but seemeth very bitter to some sicke and distempered bodies So dooth the Law seeme burdensome but this commeth not by nature but through our weaknesse 22 As the debter not beeing able to paie his debt was freely forgiuen Euen so the Law in the act of iustification is vtterly idle as that which is neither the cause nor a part of our righteousnesse as it is wrought of vs. Math. 18.23 24. c. 23 Like as if I owe a man a hundreth pound and bee bound to pay him at a certaine day if I doo then pay it albeit mine hart be neuer so grudging and vnwilling thereto yet haue I fulfilled the Law and discharged my bond so that there shall no processe or iudgement passe against me But Gods Law requireth a thing to bee done with a chearefull and a well willing heart and minde and euen of pure loue for if I doo it either for feare or vnwillingly that shal be imputed vnto me for sinne If I do it for feare 〈◊〉 doo I it not of loue but rather hate both the thing 〈◊〉 I doo and also the Law that constraineth me to doo it and if I doo it vnwillingly then would I doo the contrarie and so would that there were no such Law neither yet any God that should iudge me in so doing and seeing that God iudgeth me after mine heart and will then must he needes condemne me for I would doo contrarie vnto his Lawe and will yea and doo wish in mine heart contrarie to that which I doo in mine outward deed 24 Like as if I see a poore man which is not of abilitie to doo me any pleasure and neuerthelesse doth all his diligence to seeke my fauour and would with heart and mind giue me some acceptable present if he were of power being also sorrie that hee cannot performe his will and mind towards me Now if there bee any sparke of humanitie or gentlenesse in me I wil count his good will as wel as though he had in very deed performed his will for his ability extendeth no further if his power were better better should I haue Euen so seeing we are not of power and abilitie to performe the Law of God and yet beare a good heart towards God and his Law bewayling our imbicilitie that we can do him no further pleasure then will God recount vs not as his enemies but as his deare children and beloued friends 25 As after sleepe the body beeing awaked it is fresh lustie strong and couragious to doo his worke So likewise after the fearefull threatnings of the Law when wee heare the glad tidings of the Gospell that God will be our Lord and dwell with vs the mind is comforted strengthned and mooued vp to doo his dutie 26 As a man is iudged and known to be waking when hee can doo the office of a man as talke worke write or such like Euen so is man awaked out of the sleepe of sins when he liues in charitie feares God and walks according to his Law in his vocation 27 As we see in iudgements here amongst vs there is a royall seate set where the Iudge sits hee that is accused stands at the Barre holds vp his hand heares his Inditement read witnesse is brought against him and hee iustlâ— condemned to death So likewise we shal see Iesus Chrisâ— the righteous Iudge of the world that will not be bribeâ— sit in his seate of maiestie at the last day and all the companie of Angels about him and we shall stand at the harre as accused and indighted for breaking that righteous Law of his word the diuel which intised vs so to do shall beare witnesse that to be true yea and our owne conscience also with the feare of that fearefull sentence Goe yee cursed into euerlasting fire c. shall make vs to tremble Math. 25.31 32 41. 28 Like as hee which cannot esteeme and discerne his sicknesse or the grieuousnesse of his disease the same must of necessitie haue a negligent care of seeking foorth a remedie and a wholesome medicine for the same Euen so hee which learneth not to acknowledge his sinnes by the Law the same doubtlesse knoweth not how to embrace grace by the Gospell Learning or vertue of transgression but improperly 1 AS the Date tree is most hard to be climed hauing yet fruit most pleasaunt So likewise the entrie or way vnto Learning and vertue is most vneasily when as yet they haue fruit all pleasaunt and profitable Prou. 3.13 14 15. 2 Like as nature hath hid verie deepe in the ground stones precious and of much value but others of no vertue are euerie where to bee found So things of estimation and price as vertue and Learning are knowne but vnâ—â— fewe nor they will not bee obtained without great labour and studie 3 As hee which hungereth or thirsteth can doo nothing vnlesse they quench his appetite and desire So all things ought we to lay aside vntill we doo obtaine Learâ—ing and wisedome 4 As the best Wine soone looseth his taste or colour if it bee powred into a vessell filthie and impure So is good Learning more then lost if it happen to a naughtie man for he will vse it most peruersly to serue his gaine and appetite To Liue well is to die well LIke as Balaam wished and had a great desire to die the death of the righteous but he would not immitate them in godly conuersation Euen so all men wish for a happie end of life but fewe care to Liue vertuously and honestly which doubtlesse is the readie way to die well Numb 23.10 Act. 8.19 20. 19.13 The Law our Schoolemaister to bring vs to Christ. 1 LIke as the Schoolemaister reproueth his Schollers wherby he grieueth them and maketh them heauie and yet not to the end that this bondage should alwayes continue but that it should cease when the children are well brought vp and instructed accordingly and that afterwards without any constraint of the Schoolemaister they should chearefully enioy their libertie and their Fathers goods Euen so they which are vexed and oppressed with the Law doo know that these terrours and vexations shall not alwayes continue but that therby they are prepared to come vnto Christ which is to bee reuealed and to receiue the libertie of the spirit c. Gal. 3.24 2 As the duties of a Schoolemaister bee especially three First to teach his Schollers Secondly to frame their manners And thirdly to punish offenders Euen so the Lawe of God first teacheth vs concerning God that there is a God and what manner of one hee is and what manner a one mans nature is by creation and what was that Image of God or originall righteousnesse in man namely agreeablenesse to the Law of God It teacheth also of sinne and the penaltie of sinne of the last iudgement of the resurrection of the dead and life euerlasting of outward discipline or honest gouernment of manners with many such other things Secondly it frameth our
wicked and vniust if hee did distribute it good and such as he was commaunded the same could not let at all but that it should be good currant money and that they which should receiue it should very well make their profit thereof Euen so the Minister although he bee lawfully called and haue sufficient giftes to Preach yet if hee doo not administer the Sacraments according to the Lords ordenāce or do either disguise peruert them or else doo administer other in stead of them in thus doing the case is altered but otherwise the vitiousnesse of the person cannot nor may hinder the vertue of the Lordes ministerie 5 As the word of God although it bee Preached by mortall men yet ought the same to bee receiued of all good Christians not as the word of men but as the word of God and as it were proceeding out of the mouth of Christ 1. Thess 2.13 Euen so the holy Sacraments although they bee ministred by frayle and lewd Ministers are to bee receiued of the godly and religious not as proceeding from men but as it were from the hand of God himselfe the first and principall author thereof How Sinne dependeth on God LIke as the Physition comming vnto the sicke person doth by medicines draw corrupt humours out of his body and bringeth them out either by a Purgation or by a sweate or vomit or letting of bloud as hee iudgeth it best yet dooth hee not graft in the sicke person naughtie and corrupt humours Euen so God causeth to bee brought to light our malice which was not brought forth before but lay hid within to make manifest his iustice and to open our Sinnes and yet hee suffereth them to breake foorth by chaunce or rashly but ordereth and gouerneth them according to his iudgement that euen by them he doth fulfill the limits of his prouidence Esay 10.6 7.15 16. The Scripture not hard LIke as if one should affirme that because there bee some bones in a shoulder of Mutton therefore it is nothing but bones and no fleshe thereon