wicked and hath no right Quest 9 In what place of the earth was Paradise Answ The place is ghessed at by the names of the Rivers which are mentioned to runne through it but the deluge of waters in the dayes of Noah deprived the men on earth of the beauty of it and when the place is disputed yet little is concluded Quest 10 What lessons doth the Earth teach us Answ 1. To be patient the Earth beares all 2. To be fruitfull the earth abounds with fruites 3. To be bountifull the Earth receives all 4. To be constant the earth is immoueable Our patience brings us much inward peace Our fruitfulnesse evidences we have life in us Our bounty and doing good wins others Our constancy brings us from duty to reward Quest 11 Why have the godly for the most part so small a portion of earthly things Answ 1. They enjoy God which is the best satisfaction 2. God keepes them short as Birds wings are clipped that they may not flye from him 3. They bend their chiefe studdies and endeavours for saving grace and spirituall riches 4. God gives portions heere to wicked men Psal 17. but he reserves for them an heavenly inheritance Quest 12 What are the markes of an earthly man Answ 1. When he awakes hee mindes earth 2. He is over-joyed if he winnes earth 3. He is over-grieved if he looses earth 4. He esteemes them the onely wise men that be wise for the earth to get great estates 5. Hee opposes the powerfull preaching of the word and the heavenly minded Christian 6. He is loath to heare of going from the earth 7. His delightfull discourse is most forthe earth 8. He is never wearied in studdying and in labouring for earthly things 9. Hee is never satisfied but still desires more 10. He is unwilling to part with earth though God and his Conscience and the poore call for it Quest 13 How should wee carry ourselves being inhabitants on the earth Answ 1. Labour to be Saints on earth Psalme 16.3 2. To consider we are strangers on earth Psa 119.19 First we should labour to be Saints on earth 1. By yeelding to the Ministery of the word which although others are not wrought on yet the Saints are gathered glued together and grow up into one body by the Ministery of the word Ephe. 4 11. 2. By separating from all grosse sinnes in the act and from all smaller sinnes in the allowance 3. By dedicating our selves and giving our selues to God 1. Speedily without delay 2. Totally without reservation 3. Resolutely agaynst opposition 4. Constancy not revolting Secondly as strangers on the earth 1. We should freely acknowledge we be strangers 2. Use this world moderately 1. Cor. 7. chap. 31. 3. Expect some wrongs no preferments 4. Wee should much praise God for our comforts here 5. Forget that behind and endeavour towards that befor◠Phil. 3. 6. To do good now Gall. 6.9 be ready to depart 2. Peter 1.10.11 For our encouragement in the way 1. Our Pilgrimage is not long 2. We have company 3. We shal be provided for 4. We have a guide Psal 119.105 5. VVe have attendants Psalme 91.6 A Heaven to receive us Of the Water 1. Of the Etymology and also the original of waters 2. Of the kinds of Waters 3. Of the usefulnesse of Water 4. Resolves concerning Water Sect. 1 FIrst of the Etymology of Water and the original of them the Latin Aqua some do derive it from à et qua quasi à qua vivimi◠vel à qua omnia fiunt Lodwick Rowsee D. of Physicke by which we live or of which all things were made Others will have it quasi aequa because nothing more equall and smooth then water when it is not troubled Adam named many of the Creatures but God he himselfe gave the name to the Waters in the generall Gen. 1.2 also the gathering together of the Waters he called Seas he gave the name to the Rivers For their originall we read of them as soone as we read of any thing the Spirit of God mooving on them the Earth to appeare out of them the waters are honourable for antiquity Sect. 2 Secondly the kindes of Water THe kinds of water are many there is salt water and fresh water the Sea water and the River water Well-water Raine-water Snow-water the Water in Bathes there is Waters of divers wonderfull operations some Water is sayd to kindle a torch some to make the Sheepes wool blacke that drinke it The Spaw doth intoxicate the braine some Waters are reported to be so cold that they turne Leather-gloues and bals into stone I have seene Cheese and Wood and a Toadstoole turned to stone I judge it came by such like water In Boetia are springs that helpe memory some waters make Women barren one River is reported to be bitter and salt thrice a day In Arabia is a fountaine which casteth up all heavy things put into it In Phrygia are two Fountaines one makes men laugh the other makes men crye there is a river in Bythinia which torments perjured persons being put into it amongst us some water will take Soape and some will not some water wil make better drinke then other At Bath the water springs alwayes hot In France is a river with the which a Scarlet is dyed excelling other colours the variety of Waters requires a Volume I only take an abridgement and a tast or touch Sect. 3 Thirdly of the usefulnes of the water FOr usefulnesse it hath a priority above the other elements it pierces the aire and ascends by the Sunnes exhalation it devoures the earth if it bee not strongly kept in by bankes it quenches the fire it hath great ability and therefore may be usefull it carries our ships makes fertile our grounds refresheth and nourisheth man and beast fowles and fishes the trees live by the water the earth upholds them a rose bush upheld in water without earth brings both leaves and roses as some affirme some creatures live by water but none without it most live without fire but none without water men beasts trees and corne cannot continue without water It washes and cleanses and cooles and refreshes In peace in warre in sickenesse in health in the house in the field alwayes water is usefull In conclusion no water no humane life no Common-wealth no world Fourthly Resolves concerning water Quest 1 What are those waters above the firmament Gen. 1.5 Answ They be the waters in the cloudes above that firmament where the fowles flie called heaven Psal 148.4 how heaven is diversly taken in Scripture reade before page 176. as every part of the water is called water so every part of the firmament is called by the name of the whole Quest 2 What may we observe concerning the sea Answ 1. Gods bounty in storing it with fishes 2. His power in keeping it within his boundes 3. His providence for commodities are in great ships conveighed in great quantity and more
reports that encreases jealousie Quest 4 What lessons may we learne from the fire which fel on Sodome Answ 1. That God is just as well as mercifull 2. Strange sinnes bring strange punishments 3. The equity they burnd in lust first and then were burned with fire 4. Voluptuous living hath a smarting conclusion 5. Vniversality of sinnes brings universall destruction 6. Those which cannot abide to be reproved must abide to be punished 7. We should take examples least we make examples Quest 5 How is Gods word like to fire Answ 1. The fire gives light so doth Gods word Psal 19. 2. The fire gives heat so doth the word 3. The fire in his place rejoyces so doth the word rightly applyed Ier. 15. Job 23. 4. The fire consumes the combustible stuffe so the word consumes our sinnes and lusts 5. The fire changes some things and drawes some things to it so doth the word change us and win us and turne us to his owne likenesse Quest 6 How are the judgements like fire Answ 1. Fire is terrible when it is cryed fire fire so Gods judgements are terrible in the threats 2. Fire it impartiall so are Gods Judgements 3. Fire consumes so doe Gods judgements 4. Fire torments men so doe Gods judgements 5. The spoyle that fire makes is reported a farre off from the place so Gods judgements are heard of and famous for report and record 6. When fire is cryed and kindled men doe remove their Goods and cast water on their neighbours houses or flye away so in the threatning and beginning of judgements it is wisedome to pray and to give almes to lay up treasure in heaven to weep for the sinnes and miseries of others to the from the sins of the time unto the name of God to the throne of grace 7. When wee see the flame a farre wee beginne to bestirre our selves so the judgements on neighbour nations should now awaken us 8. The mining sunder ground are least perceived and yet most terrible sudden and inevitable so inward spirituall judgements are least perceived and most dangerous 9. As those that kindled the fire are worthy of our hatred and those that quenched it are worthy of our love so the wicked that procure Gods judgements are worthy of most hatred and the godly that preserve us from them or by their prayers remove them deserve most love Of Meteors 1. Of the names of Meteors 2. Of the matter whereof they are produced 3. Of the time when they doe appeare 4. Of the various formes and shapes of them 5. Of the place where they are Sect. 1 First of the names of Meteors A Meteor is taken more largely or more strictly Largely all vapours exhalations clouds windes tempests haile snow are Meteors Meteora is first things ingendred Secondly in the aire Thirdly unperfect things ingendred imperfectly in the aire strictly it is either from vapours arising from the water or exhalations from the earth or both so growing hard and clammy are called Meteors in the aire Sect. 2 Secondly of the matter of them FIrst negatively of what they are not Secondly affirmatively of what they be Negatively They are not of fire nor of aire and so are of unperfect mixture for the perfect bodies are either simple compounded of the foure elements The Meteors are not of fire for the fire consumes them and doth not produce them the fire I meane the elementary fire is so thinne it cannot be altered and made thinner if the fire were thicker it would become hot aire neither are Meteors made of aire for if aire were made thinner it would turne to fire the exhalation then is not from aire nor fire Affirmatively Meteors have their production from the Waters and Earth from the waters do arise moyst vapors from the Earth arise exhalations more hot and dry and are more thin and pierce the Ayre ascending up more free then Vapors to the place where they are fired and consumed and t is probable that Meteors are rather exhalations then Vapors As there be seene some at Sea it may be they arise from vapors or from some Isles of the Sea or exhalations may be drawne from Fleetes of ships and great Navies this is but conjectures wee must leave many causes in nature to the God of Nature who onely knowes them Sect. 3 Thirdly the time when Meteors appeare NOt in the heate of Summer for then the Sunne is strong on the earth in his heate and consumes the matter whereof the Meteors are formed Not in the deepe of Winter for then the Sunne is so farre distant that t is not so operative to raise the exhalations up into the Ayre But the Spring and Autumne is the ordinary time As for the Star that did lead to Christ in the deep of winter it may be the Countrey is temperate or it was an extraordinary Meteor or Starre for speciall use God can throw the reines on natures necke yet keepes the bridle in his mouth hee can worke by secondary meanes and without them Sect. 4 Fourthly of the various formes and shapes THe formes of Meteors are according to the quantity or quality if the quantity be very great it is not carried up to the upper Region of the Ayre when the grossenes and heavinesse is the quality of it but if the quantity be great and the quality be thin and light it goes to the upper Region and there is fired And to proove that great quantity is exhaled up in the Meteor it appeares in some Comets or blazing Stars which continue many dayes after they be fired before they be consumed which argues there was a great quantity that lasted so long Sect. 5 Fifthly of the place of Meteors THe place is to be considered two wayes First the place of their production Secondly whither they ascend 1. The place of their production is not farre North for that is too cold nor yet in the South for there the Sun beames are too hot but that part of the earth which is like the Spring and Autumne all the yeare there are most Meteors Vnder the Equinoctial line are none nor in the two extreames but in the temperate Climat there they arise 2. The place whither they ascend t is to the upper Region for the middle Region wanting the reflexion of the Sunne beames is extreame cold In the lower Region is Frosts and Mists in the middle Region Clouds and raine in the upper Region Comets and blazing stars Conclusions applicatory An Hypocrite is like unto a Meteor First a Meteor is raysed from the Earth yet is not earth So an Hypocrite is raysed in the Church yet is not of the Church They went out from vs saith St. Iohn but are not of us he is not of the true Church of Christs mysticall body 2. A Meteor hath an ascent yet is not heavenly so an Hypocrite may be advanced yet not of an heauenly disposition 3. An Hypocrite may make more shew than a true Christian as a meteor may blaze
