that the young chicken may slip out of it Euen so none otherwise doth Death dissolue and breake vp our body but to the intent that we may attaine vnto the life of heauen 26 As the mothers wombe carrieth the child seuen or nine moneths and prepareth it not for it selfe but for the world wherein wee are borne Euen so this present time ouer all vpon earth serueth not to this end that wee must euer be here but that we should bee brought foorth and borne out of the body of this world by Death into another and euerlasting life Ioh. 16.21 27 Like as a childe out of the small habitation of his mothers wombe with daunger and anguish is borne into this wide world Euen so goeth a man thorow the narrow gate of Death with distresse and trouble out of the earth into the heauenly life For to die is not to perish but to be first of all borne aright 28 As the brazen Serpent which hauing the forme and proportion of a Serpent was yet without byting without mouing without poysoning Euen so though Death be not vtterly taken away yet thorow the grace of God it is so weakned and made voide that the onely bare proportion remaineth 29 Euen as when the maister of the Shippe perceiueth that he is not wide from the hauen place where he must land and discharge he sayleth on forth the more chearfully and gladly So likewise the nearer we draw vnto Death where we must land the more stoutly ought wee to fight and withstand our ghostly enemies 30 Like as he that goeth a far iourney hath vncertaine lodging trauaile and labour desireth to return home to his owne country to his father and mother wife children and friends among whom he is surest and at most quiet by meanes wherof he forceth the lesse for any rough carefull path or way homeward Euen so all we are straungers and pilgrimes vpon earth Our home is Paradise in heauen our heauenly Father is God the earthly father of all men is Adam our spirituall Fathers are the Patriarkes Prophets and Apostles which altogether waite and long for vs. Psal 39.5 6. 1. Pet. 2.11 2. Cor. 5.1.2 Phil. 3 2â— Heb. 13.14 31 Like as when a man liue in a darke miserable prison with this condition that he should not come forth till the walles of the Tower were fallen downe vndoubtedly he would be right glad to see the walles begin to fall Euen so our soule is kept in within the bodie vpon earth as in captiuitie and bonds now assoone as the bodie is at a point that it must needs fall we ought not to be sory therefore for by this approacheth our deliuerance when we out of the prison of miserie shal be brought before the most amiable countenance of God into the ioyfull freedome of heauen Psal 142.7 32 Like as it is no grief for a man to go sleep nor when he seeth his parents and friendes lay them downe to rest for he knoweth that such as are a sleepe do soone awake and rise againe So when we or our friends depart away by Death we ought to erect and comfort ourselues with the resurrection 33 As a good Housholder maketh prouision for himselfe and his familie and buyeth afore-hand fewell victualls and such things as he hath need of for a moneth or for a whole yeare c. according as hee is able Euen so much more ought a ChristiaÌ„ to prouide before his Death that which concerneth not onely one moneth or one yeare but an eternitie that hath no ende 34 Like as faithfull seruants waite for their maister So in like manner wee ought to looke for the comming of Christ when hee shall call vs out of this wretched world by Death Luk. 12.36 37 38 39 40. Math. 24.42 c. The time of our Death vnknowne LIke as Christ wold haue his last coÌ„ming to be hidden from men So also hee would haue the time of their Death for the very same cause to be vnknown vnto them vnlesse that he openeth the same vnto some either by particular reuelation or by probable coniectures Mat. 24.36 How to Draw neare vnto God LIke as hee is said to depart from God which doth abandon and giue himselfe to the lustes of the world by which he Draweth neare vnto the diuell So likewise he which departeth from these is said to Draw neare vnto God and so cleaueth vnto him by faith and true obedience Iam. 4.8 No Diuinitie except it be against God is prescribed to the Minister AS there is no Lawe by the which a Preacher for his doctrine may be punished if he speake not against the Prince So there is no Diuinitie by the which a Preacher is particularly prescribed or generally ordered if he speak not against God the mightie prince of peace Desires of heauen AS they that are straungers in a forraine countrie and haue parents and great wealth in their natiue soyle being hardly entreated where they soiourne and vppon the point to returne home into their countrie are vndoubtedly very glad thereof euen already they seeme to see their houses lands and possessions and in their conceites doo talke with their parents and feele a feruent Desire to be soone there Euen so we if wee remember that we haue treasures of eternall riches an vndefiled inheritance immortall incorruptible which is reserued for vs a heauenly Father that loueth vs in his welbeloued sonne our elder brother Iesus Christ in glory the Angels and holy Spirits inioy and that we their felow Burgesses haue our portion in al these goods and are euen vpon the point to be really in heauen with them we ought then to be rauished with a feruent desire to be lifted vp thither Phil. 1.23 Rom. 7.24 Daunces AS Apothecaries do couer their bitter Pilles with some sweete substance whereby to make them goe downe the easier So the Diuel vnder the sport and pleasure of Daunces maketh men to swallow lustfull desires and albeit they proceed to no greater iniquitie yet is this a mortall wounde to the soule considering that we knowe that such lusts are accursed in the sight of God Exod. 32.6 18.19 1. Cor. 10.7 1. Pet. 4.3.4 5.8 Rom. 12.2 2. Tim. 2.22 Iudg. 21.21 Ephe. 5.3 4 16.18 The Dutie of Parishioners to their Ministers 1 AS they that sit at a Table do eate chewe and digest their foode So they that be Parishioners and heare the word of God ought to listen vnto it meditate vpon it and print it in their hearts that so they may receiue the nourishment signified by the word and dutie to feede commended to the shepheards of Christs flock 1. Thes 5.12 Phil. 2.29 2. Cor. 7.15 Hebr. 13.17 2 As in meate we are not so much to seek licorousnesse as health So must it be in the preaching of the word for Ecclesiasticall assemblies be not lâ—ke to common Playes whereto men resort for pleasure but in Sermons we are to looke for that which is health
that they may immediately teach not seeking thereby to amend and make better themselues 2 As vessels that are to bee filled are bowed and made apt to receiue the liquor that is powred therein So ought a Learner to accommodate and applie himselfe that nothing of that which is profitably spoken doo scape him 3 Like as in meates one and the selfe same dish is diuersly set forth according to the inuention of the dresser and appetite of the eater Euen so in Learning one and the selfe same point is diuersly handled according to the discretion of the writer and capacitie of the reader 4 Like as choyse and good Wine looseth his verdure and strength if it bee put into a vile and vnpure vessell Right so a good word or sentence if it bee spoken of an euill man or Learning if it chaunce to a wicked man taketh none effect 5 As the Diamond enchased and set in Gold giueth a farre brighter glosse then if it were set in leade yron or other baser mettal Euen so the loue of godlinesse and vertue planted in a Learned mans breast bringeth forth farre greater and more excellent fruit then if an vnlearned man enioyed the same graces Lying of God and his truth most offensiue AS hee sinneth most grieuously which deceiueth trauelling men by shewing them a contrarie way Euen so much more hainously offendeth he that in matters of Religion doctrine and godlinesse doo bring men into errours through Lying because he doth therby as it were thrust them out of the kingdome of heauen Ezech. 13.6 8 10 19. Iere. 23.25 26 35. 14.14 Esay 9.15 16. 1. Cor. 15.15 Iam. 3.14 Lords Supper 1 LIke as in the person of Christ his manhood was seene on earth and his Godhead being not at all seene did notwithstanding great and wonderfull things without any chaunging or confounding of natures Euen so in the Lords supper we see the bread and Wine Christs body we see not which notwithstanding worketh in vs. 2 As the body of the Sunnes light aboue is in it selfe whole albeit it bee dispersed heare beneath So likewise Christ in heauen aboue is whole notwithstanding he suffereth vs in his supper each one to bee full partakers of his body and bloud when hee giueth himselfe vnto vs and yet without any diminition at all of himselfe when he offereth himselfe vnto vs which are weake without beeing inclosed in vs when he is receiued of vs and without any dishonour at all to his maiestie when he commeth into our small cottage and will haue our hearts to be his Temple and dwelling place 3 Like as the forbidden fruit which Adam and Eue did eate in the Garden of Eden by Sathans prouocation procured their death Euen so that heauenly Manna which Christ hath appointed for our spirituall foode in his supper dooth bring vnto the worthie receiuers thereof euerlasting life Gene. 2.17 4 As the sicke man the weaker hee knoweth himselfe to bee should so much the more earnestly desire meate both to receiue nourishment and to refresh his strength Euen so so farre off it ought to bee that our weaknesse should keepe vs from the receiuing the Lords supper that it ought rather to spurre vs forward to come vnto it that by it we might be strengthened in faith and repentance 5 As the word of God is all one whether it fall vppon the euill or vpon the good surely it is all one in the minds of the hearers So the Sacrament of the Lords body and bloud is all one whether it be receiued of the good or of the euill and as the Gospell in it selfe is the power of God to sauing it doth also saue but it is not al alike to the vnbeleeuing as it is to the beleeuing So the Sacrament is of it selfe the body of Christ but to the wicked which doo contemne it and to them which do receiue it vnworthily it is farre otherwise 6 As a mother hauing brought foorth her little one dooth not forsake it but nurseth and bringeth it vp So Christ hauing ordained Baptisme to bee as a seale and pledge of our spirituall new birth into his Church did institute the holy supper to the end that by participation in his body and bloud we might the more bee strengthned in this assurance that Christ is ours together with all his benefites and so feede our soules spiritually to life euerlasting 7 As a litle waxe powred vpon other waxe is made all one with it Euen so they that receiue the Sacrament of the Lords supper worthily abide in Christ and Christ in them 8 As the Child when he commeth to age is bound to honour his parents not onely for his begetting and bringing into this life but also because they haue fed and brought him vp and still do continue the same duties vnto him Euen so should it be with vs whome God hath as it were begotten into his Church through our Baptisme and to whome hee hath since in his holy supper ministred the foode of our soules in the Communion of the body and bloud of Iesus Christ for not onely our spirituall new birth by Baptisme but also the spirituall foode which that good Father giueth vnto vs in his holy supper doo binde vs to honour him yea and should thereto mightily induce vs considering that for foode of our soules hee hath deliuered his onely Sonne Iesus Christ to bee crucified for vs. 9 Like as if any man had a child so sicke that nothing coulde serue for his foode and recouerie but precious Pearles confected or preserued this child should be much bound to loue and honour his parents that for his reliefe had not grudged at such cost and expences Euen so wee shall deserue great reproofe of our heauenly Father who feedeth vs in his holy supper not with pearles but with the very flesh and bloud of his Sonne Iesus Christ in case wee should make no account to please him by amendment of life withall considering that as there is no comparison betweene pearles the body and bloud of Iesus Christ so the spirituall life of our soules is without comparison much more excellent then the life of our bodies 10 As meate and drinke ministred vnto the body doo maintaine the life motions and senses of the body So from the communion in the body and bloud of Iesus Christ which is the foode of the soule must proceed the spirituall and heauenly life cogitations affections words and deedes 11 As it were a straunge case if the body by eating and drinking should gather no sustenance and consequently want all motions sense and bodily operation So were it a monstrous matter that the soule communicating in the body and bloud of Iesus Christ should gather no spiritual foode that might bring foorth newnesse of life and holynesse in words and deeds 12 As the hololy supper is the table of Gods children the faithfull and members of the Church of Iesus Christ So the communicating thereat is a solemne protestation
doo the will of my Father saith Christ which is in heauen Euen so is it often said that a hood maketh not a Muncke neither rounding or powling neither yet a long Gowne or a square Cap or Tippet maketh a true Apostle or Minister but he is counted to bee the assured Minister of Christ which both is able and can by sound doctrine exhort and comfort the gaine-sayers thereof and also doth diligently goe before the people of God by good example of life and vertuous conuersation 48 As it is the dutie of Iudges which doo sit in iudgement as concerning matters of life and death to shut the one eare to the accuser and to reserue the other for him that is accused after the example of great Alexander So likewise it is the part of Ministers to be ready to make answere to euerie question of the Law of God for he that is ignorant in Gods Law he may assure himselfe that he can by no meanes be Gods Minister Mind 1 AS we vse not the troubled water vntill it bee cleared againe So must we not vse our Mind being moued and angrie but suffer it first to be pacified 2 As out of the vessell which is filled with liquor the â—yre is expelled So out of a Mind replenished with verâ—ue and godlinesse all kind of vanities be voide Member of Christ falleth not finally AS a mans arme taken with the dead Palsie hangs by and receiues no heate life or sence from the rest of â—e Members or from the head yet for all this it remaines still vnited and coupled to the bodie â—nd may againe be recouered by plaisters and phisicke So after a greeuous fall the child of God that feeles no inward peace comfort but is smitten in conscience with the trembling of a spirituall Palsie for his offence neuerthelesse in deed remaines before God a member of Christ which shal be restored to his former estate after true and vnfained repentance Memorie AS the leaues of a booke which is sildom vsed wil cleaue fast together Euen so the Memorie waxeth dull if it be not oft quickned A Minde ruled by reason AS the ship which hath a strong ankor may safely stay in any hauen So likewise a man which hath his Mind ruled by reason will liue peaceably and quietly in any region of the world The Minde of man 1 AS Trees planted and set by the waters side seeme faire and pleasant adorned with store and varietie of fresh and greene leaues So likewise doth the Minde of man being garnished with godly knowledge moysâ—ned with the water of Gods diuine spirit flourish shine with the bright beames of vertue and spread abroad his boughes both of faith toward God and also yeeld foorth the fruite of Christian workes toward his neighbour Psal 1. 3. Esay 17.8 2 As the eye of the bodie although it behold all otheâ— things yet it cannot see either it selfe or some other partâ— of the bodie euen those which are nearest vnto it So it fareth with the Mind of man the eye of the soule it ranged ouer the whole worlde aboue the highest heauens anâ— beneath the bottom of the earth and yet it is a straunger 〈◊〉 home most ignorant of the owne estate 3 As we see in running Riuers that the force of the water is greatly diminished when as the currant thereof is turned into seuerall litle streames and that both the heate and light do loose much of their vertue when as they are dispearsed abroad into large and open places So likewise it happeneth to our Mindes when as they are applied vnto seuerall studies which sometimes are contrary one to the other so that we thinking through an ambitious desire to do many things in the end effect and bring to passe nothing as we should do 4 As Porke betokeneth vncleannesse from which we must abstaine and beasts did signifie that beastly affections should be killed So the Minde and will must be renued that it may allow chuse and do such things as please God 5 As the bodie being alwayes oppressed with labour looseth his strength and so perisheth So likewise doth the Minde of man oppressed with the cares and pleasures of this world loose all her force lust and desire that she had to the rest to come of eternall life and so dieth not onely the death of sinne but hasteth what she can to hate abhorre all vertue 6 As a ship hauing a sure Ankor may lye safe in any place So the Mind that is ruled by perfect reason is quiet euery where Merite or desert not to be looked for for well doing 1 LIke as if one say the Prince hath bestowed a great Office vpon such an honest man this betokeneth â—ot wherefore but vpon what maner of person the Prince â—estowed it Euen so in like maner if we say that God wil â—iue glory the kingdome of heauen and euerlasting life â—o them that walke vprightly this teacheth vs what maner of men the Lord will giue the inheritance vnto but not for what cause mouing him he will giue it vnto them Eze. 36.22 Math. 18.27 25.34 Luk. 17.7 9 10. Gal. 1.15 3.18 2 As he which is wicked and dooth wickedly hurteth himselfe and not God Or as hee that hath the health of his bodie and doth by good dyet keepe and preserue it dooth hee therefore deserue any reward at the Phisitions hands Verely no for he doth it not for the Phisitions profit but for his owne Euen so likewise he that by the gift of God hath obtained the health of his soule and by his grace doth the things that belong to the preseruation of the same shall we say that he dooth Merite or deserue any reward at Gods hand because that he is made such by his grace and gift and doth now through his helpe aide and assistance keepe the same grace for his onely profite and commoditie either by earnest beliefe or by vnfained loue or by assured hope or by well doing and patience in aduersitie and trouble c. 3 Like as if any man that hath a state or interest for terme of yeres and a taking of profit in a peece of ground by another mans liberall graunt doo also claime to himselfe the tytle of proprietie dooth hee not by such vnthankefulnesse deserue to loose the verie selfe possession which hee had Or like as if a bonde Slaue beeing made free of his Lorde doo hide the basenesse of the estate of a Libertine who is made free by maumission and not by byrth and boaste himselfe to bee a Free-man borne is hee not woorthie to bee brought backe into his former bondage Euen so althougâ— good woorkes proceede from the grace of God yeâ— they doo please him and are not vnprofitable to the dooers of them but rather they receiue for rewarde the most large benefits of God not because they deserue but because the goodnesse of God hath of it selfe appointed this price vnto theÌ„ But what spitefulnesse is this
and by the hand of the souldiour against the heart of Christ when he suffered death 10 As Dauid hauing heard Golias prate and talke his pleasure when they came to the poynt at the first stroke ouerthrew him So Christ with that very selfsame speare which at his death gaue him a litle venny in comparison or if it bee lawfull so to speake but a philip on the side which was soone after recured gaue the diuell a deadly wound in the forehead which with all his pawes he shall neuer be able to clawe off 11 As Dauid onely with his sling did vanquish and ouercome Golias So Christ onely by his death and by the power of his crosse did conquer and subdue the diuel 1. Sam. 17.51 54. 12 As Penny-royal being hung vp in the larder-house yet buds his yealow flower Or as Noahs Oliue tree being drowned vnder the water yet keepes his greene braunch Or as Aarons rod being clung and drie yet brings foorth ripe Almonds Or as Moses bramble-bush being set on fire yet shines and is not consumed Or as the Palme tree though it haue many waights at the toppe and many snakes at the roote yet still it sayes I am neither oppressed with the waights nor distressed with the snakes So Christ the right Penny-royall the true Noahs Oliue Tree the right Aarons rodde the true Moses bramble-bush and the true Palme tree though all the Iudgements of GOD and all the sinnes of the world like vnsupportable waights were laid vpon him yea though the cursed Iewes stood beneath like venemous snakes hissing and byting at him yet hee was neither so oppressed with them nor so distressed with these but that euen vpon his crosse he did most flourish when he was most afflicted 13 As Epaminondas being sore wounded in fight demaunded of his souldiers standing by whether his enemies were ourthrowne or no They answered yea Then whether his buckler were whole or no They answered all I. Nay then said he all is well This is not the end of my life but the beginning of my glory For now your deare Epaminondas dying thus gloriously shall rather be borne againe then buried So Christ likewise was sore wounded but his enemies death and the diuel were ouerthrowne and spoyled his buckler which was his Godhead was whole and vntouched therefore there was no harme done his death was no death but an exaltation vnto greater glorie Iohn 12.32 14 As Gedeons fleece when it was moyst the earth was drie but when it was drie the earth was moyst So when Christs fleece was moyst as a greene tree then were all we drie like rotten sticks but when his fleece was drie all the bloud and water being wroong out of his precious side then were we moystned with his grace Iudg. 6 37 38 39. 15 As a Lambe is much more nimble and liuely for shearing So Christ the Lambe of God by this shearing of his death which was a kinde of quickning to him and onely a trimming to him before he ascended to his Father as Ioseph was trimmed and polde before he appeared to Pharaoh 16 When Adam slept his side was opened So wheâ— Christ died his side was opened 17 As Adams side being opened flesh and bone were taken out So likewise Christs side being opened wateâ— and bloud were taken out 18 As of Adams flesh and bone the woman was builtâ— So of Christs water and bloud the Church was built so that the death of Christ is nothing but the sleepe of Adâ—â— 19 As Iacob trauelling towards Haram when hee had laid an heape of stones vnder his head and taken a nap by the way was much reuiued with it after his tedious iourney So Christ trauelling towards Heauen when he had slept a litle in that stony Sepulchre which was hewen out of a Rocke liued then most princely after his painfull passion Gen. 28.10 c. Math. 27.60 20 Euen as when many birds are caught in a net if a Pellican or any other great bird that is among them get out all the rest that are litle ones follow after So likewise Christ by his death as a great bird hauing broken throgh the net of death all we escape with him 21 As Honey being found in a dead Lyon the death of the Lyon was the sustenance of Sampson So Christes gall is our honey and the bitter death of Christ by reason of his righteousnesse is the sweete life of man Iudg. 14.8 9. 22 As Debora reioyced when Barack put Sisera to flight Euen so we haue great cause to reioyce seeing Christ by his Death hath put death to flight Iudg. 5.1 c. 23 Euen as a noble Champion hauing alreadie had a legge and an arme slasht off when all the stage in admiration of his vallour and manhood cries Saue the man saue the man yet puts out himselfe and standing vp on one legge and striking with one arme fights still as stoutly as if he had neuer bene hurt at all So Christ hauing bene scorned scourged already when the whole Theater of heauen and earth wept for him yea when the powers aboue the heauen came down and the dead vnder the earth rose vp to mone and pittie him onely he himselfe would neither aske any fauour of others nor yet shew any fauour to himselfe but was very angrie and called him Sathan that gaue him such counsell yea though all the Saints in heauen and earth did bleede at the very heart in a maner as much as himselfe did vpon the crosse to see so good a man so shamefully despited yet nothing could stay him but still he went on forward as pleasantly and as chearefully as to any banket or feast to this most rufull and dreadfull death 24 As when the heart of a man hath receiued a deadly wound he is accouÌ„ted for dead because he cannot escape death So sinne in the Death of Christ hath receiued a deadly wound so that by reason of that neare coniunction which by faith we haue with Christ we are said to be dead with him Rom. 6.3 4 c. Christ betrayed and sold AS Ioseph was sold of his owne brethren into the hands of straungers Euen so was Christ our Sauiour betrayed and solde of Iudas his owne Disciple and deliuered of his owne Nation into the hands of Pilate and the Heathen Math. 26.15 16. Christ dyed to deliuer vs. 1 AS Sampson who dyed himselfe to deliuer his people from the Philistines So likewise Christ to deliuer vs from the Diuels dyed himselfe Iudg. 16.30 2 Like as if a man should go to prison for debt or any such matter and one of his friendes should come in the meane season and pacifie the Creditor by satisfying and paying the debt then wee may well say that hee hath deliuered this man out of prison although hee came not there but should haue gone thither Or as when wee say such a man hath deliuered his friend from the gallowes wee meane not that hee was already hanged for then