at all Or because some places in the riuer bee deepe therefore all the riuer from head to foote is deepe and no shallow to bee found therein which were most rediculous to affirme Euen so is this opinion of the Papists that because some places in the Scripture bee hard therefore all the whole body of the Scripture is hard so as lay people may not read them Deut. 6.6 7. Psal 19.7 8. Col. 3.16 Iohn 5.39 2. Pet. 3.15 Secrecie 1 AS silence is a gift without perrill and containeth in it many good things So it were better our Silence brought our simplicitie into suspition then to speake either inconueniently idlely or vnnecessarily 2 As the Viper is torne in sunder when shee bringeth foorth her little ones So Secrets comming out of their mouthes that are not able to conceale them doo vtterly vndoo and ruine such as reueale them 3 As we must render account for euerie idle word So must we likewise for our idle Silence No Seruice pleaseth God but such as he teacheth AS the Lord in the first Commaundement wholly demaundeth the soule will vnderstanding and hart that is our faith feare loue thankefulnesse inuocation and spirituall adoration or worshipping to bee giuen to him onely and for his sake as he shall appoint So in the second Commaundement Thou shalt not make to thy selfe c. Hee generally requireth for the outward Seruice of him that we should follow his word in seruing of him and take and account it no lesse then Idolatrie or Image Seruice whatsoeuer thing is inuented by man Saint or Angell and not by him concerning his worshippe and Seruice Leuit. 26.1 Exod. 34.13 14 15. Deut. 4.23 Psa 97. 7 106.36 Esay 44.19 Iere. 2.27 There is no Sinne whatsoeuer but it is forbidden by the Law of God nor any good worke but it is there commaunded LIke as if a King being resolued to forgiue no offence worthie of death and thereupon pretending to set downe a Law which if his subiects keepe truely in euerie point they shall escape the edge of his sword and be well promoted yet one man for all that omitteth some matter worthie of death which beeing done the King conuenteth him before his iudgement seate as a malefactor layeth to his charge the committing of that euill or omitting of that good which is not contained in his Law and vpon confession thereof giueth sentence of condemnation against him the partie might well answere his King that hee were vniust and his Law vnperfect Euen so in like sort for as much as the Lord hath decreed death to bee the certaine reward of euerie Sinne. Rom. 6.23 and hath giuen his Law for this intent and to teach man to avoide whatsoeuer is damnable and that whosoeuer obserued all things written in this Law might liue thereby If there be any Sinne that is any thing that he will damne a man for not forbidden or any good worke not commaunded in this Law then is God vniust and the Lawe vnperfect of which neither is true for as for God hee is not vnrighteous Rom. 3.5 6. And as for the Law it is perfect Psal 19.7 Iam. 1.25 Sacraments be commonly called by the names of those things which they be Sacraments off LIke as when a Noble man or Gentleman deliuereth a letter of Annuitie or rent to any one of his seruants he saith he giueth him an Annuitie of ten pound by the yeare No man is so simple to thinke that the letter is the money it selfe but an assurance confirmation signe or gage of such a Summe of money in such sort that hauing such a letter he is full assured of the money Now no man is so blockish to thinke that hee hath euill spoken for so much as euerie man doth well know that the signes haue the names of the things which they signifie After this manner of speech also as an Ambassadour of a Prince being demaunded of the authoritie hee hath receiued of his Lord to deale in such or such a matter dooth vse to shew foorth his letters of credite or Commission and to say Here is mine authoritie albeit that the letters are not the power it selfe but onely the testimonie of the same Euen so the bread and the Wine are the remission of sinnes or the body and bloud of Christ to wit they are as seales and letters whereby we are assured that the body of Iesus Christ crucified and his bloud shed haue purchased vnto vs the forgiuenesse of Sinnes and eternall life Gene. 33.20 41.26 Ioh. 10.7 14.6 15.1 1. Cor. 10.4 16. Ezech. 4.1 5.2 2. Cor. 5.21 Ioh. 1.14 Saluation is to be sought in and by the appointed meanes though God could saue vs without all meanes AS God by his omnipotent power could preserue aliue our mortall bodies extraordinarily and supernaturally without naturall foode and sustenance as hee did Moses and Elijah the space of fortie dayes they not
commeth into good thoughts then into good workes by degrees but many times they are nipped and smitten in the bud or in the blossome that is either in thoughts or words that they neuer come to workes The workes likewise of the Sonnes of God are at the first faire and fresh but yet hard and harsh and when they are come to any perfection they are either wind-shaken and deuoured by beastes or smitten with persecution then are they bought and sold and euerie man handleth them as they list In a word the fairest the pleasantest and the best of our workes must be pared and picked for daintie mouthes and queasie stomackes and in the end consumed of all and then are our labours come to their perfection whether they bee of the Church or Common-wealth and then do many of Gods children thinke themselues naked and dead and there is no cause why they should for their fruits whether they perish in the bud or in the blossome or in the ripening or howsoeuer they be handled yet they prooue that the sap of Gods spirit is in them the next spring of Gods grace will fetch all againe Psal 1.3 5 As men say of fruit this is but little but it is good here be not many of them but those that are of them are very daintie they are right of such and such a kind Euen so the adopted children of God may say My faith is but litle and weak my loue is not so much as I would it were my zeale is but little and my patience is but small but it is true faith and true loue and true zeale and true patience euen from the very heart roote without dissembling O Lord encrease it and strengthen it Luke 17. 5. Mark 9.24 6 As the adopted Sonnes of God are planted by the ministerie of the word and spirit Euen so they florish and abound in fruit by the same meanes as also by the Sacraments and prayer c. Psal 92.13 14. Rom. 1.17 7 Like as if a King Prince or Nobleman should make a poore begger borne his louing Sonne and heire by adoption hee were greatly bound to loue him and to bee thankfull vnto him for euer Euen so much more wee ought to loue the Sonne of God Christ Iesus that hath made vs Sonnes and heires to his Father by his death and redemption Saluation 1 AS an Helmet saueth the head of a Souldier in the day of battaile So Saluation which commeth from the Lord saueth and protecteth vs from the deadly wounds of our spirituall aduersaries Ephe. 6.17 2 As the Pismire prouideth foode in Summer time to liue by in Winter So in like maner we must labour to attaine and get Saluation with the meanes thereof in the Summer of prosperitie that so wee may liue spiritually in the Winter of aduersitie 2 As a supper is made when the day draweth to an end Euen so is full Saluation giuen to the godly about the end of the world 4 Like as the Infant cannot liue without a Nurse So neither can we haue Saluation without Christ The Spirits to be tried AS Marchants credite men so farre as their wealth and money will reach but yet trust not them that do not keepe their day and credite Euen so in the promises that deceiuers make vnto their fellowes wee must regarde what ground they haue for them and how they can bee performed Saluation to be preferred before either profit or pleasure 1 AS the eye is marueilous necessarie for the guiding of the whole body and a member that hardly may bee spared yet if there come daunger vnto the rest of the body by it wee must rather suffer the losse of it then the whole body should perish for it Euen so wee are to loose with contented minds our dearest friends or whatsoeuer commodities of this life though wee can as hardly spare them as our right eye if they hinder vs in the way of life and Saluation Math. 9.47 2 Like as when a mans foote is so soare that it cannot be healed and putteth the other parts of the body in danger to be infected by it is wont to be cut off for the preseruation