then my life now exceedâ— my life in the wombe I came from a little wombe to a great world I goe from a little world to a great heaven which the great God of his great love and mercy will bestow on them which shall greatly be satisfied with it Sect. 7 Seaventhly of the riches and fruitfulnesse of the earth THe earthes riches are first latent lying hid secondly patent being open The riches that lye hid are among the rest these the sand pit the clay pit the cole-mine the state for tiles the quar-stone the free-stone the marble the Jet that drawes to it the straw the Adamant that drawes the iron there is the rich Diamond the greene Jasper (a) In Scithia vel Persia the glittering Sapphire the fiery Calcedony the Sardonix (b) In India vel Arabia like to the colour of a mans naile above but more red beneath the greene Smaragdus (c) In Scithia comforting the eyes the red and soft Sardius the gold shining Chrisolite (d) In Ethiâ—pia the Skie-colourd Beril (e) In India or it is a watrie colour and six square the green or sea-green Topaze (f) Neare the red sea There is the Gold Silver Brasse Coper Peuter Tin Lead Quicksilver Brimstonâ— and much hid treasures shining in darknesse the greene and gold-like Chrisophrasus there is the purple Hiacinth the Amethist of the same or a violet couler with many other but I am dealing in hid treasures and must cease The riches of the earth that are patent open and manifest are grasse hearbes flowers corne and trees The grasse for the plenty and use the hearbes for foode and physicke and medicine the flowers for variety colours and smell the trees for shade timber and fruit the corne for to make bread time may permit to handle in severall meditations Applications 1. I may raise my mind to the Lord and say the earth is full of thy riches Psal 104.24 it is full but how full I cannot tell but this I am sure God is the owner of it for the earth is the Lords and the fulnesse thereof Psal 24.1 and Christ which is the heire of al things Heb. 1.2 is now said to bee worthy to receive power and riches Hos 2.8 Dispensatores Rev. 5.12 God is a rich God Christ a rich heire all is his and we on earth are but stewards 1. Peter 4.10 2. The earth is rich within and fruitfull without I would I were like it to have inward graces outward fruits The Kings daughter is all glorious within and also without Psal 45.14 3. If earth be so rich what is heaven the best things here are Gold and Pearles and pretious stones which there are the walls the gates and the pavement of the streete Revel 21.19 c. the riches of heaven we have no riches to resemble them no conceits to apprehend them O how great is the goodnesse hid and laid up Psal 31.20 I may admire it and hope for it and wait for it and that may comprehend me for I cannot comprehend it 4. The riches of the earth are obtained by labour and industry for the hid treasures men digge and search Prov. 2.4 and for the outward treasures men plough and plant and graft and prune and water and take paines for the diligent hand makes rich and in labor is aboundance then I must not thinke to be idle in the earth nor to gaine spirituall riches without industry and paines and labour Sect. 8 Eighthly Resolves concerning the earth Quest 1 HOw can the huge heavy earth hang in the aire upon nothing and yet stand firme Answ The earth is upheld by the mighty power of God and the nature of all earthy substance poises towards the Center so it all bending thither it clings together firme and stable as a man clenching his fist his fingers are fâ—st and steddy Quest 2 How did the dry-land appeare Gen. Answ 1. God made the mountaines to stand up whereas the earth was plaine before 2. The waters gathered to one place at Gods command so the dry land appeared Quest 3 Is the earth or the seas the highest Answ 1. The earth for all rivers runne into the sea because naturally they runne downeward 2. Were the sea higher men would saile farre more swift to the Land than from it 3. Were the sea higher then going farre on it with ships the earth would be the plainer discerned 4. Men are said to goe downe to the sea in ships Psal 107. Object In Psal 104 6. the waters stood above the mountaines Answ It was spoken of the creation before God separated the earth from the waters Quest 4 Doth the earth turne round and the heavens stand still as one of the Philosophers pleaded Answ No for the Sun runneth his race Psal 19. and the earth hath foundations therefore it standeth fixed Prov. 8.29 Mich. 6.2 Quest 5 What may we thinke of Archimides of Siracusa who wa osfopirtion if there were another globe to place his engine he could move the earth Answ 1. An Ingineere hath some ingredients of madnesse saith Struther in his observations 2. The Text saith the contrary Psal 104.5 Quest 6 How did the Geographers divide the earth Answ Into foure parts First Affrica where the Babarians and Ethiopians doe inhabite Secondly Asia which is divided into two parts Asia major which is parted from Europe by the Scithian river Tanais Asia minor where were the seaven churches St. Iohn writ unto Revel 1.11 Thirdly Europe divided from Affrica with the Mediterranian sea and from Asia with the aforesaid river Tanais England and Scotland are the two greatest Iles which lye North-ward The fourth is America first discovered in 1492. by one Christopher Columbus servant to the King of Castile and 7. yeares after it was nominated America of Americus vesputius Here is new Spaine new England Virginia Burmudus Quest 7 How is it that wicked men enjoy so much of earthly possessions Answ 1. They are Children by creation Luke 3. ult 2. They doe some outward services 3. They are very industruous for these things being children by creation they have an earthly portion for outward services they have out outward rewards their industry and labour is recompenced with terrestriall good things as the maine they aimed at and did pursue with their strength and might Quest 8 Have wicked men a right to earthly thins Answ That is given them them they have a right unto Psal 115.16 the earth is given to the sonnes of men To take from a wicked man any of his goods under a pretence he hath no right to them or to deny payment of debt for that cause is phantasticall To say he is an usurper leave that to be desâ—ided betweene God and him as the case stands betweene us and him let us give to all men their due Rom. 13. we may not take a poynt from a Turkes hose on the aforesayd termes nor deny payment of a debt to him pleading he is
fire naturall and fire metaphoricall Sect. 2 Secondly of naturall or proper fire 1. Fire is hid and secret 2. Fire appeares alwaies with another thing 3. Fire is alwaies in motion and working 4. The fire it ascending upwards The effects of fire are in the third Section First it gives light Secondly it gives heat Thirdly it consumes Fourthly it changes Fifthly it purifies Againe fire Is not lessened by giving heat it is encreased by adding fuell it pierces by degrees it is never satisfied First fire is hid and secret We see the earth and water distinctly we feele the aire but the earth lyes hid it appeares not of it selfe we must take paines to get it and care to looke to it when we have it Considerations 1. How is naturall corruption like to fire it lies hid Little thought Hazael that there had beene that wickenes in his heart which after manifested it selfe 2. King 8.13 2. As the steele discovers the fire which lay hid in the flint so doe occasions bring forth the corruptions which like fire lay hid For example 1. A mans preferment discovers what was in his heart as we see in Saul and in Vzzia 2. Chron. 26. 2. Affliction discovers a mans heart Isai 8.21 Rev. 3. A mans praises discovers him Prov. 27.21.9.20 21. 4. Heresies discovers a mans corruptions that lay hid he yeeldes when the lovers of truth shew themselves approved ones 1. Cor. 11.19 Quos experientia docuerit esse fidei pietatis sincerae 3. So is grace hid and secret in the heart as faith and love and meeknesse and patience yea occasions manifests the same as Iosephs chastity appeared by his mistresse tentation and Davids loyalty when she cut off the lappe of his masters garment and would not kill him we come to know the good and evill that is in our selves and others by experience and occasions will declare what grace and what sinne is in us Secondly Fire appeares with another thing The sparke stayes not unlesse yee nourish it with tinder or touch-wood then Brimstone or wood or cole or paper or match or straw or turffe or some combustible thing must shew it preserve and continue it Considerations 1. How doth grace manifest it selfe with that it works withall like to the fire it comes from God and is kindled in the heart and then Grace is the fire and thoughts is as the fuell Grace is the fire and words is the fuell Grace appeares with duties of piety workes of righteousnesse and Mercy 2. That which appeares with the fire doth nourish it and continue it so Faith begets prayer and prayer nourishes Faith Ioy begets strength and strength preserves Ioy dilligence it breeds assurance and assurance nourishes dilligence faith begets works and works confirme Faith patience comes from hope and hope prolongs patience as fire breeds ashes and ashes preserves fire 3. So sin appeares as fire in the fuell Jgnorance appeares in pride and pride will not be informed but be ignorant still Thirdly Fire is alwayes in motion ever working like the clock wound up and pulses which alwayes beate the fire ever goes forward working on the fuell to turne it into his owne nature Consideration So is Grace ever operative turning the subject where it is to his owne nature it ever provokes a man to read or pray or fast or worke or exhort or comfort others or reconcile them at oddes A man that hath Grace is never idle he is a busie Creature in his generall calling or his perticular or both hee will endeauour to spread truth and oppose errour and mortifie sinne in himselfe and stop sinne and bewaile it in others he is alwayes in action much in devotion 2. Sinne in the unregenerate is as fire ever in motion In their beds they imagine mischeife being risen they acte it they are resolved to do evill and act sin with a great delight Pharaoh was a plotter against Gods people and Saul breathed out threats and procures letters and takes a journy men will break their sleepe and be at cost and unwearied and unsatisfied in the service of sin In the fourth place Fire ascends upwards it being his natural motion and disposition so it ascends 1. Speedily as soone as t is kindled 2. Strongly because naturall motion is strong 3. Constantly naturall motions are constant 4. Easily without compulsion 5. If the flame be beaten down or kept down it breaks upward assoone as that is remooved that held it down and strives all the time t is opposed and kept downe Considerations 1. What fit resemblance is between fire and true grace Fire the naturall motion is upward so Grace makes the Soule ascend upward to seeke the things aboue Col. 3.1 and to make our Minds heavenly Phil. 3.20 2. Fire hath a strong motion upward so grace carries the soule to God with strength Psal 42.2 the soule thirsteth for God and thirst is the strongest passion In Act. 17.16 St. Pauls spirit was stirred for God non poterat sustinere he could not forbeare so grace stirres the heart upward to minde things above it makes men spiritu ferventes Rom. 12.11 fervent in spirit as Christ was strong in the Spirit Luke 1.80 hence Christians have deepe sighes strong cryes within them earnest groanes and longing strong and fervent prayers Psal 51. Iam. 5.16 3. Fire hath a constant motion upward so grace is alwayes aspiring to the things above when a man breakes off his sleepe he awakes with God Psalme 139.18 grace makes a man trust in God all the day Psal 25.5 to call upon God continually Psal 86.3 to set God alwaies before us Psal 16.8 grace is thinking devising contriving desiring questioning seeking and exercising it selfe about things above things holy heavenly gratious and spirituall 4. Fire ascends easily without compulsion so grace hath a propensity and facillity to heavenly things grace makes a man joyfull to come to the house of God Psal 122.1 and willing to come to the assemblies Ps 110.3 a man comes with gladnesse Philipians 1.4 heare 's with readinesse Acts. 10.33 his praises comes from his joy Psalme 63.5 his almes for a chearefull minde 2. Cor. 8.3 he is easie to be intreated Iames 3.17 he is as ripe fruit soone shaken as ripe corne soone threshed 5. If the flame be kept downe it ascends againe as soone as that kept it downe is removed So grace may be suppressed but take that away which keepes it downe it doth flame up againe presently Sinne quelled grace in David but his sinne being pardoned how did his graces flame upward what sweet prayers did hee make to God what holy Psalâ—s did he indite Tyranny and tentation and reproaches may seeme to extinguish the graces of Gods children but they burne inwardly Psal 39.3 and there is a recourse to God Jer. 20.9.12 and when they doe get victory enlargement and liberty then it is apparant the fire was kept in but by violence and they flame more than they did before as the Smiths
