the cōuersation of the wiues 1. Pet. 3.1 Euen so much more may the maister of the family do vnto God and his Church honourable seruice not only by sanctifying his house by the word of faith but also by hauing alwayes in a readinesse verie notable matter to further the building of Gods dwelling place 2. Timo. 1.5 3.15 Act. 16.1 3 As the disorder of one Priuate family namely of one Micha of Ephraim was an occasion that Idolatry did spread thorow the whole Tribe of Dan and so continued many yeares Iudg. 17 18. Chap. Euen so contrarily Gideon being stirred vp by the goodnesse of God to the reformation of one meane family in Manasseh was the cause of a very great deliuerance to the whole natiō from most mightie and cruell enemies and most abhominable Idolatrie for the space of fortie yeares Iudg. 6 7. 8. chap. Curious Questions to be auoyded 1 AS it is sufficient for one that would bee heated or warmed by the fire that hee stand neare it for if hee put his hand into it he shall surely bee burned So they that presume to dispute and Question about God about hell c. further then the word reuealeth falleth into blasphemie and so into hell fire 2 As a boysterous noyse or hidious sound grieueth the hearing ouer aboundance of meate noyeth the stomacke grieuous burthens bee wearisome to the bearer continuall raine hurteth the earth and ouermuch of any thing is noysome and hurthfull So doo difficult Questions quickly ouercharge weake and meane wits Rashnesse to be eschued especially of the godly 1 AS hee that is soonest wearied that knoweth not how far his iourney is So worketh hee and goeth about his businesse with tediousnesse till repentance ouertaketh him who well knoweth not the estate and manner thereof before 2 As the enemie lying neare the Walles is the cause why the Citie dooth watch and take diligent heed So when your enemie diligently waite and marke you then will you doo nothing Rash or void of reason Resurrection of all at the latter day 1 LIke as at the last day the bodies of the righteous and faithfull shall rise againe vnto immortalitie glorie and honor the greatnesse wherof the eye hath not seene nor the eare heard nor the hart of man conceiued So the vnrighteous and reprobate shall rise againe with their very bodies vnto euerlasting shame and both body soule shall goe into hell with the diuell and his Angels there to abide euerlastingly Esay 66.24 Mark 9.44 Math. 25.30.46 Ioh. 5.28 29. Act. 24.15 2. Cor. 5.10 Dan. 12.3 Reue. 20.13 2. Pet. 2.4 5 6. 2 Like as the vngodly in this word haue with their bodies taken their owne pleasure ioy and delight Euen so in the life to come they shall be plagued and punished with euerlasting paine and torments in the same bodies 3 Like as when we see seed sowne to putrifie and corrupt we are yet in good hope that it will spring vp againe with fruit for vnlesse it be dissolued it cannot rise againe So in like manner we must hope of our owne bodies being buried when we see their corruption yet wee must then bee most certainely perswaded that they shall rise againe for death doth not so much waste the body as the corruption of it Act. 16.8 1. Cor. 15.1 2 3 4. c. Ioh. 5.28 11.24 Act. 24.15 Repentance 1 LIke as if a Noble man or Gentlemans seruant were for committing of treasony fellony or murder condemned and going to the place of execution his Lord or Maister of meere fauour and good wil should not only by suit to her Maiesty procure a pardon for his life and so deliuer him from that villainous death which for his deserts he had worthily deserued but also should adopt and take him for his Sonne heire shuld this fellow after this his deliuerance goe and say I will now be idle take my pleasure and follow mine owne phantasie and neuer endeuor to please or pleasure my Lord or maister but rather I will seeke to hurt displease him euerie way that I can What shall wee say in this case Be not these most wicked and desperate words And doth not such a fellow deserue most grieuous punishmēts Euen so the like say they who either by word or deed say that Christ hath redeemed vs by his death hath purchased for vs forgiuenesse of sins righteousnesse and so deliuered vs from hell and made vs the Sonnes of God and heires of heauen wherefore wee will stand like idle persons or rather doo more wickednesse and liue as we list c. Christ our Sauiour doubtlesse died not for such nor satisfied for their offences no nor yet merited heauen for them to the end that they should spend their dayes in Idlenesse and heape sinne vppon sinne and become altogether wicked but that they seeing his great loue and how greatly sinne displeased him seeing hee was willing to redeeme them from sinne Sathan death and hell should no more commit sinne but loue honour and obey him thanke him put their trust in him and worke vertuous and good works plenteously not as bond seruants to escape hell for so much as Christ hath deliuered them neither yet thereby to winne heauen which he by his passion hath purchased for them but as naturall Sonnes for the glorie of God mooued thereto by motion of the holy Ghost and by faith and loue For godly Christians doo vndoubtedly feare to sinne so much more then the wicked doth by how much more they know that God dooth in this present life punish his legitimate children more then bastards Rom. 6.4 Gal. 5.14.2 Timo. 2.19 Tit. 2.11 c. Luk. 1.75 Eph. 1.4 2.10 1. Pet. 1.15 1. Pet. 4.17 18. Iere. 25.12 Iona. 1.12 2 As for examble like as if an Astrologer should tel an ambicious Cardinall that he should bee Pope although he did put an vndoubted trust therein yet for all that hee would not be idle but would vse all meanes possible to attaine and come to that dignitie Euen so the children of God the surer they are that Christ hath redeemed them so much the more they vnderstand the great good will of God towards them and therefore they are alway forced more and more by Repentance and godly conuersation of life to make certaine vnto themselues the knowledge of their election and redemption in Christ 2. Pet. 1.10 3 Like as the fire without heate or warmth is no true fire So is it a cleare matter that faith without Repentance is no true faith Luk. 19.8 23.40 41 42. Act. 2.37 19.18 19. 4 As it is the nature of some cloth if it bee stayned when it is wet the staine will seeme to bee easily washed out but being drie it will appeare againe Euen so some men thinke that they haue Repented when they haue done it to halfes and therefore they are to repent againe as those that breake out of prison are brought thither
also conserue and nourish vs in the same by the right vse of his holy Sacraments and wil make vs to grow and wax strong and accomplish the worke which he hath begunne in vs and al this by his Sonne Iesus Christ 25 As it is not enough that a shepheard doo onely gather his sheepe into the fold or sheepecoate but also that hee prouide meate for them and pasture Or as it is not sufficient that a Maister doo onely entertaine his seruant into his seruice by giuing him his Liuerie coate badge whereby hee is openly knowne to be his man but also that hee prouide and giue him meate and drinke dayly to feede him So surely dooth the Lord with vs in these Sacraments For by baptisme doth hee admit vs to his seruice and by the Supper doth hee feede vs that we perish not with hunger 26 Like as mans body is nourished and sustained by bread and Wine So also our soules are sustained spiritually with the body of Christ giuen for vs and with his bloud shed for our sakes Iohn 6.32 33 35. 1. Cor. 11.24 25. 27 As bread nourisheth our bodies So thereby we learne that Christes body hath most singular force spiritually by faith to feede our soules Ioh. 6.50 55 56. 28 And as with Wine mens hearts are cheared and their strengths confirmed So we learne also that with his bloud our soules are refreshed thorow faith 29 And further as surely as we know that we haue receiued the bread wine with our mouths and stomacks So surely thereby we are assured that Christ maketh the faithfull beleeuers partakers of his body and bloud Ioh. 6.54 63 64. 30 As those which haue eaten sweete Comficts and seede for the most part on delicate Cates haue sweete breathes Euen so must there needes bee found a sweete smelling Odour in all the words and workes of those which are fed with this spirituall and heauenly foode the bodie and blood of Christ and in whom Christ dooth dwell for they do all things for the profit and edification of their brethren and the glory of God 31 Euen as the Gospell which of it owne nature is the word of life and saluation is yet turned by the wicked vnto the sauour of death So the Sacraments also which are instituted by God vnto the saluatioÌ„ of men are notwithstanding receiued by the faithlesse and the vnwoorthie communicants vnto their condemnation and iudgement and yet do they not desist in respect of God to be true Sacraments still 32 As a sicke man feeles no comfort or nourishment when he eateth meate and yet it preserueth his life So the weake Christian though he feele himselfe not nourished at the Sacrament by Christs bodie and blood yet he shall see in time that his house shall be preserued thereby vnto euerlasting life 32 Like as Souldiers when they receiue their pay do binde themselues to their Captaine by solemne oath Euen so we when we are partakers of the holy Sacraments which God hath appointed in his Church by the which he bestoweth vpon vs spirituall gifts do bind our selues to him by the same oath 34 As we see with our eyes that the bread is broken for vs So we are certainly confirmed in our faith that the bodie of Christ was giuen vnto death for vs. 35 As certainly as we see that the bread and wine to be present So certainly do we beleeue that the bodie and blood of Christ is present with vs also yea we do not beleeue that it is the Supper of the Lord except his bodie and blood be present with vs. 36 As things set before the eyes do mooue the sight Euen so the Sacraments moue the heart to beleeue 37 Euen as sure as we take the bread in the Lords Supper and eate it with the mouth of the bodie and drinke the wine So verely certainly euen at the same instant with the mouth of our faith we receiue the verie bodie and blood of Christ and there it doth as actually comfort and sustain the soule as doth the bread and the wine nourish and comfort the heart and the outward man 38 And as verely as the most soueraigne plaister and salue laid to a wound or soare draweth out the filth and healeth it so verily and really doth the bodie and bloud of Christ thus receiued put away the soares and deformities of the soule and not only maketh it whole but also pure clean without scar wrinkle and spot and so maketh it a delectable louely faire spouse in the sight of God 39 As when many Windows be opened in an house the more light may come in then when there is but one opened Euen so by the perception and receiuing of the Sacraments a Christian mans conscience hath more helpe to receiue Christ then simply by the word preached heard or meditated and therefore the Sacraments may well be called seeable sensible taste-able and touchable words 40 As the Diuel entred into Iudas by the soppe which Christ gaue him yet not that he receiued an euil thing of him but because he did receiue it badly and with an euill mind Euen so the vnworthie communicants eate and drinke their owne damnation not by the eating of the bread and wine which are holy signes but because they receiue the same without faith and repentance hauing in euil conscience 41 As the word Sacramentum was a form of a solemne â—â—h in war wherby the soldier did vow destinat himself to serue his Generall and the Generall in like manner did binde himselfe to his souldiers So also by the vse and institution of the holy Sacraments after that God hath promised that he will be our God and giue vnto vs saluation he doth in like manner binde vs as it were with a solemne oath before himselfe before Angels and men that we will serue him and none other Soule 1 LIke as to be healthie in our bodies it is not inogh not to haue the plague or a plurasie but generally to be free from all diseases Euen so to be holy in our Soules we must be clean from all spots and defilings and we must take the whole lawe of God as an vniuersall rule of all our thoughts affections words and deeds to the end to keepe it from point to point and not to omit any thing which is there commaunded vs. 2 As sweete Oyle powred into a fustie vessell looseth his purenesse and is infected by the vessell So the Soule created good and put into the corrupt bodie receiues contagion thence Rom. 5.13 3 Like as if a man should borrow a thing of his neighbour and vse it so as he doth quite spoyle it he would be ashamed to bring it againe to the owner in that manner and if he doo the owner will not receiue it Euen so vngodly men in this life do so staine their Soules with sinne as that they can neuer be able to giue them vp into the hands of God at the day of death
doo all their businesse by candlelight so continuing vntill the broad day Euen so in like sort whilst we abide in this world where we are compassed about with the grosse darknesse and ignorance of heauenly things wee must carefully giue eare to the prophecies of the word take counsell at them gouerne our selues wholy by them so long till the day of the Lord approach and the time wherein we shall clearely behold those things in the presence of God which now in this pilgrimage of ours we beleeue and hope after 2. Pet. 1.19 3 As men enterchaungeably are said to be wiser one then an other when as one is wiser in diuers points and an other againe in some other points Euen so if mans wisedome bee able to doo that which the reuealed wisedom of God is not then is God wiser then man not simply but in some pointes and man wiser then God not simply but in some points and therefore such as avouch that the wisedome of man is not able to refell and confute some errors heresies and false opinions which the word and reuealed wisedome of God cannot is to make man wiser then God Esay 29.14 1. Cor. 1.20 25. 3.19 4 Like as Abraham said to the rich glutton being in torments who would haue had him to haue sent one to his Fathers house to warne his fiue brethren least they also should come into that punishment They haue Moses and the Prophets said hee let them heare them and if they will not heare them neither wil they be perswaded though one rise from the dead againe Luk. 16.29 31. Euen so they that will not be perswaded by such reasons as may be alleadged and brought both for confirmation and confutation of any point either of doctrine or manners out of the sacred Scriptures surely they will not bee mooued any thing at all either with the authorities of Poets Phylosophers Oratours or other prophane writers whatsoeuer neither yet with the reasons that may be brought out of an Ecclesiasticall writer how famous learned or notable so euer he were Sanctification 1 LIke as Lot was vexed and his righteous heart was grieued with the vncleane conuersation of the Sodomites from day to day Euen so ought our soules to be vexed and grieued continually at the wickednesse of our time and to send vp prayers to God for them that they may be brought to the obedience of his holy wil. 2. Pet. 2.7 Ezech. 9.4 2 Like as Ioseph Elias and Elizeus left their garments behinde them Euen so must the children of God leaue their carnal affection c. before they can please God and attaine saluation by Christ 3 As Wormes and Flies that haue layne dead all winter if they be laid in the Sunne in the spring time begin to reuiue by vertue thereof Euen so when wee are vnited to Christ and are as it were laid in the beames of this blessed Sonne of righteousnesse vertue is deriued thence which warmeth our benummed hearts dead in finne and reuiueth vs to newnesse of life whereby we begin to affect and like good things and put in practise all the duties of Religion 4 As the sight of him that is bleare-eide is hurt by looking against the Sunne Euen so likewise it is very daungerous to handle a thing that is pure with handes vnwashed and a man not to purge himselfe that hee may become a vessell sanctified to honour meete for the vses of the Lord and prepared to all good workes 2. Timo. 2.19 21. The Seruice of God is to be preferred before all earthly things 1 LIke as if a Seruant that is factor for his M. beyond the seas after many yeares returning home to giue accounts to his maister shuld yeeld a reckoning of so much time mony spent in carding dicing dancing so much in courting and wanton company we would laugh at so fond a reckoning but being further asked by his maister what time he bestowed on his marchandise which he sent him for if he should answer none at all nor that hee euer thought or studied vpon that matter we might thē thinke him wel worthy of al shame punishment Euē so surely with much more shame and confusion shal they stand before God at the day of iudgemēt who being placed here to so great a businesse as is the worship seruice of God haue notwithstāding neglected the same bestowing their studies labors cogitatiōs in the vain trifles of the world which is as much from the purpose as if men being placed in a course to run at a goldē game of infinit price they shuld leaue their mark and make some step aside after flies or feathers in the aire and some other stand stil gathering vp the dung off the ground we would thinke these men not worthie to receiue so great a reward as this that was proposed and offered to them 2 Like as Doues Pigeons and Lambes were offered in sacrifice and sanctified vnto the Lord vnder the Lawe as well as Oxen Euen so children young men ought to dedicate themselues to worship and serue God as well as old folke Leuit. 5.5 6. Numb 28.3 9. 2. Chro. 7.5 Psal 8.2 119.9 148.12 3 As the sacrificing Fire neuer went out but burned continually vpon the Altar Euen so Christians ought to haue a continuall care of Gods Seruice Num. 6.13 Scorners LIke as olde men for the most part are wayward and thinke scorne to be told of their faultes So likewise is this doating age of the world wayward and waspish if when a Preacher shall reproue them of any vice that they are faultie in Sinne left by vngodly meanes AS a Bird the more she strugleth hauing lyme twigges on her wnges the faster is she ensnared Or likewise a Fish taken with a baite Or as a man that washeth him in a poole that is muddie in the bottome the fowler he is So likewise a man being in Sinne striuing to get out by vngodly meanes hee infecteth himselfe the more with Sinne. Sathan 1 AS a Rauen or carrion Crowe will seaze first on the eye of a beast that seemeth to be dead knowing that if the eye be out they may the easier get their pray So Sathan will seeke first to pecke at our eye of faith and if that be out he will rule vs as he will 2 As a weak brittle wall is easily cast down ouerthrowne with euery Engine but an huge fense a mightie strong wall and a Tower that is firme and fensed on euery side doth stand surely endureth the force that commeth against it without yeelding staggering or falling in so much that the enemies that seek to ouerthrow it are driuen and constrained to vse warlike engines and pollicie yea and to batter and shake it with engines torments and ordenances of warres which wil send and throw out stones weapons bullets and pellets of yron and lead Euen so Sathan dooth most easily ouerthrow with euerie light temptation fraile and weak
