but seemeth very bitter to some sicke and distempered bodies So dooth the Law seeme burdensome but this commeth not by nature but through our weaknesse 22 As the debter not beeing able to paie his debt was freely forgiuen Euen so the Law in the act of iustification is vtterly idle as that which is neither the cause nor a part of our righteousnesse as it is wrought of vs. Math. 18.23 24. c. 23 Like as if I owe a man a hundreth pound and bee bound to pay him at a certaine day if I doo then pay it albeit mine hart be neuer so grudging and vnwilling thereto yet haue I fulfilled the Law and discharged my bond so that there shall no processe or iudgement passe against me But Gods Law requireth a thing to bee done with a chearefull and a well willing heart and minde and euen of pure loue for if I doo it either for feare or vnwillingly that shal be imputed vnto me for sinne If I do it for feare 〈◊〉 doo I it not of loue but rather hate both the thing 〈◊〉 I doo and also the Law that constraineth me to doo it and if I doo it vnwillingly then would I doo the contrarie and so would that there were no such Law neither yet any God that should iudge me in so doing and seeing that God iudgeth me after mine heart and will then must he needes condemne me for I would doo contrarie vnto his Lawe and will yea and doo wish in mine heart contrarie to that which I doo in mine outward deed 24 Like as if I see a poore man which is not of abilitie to doo me any pleasure and neuerthelesse doth all his diligence to seeke my fauour and would with heart and mind giue me some acceptable present if he were of power being also sorrie that hee cannot performe his will and mind towards me Now if there bee any sparke of humanitie or gentlenesse in me I wil count his good will as wel as though he had in very deed performed his will for his ability extendeth no further if his power were better better should I haue Euen so seeing we are not of power and abilitie to performe the Law of God and yet beare a good heart towards God and his Law bewayling our imbicilitie that we can do him no further pleasure then will God recount vs not as his enemies but as his deare children and beloued friends 25 As after sleepe the body beeing awaked it is fresh lustie strong and couragious to doo his worke So likewise after the fearefull threatnings of the Law when wee heare the glad tidings of the Gospell that God will be our Lord and dwell with vs the mind is comforted strengthned and mooued vp to doo his dutie 26 As a man is iudged and known to be waking when hee can doo the office of a man as talke worke write or such like Euen so is man awaked out of the sleepe of sins when he liues in charitie feares God and walks according to his Law in his vocation 27 As we see in iudgements here amongst vs there is a royall seate set where the Iudge sits hee that is accused stands at the Barre holds vp his hand heares his Inditement read witnesse is brought against him and hee iustlâ— condemned to death So likewise we shal see Iesus Chrisâ— the righteous Iudge of the world that will not be bribeâ— sit in his seate of maiestie at the last day and all the companie of Angels about him and we shall stand at the harre as accused and indighted for breaking that righteous Law of his word the diuel which intised vs so to do shall beare witnesse that to be true yea and our owne conscience also with the feare of that fearefull sentence Goe yee cursed into euerlasting fire c. shall make vs to tremble Math. 25.31 32 41. 28 Like as hee which cannot esteeme and discerne his sicknesse or the grieuousnesse of his disease the same must of necessitie haue a negligent care of seeking foorth a remedie and a wholesome medicine for the same Euen so hee which learneth not to acknowledge his sinnes by the Law the same doubtlesse knoweth not how to embrace grace by the Gospell Learning or vertue of transgression but improperly 1 AS the Date tree is most hard to be climed hauing yet fruit most pleasaunt So likewise the entrie or way vnto Learning and vertue is most vneasily when as yet they haue fruit all pleasaunt and profitable Prou. 3.13 14 15. 2 Like as nature hath hid verie deepe in the ground stones precious and of much value but others of no vertue are euerie where to bee found So things of estimation and price as vertue and Learning are knowne but vnâ—â— fewe nor they will not bee obtained without great labour and studie 3 As hee which hungereth or thirsteth can doo nothing vnlesse they quench his appetite and desire So all things ought we to lay aside vntill we doo obtaine Learâ—ing and wisedome 4 As the best Wine soone looseth his taste or colour if it bee powred into a vessell filthie and impure So is good Learning more then lost if it happen to a naughtie man for he will vse it most peruersly to serue his gaine and appetite To Liue well is to die well LIke as Balaam wished and had a great desire to die the death of the righteous but he would not immitate them in godly conuersation Euen so all men wish for a happie end of life but fewe care to Liue vertuously and honestly which doubtlesse is the readie way to die well Numb 23.10 Act. 8.19 20. 19.13 The Law our Schoolemaister to bring vs to Christ. 1 LIke as the Schoolemaister reproueth his Schollers wherby he grieueth them and maketh them heauie and yet not to the end that this bondage should alwayes continue but that it should cease when the children are well brought vp and instructed accordingly and that afterwards without any constraint of the Schoolemaister they should chearefully enioy their libertie and their Fathers goods Euen so they which are vexed and oppressed with the Law doo know that these terrours and vexations shall not alwayes continue but that therby they are prepared to come vnto Christ which is to bee reuealed and to receiue the libertie of the spirit c. Gal. 3.24 2 As the duties of a Schoolemaister bee especially three First to teach his Schollers Secondly to frame their manners And thirdly to punish offenders Euen so the Lawe of God first teacheth vs concerning God that there is a God and what manner of one hee is and what manner a one mans nature is by creation and what was that Image of God or originall righteousnesse in man namely agreeablenesse to the Law of God It teacheth also of sinne and the penaltie of sinne of the last iudgement of the resurrection of the dead and life euerlasting of outward discipline or honest gouernment of manners with many such other things Secondly it frameth our