thou by a spirituall touching of Christ dead buried be quickned to euerlasting life 2. King 13.21 Our Conformitie with Christ by a certaine kind of imitation 1. AS Christ in the garden and vpon the Crosse by prayer made with strong cries and teares presented and resigned himselfe vp to be a sacrifice of propitiation to the iustice of his Father for mans sinne So must wee also in prayer present and resigne our selues our soules our bodies our vnderstanding will memorie affections and all we haue to the seruice of God in the generall calling of a Christian and in the particular callings in which he hath placed vs. Psal 40.7.8 2 As Christ bare his owne Crosse to the place of execution So must we as good Disciples of Christ denie our selues take vp all the Crosses and afflictions that the hand of God shal lay vpon vs if it be euery day and follow him Iohn 19.17 Math. 10.38 3 As our Sauiour Christ when hee apprehended the wrath of God and the very pangs of hell were vpon him wholly stayed himselfe vpon the aide helpe protection good pleasure of his Father euen to the last So must wee by a true liuely faith depend on Gods mercy in Christ as it were with both our hāds in peace in trouble in life in the very pang of death and we must not in any wise let our hold go no though we should feele our selues discend to hell Children not to be cloathed with ouer costly apparel AS the soft Flax soone catcheth hold on the fire So likewise youthfull nature will soone bee inflamed with Costly apparell and with new fashions which is a great fault in parents as lamentable experience too much teacheth this day Esay 14.12 Zeph. ◠8 Christ will take Compassion on vs. 1 AS the Apple of the eye is so tender that it may not be touched but with great griefe So likewise the coniunction betweene Christ vs is such that he feeleth our afflictions and thereof taketh great compassion Zach. 2.8 2 As Alexander the Monarch of the world whensoeuer he came to any Citie to besiege it he wold at the first shew forth display his white flag or banner in tokē of mercy if they would yeeld but if they would not then he would set forth and display his red flags and banners in token of wrath and bloud So in like maner at the first our Sauiour Christ wil shew mercy vnto vs hoping that we wil turne repent but if we wil not then he wil bring dreadful iudgements vpon vs. Cardes and Dice 1 AS by lots the souldiers parted the garments of Iesus Christ So may we wel say that these games of Cards and Dice is the meanes to part betweene the world and the diuel many of those who professing reformed Religion are addicted therunto Mat. 27.35 Pro. 16.33 Eph. 5.16 2 As the pleasure of gaine and the sorrow for losse in play are mighty passions to moue the harts of men So also a number of braules quarrels and controuersies doo arise of Carding and Dicing as swearing cursing and blaspheming of God c. Exod. 20.7 Math. 12.36 1. Cor. 10.31 3 As they that whet their kniues vpon a chalke stone do not sharpen them but rather make them more dul blūt Euen so such as vse Dicing and Carding do not quicken their wits but rather dull them Christ is the foode of a Christian soule AS euery man is carnally fed and nourished in his body by meate and drinke Euen so is euery good Christian man fed and nourished in his soule by the fleshe and bloud of our Sauiour Christ Care of the saluation of others AS when one of our friends is ill at ease or sicke in his body we will not sticke to ride and runne to procure any meanes whereby to restore his bodily health Euen so much more ought we to be more carefull of the saluation of the soules of our brethren by how much more the the soule is of greater price then the body Christ crucified healeth vs. AS skilfull and cunning Physitions are wont sometimes when a sick man is sore vexed with a numnesse of his whole body to cut a vaine of his head that the letting of bloud may heale the body of that disease and sicknesse Euen so Christ is our head and wee are his members A vaine of our head is cut that our whole body may be healed Christ suffered that mankind might bee redeemed Col. 1.18 Gal. 4.4 Originall Corruption is the roote of all sinne AS the cause of trees and plants of their rootes stockes stems and boughes is in the seede So the cause of our transgressions foule sinnes and most daungerous iniquities is our owne Corruption wherewith wee are moued and inclined to all euill and the ignorance and not knowing of our selues wherewith we are greatly hindred in the knowledge of our God and doo also most sharpely censure those things in others which wee doe loue and cherish in our selues Our Conuersation is carefully to be looked vnto AS it behoueth him that walketh vpon cordes strained and fastned on high diligently to looke to his footing that he may not totter or decline this way or that way Euen so it standeth vs vpon to bee warie and carefully to looke about vs and to take good heede where we set our feete that is our affections and the delights of our hearts least we fall downe headlong into the bottomlesse gulph of Gods displeasure For if wee will fixe our affections and bend our wils with a deliberate consent to doo the thing that is euil vniust and vngodly making no conscience of any thing that we doo bee it neuer so opposite and contrarie to the will of God it cannot be but falling from the state of grace wee shall fall most suddenly and shamefully into the infernall pit of hell death and damnation 2 As a wheele although it turne about on the ground yet the greatest part of it is alwaies from the earth and but little of it toucheth the ground So although our body be on earth yet the Conuersation of the soule which is the greater part of vs must be in heauen Christ is possessor of heauen for vs. 1 AS if vpon the confiscation of an inheritance comming to many brethren when the Prince afterward maketh a release the eldest brother taketh the possession for assurance that himselfe and his brethren are restored to their goods and the same is an assurance to the coheires with the eldest that in the person of their eldest brother themselues are put in possession of the inheritance common to them all Euen so Iesus Christ hath taken possession of heauen not onely for himselfe but also for vs his coheires Rom. 8.17 2 As the high Priest entring into the holy Sanctuarie vpon his shoulders and brest carried the twelue names of the twelue Tribes of Israel So Iesus Christ entered not alone into heauen but we also with him Ephe. 2.5 Companie changeth
melting it Euen so in like manner the holinesse of God may better be known in the reuolt of Hypocrites approching vnto him by honorable offices in his Church and profession of his word and so he may bee the more glorified of the people in such iudgements and also so much the lesse will hee suffer their corruptions but will punishe them more sharpely Leuit. 10.3 2. Timo. 4.10.14 15 16. 30 As a thicke Wood and goodly groue giuing great shaddow very pleasant to behold dooth delight the eyes of the beholders so greatly with the varietie and thicknesse of flourishing trees and pleasaunt plants that it seemeth to be ordained only for pleasures sake and yet within is full of poysonfull Serpents rauening Wolues and other wilde hurtfull and cruell beastes Euen so an Hypocrite when outwardly he seemeth holy and to be wel furnished with the ornaments of all sorts of vertues dooth please well and delight much the eyes of his beholders but within him there lurketh pride couetousnesse enuie and all maner of wickednesses like wild and cruell beasts walking and wandring in the wood of his hart For fained holinesse is double iniquitie 31 As a Swanne whose feathers are all white but her flesh blacke white without and blacke within Euen so he is not to bee counted religious but an Hypocrite that doth couer hide his foule faultes and loathsome sinnes with a faire and beautifull shew of vertue fayning an holyner where none is 32 As the Viper although shee bee pestilent and poysonfull yet notwithstanding whiles shee is nummed with cold she may safely be handled not because shee hath no poyson in her but because in her cold and numnesse shee cannot vse it Euen so pernicious and dissembling Hypocrites do somtime want opportunitie and power to practise and to put in execution their wicked and detestable treacheries 33 As the skin of a Foxe is of some value and in request but the fleshe is nothing woorth So outward shewes of holinesse are highly esteemed with Hypocrites but cleannesse of the heart and inward puritie is of them no whit regarded 34 Like as an Apple that is very beautiful without but is rotten within Or as a goodly tall Tree that flourisheth and is full of leaues but yet fruitlesse Euen so such is an Hypocrite who would seeme to be that he is not and hateth to be that he seemeth 2. Tim. 3.5 35 As the Ostrige beeing a great and mightie foule hath wings but doth not flie neither is lifted vp from the ground with them So very many men in the world doo seeme to be carried vp to heauen vpon the wings of their ceremonies but are in deed in heart mind and desire fast nailed to the earth 36 As the Kite being a most greedie rauening foule mounteth exceeding high so that you would thinke she toucheth the gliding clouds and as she flieth doth spred her wings and yet when shee is at the highest shee hath her eyes fast set and fixed below in the earth prying and spying to catch if shee can some poore Chicken or ther pray within her talens in deed shee flieth high but neuer looketh vp towards heauen but altogether downe towards the earth Euen so thou shalt see a number of 〈◊〉 faining a certaine sanctimonie counterfeiting much holinesse who although they are thought with the contemplation of heauenly things to be rauished and taken vp into the cloudes yet they mind nothing lesse then true godlinesse neither any thing more then earth and earthly things Their studie is for worldly honour their greatest carking and care is for rich and large reuenues for dignities Princes fauors and worldly wealth Such men turne their backes to heauen and flie from God and so being disappointed of that light which they seemed to 〈◊〉 for they are wrapped in palpable and most daungerous darknesse 37 As Brasse is a mettall of red colour and hath a certaine likenesse of Gold but is indeede Brasse not gold Euen so such are Hypocrites which vnder the shape and colour of Religion and holinesse do couer a Chaos and confused heape of all wickednesse and abhomination Such men when they seeme best are then worst for of all wickednesse there is none more pernicious then that of â—â—eâ—â—s which when they are most bent to deceiue they handle the matter so that they seeme to bee honest vertuous and godly men 38 As he that hath a painted Oxe and hunteth followeth for Partâ—idges is not an Oxe but vnder the shape and likenesse of that simple creature lieth in waite for the prettie fine Birds that he may take them and kil them So likewise an Hypocrite that with a counterfeited and fained holinesse wil colour and couer impietie wicked purposes or whatsoeuer is against the word and will of God 〈◊〉 not a iust man but vnder the colour and shape of godlinesse and honestie seeking the prayse and glorie of the world he casteth in his head and worketh by degrees the ruine decay and vndoing of his neighbours that he may compasse their goods lands and possessions gaine some honour and dignitie among men 2. Tim. 3.5 39 Euen as the swiftist Haukes going about to seaze vpon and to take the Bird that flieth as it were in the top of the ayre doth not by and by when shee first seeth her flie directly towards her but rather at the first with fetching of a compasse doth seeme to forsake and to despise her and to draw and to flie from her but at the second or third flight she goeth toward her in the ayre with a wonderfull force and incredible swiftnesse to take her in the ayre and to rend her in peeces Right so doo Hypocrites behaue themselues for at the first to see too they wil seme to thee not to regard but to contemne the riches and promotions of the world but then they coyne and counterfeite a simplicitie fouling for a greater matter then yet they see present and reaching at some higher aduauncement and greater dignitie then that present time and occasion dooth offer but at the second or third flight when euerie thing dooth answere their expectation thou shalt peceiue that withall speede and greedinesse they will lay hold vpon those things which thou thoughtest they had contemned They doo not wish or desire any thing more neither can any thing more highly please them then the very selfesame things which they once made the worlde beleeue they detested and could not abide them These are double hearted men they haue wicked lippes and hands that worke iniquitie they be those sinners that goe two maner of wayes and euerlasting woe is their reward Math. 2.8 40 As Painters which haue a greater regarde to the colours and shadowes of Images and Pictures then vnto the substaunce of the same and contemning the inward parts they bestow all the wit skil and cunning they haue in expressing and painting out a bare shaddow and outside of the thing and the more they deceiue the eyes
auaile little except the wife carefully saue and keepe that which is prouided and brought home Heauen 1 AS our cloathes when they waxe olde wee chaunge them Euen so Heauen and earth and all that is in them shal be chaunged Psal 102.25 26. Hebr. 1.12 2 As smoake vanisheth and passeth away So likewise Heauen and earth and all that in them is shall vanish and passe away Esay 51.6 3 As we see many weake men for a prize to enter into combate or Iusts against a stronger then themselues and though they bee ouercome yet not to giue ouer till the last breath So must we for Heauen striue to excell in godlinesse those that haue greater giftes then wee and neuer giue ouer Houses of the wicked 1 AS Cages doo ordinarily serue for keeping of Birdes Euen so the Houses of wicked and vngodly men doo ordinarily serue for inuenting of deceits Iere. 5.27 2 As for the most part Cages are full of Birdes So the dwelling places of the wicked are replenished with all manner of guiles whereby they become great and rich Hell vanquished and ouercome by Christ. AS a Citie or Towne that is sacked rased and beaten downe euen to the ground and which is ploughed sowen ouer with salte and Harrowed is able to recouer it selfe or to harme the enemies that haue serued it so Euen so Christ our Sauiour hath giuen such a conflict and ouerthrow vnto Sathan by his death that he hath so brused and broken his head and hath gotten such a conquest and victorie ouer all the power of Hell that now it is no more able to hurt the children of God for whome Hell onely is ouercome and vnto them this victorie is gotten Hell hauing still his full power ouer the vnfaithfull Iudg. 9.45 The Lords Hostes is mightie 1 LIke as Fishers with nets and hookes catch fishe in great number Euen so shall they that God stirreth vp to execute his Iudgementes against any people catch and destroy great plentie of them Iere. 16.16 2 As flouds ouerflow and destroy all Euen so they by whome God plagueth any land or people doo spoyle all Ierem. 47.2 Horrer of sinne bringeth remorse of conscience AS the Theefe or wicked person cannot bee brought vnfainedly to confesse his fact before it bee made knowne and hee himselfe attached to appeare before a Iudge to bee condemned for the same So likewise the case standeth with euerie one of vs who by nature are no better then theeues and murderers before the Lord that we can by no meanes be brought in truth to confesse our sinnes before the monstrousnesse and vgly shape thereof with the paine and penaltie due thereunto bee set before our owne conciences and wee as it were summoned before Gods Iudgement seate to bee condemned for the same Iere. 2.26 27. Vaine is the Helpe of man AS Heath in the drie and desolate wildernesse where no habitation is is apt and good for nothing and yet easie to bee consumed with fire So also the man that putteth his trust in man and maketh fleshe and bloud his strangth and defence and passeth not on the Lord shall not see any good but shal perish together with his Helpes Ierem. 17.5 6. Holydaies LIke as the Children of Israel when they had made a molten Calfe and offered burnt offerings brought peace-offerings did then ordaine a Holy-day which they spent in eating drinking and pastime which corruption they tooke from the Egyptians Euen so likewise our Holy-daies which came from popish Idolaters and idolatrous Papists are for the most part spent and consumed in idle pastimes in much vanitie and belly cheare Exod. 32.5 6. 1. King 12.28 c. 1. Cor. 10.7 Holynesse AS the greater riches that a man hath the greater is his gaine desire and encrease of riches So the more Holynesse that any man hath the more carefully ought and the more fruitefully may hee labour in encreasing it Philip. 3.13 Hearts of strong men AS the Heart of a woman fainteth and yeeldeth in trauaile Euen so the Hearts of strong men faint when God will be their enemie afflict and scourge their countrie Iere. 49.24 The vnrecouerable destruction of obstinate Hearers AS an Earthen pot so broke to peeces that a sharde of it cannot be found fit for any vse So shall the destruction of such be whose eares cannot abide the truth but will needes haue their Preachers flatter them in their sinnes and foster them in their errours Esay 30.10 14. Humilitie ought to goe before dignitie 1 AS some Birdes before they flie out and mount on high stoupe downe with their heads and touch the ground with their bills So euerie man before he bee aduaunced to any high dignitie ought to shew great Humblenesse of minde and a casting downe of himselfe 2 Like as Wheate the weightier sounder and better it is the lower place it desireth and seeketh Euen so the Humble man the wiser and more gracious that he is the more pleasure and delight he hath in Christian Humilitie and lowlinesse But the proud man being lighter then the wind lifteth vp and extolleth himselfe aboue all things Whereupon it commeth to passe that hee peruerteth all the Lawes of God and man for that soueraigntie sake which he falsely imagineth to belong vnto himselfe Luk. 14.10 1. Cor. 4.7 Not proude but Humble men doo profite by reading and hearing of the word of God 1 AS the bough of a Tree the fuller it is of fruite the waightier it is and the greater and more plentifull fruite it beareth the lower hee stoupeth and Humbleth himselfe the more but the proude man like a fruitelesse and barren bough lifteth his head on high not seeking the profite and good of his soule but the idle prayses of men and the vaine-glorie of the world 2 Euen as if any man would steadily looke vpon the bright Sphere of the Sunne he should become blind because the weake sight of the eyes is not able to abide so great a brightnesse So whosoeuer trusting to his owne wit shall cast the eyes of his mind vppon the wonderfull and vnspeakeable brightnesse of the secrets of God hee shall be ouerthrowne of the same the sight of the mind being blinded and put out hee shall neuer attaine to that which he would because the great and hidden mysteries of the most high God cannot be comprehended by mans wit being puffed vp with pride or else there should be no difference betweene God and man if man of himselfe could attaine vnto the secrets of Gods eternall maiestie sealed vp in his blessed word and not to bee opened but by the mightie power of his most holy spirit Deut. 29.29 Psal 25.14 Esay 66.2 The Lord Humbleth vs in this world that he may may exalt vs in the world to come AS he that would haue a little flame of fire to mount and rise vp on high first keepeth it low and holded it downe with the force of a Fan and the gathering together of much wind Euen so
conceiue whatsoeuer might be seene in him which the same representeth Euen so the Image of God must through the same likenesse set before our senses a certain vnderstanding of the knowledge of God Gene. 1.26 27. 2.7 5.1 The Incommunicable properties of the Godhead AS the soule of man is wholly in the head and wholly in the feete yea wholly in euery part and yet the soule cannot bee said to vse reason in the feete or in any other part but onely in the head Euen so though all the persons of the Godhead bee one and the same essence yet doo they really differ each from other in regard of the peculiar maner of subsisting and therefore mans nature may bee assumed of the second person and not assumed either of the Father or of the holy Ghost Iustice. 1 AS the roote of a tree being vtterly rotten the boughs cannot bud and flourish nor bring foorth pleasaunt fruites in their due time So Iustice being violated it cannot be that peace can flourish and bring forth so plentifull fruites as shee is wont to doo 2 As the Image of Nabuchadnezzar although it had an head of fine Gold yet it fell and was broken all to peeces because it had feete of clay which beeing touched with a stone ouerthrew the whole inuention So Iustice many times falleth to the ground because although the Princes which are rightly called the heads of their countries be very excellent Iusticers and many as it were of the purest and finest Gold of vertue yet the ministers of Iustice are earthen and doo bend their hearts and minds to nothing but earth and clay and sometimes with giftes and rewards they are carried euery way for gaine they will sell Iudgement and so breake the necke of Iustice Dan. 2.32 33. 3 As there is no assurance of faire weather vntill the skie be cleare from cloudes So there can be in no Common-wealth a grounded peace and prosperitie where there is not informers to finde out offences as well as Magistrates to punish offenders 4 As a Physition cannot see euery secret griefe but vppon reuealement may applie a curable medicine for a hidden disease So many can discouer a mischiefe which the magistrate seeth not but the Magistrate alone must remedie the same No sound Iudgement can be giuen of a man vntill he be throughly tryed AS a Wall all whited on the out-side is not easily perceiued whether it bee made of stone or of clay vnlesse it bee smitten and tried with a mallet or some other instrument So a man garnished outwardly with good things to see too is not by and by Iudged and presently discerned whether hee be a man of patience of charitie and other vertues vnlesse he be first smitten and tried with the mallet or beetle of obloquies slaunders afflictions troubles and temptations Inuentions of men AS hey wood and stubble put to the fire are brought to suddaine consuming So the Inuentions of men not stablished by the word of God cannot beare the tryall of the holy Ghost but they by and by fall away and perish 1. Cor. 3.12 13. Inconstant men 1 EVen as the delicate Ballance of a Gold-smith is mooued with euerie little weight so that with one graine laide vpon it it falleth downward So with euerie thing whether it be luckie or vnfortunate we are wont to bee greatly mooued and doo suddainly chaunge our purposes Sometime wee exceed in mirth and by and by wee are ouerwhelmed with sorrow we are euen now praysing men to the skies and presently wee hurle them downe from heauen with our tongues and thrust them into hell We loue men and hate them we saue men and kil them all with one breath now wee choose vertue and by and by vice 2 As the Camelion chaungeth his colour according to the thing whereupon he sitteth So we likewise at euerie temptation doo chaunge our mindes and are driuen from our purposes and determinations and our wicked lusts and vngracious thoughts of our harts doo force and driue vs euen whither they will 3 As the Camelion will bee chaunged into any colour saue white So an Inconstant man is most apt and prone to all kind of vice but to no vertue The Ioy of tâ—e elect 1 AS the people reioyced exceedingly when Saloman was crowned King Euen so much more shall the Ioy of the elect bee when they shall see Christ the true Salomon crowned with glorie in the kingdome of heauen 1. King 1.40 2 As the wise men which came from the East to worship Christ when they sawe the starre standing ouer the place where the Babe was were exceeding glad So likewise much more shall the Elect reioyce when they shall see Christ not lying in a Manger but crowned with Immortall glorie in the kingdome of heauen Math. 2.1.9 10. The Ioyes of heauen endlesse LIke as if the whole world were a Sea and that euerie thousand yeares expired a Bird must carrie away or drinke vp one onely drop of it in processe of time it will come to passe that this Sea though verie huge shall bee dried vp but yet many thousand millions of yeares must be passed before this can bee done So likewise if a man should Enioy happinesse in heauen onely for the space of time in which the Sea is in drying vp he would thinke his case most happie and blessed but behold the Elect shall enioy the kingdome of heauen not onely for that time but when it is ended they shal enioy it as long againe and when all is done they shall bee as farre from the ending of this their Ioy as they were at the beginning The generall day of Iudgement 1 AS the Husbandman diggeth vp all vnfruitfull trees pareth off all rotten boughes weedeth out Cockle and Tares and casteth them into the fire Euen so God will serue them that he shall find emptie of good workes and without Oyle in their Lampes Math. 25.1 2. c. 2 As the Husbandman appointeth his seruant to purge his floure and with the Fan hee separateth the good seede from the chaffe Euen so God shall send his Angels to hiâ— floure that is into this world they shall carrie the good seede to wit the faithfull into euerlasting barnes but the chaffe and drosse that is the vngodly shall be throwne into a Furnace of fire where shall be wayling and gnashing of teeth Illumination by Christ. 1 AS the lights of heauen which wee see placed in the firmament for signes and to distinguish times daies and yeares doo giue light vnto them which are on earth So Christ doth Illuminate his Church and giueth watch-words by his precepts whereby it may knowe how to flie from the anger to come 2 As the eyes of our body are not alwayes Illuminated of the Sunne alike but the higher and nearer they come to it the more they perceiue the force of the brightnesse and heate thereof Euen so our soules the higher and nearer they approach to Christ the more clearely
