideration of their dueties in those respectes For God requireth that we shuld with thanksgiuing confession supplications and prayers come vnto him and to none other God because he hath made vs as the sheepe of his hands and people of his pasture Psal. 94. vers 7. Testimonies Thou shalt worship the Lorde thy God and him onely shalt thou serue Matth. 4. Whilst thou liuest bearest breath thou shalte confesse thy sinnes vnto God and thou shalt praise him reioyse in his mercies because great is the mercy of the Lord and he helpeth and is gracious vnto those that turnâ— vnto him Ecclesiastes 17. Before thou prayest prepare thy soule and be not as a man that tempteth god Ibidem 18. When thou prayest thou speakest with God when thou readest God speaketh vnto thee Aug. sup Psal 85. Prayer is good with fasting and almoyse yea of more valure it is then to heape vp treasures of Golde Tob. 12. The continuall prayer of the iuste person preuayleth much Iam. 5. Greate is the vertue of syncere prayer for as a faythfull messenger performeth duetie enioyned and pearceth whether as no fleshe can attaine August super Psal 65. Watch and pray least you fall into temptation Matt. 26. Verely verely I say vnto you whatsoeuer good thing you doe aske of my father in my name he shall surely giue it you Iohn 16. You shall pray for all men especially for Kings and Princes and those in authoritie 2. Tim. 2. Examples Christe Iesus our onely Lorde and sauiour in teaching his Apostles to pray setteth vs to schoole by that example how to pray Luke 11. Also he not onely prayed for him self that the cuppe of bitter persecution might passe from him Matth. 26. but for his very enemyes persecutors he prayed Luke 23. Moreouer he prayed for all those his chosen children which his father had giuen him that they might bee saued Iohn 17. Paule the electe vessell of God gaue thanks vnto God for al them of Thessalonia prayed for their prosperous proceeding in the faith 1. Thessa 1. Abraham prayed vnto the Lorde to spare the Sodomites from destroying them Gen. 18. Iacob prayed vnto the Lorde confessing his infirmitie and want of abilitie Gen. 32. Moyses prayed diuerse times was hearde of the Lorde Exod. 7. 8. 9. 10. 14. 17. 32. Num. 11. 12. 21. Samuel praying for the Israelites against the Philistians was heard of God 1. King. 7. King Iosophat fearing sore the power and multitude of his enemies which he heard say came against him prayed earnestly vnto the Lorde and his prayer was hearde 2. Chro. 20. Manasses beeing king of Iuda prayed meruelous humby deuoutly effectually with a repentant heart 1. Chro. 23. Ezechias turning his face to the wall prayed vnto the Lord bitterly weeping the Lorde hearing him graunted his desire 4. Kings 20. namely long life and prosperitie vpon earth For other examples of praiers Anna 1. King. 1. Dauid 2. Kin. 12. Idem 2. king Elyas 3 Kin. 18. Iosophat 2. Chro. 20. Esdras 1. Esdra 1. 8. Nehemias 1. Iud. 4. 8. Hester 4. Ieremy 11. Daniel 6. 9. 13. Ionas Iudas Machabeus 1. Mach. 4. The x. Plant Thankes giuing Definition THankes giuing is a vertue which ought to bee euermore grounded in the heart minde of man and euermore redy to be vttered with the tonge that good thinges are not bestowed vppon vs by chaunce or by good hap as we vse to say but that God is rightly the author of all benefits And that it is our duties by this our thankfulnes to exhort inuite others to the due acknowledging and seruing of the true God that they may also perswade themselues that it is God onely which hath care ouer them and that we are heard by him if we craue any thing of him in faith And therefore as hee is altogither more ready to giue then wee to receiue and more beneficiall and gracious in giuing then we are thankful dutifull towardes him so are wee euermore debters vnto him and neuer able to repay that we owe him howbeit sith he requireth a thankfull heart and true repentant life according to his will wee ought neuer to be slack or slowe in testifying our vtermost
