550. Progresse in religion Folio 551. Professors Folio 578. 580 593. Profession Folio 552. Praying to Saints Folio 557. Peace Folio 558. 747. Prophets Folio 596. False Prophets Folio 558. 565. 751. 753. Power of God Folio 564. 647. Pouertie Folio 565. 571. 584. 630. 778. 793. Plants Folio 365. Perseuerance Folio 569. 489. People Folio 570. Physition Folio 570. Physicke Folio 583. Painting of faces Folio 571. Perfection Folio 576. 602. Puritie Folio 577. Persons of the Trinitie Folio 581. Posteritie Folio 593. Passion of Christ Folio 596. Phylosophie Folio 597. Priuate persons Folio 612. Practioners of the word of God Folio 852. Q. Curious Questions Folio 613. R. REbellion against God Folio 175. Repentance Folio 42. 228. â—41 563. 569. 614. 62â— 6â—â— 647. 6â—â— 726. Regeneration Folio 59. 344. 618. 620. 651. 827. 641. 643. 727. Rashnesse Folio 613. Rash iudgement Folio 422. Reproofe Folio 5â—â— 644. 645. 740. 825. Reformation Folio 517. 620. Resurrection generall Folio 614. 632. 636. 654. Recreation Folio 618. Righteousnesse in man Folio 621. 646. Religion Folio 624. 657. Reading of Bookes Folio 51. 624. 633. 774. Riches Folio 924. 6 6. 658. 659. Rich men Folio 630. 646. 648. Reason Folio 629. Reading the Scriptures Folio 630. 636. 833. 737. Reliefe of the poore Folio 630. 771. Reprobate Folio 633. 651. 652. Redemption Folio 644. Renued holynesse Folio 651. Renued happinesse Folio 651. Reading Folio 653. Reall presence Folio 655. Rewards Folio 260. 655 Righteousnesse of Christ Folio 623. S. SAcraments Folio 664. 668. 669. 703 704. 729. Sacrament of the supper Folio 52. 432. 457. 553. 5â—4 661. 731. Continuance in Sinne. Folio 146. Spirituall graces Folio 17â— 7â—3 Sabbaoth Folio 209. â—86 Ill Speakers Folio 2â—5 Spirit of God Folio 289. 685. 724. 728. 731 Superfluitie in diet Folio 305. Sumptuousnesse Folio 312. Notorious Sinnes Folio 689. Sinne. Folio 312. 314. 315. 414. 660. 514. 662. 689. 690. 721 723. 724. 730. 735. 742. 774. 783. The Soules life Folio 334. Soule Folio 680. Saluation Folio 350. 651. 652. 661. 717. 718. 669. 728. 736. 739. Studie Folio 405. Sorrow Folio 452. 506. 721. 722. 736. 758. Praying to Saints Folio 557. Poore in Spirit Folio 563. 592. Scripture Folio 666 704. 707. 719. 729. Secrecie Folio 666. Seruice of God Folio 667. 710. 741. 852. 841. Sclaunder Folio 683. Speach Folio 750. 827. Sobrietie Folio 685. Schooles Folio 704. Schoole maister Scholler Folio 705. Spirituall man Folio 707. 719. 725. Sanctification Folio 709. Scorners Folio 701. One Sinne not to bee auoided by an other Folio 711. Sathans subtiltie Folio 711. 725. 736. 741 Sathan called God Folio 741. Swearing Folio 714. 742. Sâ—â—â—â— of God by adoption Folio 714. Triall of Spirits Folio 717. Securitie Folio 718. 723. Sicknesse Folio 721. Striuing against God Folio 723. Reward of Sinne. Folio 723. 791. 830. Seruants of sinne Folio 724. Sinne of set purpose Folio 729. Singing of Psalmes Folio 733. Subiects Folio 738. Similitudes Folio 741. Strength Folio 742. State of man Folio 742. Searching of the Scriptures Folio 853. T. TRansubstantiation Folio 52. 57. 768. Traditions of men Folio 175. 494. 743. Time seruers Folio 337. 743. Trinitie Folio 351. 581. 752. 853. Triall of men Folio 416. Temperance Folio 730. 749. 770. Temptations Folio 740. 753. Thankefulnesse to God Folio 743. 769. 779. 781. Tale-bearers Folio 743. Teares Folio 746. Time Folio 746. Truth Folio 747. Tyrants Folio 748. 769. Threatnings Folio 748. Trade of life Folio 749. Thoughts Folio 749. Strange Tongues Folio 753. Tongue Folio 749. Talke Folio 750. Testimonie of the spirit Folio 751. Trouble of conscience Folio 751. Types Folio 752. Temple of God Folio 769. Troubles Vide afflictions and aduersitie V. VAnitie of earthly things Folio 286. 597. Vertuous Folio 431. 771. 783. 789. Vnitie in the Church Folio 582. 740. 770. 784. Vocation Folio 749. Vaine glorie Folio 771. 774. 786. 787. Spirituall Vsurie Folio 771. Vsurie Folio 775 784. Vnthankefull Vide ingratitude Vnbeliefe Folio 779. Vices called vertues Folio 782. Vnfaithfulnesse Folio 783. Vnmercifulnesse Folio 784. Vengeance of God Folio 786. Vngodly men Vid. Worldlings wicked Visitation of the sicke Folio 788. Vnion with Christ Vid. Incorporation Vntractablenesse Folio 791. W. WOrd of God Folio 794. 796. 824. 839. 840. 843. 844. 848. 849. 856. Application of Gods Word Folio 35. Writers dunsticall Folio 217. Workes necessarie Folio 301. 829. 832. 842. 850. Wife Wiues Folio 388. 829. 830. Worldlings Folio 464. 779. 782. 786. 851. Vse of the World Folio 785. Weaknesse Vide Infirmitie Wicked Folio 814. 856. The ende of the Wicked miserable Folio 856. Woredome Folio 826. Woman Folio 827. VVarre Folio 828. 845. VVorldly wisedome Folio 829. 854. VVorkes of God Folio 830. 845. 855. Wisedome Folio 836. 837. 842. VVit Folio 837. 854. Worship of God Vide seruice of God VVill. Folio 842. VVill of God Folio 843. 844. VVisedome of God Folio 843. 855. VVorld Folio 846. Spirituall VVarfaire Folio 854. Ouerweening VVits despise Gods wisdome Folio 857. VVhy the VVorkes of Christians are called sacrificer Folio 857. Y. YOuth commeth not againe after olde age Folio 859. Youth flexible to good or bad Folio 859. Z. ZEphoniaes times compared with ours Folio 66. Zeale Folio 859. FINIS
