teach Chapt. 4 Hâ—e now exhorts to vnity God giueth gifts to men That Churches may be edifi'd and men be borne agen IMpurity he calls them from wherein the Gentiles walke To put on Christs to lye no more to hate all filthy talke Chapt. 5 KNow how he bids them walke in loue to fly all fornication With all vncleannesse and to shun all wicked conuersation LEt men be wise fill'd with the spirit let wiues themselues approue To feare their husbands let them learne of Christ our Lord to loue Chapt. 6 MArke children how you honour must your louing parents deare Marke seruants how with single hearts your masters you must feare Chapt. 7 NOte our warfare with flesh and frends and how we are defended By compleat armour well put on Tichichus is commended PHILIPPIANS Chapt. 1 ALL Saints which then at Philippi did liue and had abode With Bishops and the Deacons there Paul here salutes from God BEcause of their great fruits of faith their bonds and Christian thrall He testifies his thankes to God and kindnesse to them all COntinually he prayes to God for their increase in grace He shewes what good the Gospel had by him and his disgrace DEclaring that his bonds at Rome did many fortifie And how that still he ready was for Christ to liue or dye EXhorting them to vnity and Christs crosse vp to take He saith it is Gods gift to them to suffer for his sake Chapt. â— FAithfully he exhorts to loue and true humiliation â—y Christs humility and loue and by his exaltation GRaciously that they should walke and in good wayes proceed â—s lights to th' world that he thereby might much be comforted HAuing no long time for to liue he hopeth for to send â—imothie and Epaphrodite both which he doth commend Chapt. â— IN any case he warnes them here false teachers to beware Who taught them circumcision And then he doth declare KIndly to them that he himselfe had greater cause then they â—o trust in that law-righteousnesse which they did so obey LOsse yet and dung he counteth it so he might Christ obtaine â—nd righteousnesse which is by faith that was his chiefest gaine MEntion he makes of many wants which he doth here relate â—et bids them all be of his mind and him to imitate NOt walking as the foes of Christ who glory in their shame Whose end is hell but bids them liue to glorifie his name Chapt. â— OBserue how he admonisheth in Christ the Lord to stand In him to ioy and ioy againe because the Lord 's at hand PVre things he bids them thinke vpon and things of good report To pray and prayse God that his peace might be their hearts comfort QVietly he commands them doe what things belong to loue He thankes them for their kindnesse which he did in prison proue REioycing more for that good grace which God had in them wrought Then for the comforts and supplies which vnto him they brought SWeet smelling sacrifice it was which pleas'd the Lord full well He ends with prayer and salutes the Saints that doe excell COLOSSIANS Chapt. 1 ALL grace and peace he prayeth for from God and Christs our Lord He thankes God for their faith and loue and brotherly concord BY Epaphras he heard thereof whom he doth well approue He prayeth for increase of grace of knowledge faith and loue CHrist he doth truely here describe to be both God and man The Churches head and ruling all euen since the world began DIuinely he doth stirre them vp in true faith to persist He prayleth his owne ministry in preaching Iesus Christ Chapt. 2 EXceeding fearfull Paul is here lest they from Christ should fall And therefore vnto constancy he doth exhort them all FRom vaine inuentions of men he bids them all abstaine From humane vaine Philosophy they likewise must refraine GReat heed he bids them take that they no vaine will worships vse Nor humane precepts taught by men but should such things refuse HE from the worship of Angels and ceremonies all Which shadowes haue an end in Christ most Christianly doth call Chapt. 3 IN heauen he bids them all seeke Christ and on him set their heart To mortifie their members all and from their sinnes depart KNowing Gods wrath doth daily fall on such as disobey He bids them put off anger wrath and euery sinfull way LYes also they must lay aside and Christ they must put on With charity humility loue and compassion MAn wife and children here may learne what vice to shun and fly Seruants must not their masters serue with seruice to the eye Chapt. 4 NOte that all those that masters be a Master haue aboue And must deale well with their seruants he bids them liue in loue O Let your speech bee gracious let time be rightly spent Saluting them he wisheth grace from God to them be sent 1 THESSALONIANS Chapt. 1 APostle Paul doth certifie the Thessalonians all How he at all times thought on them when he on God did call BOth when he pray'd and praysed God he also doth expresse How well he was perswaded of that truth they did â— professe COunting their faith most precious their liues pure and sincere From whom the word was published and sounded euery where Chapt. 2 DEclaring after what manner the Gospell first was brought And how that they receiu'd the same when it was preacht and taught ENuious Sathan hindered and kept him from their sight He long d to â— see them for they were his glory crowne delight Chapt. 3 FAithfully Paul doth testifie the loue that he did beare Vnto the Thessalonians and therefore sends to cheare GOod Timothy who comforts them and strengthens with his voice Paul also in their well doing doth very much reioyce HE witnesseth his wondrous loue by prayers made for grace And by his maruellous desire he hath to see their face Chapt. 4 IN all manner of godlinesse exhorting to proceed He bids them holy be and iust in euery word and deed KIndly to liue in loue with all to follow quietly Their owne not others businesse and that they moderately LAment and mourne for those that dye who all must rise againe Whom Christ will come to iudge and free from euerlasting paine Chapt. 5 MOre large description is made of Christs last iudgement day When wicked men shall not escape but all be swept away NOtable precepts here he giues how men should them behaue Both holily and soberly that they their soules may saue OBseruing them he bids abstaine from all the shewes of sinne He prayes they may be sanctified without and eke within 2 THESSALONIANS Chapt. 1 ALL grace and peace from God and Christ Paul prayes for hartily And what he thought of their true faith he them doth certifie BOund to prayse God he saith he is for their increase in loue And patience in affliction which did declare and proue CErtainly and by reasons strong that they should lest obtaine When persecutors should be plagu'd and suffer endlesse paine DAily
Of faith and of the sacraments and of the resurrection MOre forward he would haue them led he would not haue them faint â—ut to be stedfast in the faith in troubles patient NOte here the danger of all those that after truth receiu d â—auing once tasted heauenly gifts are afterward deceiu'd O How impossible it is that they that fall away â—hould by repentance be renew'd they Christ againe doe slay PRaised and blessed is the earth that drinkes in store of raine And for the dresser bringeth forth hearbes fruits and store of graine QVestionlesse that earth that thornes and bryers bringeth forth Is neer to cursing must be burn'd as earth that 's nothing worth RIghteous in his promises the Lord is alwaies found He still rewards their workes of loue that in good workes abound SEe here how God euen by himselfe to Abraham did sweare That he would blesse him wrondrously and still his loue declare TO him and to the heires of life he plainly shewes to both The stablenesse of his counsell and binds himselfe by oath VNpossible it is that God should deale vnfaithfully Sith by his word and oath he binds himselfe so stedfastly WHereby we haue a refuge sure and most strong consolation Most firmely for to hold that hope we haue of our saluation A Stedfast anchor of the soule which enters in through grace Where Christ is entred to prepare for vs a holy place Chapt. 7 BY Melchisedecke King of peace and Priest of God most high Is father Abraham blest when he return'd form victory COnsider how that he is said to want a pedigree That he vnto the Sonne of God might well resembled be DOe well consider the greatnesse of this High Priest I say To whom the Patriarch Abraham the tithes of spoyles did pay EVen by commandement by the law the Leuites tithes possest But Abraham to Melchisedeck did pay them and was blest FOr Leui to Melchisedeck did Abraham also pay Because that he when they two met in ioynes of Abraham lay GReater is this his Priesthood then and of far more perfection Then that of Leuies or of that which was of Aaron HE euen our Lord of Iuda came no speech did Moses make That either Iuda or his tribe should holy Priesthood take IT is a thing most euident most manifest and cleare That he was made Priest by an oath by whom we all draw neere KEeping the faith to Gods owne throne he is our surety sure Of a farre better covenant he euer doth enduâ—e LIuing for euer he is of power to saue all those from thrall That unto God doe come by him and for his mercy call MOst perfectly he doth them saue and intercession makes An holy harmlesse Priest is he who for vs vndertakes Chapt. 8 NOte well the summe of all that 's said we haue a Priest most high That fits at Gods right hand in heauen in glory and maiesty OF holy things and tabernacle which is the body of Christ A Minister who offreth gifts as well as did high Priest PRiests offer gifts euen so doth he Moses was bid to make All things according to patterne which he from God did take QVestionlesse a ministry that 's farre more excellent He hath a mediatour of a better testament REad that for second couenant place should not haue beene sought If that the first had faultlesse beene and could haue safety wrought SVch couenant with Israel and Iuhah hee 'll not make As with their fathers when he did them out of Egypt take THey therin did not long persist and he from them 〈◊〉 But in their minds hee 'll put his lawes and write them in their hearts VNto them I will be their God and they my folks shall bee Thus saith the Lord both great and small shall knowledge haue of mee WIth mercy I will them behold to them I will be kinde Their sinnes and their transgressions I will blot out of minde Chapt. 9 A Large description here is made of outward legall rites Which God taught Moses and which he did teach the Israelites BEhold both rites and Sanctuary which first old test'ment had Not heauenly nor spirituall which made mens hearts more glad CAndlestick table and shew-bread were therein set and plac't With name of holy places was that tabernacle grac't DIspos'd and plac'd within the vaile which holiest place is call'd Was golden censer and the Arke about with gold o'relayd EVen Aarons rod and golden pot that Manna had therein The tables and the Cherubins were put the vaile within FIrst tabernacle thus ordain'd the Priests did dayly goe There for to offer sacrifice the Lord commanded to GOD bad the high Priest for to goe alone once euery yeare Into the holy place of all with blood to offer there HE for himselfe and peoples sinnes did offer there alone Which seruice did not sanctifie himselfe nor any one IN conscience for it did consist in sacrificing rites Which were commanded till Christ came who cleanseth sinners quite KNow here that Christ is our high Priest of good things yet to come Who not by blood of Goats nor Calues did pay our soules ransome LEarne that that blood did outwardly the body putrifie O how much more shall Christ his blood our conscience sanctifie MAking vs serue the liuing God and all dead workes to hate Hee is the Mediatour true which brings to blessed state NEw Testament he hath confirm'd euen by his death alone And entred hath the holyest place for he to heauen is gone ONce hath he offered vp himselfe our sinnes to take away And shall againe come iudge his folke to life at latter day Chapt. 10 POwer for to clense away our sinnes the law had none at all To Christs body once offered that vertue did befall QVite impossible a thing it is to take away our sinnes By blood of Buls or by the blood of Goates or such like things REdeem'd we are from death and hell by Christs blood which hee shed Once for vs all when he on crosse his body offered SO that he hath for euermore their sinnes wash't all away That are elect and sanctifi'd and doe his will obey THis doth the holy Ghost witnesse and thus hath said before My law I will write in their hearts their sinnes thinke on no more VNto him then let vs draw neere with hearts made pure by faith Still hoping in his promises he will doe what he saith WEE willed are here to consider each one his Christian brother And vnto loue and to good workes to stirre vp one another ALL are exhorted thus to doe because the day drawes neere When Christ to iudge the quicke and dead will second time appeare BVT if we shall sinne willingly when we this truth haue knowne Wee haue no sacrifice for sinne but must in hell be throwne CHrist who forsakes and doth despise and treads him under foot And doth despise the spirit of grace the Lord will root â— him out DAyes that are past he bids call backe and bring into