of the rest Euen so when our friends or any earthly commoditie whatsoeuer shall become hurtfull to our soules and endaunger vs to loose life euerlasting we must then reiect them Math. 18.8 They whom God setteth on worke must needes Speake AS when the Lyon roareth whosoeuer is within his daunger cannot choose but bee afraid So when the Lord Speaketh what Prophet or preacher of his can hold his peace Iere. 47.2 Amo. 3.8 Securitie is the high way to destruction AS the Oxe when hee is driuen to the Butchers stall goeth willingly because his hope is that he shall bee driuen to some better Pasture and neuer feareth vntill the Axe bee readie to be laide vppon his head Or as a foole when he is led to the stockes goeth chearfully and neuer feareth vntill his feete bee fast snared therein So likewise many men goe securely forwards weltering in the broad way without remorse of conscience perswading thēselus that that is the perfect way because the greatest number do walke therin and neuer perceiue their owne folly vntill till they snared in the traps of destruction A Spirituall man discerneth all things AS a man of cleare eye-sight is able to iudge of colours and to know one colour from an other Euen so such as are indued with the grace of God doo as plainely and euidently iudge of Gods word trie out the truth thereof from the deuises and doctrines of men Scriptures 1 AS the Lawes must bee interpreted not according to the censure and iudgement of them to whome they were giuen but after the will and meaning of the Iudge and Lawgiuer which made them So the Scriptures must bee interpreted by the Scriptures and the word by the word and that which is spoken obscurely in one place by that which is declared and vttered more plainely in an other place 2 As the Carpenter knowes his Rule to be straight not by an other Rule applied vnto it but by it selfe for casting his eye vppon it hee presently discernes whether it bee straight or no So likewise wee knowe and are resolued that Scripture is Scripture euen by the Scripture it selfe though the Church say nothing so be it we haue the spirit of discerning when wee read heare or consider of the Scripture And yet the testimonie of the Church is not to be despised for though it breede not a perswasiton in vs of the certaintie of the Scripture yet it is a very good inducement thereto 3 Like as the Physitions in their bookes doo most diligently discribe euen such diseases as are most filthy not to the intent to praise commend them or els alow thē but to the end they may bee exactly knowne and the more perfectly cured So the holy Scripture in sundrie places doth most manifestly rehearse mischieuous deedes euen such as
the eye is not in all places that the sight dooth reach vnto As wee knowe that seueritie and mercie are in God so ioyntly ioyned together that the one cannot be seperated from the other and yet they that feele his seueritie doo not feele his mercie that is to say those whom he doth according to his righteous iudgement punish euerlastingly in hell fire them doth he vtterly banish and put away from his bounteous goodnesse and mercie Euen so although the Diuinitie and humanitie of Christ be so lincked and ioyned together that wheresoeuer the one is it doth not therfore follow that the other is there also For the godhead of Christ can be euerie where and in more places then in one at once but his manhood cannot be euerie where nor in moe places then one at once Bread and Wine in the Lords Supper do no more change their substance nor qualities then the water in Baptisme 1 AS in the Sacrament of Baptisme the substance of water remaineth still So likewise in the Lords Supper remaineth the substance of Bread and Wine 2 As in Baptisme is giuen vnto vs the holy Ghost and pardon of our sinnes which yet lie not lurking or inclosed in the water so in the Lords Supper is giuen vnto vs the Communion of Christes body and bloud that is grace forgiuenesse of sinnes innocencie life immortalitie without any transubstantiation or including of the same in the Bread Mar. 16.19 Luk. 24.6.51 Act. 1.9.10 Iohn 12.8.26 3 As by Baptisme the old man is put off and the new man put on yea * Gal. 3.27 Christ is put on but without transubstantiation or chaunging of the water Euen so it is in the Lords Supper wee by faith spiritually in our soules do feede on Christs Body broken do eate his flesh and drinke his bloud do dwell in him and he in vs but without transubstantiation Bookes 1 AS Theeues be loth to assault an house where they know to be good Armour and Artillerie so wheresoeuer the Bookes of the holy Scriptures be wel occupied and exercised there neither the diuell nor any of his angels dare come neare 2 Like as Smithes Masons Carpenters and other handie craftsmen what need soeuer they be in or what shift soeuer they make will not sell or lay to pledge the tooles of their occupation for then they could not worke or follow their trade and so get their liuing So likewise euerie good Christian ought to be like minded and affectioned towards the Bookes of the Prophets Apostles and other holy writers inspired by the holy Ghost the instruments of their saluation and therefore not to sell or pawne them away 3 As vnto those precious stones the greatest price is due which not onely with their colours do delight the eyes but also are of effect for medicines So vnto those Bookes is the chiefest praise due which in them do not onely containe pleasant speech and eloquent but also that do deliuer the minde from all vice and corruption 4 Like as one dish of meate well chewed and digested will comfort nature more then diuerse delicates that lie rawe and vndigested in the stomacke Euen so one good Booke often and throughly read will do thy soule more good then the superficiall sight and taste of a thousand 5 Like as no wise man will receiue a writing for the least plotte of grounde without the counsell of some learned Lawier nor a medicine for his body without the aduise of some learned Phisition Euen so much more ought a Christian not to venture vpon a Booke wherein may be some damnable errour which may conuey from him his heauenly inheritance or some deadly poyson which may kill his soule without the direction of some godly Diuine 6 As vnto men of diuers complexions and affections God hath giuen choise of meates and varietie of apparell So likewise many Bookes to one ende are published and set forth by sundrie men in diuers fashions and with a diuers gift order and facilitie that hee whom one Booke sauoureth not might yet like the taste of an other Our second Birth LIke as we see the naturall Body from the first Birth to receiue diuers members and euerie member diuers offices vses as it is the vse of the eye to see good or euill and of the hand to take vnto it that which is good and to remoue from the Body that which is euill Euen so in the second Birth we receiue new members whereof euerie one hath his diuerse vse and function as knowledge of the will of God hope loue faith which is as it were the hand reaching vnto vs all the mercifull promises of GOD in Christ whereby we are so surely ioyned in affection to the Lord that by nothing we can be seperated Cares of the world hurtfull AS a Clocke can neuer stand still from running so long as the peases and plummets doo hang thereat Euen so a worldly man hauing infinite Cares cogitations and anxieties hanging vpon his minde as waights vpon the Clocke can neuer haue rest or quiet day or night but is enforced to beate his braines when other men sleepe for the compassing of those trifles wherwith he is encombred Carelesse keepers of Gods commandements AS the Scribes and Pharisies that came from Ierusalem picked a quarell against our Sauiour Christ because his Disciples did eate with vnwashed hands wherby they transgressed as they said the tradition of the Elders Our Sauiour Christ in defence of his Disciples chargeth the Scribes and Pharisies which were so zealous to maintaine their owne ceremonies that they were carelesse to breake the commaundements of God Euen so it commeth to passe alwaies that they which are most earnest in vpholding and defending traditions and ceremonies inuented by man are most forgetfull in keeping the commaundements of God But this is the iust iudgement of GOD against those that inuent a new worship of their owne braine That first they loose their labour and secondly that they are depriued of all-right vnderstanding because they haue presumed to be wiser then God Whom the word of God condemneth Esa 29.13 14. 6.9 Math. 13.14 Act. 28.26 Rom. 11.8 Iohn 12.40 Carnall minded men AS with a leaude and naughtie Companion if wee keepe companie we shall learne no good but rather be readie to be infected with his sinne and vice Euen so if wee suffer our selues to be acquainted with the flesh and vse it as a companion in all our dealings and yeeld vnto it we shall then be sure to learne no good of it for the flesh prouoketh vs to whordome to drunkennes to wantonnesse c. Now if we shall acquaint our selues with the flesh we shall learne those things which tend to our destruction Gal. 6.8 Rom. 8.12 13 14 15 16. Tit. 2.12 The Cause of Gods plagues are diligently to be searched out LIke as the Phisition seeing in a glasse by the water the disease within the body by skill and learning searches out the cause of