power good willes in giuing of thanks for his benefits and in liuing so thankfully that his continued mercie may bee a salue to our myserie Testimonies Reioyce alwaies pray without ceasing and giue thanks in all things for this is the will of God in Christ Iesus towards you all 1. Thessa. 5. What better thing may we beare in our minde expresse with tongue or set foorth with penne then Thankes bee to God Then this nothing can bee spoken more shorte more ioyfully heard more thankfully vnderstoode nor more frutefully be perfourmed Augustine in epist. ad Marcil Let euery one as hee hath receiued the good grace of God despise the same vnto an others benefite as the good stewards of the manifolde grace of God. 1. Pet. 4. The best conseruer of benefites is the remembrance of those benefites receiued and the continual thankfulnesse which wee ought to render for the same Chry. Homi. 25. super Matt. I exhorte you that you doe alwayes giue thankes vnto the Lorde if euill chaunces happen vnto you blesse yee the Lorde those euils shall be taken away if prosperous good things happen vnto you blesse the Lord they â—hall continue still with you Chrys in tract de Symbol Thankesgiuing is a moste pure perfect Balme and therefore it requireth a pure sound profound vessel for the same Brent super Can. Examples Christe Iesus our Lorde and Sauiour oftentimes lifting vppe his eyes vnto the Heauens would giue thankes as in breaking the Bread in multiplying of Breade to his Disciples in reuyuing Lazarus in the institution of the holy Eucharist Matt. 26. The Lorde commaunded that his deliueraunce of the Children of Israel out of Aegypt should neuer departe out of their mindes It shall be saith he as a signe in thy hand and as a monument before thy eyes that the law of the Lorde may be euer in thy mouth Exod. 13. Moyses and the Israelites sung a song vnto God and said Let vs sing vnto the Lorde that is to say after they had meruelously passed through the red Sea. Exod. 20. Dauid when he heard the Reuelation which God made vnto Nathan touching the continuance of his kingdome gaue very humble deuoute thankes therefore vnto God. 2. King. 7. We ought heere in England to prayse God greatly for his goodnesse which prospereth the reigne of our so gratious soueraigne lady Queene Elizabeth according to that saying Blessed be God which hath giueÌ„ vs Dauid a most wise Prince to gouerne the people c. 3. Kin. 1. and 15. When Tobias had recouered againe his sight both he his wife all they which before had seene him blinde glorifyed god Tob. 11. For other Examples of Thankesgiuing looke Cyrus 1. Esdras 1. The Israelites Iudith 16. Nabuchodonozer Dan. 2. Iudas Machabeus 2. Mach. 1. The blessed virgin Mary Luk. 1. Zacharias Luke 1. Matt. 9. Luk. 7. and other places The xi Plant True Preaching Definition TRue Preaching is the message of the great God and embassage of the highest King of kings the same is an office of effectuall vertue vertuous effect of glad tydings and of saluation bestowed vppon mankinde by the Almightie Messias in the light of his holy lawe and Gospell reuealed and in the true testification of his grace and gratious goodnesse towardes man as S. Paul descrybeth the same more amply in the 1. Cor. 14. 1. Tim. 4. That is to say it consisteth in Doctrine Exhortation and consolation and thervnto is applyed the exposition or interpretation of any parte or portion of the Scriptures The efficient causes of which office and function duely applied are these The holy Goste by the will of God enioyning the Apostles first to performe this office Mat. 10 The tongue which ought to be the trumpet sounding the glory of God his wrath towards sinners and mercie towardes those that heare his will and fulfill the same The faithfulnesse diligence and constancy by the Preacher obserued heerin to the end that God may be obeyed rightly honoured and acknowledged that many soules may be woon as coheyres with Christ in his kingdome for euer Testimonies And the Lord saide I will rayse vnto them a prophet out of their Brethren which shall bee like vnto thee and I will put my woords in his mouth and hee shall speake vnto them all those things which I shal prescribe him and he that will not heare him speaking in my name I will bee reuenged vppon him Deut. 18. Howe beautiful vpon the hilles are the feete of him that bringeth preacheth peace Esay 52. Man liueth not by bread onely but by euery word that proceedeth out of the mouth of god Luk. 4. Thou shalt heare the word proceeding out of my mouth and thou shalt tell it them from me Ezech. 