in Affliction c. 16. As the father doth improperly punish his childe for his fault but properly and chiefly he respecteth his amendment and to haue him to leaue his former leaude wayes and to take a better course hereafter but the childe for his part when he is beaten must first consider his fault in saying This correction is for my lewde behauiour and so endeuour to amend and to doe better afterwards Euen so God in correcting vs doth not properly respect our sinnes but our reformation but wee our selues must find out a proper cause that is our sinnes For although that sinne is the beginning euen of all bodily diseases and chastisements yet it doth not follow that God alway respecteth their sinnes whom hee most sharpely punisheth as may appeare by the answere of Christ to his Disciples c. Iohn 9.1 2. 17 As a painefull and carefull Husbandman looketh diligently to all points of his businesse and bestoweth his industrie and labour in each respect as the time and season affoordeth and as the nature and qualitie of euery graine requireth in hope thereby to receiue a good encrease and plentifull crop Euen so God trieth each way by Afflictions to draw and bring al men of all sorts and conditions in this Theatre of the world to acknowledgement of their duties and desire of their saluation 18 Like as the Husbandman after hee hath plowed vp his land sowed it doth afterward harrow it and breake the hard clods thereof and after this reapeth thrasheth fanneth and searceth the chaffe from the corne and as he cutteth pruneth and loppeth his trees and keepeth them vnder least they should grow rugged or spread their boughs too farre out of course and order and finally as he graffeth planteth and teacheth his young Sients to be naturalized in another stocke then their owne So likewise doth God deale with men in this world punishing and afflicting some with losses hinderances and other tokens of his hidden iudgement for the better trial of their patience and constancie some though euill and wicked persons he tollerateth spareth and as it were winketh at in hope of their conuersion and amendment Deut. 8.2 3. Iudg. 10.13 15 16. 11.31 Heb. 12 5 6 7 8 9 10. 19 As children take patiently correction at their fathers hand though sometime it be preposterous and otherwise then it should be Euen so wee ought to take that crosse and Affliction patiently which God layeth vpon vs knowing that hee alwayes doth it for our good and comfort 1. Pet. 4.12 13. 20 As it is a common thing to trie golde and siluer by fire Euen so it should not seeme strange to the children of God to be tried by Afflictions 21 Like as there is nothing in heauen that pleaseth God so well as that honourable obedience that his Saintes do giue him in heauen So there is nothing vpon the earth so acceptable vnto him as when his Saintes vpon earth are readie to suffer for his sake Phil. 4.5 2. Tim. 2.3 Mar. 15.21 22 As the Iewes led our Sauiour Christ to be crucified they mette one Symon of Cyren the father of Alexander and Rufus and vpon him they layd the Crosse So likewise if any Affliction be layde vpon vs for Iesus Christ his sake wee must be well contented to carrie the same as Symon of Cyren was to beare the Crosse Matthew 16.24 Mat. 26 37 38 67. 27.46.50 Iob. 2.7 8 9. 23 As there were two Crosses prepared for our Sauiour Christ the one of passion as that woodden and materiall Crosse whereon his bodie suffered outwardly the other of compassion whereby his soule suffered inwardly So there is prepared a double crosse for euerie faithfull Christian the one of the soule the other of the bodie 24 As good Iesus was crucified by the bad Iewes so also hath God decreed that his children shal be afflicted in this world least they should be damned with this world 1. Cor. 11.32 25 As the Arke of Noah rose higher and higher by the swelling of the waters of the floud Gen. 7.17 Euen so the mindes of the righteous are brought neerer and neerer to God by persecution and Affliction 26 As blowing seemeth to disperse the flames and trouble them but yet maketh them burne more cleare Euen so Affliction though it be grieuous to the flesh yet it purgeth it of many sinnes and maketh the godly farre more excellent 27 As there is no comparison of one little water-drop to the whole huge Sea or of one small grayne of dust to the mountaine Imaus Euen so the light and short afflictions and troubles of this most short race are not worthy to be compared with the great and eternall glory of the life to come 2. Cor. 4.17.18 Rom. 8.18 28 As in the fining pot the goldsmith tryeth the siluer Pro. 17.3 27.21 So likewise doth God by troubles and affliction trie the hearts of men 29 As a seruant woorking abroad in the hotte Sunne Iob. 7.2 longeth for and is gladde of the coole shade So men in Affliction and miserie are glad of a litle ease 30 Like as if two children should fight and a man comming by should parte them and after beate the one and let the other go free euery man that seeth this will say that that child which he beats is his owne sonne Euen so when God chastiseth vs Heb. 12.7 hee sheweth himselfe vnto vs as a father if we submit our selues 31 As great and mightie fishes are not bred and fedde in small riuers and sweete waters but in the salt and bitter waters of the Seas So men that are excellent very famous by reason of the notable and manifold vertues wherewith they bee indued are not delighted in the false and deceitfull pleasures of this world but are nourished and as it were sweetly cherished and brought vp in Christ with very sowre sorrowes and bitter calamities which they endure most patiently beare for Gods sake 32 As to a valiant Souldiour nothing is more noble and worthy praise then to carrie the Armour and armes of his Prince So a true Christian man esteemeth nothing of greater valure and more honourable then to beare the armes and badges of Christ his Captaine that is to be throughly touched with great crosses many Afflictions and to be well armed with godly patience Gal. 6.17 2. Tim. 3.12 33 As a Phisitiō doth minister to his sick patients sowre and bitter potions to drinke that some hurtfull humor of their bodies may be expelled So God our heauenly father and Physition willing to cure the maladies and to salue the sores of our soules doth reach vnto vs many times the cup of Afflictions troubles and miseries that our sinnes and iniquities being taken away we may be restored to the former saluation of our soules 34 As he that would mortifie his greatest sinnes must beginne to do it with small sinnes which when they are once reformed a man shall
subiect to many cares anguishes and vexations Mercilesse Men. 1 AS beasts are not eaten vntill they be dead boyled or rosted Euen so Mercilesse Men whilst they liue will do no charitable deeds or workes of mercy to the poore vntil death hath theÌ„ in his pot ther boyle them after his maner only at their death in their last testament they wil perhaps leaue some Legacies to be giuen when they bee dead but death must be sure of theÌ„ before the pore be sure of a pennie It were better done by much to relieue the poore with their owne hands in their life time it is not amisse that they doo good then but it were better done before Ezech. 16.49 Prou. 14.31 19.17 21.13 Math. 5.7 2 As oftentimes yong children the more the Father doth cocker and dandle them the lesse they care for him and if he say vnto them I wil haue this or that done none so readie to bid him commaund and doo it himselfe as his owne children So it many times falleth out with vs God our heauenly Father hath blessed vs and blessed vs againe and yet when he saith I will haue you to be mercifull and pittifull to your needie brethren like stubburne children we sit still and stop our eares as if we heard not Math. 9.13 Prou. 11.17 Luk. 6.36 Mich. 6.8 No difference of Men after death AS Trees growing in the wood are knowne some by difference of their trunkes or bodies some by the properties of their boughes braunches leaues flowers and fruits but this knowledge is had of them whiles they stand grow are not consumed but if they be committed to the fire turned into ashes they cannot be known for it is vnpossible that when the ashes of diuers kindes of trees are mingled together the tall Pine-tree should bee discerned from the great and huge Oke or the mightie popler from a little lowe shrube or any one tree from an other Euen so Men whiles they liue in the wood of this world are knowne some by the stocke of ancestors some by the florishing leaues of their words eloquence some in the flowers of beautie some in the fruits of honestie many by their sauage ignorance and barbarousnesse and some by their mild lenitie and kindnesse but when death doth bring them into dust and hath mixed and mingled them al together then their ashes earth dust cannot be discerned or knowne for when the ashes and dust of all are mingled together then shall there appeare no difference betweene the mighty Princes of the world and the seely poore soules that are not accounted off of the learned and vnlearned betwixt rich men and beggers or betweene the wise and the foolish Man is borne to loue God 1 AS Birds of all sorts do desire the ayre fishes seeke for water and the fire of the earth mounteth flameth vp towards the Elementall fire and all things seeke their place and centre and doo tend towards the same Euen so we ought to seeke after our God who is our onely rest our centre and onely God 2 As flouds and ryuers with great force runne into the Sea because they came out of the Sea Euen so we ought to loue God to aspire towards him in al feruencie of loue to drawe neare vnto him who is that vnmeasurable Sea of all goodnesse from whence we came for hee hath made vs after his owne similitude likenesse Gene. 1.26 3 As we are bound to keepe the precepts commandements of God So are we most strickly bound to loue honour and obey himselfe 4 Euen as the Horse is ordained to runne the Oxe to plough and the Dogge to hunt So is Man borne aboue all things to loue God Masse AS an harlot who setteth her body to sale dooth paint her selfe to all lasciuiousnesse and vncleannesse doth scrout her selfe with rings Iewels and putteth on costly apparell therewithal to allure to her selfe companions whose substance she may wast away Euen so that whore of Babylon called the Masse commeth abroad set out as it â—ere with Gold and Iewels whilst shee doth vse certaine holie lessons and songs out of the word of God wherby she doth easily deceiue the ruder sort and the simple who deceiued with the outward shew do think her to be a very chast virgin who indeed is a most filthy harlot hurting her companions more then the vilest harlot that may be Vnlearned Ministers are not to be admitted vntill they be fit AS an Egle so long as her yong ones be not very fledge and throughly feathered she doth not suffer them to goe out of the neast and to flie abroad but after they be perfectly winged and in their beautie strength of their feathers she throweth them out of the nest that they may flie and exercise their wings and feathers and vse them to the end wherefore they haue them Euen so our Sauiour Christ that heauenly Eagle after his resurrection commaunded his Disciples to stay at Ierusalem as it were in a neast and not to depart thence vntill in the day of Pentecost he had filled them with the grace of the holy Ghost and then hee commaunded them that passing through the world and trauelling through diuers coastes of the earth they should publish abroad and spread farre and neare the Gospell of his kingdome Act. 1.4 2.2 3 4. Math. 28.19 The Misteries of Gods word are not to be opened to the wicked AS a Marchant that is expert and skilfull in his profession and facultie will not open nor shewe his richâ— wares and costly marchandise vnto those whom he wel knoweth will not buy them which do come into his shoâ— or ware-house either as curious persons or as crafty spies and subtill searchers not with any purpose to buy buâ— to doo some euill and calleth vnto him onely thosâ— whom hee knoweth to be verie willing and desirous to buy Euen so the Lorde his manner is not to open his heauenly Mysteries and the deepe secrets of his sacred and most holy word vnto them whom hee perceiueth and seeth plainly to seek after them vainly and curiously or with a wicked mind and corrupted purpose to search them out to the end they may tread and trample them vnder their feete and dooth call them onely to the true knowledge of his Lawes and ordinances and doth instruct and teach them whom he is sure will profit them selues and others thereby Matth. 7.6 12.38 39. Luk. 23.8 9. When Man in trouble seeketh for comfort from the world he seeketh for life in the house of death AS the blood in the body of a Man being corrupted with a poysoned Arrow dooth by and by flie to the heart euen seeking and hoping as it were to finde some remedie and helpe there and yet dooth euen so soone as it toucheth the hart find death wher it sought for life So Men when they are sore pressed with calamities do make the world their first refuge and