die together Euen so a good Conscience and the graces of God in vs they encrease together and die together 10 As a faire and bewtifull countenance is pleasant and gracious in a mans eyes Euen so a good and purified Conscience is acceptable and delightsome in the sight of God 11 As ouermuch fulnesse of the stomack and superfluitie of meates groweth that obstruction which the Phisitians do call oppilation or stopping wherevpon breedeth a continuall headach and that frenzie which bringeth men to a madnesse Euen so of a depraued and dishonest loue of this life of the corruption of maners of gluttonie and excesse eating doth spring an vnbridled and vntamed lust whereof ariseth that phereneticall madnesse of heretickes and a corruption of their vnderstanding in matters of faith so that they which care not to keepe a good Conscience do at length fall to an incurable contempt of faith 1. Timo. 1.5.19 12 Like as if we haue a childe that by crying is grieuous vnto vs wee seeke to appease and still him either by threates or promises by gifts or stripes but if hee will not be so stilled either wee can send him away from vs or wee our selues go from him that wee may not be troubled with his crying But our Conscience once feeling or apprehending the wrath of GGD euen but a little will neuer suffer vs to be quiet promise threaten giue strike what euer you do still it cryeth louder and louder and still it tormenteth yea when you seeke to send it away it sticketh closer vnto you neither can you depart from it for beeing in you it is alwayes at hand 13 Euen as he which is troubled with a burning feauer is hotter then he which is parched with the Sunne So is that man more troubled which hath a guiltie Conscience then a good man by all outward afflictions 14 As the sicke man when he seemes to sleepe and take his rest is inwardly full of troubles So the benummed and drousie Conscience wants not his secret pangs and terrors and when it shall be rowsed and wakened by the iudgement of God it waxeth cruell and fierce like a wilde beast 15 Euen as all renued wounds are hardly or neuer cured So likewise when a man sinnes against his Conscience as much as in him lyeth he plungeth himselfe into the gulfe of desperation for euery wound of the Cōscience thogh the smart of it be litle felt is a deadly wound and he that goes on to sinne against his Conscience cannot call vpon the name of God for a guiltie Conscience makes a man flie from God 16 As a Notarie or a Register that hath alwayes the penne in his hand to note and record whatsoeuer is said or done who also because he keepes the Rolles and Records of the Court can tell what hath bene said and done many hundred yeares past Euen so the Conscience obserues and takes notice of all things that we do and inwardly and secretly within the heart doth tell vs of them all 17 Like as the Maister of a prison is knowne by this to haue care ouer his prisoners if he send keepers with them to watch them and to bring them home againe in time conuenient Euen so Gods care to man is manifest in this that when he created man and placed him in the world he gaue him Conscience to be his Keeper to follow him alwayes at the heeles and to dogge him as we say and to prie into his actions and to beare witnesse of them all 18 Euen as a man being to make an vnknowne iourney should finde one that would go with him and shewe him the way with all the turnings thereof he could not but take it for a great point of curtesie So likewise seeing we are Pilgrimes in this world our life is our iourney and God also hath appointed our Conscience to be our companion and guide to shewe vs what course wee may take and what we may not 19 As a wilde beast which so long as he lyeth a sleepe seemes very tame and gentle hurts no man but when he is rowzed he then awakes and flies in a mans face and offers to pull out his throate So likewise it is the maner of a dead and benummed Conscience to lye still and quiet euen through the course of a mans life and heerevpon a man would thinke as most doo that it were a good Conscience indeede but when sicknesse or death approacheth and commeth it being awaked by the hand of God begins to stand vpon his legs and shews his fierce eyes and offers to rend out euen the very throate of the soule Gene. 42.2 20 As all the vertues of naturall men are indeed bewtifull sinnes and their Righteousnes but a carnall Righteousnes So the Conscience also of a carnall man though it excuse him for well dooing is but a carnall Conscience 21 Like as when a man enters into his house at midnight he findes or sees nothing out of order but let him come in the day time when the Sunne shineth and hee shall then espie many faults in the house and the very moates that flie vp and downe Euen so let a man search his heart in the ignorance and blindnesse of his minde he will straightway thinke all is well but let him once begin to search himselfe with the light and lanterne of the Law and so he shall finde many foule corners in his heart and Conscience and many heapes of sinnes in his life 22 As some men seeke day and night from yeare to yeare for honours riches and pleasures which they must leaue behinde them So much more ought we to seeke for renued and reformed Consciences considering that Conscience will be with vs in this life in death at the last iudgement and for euer 23 As a man arrayed and apparrelled in cloath of Tishue set in a chaire of estate hauing before him a table furnished with all daintie delicates his seruants Monarches and Princes his riches the chiefest treasures and Kingdomes of the world but withal suppose there were one standing by with a naked sword to cut his throate or a wilde beast readie euer and anon to pull him in peeces we cannot otherwise say but that this mans estate and all his happinesse is yet nothing but woe and miserie Euen so such is the estate and condition of all men that abounding with riches honors and pleasures carrie about them an euill Conscience which is a sword to slay the soule or as a rauenous beast readie to suck the blood of the soule and to rend it in peeces 24 Like as in gouerning the Ship on the Sea the Pilot holding the helme in his hand hath alwayes an eye to the compasse So we likewise in the ordering of our liues and conuersations must alwayes haue a speciall regard to the Conscience 25 As God giues to the eye certaine lids of flesh to defend and couer it from outward iniuries Euen so must we vse meanes to auoyd whatsoeuer may offend
the sea which of his name is yet called the Icarian sea Euen so the Ambitious the higher they rise in glorie the more they approach the heate of Gods wrath and so do melt and fall into the gulfe of eternall confusion Act. 12.21 1. Pet. 5.5 4 As he that is condemned to be hanged hath no liking of the Ladder because he knoweth that the higher hee climbeth the nearer he is to his death and therfore could be content the ladder should be either broken or burned if he might haue his desire Euen so ought wee to detest Ambition and pride and endeauour to denie and mortifie the same as knowing that to desire greatnesse is to desire mishap and that pride and arrogancie is the highest step where-from man is cast headlong into vtter ruine Math. 23.12 2. Sam. 18.9 2. King 11.1.15 5 As a man hath no cause to boast of his wickednesse and miserie So in his vertues doth his Ambition pride grow take encrease and nourishment causing him many times the more vertue he is endued with the more to be proud 6 As poison put into good and wholesome meate maketh it mortall so Ambition and pride taking occasion of Gods graces to boast it self doth by such sacriledge turne vs vnto destruction 7 As the Peacocke so full of faire feathers hauing only two foule feet standing proudly in the circle and contemplation of his bewtiful traines so soone as he seeth his feet which he thinketh to be foule straight humbleth himself and abateth and seeketh to hide his feathers euen so much more ought euerie good Christian by the feeling sight and apprehension of many his foule sinnes and vices and corrupt and peruerse passions that raigne in him to humble himselfe and to abate his Ambition and pride ingendered of a few feathers which haue onely some small beginning and