A TREASVRIE OR STORE-HOVSE of Similies Both pleasaunt delightfull and profitable for all estates of men in generall Newly collected into Heades and Common places By Robert Cawdray LONDON Printed by Tho. Creede dwelling in the Old Chaunge at the Signe of the Eagle and Childe neare Old Fish-streete 1600. TO THE RIGHT VVORSHIPFVL and his singular benefactors Sir Iohn Harington Knight as also to the VVorshipfull Iames Harington Esquire his brother R. C. wisheth in this life the aboundant increase of all spirituall graces and in the world to come life euerlasting through Christ Iesus our alone Sauiour THis Booke Right Worshipfulls conteineth certain verie pleasant delightfull and profitable Similies that is when two things or moe then two are so compared resembled and conferred together that they in some one propertie seeme like Wherein not onely sundrie and very many most horrible and foule vices and daungerous sinnes of all sorts are so familiarly and so plainly laid open ripped vp and displayed in their kinds and so pointed at with the finger of God in his sacred and holy Scriptures to signifie his wrath and indignation belonging vnto them that such as are Christians in deed being seasoned and indued with the spirit of grace and hauing God before their eyes will bee verie feareful euen in loue that they beare to God to pollute and defile their hearts their minds their mouthes or hands with any such forbidden things as also many very notable vertues with their due commendations so liuely and truly expressed according to the plaine meaning of the word of God that the godly Reader being of a Christian inclination will be mightily inflamed with an earnest liking and a loue vnto them Ouer and besides it containeth the explayning and plaine opening of many grounds and principles of Christian Religion so manifestly decyphered out that euerie one euen the very simplest and ignorantest Reader may easily and plainely vnderstand the true and right meaning thereof as may bee for the increase of knowledge and godlinesse euen in all degrees of men and for their better vnderstanding therein For many times that thing which cannont bee perceiued or vnderstood of Readers of Bookes and hearers of Sermons by a simple precept may yet by a Similitude or plaine example bee attained vnto So that if any be desirous to compare a thing from the lesse to the greater Similitudes will helpe him greatly in this behalfe c. And that there is a necessarie and profitable vse of Similies we may easily gather for that the holy Ghost hath so often vsed them both in the old and new Testament as amongst many these few quotations doo shew 2. Sam. 12.1 2 3 4. 14.6 c. 23.4 Iudg. 9.8 c. Psal 103.12 123.2 Iob. 15.33 Prou. 27.8 9 10 21. Esay 5.7 24. 55.10 11. 61.10 11. Iere. 2.26 33.22 Math. 13.4 c. 18.23 c. Mark 4.29 c. Luk. 15.4 c. 17.7 c. Ioh. 3.14 15.1 c. Rom. 5.12 18 19. 6.4 7.2 c. 1. Cor. 12.12 14.11 12. 15.40 41 47. 2. Cor. 11.3 Gal. 4.1 Ephe. 5.25 So that this worke in my simple opinion for the choyse of the Argument rarietie of the matter profit of the circumstance deserueth to be aduisedly read attentiuely considered effectually ruminated and perfectly digested because that it will breede and increase in all degrees no small skill in knowledge wisedome and vertue For I know no estate of men for whome this Booke is not necessarie for Princes it is prettie for Preachers profitable for sage Counsellours it is singular meete for Magistrates lawdable for Lawyers a Iewell for Gentlemen a staffe to leane on for students good to further godlinesse and therefore apt and profitable for all men The Prophets of God were moued as their writings do manifestly prooue to fetch from plants hearbes and other naturall things many right apt and fine Similitudes and proper comparisons to adorne their Sermons garnish their speeches withall to make the same by such familiar meanes the easier to be conceiued and the readier to be belieued And although in euerie other kind of learning humaine discipline and Phylosophie there be many singular ornaments and peculiar garnishments effectually to delight the minde and to draw it by example and imitation to vertue and honestie yet for the true and perfect attaining and fuller bringing to passe of these things there bee none of greater nor yet of like force and efficacie to those that are vsed by