Workes of God p. 161 XXXII Of Angels p. 168 XXXIII Of the Heavens p. 174 XXXIV Of the Sunne p. 180 XXXV Of the Light p. 186 XXXVI Of the Moone p. 190 XXXVII Of the Stars p. 201 XXXVIII Of the Aire p. 211 XXXIX Of the Clouds p. 220 XL. Of the Raine-bow p. 225 XLI Of the Raine p. 231 XLII Of the Earth p. 238 XLIII Of the Water p. 249 XLIV Of the Fire p. 251 XLV Of Meteors p. 270 XLVI Of the Winds p. 274 XLVII Of Man p. 1 XLVIII Of the Soule p. 3 XLIX Of the Soules Immortalitie p. 5 L. Of the life of the Soule p. 6 LI. Of the death of the Soule p. 6 LII Of Gods Image on the Soule p. 12 LIII Of the Bodie p. 18 LIIII Of the Mortalitie of the Bodie p. 20 LV. Of the Immortalitie of the Bodie p. 22 LVI Of the Head p. 24 LVII Of the Eyes p. 28 LVIII Of the Eares p. 37 LIX Of the Mouth p. 43 LX. Of the Neck p. 55 LXI Of Armes and Shoulders p. 59 LXII Of the Hands p. 62 LXIII Of the Fingers and Thumb p. 65 LXIV Of the Back p. 66 LXV Of the Breast p. 68 LXVI Of the Bellie p. 71 LXVII Of the Thighes Legs and Feete p. 74 LXVIII Of Mediums p. 81 FINIS Of saving Knowledge 1. What Knowledge is 2. There is a Knowledge saves not 3. What saving Knowledge is 1. What Knowledge is Sect. 1 TO know is to understand to perceive to discerne Noscere Intelligere Percipere to comprehend Knowledge is the eye of the Soule we shaâ—l the better perceive what Knowledge is by the contrary to it and by comparisons Contraries to Knowledge The contrary to Knowledge and Understanding is Ignorance Jer. 4.22 Luke 19.42 The Comparisons may be to compare it with Prudence and Discretion Knowledge is to perceive to discerne Prudence is to dispose of things knowne both we doe read of Colos 1.9 Understanding to conceive wisedome to order to act to put in execution discretion is to moderate 't is exercised in measure and time Discretion it mitigates and qualifies and observes circumstances about the execution of things So then Knowledge is a discerner a receiving light a seeing a taking notice 't is to perceive and to understand Difference of knowledge Sect. 2 Difference of Knowledge THere is Knowledge that saves not as first the Knowledge of Devils Secondly the knowledg of Heathens Thirdly the knowledge of Hypocrites First of Devils they must be knowing creatures having so much meanes as all humane learning and having so great experience for above 5000. yeeres yet their knowledge is not saving First they have no application Secondly they have no comfort Thirdly they have no change so they know but not for their good Secondly there is the knowledge of Heathens First that there is a God they found by searching Causam causarum There must be a cause of causes which must be God Secondly they know this God must be worshipped Thirdly they know the creatures being good Astronomers Geographers they know the immortality of the Soule and could anatomize the body of man Their knowledge was not saving Reasons why heathenish knowledge is not saving 1. Because though they knew God yet they knew him not in Christ so came short of saving knowledge Iohn 17.3 Acts 4.12 2. They knew God was to be worshipped but knew not how for a right manner 3. They knew the creatures to their conviction Rom. 1.20 but not to their salvation 4. They knew man in the faculties and members and so did magnifie man and exalt him Whereas saving knowledge doth abase man being both a guilty and a filthy creature Thirdly there is the knowledge of Hypocrites who doe know there is a God and can distinguish the persons in the Trinity they know the two natures of Christ Law and Gospell the differences in Religion they are able to teach others their knowledge is not saving 1. Because it is attained by art industry reading Reasons why Hypocrites knowledge is not saving but not from the regenerating Spirit 2. It sinkes not in their hearts to humble and reforme them but rests in their braines to puffe them up Heb. 6 4. 1. Cor. 8.1 3. They hunger not thirst not for knowledge because they thinke they are rich and have enough or if they doe it is for base and carnall ends as first to please themselves with their speculations and to satisfie their curiosity Secondly to be able to discourse and so get applause at feasts and other meetings Thirdly to handle disputes and controversies so to get them a name Fourthly to censure the Preachers to contradict their Sermons to cavill and picke faults that so they might be esteemed men of Judgement Fiftly to gather Sects and to make schismes that they might be in some more esteeme or get some contributions and make a gaine of those silly ones they have deluded Sect. 3 3. What saving knowledge is SAving Knowledge is a worke of Gods Spirit on the faithfull opening their eyes to know God and themselves 1. It is a worke of God Spirit He is the Spirit of Revelation Ephes 1.17 By this Spirit we know the things of God 1. Cor. 2.12 2. On the Elect or faithfull for 't is the saved ones prove knowing ones 1. Tim. 2.4 Iohn 5.15 Others have not that light as they have Mat. 13.11 3. Their eyes are opened by the preaching of the Gospell Acts 26.18 As the Manna fell downe in the dew so the Spirit is conveyed by the Word Isai 35.5 By the preaching of the Gospell the eyes of the blinde shall be enlightned 4. They are brought to know God in ignorance and darknesse we did not know God 1. Sam. 2.12 Ephes 5.18 but being wrought upon by the Word and Spirit of God then they knew him savingly as that God will be mercifull to their sins Ier. 31.34 Heb. 8.11 5. They know themselves savingly first in their guiltinesse Rom. 5.12 Secondly in their corruption of nature Iob 14.4 Psal 51.5 Thirdly in their actuall sinnes Psal 40.12 Fourthly in this estate they know themselves lost Luk. 19.10 Fifthly they know the onely remedy is by Iesus Christ This knowledge is in the Elect. The Concomitants with saving knowledge 1. With application 2. Tim. 1.12 2. With renovation and change 2. Cor. 3.18 3. With great humility Iob 42.5 6. 4. With charity 1. Cor. 13.2 5. With practice Iohn 13.17 6. With consolation Jer 9.24 7. With contempt of the world Phil. 3.8 8. With satisfaction 1. Cor. 2.2 It satisfies as much yea more than all Arts and Mysteries or secrets Quest How is this saving knowledge attained Answ For answer consider three things How saving knowledge is attained 1. We have it not by Nature 2. We are attainers and receivers 3. The answer how we doe attaine it First we have it not by Nature for the image of God consisting in Knowledge Col. 3.10 we have
Man was made with true faculties of the soule and true members of the body and a true conformity in both to the Will of God Man fell by falsehood but is redeemed in Truth and renewed againe in Truth Ephes 4.24 The earth is reall earth the water is true water all Gods workes are done in Truth Sect. 3 Thirdly Of the Truth of God HE is the essentiall Truth Truth flowes from him He is the onely true God Iohn 17.3 Hee is a God of Truth Psal 31. â— The Father is Truth so is the Sonne * John 14.6 So is the Holy Ghost †John 16.13 God is a true Essence true in his Attributes he is truely Eternall truely Omnipotent Daniel 10.21 Iohn 17.17 truely invisible and incomprehensible * His Scriptures are the Scriptures of Truth being true in the precepts promises and threatnings not a jot shall faile Here is the heavenly verity 2 Cor. 1.20 Math. 5. above nature sence and reason Nature and Sence are Reasons servants and Reason must stoope to Truth and Truth must be beleeved by Faith beyond Nature Sence and Reason for as the light availes not unlesse we have eyes to see so God and his Word are not rightly discerned but by faith without which a man still is ignorant and demands with Pilate what is Truth Iohn 18. Sect. 4 Fourthly Applications to edifie distributive FIrst this distinguishes the true God from false Gods In respect of God as Idols which are not true Gods for they are no Gods Ier. 2.11 Our God is the living and true God 1. Thes 1.9 And the onely God Iohn 17.3 As for Angels or Magistrates that are called gods †Psal 8. and Psal â—2 because the Magistrates execute the Judgements of God 2. Chron. 19.6 And God hath given them his Word Iohn 10.34 35. And Angels are Princes Dan. 10.13 Yet the Angels are messengers Heb. 1. last And Magistrates are mortall Psal 82.6 The eternall Iehovah is the true God and these are his servants Secondly is the Word the Truth In respect of the Word then wee should 1. Buy it Prov. 23.23 2. Keepe it In buying are three things first we see our need secondly wee goe where the commodity is to be had thirdly we give something for it by way of exchange Thus we must buy the Truth 1. We must see our need of it without the Truth we are in bondage and in darknesse and in the shadow of death and miserable The Truth will make us free set us at liberty give us light and life it will direct us and enrich us these considerations should cause us to prize it because it is of worth and we neede it 2. We must goe where it is to be had not to the Iewish Talmud nor Turkes Alcoran nor the Papists Legend but got to God who gives it who is the Author of Truth goe to the holy Bible where 't is printed to the congregations where 't is preached unfolded and applied goe to the society of the godly where it is professed and the power of it expressed read Commentaries and Expositions labour and enquire digge and search be studious and industrious let spare houres here be spent and vacant time be this way imployed 3. We must part with something for the Truth wee must part with some sleepe with some pleasure with some gaine nay if we part with all that we have for the Truth we shall be wise bayers and great gainers we shall be wise Merchants and obtaine the best bargaine Secondly as the Truth is to be bought so it is to be kept with Mary to lay it up in our hearts Iohn 2.51 Psal 119.10 The Word is kept by witnessing to it John 18.37 and by professing it for by professing it the Truth is knowne and spread abroad in the world We should witnesse in our profession three things of the Truth 1. That it is able to worke a through change * James 1.18 and to bring a man to a holy frame of heart and life †John 17.17 that the Word hath a regenerating power to make us new men 2. That the Truth hath a power to governe and guide a man in his place to make him a good Father or master a good servant a loyall subject a loving Husband a kinde neighbour a faithfull friend a mercifull Christian a just dealer c. 3. That the Truth is able to support him in reproaches under crosses and troubles that there are consolations to be had in the Scriptures for every condition in all changes and alterations Thus shall we shew our selves children of the Truth begotten by the Truth James 1.18 Nourished by the Truth 1. Pet. 2.1 2. And those that have the Truth dwelling in them * 2. Joh. 2. vers whereby they are enriched guided quickened emboldened strengthened and rejoyced Sect. 5 Fifthly Questions answered Quest 1 WHat duties doe we owe to the God of Truth Answ 1. To labour to know him Iohn 17.3 2. To give him a true worship Iohn 14.24 3. To commend our soules continually into his hands Psal 31.6 Quest 2 When doe we know the true God with a true knowledge Answ First when we know him in Christ Iohn 17.3 Secondly when wee know him our God that loves us Thirdly when we so know him that we doe flye to him in all our needs and troubles * Psal 9.11 Fourthly when this knowledge increases more and more Quest 3 How may we know the Truth from Errour Answ 1. The Truth makes God the highest and man the lowest 2. The Truth brings peace with it to that soule which imbraceth it 3. The Truth maketh the most sound professors and substantiall Christians 4. It seeks not violent meanes to uphold it nor base meanes and shifts as Hereticks and Tyrants 5. God preserves the Truth and sides with it and often manifests visible Iudgements on the opposers and gaine-sayers of the Truth Quest 4 May a Christian know that he is in the Truth Answ He may on sound grounds David knew that hee had chosen the way of Truth Psal 119.30 1. John 5. And St. Iohn saith Wee know that we are of God The high-way is light the by-wayes are darke and doubtfull Quest 5 What be the symptomes of an upstart Hereticke that opposeth the Truth Answ 1. He preaches ambiguously in darke phrases that so he may win disciples to his lodging 2. Hee delivers some Doctrine against the fundamentall points of Religion 3. He opposes the faithfull preachers as Iannes and Iambres withstood Moses 4. They are not in the same tale in their chambers and in the Pulpit to their followers and to others 5. They boast of illuminations and revelations 6. They challenge Dispures in which they falsifie the Scriptures and learned Authours pretending they are on their side 7. Their followers bewray them the hollow hypocrite the idle that live without a Calling or negligent in a Calling the unstable and giddy-headed they make a