surely come euen as a theefe in night When elements shall melt with heat and all be burnt vp quite VNlearned men peruert the truth to their finall decay â—ut Peter bids them grow in grace and not be pluck't away 1 IOHN Chapt. 1 A True description here is made of Christ both God and man Who with the Father equall was before the world began BEhold he is describ'd also a true man for to be Whom Iohn with his companions did handle heare and see CHrist hee declareth thus to vs that we might coupled be To God the Father and the Sonne and so full ioy might see DEclare he doth that God is light in him no darkenesse is If we in sinne and darkenesse walke then are we none of his EVery one that walkes in hath fellowship with him So that the blood of Iesus Christ doth clense vs from all sinne FAith this effects but if wee say that we no foule sinne haue We haue no truth at all in vs but doe our selues deceiue GOd faithfull is iust gracious to clense vs from all sinne â—f we acknowledge them to God and liue no more therein HIs word in vs is not at all we him a lyer make â—f that we say we haue not sinn'd he will vs then forsake Chapt. 2 IN louing sort he calls them babes and writeth to this end That they no more should liue in sinne but sinfull manners mend KNowne this he makes yet to vs all and it beleeue we must That if we sinne an Aduocate we haue euen Christ the iust LOuing vs he is for our sinnes the reconciliation Yea for all faithfull in the world he is their soules saluation MAde sure hereof we are hereby and that we know him right â—f that we keepe his precepts pure and walke as in his sight NOte him that saith he knoweth him and yet doth not obey His precepts that man hath no truth but lyes what e'er he say OBserue that he that keepes his word the loue of God indeed In him is perfect he is in Christ we need not doubt nor dread PVrely as Christ did must he walke no sinne his life must staine That saith that he is ioyn'd with Christ and doth in him remaine QVestionlesse no new command he here doth write and tell But that same word which they of old heard giuen to Israel REnew'd is now that old command which here he calleth new Because that both in Christ and vs it is apparent true SIth that the darknesse now is past and light doth shine forth plaine He wils vs walke as sonnes of light and darksome sinnes refraine THat man that saith he is in light and doth his brother hate He is in sinfull darknesse still his soule in wofull state VNto his brother who is kinde and loues him with his heart He bides in light and with no euill will such a man take part AS for that man that brother hates in darknesse still he lyes He knoweth not whither he goes darknesse doth blind his eyes BEcause your sinnes for Christs name sake are now remitted quite O little babes my children deare to you therefore I write COme learne how that th' Apostle Iohn vouchsafes to take the paine To write to fathers and to babes to young men here againe DEhorting from loue of the world and things that are therein â—f any loue this world he saith Gods loue is not in him EAch worldly thing as lust and pride to God doth not pertaine But to the world which with worlds lusts doe passe away amaine FOr euer doth that man endure that doth the Fathers will Hating all pride and striuing still his lusts in him to kill GIuing them warning to take heed of Antichristian pride He shewes why some did them forsake and would not with them bide HE shewes that he is Antichrist that Iesus Christ denyes He bids them hold on in the truth and not beleeue their lyes IN Christ he bids vs all abide that when he shall appeare We may be bold and not asham'd nor stand in any feare Chapt. â— KNow and admire the wondrous loue which heauenly Father showes The stile and title of his sonnes vpon vs he bestowes LEtting vs know that for this cause the world doth not regard Nor know vs for it knowes not him who doth vs thus reward MAking vs now the Sonnes of God when Iesus shall appeare He saith we shall be like to him and shall him see full cleare NO man that hath this hope in him but euen as Christ is pure So he doth purge himselfe from sinne no sinne he can endure OBserue that whosoeuer sinnes Gods law he doth transgresse Christ came to take away our sinnes and all our wickednesse PErfectly pure is Christ our Lord in him there is no sinne He sinneth not who by true faith doth still abide in him QVake sinners He that sinne commits delighting to doe euill He knowes not Christ and here Iohn saith that man is of the Deuill REvealed was the Son of God for this end and purpose That he might sinne destroy in his and deuillish workes vnlose SO that in him that 's borne of God no sinne at all doth reigne Because his seed the holy Ghost doth in that man remaine THus are Gods children knowne from Devills who doth not righteousnesse Is not of God nor who no loue to brethren doth expresse VNto you all and vnto vs this message long agoe Came that we should loue one another the Lord commanded so AS cruell Cain we must not loue who shed his brothers blood Because his owne workes wicked were and brothers workes were good BY this we know that God from death to life doth vs translate Because we loue the bretheren and no mans person hate CVrst manslayer he here is call'd that doth his brother hate Who loues him not abides in death and is in hellish state DEare loue we haue perceiu'd from Christ who for vs shed his blood So ought we to lay downe our liues to doe our brethren good ESteeme him voyd of Christian loue that hath this earthly good And sees his brother stand in need and wil not giue him food FRom sincere hearts in deed and truth he bids vs shew our loue And not in word and tongue alone which doth but fained proue GOds Sons we know ourselues to be by loue and charity And haue assurance in our hearts before his Maiesty HE bids vs here looke to our hearâ— if they shall vs accuse God who is greater then our hearts will not one sinne excuse IF that our hearts condemne vs not with God we may be bold To aske and haue no good thing he doth from his sons with hold KNow what this his commandement is it 's faith in Christ to haue And that we one another loue as he commandement gaue LEarne that in him that keepes his Iawes euen Christ himselfe doth dwell And by that spirit giuen to vs we know this thing full well Chapt. 4 MArke here how Iohn bids not beleeue
for the truth now the Apostle Paul Yeel◠〈…〉 and encouragements to Christian Corinths all BY that 〈…〉 which he â—ad his conscience eke and theirs He calls to witnesse how he preach'd the truth in all affaires COncerning comming vnto them he this excuse doth make That not for lightnesse he â— refrain'd bur rather for their sake Chapt. 2 DEclaring why he did not come he doth entreat them all To pardon th' excommunicate that did lament at his fall EVen freely 〈…〉 himselfe had done why he from Troas wont He praiseth God for that successe which he to th'Gospel sent Chapt. 3 FAlse teachers charging Paul with pride he shewes their faith and grace To be a praise sufficient against his foes disgrace GOod Gospel preaching Ministers law-Preachers doe excell As far as those that preach of life and those that damne to hell Chapt. 4 HEre he declares how he had vs'd all faithfull diligence And how all troubles he endur'd with constant patience IN euery place did still redound to th' Churches consolation To th' praise of Gods most glorious power and to his owne saluation Chapt. 5 KNowing he hath an house in heauen expecting iudgement day He striues to keepe his conscience pure and 's confident alway LIfe hauing once receiu'd from Christ to Christ he striues to liue And by his preaching faith in Christ to others life to giue Chapt. 6 MAnifold wayes he proues himselfe Christs faithfull seruant sure By exhortations and disgrace which he did still endure NO iust offence by him was giuen his ministry not charg'd Of sufferings he doth boldly speake his heart was so inlarg'd OF them the like loue he expects he bids them all to flee Pollutions with Idolaters sith they Gods Temple be Chapt. 7 PRoceeding he exhorts them all to clense their soules with care To loue him as he loued them and then he doth declare QVite for to put them out of doubt he tooke great consolation And ioy'd in his afflictions by Titus his narration RElating what great godly griefe his former Letter wrought He ioy'd likewise for that great ioy which they to Titus brought Chapt. 8 STirr'd vp they were franckly to giue to Salems Saints in need By Macedonians and the praise of their owne former deeds TH' example of our Sauiour Christ by that spirituall gaine Which would redound to them thereby he here commends againe VNto the Corinths Titus care his forwardnesse and others Who purposely were come for helpe for their poore Christian brothers Chapt. 9 A Reason yeelded why he sent Titus to them before He stirs to bounty who sowes much shall reape abundant store BY giuing almes vnto the poore they pray with one accord And for the same great praiseâ— yeeld vnto the liuing Lord. Chapt. 10 CArnall and false Apostles did th' Apostle Paul disgrace As base in person and presence but powerfull out of place DEclaring the spirituall power which carnall power doth passe He will be found as strong in word as he in writing was EVen euery one that reacheth out beyond his compasse set Of vaunting pride them to reproue Paul doth not here forget Chapt. 11 FOrced he is to praise himselfe because they did respect The false Apostles more then him his zeale did this effect GIuing them all to vnderstand that he durst well compare And equaliâ—â—â— himselfe with those which chiefe Apostles were HEE hauing freely preach'd to them most plainly proueth then That he was not inferior to those deceitfull men IN lawes prerogatiues also that he more paines did take In Churches care in seruing Christ and suffering for his sake Chapt. 12 KNowing great reuelations among the heauenly hoast He boasteth of infirmities blames them that made him boast LEst he should be too much puft vp he Satans buffets had Hee 'l come to them in loue yet feares their sinnes will make him sad Chapt. 