the holy Prophets in their diuine writings and prophesies So that to him that is any whit reasonably seene either in the workes of nature or in heauenly contemplations it may easily appeare how that their writings and prophesies are not barren rude ignorant and vnartificiall but profitable fruitfull learned and eloquent For the holy Scripture being giuen by inspiration from God fully and sufficiently instructeth the minde and furnisheth the conscience and soule with most sweet foode wholsome nourishment Which thing the writings both of the Prophets in the old Testament and also of the Euangelists and Apostles in the new Testament do plentifully declare Now for that there be very fit Similitudes borrowed from many kindes and sundrie naturall things both in the olde and new Testament diligently noted and found out as well by ordinarie practise and course of life as also by obseruing of the nature effect and vertue of things I haue thought good at this time to take some paines and to bestow some labour in this Booke to set down the same with others vnto the view and consideration of the diligent and studious Reader Whereby he may see what a rich treasure of knowledge and wisedome there is laide vp in the holy Scriptures which affoordeth vnto the industrious and painfull Christian store enough of matter both pleasurable and profitable delightfull wholesome and comfortable Neither is it possible for a man to reape any the like benefit of plentiful knowledge and store of learning nor to taste such plentie of necessarie foode both for soule and conscience out of any workes written by Phylosophers Oratours or Poets as hee may out of the plentifull storehouse and aye lasting fountaine of Diuinitie and out of those Books which were indighted and penned by the holy Ghost and written by heauenly inspiration So that whosoeuer shall aduisedly consider and attentiuely discusse the deepe misteries profound knowledge laide vp in the Scriptures and therewithall also what surpassing wisedome lodged in their minds which left behinde them such diuine instructions and wholesome documents cannot choose but most plainely perceiue by how many degrees diuine learning and sacred studies doo incomperably surmount all prophane skill and humane knowledge and how farre things heauenly and eternall doo excell things earthly and transitorie That the holy Prophets were not onely most exactly seene in the peerelesse skill of Diuinitie but most exquisitely also furnished with the entire knowledge of all
the eye is not in all places that the sight dooth reach vnto As wee knowe that seueritie and mercie are in God so ioyntly ioyned together that the one cannot be seperated from the other and yet they that feele his seueritie doo not feele his mercie that is to say those whom he doth according to his righteous iudgement punish euerlastingly in hell fire them doth he vtterly banish and put away from his bounteous goodnesse and mercie Euen so although the Diuinitie and humanitie of Christ be so lincked and ioyned together that wheresoeuer the one is it doth not therfore follow that the other is there also For the godhead of Christ can be euerie where and in more places then in one at once but his manhood cannot be euerie where nor in moe places then one at once Bread and Wine in the Lords Supper do no more change their substance nor qualities then the water in Baptisme 1 AS in the Sacrament of Baptisme the substance of water remaineth still So likewise in the Lords Supper remaineth the substance of Bread and Wine 2 As in Baptisme is giuen vnto vs the holy Ghost and pardon of our sinnes which yet lie not lurking or inclosed in the water so in the Lords Supper is giuen vnto vs the Communion of Christes body and bloud that is grace forgiuenesse of sinnes innocencie life immortalitie without any transubstantiation or including of the same in the Bread Mar. 16.19 Luk. 24.6.51 Act. 1.9.10 Iohn 12.8.26 3 As by Baptisme the old man is put off and the new man put on yea * Gal. 3.27 Christ is put on but without transubstantiation or chaunging of the water Euen so it is in the Lords Supper wee by faith spiritually in our soules do feede on Christs Body broken do eate his flesh and drinke his bloud do dwell in him and he in vs but without transubstantiation Bookes 1 AS Theeues be loth to assault an house where they know to be good Armour and Artillerie so wheresoeuer the Bookes of the holy Scriptures be wel occupied and exercised there neither the diuell nor any of his angels dare come neare 2 Like as Smithes Masons Carpenters and other handie craftsmen what need soeuer they be in or what shift soeuer they make will not sell or lay to pledge the tooles of their occupation for then they could not worke or follow their trade and so get their liuing So likewise euerie good Christian