appearance of bewtie 8 As the more directly that the Sunne lieth vpon vs the lesse is the shadowe of our bodie as at noone wee may see by experience and a little before and after Euen so the lesse that we arrogate and ambitiously boast of our selues the greater gifts and graces of God are wee endued withall 1. Cor. 4.7 9 Like as men would laugh at a poore man if hauing precious garments lent him to act and play the part of some honourable personage vpon a stage when the play were at an ende he should keepe them as his owne and bragge vp and downe in them Euen so such are they to whom God imparteth his gifts and graces when in lieu of yeelding the praise and glorie of the same to him that is the author and giuer of them they ambitiously assume and take it to themselues 10 As a tree the higher it is the greater force the winde hath of it and euerie little blast will bee puffing at it so that the sooner and greater is the fall thereof So the Ambitious man the higher he climeth the greater is his fall Of sumptuousnesse and excesse in Apparell 1 AS those that build faire Sepulchers for their dead corps whereas it should be a warning to them that they must die and therevpon cause them to reiect all Ambition pride and vanitie yet thereof they take occasion to vaunt and boast So likewise whereas our garments should be a continuall memorie of sinne to humble vs yet we as if we would euen spite God do procure sumptuous and gorgious Apparell to testifie our Ambition and pride 2 As a Theefe by lawe burned in the forehead for theft ought so oft as he looketh in a glasse and perceiueth the skarre thereof to thinke vpon and detest his inclination to that vice So our garments being as the skarre in the forehead of our first parents and our selues for their Ambition in that they sought to be like vnto God should by the onely sight of them put vs in minde to renounce all pride and Ambition Gene. 3.7.21 Esay 3.18 3 As euerie seede bringeth forth hearbes or fruite according to his kinde as Lettice seed Lettice Thistle seede Thistles Euen so if the heart be humble and modest the garment for the body will be euen so but if the heart be proud and Ambitious it will shew forth some kinde of excesse and pride in Apparell notwithstanding whatsoeuer lawes to the contrarie 4 As the body being of more valew then the garment we will sell or pawne forth the garment for to feede the body Euen so ought we to leaue all affection to bewtifie our bodies the better to tend to the adorning of our soules 1. Pet. 3.3.4.5 1. Timo. 2.9 5 Like as if wee dwell in a borrowed house looking weekely when we must depart we will neuer trouble our selues with any cost or fitting of it as we would do if we were sure to remaine in it all the dayes of our liues Euen so for so much as the body is but a house lent vnto the soule from whence it looketh daily to depart there is no reason then why we should be so carefull to cloathe this body with braue and costly Apparell which shortly must rot and perish and so to neglect the soule which is immortall 6 As men commonly do care to be more honestly apparrelled when they are to meete at some banquet or marriage or to come before some honorable personages then ordinarily when they company with inferiours Euen so in like manner wee as concerning our bodies doo accompanie with men like vnto our selues but as concerning our soule with God and his Angels to whom it is lifted vp now by faith but at death really therefore it is repugnant to all order and reason to care more for the bewtifying of the body with sumptuous Apparell then adorning of the soule 7 Like as if a Taylor when he hath made a garment a great deale too long and large being reproued shall haue no excuse but that he had too much stuffe but this shift will not be accepted for they would tell him that he should haue made the garment after the measure of the body but not according to the quantitie of the stuffe Euen so they that haue plentie of goods and do not imploy them after the measure of their vocation and as beseemeth the profession of a reformed Religion but wasteth them in superfluitie and excesse do expose and set themselues to the skorne and greeuous reprehension both of God and his Angels Luk. 16.1.2 Sopho. 1.8 Application of Gods word 1 AS Phisitions do heale diuers diseases with diuers things as necessitie requireth So the word of God must be rightly applied according to the qualitie of the sinnes of the people 2 As a carefull and skilfull Surgion who hauing Patients that are diseased with sundry greeuous woundes and sores and hauing prouided drawing Plaisters and Corasiues for the same dooth not commit them to his Patients that they should lay and applie them to their sores and wounds least they should withdraw and keepe backe the same plaisters from their sores and wounds and
then Christ Iesus who with the death of his own heart gaue life to our bodies and soules If the world doo but a little smile vpon vs and giue vs but an alluring looke and a faire word wee will by and by follow it and bestow vpon it all our attendance If the diuell himselfe can make vs belieue that wee shall either haue profite or pleasure by dooing his will our hearts minds wils al are readier for him then for Iesus Christ O matchlesse yea monstrous madnesse they that seeke our destruction can sooner with a pleasant looke then Christ with the giuing of his life for vs haue vs at commandement Christ would haue vs to mortifie our earthly members as fornication vncleannesse inordinate affections euill concupisence and couetousnesse which is Idolatrie But alas we nourish pamper and cherish all these The Lord would haue our conuersation in heauen but we are altogether carnally and earthly minded The Lord would haue our feete to stand within the gates of Ierusalem but we loue rather to bee trampling the streetes of Egypt Babylon and Sodom The holy Ghost would haue vs to fight a good fight to finish our course after the will of God and to keepe the faith not onely in words but also in life and deedes Indeed wee are apt and ready to fight and striue for worldly promotion honour dignitie reuenues and riches but for heauen and heauenly things we will neuer striue take no paines nor once trouble our selues wee will haue it with ease and all manner of pleasures or else not at all farwell it The courses we take here in this life are very bad and the end vnlesse we repent is like to be worst of all And whiles we haue no care to keepe good consciences it is vnpossible for vs to keepe faith If Christ and Sathan should stand before vs the one pointing vs to heauen and eternall felicitie but the way to it full of troubles griefes and sorrowes the other pointing to hell but the way to it full of delicates pleasures and daintie delights and let God call and the diuell call yet the diuell it is to be feared is like to haue the greater number to follow him for those short pleasures Christ but a few to follow him because they must go loadeÌ„ with Crosses and afflictions dayly experience doth teach vs no lesse seeing all our actions are carnall and haue onely but little outward shew and no taste at all of true godlinesse nor so much as any rellish of the spirit and loue of Chriâ—â— Some will abstaine from the committing of any grosse sinnes now and then and yet not that in any true and sincere loue to God but either for feare of