diminishing the Couetousnesse and vnlawfull desire of the same Iam. 5.3 Luk. 12.15 23 As when the Spleen encreaseth the other members ioynts and parts of the body do consume and pine away So Couetousnesse and the great treasures and riches of couetous tyrants increasing the wealth of subiects and inferior persons is weakened and diminished whiles they pill and poll away their substance and goods to enrich themselues withall 24 As the Spleen encreasing the other members do decrease So likewise Couetousnes growing greater greater all vertues do vtterly decay and vanish away bountifulnes liberalitie charitie truth righteousnes and all such excellent qualities are no more found in those meÌ„ which are strangled and poysoned with a great and greedie desire of worldly riches 25 As Floods which send their waters into the sea and leaue the drie land which is very thirstie vnwatered Euen so some Couetous men doo now and then bestow great cost and much of their riches vpon those that need them not not drawne therevnto with either loue or mercie but carried with vaine-glory and with vanitie it selfe so to do Mat. 5.7 Esa 58.7 26 Like as the Sea is seldome or neuer seene without tempestuous waues So also we can neuer see a couetous mans minde free from carefulnesse feare trouble vexations 27 As a Pot hath a wide open mouth So Couetousnesse gapeth euermore after worldly goods riches and honor 28 As the Owles night Crowes see better by night then by day So the eyes of couetous men be blind to see how to come to heauen but to get worldly goods and riches they can see well inough 29 As we see some men which naturally are so enclined to mischiefe so seditious so contrary to peace tranquilitie that they are no sooner entred into a house or Common-wealth but presently they sowe discord dissention troubling the common-quietnesse and peaceable estate which was before So also the cursed desire of Couetousnesse is no sooner entred into our heart but that foorthwith we perceiue a great confusion of tumultuous â—nd dissentious appetites to boyle and rise vp within vs which do straightwayes entangle vs in the nets and snares of the diuell and at the length bringeth vs to miserable â—eath and destruction 30 As the Couetous man would not like of those seruants and hirelings who by their negligence and careleslesse haue suffered his houses to fall to ruine and haue left his lands vineyards vntilled neither would he be pleased with that man or maid-seruant in his house which serueth him to no purpose So likewise if he himselfe make no vse of his riches and treasures but keepe them altogether vnprofitably he may not thinke that he is the seruant of God holding of him whatsoeuer hee hath with commandement to make vse of them and that he is countable for the dammages and losse which hapneth by his want of trafficke that is to say for that he hath not vsed them as the Lord hath commaunded 31 Euen as the fire is extinguished and quenched not only by throwing on of water but also by taking away of the wood and other matter whereby it is fed and nourished So also a Couetous man destroyeth taketh away the life of a man not only by offering him violence but also in refusing to giue or lende that vnto him which is necessary for his preseruation 32 As a flood which at the beginning being but a little Riuer by little and little as it runneth encreaseth in such sort that in the end it beareth with it whatsoeuer resisteth Euen so if a Couetous man haue once gotten one hundreth poundes he straightwayes desireth two hundreth from two hundreth he commeth to a thousand from a thousand to a million and from millions to an infinite summe 33 As one that climeth vp a Ladder vseth the first step as a means to come to the second and the second to come to the third continually climing vntil he come to the top So likewise there is no difference betweene the Couetouâ— man and him that climeth vp the Ladder but that the oâ—â— findeth an end of his ladder the other findeth none at all neither of his care nor sorrowes which necessarily follow riches neither yet of his earnest desires in the attaining and keeping of them 34 As the Asse that carrieth meate for the belly and cloth for the backe yet hee himselfe feedeth vpon grasse and contenteth himselfe with an hairie skinne So the Couetous whose Chests are stuffed with gold and siluer yet cannot affoord their belly a good meales meate nor couer their backe with a good coate 35 As the Bee bringeth sweete honey in her mouth but a sharpe sting in her tayle So Couetousnesse hath pleasure in this life and paine in the life to come 36 As the Ape that is tied to the clogge thinketh that hee keepeth the clogge and not the clogge him is greatly deceiued So likewise is the couetous man which thinketh that hee keepeth his riches when indeed his riches keepes him 37 As Dinah while she wandred to see fashions and thought to feede her fancie vpon the daughters of a straunge Countrey shee lost her Virginitie amongst the sonnes of the Countrey So some men while they seeke to feede and fill their greedie worme of Couetousnesse and ambition with diuers pleasures and profits of the world they loose their sinceritie amongst them and so make shipwrack of faith and a good conscience 38 Euen as Tamar went out of her brother Amons chamber with her maidens garmeÌ„t of diuers colours rent because she was enforced to leaue her maideÌ„head behind her So some Couetous worldlings which sometimes with Demas followed Paul but now with Demas embrace his present world are enforced to go away with their garâ—ent of diuers colours rent and torne for while they will venture through the bushes and thornes of worldly cares to get worldly promotions it is no maruell if they come out with their zeale quenched their courage abated their faith blasted their loue cooled their knowledge withered their humilitie defaced their sinceritie decreased and the whole garment of pietie and Religion scratched torne and rent in peeces Continuance in Sinne. 1 LIke as if a mans foote legge or arme be broken with how great paine the same is restored to his former estate all men know But if any member of our body should be broken twise or thrise or more often in one and the selfesame place euery man can then iudge how hard a thing it were for that part to recouer her perfect strength and health againe Euen so fareth it in the ruptures and wounds of our soule If a man doo commit sinne once or twise and do vnfainedly without dissimulation make his refuge to the medicine of repentance hee dooth out of hand obtaine health againe and that sometimes without any skarre or blemish of the disease past but if he begin to adde sinnes vpon sinnes in such sort that the wounds of the soule do
nature AS the Camelion is sometimes blacke and sometimes greene sometimes pale and sometimes blew for he euer taketh his colour of the thing which he seeth to be next vnto him and doth shew and represent the colour of what thing is set before him So men of all degrees are wont very much to imitate the nature disposition and manners of those whose Counsell they follow whose familiaritie they vse Psal 101.1.2 c. Christes care of his members though absent EVen as the Eagle hauing her yong ones shut vp in the nest although shee flieth exceeding high and pearseth the loftie ayre yet shee withdraweth not her eyes from her yong ones but still beholdeth them and they also crying after their manner with their streatched our neckes doo looke after her Euen so the Lord Iesus ascending into heauen did behold his Disciples and they also hungring and thirsting after him did fasten their eyes vpon him and did not loose the sight of him vntill he pearsed and broke open the heauens and entred into the presence of his Father And although they were diuided from him in body yet in heart and mind they followed him still Act. 1.9.10.11 Crosses are the badge of a Christian EVen as it is a thing very commendable and woorthie praise that a Souldier doo euer beare about him the signes and badges of his Captaine that it may appeare to whom hee belongeth So is it no little honour to a true Christian man to passe through many daungers and to be experienced in many troubles and to endure many afflictions for his Captaine Christs sake for sorrowes vexations and trbulations are the armor and badges of Christ Gal. 6.17 Christ fisheth for men AS the Diuel that wicked and craftie fisher with his great large long and broad Nets taketh and draweth vp great multitudes and infinite numbers of soules The Diuels baite which voluntarily giue themselues vnto him and doo suffer him most easily to take them by and with with his baites which are voluptuousnesse the foule pleasures and rotten delights of the flesh worldly wealth at will the vaine glorie of the world innumerable riches of all sorts power authoritie vanitie an insatiable desire to beare rule and a thousand such others the seely poore fishes being deceiued by these baites do neuer feele the hooke vntill it stick so fast in their iawes that there is no scaping but the diuell maketh a full account of them as of his owne Euen so contrariwise Christ doth fish for men that hee may draw them out of the bitter waters of the daungerous sea and that he may giue vnto them the water of grace who seeketh to saue their soules and to bring them to euerlasting happinesse and celestiall immortalitie who yet flie from him and would not come neare him he fisheth with a sharpe and bitter baite Christs baite very vnpleasant to the corrupted nature and appetite of a naturall man to wit with much fasting praying often with watchings honest labours in a mans calling contempt of the world spirituall pouertie bitter teares deepe sighes and greeuous grones for sinnes committed against the Lord with humilitie and lowlinesse of heart with kindnesse peace patience righteousnesse and such other things all which although to those which are enclined with a right and true loue of God they are pleasant and welcome yet neuerthelesse to the will and desire of a meere naturall man that is a friend of flesh and bloud they are hard and doo seeme very bitter to his corrupted taste Men which can keepe no Counsell are very daungerous 1 AS the Sea called the dead Sea which is a Lake in Iudea called Asphaltits whereof Aristotle Plinie Iustine and diuers others do make mention wherein is neither fish nor any liuing creature found in it wherevpon it hath the name Dead and in it nothing is couered neither doth any thing that is in it sinke to the bottome thereof but all things do swim and are in sight and do continue in the top of the water Euen so such are they that will keepe no Counsell nor secrets whatsoeuer but will reueale and bewray all things that they know whether they be good or bad 2 Euen as Hypanis a Riuer in Scythia which hath a maruellous sweetenesse vntill a litle bitter spring which Herodotus calleth Exampeus be mingled with it and then it is corrupted with a wonderfull bitternesse Euen so those men which are like torne vessels that will hold no water and so full of chinkes that they neither can nor will keepe any secrets or Counsell are very bitter and intollerable men and do much harm in euery place where they come neither can any Counsell or secret be committed vnto such without great daunger to the Common-wealth wherein they dwell and especially to all those that repose any trust in them Such men seeme they neuer so wise learned and full of Counsell are not to come neare godly Princes neither to be made acquainted with matters of state and the affaires of the Common-wealthes least they do great hurt both with giuing counsell themselues and also by discouering such waightie secrets as shall in trust be committed vnto them Iob. 22.18 Psal 1.1 Christ is lesse beholden to the most part of the world then Caesar was to the Romanes AS Marcus Antonius with an Oration that he made vpon the death of Caesar is said to haue greatly delighted the people of Rome and that hee moued very many of them to shead great store of bitter teares when hee put them in remembrance of the great benefites which they had from time to time receiued of Caesar and withall did shew them Caesars garments wherein his enemies Cassius and Brutus had slaine him all full of bloud whereat they were so mightily mooued that they expulsed the homicides and murtherers out of the Citie so that they durst not if they would liue any longer come neare it And yet in these dayes of ours though the Preacher neuer so good an heauenly Orator come with the Oracles of God himselfe in his mouth and shew most plainely what Christ the Redeemer of the world hath done for man and prooue that man hath receiued vnspeakeable and innumerable benefites by and through Christ and declare what bitter teares water and bloud did trickle downe his cheekes and what deepe and deadly sighes with many fearefull and greeuous grones did rise from his heart before he came to the Crosse and though hee rip vp his passion stitch by stitch as the holy Booke and diuine Word shall direct and leade him and though particularly he shewe how and where he was wounded that hee was beaten spit vpon crowned with thornes nayled hand and foote to the Crosse scorned and mocked of the Iewes though he shew most liuely that the wicked and cruel Iewes embrued their hands in his blood gaue him vineger and gall to drinke yea and although the Preacher declare and proue that besides the death and passion of his
whiles they seeke for succour and comfort of the world they finde no better thing than death where they thought to haue found life experience dooth teach them that they sought for life in the house of death and for a medicine there where â—o good thing is to be had The necessitie of the Magistrate and a preaching Minister AS the wal within eke without is made ofsquared stones between the which the lesse stones are conâ—eined to make the building vp EueÌ„ so the preaching Miâ—ister within the church the Magistrate in the commoÌ„ weale should support and vphold the meaner sort in due obedience 2 Like as the Soule in excellencie surpasseth and exceedeth the bodie So dooth the office of the Preacher which principally is occupied in instructing of the soule deserue to be preferred before all such functions as concerne onely the bodie and the direction and ordering of the outward life of man out of which office of a diligent Preacher springeth and issueth the true outward obedience vnto the ciuil Magistrate who as he compelleth the Preacher perswadeth as he constraineth the Preacher allureth as he forceth with the sword so the Preacher draweth voluntarily by the doctrine of the word Meanes must be vsed 1 EVen as Noe thogh he knew he shuld be saued did not neglect the Means but made the Arke as God commaunded So also we though we be perswaded oâ— our saluation must notwithstanding vse those Means thaâ— God hath appointed and set downe for the same in hiâ— word 2 As God is able to keepe in health whom hee listeth either without foode physicke or any such meanes froâ— death of the bodie So likewise is hee able to deale witâ— the soule but yet he wil haue his appointed Meanes vseâ— as the hearing of his word preached Catechising and thâ— partaking of the Sacrament 3 Like as when a certain King maketh this Proclamâ—tion that of a company of rebelles or malefactors thoâ— who comming into his presence haue his scepter reachâ— out vnto them shall liue the rest shall haue the Lawe passe on them yet he keepeth himselfe within a stroâ— Castle the gates being fast shut herevpon many of thâ— malefactors casting off their olde and filthie apparell 〈◊〉 dresse themselues in the best manner they can to come before the king When they come to the place of his abode they find no entrance saue onely a few of them yet they that stand excluded are better to bee admitted then they who conâ—emning the Kings offer neuer looke towards him and yet in truth they that stand nearest to the gates doo no more deserue life neither are any more capable of it or any nearer vnto it for ought that they themselues can doo then they who bee a hundred miles off So God biddeth all cast off their sinnes their corrupt dispositions and liues and to come and seeke to him for grace yet they doo not by this Meanes deserue nor can by any Meanes compell God to admit them into his fauour and to touch their hearts with his spirit All should vse this Meanes and hope to obtaine grace yea none can hope to obtaine grace who doo not vse this Meanes yet some vse the Meanes and doo not obtaine and others obtaine not vsing the Meanes yet the Meanes is carefully to be vsed and necessarie to be knowne 4 Euen as we must be diligent to doo all good works and not put our trust of saluation in them but say when wee haue done all those things which are commaunded 〈◊〉 wee are vprofitable seruants Luk. 17 9.10 So likewise we must vse alwayes lawful Meanes to defend our selues â—â—d yet say Our helpe is in the name of the Lord which hath made heauen and earth for hee hath ordained such â—eanes to saue vs by and workes by the same our deliâ—erance when pleaseth him and sometimes to shewe his â—ower hee deliuereth vs without such ordinarie meanes â—sal 124.8 Mortification AS the Arke was to Noe a graue and yet the way to saue him Euen so he that will liue euerlastingly must be Mortified and die to his sinnes Gene. 7.1 c. Mourning for our sinnes 1 AS the Eagle feeling his wings heauy plungeth them in a fountaine and so reneweth his strength Euen so after the same sort a Christian feeling the heauie burthen of his sins batheth himselfe in a fountaine of teares and so washing off the old man which is the body of sinne is made yong againe and lustie as an Eagle Luk. 7.44 2 As Peters faith was so great that he lept into a Sea of waters to come to Christ Math. 14 28 29. So also his repentance was so great that hee lept into a Sea of teares when he went from Christ Mark 14.72 Luk. 23.63 3 As it is an Idoll and no God which hath eyes and seeth not So he is rather an Idol shepheard then a godly Pastour which hath eyes and weepeth not more or lesse one time or other in preaching to the people Iere. 9.1 Act. 20.31 4 Euen as the Oliue tree is most aboundant in fruit when it distilleth So likewise a Christian is most plentifull and powerfull in prayer when hee weepeth and Mourneth for his sinnes 5 As salt vapours aryse out of the Sea which afterward are turned into a pleasant shower So out of a sinfull sorrowfull soule dooth arise sobs and sighes like salt vapours which immediatly are turned into a sweete shower of teares 6 As a Quaile flies ouer the Sea feeling himselfe beginne to bee wearie lights by the way into the Sea theâ— lying at one side he layes downe one wing vpon the water and hold vp the other wing towards heauen least he should presume to take too long a flight at the first hee wets one wing least hee should despaire of taking a new flight afterwards he keepes the other wing drie Euen so must a Christian man doo when hee layes downe the wing of feare vpon the water to weepe for himselfe then hee must hold vp the wing of loue towardes heauen to reioyce for Christ and the other of sorrow for himselfe 7 As a Hinde goeth not still forward in one way but iumpes crosse out of one way into an other Right so a Christian in Mourning for his sinnes must iumpe crosse from himselfe to Christ and then backe againe from Christ to himselfe 8 As Hanna wept for her barrennesse Euen so haue we great cause to weepe for our sinnes seeing wee can conceiue nothing but sorrow and bring foorth iniquitie to death 1. Sam. 1.5 9 As Tamar wept being defloured by her brother So likewise we haue greater cause to weepe seeing we commit spirituall incest and Adulterie daily with the diuell 2. Sam. 13.19 10 As Hagar wept beeing turned out of Abrahams house So this ought to be the greatest cause of weeping vnto vs that our life is no life because wee neuer cease from sinning while we are heere pilgrimes straungers exiled and banished out of our Fathers house in heauen
the others feete from the ground he wil easily giue him a fall So the diuell if he by Pride can lift vp our feete from the ground he will easily giue vs a fall 3 As when Moses and Aaron threw the handfulls o◠dust into the ayre thereof came botches and biles Euen so when we that are but dust and ashes are exalted in th◠Pride of our heart thereof commeth botches and biles in our hearts Exod. 9.8 9 10. God heares not our Prayes alwayes AS the Physition who goes on to launch the wound and heares not the patient though hee crie neuer so till the cure bee ended Euen so God heare not our Prayers alwayes according to our wills and desires but according as the things asked shall be for our saluation Penitent heart AS the begger is alwaies mending and peecing his garment where hee finds a breach So the Penitent and beleeuing heart must alwayes be exercised in repayring it selfe where it findes a want Faire Promises AS they which haue nothing to feede on but the wind doo famish and pine away and so perish So likewise they which are fed with faire Promises and set their hope and confidence in the defence of men are deceiued and left destitute in their most need Perseuerance to the end 1 AS the prize or best game for running cannot be obtained of any that either runne not or else giue ouer afore they bee at the end of their race So likewise none can attaine the celestiall Crown of glorie but they which Perseuer in the right race of Christianitie vnto the end 1. Cor. 9.24 2 As they which runne in a race hauing onely regard to the reward of themselues as light as nimble as they can and therefore throw away whatsoeuer is heauie or may hinder their swiftnesse So godly Christians in their course to heauen hauing that glorie onely before their eyes should throw sinne from them which like an heauie burthen hangeth vppon them and whatsoeuer else may hinder them in the way course to life euerlasting Hebr. 12.1 People AS there is nothing more mooueable and vnconstant then waters and when they be once stirred vp then they bee furious and outragious Euen so the common folke or People are also mooueable and vnconstant and being mooued are outragious and mad People imitate their Prince 1 AS the Sea especially that which is called Mare mediterraneum is wont to imitate the ayre as if the ayre be calme the Sea is very calme also if the ayre be stormie the Sea also is very stormie Euen so the common sort of People in all places for the most part doo followe their Prince if Princes be iust subiects loue iustice if the Prince be vngodly they imbrace vngodlinesse 2 As a brooke doth follow the nature of the fountaine from whence it commeth So People doo follow the disposition of their Prince the fountaine being troubled the brooke is troubled also and the Prince disquieted the People find no peace Math. 2.3 The Prosperitie of this world AS the clearenesse of winter weather the calmenesse of the Sea and stabilitie of the Moone doo wauer and be suddenly chaunged So likwise the state of wealth and worldly things hath no firmenesse no perpetuitie and no constancie Iob. 8.9 14.2 Physition 1 AS euerie one cannot heale a sore that can make a salue So euery one is not a Physition that make profession of physicke 2 As a blind man cannot see the fault of an others eyes So an vnskilfull Physition cannot perceiue the defect of the body The Pope that whore of Babilon LIke as Christ was said to come out of Edome coloured with the bloud of his enemies noting thereby the reuenge he should take of the Edomites Euen so the Pope the whore of Babilon is dyed and coloured with the bloud of Gods children yea she is said to be drunke with their bloud as with drinke shewing that shee makes no more account of shedding the bloud of the seruants of God then the drunken man make of powring in drinke or the fishes water Reue. 17.4 5 6. Women Painting themselues 1 LIke as when a Painter hath finished a peece of work and an other comming in should therto set his hand and lay on other colours it would displease him Euen so likewise much more will God our Creator be offended when a mortall woman whome himselfe hath created shall by Painting her face take vppon her to correct the Image and workmanship of her God 2 King 9.30 2 As a woman of discretion will in no wife marre her naturall complexion to recouer it with slime or artificial trash So ought the Husband in no sort to be consenting to her filthie spunging proyning Painting pollishing and to such like follies Poore men feare they God neuer so much are little set by in this world EVen as Doues doo loue and delight in houses that be faire whited and doo willingly frequent sweete and pleasant places but contemne and flie from blacke foule and vnsauorie Cottages So likewise faithlesse and vntrustie friends doo hunt and seeke after the friendship of those men by whose wealth and riches they may be holpen releeued and enriched but men in pouertie and distressed persons vnable to fill their bellies to cloath their backes or otherwise to pleasure them with some worldly things they vtterly despise they care not for their companie their loue nor friendship feare they God neuer so much Papists professe God in word but denie him in their doings AS Rat-catchers who vse to take fine bread scraped cheese butter and some Suger and therewith doo mingle Rats baine to the end to allure the Rats to eate the secret and hidden poyson to their destruction So the Papists in the beginning of all their Prayers they say Almightie and euerlasting God c. And at the latter ende of their prayers they say through our Lord Iesus Christ but betweene the beginning and ending there is thrust in the merites passions sufferings intercessions and meditations of Saints that through them their sufferings bloud sheadings merites and holinesse we should obtaine heauen and life euerlasting to our saluation Thus like murtherers and poysoners of Christian soules and that vnder pretence of Gods name and Christs name they deceiue the simple and ignorant people Patience in afflictions a perfect tryall of true Christianitie 1 EVen as in a Sea moued and tossed with great waues and mightie surges the Pilots skill and wisedome is throughly tried and his manlinesse and courage perfectly seene So likewise a man that is godly without dissembling and religious without hypocrisie in the middest of terrible tempests of great troubles when hee is throwne vp and hurled downe tossed here and crushed there in a thousand stormes of dangers thē declareth his Patience his spirituall courage and his vnmooueable constancie in vertue and true holinesse 2. Sam. 16.5 c. 2 Like as when a child being corrected and punished of his Father suffereth it patiently his Father