ought to be like minded and affectioned towards the Bookes of the Prophets Apostles and other holy writers inspired by the holy Ghost the instruments of their saluation and therefore not to sell or pawne them away 3 As vnto those precious stones the greatest price is due which not onely with their colours do delight the eyes but also are of effect for medicines So vnto those Bookes is the chiefest praise due which in them do not onely containe pleasant speech and eloquent but also that do deliuer the minde from all vice and corruption 4 Like as one dish of meate well chewed and digested will comfort nature more then diuerse delicates that lie rawe and vndigested in the stomacke Euen so one good Booke often and throughly read will do thy soule more good then the superficiall sight and taste of a thousand 5 Like as no wise man will receiue a writing for the least plotte of grounde without the counsell of some learned Lawier nor a medicine for his body without the aduise of some learned Phisition Euen so much more ought a Christian not to venture vpon a Booke wherein may be some damnable errour which may conuey from him his heauenly inheritance or some deadly poyson which may kill his soule without the direction of some godly Diuine 6 As vnto men of diuers complexions and affections God hath giuen choise of meates and varietie of apparell So likewise many Bookes to one ende are published and set forth by sundrie men in diuers fashions and with a diuers gift order and facilitie that hee whom one Booke sauoureth not might yet like the taste of an other Our second Birth LIke as we see the naturall Body from the first Birth to receiue diuers members and euerie member diuers offices vses as it is the vse of the eye to see good or euill and of the hand to take vnto it that which is good and to remoue from the Body that which is euill Euen so in the second Birth we receiue new members whereof euerie one hath his diuerse vse and function as knowledge of the will of God hope loue faith which is as it were the hand reaching vnto vs all the mercifull promises of GOD in Christ whereby we are so surely ioyned in affection to the Lord that by nothing we can be seperated Cares of the world hurtfull AS a Clocke can neuer stand still from running so long as the peases and plummets doo hang thereat Euen so a worldly man hauing infinite Cares cogitations and anxieties hanging vpon his minde as waights vpon the Clocke can neuer haue rest or quiet day or night but is enforced to beate his braines when other men sleepe for the compassing of those trifles wherwith he is encombred Carelesse keepers of Gods commandements AS the Scribes and Pharisies that came from Ierusalem picked a quarell against our Sauiour Christ because his Disciples did eate with vnwashed hands wherby they transgressed as they said the tradition of the Elders Our Sauiour Christ in defence of his Disciples chargeth the Scribes and Pharisies which were so zealous to maintaine their owne ceremonies that they were carelesse to breake the commaundements of God Euen so it commeth to passe alwaies that they which are most earnest in vpholding and defending traditions and ceremonies inuented by man are most forgetfull in keeping the commaundements of God But this is the iust iudgement of GOD against those that inuent a new worship of their owne braine That first they loose their labour and secondly that they are depriued of all-right vnderstanding because they haue presumed to be wiser then God Whom the word of God condemneth Esa 29.13 14. 6.9 Math. 13.14 Act. 28.26 Rom. 11.8 Iohn 12.40 Carnall minded men AS with a leaude and naughtie Companion if wee keepe companie we shall learne no good but rather be readie to be infected with his sinne and vice Euen so if wee suffer our selues to be acquainted with the flesh and vse it as a companion in all our dealings and yeeld vnto it we shall then be sure to learne no good of it for the flesh prouoketh vs to whordome to drunkennes to wantonnesse c. Now if we shall acquaint our selues with the flesh we shall learne those things which tend to our destruction Gal. 6.8 Rom. 8.12 13 14 15 16. Tit. 2.12 The Cause of Gods plagues are diligently to be searched out LIke as the Phisition seeing in a glasse by the water the disease within the body by skill and learning searches out the cause of