vnto them who beeing turned from iniquitie do lead a new life 1 LIke as if the Seruant of some Noble man or Gentleman were for committing of treason felonie or murther condemned and going to the place of execution and his Lord or Maister of meere fauour and good will should not onely by earnest sute to her Maiestie procure a pardon for his life and so deliuer him from that villainous death but also should adopt and take him for his sonne and heire if he now after this his deliuerance go and say I will take my pleasure be Idle and follow mine owne phantasie and neuer endeuour to please or pleasure his Lord and Maister but rather seeke to hurt and displease him euerie way that hee can such a wretch deserueth to be punished most extreamely Euen so such as say that Christ hath Redeemed vs and by his death hath purchased for vs forgiuenesse of sinnes righteousnesse and life euerlasting and hath adopted vs to bee his sonnes and heires wherefore we will take our pleasure be Idle and rather we will doo more wickednesse doubtlesse Christ dyed not for such nor satisfied for their offences no nor yet merited heauen for them to the end that they shouid spend their dayes in Idlenesse and heape sinne vpon sinne but rather to liue Christianly and godly Ro. 6.4 Gal. 5.24 Tit. 2.11 2. Tim. 2.19 Luk. 1.75 Ephe. 1.4 2.10 1. Pet. 1.15 2 Like as if an Astrologer could or should tell an ambitious Cardinall that he should be Pope although hee did put an vndoubted trust therein yet for all that hee would not be Idle but would vse all the meanes that possible he could to attaine and come to that dignitie Euen so the Children of GOD the surer they are that Christ hath Redeemed them so much the more they vnderstand the great good will of God towards thē and therefore they are alwayes forced more and more by godly conuersation of life to make certaine vnto themselues the knowledge of their election and Redemption by Christ 2. Pet. 1.10 3 If a miserable and wretched Theefe shall haue committed many thefts and murthers and after that his wicked deedes were knowne the sonne of a King should be brought to be arrained and condemned for the same and so beare the punishment thereof and this theefe to be discharged and pardoned if herevpon the theefe should reioyce and make a scoffe at him when hee seeth the sonne of a King to be put to death and suffer the punishment that hee deserued such a Caytiffe deserueth a most horrible death Euen so at this present it fareth with vs behold our Sauiour Christ the onely Sonne of God is imprisoned and we deliuered hee condemned and we pardoned hee put to death and to all shame and we receiued to honour it is not therefore for vs to be drowsie-headed and liue securely and to flatter our selues in our sinnes and iniquities 4 As the Israelites were neuer able to yeeld sufficient thanks to God for their bodily deliuerance from the bondage which they were in in Egypt So to Christ our Sauiour for our Redemption and spirituall deliuerance from the tyrannie of Sathan and sinne Exo. 14.30 20.2 Psal 81.10 Gods Prouidence ouer his Children 1 AS it was impossible that Herod and Pilate together with the Gentiles and Iewes should conclude more and bring any more to passe in afflicting Iesus Christ our head then the hand and counsell of the Lord hath ordained to be done from euerlasting So also it is impossible that the Herods of our time the Pilates the Pharisies togither with the mad and bewitched people should take more in hand and bring more to passe in afflicting the members of Christ then the hand and counsell of God hath first decreed to be brought to passe by them Act. 4.27.28 Iohn 7.30 8.20 2 As the smallest birds of the earth are not taken without the will and prouidence of our heauenly Father Euen so nothing good or euill dooth happen vnto Gods Children without his prouident will Math. 10.29 Amo. 3.6 3 As the Lord in mercie feedeth the birds of the ayre that they haue sufficient and also so gallantly decketh the Lillies of the field which bee so gorgiously and so richly cloathed that euen Salamon in all his royaltie was not apparelled like one of them Euen so much more if wee haue an assured trust in him so liberall and bountifull a Father he will not doubtlesse see vs his Children lacke any thing that good is concerning our foode or sustenance apparell or cloathing as shall be meete and expedient for vs. Math. 6.26 28 29 30. What Comfort we receiue by the name of Christ or annoynted 1 LIke as the annoynting whereby at Gods Commaundement Prophets Priests and Kings were appoynted amongst his people with an outward and visible Oyle was a publike testimonie that God would gouerne and defend his people by this person and also keep and vphold his diuine worship and likewise teach his people and this person had commaundement of this thing that they might suffer themselues to be gouerned cleansed and taught Euen so the Sonne of God manifested in the flesh concerning his manhood is annoynted with the holy Ghost without measure which is the truth of that outward annoynting and so is ordeined and giuen of the Father to the Prophet Priest and King of his Church 2 As it must needs be that all they be made sadde that doubt vnder what Lord they are in this life whether vnder Christ or Satan So on the contrarie it cannot be but all they must be filled with ioy who by the inward testimonie of the annoynting of faith and by the outward washing of holy Baptisme are assured that they are vnder Christ the King of righteousnesse Col. 1.13 Luk. 17.21 2.10 11. 3 Like as in time past when Salamon by the commandement of God was annointed there was publike ioy amōg the people of God because they knew that God wold do them good and defend them by the hand of a King Euen so wee when we heare out of the word of God that our Lord Iesus is Christ that is that same annoynted of the Lord we ought with the Angels to be filled with an exceeding ioy of minde beeing surely perswaded that euen in this very thing that the heauenly Father hath appointed and in very deede giuen his owne Sonne Christ that is annoynted to bee our King that he dooth openly from heauen declare that hee by his sonne will become the euerlasting restorer and defender of his Church Christian Seruice AS in a mans body one part is very readie to doo seruice to an other the foote to the eye and the eye to the foote Fuen so euerie Christian man as parts of the mysticall body of Christ must be willing and ready to do seruice one to an other not enuying those which bee in greater calling nor scorning his inferiours Christianitie LIke as euery thing which striketh a hard Stone
the corrupted wounds of a sicke body and to take away or to feare with an hot Iron the rotten flesh in cutting or searing hath no pittie of the weake man to the end that in curing his sore and healing his wound by cutting and searing he may shew him pittie Euen so our most wise God that celestiall Physition and heauenly Surgeon smiteth and afflicteth vs that hee may heale vs cutteth and seareth vs that he may cure vs. Heb. 12.6.7 Deut. 32.39 Amo. 3.2 Psa 89.31.32 Good Christians are much grieued when God is dishonored AS a water pot or a Viall full of liquor if suddenly it be ouerthrowne doth shed and scatter the liquor So a deuout and godly Christian abounding with teares being mooued and troubled with sorrow because of the iniuries dishonour wrongs and blasphemies committed against the Lord doth presently powre out great aboundance and as it were mightie streames of salt and bitter teares Luke 19.41 Psal 119.136 Math. 26.75 Disobedient Children EVen as a long and a prosperous life is promised vnto obedient sonnes So on the other side all disobedient vnthankfull and obstinate Children are assured of the punishment of infamie ioyned with diuers and great oâ— lamities and torments Exod. 20.12 1. Sam. 2.22 1. King 1.25 c. Deut. 21.18 c. Pro. 20.20 Ephe. 6.2 The end of our Calling LIke as if her Maiestie to shew her puissance against a forraine power should call foorth one or two of her subiects who are most beholding vnto her to Iust and turney in her presence for her honor they wold no doubt straine all their strength in this seruice yea and their liues too Euen so much more ought we that are Christians to performe this dutie to our God and Prince who hath called vs out by name to fight for his honour to be a chosen and peculiar people vnto himselfe to stand on his parts to shew forth his vertues and to be zealous of good workes yea and that wee might the better performe this seruice he hath furnished vs with his owne armour and weapons yea and his owne hand is with vs too though all men see it not and therefore we must endeuour to doo valiantly and to doo our best to answere the expectation of our heauenly king and prince Tit. 2.13.14 Psal 130.4 1. Pet. 2.9 Cantic 8.6 The Churches variable estate vpon earth LIke as the day and night doo one follow another So likewise in the administration of the Church here vpon earth Christ suffereth a continuall intercourse betweene peace and persecution Christ is to be serued and pleased before our selues or others AS the maister of those seruants that are borne in his house or whome hee purchaseth doo pretend that they doo him wrong when they spend any time either to their owne particular profite or in the seruice of others So may Iesus Christ much more iustly complaine of vs that are his two-fold seruants namely by birth and by purchase if wee imploy euen neuer so little of our liues to serue and please our selues the world or the diuell our enemies 1. Cor. 6.19 Math. 16.24 Luk. 9.23 Rom. 12.2 It is spirituall Adultrie to forsake Christ and loue the world EVen as a woman may rightly be called an Adulteresse that giueth her body to other men and setteth her loue on an other So they which flie from Christ and forsake him being their spirituall husband by setting their loue on this world or any thing therein doo commit adulterie against Christ Iam. 4.4 Ephe. 5.30 1. Cor. 6.17 Christ is sent of the Father AS fire sendeth forth both heate and light but neither heate nor light sendeth fire so the father sendeth both Christ and the all knowing comforter and hee is vnsent Christ and the holy Ghost are of the Father AS both the light the heate are of the fire So Christ and the holy Ghost both are of the Father the one begotten the other proceeding and the Father onely is of himselfe and of no other Christ is to be loued for sauing of vs. 1 LIke as if thou fallest into a deepe ryuer being in apparant daunger of drowning if any man should cast the a rope or himselfe leape into the water to saue thy life thou canst not sufficiently confesse and acknowledge thy selfe his debter to doo him pleasure and seruice all the daies of thy life So likewise wee were not onely in daunger of falling into hell but were alreadie fallen euen from our infancie and dayly through our sinnes fell deeper and deeper Yet Christ cast vs not in a rope to pull vs vp and saue vs but threw himselfe into our sea of woe into our hell to be short into horrible death wherein wee were drowned to plucke vs foorth and therefore with great zeale and affection we are bound to say Lord wee are bound to loue honour serue please and obey thee in all that we may with our whole hearts all the dayes of our life 2 Like as if thou werst vpon a Scaffold ready to be beheaded for thy drunkennesse or adulterie and thereupon shouldest haue a pardon and so thy life saued vpon condition that thou shouldest fall no more thereinto thou wouldest no doubt willingly and heartily promise yea with thy hand subscribe and with thy tongue sweare that thou wouldest neuer more commit adulterie or drunkennesse but that thou wouldest abhorre all Tauernes Ale-houses and drunkerds all whores and bawdes and so amend thy life Now seeing Iesus Christ hath saued thee not from an apparant daunger of death but euen from death it selfe and not from the death of the body but from euerlasting death who requireth of thee to amende thy life which thou art bound so to doo yea thou oughtest cheerefully and earnestly promise and faithfully vowe to reforme and amend and to shun all occasions that might procure thee to displease and offend him Counsell EVen as out of an Apothecaries shoppe where verie wholesome medicines precious oyntments and most pleasant perfumes are solde sometimes commeth most ranke and deadly poyson So very often from men greatly experienced and deepely learned do come very pestilent pernitious and treacherous Counsels The right knowledge of Christ crucified 1 AS Elizeus when hee would reuiue the childe of the Shunamite went vp and lay vpon him and put his mouth vpon his mouth and his hands vppon his hands and his eyes vpon his eyes and stretched himselfe vpon him Euen so if thou wouldest bee reuiued to euerlasting life thou must by faith as it were set thy selfe vpon the Crosse of Christ and applie thy hands to his hands thy feete to his feete and thy sinful heart to his bleeding hart and content not thy selfe with Thomas to put thy finger into his side but euen diue plunge thy selfe wholly both body and soule into the woundes and bloud of Christ 2. King 4.34 2 As the dead Souldier tumbled into the graue of Elizeus was made aliue at the very touching of his body Euen so shalt