3. Goe your wayes throughout all the world preach the Gospell to euery creature teaching al nations baptizing them Matt. 28. Reproue Exhorte blame and rebuke with all patience and doctrine 1. Tim. 5. For the worde of God is liuely and effectuall and pearceth more then doth a two edged swoorde entering euen into the deuision of the soule the spirite c. Heb. 4. Examples Iesus Christe our Redeemer and Sauiour comming into this worlde to call sinners to repentaunce first preached the Gospell and deliuered the Lawe vnto the Prophetes he himselfe affirming that he is the true light of the worlde whome who so did followe should haue light of life Iohn 8. Iohn Baptist preached repentaunce and the kingdome of GOD in the deserte of Iudaea and preuayled therein Matt. 3. The twelue Apostles were sent of the Lord to preach had power giuen them to caste out vncleane spirites to heale the diseazed by vertue of the holy Ghoste and efficacie of the Gospell and namely these for the testimonie of the trueth suffered persecution Sainte Peeter was crucifyed S. Paule at Rome beheaded Saint Iames the brother of our Lord stoned at Hierusalem Iames the brother of Iohn be headed there S. Philippe in Scythia S. Bartholmewe in India S. Matthias in Iudaea S. Andrew in Scythia S. Matthew in Aethiopia suffered martyrdome all within the space of 85. yeeres after the birth of Christ Ionas was sent of the Lord to preach at Niniue fortie dayes respite before they should bee destroyed and yet the Lord knew that they would repent whereby hee spared them and withdrewe his scourge Ionas 3 For other Examples look in Acts. 2. 3. 4. 5. and 11. besides other places in Paule Peter Iames and Iohn concerning Preaching The xii Plant Confession vnto God. Definition COnfession is a constant and perpetuall desire while we beare aboute vs this earthly and corruptible tabernacle of the flesh to acknowledge the true doctrine of the Gospell before God and man and to confesse our sinnes and manifolde infirmities vnto God who onely is the promised comforter in our myseryes the only redeemer of vs from sinne death and hell and the onely sauiour of our
he of many vertues is mercy more wonderful and more gracious For men do not in any thing more resemble or come neare vnto the likenesse of God then in relieuing and shewing mercy one towardes an other Heerein fortune hath nothing greater wherof shee may nor nature any thing better whereof she would impart from her owne brestes Cicero in Oratio pro. Qu. Ligurio A great trauel is there ordeined for all men and a great burden for all the chidreÌ„ of Adam from the day of their birth vntil the day of their graue the mother of all thinges Eccle. 40. Mercy and trueth shall preserue the King and with mercy his Throne shal bee established for euer Prouer. 20. Blessed are the mercifull because they shall receiue mercy Mat. 5. Goe rather and learne what that meaneth I will haue mercy and not sacrifice Mat. 9. Forgeue your offenders with mercy as equitie requireth you your selues shall haue your offences forgeuen you Luk. 6. Who so hath this worldes good and seeth his brothers neede and shal shut his compassion from him how dwelleth the loue of God in that man Iohn 1. 3. Mercy is the safegarde of health the OrnameÌ„t of faith the offered satisfaction by Christ for our sinnes This is she which commendeth the iust strengtheneth the holy ones and aduaunceth the worshippers or seruauntes of god Ioh. Chrysost super Matthaeum Mercy is there more bountifull where faith is more ready Nothing so muche coÌ„mendeth a Christian as the charitable mercye of one man towardes another Ambro. de officiis Examples Our Sauiour and redeemer Christe Iesus the most excellent mirrour of milde mercie by his example biddeth vs to be mercifull because saith he your heauely father is mercifull Luke 6. Also saying you shall finde rest vnto your soules in so doing Mat. 11. So had hee compassion vpon the woman whose sonne was dead when he said vnto her weepe not so that hee raised her sonne from death to life Luke 7. Vnto the sicke of the Palsey did he shew also his meruaylous mercy both in curing his disease and forgeuing his sinnes Mat. 9. Vpon the woman diseased with the blooddy Issue vpon the two blinde and vpon the possessed with a dumbe spirite did hee worke his wonderful mercies to the greate admiration of the multitude standing by Mat. 9. Ruben and Iudas were mooued with naturall compassion to withstande the other brethren which would haue slayne their brother Ioseph whom although they brought not againe to their father yet by their meanes his life at that ttme was saued Gen. 37. When the children of Israell had taken 200000. of their enimies men women children prisoners they spared them sent them backe againe vnto their owne dwelling places appareling theÌ„ and relieuing them 2. Par. 2. Nehemias hearing of the miserable state of the Citie of HierusaleÌ„ wept many dayes both procured oportune helpe and counsell to remedie the distressed state therof Neh. 1. 