of compassion in him do yearne vpon vs more then in a mother towards her children and hee seeketh thereby to do vs good 23 As a Noble man will haue all his seruants to weare one liuerie that they might be knowne So the Lord would haue all his children knowne by one badge euen the badge that he put vpon his eldest sonne Christ which was the crosse therefore none of vs the yonger brethren must refuse it Couetousnesse 1 AS the subtil fawning Spaniel oftentimes fetcheth his Maisters gloue in hope to chaunge it for a better morsell Euen so many men shew great kindnesse and giue rewards to the end to reape them double againe 2 Like as the infected member of a man vexed with an itch is alwayes clawing and rubbing Euen so the couetous minde is restlesse in seeking and gathering together 3 As fire is neuer sufficed with wood nor the earth with water Euen so the couetous man is neuer satisfied with money 4 As the graue is open to receiue dead Carkasses or as hell is neuer full Euen so the coffer of the couetous cormorant is neuer contented 5 As the stiller the water runneth the deeper is the Riuer and the more deepe the more daungerous Euen so the longer Almightie God suffereth the Couetous man to sinne vncontrolled the greater is his sinne and the more greeuous is the punishment that attendeth thereon in the day of account Haba 2.9 6 As Couetousnesse is euill yea the euill of all euils So likewise it maketh those men as bad as it is which are infected with the same and as hatefull in Gods sight as that sinne it selfe for that the effect is like the cause 1. Timo. 6.10 Psal 10.3 Exod. 18.21 Luk. 12.15 Mar. 10.22 7 As Cattell do keepe the Pastours bare with continuall grazing vpon them so doth the couetous ouer awe the poore by endlesse oppression and mercilesse dealing Iere. 6.13.15 Amo. 8.4 c. 8 Like as if a sicke man be laid in a bedde of Iuerie or gold or of wood his disease forsaketh him neuer the sooner Euen so whether you entreat the Couetous by these sweete promises made by Almightie God in his holy Gospell or threaten them by his dreadfull Iudgements pronounced in his fearful Law they make neuer the more haste to repentance Ezech. 18.1 tote 9 As the Waxe is plyable to euery print Euen so the Couetous mans hand is readie to receiue euerie bribe 10 As the Asse that notwithstanding hee carrieth the meate for his maisters belly and the cloathes for his backe yet himselfe doth feede vpon grasse and contenteth himselfe with one haires skinne Euen so the Couetous man whose Chests are stuffed with money and his wardrope with apparrel such miserie hath assaulted his soule that he can hardly affoord his belly a good meales meat or couer his backe with a good coate 11 As the Bee bringeth sweet honey in his mouth and a sharpe sting in his tayle Euen so Couetousnesse hath pleasure in this life and paine in the life to come 12 Like as they that will tame wilde bulles must weare no redde garments So likewise they that will no euill doo through Couetousnesse must doo nothing that belongeth thereto 13 As God punished both Ely the Priest and his two soones the father for not correcting them and the sonnes for sinning so grosely So likewise will he plague both the Couetous man for the euill getting of his money and his children for possessing that which is none of their owne 1. Sam. 2.12 c. 3.11 c. 4.14 15. c. 14 As the glutton that ouerchargeth his stomacke with meate is compelled to spew and cast it vp againe So the greedie couetous Cormorant that gathereth great riches and deuoureth and swalloweth vp great substance shall loose it againe for God shall euen drawe it out of his belly Psal 37.16 39.6 15 As a Riuer whose spring is small yet by receiuing other brookes and streames groweth strong and violent Or as they that are sicke of the Dropsie who by drinking are neuer satisfied but stil increase in thirst Or as a flame which is neuer abated with quantitie of wood how much so euer a man layeth on well may it for a while be suppressed and yeeld forth nothing but smoke but breaking out it waxeth greater according to the aboundance of wood So likewise the heart of a Couetous man neuer regardeth that it hath to bee therewith content but what it hath not to couet thereafter Esa 56.11 Ier. 6.13 8.10 2. Tim. 3.2 2. Pet. 2.3 16 As the Fish swallowing the hooke togither with the baite is taken and killed So in like maner Couetous men doo pierce themselues thorow with a thousand sorrowes which do entangle them in death euerlasting 2. King 5.27 1. Sam. 8.3 Ioh. 12.6 Act. 16.16 19. 19.24 c. Ier. 22.17 17 As the Indian Ants or Emets who gather the golde and keepe it yet neither can vse it neither wil suffer men to haue it so farre forth as they may Euen so Couetousnesse which with care and labour slayeth the man that is subiect therto it draweth him through fields and woods sea and land in the cold of winter and in the heat of sommer night and day in raine winde and danger admitting no rest and all to seeke and hunt after goods yet doth it graunt him onely the sight but not the vse of them Prea 4 â— 6.1 2. Ephe. 5.3 Mat. 13 22. 18 As the good corne of Gods word is a sanctified seed of saluation and life So the falshood and deceit of Coueâ—ousnesse and riches doo in such sort draw men to abounâ—ance and withall to the peruerse vse of the same that hereby this seede of saluation and life euerlasting is choked vp Luk. 16.9 19 As charitie is the gift of God proceeding from his fauour and grace So contrariwise Couetousnesse is a vengeance which he powreth vpon those whom for their sins he hath giuen ouer into a reprobate sence Ro. 1.28.29 1. Cor. 5.11 6.10 Iam. 5.1 20 As Aesops Dogge who swimming with a peece of flesh in his mouth and seeing the shadow thereof taking that to be an other peece of flesh opening his mouth to catch that also lost the same which hee before had So likewise the Couetous man being vnsatiable and euerie way seeking to encrease that he hath dooth many times loose that which is in his hand Pro. 15.27 28.16 21 As Gold of it selfe can neither feed nor cloath vs So that which the Couetous man buyeth with gold or siluer proceedeth not out of the gold or siluer but from Gods prouidence neither can it minister any helpe without Gods grace blessing Heb. 13 5. Col. 3.5 Mat. 6.26 22 As the remedie to quench his thirst that is vexed with a hotte feauer commeth not of giuing him drinke but of taking away his feauer which causeth his thirst Euen so the way to grow rich is not by heaping of riches but by