rule of Gods word Galat. 6.16 Sect. 6 Sixthly Questions resolved Quest 1 HOw must I shew mercy to them that offend mee Answ There is forgiving mercy that must be practised 1. To have a disposition to forgive without acknowledgement 2. To forgive willingly upon acknowledgement 3. To pray for the offender 4. To be grieved if any crosse befall him 5. To doe him good cheerefully if we can Quest 2 What mercy is to be shewed to beggers at the doore Answ Some hold they are not to be releeved but we have a rule to doe good to all Gal. 6.9 and God causes his Sunne to shine on the evill and good Matth. 5. They must be weaklings not sturdy rogues such as are ready to perish though they be evill their persons must bee nourisht not their evils maintained 't is mercy to instruct them with our reliefe Quest 3 How shall a man obtaine a mercifull heart Answ 1. He must see his neede of Gods mercy and humble himselfe till he feeles Gods mercy towards him 2. He must looke on miseries the heart is much affected by the eye 3. He must put himselfe in the condition of the sicke the prisoner the captive the oppressed the hungry the troubled in minde 4. He must be often in the acts of mercy that by degrees there may be obtained the greater disposition 5. Looke on the example of the mercifull see how mercy doth beautifie them and make them amiable 6. Lay Gods commands to heart Luke 6.36 Bee ye mercifull 7. Consider the estate of the unmercifull They shall have judgement mercilesse Iames 2.13 8. Lastly pray to God to encline the heart to mercy and compassion Aske and yee shall have Matth. 7. Quest 4 What are the benefits of a mercifull heart Answ 1. Mercy makes a man like God Luke 6.36 2. The mercifull have many a prayer for them and they cause God to be praised by many 2. Cor. 9.12 3. The mercifull are under the promise Matth. 5.7 What the broken heart seekes the mercifull heart findes at last that is mercy 4. The mercifull heart hath a mercifull hand so hee sowes seed and hereafter shall have a loyfull harvest 2 Cor. 9.6 5. Whensoever he goes to prayer he shall bee sure to be heard Isai 58.7 8 9 10. Of Justice 1. What Iustice is how t is defined 2. Of the justice of men 3. Of the Iustice of God 4. Applications distributive 5. Questions resolved about Iustice Sect. 1 First what justice is IUstice is to give to every one his owne it is to doe right to keepe equity Justice is either distributive in dealing so 't is communicative justice or distributive in punishing so it is corrective justice Justice is to give neither too much nor too little it is to be exact as a man that shootes which neither shoots over the marke nor short of it nor besides it but hits it just in the middle Sect. 2 Secondly of justice in men IUstice in men is either justice before men or justice before God Justice before men the heathen attaine to pay that they owe not to wrong their neighbour in dealing A heathen buyes a commodity of a Christian merchant and going away opens his wares and findes money he brings it backe to the Christian and saith I bought the wares not the money 't is unjust to me to keepe it Justice before God is legall or Evangelicall Legally just was never any but Adam in innocencie and Christ that just one who fulfilled all righteousnes Evangelicall justice is that when a sinner being justified by imputation of Christs justice labours for inherent justice by the vertue of the regenerating spirit in him the indeavouring after justice is called justice through Gods acceptation Sect. 3 Thirdly of the Iustice of God GOd is Justice 't is essentiall with God to be just The Lord is just Psal 92.15 Zephaniah 3.5 Hee is just in his decrees just in the execution of his decrees just in his government of the world just in all his punishments and judgements Hee is the judge of all the world the Lord of all just in himselfe just in his Lawes just in his rewards just in his punishments His Justice in punishing may bee considered five wayes 1. His justice past on Angels and on men on Angels his justice fell totally irrecoverably on men a world of them felt his justice at once onely Noah and his family excepted Cities have beene punished as Sodom Gomorra Admah Zeboim Families as Achans and Ieroboams Persons as Ananias Zaphira and Herod 2. His justice present for no age escapes without some demonstration of justice we or others feele Plague Warre or Famine decay of trade fearefull fires inundation of waters earth-quakes civill combustion and uproares among the people c. 3. His justice to come in this world or the next world there shall be a great Sessions and justice shall bee executed without all evasions bribes or shirts 4. Consider Gods justice spâ—rituall as a blinde man Isai 6.10 A hard heart Psal 81.12 A Reprobate sence The spirit of slumber Rom. 11.8 5. His justice and judgements are temporall on our bodies goods or names Deut. 28. Levit. 26. Sect. 4 Fourthly Applications distributive 1. IF jâ—stice be to doe right then away with all injustice if we do not God will away with us Mat. 7.23 discedite a me Awaâ— from mee ye that worke iniquity the unjust like â—ewd sonnes shal be dis-inherited 1 Cor. 6.9 'T is a plaine case all know it Know ye not saith St. Paul the unjust shall not inherit the Kingdome of heaven 2. This shoâ—ld provoke us to labour to be just to get faith that so we may be just before God clothed with Christs righteousnesse To get an honest heart and good conscience that we might practise justice To honour superiors this is right Ephes 6.1 To pay what we borrow and what we bargaine for to slander no man to be diligent in our places faithfull where wee are betrusted to sell a penny-worth for a penny to keepe just weights and measures to kâ—epe promises as we are able to love our wives with a matrimoniall love above all to exercise our gifts in our families to be courteous to strangers a comfort to the afflicted to bee gratefull for favours received to bee peaceable among neighbours all this is right to fit our actions to the occasions to live within our compasse preserve the meane it will preserve us this is just equall and right That we may be quickned to labour for justice in dealing take these motives 1 We shall be conformable to our head Iâ—sus Christ who was that just one 2. The Lord delights in them that deale justly 3. It is the way to honour Justice is of an exalting nature and makes a man to flourish 4. The fruit of Justi e is peace Isay 22. 5. The righteous shall be saved and have glory in heaven Matth. 13. Lessons from Gods Justice 1. God is not all of mercy as
our conceits capacities and inventions T is the Court of the glorious God compared to a City whose gates are pearles whose walls precious stones the streets gold the inhabitants are Kings there is the glory of Gods presence all is light and day and no darknesse nor night 't is the kingdome of glory there are Crownes of glory laid up for vessels of mercy prepared for glory 3. Of the glory of the visible heavens the heavens have the preheminence and are the most excellent the waters excell the earth the aire excells the water and the heavens for largenesse clearenesse purâ—nesse excell all under them and have this honor to declare the glory of God Psal 19.1 4. The ornaments of heaven are glorious the sunne is glorious in magnitude brightnesse swiftnesse efficacy and operation enlightning and heating the aire exhaling the waters quickning the earth and making fruitfull the earth with trees herbes and plants c. The Moone hath her glory though it be borrowed and her excellency appeares in the darke when we most need her light in the Canticles her fairenesse is commended 1. Cor. 15. and shee is one of the glorious workes of God The Starres have glory differing one from another and adorne the heavens with their bespangled brightnesse like a curious embroydered Canopy glorious to our eyes The Earth hath the glory of stability riches and variety among all that are taken out of it man is a glorious peece of workmanship whose foundation 〈…〉 the dust young mens glory is their strength and the glory of the aged is the gray-head Princes have their glory and great men according to their dignity but among men none have the glory and honor like to the regenerate man he is honorable by faith Iohn 1.12 and is glorious within they are changed from glory to glory 2. Cor. 3. they have a glorious head Iames 2.1 a glorious guard Heb. 1. last vers glorious food Gods ordinances glorious apparell Christs righteousnesse they are called the glory Isai 4.5 the spirit of glory rests on them 1. Pet. 4. they are heires of glory The Sea hath his glory for largenesse and terriblenesse and strength carrying the mighty ships there sports the great Leviathan and there are fishes innumerable The sea hath his proud waves of great height and quantity yet is honorable for this that it keeps within his bounds at the Creators command Sect. 3 Thirdly Of the glory of the Creator HIs glory is essential he is clothed with Majesty and glory Ps 104.1 so glorious is the Lord that the very angels cover their faces before him The Father is called the God of glory Acts 7.1 if the whole Trinity be there meant the Father is not excluded Christ is called our glorious Lord Iesus Christ Iames 2.1 The holy Ghost is called the spirit of glory 1. Pet. 4.14 all the gâ—ory in the creatures is but as a drop compared with the Ocean he had glory before there was a world Ioh. 17.5 and all creatures can adde nothing to his glory for it is not capable of addition he doth manifest his glory to the creatures and we give him glory by taking notice of his excellency and râ—ndering praises and acknowledging that is in him already Sect. 4 Fourthly Questions resolved Quest 1 WHerein doe men most usually glory Answ In wisedome strength riches Ier. 9.23 Quest Why doe men glory in their wisedome Answ 1. Their wisedome and knowledge puffes them up 1. Cor. 8.1 cognitio inflat knowledge makes them swolne and filled with winde they looke on their bulke and bignesse and doe forget they want the substance of faith and love 2. They thinke by their wisedome to doe great matters to suppresse those they would not have rise Exodus 1.10 3. When they effect their enterprises and get into favour or prevaile against those they hate that they applaud their wits like those that sacrifice to their nets Habbak 1.16 Quest 3 Why doe men glory in their strength Answ 1. Because they compare themselves with those are weake and feeble 2. They overmaster others and command them and glory in that strength and power which subdued them 3. They thinke to prevent and withstand those which dare oppose them Quest 4 Why doe men glory in their riches Answ 1. Because of the supposed good they thinke riches can procure them as friends places of preferments costly buildings dainty fare many attendants and servitors and to become as the great men of the earth 2. Because of the supposed evill they thinke riches will free them from Prov. 11.11 therefore t is said riches in their imagination is as a strong City and a high wall to shelter them 3. They have thoughts of the perpetuity of their riches to their posterity Psalm 49. contriving to assure them to their childrens children 4. Because they see others sue to them stand with cap and knee before them runne and goe at their becke affraid to displease them these causes make them glory in riches Quest 5 What is it to glory in God Answ T is to have an inward joy manifested by outward expressions Psal 33.21 so the word signifies Laetatur and Psalm 34.2 my soule shall glory in the Lord 1. Cor. 1.31 That he that glorieth may glory in the Lord we must not arrogate to our selves but all to God he is wisedome to our understanding righteousnesse to justifie us sanctification to renew us and redemption to our bodies and soules 1. God is our wisedome to teach us knowledge and give us light 2. Cor. 4.6 2. God is our strength Psal 59.17 3. God is our riches and our portion Psalm 119.57 therefore we should glory in him Quest 6 What is vaine glory Answ It is when a man seekes his owne glory as the end hee aimes at Iohn 7.18 He that speaketh of himselfe seeketh his owne glory Prov. 25.27 To seeke diligently * Pervestigari our owne glory is no glory glory and honour may bee enjoyed but we must not seeke it earnestly from men then it is vaine if wee seeke it then it must be in the second place moderately orderly else it is vaine a fruit of the flesh and it is sought from vaine men it is most uncertaine and gives no sound satisfaction being vaine Quest 7 What is the right way to seeke glory Answ 1. To abase our selves then we shall be exalted and honoured 1. Pet. 5.6 2. To grow stronger in faith Iohn 1.12 3. To practise good workes Matth. 5.16 Acts 10.4 Quest 8 What kinde of workes doe glorifie God Answ 1. To repent and turne from sinne Revel 16.9 2. To give to the poore Prov. 3.9 3. To sanctifie the Sabbath Isaiah 58.13 4. To praise the Lord. Psalme â—o last verse Quest 9 How may we know wee doe seeke the glory of God Answ 1. Though our selves be commended wee are displeased if we see not honour redound to the Lord. 2. We are content to lose that God may gaine honor 3. Though