he doth any of these he is knowne to be aliue Euen so is it with Faith if it can or doo bring foorth no good workes then is it dead on the contrarie part the actions and stirring thereof doo shewe it to bee aliue 7 Euen as we see some painter so skilful that he can cast such colours in painting fire that at the first blush it might make a man iudge it to bee fire indeed But if a man hold his hand to it to feele for some heate and to make triall by the effects a child will be able to iudge easily that it is but a dead image because the effectes are wanting Euen so there bee very many men as cunning as any Painter to make a shew of Faith through great bragges and vaunts that God is their God and that they put all their whole trust in him that they looke to be saued as well as the best yea though but a fewe yet they hope to bee of the number of those 8 As an vnfaithfull seruant which doth his businesse deceitfully and hypocritically to his Lord and Maister whose wages hee taketh and in the meane time fauoureth his enemie and laboureth by all the meanes that hee may to please him and with his diligence to serue him Euen so in like manner hee which boasteth of Faith in Christ and in the meane time liueth loosely and wickedly hee dooth no otherwise then to speake outwardly those things with his mouth from which both the heart it selfe and all the studies and actions of his whole life doo disagree Ioh. 8.40.44 For the loue of Christ wee must Forsake all 1 AS a faithfull wife hauing her husband in a straunge Countrie who sending for her dooth foorthwith Forsake Father and Mother Friend and acquaintaunce goods and landes not regarding either perill or pouertie that maye happen vnto her so that shee may bee in the fellowshippe and companie of her husband because shee loueth him and hath her sure confidence and trust in him and is sure that she shall participate with him whatsoeuer he hath Euen so wee that are faithfull Christians ought vnlesse we would be reputed vnnaturall braunches vnkind louers and insolent persons to abandon and Forsake for the loue of Christ who hath married vs vnto himselfe with the Ring of Faith all worldly and fleshly pleasures what and how many so euer they be yea and our liues too Mat. 10.37 Luk. 14.26 2 As a weake woman will not refuse to forsake all and to follow her louing husband who is nothing else but earth ashes flesh bloud and corruption hauing yet no certaintie of his life nor no full assuraunce of his person nor presence Euen so much more wee ought to Forsake all when our heauenly husband Iesus Christ for our saluation and commoditie and because hee would make vs like vnto himselfe doth call vs out of our owne countrie and to follow him which is the author of life the preseruer from perils the giuer of all good giftes and the most faithfull louer of our soules 3 Like as a husband that hath diuers mansion places the which also by the common right of marriage belong vnto his wife who causeth her to dwel in what house it pleaseth him and when he list he causeth her to remoue and to chaunge habitation as he thinketh best which shee willingly is contented with beeing a dutifull wife and delighting in the companie of her husband So likewise Iesus Christ who is the Lord of the vniuersall world who also hath married vs to him by Faith will haue this prerogatiue ouer vs namely to place vs in which of his houses it pleaseth him best So that it is our part for his loue to Forsake all and to obey him and willingly to dwell in what place he will haue vs and there to remaine in leading a Christian life till such time as he shall call vs thence vnto some other place Superstuitie in Feastes and banquets 1 LIke as if a Horse by eating too many Oates should grow heauie dull and slacke to goe or draw the owner would beware of giuing him too much least hee should both loose his prouender and weaken his horse Euen so in meate and drinke and long sittings at Feasts if the plentie make vs heauie and slowe in our vocations namely in the seruice of God we haue iust cause to cut it off and so to take away the abuse which is especially hurtfull and to be condemned 1. Cor. 10.31 2 As men vse to put water into their wine for feare of drunkennesse and to put salt in their meate to season it Euen so must our speeches and talke sauour of sobrietie Christian reformation at Feasts and other meetings Iob. 1. 4.5 Math. 12.36 Fauourers and furtherers of wicked actions and sinne EVen as when some huge and great Fish is drawne out of a ryuer in a net many small ones which are about him are taken and drawne out with him Right so it is the Lords manner not onely to tangle and to trap within the infringible net of his indignation heauie iudgements the first Authors and chiefe bruers and brochers of Idolatrie treason treacherie or any kind of euill whatsoeuer But all those also will hee censure with the same weight and measure of punishment which haue any pleasure in those forbidden euils and are so farre from beeing offended and grieued at the same that they wish in their harts good successe continuance vnto thē Eze. 29.4 5. A fellow-like Feeling LIke as there is no one part in our carnall body that is hurt but that all the rest of the members Feele smart by the same Euen so ought wee to haue compassion one vpon an other when hee is in trouble and suffereth any sorrow and our neighbours businesse ought no lesse to be ours then our owne Rom. 12.10.15 16. Free-will lost in Adam 1 AS he which killeth himselfe doth it whilst he is aliue but being dead cannot reuiue himselfe againe So we had Free-will to doo good before we lost it in Adam but hauing lost it we cannot recouer it 2 As a man that is in close prison must needes thereabide and cannot possibly get forth and walke where hee will Yet can he moue himselfe freely and walke within the prison So likewise though mans will be chained naturally by the bonds of sinne and therefore cannot but sinne and thereupon sinneth necessarily yet doth it also sinne Freely 3 As that prisoner that is not onely sicke and weake but euen starke dead Which cannot stirre though the keeper vntie his boltes and chaines nor heare though hee sound a trumpet in his eare and if the said keeper would haue him to moue and stir he must giue him not only his hand to helpe him but euen soule and life also Euen so such a one is euery man by nature not onely chained and fettered in his sinnes but starke dead therein as one that lyeth rotting in the graue not hauing any abilitie or
and brimstone vppon the third it would make them afraid Preachers must be faultlesse AS when the Priestes did offer they did especially prouide that their sacrifice should haue no spot on it least it should not be acceptable to God So the Preachers of the word must haue a speciall care that there bee no blots in their liues or Sermons Prophets AS wee looking on those things which are before our eyes doo see them no otherwise then they are So the Prophets did foresee things to come as though they were present and as they were in deed Philosophie AS the earth heauen and ayre and such like are not therefore to be contemned because some haue abused them and worshipped them as Gods So Philosophie is not to be despised though it haue errors in it but what profit soeuer can be gathered out of it the same is to bee applied to the vse of our life Vaine Pleasures 1 AS pilgrimes and straungers doo not vse to delight themselues with the Pleasures of the Country whither they trauell as straungers but so vse them that they set not their hearts on them but are readie and willing to leaue them if it were to morrow So also must we being pilgrimes heare on earth neuer set our hearts or affections on the vain Pleasures of this life but vse this world as though we vsed it not 1. Pet. 2.10 2 Euen as there is a kind of tickling in the flesh which causeth laughter that is both vncomely and vnseemely and like vnto a convultion and shrinking of the sinowes So likewise all those Pleasures of the body which are prouoked onely by fantasie and conceit of mind are sottish feeble troublesome and farre differing from nature 3 Euen as the affection which a wicked person beareth to a strumpet dooth exceedingly diminish the loue which he should beare vnto his lawfull wife So likewise the loue wee beare to these vaine and transitorie things and especially vnto Pleasures which is like vnto an olde and common whore who draweth vs exceedingly from our duties and diminisheth that zeale and affections wee should beare towards our spouse Christ Iesus to those things which he commaundeth vs. 4 As Bees doo first giue Honie and forthwith pricke with their sting So bodily Pleasures of which the Epicures make three sorts namely to feed delicately to drink pleasantly and to liue lecherously the rest seruing herevnto whether they delight the eyes or prouoke the bodie by what meanes soeuer vnto pleasure they call appurtenances beareth a shewe of goodnesse while it tickleth the minde by her enticements but in the end it bringeth most bitter sorrow Prou. 5.3.4 5 As drunkards do by drinking not quench the thirst and satisfie their appetite but encrease the burning thirst of their bodies and the insatiable intemperance of their mindes So all other worldly Pleasures the longer they are enioyed the more greedily they are desired and more obstinately preferred before God and spirituall graces Iere. 13.23 6 As the bough of a tree being by the growth of many yeares become stiffe and strong is now farre more easily broken then bowed So for the most part men of age experience and worldly wisedome doo sooner loose their liues then leaue their vaine Pleasures and carnall desires which they haue carefully nourished and strengthned all their life time 7 As affliction and miserie doo strike at the faith of a Christian So the enioying of worldly Pleasures in the time of prosperitie doth diminish the other parts of sanctification by the immoderate and vnlawfull seeking and vsing of earthly pleasures Keeping of Promise LIke as the Mulberrie-tree is said to be the wisest of all trees because it buddeth last of all and not til the cold be past and bringeth forth fruite first which is ripe before the cold commeth againe So we must be slow in promising and quicke in performing Pride maketh God to take his graces from vs and to bestow them vpon others 1 AS the slaue that hath stolen from his Lord and Maister and wil acknowledge no dutie no rent nor any seruice wherein he is bound vnto him doth deserue to loose all such lands as he holdeth of his Maisters So in like maner if God who requireth nothing of vs but a confession and acknowledgement of the good he hath done for vs seeing vs to refuse this dealeth iustly with vs if he shut vp his liberality from vs and bestoweth the same vpon others 2 Like as if a great Lorde should receiue some poore man into his house giuing him nothing but wherewithall he might maintain himselfe in mean estate and should perceiue that within two or three yeares after he purchased lands put money to vsury kept a great port and to be at other excessiue charges his maister might haue good occasion to thinke he were a thiefe seeing that he had nothing when his Lord tooke him into his seruice So likewise we considering how poore we are by nature that we came into the house of our God all naked laden as it were and couered with filth and beggery if being there we wil vaunt our selues in so doing we should rob God of his glorie and giue him iust cause to take them from vs and to giue them to others Pride corrupteth all our workes 1 AS a little Worme-wood will quickly marre a whole vessel of wine So in like manner when as our life is most perfect godly yea most diuine and angelicall the least Pride that may be wil wholly corrupt it and make it worse and more imperfect then euer it was good 2 As it were a lamentable thing to see a Marchant after a long and prosperous Nauigation suffer Shipwracke in the hauen and losse of al in that place where he hoped to repose himselfe and enioy the fruit of his labours So in like manner it is when a man like vnto the Pharisie hath liued well in this world carefully obseruing the commaundements of God and wisely and politickly carried himselfe among men in the end through a presumption and Pride in himselfe or contempt of his neighbour he vtterly casteth himselfe away 3 Like as when we are on the top of an hill or of some high place we take good heed to our feete and we walke warily for feare of stumbling So in like maner must they behaue themselues whome God hath exalted aboue others either in authoritie knowledge vertue or wealth or any other grace whatsoeuer it hath pleased him to bestow vpon them in particular maner considering that the meanes to bee preserued and continued in that estate wherein they are is to trust in him and continually to cleaue vnto him to the end that they always may liue in his feare and in humble manner retaine and keepe their minds in his obedience in remembrance and consideration of his goodnesse and not to be Proud and arrogant 4 As the Peacocke beholding his gay and goodly feathers waxeth forthwith very proud thereof but as soone as he casteth
heare they likewise doo ring theirs and so from one to an other whereby all the Countrie is soone aduertised that their is some offender to bee taken or stayed Euen so thou when the clocke of thy tongue hath strooken looke that he that heard it will likewise strike his and his neighbour that heareth it his and so shall the infirmitie of thy neighbour soone come to the eares of many And therefore if thou beest loath it should be knowne then thou oughtest not to haue vttered that which thou knowest euerie man will bee readie likewise to vtter 8. Like as if there were no receiuer of thefts there would not be so many theeues So if none would harken to Slaundring and backbiting there would not be so many backbiters Prou. 25.23 Psal 15.3 9 As a shaft shot against a stone reboundeth and somtime hurteth him that shot it So when a Saunderer or backbiter seeth his countenance that heareth or indeed harkeneth not vnto him sad or frowning hee holdeth his peace hee waxeth pale his countenance is troubled and his tongue stoppeth suddenly Exod. 23.1 10 As one stripe of the tongue woundeth three the backbiter him that giueth eare to the backbiting and the backbitten So the two first doo thereby wound their consciences to death by deseruing the sentence of eternall fire but the third is no whit damnified but in his good name and that peraduenture but for a short space Sober in youth and childish in old age THere is a nation in India called Pandora which people in their youth haue gray hayres but in olde age their hayres are altogether blacke So some in their youth be Sober and modest but when they wax older then they are giuen to more folly and trifles in so much that they may seeme to wax children againe Spirit 1 AS Comfrey sod and put with minsed meate bringeth it altogether againe into one masse or lumpe So the Spirit ioyneth in one those which were seuered if it be among them 2 As Baulme put into Beehiues causeth the Bees to keepe together and other to come vnto them So where the Spirit of God is it causeth Christians to abide in one and draweth other vnto them Some snared with their owne deuises AS Perillus who gaue the brazen Bull to the Tyrant Phalaris who caused the said Perillus to be first pained and tormented in the same engine which he had inuented Euen so some doo fall into the pitte and snare which they had made and deuised for other Psal 57.6 Pro. 26.2 Eccle. 10.8 Some haue better liking to other mens things then to their owne EVē as Adulterers are greatly pleased with other mens wiues but their owne they do contemne and litle regard So some men doo more delight in the pleasure or things of other mens then in their owne Sabbath 1 LIke as Maisters will be displeased with their Seruants if they spend their time idly wherein they should apply their worke Euen so we may well thinke that the Lord will not be cōtented with them who when they shuld sanctifie his Sabboth and do his worke either shew themselues as slow-bellies therein or else altogither neglect the same to serue their owne voluptuousnesse 2 As the Scholler deserueth to be corrected and punished that playeth the treuant and so absenteth himselfe from the Schoole Euen so no doubt the Lord wil punish and be reuenged of those that absent themselues without iust cause from the congregation of Gods people 3 Dauid would not haue his seruants aduenture their corporall liues for his prouision nor drinke the water when they had prouided it Euen so much lesse ought Christians for their meates sake to aduenture their liues yea the soules of their seruants Cookes in being absent from the holy exercises of the Lords Sabboth 2. Sam. 23.15 16 17. 1. Chro. 11.17 18 19. 4 Like as Christian Maisters would not be content to see their seruants plowing carting or working on theyr Trades on the Sabboth dayes which yet to do is lawful on the six dayes least they should be accounted breakers both of Gods lawes their Princes Euen so much more they ought to be ashamed to behold see their children or seruants to prophane the Lordes Sabboth by dycing carding foote-ball or stoole-ball playing c. which are more vnlawfull to be done on this day then working on their Trades but yet forbidden both by Gods Lawe and their Princes Lawe 5 As it is lawfull on the Sabboth day to pull and draw out a sheepe or other cattell out of a pit or ditch wherinto it is fallen and wherin it would otherwise perish Euen so much more it is lawfull to do good and to relieue any kinde of necessitie of our neighbour the same day 6 As it is sinne not to be carefull of the Sabboth that we might rest vpon it so it is greater sinne not to obserue it that it might be a Sabbath vnto the Lord by sanctifying it and if for want of heedfulnesse any thing do compell vs to worke vpon the day of rest it is our sinne in not marking the Sabbath day So if by our negligence we cannot sanctifie the day of rest vnto the Lord it is a greater sinne of not remembring to keepe it holy which is the first and greatest thing in this Commaundement Deut. 5.12 Exod. 20.8 7 As the Passe-ouer though it were a Sacrament onely belonging vnto the Iewes and the difference of meates and of cleane and vncleane things was proper vnto them yet the Lorde would haue the straungers that dwelt among them be subiect to the same Lawes for the good of his people and so that otherwise he woulde not haue them to haue anye dealing with them for he threatneth to cut them off from his people as appeareth Exod. 12.19 Leuit. 17.12 15. Euen so likewise the Lord would haue this holy Saboth of rest without all interruption and gainesaying to be duly obserued on all sides when vnto the particular commaunding of all estates by name to rest hee hath adioyned the beastes and the straungers vpon whom hee layes the like charge Exod. 23.12 Deut. 5.14 8 As other things are called most holy vnto the Lord because they are seperated from the common vse wherein other of the same nature are imployed and may not be vsed but to the Lords vse Exod. 29.44 40.13 Leuit. 27.28 30. So the Sabboth day or day of rest is then sanctified and hallowed of vs when we doo not vse it in the affaires of this life from the which it must be seperated and from which vppon it wee must rest but vse and make that day proper vnto it and to nothing principally but that 9 Euen as the child which is set to read must name euerie letter apart and distinctly by it selfe and spell euerie sillable that so hee might be holpen forward in reading which when he hath attained vnto though still hee be bound to read yet hee is freed from spelling and naming euerie