2. The xx Plant Innocencie Definition INnocencie is a most notable vertue signifiyng that purenes of minde which abhorreth from all reuenge of priuate iniurie done to vs by any man not onely in our selues ought this to be for our soules saluation for the sauegarde of our owne life goods and good name but also inasmuch as in vs lieth we are bounde to instruct teach and exhort this vertue vnto all others that by all good meanes they may be harmelesse of thought deede and woorde free from offence blame or shame So ought we to haue Adams innocencie in our minds before he was tempted how cleare he was and when he tasted the fruite how much he had defiled him self Wherefore let vs alwaies liue like litle infantes in respect of true innocencie which as S Hierom. saith proceede not in wrath remember not harmes doone to them lust not after the eye thinke not one thing and speake an other This innocencie except we haue saith S. Herome we shall not as the children of God enter into the kingdome of heauen super Matt. cap. 18. Testimonies Blessed are ye when men reuile you and shall falsly speake al maner of euill against you for my sake Mat. 5. â—â— Verily I say vnto you except ye repent and become as litle children you shal not enter into the Kingdome of Heauen Mat. 18. 3. Who so receiueth one of these litle ones in my name receiueth me And who so offendeth one of these litle ones which beleeueth in me it were meete that a Milstone were hanged about his necke and that he were cast into the bottome of the Sea ibidem â— 6. You haue heard how it hath been said an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth But I say vnto you resist not euill with euill Mat. 5. The simple beleeue euery woorde so long as the innocent cleane vnto righteousnes they shal not be ashamed Pro 14. See that you render not euill for euill but alwayes persiste in dooing good 1. Thes 5. Who is innocent hee which neither hurteth others nor himselfe for hee that hurteth himselfe is not innocent Aug. super Psal 35. Bee glad of thine innocencie and reioyce be glad I say because she is harmelesse in euery place safe in euery place If thou bee tempted thou profitest if thou beest brought lowe thou shalt bee exalted if thou fightest thou winnest if thou be slayne thou shalte bee crowned Chrysost in Homil. Lord who shal enter into thy holy hil euen he that is innocent of his handes and pure of heart which hath not taken his soule in vayne nor hath sworne to deceaue his neighbour he shal receiue blessing from the Lorde and mercie from God his Sauiour Psal. 25. That most innocent Lambe Christe Iesus our Sauiour in whose mouth was founde none euil in whose heart was fouÌ„d no guyle both liued in innocencie as he taught died in inno eÌ„cie for our example that we should refuse no domage daunger nor iniurie for the testimonie of a good conscience towardes God in true innocencie of life Mat. 23. Iohn 19. Susanna was innocent from that heynous fact wherewith the false iudges charged her for testimony of which truth God sent Daniel his seruaunt to diiudicate the cause of her innocencie and to condemne the false iudges of their mischeuous malice Dan. 13. Dauid serued Saule in all innocencie truth fidelitie a long time yet was he persecuted by him but in the end he was crowned king after Saule 1. Reg. 28. vsque ad 26. cap. Ioseph was also innocent iust faithfull towards his Maister albeit his Mistresse went about to tempt him procure reuenge vppon him for not fulfilling her pleasure But the Lord preferred his innocency that he fouÌ„d farre more grace fauour both with God man Gen 39. Iob both iust and innocent before GOD though Sathan desired God that he might diuersly touch him with vexation aduersity yet did he neuer departe from his innocencie but walked vprightly glorified God and beleued