shame and punishment in this world or else feare of vengeance in the world to come which both are vnprofitable for the Lord hath no pleasure in forced seruice hee will haue it voluntarie with the heart and proceeding of loue not of a seruile feare otherwise it shall bee numbred with the rest of our sinnes This doth greatly condemne vs that though we doo not such things our selues yet wee can without trouble of conscience griefe of heart or vexation of mind see and heare the Lords name blasphemed his Sabboth vnhalowed Idolatrie committed parents dishonored whoredome theft murder and Couetousnesse commonly vsed and all the lawes of God vtterly contemned and it shall neuer offend the greatest number so much as a thorne in a foote or a blaine or push vppon a finger This vndoubtedly is euen to forsake God in the plaine field and to be afraid to serue him in truth and sinceritie least we should therby purchase mans displeasure vnlesse therefore wee learne to serue him better in more truth with greater zeale in singlenes of heart we haue nothing else to looke for but that he will forsake vs both in this world leauing vs destitute of his assistance that our enemies may pray vpon vs and also in the world to come in giuing out against vs his malediction curse woe and sentence of death Math. 25.37 Psal 15.2 Pro. 23.26 Col. 3.5 Phil. 3.20 Psal 122.2 2. Tim. 4.5.6.7 Math. 25.41 Breakers of the fourth Commaundement 1 AS those parents that bring not their sonnes daughters being of yeares of discretion on the Sabboth day to the Church to be partakers of the holy exercises as preaching prayer Catechising and Sacraments do transgresse this Commaundement So in like manner those paâ—ents greatly offend heerein that bring their yong children to the Church on the Sabboth dayes who either by their crying or running vp and downe the Church doo both trouble themselues the Minister and the people that the word preached the prayers vttered caÌ„not with reuerence be so well heard as otherwise they might And no lesse do they offend herein that bring their Hawkes Hounds or Dogs to disquiet the Congregation 2 As Magistrates Schoolemaisters as also all Artificers and Handicrafts men ought to abstaine from their Offices and callings on the Sabboth day because they are impediments to hinder their zeale and attentiuenesse that they ought to giue to God in his worship and seruice that day So contrariwise if God will not haue them exercise their vocations and trades being lawfull and necessarie then much more he will not haue them exercised in vnlawfull and vnnecessarie works as in gayming dycing daunsing carding drinking rioting other vanities of this world whereby they are not onely drawne from the company of the holy Congregation but also doo thereby defile their bodyes which they ought rather to sanctifie and keepe holy Christ commeth of the Father AS the Sunne remaineth the same and is not lessened by the beames which it spreadeth abroad So neither is the substance of the Father lessened or changed though he haue the Sonne an Image of himselfe Christ not to be denied in persecution AS the Serpent when he seeth he shall come into mans hands defendeth his head either by gathering himselfe into a circle or thrusting his head into a hole leauing the other parts open to the wounds So likewise we must do in time of persecution euen keepe Christ our head from wounds howsoeuer our bodies suffer Curiositie 1 AS the Phisitions do speak of the members of a mans body that they are made and composed of forme substance strength and greatnesse and placed and disposed very coÌ„ueniently to shew their effects and operations So likewise in euery Commonwealth God hath raised vp some men either Ciuilians or Diuines furnished them with such graces and gifts as are necessarie to effect such things as he hath before determined now if the foote will take vpoÌ„ him to execute the office of the hand or that the hand wil needs walk as the foote if the eare wil striue to see and the eye to heare it would be a very vaine foolish thing for them to enterprise such things seeing they haue not bene made and framed thereto In like maner we striue in
ministerie of death it fitly serueth for the taming and maistering of the rebellious flesh Euen so the Gospell containing the bountifull promises of God in Christ is as Oyle to powre into our wounds and as the water of life to quench our thirstie soules And it fitly serueth for the strengthening of the spirite 2 As the Diamond which beeing moystned in the warme bloud of a Goate may bee brused though otherwise it cannot bee hurt with any fire be it neuer so hotte nor broken with any violence bee it neuer so strong Or as the Horse which erst while was outragiously fierce is by gentle handling meekened and made handsome for the Saddle Or as the Dogge in like manner whose nature is churlish and vntoward which is agreeable to his name is yet by gentlenesse brought to doo that that is not incident to his nature Euen so some men whose harts cannot be mollified and softned by the terrours iudgements of the law are yet reclaimed wonne and made to relent by the milde and gentle perswasions and promises of the Gospell 3 As the Doue found no footing at the first sending Euen so the Gospel of Christ doth not alwaies find entertainment Gene. 8.8 Math. 10.14.10.3.19 Act. 13.51 4 As the seede sowne in the fielde as wheate bringeth forth graine and corne according to his nature and kind So the Gospell preached bringeth foorth out of a godly heart that which both in it selfe it teacheth that which it deliuereth to wit faith in Christ amendement of life the knowledge of God loue towardes God and our neighbour and such other fruites as are sowne and preached 5 As the lightning that breaketh out of the clouds shineth ouer all Euen so doth the Gospell of Christ 6 As men light not a candle to couer or whelme it vnder a bushell but on a Candlesticke to light all that are in the house Euen so the light of Christes Gospell may not bee hid nor made a seuerall thing as though it pertained to some certaine holy personnes onely nay it is the light of the whole worlde and pertaineth to all men and therefore ought not to bee kept from any Math. 5.14 7 Like as the Frogges of Egypt raysed out of the dust by the diuelish art of the MagiciaÌ„s cried out against Gods veritie calling againe by Moses and Aaron the people of God to the true libertie and worshipping of God Right so doo the Popes Legates and Papistes molest with their talke and speech the preaching of the Gospell the free deliuerance the Christian libertie and true seruice of God Exod. 8.7 8 Euen as a murtherer guiltie of death contemning the fauour which he heareth to be offered vnto him of a most mercifull King calleth and procureth to himselfe the more grieuous punishment So in like case if any hearing the Gospell of grace imbraceth not the same is to himselfe the authour of heauier punishment and condemnation Godly men 1 LIke as in the straite Seas the water ebs and flowes Euen so is it in the Godly as long as they liue in this world according to their owne feeling there is an accesse and recesse a comming and going of the spirite Psal 1â—â— 5.88 77.2 3.7 8. 