present Knowledge of God in this life that which shall be in the life to come 1. Cor. 13.12 3 Like as when a man goeth to buy or borrowe some Candles and bringing them home being within night yet keepeth them vnlighted receiueth no comfort nor benefite by them Euen so if a man haue Knowledge in the word of God and yet his heart and mind is not enflamed and kindled with the loue of the truth his Knowledge will not profit him to saluation Knowledge of God 1 AS he that diggeth for treasure casteth the earth from him and maketh a deepe pit vntill hee finde that which he seeketh Euen so he that seeketh the Knowledge of God must castaway all earthly affections and wholly prie into heauenly affaires Prou. 1.4 5. 2 As great and rich Treasure is many times hid in an homely earthen vessell So it pleaseth God to put the precious Knowledge of himselfe and his truth into poore weake and fraile men 2. Cor. 4.7 Knowledge may be increased alwayes in the best LIke as he that vseth the hand and helpe of many Physitions though he be alwayes vnder the cure of some can neuer come to perfect health Euen so such as doo alwayes seeke and euer learne yet for all that they neuer come to the Knowledge of the truth 2. Timo. 3.6 7. Knowledge and beleefe in grosse 1 AS a man may carrie fire about him in a flint stone without heate and perfumes in a Pomander without smell except the one be beaten and the other chafed Euen so such men as Know and beleeue in grosse the misteries of our faith that there is a God which rewardeth good and euill that he is terrible in his counsels vpon the sonnes of men that there is a hell for sinners a heauen for good lyuers a most dreadfull day of iudgement to come a strait account to bee demaunded and the like All this they Know and beleeue in generall as marchandise wrapped vp together in a bundell but for â—hat they vnfold not these things nor rest vpon them in particular for that they let them not downe into their hearts nor doo ruminate on them with leysure attention for that they chew them not well in mind by deepe consideration nor doo digest them in heart by the heate of meditation they remaine with them as a sword in his scabard and do helpe them as little to reformation of life for which they were reuealed as a preseruatiue in their pocket neuer applied can helpe their health And thus they beare the generalâ— Knowledge of these mysteries locked vp in their breasts as sealed bagges of treasure that bee neuer told nor opened and consequently they haue neither feeling sence nor motion thereby 2 Like as it may bee that one man may know an other man by sight whom yet in deed he knoweth not thorowly because he vnderstandeth not what affection hee beareth towards him So men Know naturally that there is a God but what his will is or what is not his will they doo not know Rom. 3.11 Iohn 1.18 A godly King 1 AS breath is necessarie for the body of man So also is a godly King to the people whome hee gouerneth Lam. 4.20 2 As the roaring of a Lyon is fearefull So the wrath of a King is terrible Prou. 19.12 3 As a theefe taken in stealing with the deed dooing is brought to open shame Euen so Kings and Princes and nations putting confidence in Idols and yet deceiued in finding no helpe in them in time of their distresse are put to manifest shame and confusion Iere. 2.26.27 Meanes of Knowledge AS light endureth not alwayes but darkenesse succeedeth So the times and meanes to get Knowledge endureth not alwayes but wee are to vse them whilst God doth giue them Iohn 12.35 The Kingdome of heauen 1 LIke as Marchants can be well content when they see Pearles of great price to bestow all their substance and wealth on them hoping to be great gayners thereby Euen so much more godly Christians ought not to spare any earthly treasure or to forbeare any cost for the attainment of that most precious pearle the Kingdome of heauen Math. 13.45 46. 2 As hee that findeth a Treasure in an other mans ground cannot iustly enioy the same except at his great charge he first straine himselfe to purchase the soyle Euen so the Kingdome of heauen the heauenly riches cannot be had but of them which if neede so require can bee content to forgoe all their worldly wealth for it Math. 13.44 3 As wee doo naturally loue the body more then the soule and the goods and commodities of this temproall life more then the treasures of spirituall riches So wee seeke first the things that concerne this present life and as for those that belong to the Kingdome of heauen wee seeke after them but seldome sleightly and as it were for a fashion Math. 6.36 4 As all they that are possessed with righteousnesse peace and ioy of the holy Ghost which Saint Paul calleth the Kingdome of God are certaine to enter into heauen So it is in vaine to pretend to enter into the Kingdome of God which is in heauen vnlâ—sse the Kingdome of heauen which is the gate bee first in vs that is to say if wee haue not the true knowledge of God and of his Sonne Iesus Christ a liuâ—ly faith a feruent charitie vnlesse we increase in sanctification of body of soule and of mind vnlesse in our selues we doo feele a good conscience conioyned with peace and ioy in the holy Ghost and vnlesse we bee regenerate in newnesse of life Rom. 14.17 Iohn 3.3 1. Cor. 6.9 5 As where there bee two gates to a Towne it is not enough that we enter the first vnlesse we also passe throgh the sâ—cond So is it not enough that we being members of the Church vsing the holy ministerie which is as the first gate to the Kingdome of heauen vnlesse we thence proceed to the second in liuing as true and liuely members of the Church declaring the effects of the holy Ministerie by the testimonies of our faith mortification of the old man newnesse of life in briefe by dayly amendment of life 6 As when winter is ouer the nearer that the Sunne draweth vnto vs the more doth the earth being warmed by the heate therof fructifie and the longer that the daies are the more worke may we doo Euen so the nearer that the kingdome of heauen doth draw vnto vs by the comming of Iesus Christ especially by his ascention into heauen the more should we be heate in the loue of God and charity to our neighbours to bring forth the more fruit of holinesse and be the more addicted to all good workes 7 Like as it is commonly said that the Cat would fish eate but she would not her feete weate Or as Balaam wished that hee might die the death of the righteous and that his end might be like theirs but yet he would not obey the will
of God Numb 23.10.19 c. So in like manner many do wish and be desirous to enter into the Kingdome of heauen but yet they will not doo the will of God neither labour nor take any paines for the meanes that is the preaching of the word of God whereby they may come by it Mat. 7.21 19.16 c. Luk. 13.24 Math. 11.12 Luk. 16.16 Ioh. 6.27 Knowledge 1 AS that man that hath receiued abundance of wealth at his maister hands dooth notwithstanding steale from him and robbe him of that which is his owne is more worthie of death then hee that had no meanes to helpe himselfe Euen so is it with him on whome the Lord hath bestowed Knowledge and yet according to the same will not ioyne obedience for obedience is the Lords and hee that faileth herein robbeth God of his honour 2 As he which hath Knowledge shal if with the same he ioyne not obedience haue greater punishments then he which hath lesse Knowledge So also he that hath lesse Knowledge or none at all and will not labour for vnderstanding and spirituall wisedome shall surely feele those torments wherewith the other was afflicted on whome the Lord bestowed more Knowledge Luk. 12.47 48. Mat. 7.21 Rom. 12.2 Ephe. 5.17 3 As Wine without the mixture of water doth trouble the braine c. So Knowledge without loue doth make a man proud Knowledge and sight of our selues 1 AS salt is made of Sea water but so long as it is in the Sea it is not salt it must be taken out of the Sea and placed vpon the drie land that being in salt pits where the Sunne may shine the ayre blow vpon it the water may be thickned and so conuerted into salt Euen so this world is a Sea so long as wee liue in the world tossed with the ebbings and flowings of the worldes inconstancie and ouerwhelmed in the bitter waters of the sinnes and wicked practises of the same we are as yet no salt we must go out of the world enter into the land to wit into our selues and take a iust viewe of our owne imbicilitie and haue a due consideration of our owne miserable and wretched estate that the Sonne of righteousnesse may thrust out his beames and the wind of heauenly grace may blow vpon vs and so we may be turned into an admirable wonderful salt that being seasoned our selues we may be meanes and the Lords instruments to season others 2 As our eyes which do behold heauen and earth and other innumerable creatures of God doo not see themselues but looking in a Glasse by that meane they perfectly see themselues So we doo not see and consider our owne frailtie brickle estate but if we will set before our eyes the glasse of the remembrance of death and the true Knowledge of our selues beholding diligently this cleare Glasse we cannot choose but very plainely see our selues and what we be Iam. 1.22 23 25. Kings AS in a suddaine casualtie of fire or in a Citie surprised there is great feare So prophane and supersticious Kings and their Counsellors when the voice or doctrine of the Gospel is heard doo tremble for feare and do mortally hate the same as the firebrand of sedition in a common-wealth and as the loosenesse of discipline Psal 2.2 Loue of the world AS a Nurse that weaneth her childe from the loue and liking of her milke doth annoynt her Teate with Alloes Mustard or some other such bitter thing So our mercifull Father to the end that he may retyre and weane vs from the Loue of worldly delights vseth to send vs tribulation and affliction which of all other things hath most force to worke that effect as we see in the example of the prodigall Sonne 1. Cor. 11.32 Luk. 15.12 c. Gods Loue. 1 AS a sure friend is not knowne but in time of neede So Gods goodnesse and Loue is neuer so well perceiued as it is in helping of vs when we cannot helpe our selues Psal 41.11 2 As Adams fall did serue to manifest Gods iustice and mercie the one in punishing the other in pardoning of sinne which otherwise wee had neuer knowne So the troubles of the Church serue to manifest first our deserts by reason of our sinnes Secondly our weaknesse and inabilitie to helpe our selues and thirdly the Louing kindnesse of the Lord our God in sauing and defending that so we might be truely thankfull and returne al the prayse and glorie to God and none to our selues Rom. 9.22 23. 3 As a Father keepeth his Sonne and heire short without any money in his purse or any thing else at his owne will till the time come that hee shall inherite and in great wisedome he doth it for if his Sonne should haue the inheritance presently he wold wast it and spend it vainely So God dealeth with his children and for no other cause both in singular wisedome and Loue that they may say afterward By this I know that thou Louest me c. Psal 41.11 Life variable and troublesome 1 AS the Sea by tempest is sometimes troublesome and then is quiet and calme by faire weather againe So the Life of man sometime is oppressed with sorrow and extreame necessitie and somtimes it floweth with ioy and wealth at will 2 As a flower so soone as it bloweth and is ripe is cut downe or very shortly gathered So likewise is the continuance of a mans Life Iob. 14.2 Esay 40.6 7. 3 As the beautie of a flower sodenly fadeth is quickly gone So likewise is all the glorie and graces of all flesh Psal 103.15 Iam. 1.10 11. 1. Pet. 1.24 4 As now the Sunne is shadowed with cloudes and by and by shineth forth bright So likewise the Life of man is subiect to chaunge Iob. 8.9 5 As Vapours appeare for a little while and afterward vanisheth away quite out of sight Euen so the Life of man is quickly vanished and gone Iam. 4.14 6 As wind suddenly passeth away with a blast So also suddenly passeth the Life of man Iob. 7.6 7. 7 As there is no way so plaine but it hath many turnings and by-pathes that vnlesse a man take good heed he may wander and goe out of his way Euen so the Life of man hath many by-pathes to walke in so that vnlesse he take great heede hee wil easily wander out of the right way 8 As there is no way but it hath a beginning so it hath an ending So likewise the Life of man as it hath a beginning so also it hath an ending Louer of vertue AS some Louers doo much delight in the pale colour of her whome they Loue So the Louer of vertue and godlinesse doth nothing abhorre the banishment of sincere Christians neither the pouertie of sound professors nor yet the condemnation of the faithfull Saints of God Learning 1 AS the Bird bringeth all kind of foode vnto her young ones neast and is nothing the better her selfe therefore So some doo onely Learne
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
2. King 6.17 c. 19.35 3 Like as a sicke person although hee doubt nothing of the faithfulnesse honestie and tendernesse of his Physition or Surgion towards him yet for al that desireth him to handle his wound and to dresse him easily and tenderly as is possible for him Euen so in like manner may wee call vpon God that if it bee not against his honour glorie hee will vouchsafe to giue some mittigation and easement of our paine and specially wee must desire of him to graunt vs strength that we faint not nor bee ouercome with the feare or greatnesse of our sorrow and griefe by reason of our great Troubles whereby we might forsake him and fall into some wickednesse Psal 50.15 91.15 Iohn 14.13 Patience in Trouble verie needfull 1 AS a Lambe or a sheepe is led vnto the slaughter and neuer crieth nor openeth the mouth but suffereth and abideth it patiently and meekly Euen so ought the children of God when they are accursed and reuiled not to curse or reuile againe when they are smitten not to smite againe but to suffer all manner of smart and paine and not once to bleare or to open their mouths against it Esa 53.7 Iere. 11.19 Math. 5.10 11. 2 Like as they that are sicke and distressed and diseased can be content to suffer and abide any of their members of their bodie to be cut off and to bee burnt so that they may bee any thing relieued and eased thereby of their great smart and continuall paine which is yet but transitorie and to bee made whole and sound againe Euen so ought we gladly and willingly to suffer our Lord God and to bee still and quiet when hee sendeth vs aduersitie whereby we may be relieued and discharged of eternall paine and obtain health blisse and saluation for our soules 3 As a good Captaine leadeth and ordereth his army according as the occasion requireth Euen so a vertuous man behaueth himselfe patiently well in Trouble and aduersitie and maketh the best of it 4 Like as a Marchant man maketh faire voyages and great iournies and ventureth bodie and goods and nothing is too hard and sower for him only for worldly and transitory gaine and lucre and yet his hope is vncertain whether he shall gaine or loose and though he gaineth neuer so much yet he bringeth home nothing but fraile and transitorie goods which shall haue an ende So we likewise haue a long voyage to make euen from earth to heauen and therefore we should be as well content as prompt glad and willing to suffer all maner of perils and daungers that may happen by the way seeing that we shall haue an infallible and sure hope of eternall euerlasting riches for Iesus Christ sake 5 Like as when a man of an high and noble birth is contemned and mishandled in a straunge land where he is not knowne it grieueth him nothing so much as if the like should happen vnto him at home in his owne natural Country Euen so our naturall Country is in heauen vpon earth we are but straungers and Pilgrimes therefore we ought the rather to suffer all things patiently here only that we may haue rest among the inhabitants in our right eternall Land and Country Hebr. 13.14 Phil. 3.20 1. Pet. 1.3 4 5. 6 As a man of warre preparing himselfe with all manner of things appertaining to warfare though his enimies be neuer so strong yet he forgetteth al feare neuer once thinketh vpon the stroakes and wounds but onely vpon the victory and tryumph and goeth his way and fighteth manfully like a giant against his enemies only for worldly glory and lucre Euen so it would redound to the great slaunder and shame of Christians if they for the honour glorie and pleasure of God should not as promptly willingly and manfully fight against their ghostly enemies for higher and greater tryumph lucre and commoditie though they should endure many Troubles and great aduersitie 7 Like as when a man playeth at the Tables he cannot alwayes cast what hee would haue but whatsoeuer he hath cast he must make the best of it So likewise whatsoeuer things happen in our life contrary to our will we must with courage and constant faith take and turne all Troubles and aduersities to the best and neuer dispaire 8 Like as when a litle child that can scarcely go chanceth to stumble vpon a stone he falleth downe by and by in the same place and there lieth stil weeping and crying til some bodie take him vp So contrariwise Christians who haue reason and vnderstanding must vse and indeuour themselues that whatsoeuer Troubles sicknesse or inconuenience soeuer happeneth vnto them yet by and by so farre as is possible to labour to heale ease and remedie it 9 As a vertuous Childe wil not forsake his father in his need or Trouble nor an honest and louing wife her husband or spouse nor yet a faithfull seruant his maister So much lesse should a godly Christian forsake or deny God his Father or Christ his spouse and heauenly Lord and maister in Trouble and aduersitie 10 Like as worldlings and carnall men fornicators whoremongers and murtherers care neither for shame nor for any thing else and spare no labour or trauell so they may bring to passe their wicked lust and desire and yet oftentimes they misse of it Euen so much more a faithfull Christian ought to be constant earnest painfull and patient in honest and good things though yet he bee letted and greatly hindered by many Troubles much aduersitie Loue towards God worketh patience in Trouble 1 AS Iacob serued seuen yeares for the damsel Rahel and by reason of the heartie loue that hee bareth vnto her the time was but short vnto him and the dayes that he serued for seemed but a short space Euen so whosoeuer loueth God will beare and take patiently whatsoeeuer Troubles God shall lay vppon him and whatsoeuer hee suffereth for Gods sake it shall bee easie vnto him Gene. 29.18 2 Like as a Souldier first for feare of prisoning and of the shamefull death which hee should suffer if the battell should be lost and againe in hope of the great reward and excellent honour and renowme if the victorie goe on his side will fight the more boldly and lustily Euen so euery true Christian is stirred and prouoked to more faithfulnesse and patience in Trouble when hee considereth the exceeding profit and commodity of patience and againe the greate hurt and discommoditie of impatience in Trouble No Transubstantiation in the Sacrament AS Bread and drinke by natural nourishment be changed into a mans body yet the body is not changed but is the same that it was before So although the Bread and Wine bee Sacramentally chaunged into Christes bodie yet his body is the same and in the same place that it was before that is to say in heauen without any alteration or chaunge of the same Tyrants AS the wings of Eagles
and they doo rather resemble in some measure heauen from whence they receiue the influence of the grace and fauour of God 2 Euen as that precious stone called a Carbuncle dooth not in darknesse loose his shine and excellent beautie So likewise a Vertuous and godly man in the extreame darknesse of infinite calamities obloquies cursings raylings backbitings slaunders and whatsoeuer doth shew his Christian patience and quiet sufferings for he knoweth well that such things doo profit much to aduance the praise of time and noble vertues 3 As most pleasant perfumes do euen then when they be in the fire giue out a most excellent Odour and their sweetest sauour Euen so a Vertuous and godly man when he is thrust into the midst of the hote scorching fire of calamitie and miserie doth then shew most his vertue faith religion patience and constancie 4 As the fuller and heauier Scale is euer lowest So the more Vertuous honest and godly that any man is the more will hee submit and humble himselfe and howsoeuer other men will seeme to praise him he neuerthelesse dooth still acknowledge his owne imperfection And indeed it is in a christian man some perfection to know and to acknowledge his want and imperfection Vnion with Christ in the supper 1 AS the Vnion betweene Christ and vs in Baptisme is spirituall and requireth no reall and corporall presence So likewise our Vnion with Christ in his holy supper is spirituall and therefore requireth no reall nor corporall presence 2 Euen as if one take molten Waxe and powre it to other Waxe and so worke the whole together they will be so vnited and mixed that they cannot bee seperated likewise must it needes be that who so receiues the fleshe and bloud of the Lord hee is in such sort ioyned to him that Christ is found in him and he in Christ 3 Like as if it be a thing to be maruelled at how we be members one of an other and man and wife may bee all one flesh Euen so much more wonderfull is this nigh coupling together of Christ and vs which dooth most truely and certainly not vnfainedly colourable or phantastically happen vnto such as doo faithfully eate the Lords supper 4 As by a certaine order of the heauenly dispensation first the signe is receiued and then in the signe and by the signe the thing signified Euen so must we first be Vnited to the visible flesh of Christ and by that afterward to his Godhead if we will be made partakers of grace Iohn 6.53 54 55. 5 Euen as the Bread is really and truly vnited vnto vs eating the same So also is the flesh of Christ truly and in verie deed Vnited vnto vs who eate the same 6 As by one and the same soule all the members of the body are Vnited with the head and quickned So likewise all the faithfull although they bee vpon earth and the head is in heauen yet they are in very deede by one the same spirit Vnited with him and being vnited doo abide and liue in him 1. Ioh. 4.13 Rom. 8.9 The fruit of Vngodlinesse LIke as in husbandrie a man must not looke or thinke of one seede to receiue an other as of Barly to reape Wheate or for Pease to receiue Rie So likewise in this life a man must not hope or look to reape of his Vngodly life heauen the reward of a life lead in the feare of God The Vntractablenesse of some people 1 AS a wilde Horse if he cannot by kicking and rearing cast his rider watcheth the time till his raine be slacked and getting the Bit betweene his teeth setteth his tayle an ende and runneth his rider against the trees and walles and through hedges to spoyle him if it be possible and when he is downe giueth him a farwell with his heeles Or as the Mule is a beast well enough knowne to bee froward and vnruly so that if his keeper watch him not the better hee will take him vp in his teeth and lay him before him in the Maunger Euen so there is nothing so brutish as is the Vngratfulnesse frowardnesse waywardnesse of some Parishioners in reiecting the doctrine and gouernement which God hath appointed for their soules whereof although there be many Iudges yet none can tell what a troublesome worke this is as the faithfull Ministers of the Gospel who are driuen to mannage such rustie and vntamed iades as are many among the multitude for what with yerking out the heeles rysing vppon the hinder legs going side-long and other froward touches of such vnbroken Coltes the poore Minister if hee be on their backes can hardly keepe the Saddle and if he leade them in his hand one froward iade or other in the Parish taketh him vp by the coller and throwes him out of the way so that though the Minister be neuer so honest and godly and haue many good friends yet if he be carefull to doo his dutie he shall hardly stand without suspention or depriuation or some such like foyle which would neuer come to passe for the most part if it were not for the horses and Mules in his owne Parish Psal 32.9 2 As Horses get nothing by their furiousnesse madnesse but the sore Bit and Bridle Euen so the Vntractablenesse and waywardnesse of obstinate and stubburne persons getteth not any thing by oppugning and withstanding the Gospell and gainesaying the truth of Gods word for they wrestle against God and so make themselues rediculous Vnprofitable things may be profitable AS the Bees gathereth most sweete Honie out of the withered Tyme and out of other hearbes of more vnpleasant iuyce So likewise may we also out of the euill and Vnprofitable things picke out that which may turne to our profit commoditie as Shipwrack to Zeno Citius and banishment to Diogenes gaue them occasion to studie Phylosophie Vertuous in poore estate and contrariwise AS a woman who hauing a Henne that laide her euerie day an Egge now shee seeing that her Henne was very leane and yet laide still after her accustomed manner supposed that if shee were fat and lustie shee would lay twice a day and with this conceite of mind shee fed and crammed her throughly so that in short space shee became so fat that cleane contrarie to the expectation and opinion of the woman she left laying altogether So in like manner there are many who in their poore and base estate are verie Vertuous but if they be once mounted and aduaunced to any degree of felicitie and aboundance and doo liue easily and wealthily then they giue ouer their former studie and become carelesse sensuall and voide of all good works so that they can neither goe nor runne in the way of vertue Weaknesse in the best Christians AS sweete Trefoile looseth his sent seuen times a day and receiueth it againe as long as it is growing but beeing withered and dried it keepeth still his sauour S the godly liuing in the body shall often fall and