13 MArke how he threatneth not to spare the sinners obstinate Who haue not faith nor Christ in them are proued reprobate NExt he exhorts to godly life to loue and vertues rare He bids them all be of one mind and so concludes with prayer GALATHIANS Chapt. 14 A Wonder great it is to Paul that they were turn'd away â—o soone from him and his Gospel which once they did obey BY him are men and Angels curst who otherwise doe preach faith and Christ but Sauiour â—hen he himselfe did teach CHrists doctrine he of Christ did learne and not of mortall men His deeds vncall'd and what once call'd he plainly shewes them then Chapt. 2 DEclared is the time and cause why Paul to Salem went That Titus was not circumcis'd right hands to them were lent EVen to the face he doth resist th'Apostle Peter here He did withdraw and scandalize and all for Iewish feare FAith iustifieth not our works in Christ we trust most sure All that are iustifi'd by Christ in life are godly pure Chapt. 3 GAlathians who bewitched you your faith in Christ to leaue To hang vpon the law from which no man can life receiue HE that hath faith is iustifi'd and is with Abraham blest This proued is by reasons strong but curst are all the rest Chapt. 4 IN bondage to the Law we were as heyre at vnder age Till Christ did free vs from the Law and did the curse asswage KNowing then this why turne ye backe to rudiments most vaine Obseruing daies th'Apostle feares that lost is all his paine LOue borne to him and his to them he doth record and name He shewes that we are Abrams sonnes as those from Sara came Chapt. 5 MAde free by Christ in freedome stand obserue not legall rites But faith which worketh still by loue therein the Lord delights NOw fleshly workes are reckned vp and fruitfull workes o' th spirit The first condemnes the second makes that we the heauens inherit Chapt. 6 ONe ouertaken with a fault if that he be a brother Restore him mildly and one beare the burthen of another PAul bids them vse their teachers well in goodnesse to persist What the Law-preachers did intend he boasts in crosse of Christ EPHESIANS Chapt. 1 AFter his salutations and thanks Paul in this place Doth treat of our selection and adoption both by grace BEhold of our saluation the proper fountaine true The mystery whereof is knowne but to a very few COntinually he praiseth God and for them prayeth still That they in Christ may haue their hope and fully know his will Chapt. 2 DEad are we all in trespasses by nature but by grace We quickened are and rais'd with Christ to sit in heauenly place EVen for good works he hath vs made by Christ we are brought neere We should not walke as Gentiles doe as Saints we must him feare Chapt. 3 FAint not for mine afflictions the hidden myst'ry showne To Paul that Gentiles should be sau'd to men before vnknowne GReat grace was giuen to him that he to them the same might preach He praies that they may feele Christs loue which he did plainly
MICROBIBLION OR THE BIBLES EPITOME In Verse Digested according to the Alphabet that the Scriptures we reade may more happily be remembred and things forgotten more easily recalled By Simon Wastell sometimes of Queenes Colledge in Oxford Bonus Textualis Bonus Theologus A good Diuine hee 's counted still In Scripture text that hath good skill Psal 1.2 Blessed is he that delighteth and meditateth in the law of God day and night LONDON Printed for Robert Mylbourne and are to be sold at his shop at the signe of the Greyhound in Paules Churchyard 1629. TO THE RIGHT Honorable his singular good Lord Sir William Spencer Knight Baron Spencer of Wormeleighton and to his Honorable Lady Simon Wastell wisheth encrease of honour in this life and eternall happiness in the world to come RIght Honorable Excellent is that sentence which Agapetus wrote to Iustinian the Emperour long agoe viz It is the crowne of Fiâ—â—ie which adornes a Potentate for riches 〈◊〉 with vs and glory vanisheth saith hee 〈◊〉 that renowne but that care of leading 〈◊〉 liues according to Gods will hath the promise of a Reward euerlastingly permanent and of a Crowne immarcessible And such hath beene Gods mercy to your Honours that he hath accumulated both internall and externall blessings vpon you adding to your temporall greatness spirituall graces which make your Honors far more amiable in Gods sight then any terrene though transcendent felicitie can make you admired in the sight of men The very Ethnicke could say Nobilitas sola est atque vnica virtus If the glimmering light of their purblind intellectualls could appropriate such like Panegy rickes onely to their Morall and Socraticall vertues how great are those prayses which are due to those Theologicall and heauenly graces which by a more diuine Spirit are breathed into the soules of Dauids Saints on earth Wherein though your Honors endowments haue not the meanest portion they not being in you meane but euen Heroicall yet lest I should seeme as the manner of some Dedicatory Epistle is to make my way to your Honour by a Parasiticall salutation of all your resplendent vertues in my passage and lest I do therein offend your right Noble and magnanimous disposition whose property it is not to be very much affected with those your deserued praises and because also the action in mee would bee cozen-German to base flatâ—erie I therefore passe them by in silence whereat my mind shall neuer cease to afford the due tribute of perpetuall admiration May it therefore please your Honor as formerly it pleased your worthy Father my good Lord now deceased to patronize this little worke which with all submission I present vnto your Honours Sure I am that those manifold fauours which I vnworthy I from time to time haue receiued from him and you may challenge requitall which to be performed by mee is impossible and to be testified by so small and slender a Dedication is in a manner indecent as being in no waies proportionable to your large and copious demerits But I am somewhat incouraged to make it trauell vnder your Honours Patronage I know that in all ingenuous and heauenly begotten soules there is an affection in some sort analogical to God himselfe of accepting the desire for the deed Receiue it therefore I beseech you it is performed as I could not as I would 〈◊〉 your Honour looke to the matter of that booke it is an Epitome of Gods Oracles and containes some of that aqua coelestis or liuing waters of life and grace If to the manner of handling the matter it is briefe and Alphabeticall and metricall for the better and surer memorie Plaine also it is because the pure and spirituall word needs not the mixture of mans depraued braine and also because the simplest Christian may reape the greater benefit when all things are done to edification Thus presuming vpon your Honorable protection intreating the Almightie that in blessing hee would blesse both your Honors and honorable Progeny I humbly take my leaue Your Honors euer to be commanded SIMON WASTALL To the Christian READER IT is the speech of all almost and the complait of the most sincere that these our last and worst dayes are dayes very wicked dayes very dangerous and therfore surely very dangerous because very wicked yet if we looke to the meanes of knowledge and of piety neuer time enioyed larger or better Great is Gods mercy small our amendment And where 's the fault why our owne consciences doe condemne vs as delinquents who will not receiue that which Gods mercy would afford vs. Christ may now take vp his Elegies against England as once against Ierusalem How often O England England would I haue gathered thee as a henne gathereth her chickens vnder her wings but thou wouldst not I haue sent my Ambassadors to declare my good will and pleasure to thee and my loue which I reserue for thy people if ye would returne but thou wouldst not I haue often knockt at the doore of thy heart for entrance that thou mightest bee enriched with my Spirit but thou wouldst not I haue offred thee that aske and thou shalt haue knocke and I will open vnto thee but thou wouldst not I haue exhorted thee to crucifie those carnall lusts which fight against thy soule but thou wouldest not I haue beene crucified dead and buried that by beleeuing in mee thou mightest haue life but thou woldest not I haue ascended from death to life that by my example thou mightst rise from the death of sin to the life of grace here and to glory hereafter but for all this thou wouldst not These or such like words might Christ iustly vse to the most part of the men of England whose ignoraÌ„ce is almost grosse affected and whose knowledge except it bee practised will but augment their condemnation for this is condemnation that the light is come into the world amongst vs and wee loue darkenesse more then light We know indeed our Masters will but will not do it Or if we haue but so much of the gold of the Sanctuary as wil tip our tongues guild ouer our externall cariage we thinke we haue enough whereas the heart was requisite in euery sacrifice and that being first formed and giuen vs of God first should be reformed first and giuen of vs to God againe But alas most men now content themselues to liue in this our Church which hates Idolatry and popish superstition and thinke this will bee sufficient to flit them to heauen after death whereas poore soules they ought as well to looke to the truth of their profession as to their profession of the truth lest he who is the Way the Truth the Life do for their want of truth deny them the way to euerlasting life But if these men or any other would in sinceritie see footing into the wayes of Gods commands it is then necessary necessitate á priori that they first know what it is which God
preuaile And yet his confidence in God did neuer faint nor faile MAking the mercies of the Lord the cause of his saluation NEw prayses he will sing to God for his safe preseruation Chapt. 14 OBserue mans crooked nature here who shew by their behauiour That they in heart perswaded are there is no God nor Sauiour PEruerse they are in all their wayes corrupt in all their deeds They pray not still one sinfull act another sinne succeedes QVite void of all true feare of God This grieued Dauid sore â—et he in heart perswaded is that God would all restore REioycing in his confidence himselfe he comforts well And prayeth for saluation vnto whole Israel Chapt. 15 SEe here on what condition God did the Iewes so grace As for his people them to choose and Temple with them place THe which was to th' intent that they by liuing godly and well Might witnesse to the world that they were his owne Israel VPrightnesse first the Lord requires for life and conuersation Then doing well to other men with pure communication Chapt. 16 ATtend how Dauid vnto God doth hearty prayers make For succour not for his deserts but for his mercies sake BY protestation he declares that he doth deadly hate All Idols yea their very names his lippes will not rolate COnsent in heart consent in mouth he vtterly denyes Abhorring all apparent shewes of all Idolatries An. Mundi Exod. 23.13 Ephes 5 3. DEsiring that the Lord should be his comfort in distresse Who to his Church and chosen folke his loue he doth expresse Chapt. 17 EXceedingly good Dauid here complaineth to the Lord Of Sauls great pride and cruelty of God and man abhorr'd FIerce cruell foes besides King Saul against him rage and throng Without all cause giuen on his part he neuer did them wrong GOd to reuenge his righteous cause he therefore here requires And eke to rid him from their rage he heartily desires Chapt. 