the heauenly and publike witnesse of the Church of Christ whereby the Lord testifieth that it is he which receiueth men freely into fauour and which clenseth from all blemishes and to be short maketh vs partakers heires of al his goodnesse Schooles 1 AS a man that hath diuers Orchards will also haue a Semenarie full of yong plants to maintaine it Euen so Schooles which are as Seminaries to Gods Church without which the Church fails to decay ought to bee maintained because they serue to make supplie of Ministers 2 As trayning makes Dogs fit for hunting So Schools and learning makes nature profitable The holy Scripture aboue the Church 1 AS the Sunne is cleare and bright not because that men doo iudge it to be so but rather men do iudge it to be so because it is so indeed and can iudge of it none otherwise Euen so the holy Scriptures contained in the canonicall bookes of the old and new Testament are the infallible worde of the liuing God not because the Church dooth iudge and allow it to bee so but rather the true Catholike Church doth iudge and allow it to be so because that it is so indeed can iudge of it none otherwise no more then the cleare and bright eyes can iudge of the light and brightnesse of the Sunne of the which the blind can giue no iudgement euen as the vnfaithfull and reprobate can giue no iudgement of the word of God nor yet allow it 2 As the Lawes of Princes ruling by Iustice ought to be receiued professed and practised of all their subiects Euen so much more the Church ought to bee gouerned by the Lawes of Christ her Lord and King 3 As the Lawes and ordinances giuen by Moses who was but a seruant might not bee abrogate chopped or chaunged of any mortall creature without the displeasure of the Almightie Euen so much lesse those Lawes and ordinances of the Lord Iesus beeing the chiefe Lord and ruler ouer all Deut. 27.26 Gal. 3.10 Iohn 10.4 5. 16.13 14. Schoolemaister 1 AS it is the part of a good Husband to vnderstand the nature and fertilitie of the ground which he dooth till So it is the part of a good Schoolemaister to discerne the disposition and nature of his Scholler 2 As Prometheus did make marueilous Images such as none other euer could So a wise discreete and learned Schoolemaister prepares to a child of an excellent wit that which an ignorant and vnlearned Maister vtterly destroyeth Scholler 1 AS if Appelles should see the forme of Venus or Protogenes the Image of Hialisus all with myre and dirt defiled they would no doubt be sorie So if a man see his Scholler whome he hath brought vp now enclined and giuen to lewdnesse he cannot chuse but greatly lament 2 As there be some women that cannot conceaue of some men yet accompaning with others they are become fruitfull for the encrease of children So there bee some Schollers that bee vnapt to learne vnder some Tutors Schoolemaisters but vnder others they will soone proue of a good quicke wit and learned 3 As the goodnesse of the ground is not much profitable for Corne vnlesse there be a meete husbandman to till and sowe the same So it is not enough to finde good towardnes in a Scholler vnlesse there be added vnto him a meete Schoolemaister to further the same 4 As a drop of water falling from the house Eaues weareth and holloweth the hard stone not by force but by his often falling Euen so a Scholler proueth learned not by power or strength but by much diligence and great reading 5 As Appelles became an excellent Painter because there was neuer a day but hee laboured himselfe to some learning So in like manner a diligent Scholler by dayly applying of his learning and often exercising of vertue attaineth to perfect honour and vertue 6 As young men which haue bestowed their time in labouring for learning and knowledge happily are apt and prone to come to great honour and preferment So contrariwise those Schollers which are giuen to their owne sensualitie and appetite are to bee auoided of all good men 7 Like as the goodnesse of the ground is not sufficient to bring foorth Corne except there bee a good Plower and seede Euen so a toward and wittie Scholler is not like to get good learning except he haue a master a good instructor and bookes Suites in Law how they are lawfull 1 AS a Souldier in lawfull warre may kill his enemie and yet loue him Euen a man may forgiue an iniurie that is done against him and yet seeke remedie by Law so it be in a Christian manner that is without priuate reuenge that it bee not scandelous to the Church that it bee to maintaine peace and that the partie offending may bee chastised and brought to repentaunce for his fault 2 Like as Physitions vse desperate remedies when weaker will not serue Euen so must men vse Law as the last meanes when all other faile Who is a Spirituall man AS the Scriptures call that man carnall which is not renued by the spirit and borne againe in Christes flesh and all his workes like euen the very motions of his heart and mind as his learning doctrine and contemptation of high things his preaching teaching and studie in the Scripture building of Churches Schooles or Hospitals founding of Colledges giuing of Almes and whatsoeuer hee doth though they seeme Spirituall and after the Law of God neuer so much So contrariwise he is Spirituall which is renued in Christ and all his workes which spring from faith seeme they neuer so grosse as the washing of the Disciples feete done by our Sauiour Christ and Peters fishing after the resurrection yea deedes of matrimonie are pure Spiritual if they proceed of faith and whatsoeuer is done within the lawes of God though if bee wrought by the body as the very wiping of shoes and such like howsoeuer grosse they appeare outwardly yet are sanctified Ioh. 3.6 1. Cor. 2.15 The Scripture sufficient to confute errours 1 LIke as if a man being taken with a Phrensie the Physition should come offer him a medicine which is of vertu to purge the superfluous humor that causeth the disease to make him whole sound and the phrantike man should refuse it and take an other to his owne contentation that would doo him no good were this medicine strengthlesse and not able to helpe his disease because the patient desired to haue an other rather then that Not so So in like manner although some men refuse to haue their errours and false opinions to be confuted by the word of God desiring rather to be tried by the writings of men which can do them no good to establish their faith this maketh not but the Scripture is sufficient to confute and refell erronious doctrine and all false opinions though they take it not so 2. As in the night season in darkesome places men are wont to
commeth into good thoughts then into good workes by degrees but many times they are nipped and smitten in the bud or in the blossome that is either in thoughts or words that they neuer come to workes The workes likewise of the Sonnes of God are at the first faire and fresh but yet hard and harsh and when they are come to any perfection they are either wind-shaken and deuoured by beastes or smitten with persecution then are they bought and sold and euerie man handleth them as they list In a word the fairest the pleasantest and the best of our workes must be pared and picked for daintie mouthes and queasie stomackes and in the end consumed of all and then are our labours come to their perfection whether they bee of the Church or Common-wealth and then do many of Gods children thinke themselues naked and dead and there is no cause why they should for their fruits whether they perish in the bud or in the blossome or in the ripening or howsoeuer they be handled yet they prooue that the sap of Gods spirit is in them the next spring of Gods grace will fetch all againe Psal 1.3 5 As men say of fruit this is but little but it is good here be not many of them but those that are of them are very daintie they are right of such and such a kind Euen so the adopted children of God may say My faith is but litle and weak my loue is not so much as I would it were my zeale is but little and my patience is but small but it is true faith and true loue and true zeale and true patience euen from the very heart roote without dissembling O Lord encrease it and strengthen it Luke 17. 5. Mark 9.24 6 As the adopted Sonnes of God are planted by the ministerie of the word and spirit Euen so they florish and abound in fruit by the same meanes as also by the Sacraments and prayer c. Psal 92.13 14. Rom. 1.17 7 Like as if a King Prince or Nobleman should make a poore begger borne his louing Sonne and heire by adoption hee were greatly bound to loue him and to bee thankfull vnto him for euer Euen so much more wee ought to loue the Sonne of God Christ Iesus that hath made vs Sonnes and heires to his Father by his death and redemption Saluation 1 AS an Helmet saueth the head of a Souldier in the day of battaile So Saluation which commeth from the Lord saueth and protecteth vs from the deadly wounds of our spirituall aduersaries Ephe. 6.17 2 As the Pismire prouideth foode in Summer time to liue by in Winter So in like maner we must labour to attaine and get Saluation with the meanes thereof in the Summer of prosperitie that so wee may liue spiritually in the Winter of aduersitie 2 As a supper is made when the day draweth to an end Euen so is full Saluation giuen to the godly about the end of the world 4 Like as the Infant cannot liue without a Nurse So neither can we haue Saluation without Christ The Spirits to be tried AS Marchants credite men so farre as their wealth and money will reach but yet trust not them that do not keepe their day and credite Euen so in the promises that deceiuers make vnto their fellowes wee must regarde what ground they haue for them and how they can bee performed Saluation to be preferred before either profit or pleasure 1 AS the eye is marueilous necessarie for the guiding of the whole body and a member that hardly may bee spared yet if there come daunger vnto the rest of the body by it wee must rather suffer the losse of it then the whole body should perish for it Euen so wee are to loose with contented