2. King 6.17 c. 19.35 3 Like as a sicke person although hee doubt nothing of the faithfulnesse honestie and tendernesse of his Physition or Surgion towards him yet for al that desireth him to handle his wound and to dresse him easily and tenderly as is possible for him Euen so in like manner may wee call vpon God that if it bee not against his honour glorie hee will vouchsafe to giue some mittigation and easement of our paine and specially wee must desire of him to graunt vs strength that we faint not nor bee ouercome with the feare or greatnesse of our sorrow and griefe by reason of our great Troubles whereby we might forsake him and fall into some wickednesse Psal 50.15 91.15 Iohn 14.13 Patience in Trouble verie needfull 1 AS a Lambe or a sheepe is led vnto the slaughter and neuer crieth nor openeth the mouth but suffereth and abideth it patiently and meekly Euen so ought the children of God when they are accursed and reuiled not to curse or reuile againe when they are smitten not to smite againe but to suffer all manner of smart and paine and not once to bleare or to open their mouths against it Esa 53.7 Iere. 11.19 Math. 5.10 11. 2 Like as they that are sicke and distressed and diseased can be content to suffer and abide any of their members of their bodie to be cut off and to bee burnt so that they may bee any thing relieued and eased thereby of their great smart and continuall paine which is yet but transitorie and to bee made whole and sound againe Euen so ought we gladly and willingly to suffer our Lord God and to bee still and quiet when hee sendeth vs aduersitie whereby we may be relieued and discharged of eternall paine and obtain health blisse and saluation for our soules 3 As a good Captaine leadeth and ordereth his army according as the occasion requireth Euen so a vertuous man behaueth himselfe patiently well in Trouble and aduersitie and maketh the best of it 4 Like as a Marchant man maketh faire voyages and great iournies and ventureth bodie and goods and nothing is too hard and sower for him only for worldly and transitory gaine and lucre and yet his hope is vncertain whether he shall gaine or loose and though he gaineth neuer so much yet he bringeth home nothing but fraile and transitorie goods which shall haue an ende So we likewise haue a long voyage to make euen from earth to heauen and therefore we should be as well content as prompt glad and willing to suffer all maner of perils and daungers that may happen by the way seeing that we shall haue an infallible and sure hope of eternall euerlasting riches for Iesus Christ sake 5 Like as when a man of an high and noble birth is contemned and mishandled in a straunge land where he is not knowne it grieueth him nothing so much as if the like should happen vnto him at home in his owne natural Country Euen so our naturall Country is in heauen vpon earth we are but straungers and Pilgrimes therefore we ought the rather to suffer all things patiently here only that we may haue rest among the inhabitants in our right eternall Land and Country Hebr. 13.14 Phil. 3.20 1. Pet. 1.3 4 5. 6 As a man of warre preparing himselfe with all manner of things appertaining to warfare though his enimies be neuer so strong yet he forgetteth al feare neuer once thinketh vpon the stroakes and wounds but onely vpon the victory and tryumph and goeth his way and fighteth manfully like a giant against his enemies only for worldly glory and lucre Euen so it would redound to the great slaunder and shame of Christians if they for the honour glorie and pleasure of God should not as promptly willingly and manfully fight against their ghostly enemies for higher and greater tryumph lucre and commoditie though they should endure many Troubles and great aduersitie 7 Like as when a man playeth at the Tables he cannot alwayes cast what hee would haue but whatsoeuer he hath cast he must make the best of it So likewise whatsoeuer things happen in our life contrary to our will we must with courage and constant faith take and turne all Troubles and aduersities to the best and neuer dispaire 8 Like as when a litle child that can scarcely go chanceth to stumble vpon a stone he falleth downe by and by in the same place and there lieth stil weeping and crying til some bodie take him vp So contrariwise Christians who haue reason and vnderstanding must vse and indeuour themselues that whatsoeuer Troubles sicknesse or inconuenience soeuer happeneth vnto them yet by and by so farre as is possible to labour to heale ease and remedie it 9 As a vertuous Childe wil not forsake his father in his need or Trouble nor an honest and louing wife her husband or spouse nor yet a faithfull seruant his maister So much lesse should a godly Christian forsake or deny God his Father or Christ his spouse and heauenly Lord and maister in Trouble and aduersitie 10 Like as worldlings and carnall men fornicators whoremongers and murtherers care neither for shame nor for any thing else and spare no labour or trauell so they may bring to passe their wicked lust and desire and yet oftentimes they misse of it Euen so much more a faithfull Christian ought to be constant earnest painfull and patient in honest and good things though yet he bee letted and greatly hindered by many Troubles much aduersitie Loue towards God worketh patience in Trouble 1 AS Iacob serued seuen yeares for the damsel Rahel and by reason of the heartie loue that hee bareth vnto her the time was but short vnto him and the dayes that he serued for seemed but a short space Euen so whosoeuer loueth God will beare and take patiently whatsoeeuer Troubles God shall lay vppon him and whatsoeuer hee suffereth for Gods sake it shall bee easie vnto him Gene. 29.18 2 Like as a Souldier first for feare of prisoning and of the shamefull death which hee should suffer if the battell should be lost and againe in hope of the great reward and excellent honour and renowme if the victorie goe on his side will fight the more boldly and lustily Euen so euery true Christian is stirred and prouoked to more faithfulnesse and patience in Trouble when hee considereth the exceeding profit and commodity of patience and againe the greate hurt and discommoditie of impatience in Trouble No Transubstantiation in the Sacrament AS Bread and drinke by natural nourishment be changed into a mans body yet the body is not changed but is the same that it was before So although the Bread and Wine bee Sacramentally chaunged into Christes bodie yet his body is the same and in the same place that it was before that is to say in heauen without any alteration or chaunge of the same Tyrants AS the wings of Eagles
with our much heate and drought except after the planting thereof it be by showers watered Euen so the Church with ouer much heate of afflictions withereth away except afterwardes it bee moystened by the water of the holy Ghost which is the sincere preaching of the Gospell 16 As there be three formes in one and the selfesame Schoole and be not all alike taught and yet make not sundrie schooles but containe sundrie schollers and learners in one selfesame schoole So likewise is the Church not made many neither by alteration of times neither by difference of places nor by chaunges of orders and dispensations 17 As there be in one Schoole diuers Vshers diuers teaching but yet all tending to one end to wit to attaine learning and so to come to the Vniuersitie Euen so the true Church of Christ before the Lawe and vnder the Lawe and since in the time of the Gospell haue beene diuers instructors as Prophets Apostles Pastors and teachers but yet all ayming at one marke and labouring to bring the people to the Kingdome of heauen 18 Like as it is not in the power of any man to dispense minister or distribute any parte of that nourishment which hee receiueth in at his mouth vnto any member which either is mortified and dead in his bodie or that is cut off from the same Euen so it is vndoubtedly to be beleeued that neither the death passion and bloud-shedding of our Sauior Christ nor his Sacraments nor any of the graces of the holy Ghost nor any good worke in the world doo or can any thing profit to remission and forgiuenesse of sinnes or saluation to any person which is out of the Catholique Church as long as he shall so stand and continue out of the same 19 Like as if a subiect knowing the Letters of his Prince and also his Seale should because that hee knoweth them wel and alloweth them to be his presume and take vpon him to counterfeit his Princes Letters or Seale he should be no true subiect but a Fellone and a Traytour Euen so if the Church because that shee knoweth the Scriptures of the olde and newe Testament to be the true and infallible word of her Lord and Sauiour and the Sacraments to be his Seales should presume or take vpon her to alter Gods word I meane the scriptures that be cōteined in the Canonical bookes of the old new Testament or to counterfeit the Sacraments that is to say to minister them otherwise then her Lord and maister hath instituted and appointed in his word she ought not to be called the true Church but the most trayterous harlot of Antichrist 20 As it is great folly for a man that hath a mote in his eye to growe into such a chafe or dislike with it that so he should bee vnthankfull for his eye Euen so it is much more follie for men to seperate themselues from our Church and wholely to condemne it by reason that there be some imperfections and wants in it which is a meanes to breede vnthankfulnesse by forgetting the manifold blessings which wee haue receiued and doo still enioy which is the readie way to prouoke God rather in his iustice to take away these good benefites that we enioy alreadie then in mercie to prouoke him to encrease them more 21 As the glory of God is shewed most herein that he defendeth his spouse and hath bewtified her with gifts frō aboue that she might be a pure and vndefiled spouse chaste and holy vnto himselfe Euen so this is our greatest glory of what state or condition so euer we be to be members of this Church by the Communion whereof wee are his members 22 As a man will not wittingly bestowe a Diamond vpon him that thinkes it to be but a peece of Glasse or a Pearle of him that esteemeth it to be but a graine of salte Euen so the Lord will not bestowe his blessings but vpon those that by his Spirit shall knowe and feele what they are for if they feele them not and know not what they are then they are not yet of Gods house or Church Heb. 3.6 23 As it is not inough to set or sowe a garden with good hearbes and seedes and then let it alone but there must be a Gardiner to ouersee it to dresse it and often to weede it Euen so it is not sufficient for a Church to haue the word planted and sowen in it but there must be diligent painfull Preachers Pastors continually to water and gouerne it or else it will growe barren and fruitlesse 24 Like as if the land be not often tilled but lie barren it will bring forth nothing but briars thistles and nettles Euen so if Churches be not continually laboured by Preaching and Catechising they will waxe secure and so bring forth nothing but ignorance Atheisme superstition idolatrie and all wickednesse of life 25 As the armie of heauen is innumerable and the sand of the sea vnmeasurable Euen so God will multiplie his Church Iere. 33.22 26 As the Bride pertaineth to none but to the Bridegroome So likewise the Church pertaineth to Christ alone Hose 2.19 2. Cor. 11.2 Iohn 3.29 27 As euerie true friend to the Bridegroome reioyceth to see the Bridegroomes voyce obeyed Euen so euery godly man is glad to see euery member of the Church to frame themselues to the obedience of the word of Christ 28 As a Giant is too strong for meane men of middle size and as his voyce and looke is fearefull to his enemies So likewise will God be to all such as rise vp against him and his Church Esa 42.13 29 As a waste grounde broken vp and rid of those things wherewith it was ouergrowne and the fruitfulnesse thereof hindered is by good husbandrie brought to flourish and to be fruitful euen so such is the state of the Church when after persecution it pleaseth God to send peace and prosperitie thereto Esay 33.1 2. 30 As men hedge their grounds round about to keepe them from being spoyled with cattell Euen so GOD dooth fence his Church and those which feare him round about that they may be defended against all euils 31 As the groundes are eaten wasted deuoured and rooted vp when the hedges and fences thereof are neglected and suffered to lie open Euen so it fareth with the Church and with them that professe the name of God when hee is prouoked with their sinnes in withdrawing his friendly defence and fatherly protection from them 32 As the Shipmaisters are such as haue cunning to guide the ship wherin both themselues and other men do saile So almightie God maketh choise of such to guide his Church as can gouern themselues and so many as are committed to their charge 33 As that bush which Moses saw was burning but not consumed Euen so the Church of God must be tried in the fire of affliction but not destroyed Exo. 3.2 34 As the Moone is sometimes eclipsed and sometimes in
of compassion in him do yearne vpon vs more then in a mother towards her children and hee seeketh thereby to do vs good 23 As a Noble man will haue all his seruants to weare one liuerie that they might be knowne So the Lord would haue all his children knowne by one badge euen the badge that he put vpon his eldest sonne Christ which was the crosse therefore none of vs the yonger brethren must refuse it Couetousnesse 1 AS the subtil fawning Spaniel oftentimes fetcheth his Maisters gloue in hope to chaunge it for a better morsell Euen so many men shew great kindnesse and giue rewards to the end to reape them double againe 2 Like as the infected member of a man vexed with an itch is alwayes clawing and rubbing Euen so the couetous minde is restlesse in seeking and gathering together 3 As fire is neuer sufficed with wood nor the earth with water Euen so the couetous man is neuer satisfied with money 4 As the graue is open to receiue dead Carkasses or as hell is neuer full Euen so the coffer of the couetous cormorant is neuer contented 5 As the stiller the water runneth the deeper is the Riuer and the more deepe the more daungerous Euen so the longer Almightie God suffereth the Couetous man to sinne vncontrolled the greater is his sinne and the more greeuous is the punishment that attendeth thereon in the day of account Haba 2.9 6 As Couetousnesse is euill yea the euill of all euils So likewise it maketh those men as bad as it is which are infected with the same and as hatefull in Gods sight as that sinne it selfe for that the effect is like the cause 1. Timo. 6.10 Psal 10.3 Exod. 18.21 Luk. 12.15 Mar. 10.22 7 As Cattell do keepe the Pastours bare with continuall grazing vpon them so doth the couetous ouer awe the poore by endlesse oppression and mercilesse dealing Iere. 6.13.15 Amo. 8.4 c. 8 Like as if a sicke man be laid in a bedde of Iuerie or gold or of wood his disease forsaketh him neuer the sooner Euen so whether you entreat the Couetous by these sweete promises made by Almightie God in his holy Gospell or threaten them by his dreadfull Iudgements pronounced in his fearful Law they make neuer the more haste to repentance Ezech. 