18 HEre Dauid entring his Kingdome doth greatly gratulate And prayse the Lord with all his heart for blessing his estate IN his reioycing he extolls the Lords exceeding grace Who from so many perills brought him to that regall place KEeping and still protecting him in all his warres and strife Preseruing him from all his foes who hunted for his life LEarne further that of Christs Kingdome the image here is plaine Who in despite of all the world shall conquer â— still and raigne Chapt. 19 MArke how the prophet to th' intent he might the faithfull moue To deepe consideration of Gods great power and loue NOw setteth forth before their eyes the workemanship most rare Of heau'n with the proportion and ornaments so faire ORdinances and Gods lawes he calleth to their mind Wherein he doth reueale himselfe to be a God most kind PReseruing still his chosen folke with his peculiar grace Which by commending of this law is set forth in this place Chapt. 20 QVickly the people flee to God by prayer and request When as the wicked Ammonites King Dauid did molest REquesting him that it would please his Maiestie to heare Their King and take his sacrifice which he did offer there SAuing him from his cruell foes and strengthning him with all That he might saue and succour send when they for ayd should call THen he declares that heathen folke in horses put their trust But they trust onely in his name who holy is and iust VNto destruction therefore they most certainly shall fall But both the King and his people shall stand and prosper all Chapt. 21 AGainst the cruell Ammonites An. Mundi 1 Sam. 21 who did full sore assaile King Dauid and his people did victoriously preuaile BY God and not by strength of man he saith this conquest came In person of the people he doth magnifie Gods name CHrist is the King to whom we are by holy Ghost directed By him the Kingdome of the Church is blessedly perfected Chapt. 22 DAuid in great extremity and neare to desperation Hauing no feeling of his faith no hope of his saluation EXtreamely handled with great griefe of heart he doth complaine That he was forced night and day in anguish to remaine FVll long he fainted yet at last in faith and hope he growes Christs figure in his person here King Dauid plainly showes GOd by the spirit of prophesie to Dauid had foretold That Christs should suffer for our sakes afflictions manifold Chapt. 23 HAuing Gods mercies and his grace in sundry manners prou'd The Prophet gathers certainly that he is dearly lou'd IN this assurance fully he perswades himselfe in heart That his great goodnesse and his loue from him should neuer part Chapt. 24 KIng Dauid when the grace of God was vtter'd and declar'd More glorious in his temple then was of old prepar'd LOng time before in Tabernacle which wonder he sets forth The price and dignitie thereof as thing of precious worth MOuing all men to thinke vpon and to consider well Th' eternall mansions in heauen where righteous men shall dwell NOte that although the temple was prepar'd for Abrahams seed Yet onely they that purely liue must enter there indeed Chapt. 25 OBserue how Dauid being grieu'd for sinne and with his foes By feruent prayer vnto the Lord for helpe and pardon goes PArdon he chiefly craues for sinnes which in his youthfull dayes He did commit against the Lord he then for Israel praies REad how he doth begin each verse which in this Psalms is set Excepting two or three of them with th' Ebrew Alphabet Chapt. 26 SAul did good Dauid sore oppresse with many miseries He finding no helpe in the world to God for succour cryes THen being well assured of his owne integrity Desireth God to iudge his cause and plead his purity VPrightly then he promiseth to liue and to aduance The power of God and praise his name for his deliuerance A Great desire he saith he hath to be among the Saints When he was banished by Saul he mournes for his restraints Chapt. 27 BEcause the Prophet Dauid was assur'd of good successe He feared not the tyranny of foes in his distresse COnstant he was and perswaded by spirit of prophesie That he should ouercome them all and get the victory DEsire he did a longer life and Gods safe preseruation To this end that he might praise God in his great congregation Chapt. 28 EXceeding pensiue Dauid is and in perplexing feare To see the Lord by wicked men dishonor'd euery where FOr riddance of them and for plagues to light vpon them all He cryes and is at last assur'd that God hath heard his call GOd was his strength he saith and shield who did him still defend To whom he doth his people all most heartily commend Chapt. 29 HEre Dauid wills all gouernors occasion iust to take To feare the Lord omnipotent euen for his thunders sake IN all the earth nought is so stout but thunders makes afraid They breake the Cedars cause both men and beasts to be dismaid KNowne dreadfull
yet although he be to make the wicked feare Yet is he alwaies mercifull to all his children deare LEading and mouing them thereby in praysing to increase Because he giues his people strength and blesseth them with peace Chapt. 30 MArke how the Prophet Dauid here set free from dangers great Doth render thankes to God who did so kindly him intreat NOt ceasing to exhort all men by him the like to learne And that the Lord is mercifull not rigorous nor stearne O Learne how soone his anger slakes and yet learne this withall That men from ioy to aduerse state full suddenly doe fall PErswading this he turnes to God and prayeth heartily And promiseth to prayse his name and that continually Chapt. 31 QVit and set free from dangers great Dauid doth here declare What meditations he had by sorce of faith and prayer ROaring against him when his foes most cruelly did rage When nothing but his very death their fury could asswage SHewing to all that feare the Lord and here affirming plaine That Gods good fauour and his loue to such doe still remaine THen he exhorts the faithfull all the Lord to serue and loue Because he keepes them as they might by his example proue Chapt. 32 VExed with great afflictions and lying long therein The Prophet counts them blest to whom the Lord imputes no sinne ADdressing then his heart to God when he his sinne confest God did forgiue his punishment and did no more molest BIdding the righteous to reioyce euen all of vpright heart Bidding the wicked turne to God and from their sinne depart Chapt. 33 CHearfully Dauid stirs vp all to praise the liuing Lord For his creating heauen and earth with all things in this world DVe praises for his prouidence he likewise would haue giuen Because he ruleth euery thing created vnder heauen EVer in all his promises he faithfull is and true He vnderstandeth each mans heart and makes the proud to rue FRustrating all their purposes his counsell euer stands No strength of man nor creature can keepe out of his hands GOod men that put their confidence in his kindnesse and loue Shall be preserued from their foes and all his fauours proue Chapt. 34 HEre learne how after Dauid had escaped Achish King An. Mundi 1 Sam. 21,11.1 He praiseth God with all his heart for his deliuering IN like sort as he praiseth God so he prouoketh all To trust in God to feare his name and still vpon him call KNowing that he doth still defend the godly and elect The Angels pitch their tents about and safely them protect LEwd wicked and malicious men that righteous men doe hate God doth destroy them vtterly and ruinates their state Chapt. 35 MArke how while Saul to good Dauid did beare a deadly spight To flatter him his Officers did take a great delight NOt ceasing still to persecute poore Dauid with disdaine Their cruell hate and malice great they neuer did restraine O How he prayeth God to plead his cause against them all That in the Snares they laid for him in them themselues might fall PAying them home as they deseru'd that so it might appeare That he from false aspersions was innocent and cleare QVite quit likewise that they might be who harmlesse tooke their part And that they might yeeld praise and thankes to God with voyce and heart REwarding so his seruants true he saith that faithfully It will Gods Iustice and his power for euer magnifie Chapt. 36 SHamefully did malicious men their hatefull hearts expresse Against the Prophet who complaines of their great wickednesse THen turning to consider well the goodnesse of the Lord Which he to all his creatures most largely doth afford VEry well weighing in his minde the loue that he did beare To all his children which doe serue and worship him in feare ABundantly he is by faith confirmed and assur'd That his deliuerance from God shall safely be procur'd BOldly he then praies for the iust who in the truth remaine â—nd saith the wicked shall fall downe and neuer rise againe Chapt. â—7 COnsider how the Psalmist bids the godly not to fret â—hen as they see the wicked men in highest honour set DEclaring comforts for all those whose hearts are troubled sore â—o see the godly to be grieu'd and vexed more and more ENduring griefe although they seeme in wofull state to be â—et are they in Gods fauour still and lasting ioyes shall see FOr he preserueth all such men and frees them from the rage â—f wicked and blood thirsty men and doth their malice swage GReat glory though these wicked ones and honour here obtaine â—hey doe enioy them but a while their ioyes are short and vaine HAted they are of God and man he will destroy them all to the pit of endlesse woe they fearfully shall fall Chapt. â—8 IN bed of sicknesse Dauid laid with griefe then doth begin â—â— say that God did him chastise most iustly for his sinne KNowledging it he prayeth God his wrath away to turne He vttereth the cause and griefe which made him for to mourne LAmenting sore he in these words doth manifest his woes That he was hated of his friends abused of his foes MArke how the arrowes of Gods wrath so sore vpon him light That he complaines he had no rest nor ease on day nor night NOte yet how he in confidence his cause doth here commend To God and hopes that he shall haue with speed an happy end Chapt. 39 OH how doth paines care griefe of heart and great calamities Make Dauid vtter sore complaints of his infirmities PVrposing silence with himselfe and not a word to speake Through griefe into indiscreet words he rashly forth doth breake QVaint and strange-suits he here doth make which vttered in hast Of humane great infirmities most euidently doe tast REmarkeable are his requests they shew his tribulation And that he wondrously did striue ' gainst death and desperation Chapt. 40 SEt free from many dangers great the Prophet here doth praise The grace and fauour of the Lord which be had found alwayes THen he commends his prouidence euen ouer mankind all And promiseth to serue him still and onely on him call VNto vs all he then sets downe what worship God requires Not offerings nor sacrifice the spirit he desires AFter all this he praiseth God and doth of soes complaine Then with good courage he doth â—â—ll to God for ayd againe Chapt. 41 BEing oppressed grieuously and brought in great disgrace The Psalmist doth pronounce him blest that doe lament his case COmplaining greatly in this Psalme of his familiar friend Who of great friendship made a shew but treason did intend DAuid himselfe had such side â—â—nds but yet it may be laid Of Christ more truely who with kisse by Iudas was â—â—â—â—â—aid An. Mundi Iohn 13 1â— EXceeding mercies when 〈◊〉 fell in Gods correcting hand Not suffering his enemies against him still to stand FRom humble hearâ— all laid and praise he yeelds to him therefore