things naturall and not ignorant of any kind of learning or discipline may by the discourse in this Booke bee sufficiently prooued and manifestly gathered for that in their writings they vse many Similitudes and make so many comparisons of things fetched off and from the very secrets and bowels of nature as namely from wilde and tame beastes foules wormes creeping and swimming creatures Hearbs Trees the Elements fire water earth ayre riuers brookes welles Cesternes Seas stars pearles stones lightning thunder raine deaw heate drowth cold winds blasts haile snow frost yce Corne seede salt leuen nets snares and likewise from the humours in a mans body as bloud milke women in trauaile in child birth drosse Iron Gold Siluer and innumerable other things wherewith they learnedly beautifie their matter and as it were brauely garnish and decke out their termes words and sentences with tropes and figuratiue phrases Metaphors Translations Parables Comparisons Collations Examples Shemes and other ornaments of speech giuing thereby vnto their matter a certaine kind of liuely gesture and so consequently attyring it with light perspicuitie easinesse estimation and dignitie stirring vp thereby mens drowsie minds and awaking slouthfull negligent carelesse sluggish and retchlesse people to the consideration and acknowledgement of the truth and to the following and imbracing of vertue and godlinesse Hereby as they doo labour to deterre and withdraw the wicked from their wicked wayes by laying downe before them Similitudes tending to such purpose So doo they no lesse stirre them vp to vertue to true happinesse to perfect felicitie to sound assurance to the feare of God and trust in his mercie Finally they each way seeke to winne them to the knowledge of God and of themselues and leaue no way vnattempted to allure and bring them to the truth and perfect blessednesse And as touching the godly which feare the Lord and frame their liues accordingly they cease not to encourage confirme strengthen and establish them in their vertuous doings by earnest exhortations to persist in their well begunne exercise They doo as the Apostle Saint Paule also willeth Admonish such as walke inordinately and liue out of course being vntractable and vnruly 2. Thes 3.11 1. Thes 5.11 to remember their dutie to acknowledge their fault they gently reprooue them and mildly seeke to recouer them they comfort the weake and cheare vp the mourneful they strengthen the feeble and broken hearted they reuiue the sorrowfull and heauie spirited they raise vp them that are throwne downe they vse lenitie mildnesse and compassion towardes all men in generall they are slow to anger slow to reuenge and violence they heale the broken and brused consciences they preach deliuerance to the captiues sight to the blind libertie to the imprisoned comfort to the afflicted ioy to the distressed health to the sicke recouerie to the diseased and to the miserable releasement from the thraldome and tyrannie of the Diuel all these and many other they notably and elegantly set forth in their writings by most apt Parables forcible Comparisons and effectuous Similitudes Christ in whome are hidden all the treasures of wisedome and knowledge Mat. 13.3 saith the Euangelist spake all these things to the multitude by Parables and without a Parable spake he nothing vnto them that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Prophet who said I will open my mouth in Parables c. To the which Tertullian in his fourth Booke against Marcion dooth very fitly agree saying Neither is the forme of Christs speech new when he obiecteth Similitudes Also Origen cap. in Math. 13. writeth that Christ spake nothing to the companies of common people without Parables which are a kind of Similies but to his Disciples to whom it was giuen to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heauen he did not so Therefore a Similie is most fit for a Preacher because it reasoneth from things confessed and very manifestly and wonderfully layeth the matter euen before the eyes So that the vse of a Similie reacheth very farre for it is vsed for ornament for delight for plainnesse for grauitie Nothing bringeth more grace pleasure or dignitie Neither is it to bee couered in silence that Chrysostome the auncient Church men did commonly beginne with a Similie agreeing to their argument And the same in their Exordiums yea in all parts of their speeches and writings did the Princes of wise eloquence and eloquent wisedome vse as Tertullian Origen Cyprian Nazianzen Basil Iohn Chrysostome Hierom Ambrose Augustin But of the great vse of Similituds we may read more largely in the Homely of Io. Chrysostome vpon the 33. of Ioh. and his Homely vpon Gene. 13. And in Origens Homely vpon Leuit. 10. And in Augustine in the very beginning of his second Booke concerning Christian doctrine And D. Gregorie in the 36. cap. of his third Booke of Morals And to conclude in Agrigola his first Booke of Logicall inuention cap. 25. Seeing therfore each one of the Prophets among whom many were Kings descended of royall bloud haue discoursed of these things and inserted and spoken of the same in their writings seeing likewise our Sauiour Iesus Christ and his Apostles haue practised the same and shewed foorth the like kind of doctrine as also the learned writers haue done I thought my labour should bee well imployed and bestowed if I should in this Treatise plainely shew what store of excellent learning profound wisdome hidden knowledge and exact skill of nature what zeale likewise of aduancing true Religion and of banishing all Idolatrie and superstition there rested in those men that by diuine inspiration haue left and deliuered vnto vs such worthie and wholesome matters in such surpassing knowledge by drawing into their Bookes for the greater ornament and setting out of their speech the whole store and furniture of nature Now calling to mind Right Worshipfulls not onely the manifold curtesies and benefites which I found and receiued now more then thirtie yeares agoe when I taught the Grammer Schoole at Okeham in Rutland and sundrie times since of the Religious and vertuous Lady Lucie Harington your Worships Mother my especial friend in the Lord but also the great kindnesse and fauourable good will during my long trouble and since by both your Worshippes towards me extended In consideration whereof least I should seeme altogether vnthankfull which compriseth and containeth in it selfe all vices both towards God and men I am therefore euen prouoked in some small measure of dutie to shew my selfe some wayes thankfull vnto you And whereas at this time euerie gratefull person doth not onely in word but also in deedes with their presents and giftes shew some signe and token of this their thankfulnesse Euen so I also out of my simple Garden haue chosen and gleaned a handfull of Flowers as it were a Nosegay the best present I haue to Dedicate offer vnto you Thus humbly desiring your Worships to accept this my simple present most earnestly beseeching
or annoy Conscience 26 Euen as a paire of Turtle Doues when the one feedes the other feedeth when one likes not the other likes not when the one dies the other dies So where good Conscience is mainteined there are many excellent gifts of God flourishing and where Conscience decayes they also decay 27 As diseases if they be long neglected become incurable So the Conscience much and often wounded admits no comfort neither will it alwayes boote a man after many yeares to say at the last cast Lord be mercifull vnto me I haue sinned Though some be receiued to mercie in time of death yet farre more perish in desperation that liued in their sinnes wittingly and willingly against their owne Conscience Pharao Saul and Iudas cried all Peccaui I haue sinned against God yet Pharao is hardned more and more and perisheth Saul goeth on in his sinnes and despaireth Iudas made made away himself And no maruell for the multitude of sinnes oppresse the Conscience and makes the heart to ouerflowe with such a measure of grief that it can fasten no affiance in the mercie of God 28 As a Ship is on the Sea if it be not well gouerned or if there be a breach made into it it draws water and sinks and so both men and wares and all in likelihood are cast away So we are all as passengers the world is an huge Sea through which we must passe our Ship is the Conscience of euery man 1. Timo. 1.19 3.12 the wares are our Religion and saluation and all other gifts of God Therfore it stands vs in hand to be alwayes at the helme and to carrie our Sip with as euen a course as possibly wee can to the entended porte of happinesse which is the saluation of our soules Christians 1 AS wholsome hearbs are in some countries growing plentifully in other sparingly somewhere in euery high way otherwhere onely in priuate Gardens somewhere againe they cannot grow at all So godly Christians are in some places many in other fewe somewhere mewed vp in close houses somewhere againe not to be found at all 2 As some hearbs will prosper and grow in the Mountaines some in low grounds some in shadowie places some in sunny places some in the corne field some on the drie heath some by the salte Sea coast some by the sweete Riuers So the godly Christians grow vp some in high places some in mean estate some where they haue defeÌ„ce and some where they are persecuted c. 3 As the bastard Narcissus or yellow crowbellies flowreth in Februarie and is in flower vnder the Snowe So true Christians shew forth their zeale in the coldest time and age as Wickliefe c. in Poperie 4 As Woodrow an hearbe all of a most pleasant smell yet loueth darke shadowie places So many godly Christians of great gifts loue to liue obscurely 5 As some hearbes last but a small time and yet wholesome hearbes and vertuous for all that as Monsotaile Adders-tongue c. So many Christians liue but a while and die in the flower of their time and yet good Christians for all that 6 As Sothernwood will not flower in euerie countrey that it will growe in So the godly oftentimes professe not or cannot be suffered to professe openly where they haue bene called 7 As Appelles the Painter much lamented if hee should scape but one day wrthout drawing some picture or line So ought a Christian man be sorie if that any day should passe without some good worke or exercise 8 As the care of an euill Christian when he is sicke is to desire to be whole only to liue and enioy the pleasures of the world Euen so the desire of a good Christian when he is diseased is to be whole not so much to liue as to glorifie God and to reforme his life 9 Like as Sheepe do know the voice of their owne shepheard and flee from a straunger Euen so godly Christians acknowledge Christ onely their Teacher and will heare onely those that Preach his word soundly and not credit any other that Preach false doctrine how great in authoritie so euer they be yea though it were an Angel from heauen Gal. 1.9.9 Iohn 13.27 10 As sheepe followe their owne shepheard whither soeuer hee goeth Euen so must faithfull Christians follow Christ in life in persecution and in glory beholding his life as a patterne to leade their liues by by suffering troubles patiently so often as it shall please God to lay them vpon them and so afterwards to become partakers of his glory Math. 11.29 Mat. 20.28 2. Cor. 8.9 Phil. 2.5.6.7 2. Timo. 3.12 2.11 12. 1. Pet. 2.21 4.1.13 2. Timo. 2.12 Iam. 5.10 11 As in Infidels liuing honestly the spirit of God bridleth the force of sinne and the corrupt nature that it breake not out as it doth in many other So also in Christians that are indeed godly the same spirit not onely represseth the corruption of nature outwardly but also mortifieth it within at the roote and regenetateth the whole man into a new creature 12 Like as when a man hath a iourney to go his minde is to dispatch it in all haste yet when he is in his trauell he goes but slowly by reason of some lamenesse in his ioints Euen so likewise many good Christians who haue an earnest desire and purpose to proceed in vertue and godlynes all their life long are yet now and then by the meanes of their corrupt nature so hindered that they cannot performe that dutie so fully and exactly as they purposed to haue done Rom. 7.15.23 13 As a candle lighteth euery man in the house So likewise should the good behauiour wise dealing and vpright conuersation of Christians shine bright before men that God by them may be glorified Math. 5.15.16 1. Pet. 2.12 14 As Doues are innocent simple and harmelesse Eâ—en so Christians ought to be simple and plaine in their callings and behauiour one towards an other especially such as be professors of the Gospell 15 As buildings cannot stand except they be borne vp by their foundation So likewise Christians are in an vnstable state except they stay themselues vpon Christ 1. Cor. 3.11 16 Like as good ground which when it is tilled and sowen bringeth forth fruite plentifully Euen so those which receiue the word preached gladly beleeue it stedfastly and expresse it in life accordingly are good Christians Math. 13.23 17 As nothing is iudged fruitfull but that which bringeth forth fruite plentifully Euen so it is not one or two good things whereby Christians are iudged to be good vnlesse they be filled with the fruite of Righteousnesse Phil. 1.11 18 Like as Vines being let to grow out at large in small time become wilde and fruitlesse Euen so Christians being giuen ouer of God to runne whither flesh and bloud would easily be allured their case is desperate and their life fruitlesse Iohn 15.5 19 As Vines being proyned and dressed in such sort as their