minds our dearest friends or whatsoeuer commodities of this life though wee can as hardly spare them as our right eye if they hinder vs in the way of life and Saluation Math. 9.47 2 Like as when a mans foote is so soare that it cannot be healed and putteth the other parts of the body in danger to be infected by it is wont to be cut off for the preseruation of the rest Euen so when our friends or any earthly commoditie whatsoeuer shall become hurtfull to our soules and endaunger vs to loose life euerlasting we must then reiect them Math. 18.8 They whom God setteth on worke must needes Speake AS when the Lyon roareth whosoeuer is within his daunger cannot choose but bee afraid So when the Lord Speaketh what Prophet or preacher of his can hold his peace Iere. 47.2 Amo. 3.8 Securitie is the high way to destruction AS the Oxe when hee is driuen to the Butchers stall goeth willingly because his hope is that he shall bee driuen to some better Pasture and neuer feareth vntill the Axe bee readie to be laide vppon his head Or as a foole when he is led to the stockes goeth chearfully and neuer feareth vntill his feete bee fast snared therein So likewise many men goe securely forwards weltering in the broad way without remorse of conscience perswading thēselus that that is the perfect way because the greatest number do walke therin and neuer perceiue their owne folly vntill till they snared in the traps of destruction A Spirituall man discerneth all things AS a man of cleare eye-sight is able to iudge of colours and to know one colour from an other Euen so such as are indued with the grace of God doo as plainely and euidently iudge of Gods word trie out the truth thereof from the deuises and doctrines of men Scriptures 1 AS the Lawes must bee interpreted not according to the censure and iudgement of them to whome they were giuen but after the will and meaning of the Iudge and Lawgiuer which made them So the Scriptures must bee interpreted by the Scriptures and the word by the word and that which is spoken obscurely in one place by that which is declared and vttered more plainely in an other place 2 As the Carpenter knowes his Rule to be straight not by an other Rule applied vnto it but by it selfe for casting his eye vppon it hee presently discernes whether it bee straight or no So likewise wee knowe and are resolued that Scripture is Scripture euen by the Scripture it selfe though the Church say nothing so be it we haue the spirit of discerning when wee read heare or consider of the Scripture And yet the testimonie of the Church is not to be despised for though it breede not a perswasiton in vs of the certaintie of the Scripture yet it is a very good inducement thereto 3 Like as the Physitions in their bookes doo most diligently discribe euen such diseases as are most filthy not to the intent to praise commend them or els alow thē but to the end they may bee exactly knowne and the more perfectly cured So the holy Scripture in sundrie places doth most manifestly rehearse mischieuous deedes euen such as
land and our soules as prepared for the fire of hell by reason of sinnes in the common sort of horrible crueltie in many of them that are mightie and of the generall ignorance of Christ according to his Gospell in euerie sort Iere. 9.17 18 19. Ezech. 32.1 2 3. Hest 4.3 Iere. 9.12 Ezech. 32.4 6. Math. 7.19 13.42 49. Hos 7.3 4 5. Saluation is from God alone AS the vertue attractiue to draw Iron is not in the Iron but in the Adamant Euen so the vertue and power of Saluation lyeth not in the Minister but in the power of the word wrought by the spirit of God By our words deedes gestures and moouings Sathan knoweth the secrets of our hearts AS a man holding in his hand an Angling rod and with a baited hooke fishing in an obscure and troubled ryuer although he doth not see the fish rush vpō the baite yet hee perceiueth verie well that the fish is taken and hanged vpon the hooke because the Corke or barke of his fishing line is pulled downe and hid vnder the water So Sathan that most subtile and wily fisher although he seeth not our thoughts beeing in the secrets and bottomes of our hearts yet notwithstanding by outwarde signes he many times doth know them as by our words for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh by our actions and by the gestures of our bodies Math. 15.19 20. Prou. 6.18 Our dutie to read the Scriptures 1 AS Artificers with their tooles and instruments doo finish their worke So by reading of the holy Scriptures our selues are corrected formed and renued Col. 3.16 2. Pet. 1.19 Ephe. 6.17 Rom. 15.4 2. Timo. 5.16 Act. 17.11 Psal 119.105 Dan. 9.2 2 As Artificers cannot transforme earth or wood into siluer or gold onely they can by their Art and workmanship giue forme and shape vnto things But by the reading of Gods word thou maist of a woodden or earthen vessell make a vessell of gold or siluer as saith the holy Apostle Saint Paul 2. Timo. 2.20 21. 