prosperous estate NOt willing to be ignorant to glorifie and feare The name of God whereto his heart he would haue ioyned neare OF such as sought to slay his soule and bring him into thrall He doth complaine and prayes to be deliuer'd from them all Chapt. 87 PRomise is made here to the Church which was in misery That God would her restore againe to greater dignity QVallified and blessed so an happy man is he That there among her members true a member true may be Chapt. 88 REad here what mone the Prophet makes and how he doth complaine Of persecuting enemies of anguish griefe and paine SOre troubeled as left of God without all consolation He cals vpon â— him striues by faith against his desperation Chapt. 89 THe Prophet here in many words Gods couenant doth praise Which he with his elect hath made in Christ before all dayes VNto the Lord he then complaines of ruine which befell To Dauids Kingdome euen to all his people Israel AS if Gods promise had beene broke and disanull'd thereby He prayeth therefore to be freed out of his misery BVt at the last he mention makes of mans fraile life and short And by Gods promises confirm'd he taketh great comfort Chapt. 90 COme heare the prayer Moses makes in which the Lords great loue Which he hath borne vnto his saints and which they daily proue DEclared is yet mans short life will not prouoke nor make Him to be thankfull nor Gods plagues will cause him sinne forsake EArnestly Moses prayes to God their hearts to purifie And to be mercifull to them and their posteritie Chapt. 91 FRom hurt protected are th' elect in euery great tentation Who onely put their trust in God he is their sure saluation GOds promise here is made to all that in true loue doe liue The Angells must attend them here and heauen he will them giue HE need not feare the pestilence the plague shall not come neere His house and when he calls on God he promiseth to heare Chapt. 92 INspir'd of God the Prophet makes the Psalme for Sabbath dayes To moue the people all day long the louing Lord to praise KIngs Dauid doth reioyce therein the wicked haue no wit To know that when they flourish most they nearest are the pit LEarne here the state of righteous mâ—n who walke in godly wayes They planted are in Gods owne house to celebrate his prayse Chapt. 93 MArke how the Prophet prayseth here the Lords most mighty power In the creating of this world so stable firme and sure NOte how he beateth downe the pride of all his enemies That vp against his Maiesty rebelliously arise OBserue his lawes and test'monies giuen to his people deare Obserue what doth become Gods house euen holinesse and feare Chapt. 94 PRoud tyrants with great violence against the iust did rage The Prophet prayeth feruently their malice to asswage QVickly that God would punish them he prayes and yet â— before He warnes them of his plagues that they might feare and sinne no more REcording Gods good prouidence the blessednesse he shewes Of those that are maliciously afflicted by their foes SVre shelter from the Lord they find their troubles end in ioy Whereas the wicked go to wracke the Lord will them destroy Chapt. 95 THe Prophet Dauid here exhorts all men to praise the Lord Both for his goodnesse and his power in gouerning the world VNto his name all praises due because his Church he chose To be his owne peculiar flocke which he defends from foes AN admonition then he giues that they should not be bold To follow the rebellion of their forefathers old BEcause that their rebellion and tempting dearly cost The fruitfull land of Canaan they thereby loudly lost Chapt. 96 CHrists Gospell was to be reueal'd to Iewes and Gentiles all The Prophet therefore stirs them vp his mercies to extoll DEclaring that sith this is done against their expectation After his will they should him serue not their imagination EXceeding vaine all Idols are to God all praise is due He comes to iudge most righteously his iudgments all are true Chapt. 97 FOr Christ his Kingdome and comming by Gospell Preachers voyce The Prophet bids all sorts of men to triumph and reioyce GReat dread and terror he doth bring to all the wicked rout His furious fire goes him before and burnes them round about HE ioyfull tidings brings to those that seeke to doe his will Whom he exhorteth earnestly to loue and feare him still IN like sort he exhorts the iust in God for to reioyce To thanke him for his benefits with hearty cheerfull voyce Chapt. 98 KNowing the Lords most mighty power and workes of glorious fame Dauid exhorts all creatures to magnifie his name LOuing his Church in dangers great he doth it still assist He keepeth faith and promise made to vs in Iesus Christ MOst kindly he communicates his graces and saluation To all beleeuers in the world of euery land and nation Chapt. 99 NOte how the power and equity is praysed here againe Of Gods Kingdome by Iesus Christ our blessed Sauiours raigne OVer both Iewes and Gentiles all whom he doth here prouoke To praise his name and to submit to his most easie yoake PErswading them to imitate their fathers liuing well As Moses Aaron and the like with godly Samuel QVestionlesse to call on God they alwayes had regard 〈◊〉 in the prayers which they made they graciously were heard Chapt. 100 RIght cheerfully to sing and praise and serue the liuing Lord The Prophet Dauid bids all men that liue here in this world SEeing he did vs make and choose to be his people deare And kept vs from our enemies and freed vs from all feare THat we into his gates and courts might enter in alwayes And for his lasting mercies might afford him lasting praise Chapt. 101 VNto the Lord good Dauid will Mercy and Iudgment sing Shewing what order he will keepe when he shall rule as King AN vpright man euen in his house he promiseth to be All workers of iniquity he well chastis'd will see BVt vpright men that faithfull are who godly liue and well He will regard and cherish still such men with him shall dwell Chapt. 102 CAptiues and all afflicted ones this Psalme doth reach to pray That God would helpe them in distresseâ— and take their plagues away DOwne from the highest heauens he sees the Churches desolation And in due time doth send his folke both ayde and consolation EXcitâ—d thereby are his saints to publish all abroad Euen vnto all posteritie the praises of the Lord FOr gathering the Gentiles Church from infidelity And for establishing his Chruch in firme felicity Chapt. 103 GOds mercies he doth magnifie and still prouoketh all To praise his name who pardons sinne when men for mercy call HIs sinnes he saith he pardoned and sau'd him from destruction He gaue him store of earthly things with soule sauing instruction IN louing sort as fathers deare doe with their children deale So
will preserue thee still DIscretion saues from wicked men and whorish womens wayes The vpright shall dwell in the land the wicked God destroyes Chapt. 3 EXhorting to obedience faith dying vnto sinne To patience deuotion then Solâ—mon doth begin FOr to declare the benefit of â— wisdomes happy gaine He bids vs giue loue be content iust blest the wicked's bane Chapt. 4 GOod doctrine did my Parents teach they bade me wisedome get To shun the bad to keepe my heart their precept not forget Chapt. 5 HOny and worme wood harlots are their steps take hold of hell Sinne sinners slayes be thou content with thine owne wife to dwell Chapt. 6 IDlenesse mischiefe suretiship are here by him reprou'd Of primire learne the law is light seauen things God neuer lou'd KEepe Parents lore and then the Lord with blessings will thee fill Adulterer wastes body and goods yea his owne soule doth kill Chapt. 7 LAy vp my wisdome marke abhorre the cunning sleights of whores Young fooles they doe seduce and kill ô come not neere their doores Chapt. 8 MArke wisedomes fame and euidence her nature riches power Her excellence which was of old and shall for aye endure NO gold nor rubies like to her they blest that loue her waies Who hate her hate their owne poore soules God will cut off their dayes Chapt. 9 OF wisdomes lore and discipline she heauenly â— things doth tell Th' Adultresse saith stoln things are sweet her guests are deepe in hell Chapt. 10 PRaters shall fall of foolish sonne of treasures badly got Of summer sleepers hatred fraud the iust lie pineth not QVarrelling â— tongue rod for the foole in many words are sinne The sluggard sent the righteous hope who still Gods fauour winne ROt shall the name of sinfull men Gods blessing maketh rich Sinne is a spoâ—t to wicked fooles al curses promist such Chapt. 11 SHame follows pride false weights abhord in wrath no wealth will saue The wicked hopelesse iust are blest an hypocrite doth raue THe froward hated sureties smart tale-bearers all will tell Counsellers saue faire women vaine he blest that giueth well VNto the wicked mischiefes come who winneth soules is wise Corn horders curst who trusts in wealth shall fall and neuer rise Chapt. 12 A Good man gets Gods fauour still who hates reproofe's a beast Good women are their husbands crowne the iust not mou'd from peace BY tilâ—h a man is satisfied the iust his beast regards The wicked snared by his words God painfull hands rewards CAre makes the heart of man to stoop in righteous wayes is life True dealers are the Lords delight the bad are full of strife Chapt. 13 DEstruction to the wide-mouth'd man wise sonne his father heares The sluggard wants the iust hate lyes deferred hope brings feares EVery wise man wisely deales some rich will not bee so The wickeds lâ—mpe shall be put out the law preserues from woe FAithfull messengers bring men health the Word despisers ' stroy'd A death to sinners sinne to leaue their wealth by iust enioy'd GReat ' ils pursue the wicked man the rod thou must not spare The poore mans tillage brings him food the iust right well shall fare Chapt. 14 HE feareth God that walkes vpright wise wife her house doth build A â—od of pride in foolish month great plenty Oxen yeeld IN laughter oft times hearts are sad false witnesse vtter lyes Knowledge not hard to prudent men goe from the man vnwise KNowledge doth crowne the prudent man the house of good men blest Wayes seeming good oft wayes of death Kings power in people rest LIfe of the flesh a sound heart is fooles make a mock of sinne Backsliders fall'n in their owne wayes bad musers hatred win MAny a friend the rich man hath who 's slow to wrath is wise Gods feare preserues from snares of death bones rot where enuy lies Chapt. 15 NO ill or good but God beholds soft answer wrath remoues Wise tongues doe vse their knowledge right he 's wise that takes reproofes OF righteous house where treasure is of wickeds sacrifice Of meales of hearbs where loue is heare what waies God doth despise PRoud mans dwelling God will destroy the wrathfull stirs vp strife Of sloathfull men words in season the wise heare checks of life QVite from the wicked God's remou'd the humble honoureth hee The vpright prayers his delight with griefe hearts broken be Chapt. 16 REferre thy workes vnto the Lord he thoughts and words directs The wicked made for day of euill he proud in heart corrects STeps God directs ill purg'd by truth by Gods feare we leaue sinne When we please God our foes are friends iust lips Kings fauour winne TRue weights are Gods Kings wrath as death pride goes before a fall Happy is he who trusts in God wise heart we prudent call VNgodly lips as burning fire wisperers sunder friends Gray head a crowne lot's rul'd by God thereby contention ends An. Mundi Chap 18.18 Chapt. 17 A Morsell better then good cheare wise seruant rules the sonne who mocks the poore reprocheth God bad hearts and tongues vndone BEware of strife a precious gift who hides a fault is lou'd No stripes will win a foole the wise with words will be reprou'd COunted for wise is silent foole as physick chearfull heart Who frees the bad the Lord abhors the surety sure shall smart Chapt. 18 DEstruction alwayes followes pride fooles will not vnderstand The sloathfull as a great waster God is our tower at hand EVen before Princes gifts will bring heart wounded who can beare Lot ends contentions some friends loue more then doe brothers deare FInding good wife thou find'st Gods loue the poore intreaty makes A brother angred hard to winne the prudent knowledge takes Chapt. 19 GOod without knowledge soule is not wealth store of friends will win Both lyer and false witnesse plagu'd poore hated of their kin HE loues his soule that wisdome gets Kings wrath like Lyons roare Great glory to passe by offence 〈◊〉 the idle hunger sore IVdgments prepar'd for scorners all good wife is from the Lord Who pitties poore God will repay correction sharpe afford KEepe thou the law and keepe thy soule the sloathfull hides his hand Bad teaching heare not scorners smite simple will vnderstand Chapt. 20 LOue not much sleepe be no deceiu'd with raging drinke and wine A King prouoke not cease from strife the faithfull hard to find MAke warre with counsell sluggards beg their bounty most proclaime Weights diuers God â— abominates whose heart is pure from blame NO eare nor eye but God hath made a child 's knowne by his deeds The lips of knowledge precious pearles stripes reformation breeds OEat not that which holy is a sureties garment take Lands got in hast in th' end are curst all flatterers forsake PLagu'd shall the Parents curser be reuenge not young mens praise Gray head doth grace Kings throne preseru'd by mercy and truth alwaies Chapt. 21 QVite destroy'd shall the robbers be Kings heart the Lord