in his Sauiour Iob. 1. 2. The xxi Plant. Good counsell Definition GOod counsell is a rare excellent vertue priuately necessary publikly beneficial proceeding of good desire to do wel â–ª to establish that which is present to preuent that which is to come and to prouide for the safetie of sincere good meaning that no sinister meanes of euill molest circumuent or endomage the same This good couÌ„sel ought he to seeke that wanteth it in due time And this good counsell ought he that hath it to giue it in due time For as Solomon saith Words spoken in due time are like apples of golde in a siluer dishe And that worthye Salust admonished his friendes first to aske counsell before they begunne any thing and when they had taken counsell to dispatche their purpose quickely He that will doe any thing well therefore let him also consider that as in delay to seek counsel bringeth daÌ„ger and in rashe taking counsell bringeth repentaunce so to worke by good counsell in due time bringeth expected comfort commoditie from time to time Let vs craue this good counsell of the holy Ghost the comforter that in all thoughtes words and workes we may glorifie God and edifie our selues and our christian brethren also Testimonies My sonne doe nothing without couÌ„sell and thou shalte not repent thee after the deede Eccle. 32. Giue eare vnto counsell and receaue discipline that thou maiest be wise in the last dayes Prou. 9. Euen as water is in the deepe so is counsel in the heart of man But who so is wise shall drawe out the same Prou. 20. The wise man doeth all thinges with counsel But he that is foolishe discouereth his follie Prou. 13. The heart of man with oyntment and sundry sweete odours is made glad so is the soule comforted with the good counsels of a friende Prou. 27. A sweet word multiplieth friends mitigateth enimies a gracious tung abouÌ„deth in a good man Haue thou as many freends as thou caÌ„st get but one couÌ„selour of a thousand Eccle. 6. Let not the good counsell of the aged escape thy hearing for they haue learned of their fathers ' because of them also â—hou shalte learne vnderstanding and in time of neede shalte thou giue answeare Eccle. 8. Through counsels are the determinations of men established with discreete gouernement are warres to bee taken in hande Prou. 20. There is no wisedome there is no vnderstanding there is no counsell against the Lorde Prou. cap. 21. Examples Our Lorde and Sauiour Christ Iesus that most pure fountayne of coÌ„fortable good counsel when by preaching and teaching the will of his heauenly father hee was sent to distribute the free saluation of mankinde in the end of one sermon made by him vpon the Mount hee pronounced this counsell to our euerlasting comfort viz. Euery one which heareth my wordes and doth the same shall be compared vnto a wise man that buildeth his house vppon a rocke Mat. 7. Iacob hearkened vnto the counsels of hid mother working all thinges accordingly And it came to passe that the Lorde prospered him greatly therein Gen. 27. Ruben hearing the euil determinations of his other brethren agaynst Ioseph resisting the same gaue counsell rather that he should be solde whereby it fell out that his life was saued and he afterward became a comfortable helper of his brethren Gen. 37. Iethro gaue good counsel vnto Moyses for the welfare of the people of Israel worthie of imitation Exod. 18. Through the good counsell of Abigail that godly vertuous womaÌ„ Dauid was withdrawne from shedding of Nabals blood which if he had done would greatly haue procured gods wrath towards Dauid for the same 1. Reg. 25. Abner gaue good couÌ„sel to Asael wheÌ„ he folowed him saying Do not thou folow me least I cause thee to fall vnto the earth Which thing to heare bicause Asael contemned he was therefore slaine by him immediately 2. Reg. 2. The elders gaue good counsell vnto Roboam but he to his owne harme gaue eare to the counsell of the yonger in authoritie about him 3 Reg. 12. Reade the good counsell of Eliseus vnto Naaman and the good euent thereof 4 Reg. 5. Of Ioiada vnto Ioas the King and the euent therof 4. Reg. 12. 2. Par. 24. of Nehemias in building the Temple Nehem. z. of Tobias in captiuitie Tob. 1. of Iudith to the people Iudith 8. of Ionas to the Nineuites Ionas 2. 3. of Mattathias to his sonnes 1. Machabes 2. of Iudas Machabaeus 1. Macha 3. 4. and 9. Item 2. Mac. 8. 15. and of the Apostles Act. 2. 4. 10. 13. 14. 16. 18. 19. 