ministerie of death it fitly serueth for the taming and maistering of the rebellious flesh Euen so the Gospell containing the bountifull promises of God in Christ is as Oyle to powre into our wounds and as the water of life to quench our thirstie soules And it fitly serueth for the strengthening of the spirite 2 As the Diamond which beeing moystned in the warme bloud of a Goate may bee brused though otherwise it cannot bee hurt with any fire be it neuer so hotte nor broken with any violence bee it neuer so strong Or as the Horse which erst while was outragiously fierce is by gentle handling meekened and made handsome for the Saddle Or as the Dogge in like manner whose nature is churlish and vntoward which is agreeable to his name is yet by gentlenesse brought to doo that that is not incident to his nature Euen so some men whose harts cannot be mollified and softned by the terrours iudgements of the law are yet reclaimed wonne and made to relent by the milde and gentle perswasions and promises of the Gospell 3 As the Doue found no footing at the first sending Euen so the Gospel of Christ doth not alwaies find entertainment Gene. 8.8 Math. 10.14.10.3.19 Act. 13.51 4 As the seede sowne in the fielde as wheate bringeth forth graine and corne according to his nature and kind So the Gospell preached bringeth foorth out of a godly heart that which both in it selfe it teacheth that which it deliuereth to wit faith in Christ amendement of life the knowledge of God loue towardes God and our neighbour and such other fruites as are sowne and preached 5 As the lightning that breaketh out of the clouds shineth ouer all Euen so doth the Gospell of Christ 6 As men light not a candle to couer or whelme it vnder a bushell but on a Candlesticke to light all that are in the house Euen so the light of Christes Gospell may not bee hid nor made a seuerall thing as though it pertained to some certaine holy personnes onely nay it is the light of the whole worlde and pertaineth to all men and therefore ought not to bee kept from any Math. 5.14 7 Like as the Frogges of Egypt raysed out of the dust by the diuelish art of the MagiciaÌ„s cried out against Gods veritie calling againe by Moses and Aaron the people of God to the true libertie and worshipping of God Right so doo the Popes Legates and Papistes molest with their talke and speech the preaching of the Gospell the free deliuerance the Christian libertie and true seruice of God Exod. 8.7 8 Euen as a murtherer guiltie of death contemning the fauour which he heareth to be offered vnto him of a most mercifull King calleth and procureth to himselfe the more grieuous punishment So in like case if any hearing the Gospell of grace imbraceth not the same is to himselfe the authour of heauier punishment and condemnation Godly men 1 LIke as in the straite Seas the water ebs and flowes Euen so is it in the Godly as long as they liue in this world according to their owne feeling there is an accesse and recesse a comming and going of the spirite Psal 1â—â— 5.88 77.2 3.7 8. 2 As the lights and starres of the firmament doo giue light to all which are vnder heauen So the vertues of Saints and Godly men doo giue light to others to follow their example 3 As the Palme tree is least at the bottome and the higher it is rhe greater and thicker the braunches are but all other trees are contrarie So the Godly are most conuersant and haue the best part that is the soule in heauen but the wicked are contrarie 4 As a Panther hath fower clawes and no more on each foote behinde but fiue clawes and no lesse on each foote before So the Godly though they be weake to the world-ward yet they are strong to God-ward Mat. 11.12 5 Like as the filthie doo more and more wallow themselues in the myre and array and defile themselues too vilely So the Godly doo more and more applie themselues dayly to cleannesse and holinesse of life Reue. 22.11 6 As the Owle is howted and wondred at among other birds Euen so the Godly are often made a gazing stocke and a wonderment vnto the vngodly because the course of Godlinesse is most straunge and foolish in their eyes Lam. 4.3 1. Cor. 4.9 7 As all Birdes though hating one an other do wonder at the Owle So likewise all the wicked beeing enemies amongst themselues doo set their seuerall powers against the Godly Psal 22. Luk. 23.12 The reason is because they hate nothing neither any people so much as the truth and the professors thereof Math. 5.11.12 12.34 8 As Sheepe are simple but yet bring profit to their owners both when they are liuing and when they are slaine Euen so the Godly are not onely harmelesse and innocent as Doues and yet can discerne of true doctrine and false but they are also very profitable both in their life and death The vse of Gods Gifts to men AS a sheepe hath and beareth a fleece of Wooll not for himselfe but for the necessitie and benefite of men Euen so the Gifts of God which he giueth vs either spirituall or temporall we are not to keepe them onely for our selues but to supplie the necessities and wants of others Eccle. 11.1 2 3. Gods promises LIke as if an earthly King should promise one a liuing whilst he liued it would be an occasion that he should lessen his carefulnesse for earthly things Euen so how much more should Gods Promise make vs carelesse for worldly things which is King of all kings Hebr. 13.5 6 7. Iosu 1.5 Psal 118.6 2 Like as nutritiue cordiall medicines are not good for euery sicke person especially when the bodie needeth rather a strong purgation then a matter restoratiue Or as incarnatiue medicines for the time allay the paine of the Patient but after the griefe becommeth more greeuous Euen so the comfortable applying of Gods Promises are not so profitable for euery one that is humbled especially when their soules are rather to be cast downe then as yet to be raised vp so the sugred consolations may for a time ouer-heale the conscience abate some present grief but so as afterwards the smart will be the sorer and the griefe may grow the greater wherof ensueth this effect that coÌ„fort seemeth to cure for a while but through want of wisedome in the right discerning of the cause we minister one medicine for an other and so for want of skil the latter fit grieueth them sorer than the former God the Authour of mens afflictions 1 LIke as if a maÌ„ hauing receiued a greeuous wound should not care for the healing of it should not hasten to the Surgion or Physition nor should prouide any remedie but should sometime accuse his owne sloth and negligence for that he did not auoid the arrow sometime grinning should byte the
contrariwise the godly doo acknowledge and confesse their faultes when they are reprehended as Dauid 2. Sam. 12.13 Ezechia Esay 38.8 And as the men did that heard Peters Sermon Act. 2.37 22 As children that are of such heauie sad moulde as that they are neuer mooued with mirth nor with the crying of other children Euen so such is the dulnesse of a number of people in Hearing of the word who are no more mooued with the iudgements of God to feare nor allured with the sweete promises of God to loue and like then if they were so many stockes or stones Mat. 11.16 23 As the fruitfulnesse of the earth when the raine dooth fall vppon it and when it yeeldeth to them that labour in it fruites for them that dresse it is a testimonie of Gods good blessing vpon it Euen so when men profit by the labours which is bestowed vppon them in the preaching of the word it is a testimony of Gods good blessing vpon them Hebr. 6.7 Rom. 1.20 Act. 6.7 24 As he that looketh his bodily face in a Glasse and by and by departeth away about other businesse and forgetteth his fashion and forme Euen so such are the forgetfull Hearers of the word which neuer practise that which is taught them Iam. 1.23 24 25. 25 As in the time of Ezechiel those people that came to offer sacifice might not goe out of the same doore wherby they came in So those that come to Heare Gods word should not come forth againe vnchaunged in their affections which were euill Ezech. 46.9 26 As the Cocke did crow three times before Peter repented Euen so the Lord hath much to doo with vs before wee profit effectually by the Hearing of his word Math. 26.45 27 As the next way to purchase fauour with Princes is to honour their person and fulfill their commaundements So likewise the chiefest way to haue Gods fauour is to honour his maiestie and to doo his will reuealed vnto vs in his word preached Preach 8.2.4 28 As where the dead carkasse is thither do the Eagles resort So when Gods word is truely taught to that place should Christians repaire to Heare it Math. 12.42 29 As when the dam feeds her young euerie Bird gapeth and strugleth and stretcheth the necke to receiue the foode So when wee come to Heare Sermons euerie man must reach and stretch out his heart to receiue the word preached 1. Pet. 2.2 30 As the Eagle continually soareth till shee come to the highest So also Christians must still increase in knowledge through and by the Hearing of the word till they come to perfection Hebr. 6.1 31 As Pharaohs ill fauoured Kine which deuoured the fat Kine but yet remained as ill fauored and leane as they were before So likewise many that haue Heard Sermon vppon Sermon now the space of 36. yeares are yet neuer the more reformed for all their Hearing but as leane in knowledge and godlinesse as they were before Genes 41.3 4. 