doth guide He ponders hearts high looks are sinne by gifts wrath 's pacifi'de RIght are the workes of righteous men goods got by lyes bring death Iustice more lik't then sacrifice woes wicked worker hath SOre dwelling with a brawling wife none heard that poore despise Who erre shall die fooles wast their wealth who keepes his tongue is wise TH' vngodly â—s sacrifice is curst he hardens still his face No counsell is against the Lord he safety giues and grace Chapt. 22 VNto the wise bow eare and heart choose chiefly a good name The wise foresees and saues from euill strange women bring to shame A Child will keepe good lessons taught borrowers lenders serue Cast out the scorner strife shall cease know that thou must not sweare BY rod childs follie 's driuen away God will oppressors presse No â— surety bee no bounds remoue laborious Godâ— doth blesse Chapt. 23 COnsider what 's before thee set riches will fly away The cause of Orphans God will pleade fooles care not what you say DRunkards and gluttons â— beggers be childs soule from hell set free Enuy not sinners feare thou God let Parents honour'd bee EVer buy truth but sell it not my sonne giue me thy heart For whores and wine as â— serpents sting from it thou wilt not part Chapt. 24 FOoles cannot reach to wisedomes skill by knowledge chambel's fild Enuious lips of mischiefe talke saue those neare to be kill'd GOD giues according to our workes eat honey which is sweet Spoyle not the dwelling of the iust such fall in mischiefe great HE curst that iustifies the bad to neighbout doe no harme Reuenge not sluggards quickly poore ô husband well thy farme Chapt. 25 IT 's Gods glory things to conceale from siluer drosse remoue Hast not to striue lest thou be sham'd faithfull messenger loue KIngs heart a thing vnsearchable thy foe God bids thee feed Withdraw thy foot from neighbours house vnfaithfull man in need LEt not a secret be reueal'd of brawling woman heare Who cannot rule his spirit 's blam'd good newes the heart doth cheare Chapt. 26 MEssage sent by a foolish man a rod for such mans backe The curse that 's causelesse shall not come let fooles their answers lack NO honour giue vnto a foole the sloathfull sleepes and feares Who deales with needlesse strife's like him that takes a dog by th' eares OF Parables in mouth of fooles our God rewardeth all Beleeue not words of flatterie in pits they dig they fall Chapt. 27 PRayse not thy selfe publike reproofe to th' hungry each thing 's sweet Sweet friends good counsell comforts much hearts answer when they meet QVicke sighted men foresee the euill forsake not fathers friends Take sureties garment brawling scold fooles folly neuer ends RIches for aye doe not endure before enuie who stands Thou know'st not what one day may bring know all vnder thy hands Chapt. 28 SInnes of a land cause many Kings the wicked causelesse flee The law forsakers praise the bad poore godly praised be THe godly all things vnderstand who sinnes confesse find grace Th' Vsurer hoords for righteous men God will the bad deface VPright men all good things possesse great ioy when good men ioy His prayers curst who will not heare the wise freed from annoy A Faithfull man is greatly blest who tils his land hath store Whâ—â— giuâ—â— to th' poore shall haue no lack 〈…〉 rich made poore BLood thirsty men the vpright hate iust rulers cause great ioy The wicked care not for the poore stiffe necks God will destroy CHild left t' himselfe shall mother shame land spoild by taking gifts Flatterer traps his neighbours feet wise men deferre their drifts DEstroy'd are soules where preaching wants correction brings delight More hope of fooles then hasty men mans pride abas'd in sight EAch mans iudgment is from the Lord the feare of man brings snares Partner with thiefe his owne soule hates for iust no vniust cares Chapt. 30 FOure wicked generations told foure things exceeding wise Foure things which neuer will be fild foure hard to know their wayes GRieuous are all those foure things nam'd foure stately things are here The meanest are not to be wrong'd despise not parents deare HEre Agurs word and faith confest two things he doth desire He mortall God most glorious adde not preuent thine ire Chapt. 31 IT 's not for Kings much wine to drinke t' women giue not thy mind Th' afflicted comfort and defend who shall a good wife find KInd to her husband she will be laborious day and night Shee 's pittifull wise religious shee 's prais'd in all mens sight ECCLESIASTES Chapt. 1 ALL humane courses are but vaine the creatures haue no rest All things doe change in Wisdome's griefe I Salomon knew this best Chapt. 2 BEtter the wise is then the foole yet both haue one euent In Wine is workes of most delight much precious time I spent COncerning which and worldly wealth for which men labour most Not knowing who shall be our heire all is but griefe of ghost DRinke eat enioy thy labours fruiâ—â— except this all is vaine God giues to sinners wealth that hee may giue to his againe Chapt. 3 EVery thing his season hath reioyce doe good in life Gods gifts t' enioy our labours fruits all wickednesse is rise FRom seats of iustice iudgement's fled as beasts so men must dye No future things thou canst behold when thou full low shalt lye Chapt. 4 GReat were th' oppressions comfortlesse men enuide for good deeds Great idlenesse couetousnesse which much vexation breeds HEre 's sollitarinesse reprou'd â— and old and wilfull King In him the people shall not ioy this is a grieuous thing Chapt. 5 IN th' house of God addresse to heare thy vowes performe and pay Th' oppressed poore the Lord regards he is higher then they KIngs houses serued are by fields the greeding ne're content The rich are often hurt by wealth let thine with ioy be spent Chapt. 6 LAcking not wealth but power to eat it is an ill disease Vntimely birth better then age or children great increase MAn lacking buriall and goodnesse mans mind what thing can please Sight better is then mans desire all hid in mans decease Chapt. 7 NO precious oyntment like good name wise heart 's in house of woe The hearts of fooles at merry feasts to house of mourning goe OPpression makes a wise man mad in fooles heart wrath doth rest Wisdome excels inheritance by proofe I found it best PAst skill of man to straighten that which God hath crooked made No man on earth that sinneth â— not a wicked womans trade QViet spirits are praised here some iust in iustice perish God at the first made man vpright some wicked long time flourish Chapt. 8 REgard the Kings commandement mans wisedome makes him shine Obserue Gods diuine prouidence no man can death decline SAints sore distrest in better case then wicked prosperous traine The workes of God vnsearchable here mirth is prais'd againe Chapt. 9 THe like
doth happe to good and bad all liuing men must dye Comfort is all our portion here with wife liue ioyfully VNlike estate to men befall Gods prouidence rules all things As fish or bird so man is snar'd poore wise man safety brings Chapt. 10 AS dead flyes spoile the oyntment sweet so folly spoyles the wise Princes as seruants walke on foot when fooles to honour rise BIte thee as serpents bablers will that land in blessed case Where Kings and Nobles eate in time for strength not Drunkennes CVrse not the King in secret thought through sloath the house doth fall At feast and wine men merry make but money payes for all DIrections here for charitie where tree falls ther't shal be Obseruing clouds men shall not reape let death remembred be EArly and at the euening sow the light 's a pleasant thing O youth for all thy sports the Lord will thee to iudgment bring Chapt. 12 FEare thy Creator in thy youth before thy strength decay Before thy body turne to dust and soule be fetcht away GReat care he hath to edifie wise words as goads and nayles Much writing bringeth wearinesse let these with thee preuaile HEre th' end of all feare keepe Gods lawes this is the chiefest thing For euery secret worke and word he will to iudgment bring THE SONG OF SOLOMON The Church of Christ Chapt. 1 A Song of songs ô kisse me Christ thy loue excelleth Wine Draw mee and we will runne to thee thou art belou'd of thine BLack though I be yet comely Lord ô tell me where thou feeds Christ to his Church O fairest feed by shepherds flock they 're like King Pharaohs steeds CHrist giues her gracious promises she doth his kindnesse proue Both Christ and Church congratulate in feruent mutuall loue Christ Chapt. 2 DEare loue of Lillies among thornes among the daughters bide I am the rose of Sharon sweet the Lillie of vallies tride The Church EVen as among the forrest trees the Apple tree exceeds So doth my loue all other men excell in worthy deeds FRuit of his loue is wondrous sweet he said rise come away The Summer 's come my Christ is mine and I am his for aye Chapt. 3 GReat seeking vp and downe for Christ the Church preuailes at last O wake him not she ioyes in him bids others see and tast Chapt. 4 HEre graces of the Church set forth by bodies beautie braue Which so doth rauish Christ that shee his perfect loue must haue IN calling her to follow him is this great loue exprest The Church prayes to be fitted for so great and worthy a guest Chapt. 5 KNocking Christ doth the Church awake shee doth excuses make He then departs she seekes him still and 's loue sicke for his sake LO here by comely corporall parts most louely to behold Christ Iesus with his graces all by Solomon are told The Churches friends Chapt. 6 MAke knowne where thy beloued is we will him seeke with thee The Church To gather Lillies and to feed in gardens gone is he NOw I am his and he is mine ô thou art passing faire As Tizza and Ierusalem as flock of Goates thine haire Christ O Pure and vndefiled Doue like banners warlike fright I went to see how Vines did bud returne ô Shunamite Chapt. 7 PRinces daughter th' art beautifull like Iewels are thy ioynts Thy nauell belly breasts and necke and perfect in all points QVickly let vs goe see the Vine there shalt thou tast and proue The pleasant fruits laid vp for thee there I will giue my loue The Church Chapt. 