3 Like as there are some spices which without brusing do yeeld no smell but the more they be chafed the sweeter they are Euen so is it with the holy Scriptures such as read but little can find no taste but the more they be pervsed and read the more doo they yeeld foorth the treasures and pleasant fruits hidden in them Psal 25.14 Iohn 7.17 6.45 4 As increase of strength groweth to the body by meate Euen so the like groweth to the soule by the reading of the holy Scriptures 5 As a barre of yron by long lying in the fire waxeth hot red and of the nature of burning fire Euen so that soule that daily imployeth it selfe in reading and meditating the word of God groweth to bee spirituall diuine heauenly and kindled in the word of God Ioh. 5 3◠6 As some Birds vse to sit by the waterside that seeing the shaddow of rauening foules flying in the ayre they may escape them by leaping into the water So must Christians bee euen conuersant in the hearing and reading the word of God that so they may behold as in a Glasse the sleights of the Diuell may escape them and so maketh it their Glasse to see their own sinnes in all which would without vnfained repentaunce bring condemnation The Subiects dutie to their Magistrates 1 AS Saint Peter admonisheth seruants to be subiect to their Maisters albeit froward and peeuish So are Subiects bound to obey their Magistrates albeit an infidell a wicked man or an Idolater 1. Pet. 2.18 Rom. 13.1 Tit. 3.1 1. Pet. 2.13 14. 2 As Christian Religion dooth not subuert the order of Policie So the wickednesse and impietie of the Magistrate dooth not depriue him of his right to commaund neither dooth it exempt the Subiects from their dutie to obey 3 So long as there remaineth in Princes the Image and ordinance of God Euen so long continueth the bond of Subiects to yeeld obedience to Magistrats not as to men but as to God Exod. 9.16 Dan. 2.37 1. Sam. 21. 1. c. Iere. 26.7 29.7 35.9 Ezech. 29.18 1. Sam. 26.9 4 As God armeth the Magistrate with the sword for the preseruation of his Subiectes against the violence of their enemies and to enforce rebels to yeeld obedience to their lawfull decrees So when alone or with his Sargeants Officers he is not able to performe this dutie he may and ought to command his Subiects to helpe him to execute his office and they are bound at his commandement to take armes to employ themselues Iudg. 5.9 23. 5 As by naturall affection the handes and other the members of the body doo stand bound to employ themselues for the saftie of the body but especially of the head against all violence and iniurie So likewise ought all Subiects to thinke vpon the naturall bond and affection and in dutie vnder the conduct of their head to preserue the body of the Comminaltie but especially the person and authoritie of their Prince and Magistrate against the violence and endeuours of their enemies 1. Sam. 11.6 7. Iudg. 21.8 c. 6 As the Magistrate is by God authorized to leauie tolles taxes tributes and many other Subsidies of the people So are the Subiects bound to furnish and pay them Rom. 13.6 7. Math. 22.21 17.25 26 27. Saluation is desired of the godly AS all men of themselues be sinners throgh sin are in Gods wrath banished far away from him condemned to hell euerlasting damnation and none is clearely innocent but Christ alone So euerie soule inspired by God is desirous to bee deliuered from sinne and hell and to obtaine at Gods hands mercy fauour righteousnesse and euerlasting Saluation Free from Sinne by faith AS wee being in the seruitude of Sinne demonstrate and make knowne our seruice by giuing ouer our member by the obeying of Sinne from iniquitie Euen so wee being made free from Sinne by faith in Iesus Christ indued with Gods spirit a spirit of libertie must needes demonstrate this freedome and libertie by giuing ouer our members to the obedience of the spirit by the which we are lead and guided from vertue to vertue and al kind of holinesse No Sanctification except we be vnited to the Church EVen as the spirit of man dooth not strengthen the members of the body vnlesse they bee fast and surely ioyned together So the holy Ghost doth not reuiue and comfort the members of the Church when they fall away and will not continue in league and fellowship with the seruants of God longer then they are fast bound and knit to the congregation of Gods people in loue and peace in Christ the holy Ghost doth minister no strength no consolation no comfort vnto them there remaineth nothing else in such men but a numnesse and extreame blindnesse in heauenly things And whiles in their arrogancie and pride they forsake and condemne the church of God because they cannot drawe it