returne to the eâ—rth my time is short I am like to the Ice which was is and shall be water againe 4. Oh that my affâ—câ—ions were above these perishing heâ—vens had I a leaâ—e of land as long as the heavens endure at last my lease would burne and the heavens faile let me O Lord more meditate on my eternall estate and and affect things most durable 5. I perceive the excellency of God beyond all created nature the heavens waxe old as a garment and shall be changed Psal 102.28 but thou Lord art Iehova and changest not Mal. 3.6 Iames 1.17 so much of the heavens Of the Sunne The Sunne is the chiefe of the Planets the fountaine of light the mirth of the world the measure of time 1. The Sunne is great and large 2. The Sunne is swift in motion 3. Of his exceeding brightnesse 4. Observe the order of the Sunne 5. Consider his operation 6. His eclips Sect. 1 Fist the Sunne is great and large SOme hold the Sunne is 166 times bigger than the earth Some say he is greater some lesser but God saith in his word He is a great light Gen. 1.16 Reflexions 1. If ever I should be great in the world yet I am not excluded from doing service if I will be taught by the Sunne who serves little creatures though himselfe be great 2. This Sunne is great and of a burning light yet is so ordered that he heates us but not consumes us which were he neare us he would doe for in some places hee burneth more than a furnace Ecclesiasticus 43.3 4. 3. Great is the Lord that made the Sunne Ecclesiasticus 43.5 The glory of God appeares in his workes Sect. 2 Secondly the Sunne is swift in motion SO swift that he runnes his race Psal 19.5 No arrow nor bullet flies so swiftly for in twenty foure houres he turnes round the celestiall globe the earth is many thousand miles about then what are the heavens 1. I admire Gods wisedome to make a creature so exceeding large and yet so swift in motion 2. CoÌ„siderations If the Sunne that is visible and materiall bee so swift what are those invisible immateriall swift winged Seraphims 3. Though the Sunne be swift in motion yet he doth good wheresoever he comes to teach me so to dispatch my affaires in such haste that I be usefull and profitable so may I like the Sunne bee good and swift both at once Sect. 3 Thirdly of the brightnesse of the Sunne IT is so bright and shining that our eyes cannot endure it it communicates light and it sends the beams downewards whereas the fire flames upward light and brightnesse makes one stone more precious than another and a starre to excell a stone and the Sun excels them all Reflexions 1. Let me looke higher than the Sunne to that blessed God who gives light to the Sunne oh father of lights send thy light into my darke soule and turne me from darknesse to light that I may walke as a childe of light 3. I am bound to communicate to others according to that I have received I learne this of the Sunne who benefits others with his light 3. If I can obtaine righteousnsse imputative and inherent I shall shine as the Sunne in the kingdome of God Sect. 4 Fourthly of the order of the Sunne THe Sunne keepes order and moves in his appoynted place from the end of the heavens to the end of the same Psal 19.6 Astronomers say he moves in the Zodiack called the twelve signes keepâ—ng his order 1. Apparantly in open view of the world 2. Constantly without standing or going backe unlesse God bid him as Ios 10. 2. King 20.11 3. Profitably for true distinctions of time and powerfull influence on the creatures here below Reflexions 1. My Religion teacheth me to be like the Sunne to travaile in my owne circle to understand my owne way Prov. 14.8 to meddle with my owne businesse 1. Thes 4.11 2. I may urge my selfe by consideration of the comlinesse of order and the benefit of it A bricke out of the wall makes the place deformed and more weake Cities and Countries and families and ships and armies are preserved by order 3. I may from the Scripture learne to keepe a constant order as to awake with God in the morning to send up my praises before him Psal 59.16 to speake gratiously Colos 4.6 to frequent godly society Psalme 16.3 To apparrell my selfe as becomes religion 1 Tim. 2.10 to be just in my dealing Mich. 6.8 to be mercifull Colos 3.12 to instruct my family Gen. 18. Thus from yeare to yeare to keepe in my circle apparantly constantly profitably others will rejoyce in this order and approve it Sect. 5 Fifthly the opperation of the Sunne IT workes in the heavens in the aire in the earth and water In the heavens Heavens it conveighes light to all the inferiour Orbes as the Moone and Starres It heates the aire Aire which is cold of it selfe and enlightens it which is darke of it selfe It exhales vapors from the water Water which the windes do carry so it fals in raine or haile or snow upon the earth It causes hearbes and trees and men and beasts to grow and live on the earch Earth A Reflexion I must reflect on my selfe and stirre up my selfe to be opperative 1. Towards God by confidence reverence and prayer 2. Towards the Sâ—riptures by esteeming them â—eading them hearing them preached by loving the word rejoycing in it and subjecting to it 3. To the Godly I must be operative by acknowledging them joyning with them delighting in them praying for them releeving comforting and edifying of them 4. To the world I m must be operative by the withdrawing my affections by the bearing of reproaches and flying the corruptions thereof 5. To Sathan I must be operative by watchfulnesse faith prayer diligence and resistance 6. To friends I must be operative by gratitude lovingnesse keeping their secrets 7. To enemies I must be operative by forgivenesse love compassion well-wishing 8. To superiors by reverence faithfulnesse obedience 9. To inferors bâ— example kindnesse and Counsaile Oh that I could give light to some heate to others draâ— some upwards and be a meanes to provoke to â—ruitfulneâ—â—e and growth that I may in some measure be operâ—t ve Doe thou O blessed â—ord worke powâ—rfully upon me by the operation of thy blessed Spirit Sect. 6 Sixthly Of the Eclips of the Sunne 1. THe Eclips is foreknowne 2. There is a cause of the Eclips 3. It is but a short time 4. How men doe looke upon it Conclusions First the Eclips is foreknowne for the time the horizon the continuance 1. There is an order in the course of nature else it could not be foretold 2. There is a lawfull Astronomy differing from a conjecturall Astrologie which is but a busie vanity 3. The foretelling of the Eclips is usuall and not so wonderfull as the simple would make it it is
some people have places of eminence others are more obscure and retired Conclusions 1. If waters bee governed by the Moone it may teach us not to despise government it is nature that is refractory grace submits 2. United forces are strong many droppes make a Sea and carries great ships 3. Let me pray for the waters of the Sanctuary the saving graces of the Spirit that I may be cleansed from my naturall pollutions for water cleanseth that my tentation may be allayed in respect of their heate water cooleth that I may be made fruitfull in all goodnesse water causes fructification thus I have a little digressed from the moone to the waters it being an element I am much conversant withall So much of the Moones regiment Of the Starres 1. Of the time of their creation 2. Of their exceeding greatnesse 3. Of the multitude of the Starres 4. Of their use and service 5. Of the glory of the Starres 6. Other Questions resolved concerning Starres Sect. 1 First Of the time of their creation THe Starres were created in the beginning of time in the fourth day of the world Gen. 1.16 1. The Starres are ancient yet usefull they do keepe their vigor and brightnesse to this time to teach mee if I live to be old to flourish in my age to keepe my vigor and zeale 2. The fourth day after the creatures beganne to come to order then the Starres were made to teach me this that at the first I am but a confused Chaos then comes conviction as the first light but when I come towards perfection endeavour to separate my affections from my sinnes and there is a Firmament of heavenly mindednesse in my upper region now there is knowledge and judgement and sanctified reason set up by the Lord to shine orderly in my hemisphaere as the Sunne Moone and Starres Before the fourth day there was a light for the day but none for the night Now lights are made for the dark to teach me now there is no time but I should behold Gods workes I may in a darke night see the army of heaven above my head and so take occasion to praise my Creator The fourth day were Lights made there was light before but now more excellent and durable lights Let my last workes be my best and my progresse be such that my conclusion be most excellent and honourable The fifth day the Starres were made now if a man be within doores there is a Candle if he go forth there is Starre light God loves the prosperity of his creatures day and night have we externall light from Heaven I desire a perpetuall spirituall light from the God of Heaven Sect. 2 Secondly of the greatnes of the Stars TO leave all Astronomicall conjectures I may conclude the Starres are of an exceeding greatnesse else it were unpossible to see them they are so farre above us Applications 1. Greatnesse and Goodnes may be together God is great and good so are the Stars so have some men bin great and good as Iob David Iosias such men are honourable alive and being dead men speak of them and their goodnes both together 2. Cron. 32.32 2 Chron. 32.32 2. The Stars are great in quantity yet do seeme smal to the beholders so are the godly great with God smal in account of the World greatly dignified with heavenly graces protected with Angels yet slighted of the World and of little account 3. The Stars are small to our sence yet great to our reason the senses are no fit Iudges of the things a far off or aboue us he that walkes by sense only is a sensuall man he that is guided by reason is a rationall man hee that hath the light of faith excels them both Sect. 3 Thirdly of the multitude of the Stars THey cannot be numbred Jer. 33.22 If we looke up we may behold the army of them and conclude they are exceeding many But how many that exceedes our humane capacity here the best Arithmetician is at a non-plus Applications First seeing I cannot number the Stars for t is impossible it is my wisdome to number my dayes for that is profitable to humble and weane my heart from pride and wordlines 2. As the multitude of Stars discovers to us our impotency so it discovers both Gods wisdome and omnipotency his wisdome Psalme 147.4.5 verses Hee counteth the number of the Starres and cals them all by their names his wisdome is infinite his power Iob 9.9.10 he doth great things and unsearchable yea maruailous things without number these considerations are raysed on his making of the Stare 3. It may comfort us in this that many shal be saved Gene. 22.17 Beleeuers shal be as the Stars for multitude Though compared with Reprobates they are a little flocke yet in themselves they are innumerable 4. The spacious Heavens are al over bespangled with Stars to shew the perfection of Gods workes with glorious ornaments and it shewes Gods bounty to us below which at sea and land every where enjoy the stars for profit and delight Sect. 4 Fourthly of the use of the Stars FIrst they are for ornament 2. They are for distinction of day and night 3. To shew the seasons of the yeare 4. They be signes of weather 5. They have an influence on the inferiour things here below Considerations applicatory First the Stars are for ornament and ornaments are for welbeing and do come from riches First God gives a being then a welbeing he gives a being in grace and sayth to the Soule live then he gives endowments and comely ornaments Ezek. 16.11 If once I have a being in grace I shall have an honourable being at the last therefore I must hope and waite 2. I am to admire Gods riches and bounty hee hath made for himselfe and doth enioy the Heavens earth and the seas with all their ornaments Rich men have great variety and every roome is furnished wee admire them too much lâ—t us admire Gods magnificence and riches his royalty and bounty in all his workes 3. Ornaments are not unlawfull Solomon had his Throne with carved Lyons by the stayes which were for ornament soft rayment may be in Kings houses Ioseph had a party coloured coate Gen. 37.23 and a ring and a chayne of gold Gen. 41.42 people may use them according to their dignity These Cautions are needfull 1. That they be rather cast on us by some act of Gods providence not eagerly cared and sought for 2. That we avoid garishnes and neglecting modesty 3. That we in cost on them exceed not our abillity 4. That we mind them not so much as we do the inward graces and ornaments of the soule 5. That we take the ornament God gives that wee take heed of the pride God hates 6. That every day wee be not brave like Dives we that are inferiour people 7. That we lay them aside in times of humiliation Exodus 33.4.5 verses Secondly The Stars are for distinction of day and night the