of high or lowe degree in this world ought continually to haue his faith and hope surely built and grounded vppon Christ and to haue his heart and minde fast fixed and setled in him and to follwe him through thicke and thinne through fire and water through warres and peace through hunger and colde through friendes and foes through a thousand perilles and daungers through the surges and waues of enuie malice hatred euill speeches railing sentences contempt of the world flesh and diuell and euen in death it selfe bee it neuer so bitter cruell and tyranicall yet neuer to loose the sight and viewe of Christ neuer to giue ouer our faith hope and trust in him Can. 8.6 Psal 16.8 9. Heb. 12.2 38 As all Riuers of waters go into the Sea because they came out of it and so returne to the place whence they came So likewise euery good Christian ought to go and prease towards GOD with all his heart strength and power because hee came out from him and was created of him Hee ought therefore to looke vppon him with the eyes of a steadfast and constant faith grounded vpon his word Eccle. 1.7 39 Euen as in the midst of the Sphere is the Centre from which all lines beeing drawne doo tend towards their circumference So a good Christian man hath God for his circumference for whatsoeuer he thinketh speaketh or dooth it tendeth to Christ of whom hee is compassed round about Psal 32.10 91.4 c. 125.2 40 As some Infidels that know not Christ but are meere strangers vnto him do thinke it better to loose their liues then to violate their promises and oathes made to their enemies euen so much more Christians in such cases ought to be true and constant Ezech. 17.18 19. Iosu 9.14.18 41 Euen as mens hands were made that the one might helpe the other and the feete also because they be members of one the same body So is it the dutie of all Christians one to succour and to relieue an other in afflictions and troubles seeing the Church of God is a certaine body whereof wee are members 1. Cor. 12.26 27. Ephe. 5.30 42 As it should be against nature that one foote should hinder or smite an other So it is very vnreasonable and vngodly that one Christian should not comfort and relieue an other in their tribulations and wants Gal. 6.2 43 Like as if Hearbes watered do stil continue drie we iustly say they are dead So likewise we cannot aduow or assure our selues to be Christians watered with the spirit of Christ so long as in stead of bearing fruite by amendment of life we continue drie and withered 44 As he is not rightly called a rich man that can tell how and by what meanes a man may be exceeding rich but hee that hath riches of his owne and dooth possesse them So hee is not a good and right Christian man that can according to knowledge dispute and reason of vertue and godlinesse and can describe and define of the same but hee that is endued with vertue and possessed with true godlinesse and doth most willingly practise the same in the whole course of his life both with his friends and with his foes that man and such a woman is rightly called and is indeede a true Christian in whom the Lord hath great delight 1. Cor. 8.1 45 As burning candles doo giue light vntil they be consumed So likewise godly Christians must bee occupied in doing of good so long as they shal liue Gal. 6.9.10 46 As vnto the vngodly man said God why doest thou Preach my Lawes and takest my couenant in thy mouth whereas thou hatest to me reformed and haste cast my words behinde thee So we may be wel assured that it is not inough for Christians to haue the Gospell in their mouthes but they must expresse the truth thereof in their liues for is not inough to haue the name of a Christian but to be found a Christian indeed 47 As nature helped not Abrahams owne children but because they lacked Abrahams workes they are called Diuels sonnes So likewise the bare and naked name of a Christian without vertue is a bare title without veritie and profiteth not any at all 48 As the Paschall Lambe was eaten with sowre hearbs and vnleauened bread So the faithful Christian ought to repent him of his euill life past and to giue himselfe to puritie of life Exod. 12.8 49 Euen as a man that passeth through a strong floud or streame on foote least he stumble and fall downe setteth his eye steadily vpon the firme Land which he mindeth to attaine vnto and marketh not the swift course of the water and so goeth ouer safely and is nothing dismayed So likewise a sound and good Christian passing the raging waues of present troubles turneth away his sight his thought and all apprehension that he might otherwise haue of the miserie of them and lifting vp his eyes to heauen beholdeth there with a spirituall regard the inestinable treasures of the heauenly inheritance which hee striueth vnto and by this meanes easily surmounteth all horrour and feare of torments and griefes which commonly make alterations in mens heads and casteth them headlong into desperation 50 Euen as euery beast that is striken with lightning turneth his face toward the lightning So likewise if Christians will haue regard to God when he pleaseth them he will compel them also to haue an eye to him when hee strikes them Psal 78.34.5 51 Like as the deawy drops after great heate doth cherish the grasse Euen so good Christians do bring forth workes of mercie pittie comfort and refreshing to the people amongst whom they do liue and are conuersant Mica 5.7 Common-wealth 1 AS they which do learne Musicke at the first doo leese breake and marre sundrie Instruments as Gitterns and Lutes So the Common-wealth susteineth great detriment and losse wherein Magistrates rude and vnskilful do rule 2 As it is a thing most hard and daungerous to roote vp olde trees and to plant them of new So without great tumult and vprore you cannot alter the olde custome and vsage of the Common-wealth 3 As water mingled with wine maketh it more moderate So olde men ioyned with young men in the administration of the Common-wealth is most necessarie 4 Euen as a body without a soule is dead because it vseth not the sinewes ioynts nor members So that Common-wealth or that Citie may well and truly be said to be dead where good Lawes godly Statutes and holy Ordinances are not vsed and put in practise which are the sure binding bands of mans societie and the principall parts of a Common-wealth Common people AS they which frequent and haunt the schoole of defence do liue striue contend and fight one with an other So of the Common-people one loueth the other spoileth each other Carelesse men who forbeare to do well because others will not do so 1 LIke as if an Housholder hauing many seruants and much worke
or giuen to the respect of any person but ought to haue one single eye which is to bee set and placed vpon Iustice and equitie in euery matter and not to regard either persons or rewardes 1. Sam. 8.3 Esa 1.23 33.15 Psal 15.5 3 As a white or painted Wall the brauery wherof serueth for no profit but for a meere shewe Euen so such is the profit that commeth to the common-wealth by those Iudges which sitting in place of Iustice do wrong to men contrarie to the Lawes Act. 23.3 4 As a Iudge must not wrong one for anothers sake So must he not vniustly fauour one because an other hath displeased him Deut. 1.16 17. Prou. 24.23 5 As the Lyon though he be the King of beasts yet at length is made a pray to small Birds and then is that saying verified Better is a liuing Dogge then a dead Lyon Euen so Iudges and Rulers although they be great in authoritie yet at the last they are but a bayt for the small wormes Eccle. 9.4 Idlenesse 1 AS water though it be neuer so cleare and faire fresh and comfortable yet if it stand still in a pit or hole or be kept long in a vessell whence it hath no issue it will rot and smell and bee vnwholesome Euen so it fareth with children yea and with all the Sonnes of Adam if they bee Idle haue nothing to doo and no way to bestow their wit they will rot and prooue vnwholesome and deuise mischiefe all the day long Prou. 28.19 1. Timo. 5.13 2. Thes 3.10 11. 2 As labour and exercise of body in one man industrie and diligence of mind in an other man are sure forts and strong bulwarkes of Countries Euen so Idlenesse and negligence are the cause of al euil for an Idle mans braine becommeth quickly the shop of the diuell 3 As in all naturall things there is one thing or other which is the spoyle of it as the canker to the Rose the worme to the Apple and the Caterpiller to the leafe So the common spoyle to all youth is the contrarie to paines and trauaile which is Idlenesse Ezech. 16.49 4 As the trayterous seruant while his maister is a sleepe and all things at rest setteth open the doore for the theefe to enter in vppon him and spoyle him at his pleasure So Idlenesse while we are not aware lying soft vpon the pillowes of securitie openeth the doore for the diuell to enter into vs with full swing to the destruction both of body and soule 5 Like as while men slept saith the Euangelist the enemie came and sowed Tares among the Wheate So the fittest time that the diuell can finde to worke vpon vs is when wee are Idle for that is the sleepe of the soule Iudge 16.1 c. 6 Euen as a firebrand drawne from the fire and lying stil waxeth cold by little litle dieth and is extinct but beeing mooued and put to the fire burneth and flameth Euen so an Idle life dooth by little and little extinguish vertue but being will exercised it doth kindle encrease the same Iob. 5.7 Math. 2.1 c. 1. Cor. 3.8 7 As Idlenesse breedeth pouertie and beggerie in very many which might liue well and in good sort with diligent and faithfull labour So is the same very daungerous in those that be rich and feele no smart nor want in this life for whiles they giue themselues to foule Idlenesse voluptuousnesse doth ouercome reason and they are snared and taken in the deadly trappes of the deceitful flickerings of the world and are poysoned with carnall pleasures and fleshly delights which doo beare them faire in hand for a little while but at the length doo deceiue them and leaue them in shame and confusion Gene. 3.19 2. Thessa 3.10 8 As the earth when it is not tilled or trimmed dooth breede and bring foorth bryers brambles nettels and all noysome and vnprofitable things So Idlenesse in man doth breede and broode in him vngodly thoughts and wicked cogitations of all sortes and dooth allure hale draw and euen drag him to doo those things which are so odious in the sight of God that he must either most earnestly repent that he hath done them or else hee must die eternally for doing of them 9 As by the pumpe of a Ship water doth often secretly get in and increaseth so that through the negligence of the Maryner the Sip is drowned So by Idlenesse wicked thoughts concupiscences are multiplyed in our harts till at length our soules are in great daunger 10 As the Crab-fish as Plinie saith when he seeth the Oyster lye gaping against the Sunne beames putteth a Pible into the mouth of the Oyster and so getteth out the fish So likewise when wee lye Idle in securitie the diuell stealeth into vs. 10 Like as in a standing water wormes are ingendred and bred So likewise in an Idle body are engendred Idle thoughts and therefore wee must alwayes bee doing of some good workes that the diuell may finde vs alwayes well occupied and exercised 11 As by experience we see that those children which haue beene brought vp in learning and vertue proue honest and profitable for the common-wealth Euen so contrariwise those children which haue past their time in slouth and Idlenesse prooue dishonest and hurtfull to the Church and Common-wealth Ignorant men 1 AS those people will neuer come to the Physition to be healed which thinke not themselues to be sicke So likewise there are no people more vnapt to be taught and lightned of God vnto saluation then those which thinke they vnderstand and see of themselues when in very deed they are altogether Ignorant and for lacke of vnderstanding be ouerwhelmed and snared in the darkenesse wherein they were borne and so wallow themselues therein continually to their vtter destruction Psal 95.10 Esay 59.10 2 Like as that man that is Ignorant of the principles and rules that appertaine vnto the Science or Arte that he professeth can neuer come to the end skill or perfection that his profession requireth Euen so the ende of a Christian man is eternall life and his profession is to know and learne the principles and rules that most plainly and sincerely leadeth him vnto this end of euerlasting felicitie For he that is Ignorant of the meanes is Ignorant of the end and being Ignorant of the causes must needes be Ignorant of the effect Iohn 17.3 Esay 1.3 5.13 Prou. 1.28 29. 3 As he that will bee a Physition must learne the precepts that teacheth Physicke and he that would be a Musition must learne the rules of Musicke The Oratour the rules of Rhetoricke The Ploughman the rules of Husbandrie and so euerie man the rules that belong to his profession or else hee shall neuer profit in his Science or Arte nor be accounted a Craftes-man that knoweth not the principles of his craft Euen so no more before the maiestie of God is hee to bee accounted a Christian although he bee baptized