20 26. The. xxii Plant. Discipline Definition DIscipline is a necessarie and needefull vertue most aptly to be applied of tractabilitie in learning godlinesse goodnesse or vertue to beare in minde that we heare to coÌ„firme in maners what we conceiue in minde and to vse brotherly correction or admonition with seueritie according to the defect therefrom as Gregorius in his Morals sayth that in this discipline ought to be admixed lenitie with seueritie and that there should be made a moderation thereof Furthermore S. Augustine writing de Moribus Ecclesiae distinguisheth Discipline in two partes The first loue and the second feare as who should say loue in teaching telling and admonishing the learner and feare in learning following and practising that which is taught After this sort saith he where Discipline is there is the Ladie of true Religion and of true godlinesse which neither so blameth that she burreth nor so chastiseth that shee woundeth But finally beeing angrie shee correcteth mennes maners and being zealously mooued shee preserueth them to perfection Thus as Gregorius Nazianzen sayth The wordes of the nurses are milke if they be good or poyson if they be ill In Regist cap. 7. Testimonies A wise man by hearing becommeth wiser and hee that hath vnderstanding shall possesse the seate of authoritie c. Prou. 5. Hast thou children bring them vp in nurture and from their childhoode make them to stande in awe Hast thou daughters keepe their bodies in awe and shewe not a pleasant countenance towards them Ecclesiasticus 7. My sonne despise not thou the chastening of the Lord neither forsake him wheÌ„ thou art reprehended For whomsoeuer the Lorde loueth him doth he chasten as the father which taketh pleasure in his childe Pro. 3. Who so reiecteth discipline dispiseth his owne soule but hee that hearkeneth to good admonishment enioyeth his owne hearts case Prou. 15. For whoso despiseth wisedome and discipline is vnhappy and vaine is their hope yea their labours are without fruite and their woorkes are vnprofitable Sap. 3. A man that is wise and well nurtured will not murmure when he is admonished to amend his fault c. Eccle. 10. cap. I beseeche thee my good brother that vnto all those vnder thy iurisdiction from the greatest to the least thou wouldest declare both the sweete comfort of the heauenly kingdome and the bitter
hee confessed that they receiued him as if he had beene an Angell c. Gal. 4. Onesipherus his familie in the zeale of God oftentimes refreshed Paule and visited him when he lay in prison Phil 4. Ruth bare such faithfull friendship in the Lord to his wiues mother Noemi and saide vnto her Wheresoeuer thou goest I will go with thee and wheresoeuer thou taryest I will tarry with thee also Ruth 1. The soule of Ionathas and the soule of Dauid was of faithfully fixed eche to others that Ionathas stripped him selfe of his owne cote to giue it vnto Dauid 1. King 18. Abner sent Messengers vnto Dauid saying Be freends with mee and my handes shall be with thee and I will bring all Israel vnto thee 2. King. 3. The 3. friendes of Iob when they hearde of all the euill which had happened vnto him they came euery one from his dwelling place and vizited him with comfort Iob. 2. 6. The Lorde commended the vniust Stewarde which got himselfe friendes by the wise disposing of his Maisters goods so likewise ought euery faithfull Christian iustly to seeke the louing fauour of God in this life time that we may bee deliuered from death eternall to liue with him in ioy and blisse for euer Luke 16. The xvi Plant Gratitude Definition GRatitude or thankfulnes is the true testimonie of dutifull good will to bee rendered in and for any benefite bestowed vpon the inferiour person by any of better calling And it is a vertue of excellent effect euen amongst meanest persons which acknowledging good will or any benefite priuately bestowed doe also count them selues bounden detters towards regratifying like good wil so far as abilitie extendeth doe requite the same which proceedeth not but from a woorthy mind obaying the commandemēt of God the law of nature enioyning the obseruation of true meaning and equalitie of good wil which are the necessary meanes whereby humane kinde is conserued and preserued which ought also to be testified by speech as the instrument of the minde and by externall giftes as the comprobation and satisfaction of both their expectations Now the matter or ground whence Gratitude groweth to be considered off contayneth seuen seuerall particularities First God 2. our Parentes 3. our Schoolemaisters 4. our Magistrates 5. Ministers of the Church 6. our Countrie and seuenthly our benefactors and friends which calling this dutiful regratulation repensation least we incurre that penaltie of Ingratitude whiche