wicked and hath no right Quest 9 In what place of the earth was Paradise Answ The place is ghessed at by the names of the Rivers which are mentioned to runne through it but the deluge of waters in the dayes of Noah deprived the men on earth of the beauty of it and when the place is disputed yet little is concluded Quest 10 What lessons doth the Earth teach us Answ 1. To be patient the Earth beares all 2. To be fruitfull the earth abounds with fruites 3. To be bountifull the Earth receives all 4. To be constant the earth is immoueable Our patience brings us much inward peace Our fruitfulnesse evidences we have life in us Our bounty and doing good wins others Our constancy brings us from duty to reward Quest 11 Why have the godly for the most part so small a portion of earthly things Answ 1. They enjoy God which is the best satisfaction 2. God keepes them short as Birds wings are clipped that they may not flye from him 3. They bend their chiefe studdies and endeavours for saving grace and spirituall riches 4. God gives portions heere to wicked men Psal 17. but he reserves for them an heavenly inheritance Quest 12 What are the markes of an earthly man Answ 1. When he awakes hee mindes earth 2. He is over-joyed if he winnes earth 3. He is over-grieved if he looses earth 4. He esteemes them the onely wise men that be wise for the earth to get great estates 5. Hee opposes the powerfull preaching of the word and the heavenly minded Christian 6. He is loath to heare of going from the earth 7. His delightfull discourse is most forthe earth 8. He is never wearied in studdying and in labouring for earthly things 9. Hee is never satisfied but still desires more 10. He is unwilling to part with earth though God and his Conscience and the poore call for it Quest 13 How should wee carry ourselves being inhabitants on the earth Answ 1. Labour to be Saints on earth Psalme 16.3 2. To consider we are strangers on earth Psa 119.19 First we should labour to be Saints on earth 1. By yeelding to the Ministery of the word which although others are not wrought on yet the Saints are gathered glued together and grow up into one body by the Ministery of the word Ephe. 4 11. 2. By separating from all grosse sinnes in the act and from all smaller sinnes in the allowance 3. By dedicating our selves and giving our selues to God 1. Speedily without delay 2. Totally without reservation 3. Resolutely agaynst opposition 4. Constancy not revolting Secondly as strangers on the earth 1. We should freely acknowledge we be strangers 2. Use this world moderately 1. Cor. 7. chap. 31. 3. Expect some wrongs no preferments 4. Wee should much praise God for our comforts here 5. Forget that behind and endeavour towards that befor◠Phil. 3. 6. To do good now Gall. 6.9 be ready to depart 2. Peter 1.10.11 For our encouragement in the way 1. Our Pilgrimage is not long 2. We have company 3. We shal be provided for 4. We have a guide Psal 119.105 5. VVe have attendants Psalme 91.6 A Heaven to receive us Of the Water 1. Of the Etymology and also the original of waters 2. Of the kinds of Waters 3. Of the usefulnesse of Water 4. Resolves concerning Water Sect. 1 FIrst of the Etymology of Water and the original of them the Latin Aqua some do derive it from à et qua quasi à qua vivimi◠vel à qua omnia fiunt Lodwick Rowsee D. of Physicke by which we live or of which all things were made Others will have it quasi aequa because nothing more equall and smooth then water when it is not troubled Adam named many of the Creatures but God he himselfe gave the name to the Waters in the generall Gen. 1.2 also the gathering together of the Waters he called Seas he gave the name to the Rivers For their originall we read of them as soone as we read of any thing the Spirit of God mooving on them the Earth to appeare out of them the waters are honourable for antiquity Sect. 2 Secondly the kindes of Water THe kinds of water are many there is salt water and fresh water the Sea water and the River water Well-water Raine-water Snow-water the Water in Bathes there is Waters of divers wonderfull operations some Water is sayd to kindle a torch some to make the Sheepes wool blacke that drinke it The Spaw doth intoxicate the braine some Waters are reported to be so cold that they turne Leather-gloues and bals into stone I have seene Cheese and Wood and a Toadstoole turned to stone I judge it came by such like water In Boetia are springs that helpe memory some waters make Women barren one River is reported to be bitter and salt thrice a day In Arabia is a fountaine which casteth up all heavy things put into it In Phrygia are two Fountaines one makes men laugh the other makes men crye there is a river in Bythinia which torments perjured persons being put into it amongst us some water will take Soape and some will not some water wil make better drinke then other At Bath the water springs alwayes hot In France is a river with the which a Scarlet is dyed excelling other colours the variety of Waters requires a Volume I only take an abridgement and a tast or touch Sect. 3 Thirdly of the usefulnes of the water FOr usefulnesse it hath a priority above the other elements it pierces the aire and ascends by the Sunnes exhalation it devoures the earth if it bee not strongly kept in by bankes it quenches the fire it hath great ability and therefore may be usefull it carries our ships makes fertile our grounds refresheth and nourisheth man and beast fowles and fishes the trees live by the water the earth upholds them a rose