2 As the lights and starres of the firmament doo giue light to all which are vnder heauen So the vertues of Saints and Godly men doo giue light to others to follow their example 3 As the Palme tree is least at the bottome and the higher it is rhe greater and thicker the braunches are but all other trees are contrarie So the Godly are most conuersant and haue the best part that is the soule in heauen but the wicked are contrarie 4 As a Panther hath fower clawes and no more on each foote behinde but fiue clawes and no lesse on each foote before So the Godly though they be weake to the world-ward yet they are strong to God-ward Mat. 11.12 5 Like as the filthie doo more and more wallow themselues in the myre and array and defile themselues too vilely So the Godly doo more and more applie themselues dayly to cleannesse and holinesse of life Reue. 22.11 6 As the Owle is howted and wondred at among other birds Euen so the Godly are often made a gazing stocke and a wonderment vnto the vngodly because the course of Godlinesse is most straunge and foolish in their eyes Lam. 4.3 1. Cor. 4.9 7 As all Birdes though hating one an other do wonder at the Owle So likewise all the wicked beeing enemies amongst themselues doo set their seuerall powers against the Godly Psal 22. Luk. 23.12 The reason is because they hate nothing neither any people so much as the truth and the professors thereof Math. 5.11.12 12.34 8 As Sheepe are simple but yet bring profit to their owners both when they are liuing and when they are slaine Euen so the Godly are not onely harmelesse and innocent as Doues and yet can discerne of true doctrine and false but they are also very profitable both in their life and death The vse of Gods Gifts to men AS a sheepe hath and beareth a fleece of Wooll not for himselfe but for the necessitie and benefite of men Euen so the Gifts of God which he giueth vs either spirituall or temporall we are not to keepe them onely for our selues but to supplie the necessities and wants of others Eccle. 11.1 2 3. Gods promises LIke as if an earthly King should promise one a liuing whilst he liued it would be an occasion that he should lessen his carefulnesse for earthly things Euen so how much more should Gods Promise make vs carelesse for worldly things which is King of all kings Hebr. 13.5 6 7. Iosu 1.5 Psal 118.6 2 Like as nutritiue cordiall medicines are not good for euery sicke person especially when the bodie needeth rather a strong purgation then a matter restoratiue Or as incarnatiue medicines for the time allay the paine of the Patient but after the griefe becommeth more greeuous Euen so the comfortable applying of Gods Promises are not so profitable for euery one that is humbled especially when their soules are rather to be cast downe then as yet to be raised vp so the sugred consolations may for a time ouer-heale the conscience abate some present grief but so as afterwards the smart will be the sorer and the griefe may grow the greater wherof ensueth this effect that coÌ„fort seemeth to cure for a while but through want of wisedome in the right discerning of the cause we minister one medicine for an other and so for want of skil the latter fit grieueth them sorer than the former God the Authour of mens afflictions 1 LIke as if a maÌ„ hauing receiued a greeuous wound should not care for the healing of it should not hasten to the Surgion or Physition nor should prouide any remedie but should sometime accuse his owne sloth and negligence for that he did not auoid the arrow sometime grinning should byte the
scruple at all at great sinnes as the Papists do who will not sticke to blaspheme the name of God and yet make a conscience of sinnes as the breach of any the Popes decrees c. Math. 22.23 Hardnesse of heart 1 LIke as wee feele our sicknesse by contrarie life and health Euen so Harnesse of heart when it is felt argues quicknesse of grace and softnesse of heart but contrariwise when Hardnesse hath so possessed the heart that it is neuer felt this is daungerous in them who haue their consciences seared with an hotte yron who by reason of custome in sinne are past all feeling who likewise despise the meanes of softning their hearts Esay 65.17 Zach. 7.11 Ephe. 4.19 2 Like as if the clearenesse of the Sunne doo happen to shine vpon the eyes of him that is blind his eyes are not made clearer thereby but rather more dimmer Or if one doo shout or speake loude in the eares of him that is deafe his hearing is nothing thereby quickned but rather more dulled Euen so if any man shal propound and speake the truth to him whose heart is Hardened hee is not made the better any thing at all by it but afterwards conceiueth more Hatred against the truth 2. Cor. 2.16 Act. 19.9 Exod. 9.34 3 As it is daungerous to the state of his body whose veine beeing striken by the Physition sendeth foorth no bloud Euen so daungerous is his condition for his soule that hath his heart smitten by the word of God but sheweth no tokens of repentance 4 As in some kind of sicknesse a man may die languishing So likewise where Hardnesse of heart raignes wholly and finally a man may descend to the pit of hell tryumphing and reioycing 5 As we are carefull to flie the infection of the bodily plague So much more carefull should we bee to flie the common blindnesse of mind Hardnesse of heart which is the very plague of all plagues a thousand folde worse then all the plagues of Egypt 6 As there is nothing harder thē the Adamant stone especially that which is had in the Indians which in firmnes hardnesse value exceedeth the rest which yet is said to bee subdued and mollified with the warme bloud of a Goate So likewise the heart of man beeing Hardned through the continuance and Custome of sinne will not be mollified bridled nor tamed neither with the bloud of a Goate nor yet with the bloud of that immaculate Lambe Christ Iesus which gaue himselfe a sacrifice for vs vpon the Altar of the crosse there bestowed his bloud that he might mittegate and appease our wild minds and pricke to the quicke our hard and senselesse hearts and to open vnto vs the way to the attaining of eternall life and euerlasting saluation Esay 48.4 Iere. 5.3 7 As a stone preaseth to his centre So an Hard hearted man is preasing toward hell Exod. 15.5 Hatred 1 LIke as loue beareth good will euen to the dead and wisheth them aliue and would if it were possible stay them from death which are condemned to die Euen so Hatred seeketh to fley the liuing and deemeth them vnworthie of life which haue offended neuer so lightly 2 As the fire doth consume that substance whereby it is nourished Euen so Hatred consumeth the hart wherein it hath beene misled 3 As the Moath doth gnaw the garment where it is bred So Hatred gnaweth the heart wherein it was conceiued 4 As a Bee stingeth and pricking an other doth loose his sting and can neither make Honie nor liue but a smal time after So the heart pricking an other with the sting of Hatred dooth loose many sweete vertues and killeth it selfe Mans Heart naturally corrupt from the wombe 1 AS a Tree whose roote is rotten and infected with venimous sap bringeth foorth none but corrupt and naughtie fruite Euen so from mans Heart which is corrupt and naturally infected with the contagion of sinne can proceede nothing that is good For that which is born of the flesh is flesh Gene. 6.5 8.21 Psal 14.1.3 53.1 3. Rom. 3.10 c. Mark 7.18.21 22. 