the iudgement of the best Lawyers So then if we in our causes and earthly matters whether we bee olde or young no hardnesse can stay or hinder vs to slacke our duties but rather cause vs to vse more diligence Euen so should it be yea so would it be in hearing learning and searching out the will and Word of our heauenly Father wherby our hope is to attaine to the possession and inheritance of euerlasting life And if any part of it should seeme hard vnto vs yet that should not cause an hardnesse of heart in vs to cast off the care of the whole and vtterly to refuse to heare read or learne any part of it Iohn 5.39 Act. 17.11 30 Like as our bodies are nourished sustained with carnall and naturall foode Euen so our soules are fed and nourished by reading and hearing the Word of God 31 Like as the crowing of the Cocke was an occasion to mooue Peter to repent Euen so the Word preached by faithful Ministers is a meanes to bring their hearers to repentance Math. 26.74 75. 32 As the Arke was a blessing to those that knewe the right vse thereof as the Israelites did but it was a curse and a plague to the abusers thereof the Phylistines 1. Sam. 5.1 2 3 4. c. Euen so is the Word of God a great comfort and blessing to those that rightly vse it faithfully imbrace it and rightly practise it but it is a plague and curse to those that haue it and abuse it and do not reforme themselues by it 2. Sam. 6.3 c. 1. Chro. 13.5 Iere. 23.19 Deut. 11.27 28. 2. Cor. 2.15 16. Math. 10.14 15. Hebr. 2.2 3 4. Iere. 11.3 33 As a hungrie man will not refuse meate if it bee good and wholesome which is offered to him by a child So ought none to refuse the Word of God if it be offered sound and good though the preacher thereof be a yong man 34 As those men that dwel by the ryuer Nilus are made deafe by the great and exceeding noyse of that water Euen so many people at this day by the plentifull continuall preaching of the Gospell a lamentable thing to heare doo waxe dull hearers wearie of it and loath it euen as the people of Israel loathed Manna Mumb. 11.6 35 Like as yong children that haue Ratles when they bee new and haue them first will loue them very much and greatly delight in them so that they will not forgoe them when they eate or sucke yea and they will haue them with them in their Cradles but when they be a litle olde they will cast them away and care not for them Euen so a great number of people did make great account of the preaching of the Word in the time of ignorance and would go farre and neare to heare it who now hauing plentie of Sermons doo loath them and care not for them c. 36 As hunger is a signe of good health So likewise to hunger and thirst after Gods Word is a notable signe of our spirituall health and safetie Math. 5.6 37 As Spices smell strongest being pounned and beaten then lying whole in a bagge Or as Imbers are hottest being raked abroad and meates do nourish better being cut and shred then being eaten in gobbeth Euen so the Word of God truely expounded preached and rightly diuided is of greater efficacie and power then when it is but barely read 38 As men vsually rubbe the Chaffe from the Corne and then eate it So must the spirituall foode the Word of God be done withall if it haue any corruption added to it by the preacher 39 As by wholesome meates and drinkes the body is strengthned and increased and by the wise counsell of Physitions the sicknesse to be feared is preuented So by the word of God the faith of euerie Christian is encreased and by the admonitions thereof the daungers to bee feared are auoided whilst hee willingly giueth credite to that which is spoken 40 As the materiall seede is counted of small estimation So is the Word of God amongst the wicked and vngodly Luk. 8.11 1. Cor. 1.18 41 Like as the seede hath power to bring forth fruit of it selfe So doth the VVord of God bring forth that euen which Kings cannot cause to spring forth but by it selfe 42 As seed groweth not in the hand not being sowne So the Word of God doth not increase except it be preached published abroad and rightly diuided 2. Timo. 2.15 43 Like as worldly wise men vse to buy bookes of Statutes and to haue them in their houses to read on that they may know how to auoide daunger of Law Euen so the faithfull do alwayes set before them Gods Word and in all their doings it is their Counseller least they should come into daunger of Gods displeasure Psal 119.24 44 As a shower of raine falling vpon fire dooth easily extinguish and quench the flame Euen so the VVord of God being receiued into our hearts doth easily make all concupiscence to vanish away 45 As the skill and cunning of the Physition healeth al the infirmities and diseases of the body So Gods Word onely cureth the sicke sorrowfull and distressed soule 46 As a plant by continuall watering groweth vp at length to a great tree So a man by continuall watering of Gods Word doth at last grow vp to the full height of vertue and godlinesse 47 Like as long as the Physition doth appoint the sicke man what hee shall doo how to diet himselfe and what medicines to take there is hope of life but if hee forsake him we looke for present death So as long as God of his goodnesse lets his Word be among vs there is good hope of his loue and fauour but if hee take the same away from vs then there is no comfort left 48 As those that build without a good foundation either the wind or water soon ouerthroweth it Euē so they which in matters of faith stay not themselues vppon the Word but vpon the credite of their teachers shall not be able to withstand the subtilties of the Diuill but are easily ouerthrowne Math. 7.26 27. 49 As wheat giueth sound good and substantial nourishment vnto the body Euen so doth the true Word of God mightily and wholesomely nourish the soule 50 As a graine of Mustard seede beeing the least of all seeds and sowne in the earth when it groweth vp ariseth to a great height and beareth great braunches so that the foules of heauen may build vpon the shadow of it Euen so the Word of God and faith beeing not idle but working although in outward shewe it seeme small and slender yet dooth it by little and little spread it selfe and like a faire fruitfull braunched tree receiue daily strength and encrease Luk. 13.19 17.6 Mark 4.31 51 As the Sun which was made to lighten all things is most light So the Word which was made to cleare all things is most cleare Psal 119.105 Prou. 8.9
to behold the bright Sunne vnlesse it be couered with a cloude Euen so no man can abide the Maiestie of God but through the Lord Iesus Christ Communion with Christ 1 AS the head giueth sence and motioÌ„ to the members and the members feele themselues to haue sense and to moue by the meanes of the head Euen so doth Christ Iesus receiue and quicken euerie true member and by his heauenly power maketh him to doo the good which he doth 2 Like as from the stock sap is deriued to the graft that it may liue and grow and bring forth fruite in his kinde So likewise do all the faithfull that are grafted into Christ the true vine Rom. 6.4 5. Iohn 15.1 2. Ephe. 13.16 3 And as the graft looseth his wilde nature and is changed into the nature of the stocke and bringeth forth good fruite Euen so in like manner it is with them that are in Christ who by litle and litle are wholly renued from euill to good Act. 15.9 Conscience touched 1 LIke as they which haue diseased bodies are contented with no one Phisition but do coÌ„mit themselues to euerie man that will promise them helpe So also it fareth oftentimes with them that haue their consciences ouâ—â—pressed with the burden of their sinnes that they can be content to yeelde themselues to euerie hereticke that will promise them libertie 2 As after great stormes the ayre is cleare so after the flouds of repentant teares the Conscience is at quiet 3 As a sicke man that is pained diuersly complaineth of diuers places euen so a man troubled in Conscience vseth many phrases according to the diuersitie of afflictioÌ„s Psal 51.8 9 10 11 12. Consideration and earnest meditation of our estate needfull 1 LIke as a man that hath a iournie to make but from England to Constantinople although he had made the same once or twise before yet would he not passe it ouer without great and often Consideration especially whether he were right and in the way or no what pace he held how neare he were to his wayes end and the like Euen so euery Christian hath far more need of due Consideration who must passe froÌ„ earth to heauen being subiect to by pathes and manifold dangers as euerie pleasure of this world euerie lust euery dissolute thought euery alluring sight tempting sound euery diuell vpoÌ„ the earth or instrument of his which are infinite beeing a theefe and lying in waite to spoile him vpon this way towards heauen 2 As theeues seeme mad vnto wise men that seeing so many hanged daily for theft before their eyes will yet notwithstanding steale againe and all for want of due consideration Euen so the very same cause maketh the wisest men of the world to seeme very fooles and worse then franticks vnto God and good men that knowing the vanities of the world and the daunger of sinfull life doo follow so much the one and fear so litle the other Math. 7. Luk. 12. Rom. 2. 1. Cor. 1.2 3. Gal. 3. 3 Like as if a Lawe were made by the authoritie of man that whosoeuer should aduenture to drinke wine should without delay hold his hand but halfe an houre in the fire or in boiling leade for a punishment many no doubt would forbeare wine albeit naturally they loued the same and yet a Lawe being made by the eternall Maiestie of God that whosoeuer committeth sinne shall boile in the fire of hell without ease or end many for lacke of consideration commit sinne vpon sinne with as little feare as they do eate or drinke 4 As he may be thought to be but a foolish Marchant that for quietnes sake would neuer looke to his owne accounts booke whether he were behinde hand or before Or as a shipmaister were greatly to be laughed at that for auoyding of care would sit downe and make good cheare and let the ship go whither she would Euen so much more in the businesse of our soule it is madnesse and folly to fly consideration for eschewing of trouble seeing in the end this negligence must needs turne vpon vs more trouble and irremediable calamitie The Condition of mans creation AS a Marchant Factor when he is arriued in a straunge Countrey or as a Captaine sent by his Prince to some great exployt is accustomed when hee commeth to the place appointed then aduisedly considereth wherefore he was sent to what end what to attempt what to prosecute what to performe what shall be expected and re-required at his hands vpon his returne by him that sent him thither these cogitations no doubt shall stirre him vp to attend to that which he came for and not to imploy himselfe in impertinent affaires So likewise euerie Christian desirous of saluation ought to aske of himselfe why and to what end he was created of God and sent into this world what to do wherein to bestowe his dayes thus doing he shall finde that it was for no other cause but onely to serue God in a right maner in this life Deut. 6.13 Luk. 1.74.75 Whosoeuer breaketh one Commaundement is guiltie of the breach of all LIke as if a Father should say vnto his son do such and such things and I wil take thee for an obedient childe and giue thee all my possessions now the sonne breaketh somewhat of that which his father charged him withall and is therefore accounted disobedient and deserueth to loose whatsoeuer was promised Or as if one man bestow vpon an other house or land or some such like thing and in consideration thereof bindeth him to fulfill many conditions whereof if he breake but the least the gift is voide and it is all one as if he had neuer giuen any thing Euen so likewise we may not maruell when we heare that by the breaking of one point of one Commaundement wee faile of perfect righteousnesse and are made the heires of euerlasting damnation if God should measure out vnto vs the due reward of his damnation Deut. 27.26 28.58 59. Iam. 2.10 2. Euen as if a Rule be broken in some part or the linke of a round chaine yet we may rightly and truly say that they are not wholely and altogither broken So likewise if but one Commaundement be broken yet all are broken in the sight of God for the iustice of God is indiuisible The Couenant of God 1 AS it is the chiefe and principall part in the lawe of Wedlocke and before all required of the wife that shee kept this faith to her husband that shee admit no other man in his sight vnlesse shee will bee refused as an adultresse So likewise this is the chiefe point in the Couenant of GOD that wee sticke vnto him onely and alone or else to be put out from the Couenant Creature 1 EVen as a brittle glasse being filled with some extreame strong liquor cannot but burst in sunder not because of any antipathie which is betwixt them but because the glasse is not of sufficient strength to containe
diminishing the Couetousnesse and vnlawfull desire of the same Iam. 5.3 Luk. 12.15 23 As when the Spleen encreaseth the other members ioynts and parts of the body do consume and pine away So Couetousnesse and the great treasures and riches of couetous tyrants increasing the wealth of subiects and inferior persons is weakened and diminished whiles they pill and poll away their substance and goods to enrich themselues withall 24 As the Spleen encreasing the other members do decrease So likewise Couetousnes growing greater greater all vertues do vtterly decay and vanish away bountifulnes liberalitie charitie truth righteousnes and all such excellent qualities are no more found in those meÌ„ which are strangled and poysoned with a great and greedie desire of worldly riches 25 As Floods which send their waters into the sea and leaue the drie land which is very thirstie vnwatered Euen so some Couetous men doo now and then bestow great cost and much of their riches vpon those that need them not not drawne therevnto with either loue or mercie but carried with vaine-glory and with vanitie it selfe so to do Mat. 5.7 Esa 58.7 26 Like as the Sea is seldome or neuer seene without tempestuous waues So also we can neuer see a couetous mans minde free from carefulnesse feare trouble vexations 27 As a Pot hath a wide open mouth So Couetousnesse gapeth euermore after worldly goods riches and honor 28 As the Owles night Crowes see better by night then by day So the eyes of couetous men be blind to see how to come to heauen but to get worldly goods and riches they can see well inough 29 As we see some men which naturally are so enclined to mischiefe so seditious so contrary to peace tranquilitie that they are no sooner entred into a house or Common-wealth but presently they sowe discord dissention troubling the common-quietnesse and peaceable estate which was before So also the cursed desire of Couetousnesse is no sooner entred into our heart but that foorthwith we perceiue a great confusion of tumultuous â—nd dissentious appetites to boyle and rise vp within vs which do straightwayes entangle vs in the nets and snares of the diuell and at the length bringeth vs to miserable â—eath and destruction 30 As the Couetous man would not like of those seruants and hirelings who by their negligence and careleslesse haue suffered his houses to fall to ruine and haue left his lands vineyards vntilled neither would he be pleased with that man or maid-seruant in his house which serueth him to no purpose So likewise if he himselfe make no vse of his riches and treasures but keepe them altogether vnprofitably he may not thinke that he is the seruant of God holding of him whatsoeuer hee hath with commandement to make vse of them and that he is countable for the dammages and losse which hapneth by his want of trafficke that is to say for that he hath not vsed them as the Lord hath commaunded 31 Euen as the fire is extinguished and quenched not only by throwing on of water but also by taking away of the wood and other matter whereby it is fed and nourished So also a Couetous man destroyeth taketh away the life of a man not only by offering him violence but also in refusing to giue or lende that vnto him which is necessary for his preseruation 32 As a flood which at the beginning being but a little Riuer by little and little as it runneth encreaseth in such sort that in the end it beareth with it whatsoeuer resisteth Euen so if a Couetous man haue once gotten one hundreth poundes he straightwayes desireth two hundreth from two hundreth he commeth to a thousand from a thousand to a million and from millions to an infinite summe 33 As one that climeth vp a Ladder vseth the first step as a means to come to the second and the second to come to the third continually climing vntil he come to the top So likewise there is no difference betweene the Couetouâ— man and him that climeth vp the Ladder but that the oâ—â— findeth an end of his ladder the other findeth none at all neither of his care nor sorrowes which necessarily follow riches neither yet of his earnest desires in the attaining and keeping of them 34 As the Asse that carrieth meate for the belly and cloth for the backe yet hee himselfe feedeth vpon grasse and contenteth himselfe with an hairie skinne So the Couetous whose Chests are stuffed with gold and siluer yet cannot affoord their belly a good meales meate nor couer their backe with a good coate 35 As the Bee bringeth sweete honey in her mouth but a sharpe sting in her tayle So Couetousnesse hath pleasure in this life and paine in the life to come 36 As the Ape that is tied to the clogge thinketh that hee keepeth the clogge and not the clogge him is greatly deceiued So likewise is the couetous man which thinketh that hee keepeth his riches when indeed his riches keepes him 37 As Dinah while she wandred to see fashions and thought to feede her fancie vpon the daughters of a straunge Countrey shee lost her Virginitie amongst the sonnes of the Countrey So some men while they seeke to feede and fill their greedie worme of Couetousnesse and ambition with diuers pleasures and profits of the world they loose their sinceritie amongst them and so make shipwrack of faith and a good conscience 38 Euen as Tamar went out of her brother Amons chamber with her maidens garmeÌ„t of diuers colours rent because she was enforced to leaue her maideÌ„head behind her So some Couetous worldlings which sometimes with Demas followed Paul but now with Demas embrace his present world are enforced to go away with their garâ—ent of diuers colours rent and torne for while they will venture through the bushes and thornes of worldly cares to get worldly promotions it is no maruell if they come out with their zeale quenched their courage abated their faith blasted their loue cooled their knowledge withered their humilitie defaced their sinceritie decreased and the whole garment of pietie and Religion scratched torne and rent in peeces Continuance in Sinne. 1 LIke as if a mans foote legge or arme be broken with how great paine the same is restored to his former estate all men know But if any member of our body should be broken twise or thrise or more often in one and the selfesame place euery man can then iudge how hard a thing it were for that part to recouer her perfect strength and health againe Euen so fareth it in the ruptures and wounds of our soule If a man doo commit sinne once or twise and do vnfainedly without dissimulation make his refuge to the medicine of repentance hee dooth out of hand obtaine health againe and that sometimes without any skarre or blemish of the disease past but if he begin to adde sinnes vpon sinnes in such sort that the wounds of the soule do
were the deliuerance too late but wee meane that hee deliuered him that hee should not bee hanged So likewise when the Scripture saith that Christ dyed to deliuer vs out of hell because hee saueth and deliuereth vs that wee come not there which else should surely haue gone thither and haue beene damned perpetually except Christ by his death had deliuered and loosed vs. Christ reuiueth vs againe that were dead LIke as the Pellican which hauing brought foorth her young ones dead or beeing stung or killed by Serpents shee pecketh foorth her heart bloud to reuiue them Euen so wee beeing conceiued and borne in sinne and altogether dead in our trespasses and offences stung of that olde and fierie Serpent the diuell which first beguiled our Parents in Paradise and so hauing the reward of sinne which is death we in this case are reuiued and quickned againe by the bloud of the true Pellican Iesus Christ which he from his heart hath shead and powred out for vs. Col. 2.13 14. Christs person consisteth of two natures 1 LIke as there must be both these two natures true and sound the properties of either being kept in one person of Christ to reconcile man to God and to strike this couenant So also to keepe this couenant that according to the promise and oath of God it may be euerlasting both natures must remaine for euer sound with their properties vnlesse we will haue the couenant in the piller and foundation to be shaken 2 Like as when the roote of a tree is hurt the braunches also doo wither and there can be no fruite hoped for Euen so the Doctrine beeing corrupt concerning the person of Christ and the two natures in the same person together with their distinct properties the doctrine also of the Priestly and Kingly office of Christ remaineth corrupt which are as it were the fruites of the doctrine concerning his person Christ though amazed and confounded with sorrowes and feares yet remained still sinlesse LIke as if you set two glasses filled the one with muddy water and the other with cleare Christall water and first let them stand till all the muddinesse in one be setled at the bottome then shake both these glasses in the one the mudde ariseth straightway and defileth all the water there in the other although you shake it neuer so much yet the cleare water though troubled likewise remaineth still all cleare as Christall Euen so if any of vs bee shaken and disquieted with any trouble our muddy affections arising doo presently defile vs all ouer but Christ in whom was mans true nature but not any the least defilement of nature beeing likewise shaken he remained still cleare from any the least spot of sinne at all Christ neuer lost his confidence in God LIke as those men do neuer loose their confidence and trust in God who by some violence are stricken into astonishment or naturally fall on sleepe their faith patience loue obedience decreaseth not in them for all that Euen so neither in Christ his assurance in God could neuer decay albeit his sinlesse nature might and did feare the paine and beeing astonished with excessiue paine might and did suddenly desire ease Math. 27.46 Mar. 14.33 c. He that Speaketh in the Church LIke as if the Harpe make a confused noyse and giueth no distinct sound it delighteth not it recreateth not because no man can tell what it is that is plaide So he that Speaketh in the Church in a language which other men vnderstand not cannot edifie because men vnderstand not what he speaketh Confessing of secret faultes LIke as he is vnwise that openeth his disease and committeth himselfe vnto an vnskilfull Phisition that will rather make him worse then cure him Euen so as vnwise is he that reuealeth his secret falls scapes to them whose mouthes are readie with the Pharisies to say See thou to that or to blabbe abroad their brethrens infirmities so making the matter rather worse then better Christ after a sort present with vs in bodie 1 AS the sun which thogh it remain stil in the firmamēt and therefore in verie deed toucheth not the eye yet the bodie of the Sunne is present to the sight notwithstanding so great a distance betweene So likewise the bodie of Christ which by his ascending is taken vp from vs and hath left the world and is gone to his father is indeed absent from our senses yet our faith is conuersant in heauen and beholding that sonne of righteousnesse and is verily in presence with it there present like as our sight is present with the body of the Sunne in the firmament or as the Sunne is present with our sight in earth Ioh. 14.19 16.28 Act. 7.55 Col. 3.1 Hebr. 4.16 10.28 2 As the Sunne with his light is present to all things So is also Christ with his Godhead Spirit and power present to all and filleth all Ephe. 1.23 Col. 1.17 18. How Christ sitteth at the right hand of God 1 AS it is the vse and custome of Kings and Princes which haue their deputies substitutes to whom they freely giue all authoritie to rule and gouerne and do cause that man to sit by him and at his right hand whom he will giue most honor and vnto whom he wil giue most authoritie and power Euen so we vnderstand by these words He sitteth at the right hand of God that our Sauiour Christ is exalted aboue all creatures and that hee hath dominion or gouernance in heauen and in earth and that he raigneth with his Father hauing equal power with him 1. King 2.19 Psal 45.9 110.1 Mat. 20.21 Phil. 2.9 10 11. 1. Pet. 3.22 Ephe. 1.20 21. 4.15 2 As those on earth that are set at the right hand of Kings do execute iustice in courts or Assises for the maintenance of the state and peace of the Kingdome Euen so Christ Iesus sitting at the right hand of his Father that is being made soueraigne Lord of all things both in heauen and earth is to hold a Court or Assise in which he shall come to iudge both the quicke and the dead Christ confounds his enemies AS Iosua dealt with the fiue Kings that were hid in the Caue he first makes a slaughter of their armes then he brings them foorth and makes the people to set their feete on their neckes and to hang them on fiue trees Euen so Christ deales with his enemies he treades them vnder his feete and makes a slaughter not so much of their bodies as of their soules And this the Church of God findes to bee true by experience as well as it findes the loue of Christ towardes it selfe Iosu 10.24 Luke 17.27 Psal 2.9 110.1 Corruption of truth by mans traditions AS sweete Dough is made sowre by a litle Leauen So is the sweetnesse and comfort of the doctrine of truth corrupted if it be neuer so litle entermedled with humane doctrine or mans traditions Mat. 13.33 16.6 The Creature