afflictions allaied our hot tentations quenched Thus the word and raine are fitly compared together Quest 6 How were the hearbes and grasse and trees flourishing without the raine Answ 1. God is not tyed to secondary meanes he can give light without the Sunne and cause grasse and the hearbs to flourish without the raine 2. There was that which was equivalant to the raine Gen. 2.6 vapor ascenderat â— terra a mist * had not ascended from the earth but some read there was not a man to till the earth nor a mist had ascended from the earth then the first answer serves 3. The waters lately had covered the earth and it might yet be without raine Quest 4 What be the fruits a Christian brings forth on whose heart God hath rained gratiously Answ 1. To God he beares the fruits of prayer confidence remembrance love feare and subjection 2. To men he brings forth the fruits of justice and mercy and peace 3. To superiours he beares the fruits of reverence obedience and faithfulnesse 4. To his family his fruit is example and instruction and provision 5. To the godly a desire of them a delight in them a studying their good pleading for them 6. To the poore compassion counsell reliefe 7. To enemies meeknesse forgivenesse praier for them 8. To neighbours like affection kindnes †If it may be without sin sociablenes 9. To friends faithfulnesse gratitude requitall of favours regard to their posterity 10. The fruits concerning our owne good is 1. To be sound in faith and repentance 2. To increase in heavenly mindednesse 3. To get more assurance peace and joy In outward things 1. To use them as things which have no sufficiency eternity 2. To be diligent in the particular calling sufficiency eternity This is a high poynt 3. Out of earthly objects still to be winding the minde to holy things Quest 5 Is there any countrey where it raines not at all Answ The land of Egypt being under Zona Torrida hath no raine unlesse in the Northerne parts some small showers yet the Lord affoords them the river Nilus which waters their Land by the flowing thereof Aegyptus sola inter regiones hyemem ignorat Egypt alone of the regions knowes no winter there Israel sowed their seed and to water it with their feet * That is with their labour as Gen. 30.30 Sicut hâ—rtum olitorium as a garden of hearbes Deut. 11.10 Quest 6 What is the hoarie frost Answ It is the dew that falls in the night so being frozen it is called Canities for whitenesse pruina for coldnesse a hoary frost Psalm 147.16 compared to ashes for likenesse Quest 7 What is the cause of the haile Answ The vapour is carried to the highest place of the aire where the most extreme cold is the drops frozen fall in little round stones Quest 8 Seing there is no raine in Egypt how could it haile so much there Exod. 9.23 Answ It was supernaturall and miraculous 1. It was over all the land whereas it never rained over all the land before * Since Noah's flood 2. It was deadly to them in the field 3. It was mixt with fire yet the fire did not melt the haile-stones nor the hailestones quench the fire three elements were against the Egyptians the fire in the Lightning the thunder in the Aire the water in the Haile Quest 9 What is the naturall cause of the Snow Answ The vapour is exhaled in the lower part of the middle region of the aire not so high as the place of haile and having some heate blended with it that makes it spread so that it is too cold for raine and not high enough nor cold enough for haile it is more hard and dry then water and it falls downe without noyse if it come before a frost it preserves the blade from nipping off and nourisheth the hearbes and by heate it doth melt and descend to the rootes the Snow water is of a binding nature bad to drinke usually for it will cause a botch under the chin and benumbe the members and farther the stone in the bladder Quest 10 What is the commodity of the frost Answ 1. It striketh and forceth the Naturall heate to descend to the rootes 2. It kills the wormes which hurt the earth 3. It brings us store of wild fowle Quest 11 What is the reason such great drops of raine do sometimes fall Answ Then they are from the cloudes neere us the vapour is hot and moist and dissolved before the ascent be farre from us so it falles in some countries in great plashes with us in great drops The clouds doe part that were gathered together so are quickly dissolved usually it is heate comes with these great drops Quest 12 How are waters and afflictions alike the stormes and raine waters I meane 1. Waters come not out of the dust but from above so afflictions come out of the dust Iob 5.6 2. Waters fall on all alike Mat. 5.45 so afflictions come alike to all Ecles 9.2 3. Stormes for the present are grievous so are afflictions for the present Heb. 12.11 4. The showers doe wash not wound us so afflictions doe clense us not hurt us 5. When the storme is past the sunne-shine is welcome so is prosperity after afflictions so much of the Raine Of the Earth 1. Of the divers names given to the earth 2. Of the scituation and place of the earth 3. Of the fashion and forme of it 4. Of the nature and quality of it 5. Of the subsistence and dependance of it 6. Of the quantity and greatnesse of it 7. Of the riches and fruitfulnesse of it 8. Resolves concerning the earth Sect. 1 First Of the names given to the Earth 1. IT is called Terra earth Gen. 1.1 2. It is called Arida dry land Gen. 1.9 3. It is called Tellus earth or ground 4. It is called Humus moist earth the Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is used for earth with Terra Tellus Humus 5. When earth is spoken with heaven as in Psalm 124.8 then is it the whole globe of earth and waters The first time we doe read of earth is that it was Informis Inanis Without shape and empty a confused Chaos but after it is Arida dry land yet barren lastly at the word of God it doth bud and beare fruit I who am but earth in my naturall estate without beauty (a) Eze. 16.5 being empty of all good a Reflection and though separated from pagans by outward Baptisme yet I am barren in goodnesse O that God would say to me bring forth and increase and multiply in all saving graces then should I not be as the mountaines of Gilboa (b) 2. Sa. 1.21 nor be as one called barren (c) Luk. 2.36 but as a well watered garden (d) Isa 58.11 and as a field the Lord had blessed Gen. 27.27 Sect. 2 Secondly Of the scituation of the Earth IT is farre from heaven and
as the center to the circumference earthly substance it poises downewards the earth is in the middle and heaven is round about it heaven is above Exod. 20.4 earth is beneath heaven is on high Psalm 103.11 earth below heaven is Gods Throne Mat. 5.34 earth his Foot-stoole when God is said to looke downe upon the earth he is said to looke downe from heaven (e) Deu 26.15 Psalm 33.13 1. How shall I ascend so high Reflexions that am now so farre from heaven I am as farre as can be from that blessed place no farther place from heaven then earth is except it be hell yet I looke for three ascentions thither First in my mind and affections Colos 3.1 Secondly with my soule when I depart hence Thirdly with my body after tâ—â— Resurrection 2. Distance of place cannot hinder spirituall Communion with Christ I may have relation to him who is on high though I be below The Sunne in the Heavens communicates his light and heate to us below the foote participates with the head by vertue of corporall union though the foote being on earth the head in the aire Sect. 3 Thirdly Of the fashion and forme of the Earth IT is for forme and fashion not a triangle nor square nor long nor a semicircle but round called in Psal 93.1 and Psal 96.10 and Psal 98.7 Orbis habitabilis An Orbe for roundnesse and in Isai 40.22 it is called a Circle The Equinoctiall The Articke The Antarticke The Tropicks men usually call it the Terrestriall Globe as heaven is called the Caelestiall Globe and as Astronomers doe attribute five Circles to their Caelestiall Globe so Geographers make as many in this Terrestriall Globe they have their five Zones the hote Zone and the two extreames for cold and the two temperate Zones so then the earth is a round Globe 1. This calls for my delight I can with delight looke on the effigies of mans making Reflexion why should I not to looke on the Globe of Gods making I looke on mans little Globe with the eye of my body I contemplate Gods great Globe with an act of my mind 2. This Globe is Gods Theater whereon all the inhabitants are actors here are acted daily sinfull civill pious acts and the exijt of every man is from this Globe is to a bottomlesse pit or to the new Ierusalem which is foure square firme and sure with what feare and care shall I act my part Mat. 25.23 that it may be said well done Sect. 4 Fourthly of the nature and quallity of the earth 1. It is dry 2. It is cold 3. It is heavy IT is drye of it selfe for though it be called Humus moyst earth yet it is not so of it selfe but an adjunct of water for of it selfe it is Arida dry land Gen. 1.9 Also the earth is cold of it selfe as we may percevie in Cellers and where men digge deepe and in shady places where the Sunne doth not come also the body of a dead man is cold which is of earthy matter Lastly it is heavy a basket of earth on a mans shoulders is heavy and we say of a man who is of a heavy disposition that he is lumpish that he is like a heavy lumpe of earth Reflexions I am dry by nature being made of earth without all spirituall moysture whatsoever I have it is added to me but it comes not from me but all grace that softens and makes plyable comes from him who powers out his Spirit on his servants and in the wildernesse waters breake out and streames into the desarts Isai 35.6 2. I am as earth cold without the heate of zeale and love benumbed and without life and vigor it is Gods Spirit comes to kindle in my heart the fire of true zeale and the heate of charity 3. I am heavy earth and lumpish in all holy duties wanting spiritualnesse untill God revives mee I cannot rejoyce in him Psal 85.6 till he quickens me I cannot call upon his name Psal 80.18 I cannot give first to him Rom. 11.35 I am but a lumpe of sinnefull earth and can doe that is evill but nothing that is good it is God who workes all my workes for me Isaiah 26.12 Drinesse should cause me to thirst for a present sutable large satisfaction Coldnesse should make me stirre and labour for heat and lumpishinesse should provoke me to pray to be quickned according to Gods loving kindnesse Psal 119 88. 4. I much rejoyce in hope and remembrance of that day when all heavinesse and lumpishnesse shall flye away and my body shall be raised so as it shall become spirituall 1. Cor. 15.44 we shall then be ut Angeli as the Angels Mat. 22.30 Sect. 5 Fifthly of the earthes subsistance THough it hangs in the aire yet it is upheld by a divine power Heb. 1.3 No creature is independent God hath made the earth and hangs it upon nothing Iob 26.7 The earth at first had being by the power of God and stil is supported by the same power to this day Conclusions 1. There be many things man could yet never attaine unto as First the perpetuall motion Secondly the Philosophers stone Thirdly fire incombustible Fourthly to make a heavy thing hang in the aire so that wee may say of God there are no workes like thy workes Psalme 86.8 Men have tryed and could not effect their designes but if God but speake it is done Psal 33.9 2. The earth is upheld by God without supporters and secondary helpes Oh that I could trust in God with all my heart Prov. 3.5 then though others forsake mee yet the Lord will support mee Psalme 27.10 Sect. 6 Sixthly of the greatnesse of the earth THe earth is great simply considered yet but small comparatively as the Center is small compared with the circumference of old they held the compasse of the earth to be 50000 miles as Aristotle others held it 34625. Some differed from them and ghessed it 31500. But of late those which have compassed the whole Ocean doe say it is 19080 miles the Diameter 7000 from us to the Center 3500 miles 1. An elevation 1. The great globe of the earth is but a little poynt being compared to the heavens and my portion in it but a little being compared with the whole and if I had it all it could not be a sufficiency to my minde nor could my enjoyment be long O that God would unglue my affections from this little and enlarge them toward his owne greatnesse 2. A Contemplation 2. I was once nine moneths contained in a little roome and I have forty yeares beene contained in this little world I am much enlarged by comming from the wombe to the world there I had reason potentially and a life of obscurity here I see a bright Sunne and Moon and Stars a earth and waters and innumerable creatures for my admiration and delight use and service my life in the next world as farre yea farther exceedes this