of God Numb 23.10.19 c. So in like manner many do wish and be desirous to enter into the Kingdome of heauen but yet they will not doo the will of God neither labour nor take any paines for the meanes that is the preaching of the word of God whereby they may come by it Mat. 7.21 19.16 c. Luk. 13.24 Math. 11.12 Luk. 16.16 Ioh. 6.27 Knowledge 1 AS that man that hath receiued abundance of wealth at his maister hands dooth notwithstanding steale from him and robbe him of that which is his owne is more worthie of death then hee that had no meanes to helpe himselfe Euen so is it with him on whome the Lord hath bestowed Knowledge and yet according to the same will not ioyne obedience for obedience is the Lords and hee that faileth herein robbeth God of his honour 2 As he which hath Knowledge shal if with the same he ioyne not obedience haue greater punishments then he which hath lesse Knowledge So also he that hath lesse Knowledge or none at all and will not labour for vnderstanding and spirituall wisedome shall surely feele those torments wherewith the other was afflicted on whome the Lord bestowed more Knowledge Luk. 12.47 48. Mat. 7.21 Rom. 12.2 Ephe. 5.17 3 As Wine without the mixture of water doth trouble the braine c. So Knowledge without loue doth make a man proud Knowledge and sight of our selues 1 AS salt is made of Sea water but so long as it is in the Sea it is not salt it must be taken out of the Sea and placed vpon the drie land that being in salt pits where the Sunne may shine the ayre blow vpon it the water may be thickned and so conuerted into salt Euen so this world is a Sea so long as wee liue in the world tossed with the ebbings and flowings of the worldes inconstancie and ouerwhelmed in the bitter waters of the sinnes and wicked practises of the same we are as yet no salt we must go out of the world enter into the land to wit into our selues and take a iust viewe of our owne imbicilitie and haue a due consideration of our owne miserable and wretched estate that the Sonne of righteousnesse may thrust out his beames and the wind of heauenly grace may blow vpon vs and so we may be turned into an admirable wonderful salt that being seasoned our selues we may be meanes and the Lords instruments to season others 2 As our eyes which do behold heauen and earth and other innumerable creatures of God doo not see themselues but looking in a Glasse by that meane they perfectly see themselues So we doo not see and consider our owne frailtie brickle estate but if we will set before our eyes the glasse of the remembrance of death and the true Knowledge of our selues beholding diligently this cleare Glasse we cannot choose but very plainely see our selues and what we be Iam. 1.22 23 25. Kings AS in a suddaine casualtie of fire or in a Citie surprised there is great feare So prophane and supersticious Kings and their Counsellors when the voice or doctrine of the Gospel is heard doo tremble for feare and do mortally hate the same as the firebrand of sedition in a common-wealth and as the loosenesse of discipline Psal 2.2 Loue of the world AS a Nurse that weaneth her childe from the loue and liking of her milke doth annoynt her Teate with Alloes Mustard or some other such bitter thing So our mercifull Father to the end that he may retyre and weane vs from the Loue of worldly delights vseth to send vs tribulation and affliction which of all other things hath most force to worke that effect as we see in the example of the prodigall Sonne 1. Cor. 11.32 Luk. 15.12 c. Gods Loue. 1 AS a sure friend is not knowne but in time of neede So Gods goodnesse and Loue is neuer so well perceiued as it is in helping of vs when we cannot helpe our selues Psal 41.11 2 As Adams fall did serue to manifest Gods iustice and mercie the one in punishing the other in pardoning of sinne which otherwise wee had neuer knowne So the troubles of the Church serue to manifest first our deserts by reason of our sinnes Secondly our weaknesse and inabilitie to helpe our selues and thirdly the Louing kindnesse of the Lord our God in sauing and defending that so we might be truely thankfull and returne al the prayse and glorie to God and none to our selues Rom. 9.22 23. 3 As a Father keepeth his Sonne and heire short without any money in his purse or any thing else at his owne will till the time come that hee shall inherite and in great wisedome he doth it for if his Sonne should haue the inheritance presently he wold wast it and spend it vainely So God dealeth with his children and for no other cause both in singular wisedome and Loue that they may say afterward By this I know that thou Louest me c. Psal 41.11 Life variable and troublesome 1 AS the Sea by tempest is sometimes troublesome and then is quiet and calme by faire weather againe So the Life of man sometime is oppressed with sorrow and extreame necessitie and somtimes it floweth with ioy and wealth at will 2 As a flower so soone as it bloweth and is ripe is cut downe or very shortly gathered So likewise is the continuance of a mans Life Iob. 14.2 Esay 40.6 7. 3 As the beautie of a flower sodenly fadeth is quickly gone So likewise is all the glorie and graces of all flesh Psal 103.15 Iam. 1.10 11. 1. Pet. 1.24 4 As now the Sunne is shadowed with cloudes and by and by shineth forth bright So likewise the Life of man is subiect to chaunge Iob. 8.9 5 As Vapours appeare for a little while and afterward vanisheth away quite out of sight Euen so the Life of man is quickly vanished and gone Iam. 4.14 6 As wind suddenly passeth away with a blast So also suddenly passeth the Life of man Iob. 7.6 7. 7 As there is no way so plaine but it hath many turnings and by-pathes that vnlesse a man take good heed he may wander and goe out of his way Euen so the Life of man hath many by-pathes to walke in so that vnlesse he take great heede hee wil easily wander out of the right way 8 As there is no way but it hath a beginning so it hath an ending So likewise the Life of man as it hath a beginning so also it hath an ending Louer of vertue AS some Louers doo much delight in the pale colour of her whome they Loue So the Louer of vertue and godlinesse doth nothing abhorre the banishment of sincere Christians neither the pouertie of sound professors nor yet the condemnation of the faithfull Saints of God Learning 1 AS the Bird bringeth all kind of foode vnto her young ones neast and is nothing the better her selfe therefore So some doo onely Learne
cattes and dogges which haue bene brought vp any long while in their houses Euen so much more they ought to loue and fauour their seruants that haue done them long and faithfull seruice 3 As it is vnpossible that he that hath no skil in Musick can make an other man a Musitian Or as it is hard for a Scholler to learne that thing well that his Maister teacheth ill Euen so it is vnpossible that a Maister that is naturally negligent should make his seruant diligent Marriage euer esteemed for encrease of the Common-wealth AS he is counted no good Gardiner that being content with things present dooth diligently proine his old trees and hath no regard either to impe or graffe yong fettes because the selfe-same Orcharde though it be neuer so well trimmed must needes decaye in time and all the Trees dye within fewe yeares Euen so he is not to be accounted halfe a diligent Citizen that being content with the present multitude of Citizens hath no regard to encrease the number by lawfull Matrimony Mercie LIke as he that is without compassion in beholding an other mans wounds shall haue no bodie to pitie him if at any time he be hurt himselfe Euen so he that with pitie doth raise vp his neighbour being fallen shall haue many to relieue and comfort him if he himselfe fall into any calamitie Iam. 2.13 Mat. 5.7 Rom. 12.8 Prou. 3.3 4. 14.22 31. 16.6 19.17 The Miserie of worldlings 1 LIke as we see the Mules of Princes go all the day long loaden with treasure and couered with faire cloathes but at night shaken off into a sorrie stable much brused and gauled with the carriage of those treasures Euen so rich men that passe through this world loaden with gold and siluer and do gaull greatly their soules in carriage thereof are dispoyled of their burthen at the day of death and are turned off with their wounded consciences to the loathsome stable of hell and damnation 2 As we be iustly moued to pitie by beholding the momentany miseries of men and the distressed state of their bodies being consumed with sores and sicknesse and euen at deaths doore Euen so much more ought we to be grieued at the most fearfull state of worldlings for the eternall miserie of their soules not dying but being alreadie cleane dead in sinne and yet liuing in that state which leadeth to vnspeakable torment and the hotte burning furnace of the wrath of God Mercies of God 1 AS a riuer continueth running still Euen so the Mercies of God do daily light on the faithfull 2 As the ryuer hath a swift course So the Mercies of God helpe at a pinch Psal 46.1 c. 3 As a ryuer is deepe Euen so the Mercies of God are great neither can the bottome of them be sought out of any man 4 And as the ryuer hath this propertie as hath also all other water to binde and therfore doth not the earth dissolue because as the Phylosopher saith the water bindeth it in Euen so the Mercies of God do bind vs vnto himself or else we should dissolue and become Sathans sinke and puddle 5 As a begger will neuer goe foorth a begging vntill such time as hee can haue prouision or maintenance at home So wee will neuer come to Christ for Mercie so long as we see any goodnesse in our selues Psal 32.4 6 As a sparke of fire is in comparison able to drie vp all the water in the Sea Euen so no more is all the wickednesse of man vnto the Mercies and mercifulnesse of God 7 As no man is so thankfull for health as he that hath beene in continuall sicknesse So no man feeleth the Mercie of God that is not truly humbled in his owne sight Mans nature to be mortified 1 AS the seede of right Artichoke if the point of it bee not broken bringeth foorth the prickley Artichoke or Thistle So the best Mans child if his corrupt nature be not mortified wil bring forth nothing but vngodlinesse 2 Knecholme growing of it selfe bringeth forth fruit but being planted it bringeth foorth none But Mans nature if it bee suffered to grow of it selfe is vnfruitfull but beeing planted in Christ becommeth fruitfull in good workes 3 The superfluous moysture of Elecampane beeing dried vp it commeth fittest to his full vertue and is hot in the third degree but though the superfluitie of euill bee mortified in vs yet wee our selues will neuer come to our first perfection except we be quickned by Gods spirit c. A Mind troubled 1 LIke as a great and deepe wound cannot bee touched with ones hand thogh neuer so softly but with some griefe to the partie Euen so a troubled wayward Mind hard to please thinketh scorne of euery thing and is offended with the least word spoken 2 As the sicke-man cannot away with the sight of his wife blameth the Physition is grieued at his friend that comes to visite him yet being gone is displeased againe at their departure Euen so is the wauering way and trade of life and the wandering and inconstant mutabilitie of the Mind which seldome doth arriue at the quiet and desired port and hauen 3 Euen as they are queasie stomacked and are disquieted with vomiting doo leape from one Ship to an other that they might find some ease thereby vntill they perceiue themselues nothing the better but yet doo the same still that they did before carrying their vomite as we may say still about with them where euer they goe So in like manner they which euer anon choose now one and now an other trade of life doo rather entangle themselues in cares troubles of a discontented Mind then be discharged and rid there from 4 As it sometime falleth out that one receiueth an iniurie is grieued and studieth to reuenge an other beeing author of a wrong reioyceth at other mens harmes and fecks to keepe him stil vnder whom he hath once opprest Euen so is the Minde it selfe at warre with it selfe and through contrarie repugnant affections is rent and in a manner torne in peeces Magistrates dutie to their subiects 1 AS that medicine is more to bee allowed which healeth the parts of a mans body then that which vtterly burneth away the same So is that Magistrate more to be praysed which by correction causeth euill doers to amend then hee which by death and execution vtterly taketh the same away 2 As God is aboue all men the soule more excellent then the body and the kingdome of heauen more precious then earthly treasures So likewise doth the chiefe principall end of the Magistrates charge and office consist in the establishing and maintaining of the puritie of doctrine in the holy ministerie seruice of God the holy administration of the sacraments the inuocation of Gods name the order of Ecclesiasticall Discipline Rom. 13.4 1. Chro. 15.1 22.6 2. Chro. 14.3 c. 15.8 c. 17.6 c. 29.1 c.