a man is in the state of euerlasting damnation which hath no mind to heare the word of God nor to leade his life according vnto the doctrine thereof So likewise is there not a more certain signe that any man is Elected and predestinated to be saued then when hee hath a mind to heare of the word of God truly preached Iohn 8.47 5 As the clay lieth before the Potter to bee vsed and handled disposed off and formed as shall please him So were all men at the first before the Lord in his eternall counsell to receiue an end or vse according to his will to life or death to honour or dishonour to saluation or damnation to heauen or hell Rom. 8.30 9.22 23. Enemie 1 AS Linceus the man of whom Verro did write could see through a wall Euen so our Enemie seeth throgh our seruant and friend oftentimes what we doo 2 As the Bees although they sometimes sting the handes and face of the owner and maister of them yet they be profitable in prouiding for him the sweete honie and wax Euen so an Enemie although he persecute iniurie and wrong a good Christian yet is he very profitable vnto him in furthering him to heauen wards if so bee that by patience he possesse his soule and do pray for him as our Sauiour Christ and Steuen did Luk. 21.19 23.34 Act. 7.60 3 Like as if one had a great Enemy the Queene who yet is but a mortall woman had promised to protect and defend him from the same his Enemy he would not fearc him Euen so much more we ought not to feare our Enemies seeing that God who onely is Almightie and of power to preserue doth say Feare not for I am thy protector thy defence and thy reward shall bee exceeding great Gen. 15.1 Esay 41.10 Math. 10.28 4 As there is no such griefe to a Iester or a Iugler as when he doth see that with all his iests fooleries he cannot moue mirth nor chaunge the countenances of them that heare him and see him So there can be no greater torment to a wicked and malicious enemie then to see thee no whit grieued nor mooued at his malice against thee but that thou do so beare his iniuries as if they were none at all for thy aduersaries purpose is to anger thee and to driue thee into thy dumpes which if hee cannot bring to passe then is he chaffed and vexed tenne times more then he was before Rom. 12.22 Enuie 1 ALthough there be some countrie as Candie which wanteth poyson Yet is there no Common-weale Countrie nor Court which is voide of Enuie Act. 7.9 17.5 2 There are as some dreame that will bewitch a man with their lookes So an Enuious man seeketh by all meanes to destroy the prosperous estate of his neighbour Neither is the eye of a mightie man much for the profite if thou haue any thing that excelleth in fairenesse or that he thirsteth after As Ahab did for Naboth his vineyarde Gen. 31.1 1. King 21.1 c. 3 As those that be runners be nothing grieued or vexed with the victorie of the Wrastlers but be very glad of their owne So ought we not to Enuie the prosperous estate of others but reioyce at our owne 4 Like as a Gun that is alwaies charged and wayteth when it may best shoote off Euen so the Enuious man is stuffed full of malicious poyson and seeketh opportunitie and conuenient time to put the same in practise Gene. 4 5 6. 5 As the Snake the Adder and the Toade haue deadly poyson in them wherewith they hurt others and yet hurt not themselues But Enuie is so poysonfull a thing that it killeth him that hath it first and hurteth not other for he fretteth with himselfe hee fumes he pines away to see others doo well He eateth not nor sleepeth quietly nor can be merrie vntill he see some mischiefe fall on the good man 6 As the canker eateth and consumeth hard yron and brasse Euen so malicious Enuie with fretting consumeth out enuious stomackes 7 As the Viper doth kill her damne by gnawing out her guts and afterward doth sting and poyson others Euen so Enuie doth consume him in whom it is bred and afterward hurteth others 8 As malice drinketh the most part of her owne poyson Euen so Enuie hurteth more the enuious it selfe then the thing it Enuieth Rom. 1.29 1. Cor. 13.4 Gal. 5.21 Tit. 3.3 1. Pet. 2.1 9 As of necessitie a shaddow doth accompanie those that walke in the Sunne So is Enuie a continuall companion to those that in good and honest things doo excell others and are aduanced and renowmed with the best 10 As there is no shaddow where there is no Sunne So where there is no prosperitie there is no Enuie 11 As they that are tender sighted do find themselues grieued with euery light and bright obiect So is it with the enuious in euery the prosperitie of others 12 As Cantharides a certaine greene and venemous worme or flie vsually feedeth vpon wheate when it waxeth ripe and on Roses in their pride So likewise doth the enuious man hee taketh against those that be honest and grieueth at the encrease of other mens vertue So that it is more easie for a poore man to shunne contempt then for a rich man to auoide Enuie Gen. 4.5 30.1 37.4 13 Euen as the Sun beating directly vpon the crowne of the head yeeldeth but a small shaddow So they that are in eminencie and authoritie farre aboue vs doo purchase small Enuie against them 1. Sam. 18.8 14 As smoake which so long as the fire is but smal maketh a great shewe but so soone as it flameth vanisheth away or at the least appeareth nothing so plainly as at the first Euen so Enuie is many times extinguished by the greatnesse and excellencie of other mens prosperitie 15 Like as selfe-loue is such a plague as that all the children of Adam are therewith poysoned So the Enuie that groweth thereof is but ouer-common and too deepely rooted euen in those that professe themselues to bee the children of God 16 As rust consumeth the yron So doth Enuie waste the man that is possessed therewith for it is a moath to the soule a canker to the thought and a rust to the soule 17 Euen as a Viper by deuouring the wombe of her damme maketh her passage foorth So Enuie eateth and consumeth the soule of that man that in his hart hath conceiued her Iob. 5.2 18 As the ioyes of the happie do encrease So doo the sorrowes of the Enuious multiplie 19 As the poyson of Serpents hurteth other but not themselues So contrariwise the poyson of the Enuious hurteth themselues but not others for the Enuious man conuerteth the good of another to his owne hurt and so tormenteth himselfe at the felicitie of others Math. 20.15 20 Like as the Dorre who naturally lurking in dung taketh her foode thereof So doth the enuious man grow fat in other mens
meanes and way to life and saluation and doo drawe on to death and damnation and therfore they that be Elected to life eternall are also Elected to haue Faith and consequently to amende theyr liues Rom. 8.1 c. Ephe. 1.4 2.16 Colloss 3.12 1. Pet. 2.9 10. 3 Like as a poore mayden who hearing that some King had among all other chosen her to be his sonnes wife and withall ordained that to that ende she forsaking her parents and kinsfolkes should come to him on foote in the midst of winter no doubt she would willingly and readily leaue all and euen in winter and on foote come to the King to finish this great marriage as the like we reade of Dauid 1. Sam. 18.17 c. Euen so we vnderstanding and hauing witnesse that God hath chosen vs to be the spouse of his sonne Iesus Christ and coheires of his kingdome and also that it is his will that forsaking the world and the flesh we should walke through the path of good workes in amendment of life to come to heauen there to accomplish this happie mariage we ought feruently to renounce the world the flesh and euery thing that contrarieth his will that we may the more speedily and chearfully proceede in amendment of life and so performe this blessed marriage 4 Like as if the Sunne in his force shining vpon a stone can so heate the same stone that a man shall not be able to touch it with his hands Euen so much more shall we if we meditate vpon the loue of God towards vs in our Election albeit we were as cold as Marble be warmed and kindled to loue him with al our harts with al our strength and with all our minds 1. Iohn 4.19 Luk. 14.15 Expectation of reward AS two that should passe together towards their countrie the one to receiue honour for his good seruice done abroad the other as prisoner to be arraigned of treasons committed in former Dominions against his Soueraigne could not bee like merrie in their Inne vpon the way as it seemeth to me and though hee that stood in daunger should sing or make shew of courage and innocencie and set a good face vpon the matter Yet the other might well thinke that his heart had many a colde pull within him as no doubt but all wicked men haue when they thinke with themselues of the life to come or as if Ioseph and Pharaos Baker had knowne both their distinct lottes in prison to wit that on such a day the one should be called foorth to be made Lord of Egypt and the other to bee hanged on a paire of Gallowes they could hardly haue beene equally merrie whilst they liued together in time of their Imprisonment Euen so the like may be said and much more truely of vertuous and wicked men in this world For when the one doth but thinke vpon the day of death which is to bee the day of their deliuerance from their prison their harts cannot but leape for very ioy considering what is to ensue vnto them after But the other are afflicted and fall into melancholy as often as mention or remembrance of death is offered for they are sure that it bringeth with it their bane Gene. 40 41 43. chap. Gene. 30.1 37.4 1. Sam. 18.8 Eloquence in Sermons forbidden EVen as those sheepe which in the presence of their shepheards doo vomit and cast out againe the grasse which they haue eaten doo not profitably shewe how much and how wel they haue fed but those rather which doo inwardly digest and concoct their meate and doo giue abundance of milke doo beare the softiest weightiest and finest Wooll and doo shewe themselues to be fat faire and well liking For by these things they shew and plainely proue that their pasture is exceeding good Euen so not those Pastors Ministers and Preachers of the word which doo deliuer words and stuffe their Sermons with Eloquence and braue phrases doo fruitfully and throughly declare vnto the people that Vertues pasture is excellent good and wholesome to be desired of all but they rather which doo inwardly concoct vertue and do obserue it and bending themselues to the actions and performance thereof doo flowe with the sweete milke of mercie and doo cloath themselues and others with the fine fleeces of Christian loue and charitie doo euidently declare how much they haue profited in the doctrine of Christ and how much also others ought to profit in the same and doo stirre vp the hearts and minds of their hearers to vertue and godlinesse both with their doctrine and liuing 2. Tim. 4.1 2 5. Tit. 2.7 Math. 5.19 Our Elders and auncestors in time of ignorance had yet good consciences in Ciuill causes AS the men of Niniuie repented at the preaching of Ionas and not the Iewes at the preaching of Christ who was greater then Ionas Euen so the good and faithfull dealing which our Elders and ancestors had in times past in Ciuill causes doth reprooue our iniquities and shewe what they would haue beene if they had had the preaching of the Gospell so plainely as wee haue And therefore well saith a godly Father Men had better consciences then lesse knowledge Now haue they more knowledge and worse consciences Math. 12.41 Beza Epis 1. Excesse taketh away pleasures AS too bright a light dazeteth our sight and too great a noyse hindreth our hearing So likewise too great curiositie in deuising our pleasures taketh away a great part of the fruition of our delightes neither is there any thing that maketh our meate more sauerie then hunger and health Enemies of the Gospell AS Archers doo ayme their arrowes vnto a certaine marke So the Enemies of the Gospell bend and bestow all their endeuours vnto the subuersion of the true doctrine and of the true Church of God Psal 2.2 3. Faith 1 LIke as the Sun which although it remaine still in the Firmament therefore in very deed toucheth not the eie yet the peeces or resēblance of the body of the Sun is present and reacheth to the sight notwithstanding so great a distance betweene So the body of Christ which by his ascending is taken vp from vs hath left the world and is gone to his Father is in deed absent from our senses Yet our Faith is conuersant in heauen and beholdeth the Sonne of righteousnesse and is verely in presence with it there present like as the Sunne is perceiued by our sight in earth Iohn 14.19 16.10.28 Act. 7.55 Col. 3.1 Heb. 4.16 10.28 2 As the Sunne with his light is present to all things So is also Christ with his Godhead spirit and power by Faith present to all and filleth all Ephe. 1. 23. Col. 1.17 18. 3 Like as when a man hath libertie to goe into the treasure house of a King there to enrich himselfe wil first of all seeke to haue the keys wherwith he may open the doores and so enter for otherwise it wil nothing profit him
man when he is a thirstie tarrieth but for drinke and when hee hungereth abideth but for meate and then drinketh and eateth naturally Euen so is the Faithfull euer a thirst and an hungered after the will of God and tarrieth but for an occasion and whensoeuer an occasion is giuen hee worketh naturally the will of God 2 As the vnbelieuers declare their vnbeliefe by the working of the euill spirit in them outwardly the fruites of the flesh Euen so the belieuers declare their Faith by the working in them outwardly the fruites of the spirite 3 Like as when we heare a Musition play sweetely or a painter picture curiously we do not inquire what countrymen they are or whether they bee borne of noble parentage or no but diligently hearken to the Musicke and marke and view well the picture So a Faithfull and carefull hearer of the word must not so much regard the state and condition of the Preacher as diligently to marke the good things that he teacheth and so to practise them in his life and behauiour Fall of man through his owne pride AS we see a child who whilst he runneth vp and down to shew his new cloathes hee stumbleth euen vpon his cloathes and catcheth a Fall and seeing himselfe downe and his cloathes soyled and arayed in the dust he cryeth lowder at his Fall then hee crowed before at his new Coate So God hath put many excellent graces vpon thee thou crowest at the sight of them as Nebuchadnezzer did at the sight of his Pallace and like a foole thou art in admiration of thy selfe till thou stumblest euen vpon thine owne giftes and when thou art downe thou which before didst crow like a foole doest then crie like a child especially because thou seest thy excellent graces euen thy coate of diuers colours stayned and foyled with thy Fall Psa 75.6 7. The Famine of the soule LIke as when God sendeth a Famine that wee hardly find wherewithall to sustaine our liues then our condition is miserable Euen so much more daungerous and greater is the Famine of the soule when God taketh away from any people the sincere Preachers of his word Amo. 8.11 12. Feare of God 1 AS Ioseph did dreame that the Sunne and Moone did bowe vnto him So must the whole world Feare and stand in awe of Gods maiestie Gen. 37 9. 2 As Iacob told his vnckle Laban that except the Feare of Isaac had beene with him meaning the Feare of God who was Isaacs Feare he would haue sent him away emptie Euen so it is with vs all except Gods Feare remaine and continue with vs though the Lord hath deserued neuer so much at our hands yet we like vnthankfull Labans would send him emptie away and robbe him of the praise of all his blessings and graces bestowed vpon vs. Gene. 31.42 Pro. 1.7 14.27 Exod. 20.20 Gene. 42.18 Gods Face is fearefull to the wicked AS the Face of an earthly Iudge which can but kill the body is most fearefull and terrible vnto that partie which is brought before him for his wicked fact Euen so the Face and sentence of the eternall and heauenly Iudge of Iudges will bee most terrible against the wicked who after he hath killed can cast both body and soule into hell fire and from whose countenance flyeth away both the heauens and the earth Math. 10.28 Reue. 20.11 Friends vnprofitable AS the stumpe of a tooth is vnprofitable to eate withal So they in whom there is no faith nor credite to be reposed are Friendes vnfit and vnprofitable for a man in the day of trouble Prou. 25.19 A Friend forsaken AS a vessell how profitable so euer it hath beene to the owner and how necessarie for his turne yet when it is broken it is throwne away and regarded no longer Euen so such is the state of a man forsaken of those whose Friend he hath beene so long as he was able to stand them in stead Psal 31.12 Such a Father such a Sonne AS Vipers broode destroyeth them that breed them So generally the children of them that murthered the Prophets and shewed crueltie to the saints of God fulfill the measure of their fathers and are vnmercifully bent against all those that seeke their life and saluation Math. 3.7 23.33 A dead Faith 1 LIke as he that falleth into a Riuer if he neither moue hands armes nor legs is quickly drowned and sinketh downe dead to the bottom but if he swim escapeth aliue So he that trusteth to a dead Faith which because it hath no good effects and bringeth forth no liuely fruites as an holy loue to God man pietie patience pitie mercie compassion and such like vertues he must needes be drowned in vtter destruction and sincke downe into the bottomlesse gulfe and pit of hell but he that moueth his hands his feete to do the deeds of a true right Faith which worketh by loue and shall be a dooer of the word and not an hearer onely he shall escape safe out of all dangers and shall arriue at the happie hauen of eternall happinesse and euerlasting life through Christ Iesus Iam. 2.14 c. Gal. 5.6 Iam. 1.22 2 Like as if a man say to one that is hungry fill thy belly and giueth him nothing this shall not be true charitie So likewise if a man say he beleeueth bringeth forth no workes of Faith this shall not be true faith but a certaine dead thing set out with the name of Faith wherof no man hath to bragge vnlesse he will openly incurre reprehention seeing that the cause is vnderstood by the effects Iam. 2 15 16. Spirituall Fornication AS they that forsake their husbands and giue themselues ouer to straungers doo so become common Whoores Euen so such is the state of those which leaue God and the truth which sometime they professed and commit Idolatrie and cleaue to superstitions Ezech. 23.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8. Fasting when needfull 1 AS men accused in times past with longe hanging beardes with vncombred hayre with blacke array were wont humbly to abate themselues to the end to procure the mercy of the Iudge So likewise when we are accused for our sinnes before the iudgement of God when either pestilence or famine or war begin to range abroad or if any calamitie otherwise seeme to hang ouer our coūtrie then it behoueth vs both for his glorie and for common edification and also is profitable and healthfull for vs that wee should in pitious array humble our selues in Fasting and prayer before his maiestie and so craue to escape his seueritie Ioel. 2.25 2 As bridles are necessarie for wilde horses So likewise is Fasting sometimes for a Christian to tame the fleshe 3 As some men naturally are continually out of measure and inclined to one extremitie or other which are both naught and many there haue beene which haue alwayes continued but too licentious So also some there haue beene so superstitious in Fasting and abstinence that they