speed from one people to another then could be by Camels or Horses also the Ilands are as Innes for seafaring men to refresh them Quest 3 How should they be quallified that goe to sea Answ 1. To prepare for danger for at sea be rocks quick-sands pirates tempests 2. To prepare for death for there is but an inch or two alwaies betweene it and them 3. To resolve to glorifie God when they doe see his great workes Quest 4 What is the cause of the saltnesse of the sea Answ Some thinke it is caused by the Sunne that draweth from it all thinne and sweet vapours to make raine leaving the rest as the setling or bottome others say it takes a saltnesse from the earth where it runnes God hath made it salt the meanes is hard to find Quest 5 What is the cause of the waters ebbe and flowing Answ One opinion is there be exhalations under the water that moves it two and fro others say the Moone causes the tides and ebbes we sooner find it is so then how it is so Reason is like the Sunne it discovers things under it but darkens the things above it Quest 6 From whence have the Springs and Rivers their originall Answ Some thinke from the aire converted into water they reason in nature is no emptinesse and in caves and hollow places of the earth is aire which by cold is resolved into water they give an example of Marble pillars which sweat before it raines but this is not an argument convictive the water that is on marble stones is not aire transmutated but rather exhalations of thin vapours which sticke there as the hoare frost sticks on mens beards and horses haires by a conveiance invisible a more sollide infallible answer is that of Solomon Ecles 1.7 all the rivers runne into the Sea yet the Sea is not full unto the place from which the rivers come they returne and goe so then the sea not the aire is the originall of the springs Solomon is to be preferr'd before Aristotle Quest 7 Why are some springs medicinable Answ Gods goodnesse is such he gives vertue to the creatures for mans good the second aire causes the waters come through divers mines of the earth and licke of them and participate of them and so become physicall Quest 8 What is the cause of the hotnesse of bathes Answ Some suppose there are burning minerals like Mount Aetna others thinke there are mines of brimstone they passe through others the tumbling of waters beating one against the other makes them hote we must be content to looke à posteriori God hee knowes a priori let us be thankefull for the effects when we find not the cause Quest 9 Whether are the most excellent the fishes in the water or beasts on earth Answ In the generall the beasts for they have more perfect senses converse more with men are more docible and serviceable Quest 10 Were fishes made of water onely Answ It is probable the fishes were made of the foure Elements but the water was the most predominate and the place of their habitation generation and conservation Quest 11 Were the Birds created of the water Answ It is thought not of the thickest of the water but the watery vapour aire and water is predominate in birds fishes in the water birdes in the aire have a resemblance 1. The elements they live in are cleare and perspicuous 2. The bird flies very swiftly so doth the fishes swim swiftly 3. The birds have wings and feathers the fishes have sins and scales The bird guids his flying with his taile so doth the fish his swimming 4. There be some fishes make a prey of others and devoure them so is it with the birds 5. The birds that prey on others doe not multiply so fast as those preyed upon so is it with fishes Quest 12 How are people compared to waters Answ In five particulars reade page 131. Quest 13 How is the word compared to waters Answ In sixe particulars reade page 3. Quest 14 How is the spirit compared to waters Answ 1. As water cleanseth from filthinesse so doth the Spirit of God Ezek. 36.35 2. Cor. 6.11 yee are washed c. by the Spirit 2. Water refresheth Iudges 15.19 much more doth the Spirit revive and quicken our soules 3. Water cooleth us so doth the Spirit in the time of tentation 4. Water makes fruitfull so doth the Spirit enable us to bring forth fruit to God 5. Those that have plenty of water we judge them happy so should we them that have Gods Spirit 6. No water no temporall life so without the Holy Ghost no spirituall life Quest 14 How is he said never to thirst that drinkes of the water Christ gives Joh. 4.14 Answ 1. He shall never thirst out of an emptinesse 2. He shall not thirst corruptly to satisfie his lusts Quest 15 Why is the sea called the red sea Exod. 14. Answ Some thinke because the mountaines and cliffes and sea bankes are red others say the originall word Suph signifies a Reede aboundance of Reed grow there so is to be understood the Reedy sea Quest 16 What water is best and most wholsome Answ The fresh water that is most thinne pure and freest from mixture and which tastes of nothing but it selfe Quest 17 How is Baptisme resembled to the Jsraelites passing through the Red sea Answ 1. The Israelites were as it were buried in the sea yet arose at the shore so in Baptisme we are as buried in sinne and rise to a new life 2. The Egyptians being drowned could no more hurt the Israelites so our sinnes in Baptisme being pardoned cannot prevaile any more 3. The Baptized Israelites all of them entred not into Canaan nor doe all baptized Christians enter into heaven 4. In the overthrow of Pharoah they were delivered from bondage so by Baptisme wee are delivered from the service of sinne and Sathan and vow warre against them 5. The Israelites after they passed through the sea did feede on heavenly Manna so Christians after baptisme doe partake of heavenly mysteries 6. As all the Israelites were baptized 1 Cor. 10. so all Christians have but one baptisme Ephesians the fourth So much of the waters Of Fire 1. Of the divers names of fire 2. Of fire properly so called 3. Of the qualities of fire 4. Of the improper fire fire met aphoricall 5. Divers resolves concerning fire Sect. 1 First of divers names given to fire SOmetimes fire is attributed to God Heb. 12.29 Our God is a consuming fire so Christ in purging the elect is like a purging fire Mal. 3.2 and the holy Ghost is like fire Matth 3.11 and the word is as fire to perplexe the carnall Luke 12.49 and fire to try and examine mens doctrines 1. Cor. 3.13 so afflictions are fire Psal 66.12 And fire is that which is made with combustible things as wood Acts 28.2 3. and coales Isai 54.16 But all fire may be ranked to two heads proper or improper fire
together and runnes round Thirdly other windes doe continue longer in motion the Whirle-winde parts assunder and is sooner dissolved Quest 6 What thoughts are we to have when wee doe thinke on the winde or feele it Answ Such as these or the like 1. To think of Gods goodnes which now opens his treasures and sends forth the winds to us 2. I should have thoughts of obedience for the windes obey Christ 3. I must beleeve more than I see I cannot see God nor Angels nor my owne soule nor the Winde yet beleeve all this to be 4. I may thinke of my mortallity for my life is as the winde that passes away Psalme the one hundred and third 5. I should desire the Spirit of God which as the winde blowes where it listeth to blow on my soule that I may be truely regenerated and so flourishing in grace that I may bee as a garden Iohn 3. Cant. 4.16 Quest 7 How are wicked men like the winde Answ 1. In their rage and malice the blast of the mighty is as a storme Isaiah Chapt. the twenty fifth verse the fourth 2. In their mutability the windes are variable and inconstant so are wicked men in their words Psalme 5.9 in their deedes therefore compared to a broken tooth or sliding foote and wee are fore-warned not to put confidence in them Mich. 7. 3. The windes are in all parts wheresoever we goe and the wicked walke on every side and are in all places Psal 12.8 Quest 8 How are the wicked like a storme in their malice and persecutions Answ 1. A storme comes of windes and water two contrary elements so wicked men are sometimes differing among themselves yet joyne both against the godly Manasses against Ephraim Ephraim against Manasses both against Iudah Isaiah Chapter the ninth verse twenty one 2. A storme comes often times in secret when men are asleepe so wicked men come on the godly at unawares Psal 11.2 3. The storme comes to spoyle and undoe men so the wicked will spoyle and undoe the godly as saith the Prophet they will undoe a man and his heritage 4. The storme doth wet but not wound us so the persecutions of the wicked doe wet our cheekes with teares but hurt not our soules 5. The storme is not in all places nor lasts alwaies nor is the rage of the wicked on all persons nor all times Revel 2.10 Sathan shall put some of you in prison some not all and yee shall have tribulation tenne dayes not alwaies the time is limited Quest 9 Why are the godly resembled to a garden and the Spirit to the North and South winde Cant. 4.16 Answ 1. As in a pleasant garden that with sweete gales of winde hath prospered there men doe take pleasure to walke so Christ takes delight to be among his gracious people 2. In such a garden is variety of hearbs and flowers fruits and spices so in the people of God are variety of gifts and graces 3. Such gardens are fenced and walled so Gods people are protected and defended 4. Such gardens are weeded and watered so Gods people are purged and instructed 5. In such gardens is beautifull order so it is with Gods people in their severall places they performing severall duties medling each Christian with their owne businesse are in a beautifull order 6. As such a Garden seemes dead in winter yet there is life at the rootes so Gods people doe seeme dead in afflictions yet there is grace in their hearts 7. The garden is the most beloved plot of ground though the owner have much land so the people of God are beloved above others though all the earth be the Lords 8. A blinde man and one that cannot smell hath small felicity in such a garden so those Sathan hath blinded and those that have no spirituall savour doe finde small comfort or felicity in the company of the goâ—ly though they bee excellent in graces and the gales of the holy Spirit as the North and South winde hath blowne upon them Thus having gone thorow with some digressions and many imperfections the Heavens the Sunne the light before the Sunne the Moone the Stars the Aire the Clouds the Raine-bow the Raine the Earth the Water the Fire the Windes I here make an end of these Meditations and conclude the few leaves ensuing with Meditations of Man in whom is the Compendium of all the reste he hath matter and substance with the Heavens reason with the Angels light with the Sun a parcell out of the earth sence with beasts growth with trees I had almost forgot sin with Divels The Exordium ALl our thoughts can reach unto may be considered in two heades The Creatour and the creatures The Creatour is knowne to us in his Essence and his Attributes the creatures are two wayes considered invisible and visible the invisible two wayes either the habitation or the inhabitants the habitation expresse two wayes made though without hands and glorious the glory expresse two wayes in the perfection and perpetuity the perfection two wayes freedome from all evill the presence of all good The Inhabitants considered two fold the Angels and Saints the Angels considered two wayes in their Nature and office their Nature considered two wayes in the puritie and celeritie their purity is considered derivately and comparatively their office is two fold to praise GOD to doe service to the Elect their praises are these two wayes considered as t is sincere and perpetuall their service to the Elect is unseene and certaine Againe the Angels are considered in their number their number is knowne to GOD unknowne to Man the Saints are considered in their Soules there in their bodies here in the grave onely two excepted Henoch and Elias whose bodies are in Heaven before as types of Christ as evidences of the Resurrection The visible creatures are two fold the Heavens and the Earth the Heavens are two wayes considered in their sphaeres and orbes or in other phrases the Heavens and their ornaments the Heavens are considered as out-spread and firme the orbes are two fold the Sunne and the Planets the Sunne is considered in his light and swiftnesse in his light is two things as t is the fountaine and as t is communicated the Moone is considered in her mutation and blemishes the Stars are set forth in multitude and glory The Earth is considered singly or coniunctively coniunctively by a Synecdoche as t is land and water making one globe The waters are considered in the Sea in the Rivers the Sea is considered in his bounds in his motion the motion is considered in the flowing and ebbing the bounds are considered in the stabilitie and perpetuitie The Earth is singly considered in the substance and dependance the dependance on Gods power in the Aire the substance in the massinesse and riches the riches latente or patente the patente invegatives or the sensitives the sensitives have life and feeling the vegatives are part in the earth part above the earth