stomacke turneth all that it eates into raw humors Euen so a good Mind conuerteth all that it heareth and all that it seeth and all that it feeleth vnto some profit but a bad Mind maketh a temptation of euerie thing Rom. 14.14 Tit. 1.15 7 As a field although it bee fertile without Tillage cannot bee fruitfull So the Minde of man without the word of God and heauenly instruction must needes bee barren and can bring foorth no effects of faith nor fruites of godlinesse 8 Like as if one drinke or eate sleepe or labour too much it hurteth the corporall health which cannot bee preserued but by a mediocritie in all things So likewise may we say of the Mind which surely is not in health if it be either too hautie proud or presumptuous or too base lowe and submisse 9 As the ayre is cleared with the brightnes shine of the Sunne and when the Sun is downe and set the ayre is couered with darknesse Euen so the Mind of man when it â—s purged cleared with heauenly wisedome fought and â—rawn out of the word of God doth shine most excellentâ—y sendeth forth a pure perfect light of Christianitie â—hich may easily bee discerned to proceed come from God himselfe but being without that true light it is ouerwhelmed with an horrible and fearefull darknesse and giueth out nothing but filthy mysts and stinking vapors which doo spring rise out of the corruption and rotten nature of man and euen from hell and Sathan himselfe Murder 1 LIke as if a subiect deface the armes of his Prince it is counted an iniurie so great that it shall bee reuenged and punished as Murder for that this in like sort tendeth to the confusion of all order Euen so he that defaceth the image of God by Murder which is Imprinted in men such an outragious villaine deserueth double punishment 2 As it is good for mans body betimes to cut off a rotten member least the sound part be drawne to it So likewise it is profitable for the safetie of humaine societie to take out of the way Murderers noysome and hurtfull Citizens least the corruption of one by litle and little creepe into the whole body of the societie 3 Like as if such tyrannie should bee vsed against any naturall woman as violently to pull her infant from her breasts cut the throate of it in her owne bosome compell her to receiue the bloud of her owne deare child into her owne mouth all nations would hold the fact so abhominable that the like had neuer beene done in the course of nature Euen so no lesse wickednesse commit they that Murder and shed the bloud of Gods children vppon the face of their common Mother the earth Mercie of God to be appealed vnto LIke as that woman did who when shee stood arrayned at the Barre before Alexander the great and waâ— according to her demetites condemned shee then said I appeale from thee ô King Alexander wondering at hâ—â— said thou art a mad woman doest thou not knowe that euerie appellation is from a lower Iudge to a higher but who is aboue me Then said she I know thee to be aboue thy Lawes and that thou maist giue pardon and therefore I appeale from Iustice to Mercie and for my faultes I craue pardon So likewise must we doo when wee looke into the perfect law of Gods word and see him readie to condemne vs for our sinnes and our conscience witnesse that we haue deserued death wee must appeale from Iustice and our deseruings vnto his pardon forgiuenesse and both call and trust to bee partakers of that saluation which he hath purchased offered to the whole world for his Mercies doo passe all our miseries as farre as God is greater then man and his pardon can forgiue all that call on him in true faith 1. King 20.30.31 32. c. Math. 18.26 27. Luk. 7.37 c. 15.21 18.13 2. Chro. 33.12 13. Insufficient Ministers 1 LIke as if a man should faine himselfe to bee a Physition and had no skill at all in Physicke and yet should take a summe of money to heale a sicke man and after should runne away or if hee tarried with the sicke man and neither did him any good nor could doo him any were not this apish Physition a theefe Euen so that Minister that taketh vpon him to bee a Minister and taketh wages of a people to doo those duties that belong vnto a Minister to doo that is faithfully to Preach vnto them the word of God and diligently to Catechise them but yet either doth it not or cannot doo it such one is in deed a theefe and a Church robber c. Ioh. 10.1 c. 2 As in a Common-wealth hee is not to be borne with that would iustifie false and counterfeit money or â—oyne So likewise is he to bee reprooued condemned and rebuked not a litle which will iustifie an ignorant a lewd and a counterfait Minister bicause he doth approue such coine for good as neuer came out of the Lords consistorie which no good or faithfull Christian euer did 1. Cor. 9.14 16. 1. Tim. 3.13 Tit. 1.7 8 9. 3 Like as none that is a good subiect to his Prince not onely wil not traffique with counterfait coine but moreouer will doo his endeuour to haue it defaced and openly nayled vpon the poste Euen so euery true seruaunt of Christ will not onely be farre off from dealing with any such wicked and counterfeyt Minister but moreouer will doo his best in all godly manner that such a one may bee forced to take some other calling vppon him c. 4 As a blind man groping for the wall when he knoweth not how to come by a guide is in great distresse So likewise such ignorant people as are destitute of faithfull Ministers and not knowing by whome to be guided by found instruction are in a most fearefull state Esay 59.10 56.10 11 16. Act. 8.31 Matth. 15.14 5 As Vineger is to the teethe and smoake to the eyes So is a wicked idle and insufficient Minister to the people dulling their sences and blinding them with ignorance Zach. 11.17 Matth. 5.13 Ioh. 10.13 6 Like as it is impossible for an euill man drowned in all kinde of vices to enter into the heauenly Paradise Euen so it is for the leacherous couetous arrogant and stout stomacked and insufficient or vnpreaching Pastor or Minister to make his people and parishioners chaste humble and meeke and fit and able to embrace the kingdome of God Psal 50.16 17. Prou. 29.18 Ier. 23.1 2. c. 48.10 Rom. 2.1 c. Luk. 22.32 12.42 c. Misterie of the Gospell AS the vertues of water Betony Penniwort sea Chick-weed Blew-bells wilde Elder dames Violets Golden-flower of Perowe redde Lillies bastard Hiacinthes Talpia are yet vnknowne what maruell then if heauenly things and many Mysteries of the word be hid Ministers must be able to confute the enemies of Gods
drop of water pearceth a stone not so much by his onely strength as by his often falling Euen so a man shall become wise and learned not so much by his force and by himselfe only as by his diligent often Reading Riches 1 AS it is the vse to cut the wings of Birdes least they should flie farre or away So must Riches be takeâ— from some away as from children and others least they should exalt themselues ouer much in hautinesse 2 As the golden bridle maketh the Horse neither stronger nor swifter So Riches and costly apparrell doe nothing aduaunce a man in vertue learning and godlinesse 3 Like as we beholding a Rich man and a poore man Painted on a wall doo neither enioy the one nor despise the other and why Because they bee but shadowes of the substances Euen so our mindes must neuer bee troubled either for Riches pouertie glorie or ignominie because they be more fickle and deceitfull then any shadow 4 As Oyle kindleth the fire which it seemes to quench Euen so Riches come as though they would make a man contented and make him more couetous 1. Timo. 6.6 5 Like as drinke dooth not quench the thirst of him that hath the Dropsie but maketh him the more thirstie So likewise although Riches be good to withstand need and pouertie yet they oftentimes cause men to be miserable euer needie and they that for the most part haue aboundance of goods and Riches doo couet and greedily desire to haue more and so shew themselues to be verie needie 6 Like as they be in great daunger of a woe and curse which doo not giue of their owne Riches to those that haue need Euen so in much more daunger bee they that take from the needie that which they did possesse Habac. 2.9 7 And if they shall goe to Hell that haue not cloathed the naked Euen so much lesse shall they escape Hell that by oppression and vnmercifull dealing haue caused them to go naked that were cloathed Math. 25.41 42.43 8 As hee that walketh in the Sunne careth not whether the Moone shine or no because hee hath no need of her light Euen so when a man hath found the heauenly Riches hee careth not for earthly Riches Psal 37.16 1. Timo. 6.6 9 As the mad-man desireth nothing so much as to get water by reason of his excessiue distemperature yet is there nothing that so much tormenteth him for the only sight thereof is able to cast him into his fit Euen so is it with Riches euery man longeth for them yet are they the onely things that encrease his longing trouble his mind and replenish his heart with passions Mar. 10.23 24 25. 10 As those things which agree not with our nature and haue no proportion with it as fire sulphure and such other things if wee should eate them would not onely not profit vs but would also hurt and kill vs So the deceiptfull Riches of this world too much desired and sought for the pompe of honour vaine glorie and such like after the which very many do runne too too earnestly doo not onely not nourish the soules of men to eternal life nor mitigate and appease the wicked lusts of the same but also doo bring vpon them euerlasting woe with vtter and endlesse destruction 11 As hee that walketh in the raine shall hardly escape wetting or he that trauelleth in the whole Sunne eschew heate So is it almost vnpossible for a Rich man to auoyde vice and corruption by his riches Psal 62.10 1. Tim. 6.17 12 As Bucephalus the Horse of Alexander the great so long as he was naked would suffer any man to back him but if he were once furnished with the royall Saddle Bridle and other furniture hee grew so proud that no man might ride him but the King Euen so many who in their pouertie were modest humble and vertuous by encrease of wealth haue chaunged their vertues into vice 13 As those mountaines that containe mynes of Gold and Siluer are otherwise barren So they that haue Riches and vaynes of Gold and Siluer are for the most part in their hearts made vnprofitable to the seruice of God and man 1. Timo. 6.17 18 19. 14 As Musicall instruments are to no vse to him that cannot play vppon them So are Riches vnprofitable to him that cannot vse them rightly 15 As a Horse is of no vse without the bridle So are Riches without reason 16 As faire Tapistrie couereth foule and broken walls Euen so Riches may well make a man more honourable in the sight of the world Math. 6.19 17 As Riuers and flouds although they be most sweet and pleasant yet when they run and enter into the Sea they are most bitter keeping their right and due course they yeeld pure and wholesome water but once mingled with the Sea they are as it were poysoned with bitternes Euen so the wealth and Riches of this world although in the course of this life they doo highly delight some men which haue them in possession neuerthelesse when they come to the Sea of death whither all flouds and Riches at the length shal come they seeme to be dolefull sower bitter intollerable and as it were poyson it selfe 18 As Riches be vnto the vngodly and wicked hinderances of vertues So contrariwise Riches are to the faithfull seruants of God helps furtherances of many good things godly actions and very charitable workes So that Riches of themselues are not euill for godly men do possesse their Riches bee they neuer so ample infinite and are not possessed of their wealth and goods because their Riches are drudges to them and not they to their riches 19 Like as Gold is tryed with a touchstone Euen so is man tried by hauing Gold and much Riches which most easily bewrayeth what manner of man one is 20 As Feathers doo lift vp and carrie on high the foules and birds of the ayre So Riches and dignities of this world are wont to extoll carrie men into the ayre and clouds of vanitie 21 Euen as Corne laid vp and kept in a Barne Garner or other place doth not increase yea many times is eaten and consumed of Weuels and other vermine but being cast into the ground doth bring forth plentifull fruit and great increase and is very profitable for the owner So Riches as Gold mony other Iewels laid vp in Chests and kept in Coffers are oftentimes in daunger of loosing by theeues that may breake through and steale them or by fire that may consume them but beeing dispersed and scattered among the poore needy Saints of God they bring foorth fruit an hundreth fold and are very profitable both to the giuer and to the receiuer discharging a good conscience in the one and comforting the distressed body and mind of the other 22 As pits and lakes of spring water being stopped and polluted with mire mud or other foule filthie matter if they bee scoured and drawne out