they are Illuminated by him Sound Iudgement necessarie AS the eye is the sight of the body to guide and leade it in the right way and if it bee cleare the body cannot goe amisse Euen so the Iudgement is the eye of the mind which being sound true and framed according to Gods word then are our affections right the actions and motions of our mind right and good in Gods sight as far as mans weaknesse can comprehend Our Iourney to heauen 1 AS Trauellers that be vppon their Iourneys doo not abide in those Hosteries or Innes where they are wel vsed lodged or entertayned and where they finde pleaâ—â—nt Gardens walkes or such other intisements but after their baite or in the Morning doo passe on their way Eâ—en so we albeit God in this life giue vs goods honours houses and other carnall commodities yet wee must remember that we are trauellers and must not stay but goe forward on our Iourney toward heauen yea and in case we be afflicted with sicknesse pouertie or any other calamitie yet must we still thinke that we are vpon our Iourney and therefore taking comfort say Peraduenture we shall be better to morrow 1. Cor. 7.29 c. 2 As they who are to depart from a forraine land towards their owne countrie doo prepare things necessarie for their Iourney So must we likwise prouide that which is expedient for the happie performance of our Iourney towards our heauenly Countrie Vnbeleeuing Iewes AS that drie skin which a Snake doth cast to renew her age hath in it the shape likenesse and prints of eyes and that thin rinde also wherewith the eyes of the Snake are couered and yet in deed hath no seeing eyes So the wicked and vnbeleeuing Iewes did seeme to haue eyes but in deed they were blinde and Idle and emptie skins and rindes without sight they were men but not of God they had eyes of the flesh but none of the spirit they could see creatures but they had not one eye to beholde the Creator And as for Christ they had no more sight nor knowledge of him then they had of the Sunne and Moone when they were yet in the wombes of their mothers Iohn 9.29 The Infirmities of godly Fathers are set downe in the Scripture for our comfort and instruction EVen as they which first sayled in the Seas gaue proper names to daungerous Rockes and perilous places where they hardly escaped with their liues to the end that their posteritie by such markes might shunne shipwracke and passe safely away calling places diuersly as the Sage bed the Lauender bed with other like names best known to Saylers Or as Carters vse to set vp some bush or other like marke in that place where their Waine or Cart stuck fast for a warning to theÌ„ that come after So likewise haue the godly Fathers as the Patriarkes Prophets Apostles furthered vs by their falls and Infirmities and by their experience taught vs to eschew many incombrances which they because they brake the Ice first themselues could not foresee 2. Sam. 11.2 c. Iohn 18.17.25 27. Gal. 1.13 Luk. 15.12 c. Infidelitie 1 LIke as the Moulde which is blind to see things on earth cannot see the starres in heauen So hee which will not beleeue God concerning things on earth cannot beleeue him concerning heauenly things 2 Euen as a subiect or tenant disclooning his king and Lord and relying himselfe vpon a new maister euen one who is a deadly and professed enemie to his first maister doth incontinently depriue himselfe of all those farmes lands houses preferments and commodities whatsoeuer the which he did enioy whilst hee liued in alleagance to his Lord So the case standeth with man when as by Infidelitie he falleth from God for then he looseth all manner of blessings belonging either to his happinesse or to his holinesse yea it is impossible that a man should either loue feare honour or obey God from whom he looketh for neither good nor euill and therefore Infidelitie is to be accounted the roote of all euill Hebr. 3.12 Gods Iudgements not regarded of many 1 AS lightning breaketh the cloudes and the suddaine light dooth not so much illuminate as dull the sight of the eye So many feeling the hand of God are rather dulled then mooued forwards to heauen 2 As skilfull Physitions in curing diseases vse certaine degrees first they begin with gentler sorts of salues and if they doo little good then they lay sharper remedies vnto the wound for if medicines doo not heale the yron doth heale those which the yron healeth not the fire doth heale but such as the fire doth not heale those are incurable So God doth sometime reprooue mans wickednesse by his word if that dooth not helpe hee correcteth with sicknesse infamie and Imprisonment if these profite not hee inflameth the fire of his Iudgement in the mindes of men and maketh them agast and amazed with the terror of euerlasting torments if neither that can heale their cankor he leaueth them quite as incurable and giueth them ouer into a reprobate mind so that they haue neither a right Iudgement to discerne things nor any sorrow at all by reason of the filth of wickednesse wherin they wallow Instrumentall cause of preaching AS a builder must haue not onely an exquisite skill in building and an abilitie to accomplish his skill and faithfulnesse to performe it and meete matter or stuffe to worke vppon but apt Instruments also or tooles to trie foorth and fashion the building So likewise a Preacher must not only haue the spirit of God to direct him in preaching and vtterance to publish the same and faithfulnesse for the performance thereof and matter to practise vpon but fit Instruments also to proportionate the worke verie aptly in euery point namely Logicke and Rhetoricke with other artificiall helpes which be as it were the Instrumentall and causes of preaching Rash Iudgement condemned AS it is the point of great rashnesse a thing disallowed of all men euen in worldly affaires for one man to coÌ„demne another before he haue heard him Euen so it is great folly for a man to giue his Iudgement vpon spirituall matters before hee hath well weighed and aduised of them Act. 18.21 21.14 Rom. 1.10 15.32 1. Cor. 4.19 Psal 115.3 Prou. 18.13 Knowledge of God how it is attained vnto 1 AS our naturall eyes haue power to discerne the things of this world by the Sunne that we dayly see Euen so the Knowledge of God that wee hope to haue of him must come by grace through the light of him that can lighten our vnderstandings and open the eyes of our minds otherwise wee shall rest in continuall darknesse if our inward eyes receiue not light by that supernall Sunne 2 As there is great difference betwixt the viewing of a man in a darke or dimme Glasse and the sight of him face to face in a bright day Euen so is there much more difference betwixt our
vncomely as magnificall talke is for a poore foole So vnmeete is Lying and vntrue talke for a Prince Prou. 17.7 Learning 1 LIke as in meates the wholesomnesse is as much to be required as the pleasantnesse so in reading or hearing Authors we ought to desire as well the goodnesse as the eloquence 2 Like as a field although it be fertile can bring foorth no fruite except it be first tilled So the minde although it be apt of it selfe cannot without Learning bring foorth my goodnesse 3 As men in nothing more differ from the Gods then when they are fooles So in nothing they do come neare them so much as when they are wise and Learned The Lawe pointeth out true blisse but furthereth not the certaintie of it LIke as if a man should shewe a needie bodie a bagge of Gold vppon the toppe of a high Tower and yet not â—end him a ladder wherewithall he might clime vp to the â—op and fetch downe the bagge Euen so doth Gods Law â—nely point men to the soueraigne good without shewing vs how we may come by it seeing that no man fulfilâ—th the Lawe The fruites of Libertie are by good right required of Christians AS he which doth commit sinne is the seruant of sinne Euen so he which is deliuered by Christ will bee no more bond but free and therefore will not take vppon him the yoke of bondage Iohn 8.34 Rom. 6.20 Iam. 2.12 How we must behaue our selues in Lending to Artificers and labourers AS charitie doth not require that we should giue of our goods freely to them that are strong lustie and able to worke and labour So necessitie vrging Artificers and Labourers and they desiring to borrowe any thing of thee then thou must obey the rule of Christ and Lend without looking for a recompence in the like or in any other kind of dutie 2. Thess 3.10 11. Luk. 6.35 36. Esay 58.7 Prou. 19.17 Gods Liberalitie AS the fire ministreth light to a multitude and yet is minished or consumed thereby Or as in a candle of which many other candles be light the light is not thereby in any wise diminished or hurt at all Or as one supper dooth not refresh or suffiâ—e many as well as few but the the voice of one Preacher teacheth as well a hundreth as one Euen so God bestoweth innumerable benefites vpon vs and yet his Liberalitie is not hindred therewith Godly Life 1 AS when Moses had conuersed and beene with God fortie dayes vppon the mountaine at his comming downe his face shined and glistered with the heauenly glorie So will it be with vs by then we haue for twentiâ— or thirtie yeares beene conuersant in heauen we shall become heauenly and spirituall both in word and deed Exod. 34.69 2 As by experience we see that when a countrie man hath dwelled some twentie or thirtie yeares in the Court he forgetteth his countrie speech and course of Life and groweth to be as good a Courtier as if he had bene borne in the Court Euen so our earthly talke and communication our worldly course of life and the corruptions of the flesh that beare but too much sway in vs doo but ouer manifestly shew how little we are conuersant in heauen and consequently doo testifie that we account our selues Burgesses of earth and not of heauen 3 As the rough tazle or thistle dooth make the cloath smooth So doth a straight and strict kind of Life make the conscience more quiet It is our dutie to communicate at the Lords supper AS they who liuing in fornication and will not marrie least thereby their fornication which they are not minded to giue ouer should be the more grieuous as being conuerted into Adulterie are in a woefull state Or as they who hating their neighbours when they say the Lords prayer Our Father c. doo leaue out this petition Forgiue vs our trespasses as wee forgiue them that trespasse against vs and so refuse to aske forgiuenesse for their transgressions and seeke to continue in hatred against their neighbours are worthie double condemnation one in respect of their hatred that they continue in the other for their sinnes for the which they aske no forgiuenesse Euen â—is they that forbeare the holy supper in respect of their bad consciences doo pronounce sentence against themselues namely that they deserue double death First for their sinnes which they continue in wicked consciences And secondly they seperate themselues from the communion of Christ in whom onely is the fulnesse of life Lust and pleasure 1 AS Pils that are outwardly faire guilt and rowled in Sugar but within full of bitternesse Euen so Lust and pleasure is no sooner hatched but repentance is at hand holding her by the head readie to supplant her for pleasure and sorrow are two twinnes Esa 38.17 Gene. 3.6 2 As a painted Sepulcher faire without but within full of mortal infection and stench Euen so Lust and pleasure is presently turned to sorrow and teares and flieth and slideth away leauing rather cause of repentance then occasion of remembrance 1. Tim. 5.6 Esay 22.12 13 14. 3 As he that companieth with Millers or Colliers shal hardly escape free from blacking or meale So likewise shall hee hardly escape Lust and pleasures that haunteth with those that are giuen to follow their Lusts and pleasures 4 As greene wood laid vpon the fire albeit at the first it resisteth yet in the end doth burne and is consumed So is it with him that frequenteth those that giue themselues to Lusts and pleasures albeit at the beginning he resisteth the euill and for a while falleth not thereinto yet by continuall haunt he finally falleth in with them 5 As it is vnnaturall to kindle fire with water So is it vnpossible for Lust and pleasure to breede in a penitent heart that sorroweth for sinne Ioel. 2.12 16. 6 As Agis the last King of the Lacedemonians was in his youth giuen to all Lustes and pleasures but being established ruler of the land he quite gaue them ouer shewed such an example of temperance and sobrietie that the vse of pleasures quayling among his subiects they also addicted themselues to sobrietie Euen so we Christians albeit before the knowledge of the truth wee wallowed in the Lustes of the flesh yet being now raysed to this honour and estate to be made kings and priests yea euen the children of God ought now to be the more estraunged from all Lusts and pleasures to the end that after our example all others may renounce the same immitate our sobrietie Rom. 13.14 Hebr. 11.25 7 Euen as a Snayle by little and little creepeth vp from the roote of a tree vnto the top as shee goeth consuming the leaues and leaueth nothing behind her but foule and filthie slymish steps So likewise Lust and pleasure if wee consent vnto them wil creepe into our soules and bodies and will depriue them of all ornaments of vertue and will leaue nothing behind but a foule guiltie
cattes and dogges which haue bene brought vp any long while in their houses Euen so much more they ought to loue and fauour their seruants that haue done them long and faithfull seruice 3 As it is vnpossible that he that hath no skil in Musick can make an other man a Musitian Or as it is hard for a Scholler to learne that thing well that his Maister teacheth ill Euen so it is vnpossible that a Maister that is naturally negligent should make his seruant diligent Marriage euer esteemed for encrease of the Common-wealth AS he is counted no good Gardiner that being content with things present dooth diligently proine his old trees and hath no regard either to impe or graffe yong fettes because the selfe-same Orcharde though it be neuer so well trimmed must needes decaye in time and all the Trees dye within fewe yeares Euen so he is not to be accounted halfe a diligent Citizen that being content with the present multitude of Citizens hath no regard to encrease the number by lawfull Matrimony Mercie LIke as he that is without compassion in beholding an other mans wounds shall haue no bodie to pitie him if at any time he be hurt himselfe Euen so he that with pitie doth raise vp his neighbour being fallen shall haue many to relieue and comfort him if he himselfe fall into any calamitie Iam. 2.13 Mat. 5.7 Rom. 12.8 Prou. 3.3 4. 14.22 31. 16.6 19.17 The Miserie of worldlings 1 LIke as we see the Mules of Princes go all the day long loaden with treasure and couered with faire cloathes but at night shaken off into a sorrie stable much brused and gauled with the carriage of those treasures Euen so rich men that passe through this world loaden with gold and siluer and do gaull greatly their soules in carriage thereof are dispoyled of their burthen at the day of death and are turned off with their wounded consciences to the loathsome stable of hell and damnation 2 As we be iustly moued to pitie by beholding the momentany miseries of men and the distressed state of their bodies being consumed with sores and sicknesse and euen at deaths doore Euen so much more ought we to be grieued at the most fearfull state of worldlings for the eternall miserie of their soules not dying but being alreadie cleane dead in sinne and yet liuing in that state which leadeth to vnspeakable torment and the hotte burning furnace of the wrath of God Mercies of God 1 AS a riuer continueth running still Euen so the Mercies of God do daily light on the faithfull 2 As the ryuer hath a swift course So the Mercies of God helpe at a pinch Psal 46.1 c. 3 As a ryuer is deepe Euen so the Mercies of God are great neither can the bottome of them be sought out of any man 4 And as the ryuer hath this propertie as hath also all other water to binde and therfore doth not the earth dissolue because as the Phylosopher saith the water bindeth it in Euen so the Mercies of God do bind vs vnto himself or else we should dissolue and become Sathans sinke and puddle 5 As a begger will neuer goe foorth a begging vntill such time as hee can haue prouision or maintenance at home So wee will neuer come to Christ for Mercie so long as we see any goodnesse in our selues Psal 32.4 6 As a sparke of fire is in comparison able to drie vp all the water in the Sea Euen so no more is all the wickednesse of man vnto the Mercies and mercifulnesse of God 7 As no man is so thankfull for health as he that hath beene in continuall sicknesse So no man feeleth the Mercie of God that is not truly humbled in his owne sight Mans nature to be mortified 1 AS the seede of right Artichoke if the point of it bee not broken bringeth foorth the prickley Artichoke or Thistle So the best Mans child if his corrupt nature be not mortified wil bring forth nothing but vngodlinesse 2 Knecholme growing of it selfe bringeth forth fruit but being planted it bringeth foorth none But Mans nature if it bee suffered to grow of it selfe is vnfruitfull but beeing planted in Christ becommeth fruitfull in good workes 3 The superfluous moysture of Elecampane beeing dried vp it commeth fittest to his full vertue and is hot in the third degree but though the superfluitie of euill bee mortified in vs yet wee our selues will neuer come to our first perfection except we be quickned by Gods spirit c. A Mind troubled 1 LIke as a great and deepe wound cannot bee touched with ones hand thogh neuer so softly but with some griefe to the partie Euen so a troubled wayward Mind hard to please thinketh scorne of euery thing and is offended with the least word spoken 2 As the sicke-man cannot away with the sight of his wife blameth the Physition is grieued at his friend that comes to visite him yet being gone is displeased againe at their departure Euen so is the wauering way and trade of life and the wandering and inconstant mutabilitie of the Mind which seldome doth arriue at the quiet and desired port and hauen 3 Euen as they are queasie stomacked and are disquieted with vomiting doo leape from one Ship to an other that they might find some ease thereby vntill they perceiue themselues nothing the better but yet doo the same still that they did before carrying their vomite as we may say still about with them where euer they goe So in like manner they which euer anon choose now one and now an other trade of life doo rather entangle themselues in cares troubles of a discontented Mind then be discharged and rid there from 4 As it sometime falleth out that one receiueth an iniurie is grieued and studieth to reuenge an other beeing author of a wrong reioyceth at other mens harmes and fecks to keepe him stil vnder whom he hath once opprest Euen so is the Minde it selfe at warre with it selfe and through contrarie repugnant affections is rent and in a manner torne in peeces Magistrates dutie to their subiects 1 AS that medicine is more to bee allowed which healeth the parts of a mans body then that which vtterly burneth away the same So is that Magistrate more to be praysed which by correction causeth euill doers to amend then hee which by death and execution vtterly taketh the same away 2 As God is aboue all men the soule more excellent then the body and the kingdome of heauen more precious then earthly treasures So likewise doth the chiefe principall end of the Magistrates charge and office consist in the establishing and maintaining of the puritie of doctrine in the holy ministerie seruice of God the holy administration of the sacraments the inuocation of Gods name the order of Ecclesiasticall Discipline Rom. 13.4 1. Chro. 15.1 22.6 2. Chro. 14.3 c. 15.8 c. 17.6 c. 29.1 c.
Gene. 21.14 11 As the virgin Marie wept so sore for the death of her Son Iesus as though her tender heart had bene stabd and pearst through with a sharpe sword Euen so there is nothing in the world that ought to cause vs to bee more sorrowfull then this that Christ beeing blessed in himselfe â—as cursed for vs being exalted in himselfe was imbased for vs being iustified in himselfe was condemned for vs being a liue in himselfe was dead for vs. 12 As a Ship being neither too heauily burdened nor â—o lightly balaÌ„ced feareth neither waues nor winds but sayleth safely to the hauen So wee beeing neither too heauie for our owne sinnes and miseries nor too light for Christs mercie but ioyning Weepe not for me but weepe for your selues Luk. 23.28 Both together shall neither bee drowned with waues of desperation nor puffed vp with the winds of presumption but we shall sayle safely in the Arke of Noah vpon the sea of this world till we arriue at the hauen of all happinesse in heauen 13 As a Father pittieth his owne child and if hee see him crie doth what hee can to still him and takes out his hand-kercher and wipes the infants eyes himselfe Euen so after the same fashion God our heauenly Father will with his owne holy finger wipe away all teares from our eyes and take vs most louingly by the hand and leade vs out of the house of Mourning into the house of mirth then though we haue sowne in teares yet wee shall reape in ioy Psal 103.13 Reue. 7.17 Psal 126.5 Naturall thing AS the salte water being for drinke vnprofitable yet susteineth and beareth vp the Ship better then the sweete which for drinke is more apt and meete So euerie Naturall thing hath his owne vse whervnto if it bee applied then it worketh his effect Good Name 1 AS fire once kindled is soone preserued but beeing extinct it is not easie to kindle the same againe So is it easie to defend a good Name but if it be once blotted and lost hardly shall we restore it againe 2 As the Lord by the eight commaundement bindeth our hands as it were with a manacle or hand shackle from stealing robbing or any wayes diminishing of our neighbours goods So also by the ninth Commaundement he bridleth our tongue that we should not hurt or impaire the good Name credit or estimation of our brethren but by loue to vphold and maintaine the same Prou. 22.1 Eccle. 7.3 3. As a precious Oyntment being poured foorth casteth out spreadeth abroad a sweete a fragrant and an oderiferous smâ—ll far and neare Euen so the good Name and fame of such Christians as are annoynted with the holy Ghost dooth cast out and spread it selfe farre and neare very sweete to the nosthrils of the Almightie and verie delightfull to the members of Christ Cant. 1.2 1. Ioh. 2.20 27. Noble men and housholders 1 LIke as the Sunne in the Firmament giueth light to all the regions round about him and by his bright appearing expelleth the darknesse comforteth and cheareth the world So likewise should Noble men Magistrates Gentlemen Ministers and housholders labour to banish sinne and corrupt Religion and bee a lanthorne of godly life to comfort and shine to others that they might direct their liues after their good ensamples Phil. â— 15 Math. 5.16 2 As Cyprian let no day passe without reading of Tertullian nor Alexander without reading of Homer nor finally Appelles without some line proportioned So is it meete that no degrees should loose any opportunitie or occasion graunted to the meditation of Christian Religion but rather being taught by the example of the Emperour Constantine would repose their whole study in the word of God Deut. 17.19 20. Iosu 1.8 Psal 1.2 Deut. 3.11 12 13. Neglect of heauen for earthly things LIke as if a Golden game of inestimable value should bee proposed for such as would run could win the same and when the course or race were begunne if some should step aside and followe after flies or feathers that passed in the ayre without any regard of the prize and gole proposed who would not maruaile and take pittie of their folly Euen so is it with men of the world who are placed together in a course or race and that the kingdome of heauen is propounded vnto vs for the game or prize but few endeuour to enter therein and why For that most men doo step aside and leaue the marke Most men doo run awry and doo follow feathers vp downe in the ayre most men doo pursue vanities and hunt after pleasures and doo wearie themselues therewith vntill they can neither runne nor goe nor mooue their limmes any further and then for the most part it is too late to amend their folly 1. Cor. 9.24 25 26 27. Psal 4.2 3. Iere. 2.13 18. The Name profiteth none in whome vertue is n◠〈…〉 1 AS neither they yearely reuenueâ—â—or the glorious titles and Names â—â—â—â—cessors and to discend of noble parentage maketh men noble and renowmed indeed vnlesse they themselues be godly honest and wise Euen so neither the godly Names no nor yet the faith and vertue of Fathers auaileth wicked and vngodly children any thing at all vnlesse they repent and become faithfull as their Fathers were Iohn 8.39 Math. 3. â— Gal. 3.7 2 Like as those children which are named and called by and after any of the names of Patriarkes Prophets Apostles or by the Name of other Saints man or woman are not any thing the better because they haue such godly and Christian Names vnlesse that they doo immitate and follow them in faith vertue and godly behauiour Euen so on the other side they that be not called by such Christian Names as are mentioned in the sacred Scriptures are not in respect of their Names any thing the worse hauing an assured faith in the merites of Christ his death passion and bloud-shedding and leading their liues agreeable to the same Iosua 10.3 Daniel 1.7 To what ende proper Names were giuen vs in baptisme LIke as infants in times past amongst our auncestors had their Names giuen them when they were Circumcised to this end that the Circumcised might be admonished by the calling by their Names at what time and place they had their Names giuen them and should thinke that they are written in the number of the children of God and ioyned in league with him and made partakers of the couenant So after the same maner must we remember that haue had proper Names giuen vnto vs at our baptisme for this vse and end both to distinguish betwixt man and man and also to put vs in mind that we are by grace adopted to bee the Sonnes of God and receiued into his fauour and therefore that wee are Gods owne and as it were his goods and riches as they which beare his Name as proper vnto him Luk. 1.59 2.21 Wicked Neighbours LIke as Thornes cannot be touched nor handled except mens