2 Like as a Wolfe cannot ingender but a yong Wolfe and a Serpent a young Serpent and euen as wee doo not leaue off or cease to hate a yong Woolfe although that he hath not yet eaten or woried any sheepe Or a yong Serpent notwithstanding that he hath not yet cast forth his venime but doo iudge him worthie of death because of the peruerse nature that is in them So ought we to esteem and thinke that God hath no lesse occasion to hate and condemne vs euen from our mothers bellie because of our peruersitie and naturall malice engendred with vs. And though the Lord should damne vs eternally hee should doo vs no wrong but onely that which our nature meriteth and deserueth For although that the young Infant hath not yet done any worke which wee may iudge to be euill and wicked sith that he hath not yet the vnderstanding discretion nor the power to doo it yet it followeth not therefore but that the peruersitie and malice which is naturall in man hath alreadie his roote in him as one part of his paternall inheritance the which cannot please God For although that it bringeth not foorth her fruites yet they doo remaine still there as in their roote which will bring them forth in his time As the venime is alreadie in a Serpent although that he bite not and so the nature of a Woolfe in a yong Woolfe how harmelesse soeuer he seemeth to be 3 As a Seale cannot bee Imprinted in an Adamant which by reason of the hardnesse thereof wil not yeelde Euen so the Heart of man is by nature so hard that it will not yeeld vntill it bee wounded and brused by the spirite of God by the preaching of the law Ezech. 11.19 Rom. 2.5 Psal 51.17 4 Like as when the Adamant is beaten to powder it will then receiue any print Euen so when the Lord shall bruse our Hearts and batter our affections and take the sence from them then they will no doubt receiue some impressions of Gods anger and vengeance 5 As Waxe melteth with the heate of the fire So the Heart of man fainteth with the greatnesse of troubles and vexations Psal 22.14 Our Hearts must be eleuated dayly to heauen 1 AS those that keepe Clockes vse euerie day once at the least to pull vp the plummets least their weight should draw them downe so farre that the course of the Clocke should be hindered So in like manner wee must set apart somtime of the day for the eleuating and raysing vp of our minds to heauen by meditation on Gods word and prayer least our Hearts should so far descend through the weight of the cares of this world that our course in godlinesse should be hindered and stopped 2 As the Marriner on the Sea doth cast out the best Iewels and most precious things if they ouer-loade his ship and put it in
againe Psal 51.2 5 As bleaching and whiting weareth the cloath So a man must be worne before he can bee cleane washed by true Repentance 6 Like as in an assurance or euidence a man may leaue out such words as be effectuall in the conueyance to their great preiudice Euen so sure it is that many things in Repentance may be found out to a mans hindrance which were forgotten at the first Esra 10.2 c. 7 As it is the nature of the children of God in the reading of the Scriptures to take all with them not a peece only but as wel that which humbleth them as that which lifteth vp Euen so it is the part of them which will repent truely not to play the Mice and Rats to nible a little so much as maketh for them but to take all and not to leaue out that which maketh against them 8 Like as a man that is strayed far out of his way must turne quite backe againe the contrarie way So those that haue strayed from the wayes of godlinesse to the way of sinne must by vnfained Repentance turne quite backe againe into the right way 9 As it makes a glad Father and delights him to haue a child like himselfe especially both in place and liniaments of body Euen so more glad is God when one is spiritually borne and sheweth himselfe like vnto God in all his actions by vnfained Repentance 10 As dead men in their graues although they be helped neuer so much can not rise from thence Euen so men that are weake but dead in trespasses and sinnes can doo nothing that may further their Repentance or conuersion though they be helped neuer so 2. Timo. 2.15 11 Like as if a man build a house which doth cost him much labour and great charges and not hauing laide a sure foundation when a tempest commeth his house doth fall then will he be verie sorrie and repent that hee hath so vnaduisedly bestowed his money and labour Notwithstanding for al this his great sorrow and Kepentance yet it cannot set vp his house againe which is fallen but onely it taketh occasion by the ruine of the house to teach the owner more wit against another time that when he buildeth againe he may make a sure foundation Euen so though thou Repent neuer so much yet that can not get remission for thy sinnes that are past but that must be pardoned onely by the faith of Christes bloud neuerthelesse it doth teach thee wit and learneth thee to tame thy body and subdue it and to cast a low foundation that in time to come thou maist the better resist the assaults of the diuell the world and the flesh 12 As the Angels in heauen doo reioyce ouer man when he repenteth So the diuell is throughly imbrued with highest delights and as it were with most pleasant pleasures when hee seeth men specially those which haue giuen their names vnto Christ to liue without Repentance Regeneration necessarie in all men AS trees growing on the top of hilles haue a rough barke crooked knots long bowes and therefore vnmeete for any building vntill they be cut downe pilled squared drawne home and yet can doo nothing of all those themselues So we likewise as long as we hee wandring in the mountaines and wilde woods of this world being highly minded and in great wealth and authoritie aboue others as on an hill wee by nature haue froward and proud mindes and not meete for Gods house vntill we be made lowly in our owne sights and fall flat downe at Christes feete and haue the rough barke of our olde Adam pulled off and our crooked affections out away be mortified and drawne home by the preaching of his word and working of his holy spirit Agge 1.8 2. Cor. 3.5 Iohn 6.44 Recreation AS the Land which is sowne euerie other yeare for the rest in the one yeare is more fertile in the other So quicke wittes and dayly studies doo sometimes desire Recreation and rest wherewith they bee much refreshed againe Regenerate man falleth not fâ—â—atly 1 AS a man in trauelling from Barwicke to London it may be that now and then hee doth goe sometimes amisse and out of his way but he speedily returnes to the way againe and his course generally shall bee vpright Euen so it is the propertie of the Regenerate man to walke according to the spirit which is not now and then to make a step forward for to keepe his ordinarie course in the way of godlinesse Rom. 8.1 1. Iohn 5.19 2 As it is the practise of a sicke man who hauing recouered of some grieuous sicknesse walkes a turne or two about his chamber saying Ah I would faine walke vp and downe but I cannot meaning not that hee cannot walke as hee would being soone wearied through faintnesse Or as a Souldier that with a blowe hath his braine pan cracked so as be lies groueling astonished not able to fight Or like him that hath a fit of the falling sicknesse who for a time lies like a dead man Euen so the Regenerate man although the fleshe for a time vanquisheth and subdueth the spirit not onely in thoughtes in inward motions and in some particular