8 REspected much ô that thou wert euen as my brother deare Thee would I bring to mothers house to drinke spic'd liquor there SEt me as seale vpon thy heart loue is as coales of fire One little sister wee will build vineyard let out to hire THou that in those sweet gardens dwellst thy fellowes heare thy voyce Cause mee to heare make hast ô Christ then shall our hearts reioyce ISAIAH Chapt. 1 AH sinfull nation worse then beasts your seruice who requires Cease from your sinnes relieue the poore accomplish my desires BE godly and your scarlet sinnes shall cleane be washt away But God will curse and kill you all if you will not obey CRuell filthy and treacherous are they that once were pure and iust But I will purely purge away thy drosse thy tinne thy rust DIscerning Iudges I will giue they shall thee faithfull call But sinners that forsake the Lord shall be confounded all Chapt. 2 EXalt shall God his glorious house thereto shall nations flow Come let 's goe vp he will vs teach his waies and paths to know FOr out of Sion goes the Law from Salem goes his Word Of speares shall pruning hookes be made and Plow-shares of their swords GReat sinnes as Easterne manners store and when man Idols makes When great and meane men bow themselues are cause why God forsakes HAughtie and poud God will pull downe the Idols cast away Men shall for feare fly to the Rocks in that his dreadfull day Chapt. 3 IN Iuda for their grieuous sinnes the Lord did take away The staffe of bread their counsellers and all their chiefest stay Kings shall be children babes and base shall proudly them behaue Against their Elders men shall sweare that they no maint'nance haue LEwd tongues and deedes procure this fall they shamelesse sinnes declare Woe to their soules but tell the iust that they full well shall fare MY people are by women rul'd children oppresse them sore Their women are exceeding proud woe woe to them therefore Chapt. 4 NOw women seuâ—n one man desire to take away their shame Gods glorious Branch the iust are blest who liue to praise his name OF Zion daughters when the filth the Lord shall wash away And blood then be will be to his their shelter strength and stay Chapt. 5 PArable of a vineyard marke whereby he doth excuse His seuere iudgments brought on them who did no sinne refuse QVaking iudgments are threatened to greedy misers all To drunkards wantons ignorants in hell fire must they fall REnewed woes to them that say good 's â— ill and darknesse light Who cleares the wicked for reward such God will sore affright SIth they cast off the law of God and did despise his word He sends vpon them furious foes who slew them with the sword Chapt. 6 THe Lord by vision glorious confirmes the Prophet so Though first affraid that cheerfully on 's message he doth goe VPon his mouth the coale was laid his sinnes were purg'd away God bids him goe then to his folke and tels him what to say ALl hearts make fat eares eyes sout vp till Cities all be burnt Vntill the land be desolate a tenth yet shall returne Chapt. 7 BRought in great feare is Ahaz King when Peka ' gainst him rose The Prophet Isay comforts him and bids him feare not those CHrist promised in stead of signe which Ahaz had refus'd Th' Assyrians shall destroy the Land by
holy word which is the truth indeed GOod men and pure haue all things pure the wicked haue no so Whose mouthes professe whose workes deny these subiect are to woe Chapt. 2 HEre Titus hath directions both how to teach and liue What precepts he to young and old and seruants eke should giue INstructing old men to be graue sober and sound in faith Old women must teach holy things to yonger wiues he saith KEepers at home chast and discreet they must in any case Still shew themselues lest Christs Gospel by them should haue disgrace LIkewise yong men are bid to liue in all sobrietie And Titus must a patterne be of godly grauitie MAsters must be obey'd and pleas'd of seruants taking paine Shewing forth all fidelity not answering againe NOte that Gods grace hath now appear'd and reacheth vs to fly Vngodlinesse and worldly lusts and so liue soberly OVr Sauiour still looking for who was content to dye That he might saue vs and our soules from sinne might purifie Chapt. 3 PAul here bids Titus to exhort and but them all in minde Their Magistrates still to obey and to be meeke and kinde QVicke ready forward eke to be to euery godly deed And that they should in goodnesse still and gentlenesse proceed RElating that euen he himselfe was in times past most vile Liuing in all licentiousnesse in malice enuy guile SEruing his lusts vntill Gods loue and Christs did plaine appeare Not by the works 〈…〉 done but of his mercy meere THat Christ he saith hath saued vs by true regeneration Washing vs in his blood and by the spirits renouation VPon vs richly which he shed that be our soules might saue And iustifie vs by his grace eternall life to haue ADuis'd is Titus this to teach that who in God beleeue Should carefully shew forth good works and in his feare should liue BVt foolish questions all should hate of fruitlesse brawlings vaine An hereticke twice warn'd they must reiect auoid disdaine COndemned euâ—n in his owne heart and of himselfe he is He bid that Titus should with speed come to Nicopolis DEclaring that he purpos'd there to winter and remaine To doe some workes of curtesie Paul bids him take some paine EXhorting them to shew good workes and fruitfull be alwayes He greets them all that faithfull be for grace and peace then prayes PHILEMON Chapt. 1 A Seruant nam'd Onesimus first rob'd then runne away From good Philemon his master and with Saint Paul did stay BY whom when he was wonne to Christ and truly did repent Vnto his Master Philemon hee home againe was sent CHristianly and earnestly th'Apostle Paul doth craue That for his sake Onesimus might full forgiuenesse haue DVeties of one good Christian belonging to another He proueth by strong reasons sent to Philemon his brother EXceedingly Philemons faith and loue he here commends And last with salutations and prayer all he ends HEBREVVES Chapt. 1 AForetime God by Prophets spake vnto our Fathers old â—ow by his Sonne the truth he hath diuinely taught and told BY whom and by his mighty word the world 's created were Who by himselfe hath purg'd our sinnes and all things vp doth beare CReated Angels he excels as being Gods owne sonne To whom by men and Angells both all honor must be done DEclar'd he was vnto the world euen at th' appointed day Of righteousnesse the Kingdome he and scepter still doth sway EVen as garment heauens waxe old but he doth still remaine They shall be chang'd but Christ our Lord for euermore shall reigne FVll great heed therefore must we take and duly still regard That we forget none of his words for feare of iust reward Chapt. 2 GReat plagues they had that did despise the words which Angels spake But we neglecting Christs Gospell what payment shall we take HE crowned is with glory great to blisse hath many brought Through death he hath destroy'd the Deuill and our redemption wrought IN all things he was made like vs the Angels nature he In no sort tooke that he to vs a faithfull Priest might be KNowing well how to comfort them that fall into temptation And for the sinnes of Saints to make full reconciliation Chapt. â— LOe Moses here to Christ compar'd is proued for to be As seruant to his master is inferiour in degree MOre glory farre the house builder deserueth for to haue â—hen doth the house or doth the sonne more then the seruant craue NOte that we are this house of Christ if that we shall hold fast â—ur confidence and hope in him as long as life shall last OBserue how he bids vs therefore to heare his voyce to day â—nd that no longer with hard hearts we should him disobey PRouoking him as forefathers did in the wildernesse â—â—st that in wrath he banish vs out of his blessed rest QVickly take heed that there be not in you a wicked heart â—nfaithfully to cause you fall and from the Lord depart REbuke exhort you one another lest sinne your soules deceiue â—or if we keepe faith to the end we Christ and heauen shall haue SOme when they heard obey'd him not but still in sinne did liue â—o whom he sware that he no rest at all to them would giue Chapt. 4 THerefore let vs take heed and feare his promise to foâ— sake They heard but through their vnbeliefe they did no profit take VNto vs was the Gospell preach'd beleeuers all are blest For all the godly of the world there doth remaine a rest WHich rest who so hath entered from his owne worke hath ceast As God from his let vs then striue from sinne to be releast ASunder doth the word of God diuide mans soule and will And as a sharpe two edged sword sinne in th' elect doth kill BEcause we haue a great High Priest now see in heauenly place Who feeles our wants let 's boldly goe vnto the throne of grace Chapt. 5 COmparing Iesus Christ our Lord with Priests Leuiticall He shewes wherein they doe agree wherein they differ all DEclaring that euery High Priest is for mankind ordain'd To offer gifts that pardon so for sinne might be obtain'd EVen for his owne and peoples sinnes these offerings he makes None but the call'd as Aaron was this honour on him takes FOr Christ did not this honour take an high Priest to be made But God who said thou art my Sonne that honour on him laid GOd said thou art a Priest for euer he prayers made with teares To him that able was to saue who freed him from his feares HE though he were his dearest Sonne yet by his sufferings Did learne obedience and is he that now saluation brings IEwes negligence is here reproou'd who were so dull to heare That though they had beene long time taught yet strong meat could not beare KNowledge they had but very small of milke they still had need â—trong meat belonged not to such on milke they still did feed Chapt. 6 LEarning the Christian principles of mournefull hearts confession