32 As a Carpenter that should square all by his Rule but stickes it at his backe and workes all by ayme So many haue heard much preaching and remember many things but yet make no profit or practise of it so that it had beene better that they had neuer heard Ioh. 15.22 33 As Bees passing ouer other things take pleasure only in flowers and forsaking the rest doo crop them So likewise some Hearers of the word preached doo onely desire to haue their eares fed with fine phrases delicate flowers of eloquence daintie Similies prettie comparisons and pleasant Histories as for sound Doctrine they contemne it and hate to haue it a bridle for their lustes a reproouer of their vanities and a Glasse to see themselues in they seeke rather after flatteries and fables and they loath the truth which should doo them good 2. Tim. 4.3 Act. 17.21 34 As God in some part did rebuke the Sonnes of Ely for their wickednesse but yet they would not obey and the reason is there set downe because the Lord would destroy them Euen so in like manner howsoeuer wee may not iudge of any mans person yet this may be said that if men will not learne but remaine ignorant still and refuse to Heare the word of God preached when they may or if in Hearing they will not obey it is a fearefull signe that God will at length destroy them 1. Sam. 2.25 35 Like as when a Tumpet is sounded in a mans eare and he lies still not stirring at all hee is certainely dead So surely when the trumpet of the Gospell is sounded in the eares of our hearts if wee awake not out of our sinnes to newnesse of life wee are no better then dead men before God 36 As it is very requisite that a Pastor set ouer a congregation should be continually resident to Preach vnto them and Chatechise them at the least on euery Saboth and not to leaue them to straungers whose voice they know not Euen so euerie Christian Hearer of the word ought ordinarily and vsually to Heare such a Pastor and not to goe from him on the Sabboth day especially if he be desirous to grow and increase in faith and knowledge 37 Like as in times past those trees which did beare fruit might not be cut downe So those Christians which haue a care to leade a vertuous life according to the prescript rule of Gods word are not in daunger of S. Iohns Axe to wit of the iudgement of God for sinne Deut. 20.19 Math. 3.10 38 As of many men comming into a Gold-smithes shop one buyeth a chaine of Gold an other a costly ring some a rich Iewell and some buy plate cunningly and curiously wrought and some one among the rest stoupeth downe and taketh vp a blacke cole which he turneth and tumbleth in his hands til it foule and make blacke his fingers Euen so verie many doo come to the Church to Heare the word preached and doo learne and beare away exceeding good and heauenly lessons and doo gather great strength to their faith and much comfort to their soules and peace to their consciences and some againe doo come without any good purpose intending to take some occasion to quarrell with the Preacher and to marke if any thing fall from him vnwisely vndiscreetly or barbarously wherewith they may sport themselues and scorne him such as they came with wicked purposes and cauilling mindes so they depart with hearts as hard as Adamants seared consciences and brazan faces so bloudlesse that they cannot blush far worse then when they came 39 Like as when a man casteth an handfull of Corne vpon a very hard and smooth path it is all one as if it were cast vpon a pauement So also through the custome and deceitfulnesse of sinning the diuell hath made the hearts of some Hearers vnmeete to receiue the heauenly seede of the word of God Math. 13.4 40 As the men in the olde world were disobedient to Noe and contemned the preaching of righteousnesse So
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
the heauenly and publike witnesse of the Church of Christ whereby the Lord testifieth that it is he which receiueth men freely into fauour and which clenseth from all blemishes and to be short maketh vs partakers heires of al his goodnesse Schooles 1 AS a man that hath diuers Orchards will also haue a Semenarie full of yong plants to maintaine it Euen so Schooles which are as Seminaries to Gods Church without which the Church fails to decay ought to bee maintained because they serue to make supplie of Ministers 2 As trayning makes Dogs fit for hunting So Schools and learning makes nature profitable The holy Scripture aboue the Church 1 AS the Sunne is cleare and bright not because that men doo iudge it to be so but rather men do iudge it to be so because it is so indeed and can iudge of it none otherwise Euen so the holy Scriptures contained in the canonicall bookes of the old and new Testament are the infallible worde of the liuing God not because the Church dooth iudge and allow it to bee so but rather the true Catholike Church doth iudge and allow it to be so because that it is so indeed can iudge of it none otherwise no more then the cleare and bright eyes can iudge of the light and brightnesse of the Sunne of the which the blind can giue no iudgement euen as the vnfaithfull and reprobate can giue no iudgement of the word of God nor yet allow it 2 As the Lawes of Princes ruling by Iustice ought to be receiued professed and practised of all their subiects Euen so much more the Church ought to bee gouerned by the Lawes of Christ her Lord and King 3 As the Lawes and ordinances giuen by Moses who was but a seruant might not bee abrogate chopped or chaunged of any mortall creature without the displeasure of the Almightie Euen so much lesse those Lawes and ordinances of the Lord Iesus beeing the chiefe Lord and ruler ouer all Deut. 27.26 Gal. 3.10 Iohn 10.4 5. 16.13 14. Schoolemaister 1 AS it is the part of a good Husband to vnderstand the nature and fertilitie of the ground which he dooth till So it is the part of a good Schoolemaister to discerne the disposition and nature of his Scholler 2 As Prometheus did make marueilous Images such as none other euer could So a wise discreete and learned Schoolemaister prepares to a child of an excellent wit that which an ignorant and vnlearned Maister vtterly destroyeth Scholler 1 AS if Appelles should see the forme of Venus or Protogenes the Image of Hialisus all with myre and dirt defiled they would no doubt be sorie So if a man see his Scholler whome he hath brought vp now enclined and giuen to lewdnesse he cannot chuse but greatly lament 2 As there be some women that cannot conceaue of some men yet accompaning with others they are become fruitfull for the encrease of children So there bee some Schollers that bee vnapt to learne vnder some Tutors Schoolemaisters but vnder others they will soone proue of a good quicke wit and learned 3 As the goodnesse of the ground is not much profitable for Corne vnlesse there be a meete husbandman to till and sowe the same So it is not enough to finde good towardnes in a Scholler vnlesse there be added vnto him a meete Schoolemaister to further the same 4 As a drop of water falling from the house Eaues weareth and holloweth the hard stone not by force but by his often falling Euen so a Scholler proueth learned not by power or strength but by much diligence and great reading 5 As Appelles became an excellent Painter because there was neuer a day but hee laboured himselfe to some learning So in like manner a diligent Scholler by dayly applying of his learning and often exercising of vertue attaineth to perfect honour and vertue 6 As young men which haue bestowed their time in labouring for learning and knowledge happily are apt and prone to come to great honour and preferment So contrariwise those Schollers which are giuen to their owne sensualitie and appetite are to bee auoided of all good men 7 Like as the goodnesse of the ground is not sufficient to bring foorth Corne except there bee a good Plower and seede Euen so a toward and wittie Scholler is not like to get good learning except he haue a master a good instructor and bookes Suites in Law how they are lawfull 1 AS a Souldier in lawfull warre may kill his enemie and yet loue him Euen a man may forgiue an iniurie that is done against him and yet seeke remedie by Law so it be in a Christian manner that is without priuate reuenge that it bee not scandelous to the Church that it bee to maintaine peace and that the partie offending may bee chastised and brought to repentaunce for his fault 2 Like as Physitions vse desperate remedies when weaker will not serue Euen so must men vse Law as the last meanes when all other faile Who