offences but also in the generall practise of this dutie or calling and through the whole course of this life Yet the spirit preuailes in the ende and getteth the maisterie Rom. 7.15 c. 3 Like as a prisoner that is gotten foorth of the Gaile and that hee might escape the hand of the keeper desires and striues with all his heart to runne an hundreth myles in a day but because hee hath straight and weightie Boltes on his legges cannot for his life creepe past a myle or twaine and that with chasing his flesh and tormenting himselfe Euen so a Regenerate man and the seruants of God doo heartily desire and endeuour to obey God in all his commaundements as it is said of King Iosias That hee turned to God with all his heart with all his soule with all his might according to all the lawes of Moses c. Yet because they are clogged with the boltes of the fleshe they performe obedience both slowly and weakly with diuers slips and falles 2. King 23.25 Reformation AS Elecampane beeing greene hath in it a superfluous moysture which must he first consumed before it be occupied about the body So many men haue in their superfluitie of euill which must bee first Reformed before they be employed to matters of the Church Regeneration increase by degrees 1 AS seed cast into the earth doth not by and by sprout encrease and come to perfection but by space and length of time it attaineth to his perfection and ripenesse in that season that God hath appointed As a tree likewise is not perfect as soone as it is planted Nor an infant is not straight-wayes vppon the suddaine as soone as it is conceiued in the wombe of his Mother become a man but with time Euen so we are not all at
letter as hee had wont to doo and that were a great bondage and wearisomnesse to binde him vnto it still nay it were altogether rediculous and childish in him indeed So now though we be charged to rest vpon the Saboth yet when we are not ouercharged with those Iewish ceremonies which they being children had giuen thē as furtherances vnto them let vs not complaine before we haue cause neither murmure against God because we cannot be so licentious as we would seeing we be at such libertie as we be and as it pleaseth the Lord to bestow vpon vs and let vs bee so much the more carefull to rest by how much we haue but this one thing to attend vpon and are made free from many other which might hinder vs. Deut. 6.8 9. Gal. 4.3 10 As they preposterously labor to reform the church that haue no care to reforme themselues and vndiscreetly complaining of wants and disorders there do not practise better orders in their houses vpon themselues and theirs do hinder it and keep them backe Euen so they that labour for more meanes to sanctifie the Sabbath and are carelesse in practising those that they haue doo stay such good blessings as God might otherwise bestow vpon his Church this way Notorious Sinnes LIke as a man is much more to be blamed which goeth out of his way in the cleare Sunne at noone-tide then he which goeth by night with a candle Euen so such men deserue much more to be punished for committing of foule and notorious Sinnes now vnder the cleare light of the Gospel then in the time of the Lawe Sinne couered by Christs innocencie AS a garment or cloake do serue to couer our bodies Euen so the innocencie iustice holinesse of Christ Iesus doth serue to couer our Sins before the iudgement of God to the end that there appear no one spot of them in his sight Gal. 3.27 Sinner 1 LIke as God is much pleased with the praier of the iust Euen so much more he doth delight in the amendment of the Sinner for it doth little profit for the one to multiply his prayers if the other do not diminish his sinnes 2 As an earthly Father when his childe is sicke he will not cast him away but take pitie vpō him So much more our heauenly Father when a Sinner humbleth him selfe before him and lamenteth his sinnes wil shew his fatherly affection towards him that repenteth 3 As the night in the first dawning of the day in which though the darknesse remaine and be more in quantitie then the light yet when the Sun hath alreadie cast some beames of light in the aire then the breaking of the day appeareth Euen so the conuersion of a Sinner is not wrought all at one instant but in cōtinuance of time and by certaine measures and degrees So that he that is in the first degree of his conuersion when the holy Ghost by the meanes of the word inspires him with some spirituall motions and begins to regenerate and renue the inward powers of his soule Sinne. 1 LIke as that mans disease is most perillous which lyes sicke and feeles not his sicknesse nor cannot complaine of one part more then an other for then the disease hath equally troubled the whole bodie So likewise they which lie wallowing in sin so forgetting God and all goodnesse that they feele no remorse of conscience for their sinnes are desperate and almost past all recouerie 2 As vertue must be imbraced in heart in affection in countenance word and deed or else we are found breakers of the Lawe of God So likewise Sinne must be abstained from as wel in heart in affection in countenance and word and also in deed 3 Like as the dead body lies rotten and stinking in the graue fearefull and loathsome to looke on and grieuous to remember Euen so when we lie buried in Sinne wee stinke in the sight of God he cannot abide to looke on vs nor will remember vs. 4 And as when the body lyeth on sleepe in the bed which is an Image of our graue can neither see feele heare taste smell vnderstand nor yet mooue out of the place vntill it be awaked nor can take any pleasure at all in any one creature of God So we when we lie sleeping and wallowing in Sinne wee neither see the maiestie of God with the eyes of our faith nor feele his mercies offered vnto vs in and by his deare Sonne our Lord and Sauiour Christ Iesus nor yet can taste at all how sweete the Lord is our eares are stopped from hearing good counsell wee perceiue nothing at all of Gods goodnesse towards vs his word is not sauerie vnto vs neither yet be wee mooued or stirred vp to doo any one good worke of charitie Rom. 13.11 5 Like as Carrion dooth not onely smell euill it selfe but infects all that come neare it So likewise that man that is defiled with any notorious Sinne doth not onely defile all things that he takes in hand but all such as keepe him companie so that Sin hath greater force and strength to defile other things then goodnesse hath to make other things holy 1. Cor. 15.33 2. Timo. 2.16 17. Rom. 6.23 6 As a beast ouer-laden is readie to sinke vnder his burden except there bee present helpe at hand to ease him Euen so wee are in daunger to sincke into the pit of perdition by reason of our great and grieuous burden of Sinne except wee flie to Christ who onely and alone can vnburden vs and ease and refresh vs. Math. 11.28 7 Like as if wee doo suspect any vncleannesse in vs wherefore the Prince or any Noble man should loath or abhorre the sight of vs wee would take great paines to remoue put it away Euen so much more we ought with all diligence and speede that may bee to put away that vnclean Sinne and filthinesse that doth seperate and make diuision betwixt vs and God and that hideth his face from vs that he will not heare vs. Esay 59.2 Iere. 5.25 8 Like as if there were an Apostume about the stomack of a man or in his bowells it would be neuer a whit the worse for him if it were seene that it might be launced Euen so that man that thinketh himselfe to be whole and sound because he wil not see his sinne and disease he must needs be voyd of all wit and reason 9 Like as a man that hath a disease or soare in his bodie before hee can be cured of it hee must see it feele the paine of it and be in feare least it bring him into danger of death after this hee shall see himselfe to stand in need of phisicke and he longeth til he be with the Phisitian when he is once come to him hee desireth him of all loues to help him and to shew the best skil he can he wil not spare for any cost then hee yeelds himselfe into the Phisitians hands perswading himself that by Gods blessing