BIdding the Saints be patient because the Lord 's at hand And as the Prophets did and Iob still constantly to stand CArefully he exhorteth them of swearing to beware In mirth to sing and still to pray when they afflicted are DIstress'd and sicke for th'Elders send that they for such may p ay Their prayers much preuaile to driue sicknesse and sinne away EElias prayed it might not raine the Lord his prayer heard He pray'd againe that it might raine and store of raine appear'd FRom truth if any man hath stray'd whom some â— conuerted hath That man shall hide a many sinnes and saue a soule from death 1 PETER Chapt. 1 ATtend how Peter writes to th'Iewes dispers'd in diuers Nations Elect of God kept by his power through faith vnto saluation BLessing the Lord who of his loue had then begot againe To an inheritance in heauen where they with Christ should reigne COunting the tryall of their faith by troubles and temptations To be more precious then gold and seales of their saluation DEclaring that this grace by Christ was no strange nor new thing Because the Prophets did of old the same glad tydings bring EXhorting them that they therefore should former lusts forsake And to a new and godly life with speed themselues betake FEaring for to offend the Lord by conuersation vaine From which they were redeem'd by Christ who for their sinnes was slaine GIuing them all to vnderstand that man is like a flower Soone fading but that Christs Gospell for euer doth endure Chapt. 2 HEre Peter bids them lay aside wrath guile hypocrisie And to desire the word of God that they might grow thereby IEsus whereon they all are built is their most suâ—e foundation A stumbling stone to rebels all ordain'd for condemnation KNow that we are his people deare yea Prophets Priests and Kings Abstaine from lusts which to your soules death and destruction brings LEt men obey the Magistrates this Peter biddeth here And that all Masters should be seru'd of seruants with all feare MIlde Masters if they be or curst they still must subiect be And of our Sauiour Christ must learne to serue them patiently NO ill he did yet suffered wrong reuiled not againe He bare our sinnes vpon the Crosse enduring hellish paine Chapt. 3 O Wiues come learne your duties here to husbands subiect be â—hat you may winne the vncall'd to God when they your grace shall see â—Vt ye not on gay costly attire adorne your hearts with grace 〈◊〉 Sara's daughters chastity and gentle minds embrace QVietly still obeying them all husbands they must dwell 〈◊〉 men of knowledge with their wiues regarding them full well REspectiuely he bids all men that they loue one another â—essing for cursing to requite and all ill speech to smother SVffering persecution for righteousnesse sake â—e bids them feare no force of foes but rather comfort take TO sanctifie God in their hearts to answer euery one With meekenesse of their faith and hope they haue in Christ alone VS and our sinnes he suffered for here Peter doth declare The loue of Christ to the old world which he long time did spare AT last the Arke by Noe was made eight soules were sau'd therein Whereto euen Baptisme answereth which saues vs from our sinne BY Christ his resurrection who'is gone to heauen before â—o whom all powers subiect are and Angels all adore Chapt. 4 CHrist hauing for them suffered he bids them cease to sinne Wherein like Gentiles they had liu'd and wills them now beginne DAily to doe the will of God though others thinke it strange And raile when they behold and see in them so great a change EVermore watch and sober be because the end is neare He bids them haue among themselues true loue with godly feare FOr loue doth couer many sinnes be barborous speake Gods word Giue as the Lord hath giuen to thee that Christ may be ador'd GRudge not nor thinke it strange saith he when troubles shall you try But when ye suffer ought for Christ reioyce exceedingly HAppy are they that are reuil'd and suffer for Christs name But as a thiefe and murtherer to suffer were a shame IVdgement doth now at Gods owne house and chosen folke beginne O then what shall become of them that still liue in their sinne Chapt. 5 KNow here the Pastors duty is the flocke of Christ to feed Most willingly and not as Lords thereto they must take heed LIkewise he bids the yonger ones to Elders all submit â—â—cking themselues with lowlinesse God giueth grace to it MOst humbly still submit to God on him cast all your care â—atch and be sober Sathan seekes 〈◊〉 mens soules to spoile and teare 2 PETER Chapt. 1 ALL grace and peace from Iesus Christ th'Apostle prayes for here â—o all things for a godly life â—o giue did neuer spare â—Idding them vse all diligence to adde good conuersation â—to that faith which they in Christ 〈◊〉 profest vnto saluation CHrists knowledge they shall neuer laâ—â—â— that in such things abound â—â—eir calling and Election they so make sure and sound DIligently he alwaies will bring these things to their thought That they thereby to constancy in truth might all be brought ETernall Sonne of God who is and so confirm'd to be By God and his Apostles all who saw his Maiesty FVll well he saith they all shall doe if that they take good heed Vnto the word of Prophecie a most sure word indeed GReat light it is and shineth bright from which neuer depart Vntill the day and lightsome Starre shine clearly in your heart Chapt. 2 HE here fore-tells of false prophets as there had beene of old Teaching doctrines most damnable their ruine here is told IN like sort all their followers for Angells were not spar'd Nor the old world when they for Noe nor for his preaching car'd KNow Sodom and Gommorra burn'd and brought to desolation Iust Lot preseru'd whose heart was vext with their foule conuersation LEft for examples are all these to all the wicked traine God knowes well how to saue his owne and see the sinners slaine MEn walking after their owne lusts who gouernement despise Presumptuous and speakers ill of rules and dignities NO Angells though full great in power did euer dare doe so But these bruit beasts speake ill of things they neuer heard nor know O See how these seducers all their manners workes and wayes Their vile and filthy practises th'Apostle here displayes PRonouncing fearfull plagues on them and those that fall againe 〈◊〉 slaues to their corruptions from which they did refraine QVite ignorant of righteous wayes if all such men had beene â—t had beene better then like dogs and swine to leaue them cleane REmembring them of ancient truth which vnto them was brought That Christ should come to iudge the world though mockers set at nought SVch doctrine asking when comes he we see no change at all â—ut Peter bids them all repent and so for mercy call THE Lord saith he will
all spirits but to try Whether they be of God or no for many spirits lye NOte him to haue the spirit of God that doth confesse and say That Iesus Christ is come in flesh hee 's false that doth gainsay OF Antichrist this is the spirit and from the world doth speake The world doth heare him and they both Gods lawes despise and breake PErswading them they are of God because his word they heare Iohn doth exhort them for to loue each one his brother deare QVite destitute he is of God that loueth not his brother In this thing Gods loue did appeare more then in any other RIght louingly because he sent his Sonne that we might liue And reconcil'd â— vs vnto God And all our sinnes forgiue SO lou'd of God we ought to loue each one his brother well Which if we doe wee dwell in God and God in vs doth dwell THis thing we know because he hath giuen vs his spirit of grace And sent his sonne to saue the world which was in woefull case VNdauntedly who doth confesse that Iesus is Gods Sonne God dwels in him and he in God his blisse is here begunne ALL slauish feare true loue expels such feare hath painfulnesse In that mans loue that feareth so there is no perfectnesse BVT we loue God because that he did loue vs first of all Who saith he loues and brother hates Iohn doth a lyar call COncluding that who loues not man whom he doth daily see Can neuer loue the liuing Lord not seene with mortall eye Chapt. 5 DEclaring here the fruits of faith and Christs Authority He sheweth what his office is and his diuinity EAch man that truely doth beleeue that Iesus is the Christ Is borne of God and loueth him that 's gotten of the highest FIrst when we loue the liuing Lord and keepe his lawes with feare We know we loue the sonnes of God which are his children deare GOds loue is this that we doe keepe his lawes as in his sight Which are not grieuous to Gods sonnes but pleasant easie light HEE that is borne anew of God as here th' Apostle saith Doth ouercome this wicked world and this is done through faith IT 's he that ouercomes the world that truely doth beleeue That Iesus is the sonne of God and him doth worship giue KNow that this Christ by water came vs for to sanctifie Know that he came by blood also vs for to iustifie LEt vs not separate these two here are six witnesses Three from aboue three in the earth which Christs loue doth expresse MArke that the Father Word and Spirit are one in persons three The spirit water and the blood all these in one agree NOw if that wee mans witnesse doe with willingnesse receiue Gods witnesse greater is by much and will no man deceiue OBserue Gods record which is this that he doth freely giue Eternall life in Christ his sonne to all that purely liue PRayers proceeding from true faith are neuer made in vaine Iohn saith he heares and we our suits most certainly obtaine QVickned by faith he bids vs pray not for our selues alone But for our â— brethrens sinnes that they may be forgiuen each one REstrained are our prayers here we must not pray for all For sinners that sinne vnto death and from Christ wholy fall SInning against the holy Ghost for such we must not pray But who are borne anew of God fall neuer so away THat we our selues are borne of God we know assuredly And that the world by nature lost in wickednesse doth lie VNto vs Iesus Christ hath giuen a minde to know his will This Christ is that same very God and life that lasteth still AGainst this God all Idols and all worships false are vaine From which th' Apostle bids them here in any case refraine 2 IOHN Chapt. 1 A Worthy Lady Iohn salutes and eke her children deare Reioycing that they walkt in truth in loue and godly feare BEseeching her that she would still continue in that loue Which she from the beginning had receiu'd from God aboue COncerning which he doth declare his meaning and intents That he would haue her still to walke in Gods Commandements DEceiuers many now there are saith he which say that Christ Is not as yet come in the flesh such one is Antichrist EXhort he doth still to persist and not the truth transgresseâ— That they a full reward may haue and perfect blessednesse FOR that man hath not God that bides not in Christs doctrine pure Both God the Father and the Sonne he hath that doth endure GOd speed you shall not say to him nor him to house receiue That brings you not this word of Christ but would your soules deceiue HE that such signes of fauour shewes as for to bid God speed Is called a partaker here of that mans wicked deed 3 IOHN Chapt. 1 ABundant loue the elder IOHN doth to good Gaius beare Wishing his body prospered euen as his soule did fare BEcause the bretheren said he walkt in godly verity And that his sonnes did so likewise he ioyes exceedingly COmmending him because he kept good hospitality And with afflicted Christians did deale most bounteously DEclared was this loue of his in Churches where they came Iohn bids him bring them on their way and so preserue his fame EVen for Christs name sake they went forth he saith and naught did take Of Gentiles Therefore of such men we ought full much to make FRaught full of pride Diotrephes who lou'd to dominier For casting out the brethren is iustly taxed here GAjus is willed here to shun the ill and good t' imbrace Well doers are of God he faith ill doers haue no grace HEre he commends Demetrinâ— to be of good report Of Truth it selfe and of all Saints whom he did much comfort IOhn testifieth this himselfe who diuers things had then To write of but doth here refuse to write with inke and pen. KIndly he wisheth Gajus peace and shortly trusts that he Shall speake to him euen mouth to mouth friends then saluted be IVDE Chapt. 1 ALL faithfull people which are call'd of God and sanctified Iude prayes that mercy peace and loue to them be multiplied BIdding them earnestly contend the faith for to maintaine Which once was giuen vnto the Saints and therein to remaine CRept in he saith were certaine men which were ordain'd before Of old to condemnation reiecting Christian lore DEnying God the onely Lord and Christ our Sauiour deare Turning Gods grace to wantonnesse without all grace and feare EXamples here he doth produce of incredulitie How vnbeleeuing Israelites in wildernesse did dye FEarefully did the Angels fall and left their habitation And now are kept in darkest chaines to iudgement and damnation GOmorra Sodome and the townes that fill'd their foule desires For our example are set forth and suffer endlesse fires HEE further checks such drowsie drones that doe the flesh defile Who doe despise good gouernment and magistrates reuile IN milder sort did Michael the