18.1 tote 9 As the Waxe is plyable to euery print Euen so the Couetous mans hand is readie to receiue euerie bribe 10 As the Asse that notwithstanding hee carrieth the meate for his maisters belly and the cloathes for his backe yet himselfe doth feede vpon grasse and contenteth himselfe with one haires skinne Euen so the Couetous man whose Chests are stuffed with money and his wardrope with apparrel such miserie hath assaulted his soule that he can hardly affoord his belly a good meales meat or couer his backe with a good coate 11 As the Bee bringeth sweet honey in his mouth and a sharpe sting in his tayle Euen so Couetousnesse hath pleasure in this life and paine in the life to come 12 Like as they that will tame wilde bulles must weare no redde garments So likewise they that will no euill doo through Couetousnesse must doo nothing that belongeth thereto 13 As God punished both Ely the Priest and his two soones the father for not correcting them and the sonnes for sinning so grosely So likewise will he plague both the Couetous man for the euill getting of his money and his children for possessing that which is none of their owne 1. Sam. 2.12 c. 3.11 c. 4.14 15. c. 14 As the glutton that ouerchargeth his stomacke with meate is compelled to spew and cast it vp againe So the greedie couetous Cormorant that gathereth great riches and deuoureth and swalloweth vp great substance shall loose it againe for God shall euen drawe it out of his belly Psal 37.16 39.6 15 As a Riuer whose spring is small yet by receiuing other brookes and streames groweth strong and violent Or as they that are sicke of the Dropsie who by drinking are neuer satisfied but stil increase in thirst Or as a flame which is neuer abated with quantitie of wood how much so euer a man layeth on well may it for a while be suppressed and yeeld forth nothing but smoke but breaking out it waxeth greater according to the aboundance of wood So likewise the heart of a Couetous man neuer regardeth that it hath to bee therewith content but what it hath not to couet thereafter Esa 56.11 Ier. 6.13 8.10 2. Tim. 3.2 2. Pet. 2.3 16 As the Fish swallowing the hooke togither with the baite is taken and killed So in like maner Couetous men doo pierce themselues thorow with a thousand sorrowes which do entangle them in death euerlasting 2. King 5.27 1. Sam. 8.3 Ioh. 12.6 Act. 16.16 19. 19.24 c. Ier. 22.17 17 As the Indian Ants or Emets who gather the golde and keepe it yet neither can vse it neither wil suffer men to haue it so farre forth as they may Euen so Couetousnesse which with care and labour slayeth the man that is subiect therto it draweth him through fields and woods sea and land in the cold of winter and in the heat of sommer night and day in raine winde and danger admitting no rest and all to seeke and hunt after goods yet doth it graunt him onely the sight but not the vse of them Prea 4 â— 6.1 2. Ephe. 5.3 Mat. 13 22. 18 As the good corne of Gods word is a sanctified seed of saluation and life So the falshood and deceit of Coueâ—ousnesse and riches doo in such sort draw men to abounâ—ance and withall to the peruerse vse of the same that hereby this seede of saluation and life euerlasting is choked vp Luk. 16.9 19 As charitie is the gift of God proceeding from his fauour and grace So contrariwise Couetousnesse is a vengeance which he powreth vpon those whom for their sins he hath giuen ouer into a reprobate sence Ro. 1.28.29 1. Cor. 5.11 6.10 Iam. 5.1 20 As Aesops Dogge who swimming with a peece of flesh in his mouth and seeing the shadow thereof taking that to be an other peece of flesh opening his mouth to catch that also lost the same which hee before had So likewise the Couetous man being vnsatiable and euerie way seeking to encrease that he hath dooth many times loose that which is in his hand Pro. 15.27 28.16 21 As Gold of it selfe can neither feed nor cloath vs So that which the Couetous man buyeth with gold or siluer proceedeth not out of the gold or siluer but from Gods prouidence neither can it minister any helpe without Gods grace blessing Heb. 13 5. Col. 3.5 Mat. 6.26 22 As the remedie to quench his thirst that is vexed with a hotte feauer commeth not of giuing him drinke but of taking away his feauer which causeth his thirst Euen so the way to grow rich is not by heaping of riches but by
they are Illuminated by him Sound Iudgement necessarie AS the eye is the sight of the body to guide and leade it in the right way and if it bee cleare the body cannot goe amisse Euen so the Iudgement is the eye of the mind which being sound true and framed according to Gods word then are our affections right the actions and motions of our mind right and good in Gods sight as far as mans weaknesse can comprehend Our Iourney to heauen 1 AS Trauellers that be vppon their Iourneys doo not abide in those Hosteries or Innes where they are wel vsed lodged or entertayned and where they finde pleaâ—â—nt Gardens walkes or such other intisements but after their baite or in the Morning doo passe on their way Eâ—en so we albeit God in this life giue vs goods honours houses and other carnall commodities yet wee must remember that we are trauellers and must not stay but goe forward on our Iourney toward heauen yea and in case we be afflicted with sicknesse pouertie or any other calamitie yet must we still thinke that we are vpon our Iourney and therefore taking comfort say Peraduenture we shall be better to morrow 1. Cor. 7.29 c. 2 As they who are to depart from a forraine land towards their owne countrie doo prepare things necessarie for their Iourney So must we likwise prouide that which is expedient for the happie performance of our Iourney towards our heauenly Countrie Vnbeleeuing Iewes AS that drie skin which a Snake doth cast to renew her age hath in it the shape likenesse and prints of eyes and that thin rinde also wherewith the eyes of the Snake are couered and yet in deed hath no seeing eyes So the wicked and vnbeleeuing Iewes did seeme to haue eyes but in deed they were blinde and Idle and emptie skins and rindes without sight they were men but not of God they had eyes of the flesh but none of the spirit they could see creatures but they had not one eye to beholde the Creator And as for Christ they had no more sight nor knowledge of him then they had of the Sunne and Moone when they were yet in the wombes of their mothers Iohn 9.29 The Infirmities of godly Fathers are set downe in the Scripture for our comfort and instruction EVen as they which first sayled in the Seas gaue proper names to daungerous Rockes and perilous places where they hardly escaped with their liues to the end that their posteritie by such markes might shunne shipwracke and passe safely away calling places diuersly as the Sage bed the Lauender bed with other like names best known to Saylers Or as Carters vse to set vp some bush or other like marke in that place where their Waine or Cart stuck fast for a warning to theÌ„ that come after So likewise haue the godly Fathers as the Patriarkes Prophets Apostles furthered vs by their falls and Infirmities and by their experience taught vs to eschew many incombrances which they because they brake the Ice first themselues could not foresee 2. Sam. 11.2 c. Iohn 18.17.25 27. Gal. 1.13 Luk. 15.12 c. Infidelitie 1 LIke as the Moulde which is blind to see things on earth cannot see the starres in heauen So hee which will not beleeue God concerning things on earth cannot beleeue him concerning heauenly things 2 Euen as a subiect or tenant disclooning his king and Lord and relying himselfe vpon a new maister euen one who is a deadly and professed enemie to his first maister doth incontinently depriue himselfe of all those farmes lands houses preferments and commodities whatsoeuer the which he did enioy whilst hee liued in alleagance to his Lord So the case standeth with man when as by Infidelitie he falleth from God for then he looseth all manner of blessings belonging either to his happinesse or to his holinesse yea it is impossible that a man should either loue feare honour or obey God from whom he looketh for neither good nor euill and therefore Infidelitie is to be accounted the roote of all euill Hebr. 3.12 Gods Iudgements not regarded of many 1 AS lightning breaketh the cloudes and the suddaine light dooth not so much illuminate as dull the sight of the eye So many feeling the hand of God are rather dulled then mooued forwards to heauen 2 As skilfull Physitions in curing diseases vse certaine degrees first they begin with gentler sorts of salues and if they doo little good then they lay sharper remedies vnto the wound for if medicines doo not heale the yron doth heale those which the yron healeth not the fire doth heale but such as the fire doth not heale those are incurable So God doth sometime reprooue mans wickednesse by his word if that dooth not helpe hee correcteth with sicknesse infamie and Imprisonment if these profite not hee inflameth the fire of his Iudgement in the mindes of men and maketh them agast and amazed with the terror of euerlasting torments if neither that can heale their cankor he leaueth them quite as incurable and giueth them ouer into a reprobate mind so that they haue neither a right Iudgement to discerne things nor any sorrow at all by reason of the filth of wickednesse wherin they wallow Instrumentall cause of preaching AS a builder must haue not onely an exquisite skill in building and an abilitie to accomplish his skill and faithfulnesse to performe it and meete matter or stuffe to worke vppon but apt Instruments also or tooles to trie foorth and fashion the building So likewise a Preacher must not only haue the spirit of God to direct him in preaching and vtterance to publish the same and faithfulnesse for the performance thereof and matter to practise vpon but fit Instruments also to proportionate the worke verie aptly in euery point namely Logicke and Rhetoricke with other artificiall helpes which be as it were the Instrumentall and causes of preaching Rash Iudgement condemned AS it is the point of great rashnesse a thing disallowed of all men euen in worldly affaires for one man to coÌ„demne another before he haue heard him Euen so it is great folly for a man to giue his Iudgement vpon spirituall matters before hee hath well weighed and aduised of them Act. 18.21 21.14 Rom. 1.10 15.32 1. Cor. 4.19 Psal 115.3 Prou. 18.13 Knowledge of God how it is attained vnto 1 AS our naturall eyes haue power to discerne the things of this world by the Sunne that we dayly see Euen so the Knowledge of God that wee hope to haue of him must come by grace through the light of him that can lighten our vnderstandings and open the eyes of our minds otherwise wee shall rest in continuall darknesse if our inward eyes receiue not light by that supernall Sunne 2 As there is great difference betwixt the viewing of a man in a darke or dimme Glasse and the sight of him face to face in a bright day Euen so is there much more difference betwixt our
cattes and dogges which haue bene brought vp any long while in their houses Euen so much more they ought to loue and fauour their seruants that haue done them long and faithfull seruice 3 As it is vnpossible that he that hath no skil in Musick can make an other man a Musitian Or as it is hard for a Scholler to learne that thing well that his Maister teacheth ill Euen so it is vnpossible that a Maister that is naturally negligent should make his seruant diligent Marriage euer esteemed for encrease of the Common-wealth AS he is counted no good Gardiner that being content with things present dooth diligently proine his old trees and hath no regard either to impe or graffe yong fettes because the selfe-same Orcharde though it be neuer so well trimmed must needes decaye in time and all the Trees dye within fewe yeares Euen so he is not to be accounted halfe a diligent Citizen that being content with the present multitude of Citizens hath no regard to encrease the number by lawfull Matrimony Mercie LIke as he that is without compassion in beholding an other mans wounds shall haue no bodie to pitie him if at any time he be hurt himselfe Euen so he that with pitie doth raise vp his neighbour being fallen shall haue many to relieue and comfort him if he himselfe fall into any calamitie Iam. 2.13 Mat. 5.7 Rom. 12.8 Prou. 3.3 4. 14.22 31. 16.6 19.17 The Miserie of worldlings 1 LIke as we see the Mules of Princes go all the day long loaden with treasure and couered with faire cloathes but at night shaken off into a sorrie stable much brused and gauled with the carriage of those treasures Euen so rich men that passe through this world loaden with gold and siluer and do gaull greatly their soules in carriage thereof are dispoyled of their burthen at the day of death and are turned off with their wounded consciences to the loathsome stable of hell and damnation 2 As we be iustly moued to pitie by beholding the momentany miseries of men and the distressed state of their bodies being consumed with sores and sicknesse and euen at deaths doore Euen so much more ought we to be grieued at the most fearfull state of worldlings for the eternall miserie of their soules not dying but being alreadie cleane dead in sinne and yet liuing in that state which leadeth to vnspeakable torment and the hotte burning furnace of the wrath of God Mercies of God 1 AS a riuer continueth running still Euen so the Mercies of God do daily light on the faithfull 2 As the ryuer hath a swift course So the Mercies of God helpe at a pinch Psal 46.1 c. 3 As a ryuer is deepe Euen so the Mercies of God are great neither can the bottome of them be sought out of any man 4 And as the ryuer hath this propertie as hath also all other water to binde and therfore doth not the earth dissolue because as the Phylosopher saith the water bindeth it in Euen so the Mercies of God do bind vs vnto himself or else we should dissolue and become Sathans sinke and puddle 5 As a begger will neuer goe foorth a begging vntill such time as hee can haue prouision or maintenance at home So wee will neuer come to Christ for Mercie so long as we see any goodnesse in our selues Psal 32.4 6 As a sparke of fire is in comparison able to drie vp all the water in the Sea Euen so no more is all the wickednesse of man vnto the Mercies and mercifulnesse of God 7 As no man is so thankfull for health as he that hath beene in continuall sicknesse So no man feeleth the Mercie of God that is not truly humbled in his owne sight Mans nature to be mortified 1 AS the seede of right Artichoke if the point of it bee not broken bringeth foorth the prickley Artichoke or Thistle So the best Mans child if his corrupt nature be not mortified wil bring forth nothing but vngodlinesse 2 Knecholme growing of it selfe bringeth forth fruit but being planted it bringeth foorth none But Mans nature if it bee suffered to grow of it selfe is vnfruitfull but beeing planted in Christ becommeth fruitfull in good workes 3 The superfluous moysture of Elecampane beeing dried vp it commeth fittest to his full vertue and is hot in the third degree but though the superfluitie of euill bee mortified in vs yet wee our selues will neuer come to our first perfection except we be quickned by Gods spirit c. A Mind troubled 1 LIke as a great and deepe wound cannot bee touched with ones hand thogh neuer so softly but with some griefe to the partie Euen so a troubled wayward Mind hard to please thinketh scorne of euery thing and is offended with the least word spoken 2 As the sicke-man cannot away with the sight of his wife blameth the Physition is grieued at his friend that comes to visite him yet being gone is displeased againe at their departure Euen so is the wauering way and trade of life and the wandering and inconstant mutabilitie of the Mind which seldome doth arriue at the quiet and desired port and hauen 3 Euen as they are queasie stomacked and are disquieted with vomiting doo leape from one Ship to an other that they might find some ease thereby vntill they perceiue themselues nothing the better but yet doo the same still that they did before carrying their vomite as we may say still about with them where euer they goe So in like manner they which euer anon choose now one and now an other trade of life doo rather entangle themselues in cares troubles of a discontented Mind then be discharged and rid there from 4 As it sometime falleth out that one receiueth an iniurie is grieued and studieth to reuenge an other beeing author of a wrong reioyceth at other mens harmes and fecks to keepe him stil vnder whom he hath once opprest Euen so is the Minde it selfe at warre with it selfe and through contrarie repugnant affections is rent and in a manner torne in peeces Magistrates dutie to their subiects 1 AS that medicine is more to bee allowed which healeth the parts of a mans body then that which vtterly burneth away the same So is that Magistrate more to be praysed which by correction causeth euill doers to amend then hee which by death and execution vtterly taketh the same away 2 As God is aboue all men the soule more excellent then the body and the kingdome of heauen more precious then earthly treasures So likewise doth the chiefe principall end of the Magistrates charge and office consist in the establishing and maintaining of the puritie of doctrine in the holy ministerie seruice of God the holy administration of the sacraments the inuocation of Gods name the order of Ecclesiasticall Discipline Rom. 13.4 1. Chro. 15.1 22.6 2. Chro. 14.3 c. 15.8 c. 17.6 c. 29.1 c.