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because hee will fight with Serpents The fourth is called a Grashopper because of his Leaping The Marginall Note saith these were kinds of Grashoppers to us unknowne 4. Qu. What were the Legs of Iron and Clay Dan. 2.33 Ans The fourth Monarchie divided into two kingdomes Syria and Egypt 1. These two Kingdomes were as Iron to the Church 2. They issued from the Brasen-bellie and Thighes from Alexanders Monarchie 3. These Kingdomes were one stronger than the other the King of the North was strongest 4. Their Matrimoniall Leagues would not hold together as Iron and Clay can make no firme lasting Coniunction 5. Qu. What is meant by Cant. 5.15 His Legs are Pillars of Marble set upon sockets of Gold Ans Christs goings are commended 1. For Comlinesse Pillars of Marble be long and straight and beautifull 2. For strength and stabilitie Marble is lasting 3. For Glorie the Sockets be Gold the most precious of Metals Christ comes beautifull as one to be desired his goings are strong none can let his comming nor rase-out his foot-steps his foot-steps be golden steps he brings Glorie with him to that people to that soule where he comes Resolves Concerning the Feete 1. Qu. VVHat may we observe from Moses putting-off his shoes from his Feete Exo. 3.5 Ans There be three Causes of putting-off the shoes 1. By way of Humiliation as David did 1 Sam. 15.30 2. By way of Resignation Deut. 25.9 Ruth 4.7 3. By way of Reverence so Moses put-off his shoes Divers Opinions Concerning Moses Action 1. Some thinke to Consecrate the place but Gods presence made it holie before 2. Another Opinion The shoes were made of dead Beasts skinnes Now he must put-off the feare of Death 3. Or to put-off the shoes to acknowledge he is not the Head of the Church he resignes his right by that Action that is another Opinion 4. Moses must put-off his carnall Affections when hee approches Gods Presence this is a true Opinion The Iewes from the Precept Leviticus 19.30 Yee shall Reverence my Sanctuarie Concluded None must come there with shoes on his Feete 2. Qâ—est What is meant by Saules going in the cave to cover his Feete 1 Sam. 24 3â— Ans To doe his easement wee call it to untrusse a poynt The Holie Bible teaches a holie Expression of things unseemely to be spoken Adam knew Hevah Gen. 4.1 The Title of Psalme 51. A Psalme of David after he had gone-in to Bath-sheba 3. Qu. What learne wee from Rom. 16.20 The God of Peace will tread Satan under your Feete Ans 1. To encourage them against false Teachers he promises them victorie 2. The God of Peace will destroy him that breaks Peace 3. Wee must not trust to our owne strength to subdue Satan t is God can doe it 4. Satan shall be subdued and kept under 5. God did this for the Christians in that time who suffered under the Roman Persecuters 6. As GOD raiseth up an Adversarie to the Negligent 1 Kings 11.14 So he threatens to crush the greatest Enemie of the Diligent 7. When Satan is subdued then Grace florishes presently The Apostle wishes the Grace of Christ as soone as hee had spoken of Satans being troden under our Feete 8. If Satan the Chiefest then all other Enemies that be Inferiour must needs be subdued 9. Though Satan hath a Throne for a time Revelation 2.13 Yet hee must come under Foote in a short time hee shall be trod under Foote shortly 10. Those which have trod on Satan and beene victorious should encourage us as Iosua did encourage from former Experience Iosua 10.24.25 4. Quest What is meant by Esai 3.16 The Daughters of Sion made a tinkling with their Feete Ans 1. They had some Bells or Plates that sounded 2. whatsoever it was it made a noise as they went 3. Such a noise as they would be taken notice of 5. Quest How are the Affections like the Feete and the Feete like the Affections Ans 1. The Affections be a part of the Soule and the Feete be a part of the Bodie 2. The Affections be in Motion so be the Feete 3. The Affections be soone cold so be the Feete 4. The Affections must be guided so must the Feete 5. The Affections goe by two and two so the Feete are in number two Quest How doe the Affections goe by two and two Answer There is Joy and Griefe Loving and Hating Desiring and Fearing Hoping and Despairing c. 6. Feete well shod with shoes will treade on Stones or Thornes yet goe-on Comfortably And Affections well shod with Patience will goe on Crosses and Troubles with Constancie 7. When the Feete be cold t is uncomfortable so when the Affections be cold t is uncomfortable 8. Stirring or Fire warmes the Feete so Duties and the Ordinances warme the Affections 9. A paire of little shoes will serve a paire of little Feete so those which Affect little a little will content them 10. As Children doe grow Elder so their Feete grow bigger and stronger So GODS Children as they grow Elder their Affections should grow better and stronger Section 4 Fourthly How Man is a Medium betweene an Angell and a Beast and of other Mediums 1. THE Angell is all Spirit the Beast is all Flesh Man is a Medium Soule and Flesh 2. The Angell hath cleere Understanding the Beast hath no Understanding Man is a Medium in his Knowledge above Beasts lesse than Angels 3. The Angels Love is Divine the Beasts Love is sensuall Man is a Medium and by Grace he loves Divinely by Nature sensually 4. The Angell doth service willingly the Beast by compulsion Man is a Medium by Grace hee is willing by Nature hee is dull and backward and must be forced by Lawes threates corrections c. 5. The Angell is full of Admiration the Beast may be frighted but cannot Admire Man is a Medium he may be frighted and hath Reason so is capable of Admiration 6. The Angell never dies the Beast dies Man is a Medium his Bodie dies his Soule dies not Of other Mediums 1. THERE is Earth there is Water Slime is a Medium 2. There is Aire there is Water Vapours are a Medium 3. There is Aire there is Fire Exhalations are a Medium 4. There is Slime there are Stones the Sea-some a Medium 5. There is a Diamond there is Water Crystall the Medium 6. There is Water and Metals Quick-silver the Medium 7. There are Rootes and Stones the Corall the Medium 8. There are Animals and Plants the Mandrake the Medium 9. There are Fowles and Beasts the Ostrich the Medium 10. There are Birds and Creeping-things the Bat the Medium 11. There is Raine and Haile the Snow the Medium FINIS
height of glory I looke for a Heaven above First let mee be heavenly ey'd to read secondly heavenly minded to contemplate thirdly heavenly changed to beleeve to convert to be renewed Sect. 2 Secondly Of the clearenesse of the Heavens IT is the elementary Heavens I now thinke upon they are for clearenesse and purity compared to molten glasse Iob 37.18 And the blewnesse of them to our view is because of the farre distance betweene the eye and the object Reflexions 1. If Heaven be so pure that we see Deut. 26.15 how pure are the invisible Heavens that is a pure place called Gods holy habitation 2. Gods dwelling is pure He will not abide in a sinfull soule nor with a profane heart I must be purged clensed and humbled if I will have God with me Isai 57.15 3. If Heaven be so pure then God himselfe is a pure and holy God 1. John 3.3 4. A pure conscience a cleane heart a sanctified soule is a kind of Heaven on earth When I looke towards Heaven and consider the purenesse of the Element let me desire to be pure it is heavenly and excelent A legall purity I can never obtaine here an Evangelicall purity I must endeavour after to be cleansed from my guiltinesse by Christs blood and from my filthinesse by his Spirit Sect. 3 Thirdly Of the height of the Heavens HEaven is the Throne of God Matth. 5.34 and Thrones are on high Solomon had staires to ascend to his Throne because he sate as Judge above the people 1. King 10.18 19. So Gods Throne is on high The Heaven is high above the earth Psal 103.11 as the large circumference to the little Center the distance is very great men may ghesse at it but not certainely conclude how farre it is Reflexions 1. Feare 1. What cause have I to feare the Lord for as farre as Heaven is above the earth so large is his mercy to them that feare him Psal 103.11 This should enlarge my endeavour after the feare of the Lord. 2. Circumspection 2. God sees all our actions here below for hee dwelleth in the high Heavens and from thence beholds us Psal 33.14 3. Heavenly mindednesse 3. Though the visible Heavens be high yet our humane flesh is carried higher Heb. 4.14 9.24 Christ is ascended farre above all Heavens Ephes 4.10 There I hope to come there I desire my heart may be often Colos 3.1 Sect. 4 Fourthly Of the largenesse of the Heavens THE Heavens for their largenesse are said to bee spred out Iob 37.18 Psal 104.2 Ier. 51.13 The largenesse may be demonstrated three wayes 1. By a visible apparision for wee can see on our Horizon but halfe of the Heavens In the Moneth of March when the Sunne riseth at 6. and sets at 6. wee then may make a tryall 2. By an Astronomicall relation or Geometricall collection the Earth is large yet it is but as the Center to the Heavens circumference 3. By a divine conclusion Heaven is the dwelling of the great God and the receptacle of the Saints Psal 2.4 Iohn 14.2 Therefore the visible Heavens bee large though not so large as the invisible Reflexions 1. God is a great God great Princes are knowne by their great Palaces so I know God is a great God by his dwelling place 2. I perceive a progresse from little to great from the little wombe of my Mother to this great world the habitation of mortals I trust I am going from this little Terrene Globe to the large Heavens the habitation of Angels 3. Though the Heavens are large yet they cannot containe God 1. Kings 8.27 God comprehends all and is incomprehensible himselfe 4. I may be straitned and put in prison on earth but when I leave earth I shall come to a large place above the large visible Heavens called for largenesse a Kingdome Luke 12.32 Sect. 5 Fifthly Of the firmnesse of the Heavens THey are called Firmament for stability Psal 19.1 Our bodies are generated and soone corrupted but the Heavens continue to this day Psal 119.90 91. Reflexions 1. These Heavens we see continue a long time but the Heaven I hope for continues without alteration to eternity A Kingdome it is that cannot be shaken Heb. 12.28 2. Gods Worke is excellent being out spread and firme If a Brazier or Gold-smith stretch out his metall it loses firmenesse and growes to weaknesse Gods workes are admirable 3. Heaven is firme but the Word is more firme Mat. 5.18 Those that looke so much on security doe teach me where to looke for it 2. Pet. 1.19 We have a sure word of the Prophets Psal 93. Sect. 6 Sixthly Of the motion of the Heavens THe earth is fixed and hath foundations Micha 6.2 and hangeth on nothing Iob 26.7 but the heavens have a yeerely monethly daily revolutions Astronomers hold an opinion of divers sphaeres the neerest is the sphaere of the Moone the next where Mercury is the 3. hath Venus the 4. the Sunne the 5. Mars the 6. Iupiter the 7. Saturne the 8. the other Starres the 9. Compasses the rest and turne about every day this is above common capacity but certainly the earth turnes not round as meat on a spit but is fixed and stands still and the heavens are in motion Reflexions 1. I now have found who can make the perpetuall motion men would doe it God hath done it I honour his worke I blame mans folly 2. It is heavenly to be in motion it is earthly to be dull and sluggish I desire to be ready to every good worke Tit. 3.1 and to run the way of Gods Commandements Psal 119.32 3. I shall be of swift motion at last 1. Cor. 15 44. at the resurrection Seventhly Of the heavens dissolution or redintegration AT the last they shall waxe old as doth a garment Psa 102.27 and at the last day shall passe away with a noise 2. Pet. 3.10 and be folded up as a booke or role Isa 34.4 Heâ— 1.12 and shall be disolved 2. Pet. 3.12 the Angels have forme not matter so are everlasting we have matter and forme generation and corruption the heavenly sphaeres have matter and forme of long duration but not for ever whether they shall be annihilated or redentigrated whether brought to nothing or refined and remaine with the earth as monuments of Gods eternall power and wisedome I am ignorant of it and leave it to them more wise to judge Reflexions 1. Oh with what detestation should I thinke of sin It is sin hath tainted this great fabricke and will bring a dissolution 2. There is something will stand me in stead and is of great consequence at that time when all my silver and gold is melted and the world burned that is holinesse which now I must prize at a high rate and pray and labour for it 2. Pet. 3.11 3. If heaven mâ—st be disolved that is so firme then my fraile weake body will soone come to a dissolution I am earth and must