land and our soules as prepared for the fire of hell by reason of sinnes in the common sort of horrible crueltie in many of them that are mightie and of the generall ignorance of Christ according to his Gospell in euerie sort Iere. 9.17 18 19. Ezech. 32.1 2 3. Hest 4.3 Iere. 9.12 Ezech. 32.4 6. Math. 7.19 13.42 49. Hos 7.3 4 5. Saluation is from God alone AS the vertue attractiue to draw Iron is not in the Iron but in the Adamant Euen so the vertue and power of Saluation lyeth not in the Minister but in the power of the word wrought by the spirit of God By our words deedes gestures and moouings Sathan knoweth the secrets of our hearts AS a man holding in his hand an Angling rod and with a baited hooke fishing in an obscure and troubled ryuer although he doth not see the fish rush vpō the baite yet hee perceiueth verie well that the fish is taken and hanged vpon the hooke because the Corke or barke of his fishing line is pulled downe and hid vnder the water So Sathan that most subtile and wily fisher although he seeth not our thoughts beeing in the secrets and bottomes of our hearts yet notwithstanding by outwarde signes he many times doth know them as by our words for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh by our actions and by the gestures of our bodies Math. 15.19 20. Prou. 6.18 Our dutie to read the Scriptures 1 AS Artificers with their tooles and instruments doo finish their worke So by reading of the holy Scriptures our selues are corrected formed and renued Col. 3.16 2. Pet. 1.19 Ephe. 6.17 Rom. 15.4 2. Timo. 5.16 Act. 17.11 Psal 119.105 Dan. 9.2 2 As Artificers cannot transforme earth or wood into siluer or gold onely they can by their Art and workmanship giue forme and shape vnto things But by the reading of Gods word thou maist of a woodden or earthen vessell make a vessell of gold or siluer as saith the holy Apostle Saint Paul 2. Timo. 2.20 21. 3 Like as there are some spices which without brusing do yeeld no smell but the more they be chafed the sweeter they are Euen so is it with the holy Scriptures such as read but little can find no taste but the more they be pervsed and read the more doo they yeeld foorth the treasures and pleasant fruits hidden in them Psal 25.14 Iohn 7.17 6.45 4 As increase of strength groweth to the body by meate Euen so the like groweth to the soule by the reading of the holy Scriptures 5 As a barre of yron by long lying in the fire waxeth hot red and of the nature of burning fire Euen so that soule that daily imployeth it selfe in reading and meditating the word of God groweth to bee spirituall diuine heauenly and kindled in the word of God Ioh. 5 3◠6 As some Birds vse to sit by the waterside that seeing the shaddow of rauening foules flying in the ayre they may escape them by leaping into the water So must Christians bee euen conuersant in the hearing and reading the word of God that so they may behold as in a Glasse the sleights of the Diuell may escape them and so maketh it their Glasse to see their own sinnes in all which would without vnfained repentaunce bring condemnation The Subiects dutie to their Magistrates 1 AS Saint Peter admonisheth seruants to be subiect to their Maisters albeit froward and peeuish So are Subiects bound to obey their Magistrates albeit an infidell a wicked man or an Idolater 1. Pet. 2.18 Rom. 13.1 Tit. 3.1 1. Pet. 2.13 14. 2 As Christian Religion dooth not subuert the order of Policie So the wickednesse and impietie of the Magistrate dooth not depriue him of his right to commaund neither dooth it exempt the Subiects from their dutie to obey 3 So long as there remaineth in Princes the Image and ordinance of God Euen so long continueth the bond of Subiects to yeeld obedience to Magistrats not as to men but as to God Exod. 9.16 Dan. 2.37 1. Sam. 21. 1. c. Iere. 26.7 29.7 35.9 Ezech. 29.18 1. Sam. 26.9 4 As God armeth the Magistrate with the sword for the preseruation of his Subiectes against the violence of their enemies and to enforce rebels to yeeld obedience to their lawfull decrees So when alone or with his Sargeants Officers he is not able to performe this dutie he may and ought to command his Subiects to helpe him to execute his office and they are bound at his commandement to take armes to employ themselues Iudg. 5.9 23. 5 As by naturall affection the handes and other the members of the body doo stand bound to employ themselues for the saftie of the body but especially of the head against all violence and iniurie So likewise ought all Subiects to thinke vpon the naturall bond and affection and in dutie vnder the conduct of their head to preserue the body of the Comminaltie but especially the person and authoritie of their Prince and Magistrate against the violence and endeuours of their enemies 1. Sam. 11.6 7. Iudg. 21.8 c. 6 As the Magistrate is by God authorized to leauie tolles taxes tributes and many other Subsidies of the people So are the Subiects bound to furnish and pay them Rom. 13.6 7. Math. 22.21 17.25 26 27. Saluation is desired of the godly AS all men of themselues be sinners throgh sin are in Gods wrath banished far away from him condemned to hell euerlasting damnation and none is clearely innocent but Christ alone So euerie soule inspired by God is desirous to bee deliuered from sinne and hell and to obtaine at Gods hands mercy fauour righteousnesse and euerlasting Saluation Free from Sinne by faith AS wee being in the seruitude of Sinne demonstrate and make knowne our seruice by giuing ouer our member by the obeying of Sinne from iniquitie Euen so wee being made free from Sinne by faith in Iesus Christ indued with Gods spirit a spirit of libertie must needes demonstrate this freedome and libertie by giuing ouer our members to the obedience of the spirit by the which we are lead and guided from vertue to vertue and al kind of holinesse No Sanctification except we be vnited to the Church EVen as the spirit of man dooth not strengthen the members of the body vnlesse they bee fast and surely ioyned together So the holy Ghost doth not reuiue and comfort the members of the Church when they fall away and will not continue in league and fellowship with the seruants of God longer then they are fast bound and knit to the congregation of Gods people in loue and peace in Christ the holy Ghost doth minister no strength no consolation no comfort vnto them there remaineth nothing else in such men but a numnesse and extreame blindnesse in heauenly things And whiles in their arrogancie and pride they forsake and condemne the church of God because they cannot drawe it
recouer againe being dead shall no more fall but continue in their holinesse Wicked children of godly parents 1 AS the faire Echium bringeth forth an euill fauoured seede and that euill fauoured seed againe bringeth foorth a faire Buglosse So sometime a godly Father begetteth an euill child and a Wicked child againe sometimes begetteth a godly Sonne 2 As the foreskin of the flesh remaineth in him which is begotten of one circumsised and the Chaffe commeth againe with the Corne though the seede bee neuer so cleane So it is in originall sinne and in sinfull children of Religious parents The Word of God how it worketh in men diuersly 1 LIke as the materiall Sunne in the Firmament which being but one and euer the same yet is in some sort an occasion of contrarie effectes for whereas properly it lightneth and is comfortable to the eyes that bee sound and cleare improperly it dimmeth and breedeth annoyaâ—ce to such as are maymed in sight againe wheras it softneth Waxe it hardneth Clay and as it procureth a sweete sauour from Flowers so it draweth nothing but a stinking smell from dead carrions So likewise the Word of the Lord beeing preached it worketh in the godly and the wicked a contrarie effect for it lightneth the one and blindeth the other it softneth the one and hardneth the other it draweth a sweete fauour from the one and a vile stinke from the other it maketh some better but some others it maketh worse it allureth some to repentance but other some it causeth through their peruerse nature to encrease in pride and contumacie Psal 19.8 119.105 Esay 6.9 10. Math. 13.13 14 15. Act. 28.26 27. Rom. 11.8 Act. 2.37 Act. 7.51 54. Phil. 4.18 Hebr. 13.16 Rom. 22.11 2 Like as water notwithstanding it bee but one and euer the same yet it is in some sort also an occasion of contrarie effects for beeing the one among fire it quencheth the same but being cast into Lime it sets it on fire So in like manner the Word dooth naturally quench the fierie affections in the children of God but accedentally inflameth the fierie dispositions of the children of Sathan Esay 55. 1. Ioh. 4.13 Iere. 44.16 3 Euen as the Flowers although they be euer the same yet are they the matter of diuers things and effectes For whereas they are Honie to the Bees they become verie poyson to the venemous Spider Or as the Honie which is wholesome for sound stomackes is verie hurtfull for those that are sicke of the Collicke not through fault of it selfe but of the receiuer So likewise the word of God is wholesome and profitable to the godly but otherwayes to the wicked 4 As the fire which purgeth the Gold consumeth the drosse which beeing put vnto Frankencense procureth sweete perfumes which are great recreations for men which yet is present death vnto Swine So surely the Word of God it worketh like contrarie effectes in the godly the wicked For it is Honie to the one and poyson to the other It is verie healthfull for the one and hurtfull to the other It purgeth the one and consumeth the other It draweth a sweet sauour from the one but a foule stincke from the other Lastly it is a recreation for the one but a destruction to the other Psal 19.10 107.20 Tit. 1.9 2.8 1. Timo. 1.9 10. Ioh. 13.10 15.3 5 As the godly by their obedience doo feele in the Word the mightie power and wisedome of God to their saluation So the vngodly by their disobedience do finde nothing therin but the inuincible power of God to their endlesse damnation 2. Thess 1.10 1. Pet. 1. 8 9. 2. Thess 1.7 8 9. 6 As the thunder-Bolt which being cast foorth from the cloudes spareth euerie such matter as submitteth it selfe to the force thereof but breaketh to powder whatsoeuer hard thing shall withstand the same So the Word which proceedes from the Lord by the mouth of his Ministers dooth neuer returne in vaine but is either a soueraigne salue to such as are broken in heart or otherwise an hammer to dash in peeces such as are obstinate in hart And therefore cannot properly bee accounted the cause of sinne though by reason of mens sundrie natures it may in some sort be said to be an occasion thereof Esay 55.10 11. Iere. 23.29 Word of God 1 EVen as the Gold Siluer are put to the fire so much the surer proofe they haue of their goodnesse and finenesse So the Lords truth the more exactly it is weyed with spirituall examination so much the greater confirmation of credite it receiueth 2 As Wells the more they are drawne the better they are Euen so the Word of God the more diligently it is handled vsed the more plentifull fruit is receiued by it 3 As we cannot liue without meate and drinke which God hath ordained for our bodily life So wee cannot haue faith without the preaching and hearing of the Word of God 4 As the fish called a Carpe which seeing the Net to be cast into the water diueth suddenly downe to the bottome and dasheth her head so deepe in the mudde that the compasse of the Net slippeth ouer her cleane or at the most doth touch no more then the tippe of her tayle but take her it cannot So the most kind of men are of so carping a nature that they no sooner perceiue the Net of Gods Word to be preached in the Church by their faithfull Minister but foorthwith they begin to diue so deepe in the dunge of their owne delights and to dashe their minds so much in the mucke of worldly trifles that either the net of Gods Word dooth slip ouer them cleane or at the most it doth but lightly touch them yet let them shift as they can they shall bee taken one time or other if they belong vnto the Lord. 5 As Crowes are then most busiest to doo hurt when the Husbandman soweth his seede and when the same seede beginneth to sprout Euen so Sathan and his infernall spirits are then most careful to steale away the seed of the Word of God when it is first preached as also when it beginneth to take some roote in the hearts of the hearers Math. 13.4 Mark 4.4 Luk. 8.5 6 As Gold Siluer and precious stones are not consumed with materiall fire but rather are made more pure EueÌ„ so the pure Word of God suffereth neither hurt nor dammage in spirituall fire that is temptation and persecution 7 As wild Campion Larks-spur Canterburie beles throwen before Scorpions taketh away their power to doo harme So the Word preached sincerely dooth strike men with such a terrour that they dare not doo the euill they intended 8 As the water of Lilium Conuallium if it be drunke restoreth speech to him that hath lost it by the Apoplexie So the Word of Christ truly receiued maketh them to speak that could not 9 As Maister-woort where it is sowne delighteth the ground So the Word where it is