is a Spirituall man AS the Scriptures call that man carnall which is not renued by the spirit and borne againe in Christes flesh and all his workes like euen the very motions of his heart and mind as his learning doctrine and contemptation of high things his preaching teaching and studie in the Scripture building of Churches Schooles or Hospitals founding of Colledges giuing of Almes and whatsoeuer hee doth though they seeme Spirituall and after the Law of God neuer so much So contrariwise he is Spirituall which is renued in Christ and all his workes which spring from faith seeme they neuer so grosse as the washing of the Disciples feete done by our Sauiour Christ and Peters fishing after the resurrection yea deedes of matrimonie are pure Spiritual if they proceed of faith and whatsoeuer is done within the lawes of God though if bee wrought by the body as the very wiping of shoes and such like howsoeuer grosse they appeare outwardly yet are sanctified Ioh. 3.6 1. Cor. 2.15 The Scripture sufficient to confute errours 1 LIke as if a man being taken with a Phrensie the Physition should come offer him a medicine which is of vertu to purge the superfluous humor that causeth the disease to make him whole sound and the phrantike man should refuse it and take an other to his owne contentation that would doo him no good were this medicine strengthlesse and not able to helpe his disease because the patient desired to haue an other rather then that Not so So in like manner although some men refuse to haue their errours and false opinions to be confuted by the word of God desiring rather to be tried by the writings of men which can do them no good to establish their faith this maketh not but the Scripture is sufficient to confute and refell erronious doctrine and all false opinions though they take it not so 2. As in the night season in darkesome places men are wont to
his good time will root out of his Church all Wicked men and throw them into eternall fire Ezech. 31.3 Luk. 13.6 7. 52 As a Wall when it beginneth to bow or is shaken will shortly fall Euen so ruinous is the state of the Wicked howsoeuer it seeme to be Psal 62.3 53 As Wax melteth at the heat of the fire So likewise the VVicked perish at the presence of God Psal 68.2 Micha 1.4 54 As the Spiders web is now whole and straightwaies broken almost for the least thing that may happen So the expectation of the Wicked faileth and deceiueth them Esay 59.5 55 As of Spiders webbes no man can make cloath to cloath him So the Wicked who bend their wits to conceiue mischiefe and whose whole labour is to bring forth iniquitie shall not reape profit by their deuises paines Iob. 8.14 56 Like as the widdow that is in extreame griefe for the losse of her Husband and of her children because shee is now destitute of all helpe and comfort Euen so such griefe and affliction will God bring vppon the Wicked who when they flourish and are in prosperitie are proud and vnmercifull Esay 47.8 9. 57 As a litle Image thogh it be set vpon an high mountaine is notwithstanding a little one stil and on the otherside if Colossus that huge and mightie Image bee placed in a verie low valley yet looseth not his bignesse Euen so a Wicked and cursed man that is fraught with sundrie vices though hee flourish in honour and riches yet is he but a seely meane man and on the other side a man that is vertuous and godly wise although hee be in extreame pouertie beggerly estate yet out of doubt he is a great man and to be highly accounted of 58 As men mad franticke are wont to teare rent themselues So Wicked and vngodly men inflict vpon themselues most deadly and incurable wounds yea they be most wilfull murtherers of their soules and bodies 59 As Waxe melteth at the heate of the fire Euen so do the Wicked perish at the face and countenance of the Lord. Psal 68.2 80.16 60 As the Sea although it receiueth an vnspeakeable multitude of flouds and riuers which doo runne into it yet neuer runneth ouer neither is so ful that it wil receiue no more So euill and Wicked men are neuer satisfied with malice enuie and hatred neither make they any end of their treacheries sinnes and iniquities but with the goades of some they are stirred vp and pricked forward to commit others worse and more detestable then the first 61 Like as if a King redeeming a poore bondman whome his Maister diuersly tormented should besides so fauour and honour him as to adopt him for his child it might well bee accounted a franticke or sencelesse part in this bond-man to forsake such honour and preferment and to returne to liue vnder the tyrannie and thraldome of his cruel Maister Euen so such are they who being deliuered from the tyrannie crueltie of Sathan and made kings in Iesus Christ doo giue themselues to the lusts and pleasures of the fleshe and the allurements of the world therby returning themselues into the wretched bondage of the diuell to abide eternally vnder his tyrannous Dominion 62 Like as if a man departing from London towards Yorke yet giueth out that he will take his way through Ireland and euerie man will scorne him as a foole or take pittie of him as if hee were a sencelesse person that goeth farre amisse Euen so is it with him who taking no course to amend his life but continuing in offending God doth neuerthelesse say and vphold that hee will goe to heauen euerie man may iudge him to bee sencelesse and greatly out of the way because hee taketh the contrarie course which leadeth to Hell 63 As a continuall rayne dropping vppon a Rocke of stone maketh it yet neuer the softer So nothing can make the heart of a Wicked man to relent 64 As a wheele tilts vp behind and shootes downe before So the Wicked are forward to all badnesse backward to all goodnesse Psal 82.13 65 As the death of Christ was not efficient to saue the Wicked So the sinne of the VVicked was not sufficient to condemne Christ Zacha. 13.6 66 As the theef imprisoned wisheth the iudgmēt seate ouerturned the Lawe with his Princes and power dead and the day of his execution neuer to come Euen so doo the VVicked Caterpillers of the world men carelesse of godlinesse and hardned in heart whose consciences doo accuse them guiltie and fearing Gods iudgement they desire rather that he were not at all then that hee should come to giue them the reward of sinne eternall death the assured stipend to all VVicked actions and thoughts Rom. 6.23 67 As the Tyger when hee heares the sound of a Taber or Drumme straightway runneth mad and teareth himselfe in peeces So the VVicked when he heareth the sound of the charmer charme hee neuer so wisely dooth not as the Tyger teare himselfe but hee rents and teares the Lord in peeces 68 As the sheepe and Kine are put into fat pastures to bee prepared for the shambles So likewise the Wicked the more wealth ease and prosperitie that they receiue and enioy the nearer and heauier is their destruction 69 As the Oxe that is stall fed waxeth fat and the fatter he is the nearer hee is to the day of slaughter So it fareth with the Wicked worldlings which neuer come vnder the crosse or affliction and whose neckes could neuer abide the yoke of the word of God they are set vp a fatting for the butcher of Hell and made readie against the day of slaughter which is the day of iudgement when all these outward common and general blessings shall tende to their greater condemnation Iob. 22.7 c. Psal 73.5 7. c. 70 As euerie thing that a godly man dooth is not by and by to bee allowed off So is not euerie thing that a Wicked man doth alwayes to be misliked The Word of God the foode of the soule 1 LIke as the body is sustained and nourished with materiall bread because it is materiall it selfe So is the soule nourished with spirituall bread which is the Word of God because it is spirituall 2 As the body will faint and decay if it bee not from time to time refreshed with bodily sustenance Euen so the soule waxeth feeble and weake towards God vnlesse the same be often and continually chearished refreshed and kept vp with the Word of God the onely foode of the soule Deut. 8.3 Math. 4.4 3 As the soule being a diuine spirituall and immortall substance dooth farre excell the body which is nothing else but dust earth and ashes Euen so the sacred and eternall foode and assured saluation of the soule ought to be acquired and sought for with farre greater care more earnest studie zeale loue desire and affection then the health and welfare of the body Ioh.