truth 1 LIke as they which builded again the material and stone wall of the earthly Ierusalem had not only the Trowell in one hand to build withall but moreouer the sword in the other to beate back their enemies which assaied to hinder the worke that was in doing So in like maner those men whoÌ„ the Lord hath appointed to build vp this spirituall Ierusalem of his the Church of God it behoueth them not only to hold fast the word of truth to edifie withall but moreouer they must bee of abilitie through the plentiful knowledge of the word to confute and confound all their gaine-standers Nehe. 4.17 18. c. Ioh. 17.17 2. Cor. 6.7 Ephe. 1. 13. Colloss 1. 5. 2. Tim. 2.15 Iam. 1. 18. 2. Tim. 3.16 17. 2. Timo. 2.25 2 As the Proclamation is the Princes who first set it foorth though it be afterward published againe of the Cryer So the word is Gods who first vttered the same though it be rehearsed a new of any learned writer 3. And as he that calleth the Kings Proclamation repeated by the Cryer the Cryers proclamation had need of a fauourable Interpreter to saue him from rebuke Euen so if any shall auouch the word and authorities of Gods Spirit repeated of learned men to be their authorities had need of a verie partiall hearer to quite him from blame 4 Like as if a man were sent on a message froÌ„ his Prince and by the way should heare his message repeated of one of his fellowes or more if when hee commeth to doo his message he should say thus saith my companion or thus saith my Lord the King my companion together what might we thinke of such one in so saying In like manner they which take so much paines to alleadge the words of the Lord or the summe and meaning of them vnder the name of learned writers or ioyne God and men togegether as cospeakers to make the matter sufficient as though otherwise it were not enough for they are vnwise to thinke that men will regarde what man saith in such matters 5 Like as if any Noble man of wisedome and credite shuld be called to witnesse the truth in any doubtful matter which hee well vnderstood and hauing declared the whole truth the partie that requireth the same should answere thus I would the rather belieue this that you haue said to be true if so be that I might heare some of your seruants to witnesse the same In this doing might not this Noble man well thinke that he were greatly abused that could not be credited vnlesse his men should also testifie thereof Euen so how can the Lord take it in good part seeing hee hath so often in his word commaunded that wee should speake nothing vnto his people but that which commeth from his mouth without any other additions and hath sufficiently set downe in his word the whole truth both what is needful for vs to doo and what to leaue vndone and yet many will not belieue him vnlesse they heare Heathen men and other learned writers to witnesse the same 1. Pet. 4.11 Deut. 18.18 Iere. 9.1 King 22.14 2. Chro. 17.7 8 9. Ezech. 3.4 17. 33.7 6 Like as if a Scholler will not beleeue that which his maister hath taught him vnlesse his schoole-fellow will say it is so this fond opinion of the Scholler maketh not the teaching of his Maister insufficient Euen so when a man will not beleeue that the word of God dooth teach or refell and confute this or that vnlesse the Doctors do so expound the same yet this proueth not but the Scripture of it selfe is sufficient to doo it though hee make not so much account thereof Esay 59.21 Hebr. 4.12 Iere. 23.29 22. Psal 19.7 8. Ministers must obey Christ AS no Ambassadour can haue any higher authoritie then is limited and expressed by plaine words in his Commission by the Prince or whosoeuer it bee that graunteth it and as euerie one of the Commissioners to whome a Commission is directed haue that authoritie which in their Commission is mentioned and no other Euen so in the Commission that Christ gaue to his Apostles euerie one of them ought obediently to obserue their maisters commaundement with his authoritie giuen to them and not to breake it and goe beyond the bounds and limitation of it The dutie of Ministers both to seducers and the seduced LIke as parents wheÌ„ their child is hurt with the biting of a Dogge are wont to pursue the Dogge onely but the weeping child they bemone and speake faire vnto it comforting it with most sweete words So likewise godly preachers must bee impatient zealous sharpe and vehement in condemning and detesting the false iuglings deceits of the Authors of false doctrine and maintainers of sects but contrariwise they must with all mildnesse good affection and gentle speech behaue themselues â—owardes those that are mysled gone astray and falne â—hrough weaknesse and so to reclaime them Gal. 6.1 Mens deuises LIke as if a wicked seruant doo take vpon him to serue his Maister with wholesome foode should mingle therwith some secret poyson to annoy him withal deserueth due punishment according to his demerites Euen so as displeasantly shall the confused minglings and foolish deuises of Men be taken of the Lord in making mixtures of their owne deuises with his worshippe and seruice Mens traditions 1 AS when the naturall Sunne is darkned with cloudes that doo arise from the waters and from the earth Euen so our Sauiour Christ which is the true Sonne of righteousnesse is wonderfully darkned with the mysts and clouds of Mens traditions and dreames so that many times his comfortable light is cleane taken away from the eyes of our soules and consciences 2 Like as if the Sunne bee darkned the Moone of necessitie must loose her light Euen so when the chearefull light of the true Sonne of righteousnesse is taken away by Mens inuentions and superstitious doctrine and Popish traditions without all doubt the Church must vtterly loose her light it must needes bee without all heauenly vnderstanding and knowledge it must needes be in horrible darknesse and in the shadow of death Moderation of worldly care LIke as a traueller in his iourney is troubled with care for nothing but that which shall bee necessarie for him in his iourney So wee in the pilgrimage of this life must bee carefull for nothing but that which may benefite vs in our iourney to life euerlasting Man of no continuance 1 AS a dreame smoke vapour a puffe of wind a shaddow a bubble of water hay grasse hearbs flowers leaues a Weauers shuttle dried stubble are things of smal account and lesse continuance Euen so the glorie beautie magnificence strength and wisedome of Man is nothing else then vaine britle transitorie and ruinous vnlesse it bee sustained vpholden and vndershored by the heauenly power of the sure and eternall word of God Psal 73. â—â— Iob. 20.8 Psal 103.14 15. Iob. 7.6 7. 8.9
treasures The yron one is the viler but yet it is the better Euen so such a King is our God and such an house is that heauenly habitation of his Saints wherein are inestimable treasures endlesse ioyes and vnspeakable good things which are worthier and more excellent then man is able to expresse 2. Cor. 2.9 All which heauenly treasures God hath promised to all them that shall enter into his holy hill or house of Saints The golden key which the most part of this world do choose and trust too that they may enter into heauen is worldly wealth and aboundance of riches ioyned with couetousnesse which will neuer open the Lords house where are kept his celestiall and inestimable treasures but that key doth open a foule and vile house of this world which is full of all filthinesse abhominations The yron key is spiritual Pouertie against the which the kingdome of heauen is neuer shut but standeth euer wide open to all them that bring with them that key Math. 5.3 Therfore let vs make no account of the golden key but let vs for Christ and his kingdome forsake and dispose the deceitfull riches of this world which are desired and sought for farre and neare by Sea and land with daungers and losse of the bodies and soules of many thousands as though men could bribe God for their sinnes and purchase heauen with their worldly trifles and let vs without murmuring and grudging with all patience of heart and mind beare and imbrace Pouertie and al those crosses and afflictions which vnto the world seeme bitter and intollerable of which kind very many doo happen in the life of men Let vs earnestly seeke after the riches of the Lords kingdome and euerlasting life for they be stable and permanent and let vs not set our hearts and affections on this world for it waxeth old and rotten it staggereth is ruinous and ready to fall Iob. 21.13 Prou. 11.4 Posteritie degenerating EVen as thicke and blacke cloudes doo obscure and darken the bright and glittering starres So degenerating Posterities and such as bee polluted and blemished with treacherie and iniquitie doo dishonour their auncestors and doo extinguish the cleare light of their noble vertues and doo put vppon them the vgly darksomnesse of their owne vices that although they be noble men by birth and discent yet they fall into obliuion and by little and little are quite forgotten Outward Professors are often hypocrites EVen as many men are much delighted with Musicke and will most gladly heare Musitions make songs of the noble acts and singular vertues of many men but neuer care to imitate one vertue of a thousand which they heare with prayses extolled vnto the skies So very many men in these our dayes are outwardly very forward to heare Sermons and the word preached and as Ananias will bee willingly to see too at some cost to maintaine Preachers and all is in many but meere hypocrisie to please their owne humours with straunge and new matter with some Logicke Rethoricke and brauerie of wordes which they looke for without any purpose to frame their liues after such doctrine as the Preacher deliuereth Gods mercie in his Promises 1 LIke as if I owe to a Creditor vpon a very formall bill a hundred pounds he will not to the end to enduce me to pay the same faithfully Promise to giue me tenne times so much more yet thus dooth God deale with vs who is so wonderfull in his goodnesse that hee vouchsafeth to Promise vs so many benefites if wee amend our liues that is to say if we performe the thing whereto wee are alreadie bound 2 If he that is free bindeth himselfe to serue an other then it is reason that his Maister shuld Promise him some wages and reward for his seruice But wee are not free but alreadie bound to serue our God yet doth hee Promise vs great benefits if we imploy our selues faithfully in his seruice by amending our liues Preaching killeth sinne AS the Walles of Iericho did fall downe flat at the sound of the Trumpets and the shouts of the people Euen so sinne and wickednesse will fall flat downe and decay in the people when Ministers shall faithfully and carefully execute their office by diligent preaching and Catechising Iosu 6.20 Esay 58.1 Hose 5.8 Prosperitie argueth not a man to hee saued and contrariwise c. AS Haukes of the best kind whiles they liue are highly esteemed and much made off and are daintily fed and tenderly looked vnto and are carried vpon the fistes of great and mightie men but when they be dead they are throwne out vpon the dunghill and on the other side the Partridge when shee liueth is troubled afflicted and pursued of all euerie Carter and Ploughman is readie to fall vpon her to do her violence and to kill her but when shee is dead shee is brought to the tables of Princes and is very honourably set before them So very many that in this life are counted very famous and notable men and do lead their liues in great Prosperitie worldly wealth and haue all things at their wills and pleasures when they remooue hence and depart this life they shall be hurled vpon that most foule and filthie dunghill of hell to bee tormented in the stinch and abhomination for euer But others which in this life are encumbred tormented and afflicted with diuers and sundrie calamities and euen for their vertues sake are hated of the wicked and contemned of the world when they shall depart out of this life they shall bee brought and presented before the Lord with great honour and placed with the King of heauen in euerlasting glorie that is full of honour and full of vnspeakable ioyes 2 As the skilfull Physition dooth giue to a patient of whose recouerie he dispaireth all things that hee requireth but he denieth many things to him of whose health hee hath good hope So God many times bestoweth his blessings of worldly things vpon the reprobate when hee for diuers respects refuseth to giue them to the godly The Passion of Christ to be reuerenced AS he which reioyceth when an other hath killed the kings Sonne is conuinced also to bee partaker of the treason So he which is glad off doth not speake reuerently of Christs Passion is guiltie of it Long escaping of Punishment a hinderance that many doo not repent AS an old Theefe that hath stolen a long time and escapeth both prison and gallowes is animated and encouraged more boldly to proceed in his wickednesse thinking hee shall so alwayes escape So many filthie and loose liuers goe forward in their abhominations without repentance thinking that because God doth not incontinently punish them and shew some manifest iudgement and signe of his wrath vpon them therefore they shall be acquited for altogether Whereas contrariwise if God should by and by strike them downe as soone as they had sinned by thundering vpon one and lightning vpon an other and raining fire