threateneth The plague shall not departe from the house of the vnthankful Prou. 17. Testimonies To him that giueth or bestoweth any benefite there can nothing be requited more thankful by the receuer thē as if he take that acceptably which was bestowed willingly and with a good will. For he dooth iniurie the spirite of grace which taketh not with thankful minde that benefite of him that bestoweth it Ber. ad Imericū cancel A wise man wil examine al things with him selfe how much he hath receiued of whome when where what and how Therefore we deny that no man can giue thankes or bee thankfull but a wiseman Seneca ad Luci. episto 8. The remembrance of benefites receiued ought neuer to wax olde Idem lib de beneficiis A good turne doone or freendly beneuolence bestowed ought euermore to be had in remembrance Ibidem Wee ought to render all possible requitall although we can not render sufficient woorthyly as towardes God our Parents we are not able to render equall Aristot For towards God our Parentes and maisters we can not make due requitall Aristo 8. 9. Ethicorum Vnto whome so great thanks can not be giuen as is due to them yet must wee yeelde such possible thanks as our minds are able to comprehend Cicero in Phil. Examples Our Sauiour Iesus Christe the fountaine of all grace and goodnesse for the entire sorrowe repentance of Mary Magdalen and other testimonyes of loue towardes him forgaue her her sinnes Luc. 7. Pharao a very tyrannicall King did notwithstanding thankefully rewarde Ioseph for expounding his dreame and highly exalted him Gen. 41. Iethro the Priest of the Madianites was thankefull for that cause whereas Moyses had saued and defended his daughters when they went to water their flock wherevpon he made him to bee called home to his house to eate meate with him and gaue him one of his daughters in mariage Exod. 5. Dauid saide vnto Abiathar whose father loued the same Dauid tary with me feare not if any man seeke to take away thy life hee shall also take away mine 1. King. 22. By reason of the great good wil that Dauid bare to Ionathas the sonne of Saule hee made inquirie if there were any of his kindred yet aliue yea or no and he ordayned Miphiboseth the sonne of Ionathas to be a continuall guest at his table 2. King. 9. The Queene of Saba brought many gifts vnto Solomon and hee to gratifie her good will gaue her all such thinges as she desired except those things which she of her voluntary good will had brought him as a Princely present 3. King. 10. The xvii Plant Hospitalitie Definition HOspitalitie is rightly tearmed friendly entertainment of equall personages and charitable harboring of inferiour persons for some good consideration although nature hath generally appoynted all men a resting place for a time as Cicero saith and not a continuall dwelling place vppon earth And this is vsed amongst men after two manners the one necessary without necesitie as in entertayning those wealthy which trauel from place to place in worldly affayres are able to requite it The other needeful and not vnnecessary in harbowring the poore abiects of this worlde either impotent sick sore or otherwise constrayned to seeke releefe help succour which are not able of themselues to requite so charitable deedes Although yet who so sheweth compassion and succour vppon such to them doeth Christe our Sauiour acknowledge and confesse saying That they gaue him to eate when hee was an hungered they gaue him drink when he was thirsty clothed him beeing naked vizited him beeing sick and harboured him beeing comfortlesse for the which cause hee shall say vnto them Come yee blessed of my father c. Matt. 25. Testimonies The Scripture now and then commendeth vnto vs this vertue Hospitalitie namely Moyses saide vnto the people Loue thou straungers because thou and thy brethren were strangers in the land of Egypt Deut. 10. Forget not Hospitalitie for by meanes theereof haue some receiued euen very Angels as guestes vnto them Heb. 13. Before all things haue mutuall charity one towardes an other in all godlynesse and honestie c. Be harborours one towardes an other without grutching 1. Pet. 4. Welbeloued thou doost well what soeuer thou workest towards thy brethren and specially such as are strangers Ioh. 3. Hospitalitie is so thankfully acceptable before God that not so much as a cup of colde water giuen with good wil but it shall bee rewarded againe and recompensed fine folde Amb. li.