good part and doo of his owne free will although shee had spoken nothing thereof and when shee knoweth what her husbands will is in things shee gladly talketh with him thereof and accordingly as shee seeth him disposed to doo shee will often desire him to doo it Euen so the godly Christians which vnfainedly loue God in that they know his wisedome and will is best cannot forbeare but often pray and talke with him and desire him to doo that which he knoweth is best and which they know also he would do if none should aske or pray for the same 8 As Rebecca when two twinnes stroue in her wombe was troubled and said why am I so Wherefore she went to aske the Lord namely by some Prophet So when we feele this inward fight betwixt the fleshe and the spirit the best thing is to haue recourse to God by Prayer Gene. 25.22 9 As the children of Israel by compassing the Citie of Ierico seuen dayes by sounding Rams hornes ouerturned the walls thereof So by serious Prayer and inuocation of Gods name the spirit is confirmed and the Turrets and Towers of the rebellious flesh battered Ios 6.34 Math. 26.41 1. Pet. 4.7 10 As the preaching of the word serues to declare and to conuey vnto vs Gods graces Euen so in Prayer wee come to haue a liuely feeling of the same in our hearts for it is the key whereby we open the treasures of God and pull downe his mercies vpon vs. Psal 106.23 Ephe. 6.18 11 Like as if a man be to come before an earthly Prince he will order himselfe in apparell gesture and word that hee may doo all things in seemelinesse and dutifull reuerence Euen so much more are Christians to order themselues when they are to appeare before the liuing God in Prayer Eccle. 5.1 12 As a child cannot without blushing call him Father whom he cares not continually to displease through his lewd conditions neither can his Father delight in such a child Euen so with what face dare any man in Prayer call God his Father whome hee makes no conscience to offend and displease most rebelliously by word and deed 13 As that Citie which is not fenced with Wals may be easily brought vnder subiection of the enemie because it wanteth that which should withstand the force and encounters of the enemie So likewise the diuell will easily bring our soules in subiection vnto him and with no great paines lead them to all kind of lewdnesse vnlesse they be fenced by often and feruent Prayer vnto God 14 Like as the Sunne giues light to the body So Prayer giueth light to the mind for as it is daungerous for a man neuer to see the Sunne So it is much more perillous for a Christian man neuer to pray 15 As trees bring foorth no fruit vnlesse they receiue Sap and nourishment from the rootes Euen so wee can neuer increase in godlinesse vnlesse we bee continually watred by our Prayers 16 As theeues and robbers beholding a man florish his sword about his eares will not then set vpon him Euen so the wicked spirits seeing vs fenced by our Prayers will straightway giue backe and leaue vs vnassaulted 17 As waues of water are tossed and carried away by force of wind So likewise hee that prayeth without faith must needs be carried of euery forcible affection therefore cannot looke to obtaine his petitions Iam. 1.6 7. 18 As women preuaile with men in their suits by great importunitie Euen so godly Christians by Prayer without ceasing do obtaine their requests of God Luk. 18.3 7. 19 Like as the poore Captiue is alwayes creeping to the prison doore often labouring to get off his bolts and fetters and to escape out of prison So likewise must wee alwayes creepe to the Lord for his spirit by Prayer to free vs out of this bondage and prison of sinne and corruption and euerie day come nearer the prison doore looking when our blessed Sauiour will vnbind vs of all the fetters of sinne and Sathan and fully erect his kingdome in vs. 20 As a Mother that carrieth her child in her armes if it crie for the Dugge and suckes the same it is aliue but beeing obserued many dayes together if it neither crie nor stirre it is dead So in like manner it is an vnfallible note of a true child of God to crie to his Father in heauen by Prayer but hee that neuer crieth nor feeleth himselfe stirred vp to make his mone to God is in a miserable case and he may well be thought to bee but a dead child 21 Like as we see green wood lying in the fire sobbing and smoaking long before it wil burne Euen so no doubt all Gods children doo feele a strife and combat in their spirits in many of their Prayers Esay 38.41 c. 22 Like as euery Fencer or florisher proueth not a valiant and couragious man when hee commeth to fight in good earnest Euen so no more are those Prayers found effectuall neither can such men speake a word to the purpose when affliction hath laid hold on thē in deed wheras a true Christian neuer sheweth his manhood nor his cunning in this weapon of Prayer more then when he is to fight for life and death and the greater the daunger is with so much the stouter courage is he endued Psal 32.6 23 As he that truly loueth delighteth in nothing more then in the often talking conference with him whom he loueth Euen so where there is true and vnfained loue vnto God there is a burning desire by often Prayer to talke with God so as no perill nor danger no not of losse of life can stay or hinder it as may appeare by Daniel Dan. 6.10 24 As the more wood is laid on the fire the greater is the flame So likewise is the continuall talking with God by Prayer a great increasing of our loue towards him as on the contrarie the seldomer we common with him by Praier the more doth our loue towards him from time to time abate slake vntil in the end it be cleane quenched 25 As a certaine kind of Serpent when hee commeth to drinke doth vomit vp al his poyson So a godly Christian when he commeth to pray must banish and cast away all anger malice and hatred of his heart 26 Like as the Ship with prosperous wind is speedily carried in her course So our Praier is more profound and is better hard when our minds are feruent with some desire Psal 17.1 27 As Elizeus did cast salt into the waters of Iericho to make them sweete So must wee salt and season our Prayers with teares to make them fauorie and delightsome to God 2. King 2.21 28 Like as if men of great and loftie spirits who to God are as silly wormes creeping on the earth stand so much vpon their reputation that as it is recorded of the Senatours of Rome in old time they thinke it a great disgrace vnto them that any man
treasures The yron one is the viler but yet it is the better Euen so such a King is our God and such an house is that heauenly habitation of his Saints wherein are inestimable treasures endlesse ioyes and vnspeakable good things which are worthier and more excellent then man is able to expresse 2. Cor. 2.9 All which heauenly treasures God hath promised to all them that shall enter into his holy hill or house of Saints The golden key which the most part of this world do choose and trust too that they may enter into heauen is worldly wealth and aboundance of riches ioyned with couetousnesse which will neuer open the Lords house where are kept his celestiall and inestimable treasures but that key doth open a foule and vile house of this world which is full of all filthinesse abhominations The yron key is spiritual Pouertie against the which the kingdome of heauen is neuer shut but standeth euer wide open to all them that bring with them that key Math. 5.3 Therfore let vs make no account of the golden key but let vs for Christ and his kingdome forsake and dispose the deceitfull riches of this world which are desired and sought for farre and neare by Sea and land with daungers and losse of the bodies and soules of many thousands as though men could bribe God for their sinnes and purchase heauen with their worldly trifles and let vs without murmuring and grudging with all patience of heart and mind beare and imbrace Pouertie and al those crosses and afflictions which vnto the world seeme bitter and intollerable of which kind very many doo happen in the life of men Let vs earnestly seeke after the riches of the Lords kingdome and euerlasting life for they be stable and permanent and let vs not set our hearts and affections on this world for it waxeth old and rotten it staggereth is ruinous and ready to fall Iob. 21.13 Prou. 11.4 Posteritie degenerating EVen as thicke and blacke cloudes doo obscure and darken the bright and glittering starres So degenerating Posterities and such as bee polluted and blemished with treacherie and iniquitie doo dishonour their auncestors and doo extinguish the cleare light of their noble vertues and doo put vppon them the vgly darksomnesse of their owne vices that although they be noble men by birth and discent yet they fall into obliuion and by little and little are quite forgotten Outward Professors are often hypocrites EVen as many men are much delighted with Musicke and will most gladly heare Musitions make songs of the noble acts and singular vertues of many men but neuer care to imitate one vertue of a thousand which they heare with prayses extolled vnto the skies So very many men in these our dayes are outwardly very forward to heare Sermons and the word preached and as Ananias will bee willingly to see too at some cost to maintaine Preachers and all is in many but meere hypocrisie to please their owne humours with straunge and new matter with some Logicke Rethoricke and brauerie of wordes which they looke for without any purpose to frame their liues after such doctrine as the Preacher deliuereth Gods mercie in his Promises 1 LIke as if I owe to a Creditor vpon a very formall bill a hundred pounds he will not to the end to enduce me to pay the same faithfully Promise to giue me tenne times so much more yet thus dooth God deale with vs who is so wonderfull in his goodnesse that hee vouchsafeth to Promise vs so many benefites if wee amend our liues that is to say if we performe the thing whereto wee are alreadie bound 2 If he that is free bindeth himselfe to serue an other then it is reason that his Maister shuld Promise him some wages and reward for his seruice But wee are not free but alreadie bound to serue our God yet doth hee Promise vs great benefits if we imploy our selues faithfully in his seruice by amending our liues Preaching killeth sinne AS the Walles of Iericho did fall downe flat at the sound of the Trumpets and the shouts of the people Euen so sinne and wickednesse will fall flat downe and decay in the people when Ministers shall faithfully and carefully execute their office by diligent preaching and Catechising Iosu 6.20 Esay 58.1 Hose 5.8 Prosperitie argueth not a man to hee saued and contrariwise c. AS Haukes of the best kind whiles they liue are highly esteemed and much made off and are daintily fed and tenderly looked vnto and are carried vpon the fistes of great and mightie men but when they be dead they are throwne out vpon the dunghill and on the other side the Partridge when shee liueth is troubled afflicted and pursued of all euerie Carter and Ploughman is readie to fall vpon her to do her violence and to kill her but when shee is dead shee is brought to the tables of Princes and is very honourably set before them So very many that in this life are counted very famous and notable men and do lead their liues in great Prosperitie worldly wealth and haue all things at their wills and pleasures when they remooue hence and depart this life they shall be hurled vpon that most foule and filthie dunghill of hell to bee tormented in the stinch and abhomination for euer But others which in this life are encumbred tormented and afflicted with diuers and sundrie calamities and euen for their vertues sake are hated of the wicked and contemned of the world when they shall depart out of this life they shall bee brought and presented before the Lord with great honour and placed with the King of heauen in euerlasting glorie that is full of honour and full of vnspeakable ioyes 2 As the skilfull Physition dooth giue to a patient of whose recouerie he dispaireth all things that hee requireth but he denieth many things to him of whose health hee hath good hope So God many times bestoweth his blessings of worldly things vpon the reprobate when hee for diuers respects refuseth to giue them to the godly The Passion of Christ to be reuerenced AS he which reioyceth when an other hath killed the kings Sonne is conuinced also to bee partaker of the treason So he which is glad off doth not speake reuerently of Christs Passion is guiltie of it Long escaping of Punishment a hinderance that many doo not repent AS an old Theefe that hath stolen a long time and escapeth both prison and gallowes is animated and encouraged more boldly to proceed in his wickednesse thinking hee shall so alwayes escape So many filthie and loose liuers goe forward in their abhominations without repentance thinking that because God doth not incontinently punish them and shew some manifest iudgement and signe of his wrath vpon them therefore they shall be acquited for altogether Whereas contrariwise if God should by and by strike them downe as soone as they had sinned by thundering vpon one and lightning vpon an other and raining fire
of a good kind ordereth his going so well that though he haue run ouer many fields and through a thousand thickets already yet he neuer remembreth any labour which is behind but forgetteth it and if he chance to lap water in some brooke by the way yet euen while he lappeth hee lifteth vp his head and still goeth on plieth him forwards to his game So must we doo in this pursute of Perfection seeing Christ hath now sprinkled all the way betweene heauen and earth with his bloud and so hath made it a freshe and a liuing way therefore wee which haue noses like the Tower of Lebanon must as Bloud-hounds trace him by the foote and runne after him in the smell of his oyntments and hunt hotly vpon his fresh and liuing way with a fresh and liuely faith and though we haue gone very farre and done a thousand good deedes alreadie yet we must alwayes forget that which is behind till wee haue gotten if not the childrens bread yet at the least wise some little crum of mercie that falles from our maisters table some litle drop of blood that falls from our Lords side which will be sufficient to make vs perfect men in Christ Hebr. 1â— 20 Cant. 1.4 25 Euen as that altar of perfume was placed not in any common roome or in any odde corner of the Tabernacle but in the Sanctuary it selfe somewhat beyond the vaile close to the golden Censer verie neare the mercy feate So a Christian heart which is a spiritual altar of perfume and of a sweet sauour to God must daily endeuour it selfe to that which is before and stil more more aspire to heauenly things and alwayes nearer and nearer approach vnto Perfection and vnto the throne of grace and continually higher and higher aduaunce itselfe to him that is the highest and holiest of all Exod. 36.6 Heb. 9.4 2. Cor. 2.15 26 As the Israelites so soone as they had pitched in Mithkah which signifies sweetnesse by and by remoued their Tents from Chashmonah which signifies swiftnesse So we must ioyne sweetnesse and swiftnesse both together and assoone as we haue tasted and seene how sweete the Lord is presently we must remooue our Tents from thence and follow hard and runne not only sweetly but also swiftly in the way of peace which leadeth vnto Perfection and life Num. 33.26 27 As a Pomegranate hath many graines within him in his case and a little rounde circle or a crowne without him vpon his head now these graines being sweete in taste and red in colour are orderly set one by another and point vp or as it were looke vp altogether to the crowne So in like manner we which are plantes of the Church as an Oâ—chaâ—dâ— of Promegranaâ—es must growe and goe on still to Perfection not onely when we enioy the sweete taste of pleasant prosperitie but also when we beare the redde colour of bloudie persecution and consenting in a kinde of conformitie and perfect peace and vnitie one with another we must point vp altogether with the finger of faith to Christ and looke vp continually with the eye of lone to our head who by being first crossed is now come to be crowned with honour and glorie 28 As Iacob wrastled all the night long and neuer gaue oâ—er till about the breaking of the day that he was called Israel So likewise we must wrastle all the night long of this life and neuer giue ouer till the day breake and the shadowes flie away and we come to the maruellous light and sight of God by Perfection Gene. 32.24 Mar. 13.35 Cant. 4.6 29 As Ioseph signifieth encreasing and Aramathia signifieth getting the reward So we must alwaies encrease and goe on still to attaine Perfection till we get the reward 30 Like as they which runne their Horses for a wager spurre them hardest at the races ende So seeing our saluation is nearer now then euer it was therefore we must runne faster then euer we did especially because the very Horse and Mule and diuers other bruite beasts which haue no vnderstanding though they haue bene neuer so much wearied tyred before yet when they come neare home they will mend their pace And therefore the more to blame should we be if hauing trauelled thus far alreadie in the way to Perfection and being come by this time almost to our iournies end we should now go no further when indeed we ought if it be possible to runne much faster to our euerlasting home in heauen 31 As the holy Angels blush and holde downe their heads when they see vs stumble or trippe neuer so litle So on the other side they shoute and clappe their hands when they see vs runne chearfully in a good course and come away a pace to Perfection 32 Euen as a royall King when one of his Nobles returnes home which hath in a forraine Countrey by chiualrie or feates of armes or other like excellent parts atchieued and gotten great renowme to his Realme presently sendeth for him to his Court and in open audience giueth him words of grace and aduaunceth him to hie preferments and honour So Christ our most magnificent King immediately vpon our arriuall and entrance into heauen but of the forraine Countrey of this world will reach forth vnto vs his holie hand conducting vs to the eternall Tabernacles of rest and as for all the prayers that we haue made all the teares that we haue shead all the almes that we haue giuen all the other exercises of Christian life that we haue performed though neuer so secretly in this pursuite of Perfection he will openly reward them and most gloriously crowne them when all the host of Angels shall triumph for our corronation and the blessed Saints shall thinke themselues more perfect for our Perfection and all the Court of heauen shall applaude our prayses and God himselfe shall say Amen to our felicities 33 As they which by the counsell of Hefiodus doe often adde small things to small and so at last become rich So he which groweth in vertue more and more at last becommeth perfect Priuate men and women may greatly further the Chuch 1 AS women did worke diuers things for the Tabernacle in the dayes of Moses Or as the Temple was not built but by men of all sorts in the time of Salomon and the walles of Ierusalem vnder the guiding of Nehemiah So may Priuate men very much further the building of the spirituall Temple which is the congregation of Christ Exod. 35.25 1. King 5. Nehem. 3. Iosh 24.15 Act. 10.2 7. Gene. 14.14 18.19 Rom. 16. toto Iere. 35.1 c. 2 As out of Abraham Isaac and Iacobs house sprang forth the Churches of the Iewes So the glorious congregations of the Gentiles in like manner beganne in the families of Priuate men For as seruants well nurtured may adorne the doctrine of God our Sauior in all things Tit. 2.10 and husbands obeying not the word may without the word be wonne by
the cōuersation of the wiues 1. Pet. 3.1 Euen so much more may the maister of the family do vnto God and his Church honourable seruice not only by sanctifying his house by the word of faith but also by hauing alwayes in a readinesse verie notable matter to further the building of Gods dwelling place 2. Timo. 1.5 3.15 Act. 16.1 3 As the disorder of one Priuate family namely of one Micha of Ephraim was an occasion that Idolatry did spread thorow the whole Tribe of Dan and so continued many yeares Iudg. 17 18. Chap. Euen so contrarily Gideon being stirred vp by the goodnesse of God to the reformation of one meane family in Manasseh was the cause of a very great deliuerance to the whole natiō from most mightie and cruell enemies and most abhominable Idolatrie for the space of fortie yeares Iudg. 6 7. 8. chap. Curious Questions to be auoyded 1 AS it is sufficient for one that would bee heated or warmed by the fire that hee stand neare it for if hee put his hand into it he shall surely bee burned So they that presume to dispute and Question about God about hell c. further then the word reuealeth falleth into blasphemie and so into hell fire 2 As a boysterous noyse or hidious sound grieueth the hearing ouer aboundance of meate noyeth the stomacke grieuous burthens bee wearisome to the bearer continuall raine hurteth the earth and ouermuch of any thing is noysome and hurthfull So doo difficult Questions quickly ouercharge weake and meane wits Rashnesse to be eschued especially of the godly 1 AS hee that is soonest wearied that knoweth not how far his iourney is So worketh hee and goeth about his businesse with tediousnesse till repentance ouertaketh him who well knoweth not the estate and manner thereof before 2 As the enemie lying neare the Walles is the cause why the Citie dooth watch and take diligent heed So when your enemie diligently waite and marke you then will you doo nothing Rash or void of reason Resurrection of all at the latter day 1 LIke as at the last day the bodies of the righteous and faithfull shall rise againe vnto immortalitie glorie and honor the greatnesse wherof the eye hath not seene nor the eare heard nor the hart of man conceiued So the vnrighteous and reprobate shall rise againe with their very bodies vnto euerlasting shame and both body soule shall goe into hell with the diuell and his Angels there to abide euerlastingly Esay 66.24 Mark 9.44 Math. 25.30.46 Ioh. 5.28 29. Act. 24.15 2. Cor. 5.10 Dan. 12.3 Reue. 20.13 2. Pet. 2.4 5 6. 2 Like as the vngodly in this word haue with their bodies taken their owne pleasure ioy and delight Euen so in the life to come they shall be plagued and punished with euerlasting paine and torments in the same bodies 3 Like as when we see seed sowne to putrifie and corrupt we are yet in good hope that it will spring vp againe with fruit for vnlesse it be dissolued it cannot rise againe So in like manner we must hope of our owne bodies being buried when we see their corruption yet wee must then bee most certainely perswaded that they shall rise againe for death doth not so much waste the body as the corruption of it Act. 16.8 1. Cor. 15.1 2 3 4. c. Ioh. 5.28 11.24 Act. 24.15 Repentance 1 LIke as if a Noble man or Gentlemans seruant were for committing of treasony fellony or murder condemned and going to the place of execution his Lord or Maister of meere fauour and good wil should not only by suit to her Maiesty procure a pardon for his life and so deliuer him from that villainous death which for his deserts he had worthily deserued but also should adopt and take him for his Sonne heire shuld this fellow after this his deliuerance goe and say I will now be idle take my pleasure and follow mine owne phantasie and neuer endeuor to please or pleasure my Lord or maister but rather I will seeke to hurt displease him euerie way that I can What shall wee say in this case Be not these most wicked and desperate words And doth not such a fellow deserue most grieuous punishmēts Euen so the like say they who either by word or deed say that Christ hath redeemed vs by his death hath purchased for vs forgiuenesse of sins righteousnesse and so deliuered vs from hell and made vs the Sonnes of God and heires of heauen wherefore wee will stand like idle persons or rather doo more wickednesse and liue as we list c. Christ our Sauiour doubtlesse died not for such nor satisfied for their offences no nor yet merited heauen for them to the end that they should spend their dayes in Idlenesse and heape sinne vppon sinne and become altogether wicked but that they seeing his great loue and how greatly sinne displeased him seeing hee was willing to redeeme them from sinne Sathan death and hell should no more commit sinne but loue honour and obey him thanke him put their trust in him and worke vertuous and good works plenteously not as bond seruants to escape hell for so much as Christ hath deliuered them neither yet thereby to winne heauen which he by his passion hath purchased for them but as naturall Sonnes for the glorie of God mooued thereto by motion of the holy Ghost and by faith and loue For godly Christians doo vndoubtedly feare to sinne so much more then the wicked doth by how much more they know that God dooth in this present life punish his legitimate children more then bastards Rom. 6.4 Gal. 5.14.2 Timo. 2.19 Tit. 2.11 c. Luk. 1.75 Eph. 1.4 2.10 1. Pet. 1.15 1. Pet. 4.17 18. Iere. 25.12 Iona. 1.12 2 As for examble like as if an Astrologer should tel an ambicious Cardinall that he should bee Pope although he did put an vndoubted trust therein yet for all that hee would not be idle but would vse all meanes possible to attaine and come to that dignitie Euen so the children of God the surer they are that Christ hath redeemed them so much the more they vnderstand the great good will of God towards them and therefore they are alway forced more and more by Repentance and godly conuersation of life to make certaine vnto themselues the knowledge of their election and redemption in Christ 2. Pet. 1.10 3 Like as the fire without heate or warmth is no true fire So is it a cleare matter that faith without Repentance is no true faith Luk. 19.8 23.40 41 42. Act. 2.37 19.18 19. 4 As it is the nature of some cloth if it bee stayned when it is wet the staine will seeme to bee easily washed out but being drie it will appeare againe Euen so some men thinke that they haue Repented when they haue done it to halfes and therefore they are to repent againe as those that breake out of prison are brought thither