newnesse of life 2. Cor. 5.19 Saluation onely in the Church 1 AS Sothern-wood will grow no where but in Gardens where it is planted So the godly wil not grow any where but in the Church and body of Christ where they are engraffed 2 Euen as it was necessarie that they which should be saued from the floud should be in the Arke So likewise all they that will be saued from the floud of Gods wrath must of necessitie bee in Christ and so in the Church Gene. 7.1 c. Sacrament of the Supper compared with the Paschall Lambe 1 AS the Paschal Lamb was instituted eaten the night before the children of Israel were deliuered out of Egypt So likewise was the Supper of the Lord instituted and eaten the night before wee were deliuered from our sinnes Exod. 12.1 c. 1. Cor. 11.24 25. c. 2 As the Paschall Lambe was a very Lambe indeed Euen so the Sacrament is very Bread and Wine indeed 3 As the Paschall Lambe was called the Lords passeouer or passing by of the Lord which destroyed the power of Pharao deliuered him So the Sacrament is called the body and bloud of the Lord which destroyeth the power of the diuell and deliuereth vs. 4 As the Children of Israel were but once deliuered from Egypt notwithstanding they did take euery yeare a Lambe to keepe the deed in perpetuall remembrance Euen so Christ our Sauiour bought and redeemed vs but once for all although the Sacrament thereof be often distributed and broken among vs to keepe the benefite in perpetuall memorie 5 As many as did eate the Paschall Lambe in faith and beleeued Gods word as touching theyr deliueraunce from Egypt were as sure of the same thorowe faith as they were sure of the Lambe by eating of it So as manye as doo eate of the bodie and blood of Christ by faith and beleeue Gods word as touching theyr deliueraunce from Sinne Death Hell and damnation are as sure of theyr deliueraunce thorow faith as they are sure of the bread by eating of it c. Sinne how carefully it is to be auoyded 1 AS the diseases of the bodie and corporall death doo much disquiet and trouble our mindes that wee commonly tremble and quake at the onely mention of them Euen so howe much more ought wee to feare the sicknesse of the soule and death of the same which commeth by reason of sinne then which there can bee no greater nor more fearefull calamitie come vnto vs. 2 Like as euerie man dooth auoide so much as in him lyeth the paine miseries diseases and death of the bodie Euen so howe muche more ought wee to decline and eschewe the death of the soule and the causes of these euilles which bee Sinnes and offences and feare the anger of God which wee so by our transgressions doo procure 3 As the Physition seeing in a Glasse by the water the diseases within the body by skill and learning searches out the cause of the disease and ministers good things for the same Euen so wee in looking into the Glasse of Gods word shall soone perceiue the diseases and infections of Sinne which are in vs and the cause thereof and so wholesomely minister some profitable and comfortable remedies for the same 4 As little theeues beeing let in at a window will set open great gates for greater theeues to come in at Euen so if wee accustome our selues to commit little Sinnes and let them raigne in vs they will make vs the fitter for greater offences to get the aduantage of vs and to take hold on vs. 5 As all kind of wild beastes escaping out of the snare will take heede least they come there any more yea though they should bee in bondage euen vnto man the most excellent of all other creatures Yet man by Sinne falling into the snares of Sathan cannot beware though hee shall bee in bondage to the most cursed of all creatures 6 As a drunken man whilest hee ingorgeth aboundance of Wine feeleth no discommoditie thereby but afterwards he seeth and feeleth the inconuenience of the same So in like manner Sinne whilest it is in committing dooth darken the light of reason howbeit afterwards the conscience arysing sheweth both the vglinesse of Sinne and the absurditie of the fact and so vexeth the soule more grieuously then if all the world accused him of the same Sacraments are not corrupted by the wickednesse of Ministers 1 LIke as there is no difference betweene the selfe-same image or figure of any thing imprinted or sealed with a Ring or signet of Golde and with a signet made of yron or wood Euen so the word and Sacraments being ministred by a lawfull Minister although otherwise a wicked and an vngodly Minister yet be the same Word and Sacraments of the same vigour strength and efficacie as when they be ministred by a man of excellent vertue and godlinesse For as the Father shall not die for the childe nor the childe for the Father So the Minister shall not die for him that receiues at him nor the partie that receiues for the euilnesse of the Minister for euery one shall sincke in his owne sinne so that the Minister which doth so wickedly corrupt the holy Sacramēts and holy ordinances of God ministreth them to his own damnation and iudgement Deut. 24.16 Ezech. 18.20 2. King 14.6 2. Chro. 25.4 1. Cor. 11.29 2 Like as among men if a Letter be sent so that the hand and feale of him that sendeth it be well knowne it maketh no matter who or what manner of man be the carrier Euen so it ought to suffice to know the hand and seale of our Lord in his Sacraments by what lawfull Minister so euer they bee brought for the malice or leaudnesse of man cannot change the nature of the ordinance of God And therefore the vertue and efficacie of the word and Sacrament consist and depend not vpon the worthinesse or vnworthinesse of the Minister but in and vpon the commaundement ordinance power and authoritie of God onely 3 Like as Gold is Gold of whom so euer it be giuen or receiued Euen so likewise is the Sacrament whether it be giuen by a good or bad Minister For Iudas although he were a theefe yet hee Preached and baptized whose doctrine and baptisme was as well the doctrine and baptisme of Christ as was Peters and Andrewes Iames and Iohns Ioh. 6.70 12.6 4 Like as if the Treasurer or Receiuer of a Prince doo deliuer forth false counterfeit money in stead of good the Office whereunto hee is called cannot make it other then false and counterfeit money because he dooth not execute his Office faithfully but doth chaunge the good money which hee receiued to distribute by the commaundement of his Lord and Maister into that which is not the same that he receiued to be distributed and by this meanes they which shall haue receiued the same shal be deceiued and spoyled On the other side although he were
into subiection to their fond and fantastical humours they become of men diuels incarnate Sinne is to be reproued in all estates AS those which haue Corne fields thinketh it not a thing vnmeete to be told by their seruants of thistles and weedes which would hinder and marre the Corne if they prouide not to haue them plucked vp Euen so it is not an vnworthie thing to shew vnto those which are of high calling the hurtfull and daungerous weedes which would ouergrow and choake the heauenly seede of the Gospell sowne in the Lords field Sathan inflameth wicked cogitations into our minds by his temptations AS the Smith doth not make himselfe the hote coales that be in his Forge but doth blow the fire with bellowes and so the coales are kindled and made hote and fierie So the Diuell doth blow and inflame those daungerous and wicked cogitations which are conceiued in our hearts minds with the bellowes of manifold temptations and so labouring to kindle the fire of all iniquitie he ministreth nourishment to all our wicked and damnable purposes For the heart of man is like vnto a Smithes Forge his euil bad cogitations are hote burning coales he that doth blow the bellowes to make them burne vp and to consume both our soules and bodies is the Diuell that auncient enemie of our happinesse and saluation Sathans craft to deceiue Eue and the world EVen as a Fouler doth lay abroad and spread his net to take the Birds where baite is there they may feede So the Diuell when he would take Eue spread his net in gluttonie and tempted her with a beautifull Apple till at the length to the harme and woe of all their posteritie both shee and her husband were taken and trapt to our woes Gene. 3.1 2. c. Ose 13.6 Luk. 6.25 Similitudes in the Scripture AS Images and Pictures are not in all points alike or correspondent to that which they represent but differ in colours bignesse or thicknesse So the things and Similituds in the Scripture are not in all points alike to that which is likened vnto them Seruice of man AS that Seruice of men which is done by constraint carelesly and negligently is iustly hated reiected So the Lord hateth reiecteth all Seruice of man which proceedeth not from a chearefull loue and earnest zeale of his glorie 1. Cor. 13.13 16.14 Tit. 2.14 Sathan called God AS the belly is called a God because they which are giuen to the pleasures thereof make more account of it then of God So after the same sorte is Sathan called a God and the Prince of this world 2. Cor. 4.4 Iohn 12.3 14.30 Sinne is noysome to Gods spirit AS the smoake of any filthie smelling thing driueth away Bees So the smoake of the dunghill of our corruptions namely our Sinnes will driue away the holy Ghost out of our hearts Swearers LIke as if we see a man hold vp his hand at the barre of an earthly Iudge wee pittie him and we are sorrie for him Euen so much more ought wee to pittie common Swearers blasphemers who are no better before God then rebels that hold vp their hands at the barre of his iudgement seate as guiltie malefactors Exod. 2.7 Little Sinnes to be regarded AS a man may die as well by the choaking of a Flie as by the deuouring of a Lyon Or as a Ship may as well be sunke by too much weight of Mustard seed as of great stones and lumpes of lead So likewise little Sinnes will sinke a man to hell as soone as great Sinnes Strength LIke as through wickednesse mans mind is ouercome and brought into a base slauerie vnto all euill So likewise by Strength it ouercommeth and hath the victorie and is aduaunced vnto freedome and dignitie The State of man AS the good estate of a Subiect or seruant consisteth in this that hee liuing in the fauour and good liking of his King or Maister procured by his loyall obedience and faithfull seruice is free from all euils and iniuries and enioyeth al things either needful or pleasant So the State of man being pure from sinne is good and happie otherwise if by sinning and rebelling against God he incurre his displeasure most wretched and miserable Thankfulnesse for Gods graces and benefits 1 LIke as a Husband louing his wife tenderly to make his affection knowne vnto her by bestowing vpon her many great presents of Gold and costly Iewels is much grieued if shee dissemble the giftes which hee hath bestowed vppon her and say shee hath purchased them by her owne money Euen so God can in no wise be pleased with vs if we will conceale or else attribute to our selues the graces which he hath bestowed vpon vs which he would haue to be testimonies tokens and demonstrations of the inuiolable loue and fidelitie that he beareth vnto vs. Deut. 8.1 2 c. 9.1 c. 2 As a Hare or a Conie cannot chewe their cud vnlesse they haue champed it before Euen so if a man bee presently Thankfull after a benefit receiued so shall hee be the more able to call it to mind afterwards Tale-bearers AS wood serueth to kindle keepe fire Euen so Tale-bearers stirre vp kindle and nourisheth strife Prou. 26.20 Humane Traditions AS the flowers of Lysimachus are faire to see yet vnsauorie So humaine Traditions make a faire shew but there is no spiritual sauour or sweetnesse in them Time seruers 1 AS the Apple tree which in the Spring time buds and openeth it selfe so that it dooth as it were become white by reason of the blossomes but a shower falling vpon it many of the blossomes are shaken off and the frost also dooth much more consume them afterward when the fruite beginneth to spring foorth some great winde much of it being come forth falleth downe and when it waxeth ripe the Cater-piller commeth which with other wormes gnaweth spoyleth it so much that scarce the twentieth part yea scarce the hundreth part many times remaineth Euen so it commeth to passe with the hearers of the Gospell in the beginning therof euery one coueteth to be a Protestant and a good Christian euerie one liketh of it verie well and the first fruites thereof are very pleasaunt but when winde a shower or tentation commeth many fall away from it by companies afterward sects and seditions arise which like vnto woormes and cankers gnawe and infect the fruites of the Gospell and so many false opinions spring vp that very fewe doo perseuere in the true profession thereof Math. 13.21 21. 2 As the Reed is tottering shaking and yeelding euery way with the least winde that bloweth So likewise be all such as are weather-cockly Temporizers as in their words deeds be wauering vncōstant slippery changeable fickle faint-hearted and dare not stoutly persist in their conceiued opinion but as turn-coates say and vnsay doo and vndoo Math. 11.7 Luk. 7.24 3 Euen as luke-warme water doth annoy the stomack so farre that the
bondage of their Maisters with all their labours their force and diligence yea euen vnto bloud Euen so forasmuch as both our selues and all that we haue belong to God by right and hee possesseth vs as slaues and bondmen therefore what seruice soeuer we endeuour to doo him it is certaine that he can owe nothing vnto vs. Iob. 9 3 15 20. Psal 143.2 16.2 3. 5 As it hath bene sometimes said and truly reported of the Athenians namely that they knew what was meet to do but they wholly neglected to do the same Euen so many Christians know what is meete and right to doo but yet for the most part wholly neglect to do the same Luk. 12.47 Iam. 4.17 6 Like as the Lord according to his iustice and truth hath threatened terrible punishments to wicked and impenitent sinners Euen so contrariwise he hath promised rewards to them that do good Workes and worke righteousnesse Mat. 5.16 Rom. 13.9 1. Cor. 15.58 Ephe. 2.10 Phil. 4.8 Tit. 2.12 3.8 7 Like as if a man should say the Vine is made more fruitfull by bearing grapes or that the internall light of the Sunne is augmented by the externall emission of the beames So likewise for a man to say that inherent righteousnesse is by good Workes namely the fruites of righteousnesse augmenteth so to to say is not onely erronious but also ridiculous 8 Like as if a rich man not constrained but of his own good will should adopt one to be his sonne whome hee knoweth not and to whom he oweth nothing and shuld appoint him to be the heire of all his landes and goods and certaine yeares after that he hath bestowed this benefit vpon him he should lay vpon him a lawe to do this or that he cannot now say that he hath deserued this benefit by his owne works seeing that many yeares before he asking nothing had receiued the same freely and of meere fauour So God could not respect our Works and deserts going before righteousnesse for the promise and the gift of the holie Ghost was 430. yeares before the Lawe Gal. 3.16 17. 