is counthe veriest dullard yet bringeth more Wit and abilitie to helpe it selfe then a young infant Euen so whatsoeuer Wisedome or vertue men haue now they brought it not with them into this world but haue it afterwards by the gift and free liberalitie of God Iam. 1.17 3 As the Palme tree spreadeth his boughs and braunches so wide and giueth such pleasaunt shaddowes that Xerxes the King of Persia tooke singular delight to sit vnder it whole dayes together So likewise Wisdome comming out of the mouth of the most high with heauenly comfort protecteth shadoweth recreateth defendeth al those that commit themselues vnder the shadowes thereof from all harme and daunger Psal 17.8 Lamen 4.20 4 As Honie is good and the Honie combe sweete vnto the mouth So also is the knowledge of Wisedome vnto the soule Prou. 24.13 14. 5 As earthly wisedome is corrupted with affections Euen so heauenly Wisdome is pure vndefiled and not polluted with affections Iam. 3.17 6 As earthly wisedome is desirous of contention So contrariwise heauenly Wisedome is peaceable that is diligent to make peace and quietnesse among men 7 As earthly wisedome is rigorous and cruell So heauenly VVisedome is gentle and giueth place to rigour 8 As earthly wisedome will yeeld to no man So heauenly VVisedome is tractable and doth easily obey him that commaundeth those things that be good and right 8 As earthly wisedome is vnmercifull So heauenly VVisedome is mercifull and full of good fruits 9 As earthly wisedome doth accept persons omitting the cause So heauenly VVisedome dooth in no case regard the persons but the causes 10 As earthly wisedome hath hypocrisie ioyned with it So heauenly VVisedome is voide of all hypocrisie 11 As the sweete showers of raine fal downe from the high hills and mountaines and so they abide barren but they rest and sinke into the low valleyes and make them fruitfull Euen so the deawes of true VVisedome dooth not rest vpon the proud hautie and scornefull but vpon the meeke lowly and humble Esay 57.15 66.2 Math. 11.25 Luk. 1.51 1. Pet. 5.51 12 As hee that is humble and hath denied himselfe is fittest for the receiuing of wisedome Euen so there is no greater hinderance to the attaining of VVisedome then the pride of mans heart and carnal VVisedome Rom. 8.7 13 As in daungerous sayling the sterne is not committed to him which excelleth in riches and nobilitie but to him which is expert in the skill and cunning of Nauigation So likewise it behoueth not to commit and deliuer vnto him a princely gouernement which is richer and more honourable then other but to him which doth excell other in VVisedome policie and fidelitie 14 As reason is the difference which distinguisheth a man from a beast So VVisedome is the perfect index which sheweth how farre one man excelleth an other 15 Like as a hand is no part of a man except it can doo the office of a hand So is VVisedome no part of VVisedome vnlesse it be imployed as it should be Word of God 1 AS an ill stomacke what good meate so euer it receiueth it turneth it into ill humours and the Spider gathereth poyson to the same flowers that the Bee gathereth Honie So in the VVord of God and his blessed Lawes which he ordaineth for our health and saluation ill men gather death and damnation through their owne wickednesse and no fault in the Law nor Law maker 2 Like as no Burgesse of a Citie that hath care of his Corporation but would bee glad to know how in times past the world went with his Corporation that thereby hee may vnderstand the better how to behaue himselfe therein as occasion shall serue and not onely would desire to know the Lawes of the same but also what examples haue any way beene giuen touching the same Euen so it becommeth much more Christians that are Citizens of the Church of Christ and haue a communitie in that body to knowe not onely the Lawes of this Citie which is the Word of God but also what hath befallen either good or bad and euerie accident whereupon experience may arise by example and wisedome thereof to be put in vse accordingly 3 As men in the night because of the darkenesse vse Lanthorne and lights that they may see their way Euen so we ought in this blind darke and ignoraunt world to vse the Word of God as a Lanthorne vnto our feete and a light to our steps that we may walke in those wayes that God hath prouided for vs to walke in Psalm 119.105 Iohn 1.9 4 As Almightie God by his most mightie word and his holy spirit and infinite power brought foorth all creatures in the beginning and euer sithens hath preserued them Euen so by the same Word and power he worketh in vs from time to time this maruellous spiritual generation and wonderfull spirituall nourishment and feeding which is wrought onely by God and is comprehended and receiued of vs by faith The Word must be rightly diuided OFtentimes wee see that one mans stomacke taketh harme of that meate whereof an other taketh profit and that which helpeth one sicke man hurteth an other Euen so doth the Word of God not rightly preached and therfore to Preach mercie where iudgement ought to be taught and to Preach onely the Law where the Gospell should be taught is not good The World lieth in sinne AS a possessed or mad man is not therefore free from the snares of the Diuell or well in his minde because hee hath his hands and his feete bound and can doo no hurt Euen so the World although it bee bridled by the Law from outward wickednesse and mischiefe yet is it not therefore righteous but still continueth wicked yea this restraint sheweth plainely that the World is wicked and outragious stirred vp and enforced to all wickednesse by his prince the Diuell for otherwise it need not to be bridled by Lawes that it should not sinne The true Worship of God EVen as a man might say vnto his wife of one that is not a verie man for as much as he is not a man hee is not meete for marriage and therefore not to be matched with thee as thy Husband and if hee be a very man indeed yet thou maist not ioyne him with me for I am thy Husband onely So likewise if any be a counterfeit God euen therfore he is not to be Worshipped nor to be matched with the true God because he is counterfeit if any seeme to bee the true God yet we may not Worship him which professe one true God and that one alone Exod. 20.2 3. Deut. 5.6 7. Our best Workes stayned 1 AS pure water put into filthie vesselles is corrupted therby Or as cleare running water passing through filthie channells gathereth filthinesse Euen so the pure graces of God so soone as they entered into vs are stained by the corruption of our nature 2 Like as there is a greater force in sinne to pollute holy things then