and if they would yet God accepts them not but casts them away 4 Like as we know that in any common danger or perill as the sacking of a Citie or burning of an house if a man haue any pretious Iewell therein he will first fetch that out and make choyse of a faithfull friend to whose custodie he will commit the same Euen so in common perils and daungers we must alwayes remember to commit our Soules as a most precious Iewell into the hands of God who is a faithfull Creator Psal 31.5 Luk. 23.46 Act. 7.59 5 Euen as a little Bird shut vp in a Cage although it be very precious and costly and be made of Cedar Iuorie or Gold yet shee desireth to goe out and striueth to haue her libertie and in her eager and earnest desire to be gon shee doth oftentimes thrust her bill through the loupes of the Cage So likewise the Soule of a vertuous man inflamed with an vnfained loue of God beeing shut vp and holden in the coupe of his body although hee abound with all necessaries fit for the preseruation of this temporall life yet most earnestly desire to depart hence and to goe to his Counrie which is heauen 2. Cor. 5.2 Phil. 1.23 6 As the Soule hath a heauenly and the body an earthly beginning So the Soule is immortall and not suffering corruption the body is mortall and corruptible and yet be so ioyned together without confusion that in both remaineth his owne nature 7 As it were great folly to buy a house for the body laying out so much therupon that for want of goods and other maintenance the body so well housed must die for hunger Euen so a man shall get nothing by keeping his goods for to feede cloath the body which is the house of the Soule and in the meane time suffer the Soule to pine away and to die for hunger Math. 16.26 8 Like as it grieueth and maketh sorrowfull and expert Ieweller when he beholdeth and seeth those Iewels and precious stones which he with all his wit industrie and Art hath trimmed and polished to be tumbled and tossed in the foule and filthie fingers of children and fooles who neither knowing them nor esteeming them do soyle blemish and despise them Euen so our heauenly Father when he seeth our Soules the which hee hath created after his own similitude and likenesse to be in the middest and depth of the corrupted cogitations wicked and beastly thoughts and hellish imaginations of our hearts he taketh it heauily and in euill part Math. 9.4 15.18 Ezech. 11.5 9 As the Soule of Christ was receiued into Paradise the same day that it departed out of the body So also must we thinke of the blessed spirit Soules of the Saints according to the promise made to the theefe Luk. 23.42 Phil. 1. 2. 10 As a body without a Soule is cleane dead and nothing but a filthie loathsome carcasse Euen so the Soule vnlesse it stirre and rayse vp it selfe by prayer is dead and miserable 11 As they that haue healthfull bodies easily endure both cold and heate So they that haue a stayed and setled Soule haue the dominion ouer anger griefe ioy and all other their affections 12 As the body of man by nature is mortall lumpish and heauie delighting in those things which are visible temporall and alwayes of it selfe sinketh down-ward So the Soule being of a celestiall nature violently enforceth her selfe to flie vpward and with al her might striueth and wrastleth continually against the heauie burthen of the earthly body wherein she abideth despising those things which are mortall and onely desiring things permanent and immortall 13 Like as a man comforteth his earthly corruptible body with bread and meate when it is hungrie and with ale beere or wine when it is thirstie Euen so dooth the Soule of man when the lawsheweth to her her faults and eternall damnation and the dreadful iudgements of God for her offences comfort her selfe in her great hunger and thirst beleeuing that Almightie God hath forgiuen his sinnes for Christes sake 14 Euen as a man who by chance is fallen into a deepe drie pit far from succour cannot by any meanes possible help him selfe out vnlesse some man come with some ladder or other instrument to helpe him our desireth to bee deliuered out of the pit but by his owne wit he cannot tel how Euen so the Soule of man desireth to bee deliuered out of the sorrowful agony of death hell and damnation but she cannot tell how otherwise then by the righteousnesse of Christ Psal 42.1 2. Iohn 7.37 Slaunder 1 AS the hayres of the beast Tarandrus is not to be pearsed with any weapon So some men are such as are neuer hurt with Slaunder or reproach 2 Like as the Camelion can chaunge himselfe into all colours saue white Euen so the Slaunderer can frame his tongue to speake anything saue for his neighbors credit but that he can as hardly be induced vnto as the Leopard to chaunge his spots the Blacke-amore his skinne or the Bricke his colour 3 As the good name is to be much more esteemed then siluer So the wound of Slaunder defamation is almost incurable so that a mā may better beware of such as steale his goods then of the Slaunderer backbiter that taketh away his good name Numb 16. 1. c. 2. Sam. 16.3 Hest 3.8 1. Sam. 24.1 c. 2. Sam. 15. 1. c. Ioh. 7.20 Math. 11.19 4 As when a wound is cured there remaineth a scarce So against a Slaunder howsoeuer a man purge iustifie himselfe yet will there stil remaine an euill opinion at the least in some Psal 101.5 1. Cor. 4.6 6.10 5 Like as Cham the Father of the Canaanites hauing seene the shame of his Father Noah and in lieu of couering it hauing shewed it to his brethren was accursed both he and his posteritie by the mouth of his owne Father Euen so they who knowing the frailtie faults and infirmities and consequenly the shame and reproach of their brethren where they ought in charitie to couer the same doo neuerthelesse by backbiting and euil speaking lay them open doo well deserue to bee accursed with Cham and called Canaanites Gene. 9.22 Psal 50.19 20 21. Act. 24.5 1. Sam. 21.1 c. Psal 52.2 c. 6 Like as if when sundrie Faggots lie each by other thou shouldest kindle the one and so by degrees burne them all So likewise if he to whom thou hast opened thy mouth to Slaunder and backbite thy brother hath no more hold of his tongue then thou hast of thine so thou hast put into his hand a staffe wherwith by reuealing thy secret to bring thee into brabling and strife and therefore thou oughtest not to reueale that to an other which thou wouldest should be kept secret 7 As in a Country vppon any murther or other heinous trespasse they ring the Towne bell which when other Townes or Villages doo
3 As in fishing when the fishes bee deceiued with the baite haue the Hookes in their mouths men draw them and make them follow whither so euer please them Euen so God withdraweth mightie Tyrantes from executing their deuises and from obtaining their enterprises Threatnings AS sometimes it thundreth without lightning which thunder bringeth most terrour but voide of all daunger So the Threatnings of some doo appeare terrible yet are they voide of all trouble and hurt Esay 37.29 Trade of life 1 AS the Oxe is most apt for the plough the Horse for the carte and the hound for hunting So ought men to chuse that occupation and Trade of life wherunto by nature they are most apt 2 As he which hath no house of his owne wandereth here and there So he which followeth no certaine Trade of life must foolishly assay many sorts and chaunces Thoughts LIke as the Lord requireth an account of euerie idle word Euen so he requireth tribute of wicked lusts Thoughts arrayneth them keepeth a court for them and setteth fines and mercements vppon the heads of them Math. 12.36 Rom. 7.7 Iam. 1.15 Math. 9.4 Temperate LIke as it is in vaine to shut the outter Gates of a Citie if but one bee left open whereat the enemie may enter So it is not enough to bee Temperate in other things that is to haue a firme and moderate gouernment of reason against vicious affections of the mind if we set open our eares vnto ribauldrie and filthie talke Tongue 1 AS ryuers be compassed with banks least they should flow ouer So ought our Tongue to be walled with reason least it should be ouer busie in babling Iam. 3.2 c. 1. Pet. 3.10 2 As beasts and birds by mans industrie are tame Euen so contrariwise the Tongue of man is so vnruely that no man can tame it Iam. 3.7 8. 3 As a very little fire kindleth neuer so great a heape of matter apt to be kindled Euen so the Tongue setteth the whole course of nature on fire is kinled it selfe of hell Iam. 3.5 6. 4 As a sharpe Rasour with the least touch that can be shaueth and cutteth So dooth also the Tongue of a mischieuous lying man Psal 52.2 5 As a Ship though neuer so great and huge is turned about with a verie small Rudder Euen so the Tongue though it be a small member oftentimes ouer-ruleth the whole bodie and setteth it out of course Iam. 3.4 6 As it is vnpossible that a Figge-tree should be able to bring forth Oliues or a Vine Figges So it cannot be that that Tongue which is giuen to euil speaking and slaundering should be able to bring foorth any good thing not defiled with the venim of the Tongue and the heart Iam. 3.11 12. 7 As Fire Chaffe and Stubble being added vnto it or any thing apt to burne will burne it cleane vp yea if Townes if Cities yea the whole world be added therto it will burne them vp all So likewise if words be added to the Tongue then backbiting slaundering swearing lying c. it will at the last set whole Kingdomes on fire Talke 1 AS the Musitian with the soft striking of strings doth please vs So the Talke that is gentle dooth sooner perswade then that which is rigorous and extreame 2 As the East wind is accounted neither good for man nor beast Euen so Talke and words that profit not are not wont to proceed from the wise Iob. 15.2 3. 3 As the sauour of stinking carrion is noysom to them that smel it So is the speech of fooles tedious to wise men that heare it 4 As a Vessell is knowne by the sound whether it be whole or broken So are men prooued by their speech whether they be wise or foolish Two natures in the personall vnion of Christ LIke as in that one person of Christ there be Two natures So there is a dubble will working wisedome strength power vertue c. the one heauenly and not created the other humane and created Luk. 2.52 Mar. 11.13 13.32 1. Iohn 2.1 17. Iohn 2.25 6.64 5.20 Heb. 1.9 Iohn 1.33 4.6 Heb. 1.3 Iohn 2.19 10.18 Testimonie of the spirit in the elect AS Marchants being desirous to sell their wares are content to let the buyer see handle and sometimes also taste of the same thereby to induce them to buy Euen so God Almightie willing as it were to sell vs the ioyes of heauen is content to impart a certaine taste before hand to such as he seeth are willing to buy thereby to make them come off roundly with the price and not to sticke in paying so much as he requireth False Teachers AS emptie Cloudes which boast of raine but yet haue none are blowne away with the winde Euen so false and vntrue Teachers who bragge of great things yet they bring not that which they boast off 2. Pet. 2.17 Hose 13.3 Iude. ver 12. Trouble of conscience 1 AS the Angel did say that ther shal be no more death neither sorrow neither crying neither shal there be any more paine So after that we are at peace with God it is most true that there shal be no more Trouble of conscience Reue. 21.14 2 As it is a chiefe point of worldly wisedome not to tarrie for the vse of phisicke vntill we be deadly sicke but to be acquainted with Gods merciful preseruation to defend vs from it So likewise it is a chiefe pollicie of a good Christian not onely to seeke comfort when the agonie and Trouble of Conscience is vpon him but also to vse all good helpes to meet with it before it comes 3 Like as we condemne them of folly who will not as well labour to keep themselues out of debt as also to pay the debt when they owe it So likewise it is a madnesse not to be circumspect to auoyd all occasions which may bring Trouble of minde or Conscience vpon them As also they would be prouident to enter euery good way which may drawe them out of this Trouble when they haue once entered into it Types of truth AS the Rauen was a figure of the Lawe of God which threatned al sinners So the floud was a reuengement sent from Almightie God vpon all offenders Gene. 8.6 c. Trinitie LIke as if three Kings equall in dignitie should meete all in one place being equall also in power and maiestie if all three should sit downe though one be no better then an other yet one of them must needs sit downe the first and another in the second place and then the third but yet we cannot say that he which sat downe first is the chiefest So it is in the Trinitie though none be greater or aboue another yet the Father is in the first place not because he is before the Sonne or the holy Ghost in dignitie or honour but because hee is the fountaine of the Deitie the Sonne being from him and the holy Ghost from them both 2
is carried vpward by the vessel and at the same time goes downward because he walkes downeward in the same vessell at the same instant Euen so the Will of a man regenerate partly willeth and partly nilleth that which is euill because it is partly regenerate and partly vnregenerate Worldly wise men LIke as a woman who hauing so much worke to doo that shee could not tel where to begin sat her downe and left all vndone Euen so Worldly wise men who seeing many things out of order both in Church and Common-wealth and so little hope of any redresse or reformation thereof that they cannot tell which or what to correct or amend first and therefore they leaue sinne vnpunished and let men doo what they list Workes follow faith in euerie good Christian AS in materiall buildings after the foundation is laid ther remaineth the greatest labor time cost cunning diligence to be bestowed vpon the framing furnishing of other parts that must ensue Euen so the heauenly edifice or building of our soule haue laide on the foundation ground of true belief the rest of all our life time labour studies is to be imployed in the perfecting of our life and actions as it were in raising vp the wals and other parts of our spirituall building by the exercise of all vertues and diligent obseruatioÌ„ of Gods commandements without the which it will be to no more purpose for vs to bragge of our faith or knowledge in the scriptures or to say that we haue faith and looke to bee saued as well as other men then it will be to purpose to haue a foundation without a building vpon it Iam. 2.26 Mat. 3.8 Wickednesse and the fruites thereof 1 AS the godly when they die leaue not onely behinde them a good name and fame vnto themselues but also to their kindred Euen so contrariwise the wicked and vngodly when they die leaue not onely a reproach and shame to themselues but also to their kindred Math. 11.39 2 Like as when Grapes be full ripe and readie for the presse then we know that vintage is at hand So likewise when VVickednesse aboundeth Gods vengeance cannot be farre of Ioel. 3.13 Wife AS the glistering beames of the Sunne when it ariseth decketh the heauen So the vertuous dispositions of a good VVife adorneth the house The Workes of the world declare God the workeman thereof 1 AS a prisoner in a dungeon may easily by a litle beam that shineth in at a chinke conceiue there is a Sun from whence that beame descendeth Or as a Trauayler in the wildernesse that falleth vppon some Channell or Brooke may ascend by the same to the VVell or Fountaine Euen so he that beholdeth considereth the wonderfull VVorkes of the world may therby conceiue also the wonderfull Artificer or workeman that made them 2 Like as if a man do passe by sea into some forraine straunge or sauadge Countrey where nothing else but birds and beasts do appeare yet if hee should espie some exquisite building or other worke of Art and reason in the place hee would presently assure himselfe that some men dwelt or had bene in that Countrey for that such things could not be done by beasts or vnreasonable creatures Euen so if we cast our eyes in the view and consideration of the heauens with the Sunne Moone Starres and the rest of the creatures of this world we may then easily iudge that there is a God that hath made all these and so from time preserueth the same Psal 19.1 Iob. 38.4 c. 3 As in a Quiar or company of singers when the foreman hath giuen the first tune or note there cnsueth presently a sweete harmony and consent of all other voyces both great and small sharpe and meane So likewise God in the creation of this world hauing giuen once the first push or motioÌ„ to the highest heauen called the first moueable there ensueth vpon the same al other motions of heauens Planets Elements and other bodies in most admirable order concord and congruitie for conseruatioÌ„ and gouernment of the world 4 Like as if a man that stood a farre off vpon a Mountaine should see in a fielde vnder him a great huge and maine Armie of souldiers most excellent wel appointed eache one in order agreeing with other diuided into Rankes Squadrons Companies and Offices subordinat the one to the other by degrees and yet all rending one way all their faces bent vpon one place all mouing marching turning together all endeuoring with all cheerfulnesse towards the performance of one common seruice by mutuall assistance without dissention or clamour he that should see this as he could not but imagine some generall high Captaine to be among these souldiers whom all obeyed and from whose supreame commaundement and order this most excellent subornation agreement and vnion proceeded Euen so much more vpon consideration of the former coherence consent and miraculous subornation of creatures among themselues in their operations must we inferre that they haue some generall commaunder ouer them all by whose supreame disposition each creature hath his charge and peculiar taske appointed which he must performe for the common and vniuersall seruice of the whole Workes good 1 LIke as when we mingle water with wine in a Cup or in a Glasse that which is powred in there is called wine though water be mingled with it and albeit there be more water then wine yet that which is the more principall and most precious part of all beareth the name Euen so the good Workes which we doo by the grace of God be it that they haue a great many spottes and imperfections as they proceede from vs yet for all that they hold alwayes the name and reputation of him who is the principall author 2 As sweete water issuing out of a pure Fountaine is by a filthy channel made corrupt So likewise Workes of Grace euen the best of them are mixt Workes partly holie and partly sinfull whereby it is euident to a man that hath but common sense that they are not answerable to the righteousnesse of the Lawe and that therfore they can neither merite life nor any way iustifie a man before God Phil. 2.13 Luk. 17.10 Esay 64.6 Rom. 3.20 Gal. 2. â—6 Ephe. 2.8 9. Tit. 3.5 3 As it is of necessitie that the tree be made good before she bring foorth good fruite and therefore the fruite maketh not the tree good but is rather the sign of a good tree Euen so it followeth that Workes doo not iustifie because they are done of those which before were made righteous through Grace So that a good Woorke maketh not a good man but a good man maketh a good Worke. Math. 7.17 18. 12.33 4 Like as bond men and slaues who were in such state in old time so in bondage to their Maisters that thogh they laboured toyled neuer so much yet they got nothing for themselues but were held and kept vnder the
nature AS the Camelion is sometimes blacke and sometimes greene sometimes pale and sometimes blew for he euer taketh his colour of the thing which he seeth to be next vnto him and doth shew and represent the colour of what thing is set before him So men of all degrees are wont very much to imitate the nature disposition and manners of those whose Counsell they follow whose familiaritie they vse Psal 101.1.2 c. Christes care of his members though absent EVen as the Eagle hauing her yong ones shut vp in the nest although shee flieth exceeding high and pearseth the loftie ayre yet shee withdraweth not her eyes from her yong ones but still beholdeth them and they also crying after their manner with their streatched our neckes doo looke after her Euen so the Lord Iesus ascending into heauen did behold his Disciples and they also hungring and thirsting after him did fasten their eyes vpon him and did not loose the sight of him vntill he pearsed and broke open the heauens and entred into the presence of his Father And although they were diuided from him in body yet in heart and mind they followed him still Act. 1.9.10.11 Crosses are the badge of a Christian EVen as it is a thing very commendable and woorthie praise that a Souldier doo euer beare about him the signes and badges of his Captaine that it may appeare to whom hee belongeth So is it no little honour to a true Christian man to passe through many daungers and to be experienced in many troubles and to endure many afflictions for his Captaine Christs sake for sorrowes vexations and trbulations are the armor and badges of Christ Gal. 6.17 Christ fisheth for men AS the Diuel that wicked and craftie fisher with his great large long and broad Nets taketh and draweth vp great multitudes and infinite numbers of soules The Diuels baite which voluntarily giue themselues vnto him and doo suffer him most easily to take them by and with with his baites which are voluptuousnesse the foule pleasures and rotten delights of the flesh worldly wealth at will the vaine glorie of the world innumerable riches of all sorts power authoritie vanitie an insatiable desire to beare rule and a thousand such others the seely poore fishes being deceiued by these baites do neuer feele the hooke vntill it stick so fast in their iawes that there is no scaping but the diuell maketh a full account of them as of his owne Euen so contrariwise Christ doth fish for men that hee may draw them out of the bitter waters of the daungerous sea and that he may giue vnto them the water of grace who seeketh to saue their soules and to bring them to euerlasting happinesse and celestiall immortalitie who yet flie from him and would not come neare him he fisheth with a sharpe and bitter baite Christs baite very vnpleasant to the corrupted nature and appetite of a naturall man to wit with much fasting praying often with watchings honest labours in a mans calling contempt of the world spirituall pouertie bitter teares deepe sighes and greeuous grones for sinnes committed against the Lord with humilitie and lowlinesse of heart with kindnesse peace patience righteousnesse and such other things all which although to those which are enclined with a right and true loue of God they are pleasant and welcome yet neuerthelesse to the will and desire of a meere naturall man that is a friend of flesh and bloud they are hard and doo seeme very bitter to his corrupted taste Men which can keepe no Counsell are very daungerous 1 AS the Sea called the dead Sea which is a Lake in Iudea called Asphaltits whereof Aristotle Plinie Iustine and diuers others do make mention wherein is neither fish nor any liuing creature found in it wherevpon it hath the name Dead and in it nothing is couered neither doth any thing that is in it sinke to the bottome thereof but all things do swim and are in sight and do continue in the top of the water Euen so such are they that will keepe no Counsell nor secrets whatsoeuer but will reueale and bewray all things that they know whether they be good or bad 2 Euen as Hypanis a Riuer in Scythia which hath a maruellous sweetenesse vntill a litle bitter spring which Herodotus calleth Exampeus be mingled with it and then it is corrupted with a wonderfull bitternesse Euen so those men which are like torne vessels that will hold no water and so full of chinkes that they neither can nor will keepe any secrets or Counsell are very bitter and intollerable men and do much harm in euery place where they come neither can any Counsell or secret be committed vnto such without great daunger to the Common-wealth wherein they dwell and especially to all those that repose any trust in them Such men seeme they neuer so wise learned and full of Counsell are not to come neare godly Princes neither to be made acquainted with matters of state and the affaires of the Common-wealthes least they do great hurt both with giuing counsell themselues and also by discouering such waightie secrets as shall in trust be committed vnto them Iob. 22.18 Psal 1.1 Christ is lesse beholden to the most part of the world then Caesar was to the Romanes AS Marcus Antonius with an Oration that he made vpon the death of Caesar is said to haue greatly delighted the people of Rome and that hee moued very many of them to shead great store of bitter teares when hee put them in remembrance of the great benefites which they had from time to time receiued of Caesar and withall did shew them Caesars garments wherein his enemies Cassius and Brutus had slaine him all full of bloud whereat they were so mightily mooued that they expulsed the homicides and murtherers out of the Citie so that they durst not if they would liue any longer come neare it And yet in these dayes of ours though the Preacher neuer so good an heauenly Orator come with the Oracles of God himselfe in his mouth and shew most plainely what Christ the Redeemer of the world hath done for man and prooue that man hath receiued vnspeakeable and innumerable benefites by and through Christ and declare what bitter teares water and bloud did trickle downe his cheekes and what deepe and deadly sighes with many fearefull and greeuous grones did rise from his heart before he came to the Crosse and though hee rip vp his passion stitch by stitch as the holy Booke and diuine Word shall direct and leade him and though particularly he shewe how and where he was wounded that hee was beaten spit vpon crowned with thornes nayled hand and foote to the Crosse scorned and mocked of the Iewes though he shew most liuely that the wicked and cruel Iewes embrued their hands in his blood gaue him vineger and gall to drinke yea and although the Preacher declare and proue that besides the death and passion of his