9 As it is impossible to seperate washing from water and burning from fire and good fruites from a good tree Euen so vnpossible it is to seperate good Workes from a true and a liuely faith Iam. 2.22 10 As Marchants or Chapmen doo oftentimes prise and esteeme their wares marchandise more then they be worth Euen so do we of our doings vertues and good Works but when they are examined and prised by those which know them as by the Spirite of God and his Prophets they are altogither iudged as old ragges torne tied togither and patched vp againe 11 As old Images new gilded ouer which outwardly hath some glistering shew but within are nothing but dust and durt Or as counterfeit mony which is of ill and naughty mettal how good a print soeuer it haue Euen so is the good that we do and al the righteousnesse vertue which is in vs is nothing but shame reproch Rom. 10.3 12 As the Temple sanctified the Golde that was vpon it but was not sanctified by the Gold or as the Altar sanctified the offering that was vpon it but was not sanctified by the offering Euen so good VVorkes do not beautifie a Christian man in the Lorde but the man in the Lorde doth beautifie the VVorkes Mat. 23.17 19. Reu. 14.15 13 As the Apple is not the cause of the Apple tree but a fruite of it Euen so good VVorkes are not the cause of our saluation but a signe and a fruite of the same Math. 7.17 14 As Caterpillers sometimes and blasting do fret and annoy the branches that the sap cannot haue his course and so the fruite faileth which seemed faire to the eye So rancour and displeasure diuision schisme and seperation among men being no lesse then noysome windes and Caterpillers to our Christian faith eate vp and drie away many times the sappe or iuice of loue and charitie whereby the expected fruite of good VVorkes is withered in the braunches 15 As sauoury water cannot come from a stinking puddle or sweete fruite from a sower roote Euen so no more can any good VVorke come from an vnregenerate man from a corrupt sinfull soule who although he giue his bodie to the fire for the profession and maintenance of the trueth and all his goods to the poore in a tender compassion of their miserie yet he being destitute of faith loue and the rest of the parts of regeneration dooth not by these workes please God or fulfill his Lawe 16 As the channel which is polluted and defiled doth pollute and defile the water that is without defilement in the fountaine Euen so the mind and will of man defiled by the remnant of sinne defile the Workes which as they come from Christ are vndefiled 17 As in fire there is both heate and light yet doo wee not say that the light dooth burne but the heate So in a man iustified there is both faith and good Workes inseperably yet dooth not good Workes iustifie but faith oâ—ely 18 As one Torch doth giue more light carried before then foure borne behinde So likewise our good Worke or deed done in life time and perfect health is more welcome vnto God then fortie after death 19 As the greene leaues outwardly sheweth that the tree is not drie inwardly So the good Workes openly testifie the zeale of heart inwardly Wise men 1 AS the olde naturall Phylosophers doo say that the Sunne feedeth on the salt water and that the Moone taketh her foode vppon the sweete water Euen so Wise men do seeke things bitter so as they be profitable when fooles onely passe for things pleasant and delightfull 2 As the Bee out of the most bitter things doth gather most sweet Honie So a Wise man out of things hard and vnpleasant picketh gaine and vtilitie 3 Like as Alexander did cause Bucephalus his Horse being olde to be carried on other horses to the battaile that he might be fresh for the fight So ought graue olde and Wise men be spared from labour that their good counsel might be onely regarded and had in necessities Wits 1 AS the vessell with a narrowe mouth of a long time may not bee filled but then at the length it holdeth the liquour more furer So Wits that be dull in receiuing learning wil most stedfastly remember the same once obtained 2 Like as too great a noyse hurteth the eare Or as too much meat annoyeth the stomack Or as heauie burdens hurt the bearers of them Or as too much raine doth more hurt then good to the ground Euen so weake Wits and weake consciences may soone bee oppressed with ouer hard questions Wisedome 1 AS that vessel can neuer be filled which alwayes powreth foorth and leaketh So may hee neuer receiue Wisedome which continually speaketh and at no time harkneth Prou. 17.27 Iam. 1. 19. 2 As the Asse Colt which of all other beastes
in holy things to sanctifie polluted things Or as the whole part of a mans body touching the soare part cannot heale it but rather is in danger to be infected by it Euen so it followeth necessarily that the best Works in man are wholly corrupted so that if the Lord should straightly examine them no man can answere for one of a thousand Agge 2.13 Iob. 9.2 3. Our Weaknesse to please God LIke as if a man beeing hyred to doo a dayes worke should deceitfully worke but with one hand and so disappoint his Maister of the Worke which should haue beene wrought with both hands Euen so whereas God craueth in euerie action all our wisedome wit will memorie vnderstanding and affection wholly to concurre together we scarcely giue him a part of all Wisedome and strength to be ioyned LIke as a Tree that the wind hath shaken loose at the roote the higher and greater that it is the sooner it is ouerthrowne Euen so a Souldier the stronger that he is wanting Wisdome the sooner he is ouerthrown for courage and strength without Wisdome is foolish rashnesse and Wisedome without courage and strength is fearefull cowardlinesse ioyne them together and they make a perfect Souldier The Will is in stead of the fact before God LIke as he is not to bee accounted healthfull which though hee doo appeare whole in the outward parts yet hath some euill disease with in his stomacke either in his Liuer or in his Lights or in some other place Euen so he cannot bee taken for a iust and righteous man if God be iudge which although he do not outwardly vse whordome steale nor kill yet dooth in his heart desire other mens wiues seruants c. or any other goods and wisheth that he were dead or hanged whō he hateth Exod. 20.17 Good Workes but yet failing in the manner of doing AS the Elders of the Iewes who comming to our Sauiour Christ in the behalfe of the Centurion for his sicke seruaunt besought him instantly as though they might not be denied and they tell him that the Centurion is worthie of so much fauor as that forsooth the Lord Iesus should come to him heale his seruant for proofe whereof they alleadge two strong reasons one is hee loueth our nation an other is he hath built vs a Synagogue Euen so plead the Papists we are worthie O Lord of thy fauour we haue deserued so much at thy hands Or such a one that is now dead hath deserued so much as that thou shouldest receiue his soule for he loued vs well while hee liued he was an honest man hee made vs good cheare he kept a good house he filled our bellies our purses too besides this he hath built vs a stately Synagogue goodly Churches and Chappels of ease hee mended our high-wayes hee erected such a Colledge such an Hospitall therefore Lord thou must of necessitie receiue his soule into thy kingdome or else thou doest him wrong Luk. 7.3 4 5. Math. 7.21 22. By the written Word of God things amisse are discerned LIke as a man that hath neuer so good eyes yet if hee bee in a deepe darknesse cannot for all the goodnesse of his eyes know and discerne his owne Father standing directly before him much lesse a beame or a mote in his eye vntill such time as he hath light to discerne him withall Euen so though we bee neuer so well and sharpe sighted are we able to discerne a beame or mote in the Churches eye without the helpe of the light of the Word Psal 119.105 Ephe. 5.13 Math. 7.3 4 5. 2. King 22.1 c. 29.1 2 c. Not two Wills in God AS the sight of the eyes when they are dazeled disturbed doo imagine and suppose that there bee two candles burning when ther is but one Euen so our mind when it looketh vppon the Will of God supposeth that there bee two Wills in God one secret and an other reuealed which is a thing farre disagreeing from the nature of God The Wisedome of God AS the Lord is Almightie and able to deliuer his children and Church from the wicked and willing to do it Euen so dooth hee know the wayes and meanes most perfectly readily how to doo it at al times according to to his will and pleasure 2. Pet. 2.9 Wrath of God 1 AS all good neighbours will hastely run to the quenching of a daungerous fire So likewise all Christians ought to make speed to pacifie the Wrath of God when they perceiue the same to wax hotte against them Psal 2.12 2 As the water of mightie flouds doo with great violence rage flow and cannot be stopped So the Wrath of God commeth vpon the wicked who peruert all lawes and all Religion Hose 5.10 The Workes of Gods ministerie ineuitable LIke as it is to no purpose to seeke to take by force a Citie so well fenced and manned as it may be So likwise vaine are the attempts of them that oppose themselues to Gods Ministers to hinder them from dooing that for which God hath sent them Iere. 1.18 19. Gods Word the salue for our soules AS those parts which are within vs haue most need of carefull keeping because the inward disease is most daungerous Euen so the holy Ghost hath allotted vnto our inward infection the most soueraigne and all sufficient salue his Word Psal 147.3 Math. 8.8 Mark 1.40 Will of God 1 AS the Potter in tempering his clay if he cannot make and frame it according to his mind at length he will dash it in peeces So God created man not that he should doo his owne Will but Gods Will and therefore whosoeuer he bee that followeth the lustes of his owne wicked heart and wil not be brought to be conformable to Gods Will but continues rebellious still the Lord in his wrath will confound them eternally 2 Like as if a man haue a trade and other men come into his shoppe and vse such instruments as bee there to a wrong ende though they were their owne yet it would grieue him to see it So God created all things for his own vse and for the accomplishing of his Will but rebellious man conformes himselfe to the Diuils Will and thereby no doubt he grieuously offendeth God Good Workes vncontrollable AS no man can accuse the Potter for making of the same lumpe of Clay a drinking Pot and a Chamber pot So likewise none ought to quarrell or find fault with their Creator whose Workmanship they are framed at his good pleasure and will Rom. 9.21 Mans Weaknesse to doo any thing for himselfe AS it is with young children who when they are first taught to goe can stand no longer then they are holden vp by the hand Or as it is with those that learne to swim who as soone as they are left to themselues sinke to the bottome Euen so likewise is it with vs when God taketh his helpe from vs and ceaseth to defend and relieue vs or else to take
conscience and reproach to vs and our posteritie 8 As Wine and drunkennesse make a man sencelesse c. So Lust and pleasure peruerteth the sense and weakneth the soule 9 As Feuers or Agues the heate or cold wherof though they be internall yet are they more extreame and more painefull to be endured then the coldest or hottest season of all the yeare So likewise there is no fire whatsoeuer whose heate is so forceable as is the schorching flame of our owne Lusts and concupiscences Liberalitie to the poore AS housholders if they keepe their Corne in their Barnes all the yeare the vermine will consume it and so it will decrease but if they sowe scatter it in the field then they receiue increase thereof So likewise if we doo not scatter and bestow our welth and riches on the poore and needie God will rather decrease them then increase them Math. 6.19 2. Cor. 9.9 10. 1. Timo. 6.17 Hebr. 6.10 13.16 Married folkes are one a helpe to the other LIke as in the parts of a mans body there is a mutuall helpe and participation of the one towards the other Euen so ought it to bee also among Married folkes the one ought to bee an eye eare mouth hand and foote to the other In trouble the one must be the comfort of the other In aduersitie must the one bee the others refreshing yea and in all their life must the one be the helpe and succour of the other Gene. 2.18 Man 1 LIke as God hath created all things in the world for Mans vse and seruice Euen so he hath created Man alone for his glorie Act. 17.24 25. 2 Like as al things in the world serue Man and are subiect to man Euen so ought Man to be subiect to the Lord and to serue him and for this end man was created Act. 17.27 28 29. 3 As things that be nought worth are stil throwne out cast away not fit for any good purpose but to be reiected and troden vnder feete Euen so is Man a thing of nought Psal 144.4 4 As the excellent and noble Hauke called a Faulken vpon the fist of the fouler seeing a pray flying on high dooth by and by spread his wings and offer to breake the strings wherewith shee is holden and to bee gone after the pray but if shee be hooded she neither seeth the pray nor is any whit mooued Euen so Man whose nature farre excelleth all other liuing creatures thinking vppon the things that are aboue in heauen with God and with the eyes of his mind beholding eternall blisse and endlesse felicitie he is inflamed and pricked with a great and wonderfull desire to attaine vnto the same but if he bee hooded with ignorance spiritual blindnesse and a loue of this world he will neuer bee touched with any heauenly motion nor any whit moued with any right loue of God nor once turne so much as an eye of his mind towards heauen nor God Psal 42.1 2. Phil. 21.23 5 As the Crocodile is a creature of an incredible bignesse and yet hath his beginning of a very small and little Egge and is knowne onely to Egypt and to those Countries which are watered with the ryuer Nilus and in this thing is very admirable that no liuing creature that hath so small a beginning as of an Egge doth grow to such an exceeding bignesse Euen so such a one is Man when he forgetteth his originall and the foule matter of his beginning waxeth insolent and proud and yet in this one thing hee is more admirable that being moulded out of the earth and dust hee will make his heart a nest for pride and all abhomination to build and to dwell in Gene. 2.7 3.19 18.27 Iob. 4.19 10.9 to 13. Psal 146.4 78.39 Esay 40.6 7 8. 6 As the earth by his naturall course is borne downeward and is lowest of all Elements So Man borne by the talent and motion of his flesh is beyond horse and mule and is by the Prophets warned to learne wisedome by the Swallow by the Ant by the Spider by the Oxe by the Asse and almost by all the beasts in the field 7 Like as if a begger who hath not a ragge to couer him wil notwithstanding brag that he is the greatest Man and the richest in all the countrie and in all assemblies is not ashamed to take the highest place euery Man would iudge such a man worthie to be whipt Or if there were a theefe who being conuicted of many great crimes notwithstanding would be so shamelesse and so stately that he wold not hūble himself before his iudge nor any other Man he deserueth without any pitie to be punished with all seueritie Euen so in like maner if Man dissembling his beggerly estate his vice and ignorance will presume that he is wise rich vertuous he doth by this meanes make him selfe vnworthy of Gods mercy whereof he should participate if by an humble confession of his miserie he would seeke for it 8 As a vessell cannot be knowne whether it be whole or broken vntill it haue liquor in it So can no Man be knowne what he is before he be in authoritie Man wholly corrupted 1 AS we say not the essence of the Load-stone doth draw yron but the properties thereof So likewise the whole nature of Man is corrupt not in respect of the essence of the soule or bodie but in respect of the qualities The soule is corrupt not in respect of the essence which is spirituall but in respect of the qualities which be in the soule Psal 24.4 5. Ephe. 4.22 23 24. 2 Like as if a Man being fallen into a pit should rather be inquisitiue how he fell in then how to come out Or as a Man deserueth to be counted madde and vnwise that hath his house on fire will stand thinking how it came and not rather labour to quench it Euen so hee may be counted a foolish Man that is more carefull to know how he became wholly corrupted through originall sinne then to know and learne how rather to come out of it and so escape the daunger of it Maisters dutie towards their Seruants 1 AS the Centurian who had many seruants vnder his authoritie and they were all at his becke and commaundement most readie to obey him in any thing that he set them about and this good order hee brought them too by reason that his said seruants were deare vnto him that is he made a speciall reckoning of them and was as a father vnto them So likewise all Maisters are in conscience bound to esteeme and account well of their seruants and to vse their authoritie that they haue ouer them mildly and Christianly and then if their seruants do perceiue that they are deare vnto their Maisters so may the Maisters in time worke them like waxe to their owne minde except they be such as haue sold themselues to worke wickednesse Ephe. 6.9 2 As Maisters and Dames doo loue and cherish