the heauenly and publike witnesse of the Church of Christ whereby the Lord testifieth that it is he which receiueth men freely into fauour and which clenseth from all blemishes and to be short maketh vs partakers heires of al his goodnesse Schooles 1 AS a man that hath diuers Orchards will also haue a Semenarie full of yong plants to maintaine it Euen so Schooles which are as Seminaries to Gods Church without which the Church fails to decay ought to bee maintained because they serue to make supplie of Ministers 2 As trayning makes Dogs fit for hunting So Schools and learning makes nature profitable The holy Scripture aboue the Church 1 AS the Sunne is cleare and bright not because that men doo iudge it to be so but rather men do iudge it to be so because it is so indeed and can iudge of it none otherwise Euen so the holy Scriptures contained in the canonicall bookes of the old and new Testament are the infallible worde of the liuing God not because the Church dooth iudge and allow it to bee so but rather the true Catholike Church doth iudge and allow it to be so because that it is so indeed can iudge of it none otherwise no more then the cleare and bright eyes can iudge of the light and brightnesse of the Sunne of the which the blind can giue no iudgement euen as the vnfaithfull and reprobate can giue no iudgement of the word of God nor yet allow it 2 As the Lawes of Princes ruling by Iustice ought to be receiued professed and practised of all their subiects Euen so much more the Church ought to bee gouerned by the Lawes of Christ her Lord and King 3 As the Lawes and ordinances giuen by Moses who was but a seruant might not bee abrogate chopped or chaunged of any mortall creature without the displeasure of the Almightie Euen so much lesse those Lawes and ordinances of the Lord Iesus beeing the chiefe Lord and ruler ouer all Deut. 27.26 Gal. 3.10 Iohn 10.4 5. 16.13 14. Schoolemaister 1 AS it is the part of a good Husband to vnderstand the nature and fertilitie of the ground which he dooth till So it is the part of a good Schoolemaister to discerne the disposition and nature of his Scholler 2 As Prometheus did make marueilous Images such as none other euer could So a wise discreete and learned Schoolemaister prepares to a child of an excellent wit that which an ignorant and vnlearned Maister vtterly destroyeth Scholler 1 AS if Appelles should see the forme of Venus or Protogenes the Image of Hialisus all with myre and dirt defiled they would no doubt be sorie So if a man see his Scholler whome he hath brought vp now enclined and giuen to lewdnesse he cannot chuse but greatly lament 2 As there be some women that cannot conceaue of some men yet accompaning with others they are become fruitfull for the encrease of children So there bee some Schollers that bee vnapt to learne vnder some Tutors Schoolemaisters but vnder others they will soone proue of a good quicke wit and learned 3 As the goodnesse of the ground is not much profitable for Corne vnlesse there be a meete husbandman to till and sowe the same So it is not enough to finde good towardnes in a Scholler vnlesse there be added vnto him a meete Schoolemaister to further the same 4 As a drop of water falling from the house Eaues weareth and holloweth the hard stone not by force but by his often falling Euen so a Scholler proueth learned not by power or strength but by much diligence and great reading 5 As Appelles became an excellent Painter because there was neuer a day but hee laboured himselfe to some learning So in like manner a diligent Scholler by dayly applying of his learning and often exercising of vertue attaineth to perfect honour and vertue 6 As young men which haue bestowed their time in labouring for learning and knowledge happily are apt and prone to come to great honour and preferment So contrariwise those Schollers which are giuen to their owne sensualitie and appetite are to bee auoided of all good men 7 Like as the goodnesse of the ground is not sufficient to bring foorth Corne except there bee a good Plower and seede Euen so a toward and wittie Scholler is not like to get good learning except he haue a master a good instructor and bookes Suites in Law how they are lawfull 1 AS a Souldier in lawfull warre may kill his enemie and yet loue him Euen a man may forgiue an iniurie that is done against him and yet seeke remedie by Law so it be in a Christian manner that is without priuate reuenge that it bee not scandelous to the Church that it bee to maintaine peace and that the partie offending may bee chastised and brought to repentaunce for his fault 2 Like as Physitions vse desperate remedies when weaker will not serue Euen so must men vse Law as the last meanes when all other faile Who is a Spirituall man AS the Scriptures call that man carnall which is not renued by the spirit and borne againe in Christes flesh and all his workes like euen the very motions of his heart and mind as his learning doctrine and contemptation of high things his preaching teaching and studie in the Scripture building of Churches Schooles or Hospitals founding of Colledges giuing of Almes and whatsoeuer hee doth though they seeme Spirituall and after the Law of God neuer so much So contrariwise he is Spirituall which is renued in Christ and all his workes which spring from faith seeme they neuer so grosse as the washing of the Disciples feete done by our Sauiour Christ and Peters fishing after the resurrection yea deedes of matrimonie are pure Spiritual if they proceed of faith and whatsoeuer is done within the lawes of God though if bee wrought by the body as the very wiping of shoes and such like howsoeuer grosse they appeare outwardly yet are sanctified Ioh. 3.6 1. Cor. 2.15 The Scripture sufficient to confute errours 1 LIke as if a man being taken with a Phrensie the Physition should come offer him a medicine which is of vertu to purge the superfluous humor that causeth the disease to make him whole sound and the phrantike man should refuse it and take an other to his owne contentation that would doo him no good were this medicine strengthlesse and not able to helpe his disease because the patient desired to haue an other rather then that Not so So in like manner although some men refuse to haue their errours and false opinions to be confuted by the word of God desiring rather to be tried by the writings of men which can do them no good to establish their faith this maketh not but the Scripture is sufficient to confute and refell erronious doctrine and all false opinions though they take it not so 2. As in the night season in darkesome places men are wont to