bush upheld in water without earth brings both leaves and roses as some affirme some creatures live by water but none without it most live without fire but none without water men beasts trees and corne cannot continue without water It washes and cleanses and cooles and refreshes In peace in warre in sickenesse in health in the house in the field alwayes water is usefull In conclusion no water no humane life no Common-wealth no world Fourthly Resolves concerning water Quest 1 What are those waters above the firmament Gen. 1.5 Answ They be the waters in the cloudes above that firmament where the fowles flie called heaven Psal 148.4 how heaven is diversly taken in Scripture reade before page 176. as every part of the water is called water so every part of the firmament is called by the name of the whole Quest 2 What may we observe concerning the sea Answ 1. Gods bounty in storing it with fishes 2. His power in keeping it within his boundes 3. His providence for commodities are in great ships conveighed in great quantity and more
some people have places of eminence others are more obscure and retired Conclusions 1. If waters bee governed by the Moone it may teach us not to despise government it is nature that is refractory grace submits 2. United forces are strong many droppes make a Sea and carries great ships 3. Let me pray for the waters of the Sanctuary the saving graces of the Spirit that I may be cleansed from my naturall pollutions for water cleanseth that my tentation may be allayed in respect of their heate water cooleth that I may be made fruitfull in all goodnesse water causes fructification thus I have a little digressed from the moone to the waters it being an element I am much conversant withall So much of the Moones regiment Of the Starres 1. Of the time of their creation 2. Of their exceeding greatnesse 3. Of the multitude of the Starres 4. Of their use and service 5. Of the glory of the Starres 6. Other Questions resolved concerning Starres Sect. 1 First Of the time of their creation THe Starres were created in the beginning of time in the fourth day of the world Gen. 1.16 1. The Starres are ancient yet usefull they do keepe their vigor and brightnesse to this time to teach mee if I live to be old to flourish in my age to keepe my vigor and zeale 2. The fourth day after the creatures beganne to come to order then the Starres were made to teach me this that at the first I am but a confused Chaos then comes conviction as the first light but when I come towards perfection endeavour to separate my affections from my sinnes and there is a Firmament of heavenly mindednesse in my upper region now there is knowledge and judgement and sanctified reason set up by the Lord to shine orderly in my hemisphaere as the Sunne Moone and Starres Before the fourth day there was a light for the day but none for the night Now lights are made for the dark to teach me now there is no time but I should behold Gods workes I may in a darke night see the army of heaven above my head and so take occasion to praise my Creator The fourth day were Lights made there was light before but now more excellent and durable lights Let my last workes be my best and my progresse be such that my conclusion be most excellent and honourable The fifth day the Starres were made now if a man be within doores there is a Candle if he go forth there is Starre light God loves the prosperity of his creatures day and night have we externall light from Heaven I desire a perpetuall spirituall light from the God of Heaven Sect. 2 Secondly of the greatnes of the Stars TO leave all Astronomicall conjectures I may conclude the Starres are of an exceeding greatnesse else it were unpossible to see them they are so farre above us Applications 1. Greatnesse and Goodnes may be together God is great and good so are the Stars so have some men bin great and good as Iob David Iosias such men are honourable alive and being dead men speak of them and their goodnes both together 2. Cron. 32.32 2 Chron. 32.32 2. The Stars are great in quantity yet do seeme smal to the beholders so are the godly great with God smal in account of the World greatly dignified with heavenly graces protected with Angels yet slighted of the World and of little account 3. The Stars are small to our sence yet great to our reason the senses are no fit Iudges of the things a far off or aboue us he that walkes by sense only is a sensuall man he that is guided by reason is a rationall man hee that hath the light of faith excels them both Sect. 3 Thirdly of the multitude of the Stars THey cannot be numbred Jer. 33.22 If we looke up we may behold the army of them and conclude they are exceeding many But how many that exceedes our humane capacity here the best Arithmetician is at a non-plus Applications First seeing I cannot number the Stars for t is impossible it is my wisdome to number my dayes for that is profitable to humble and weane my heart from pride and wordlines 2. As the multitude of Stars discovers to us our impotency so it discovers both Gods wisdome and omnipotency his wisdome Psalme 147.4.5 verses Hee counteth the number of the Starres and cals them all by their names his wisdome is infinite his power Iob 9.9.10 he doth great things and unsearchable yea maruailous things without number these considerations are raysed on his making of the Stare 3. It may comfort us in this that many shal be saved Gene. 22.17 Beleeuers shal be as the Stars for multitude Though compared with Reprobates they are a little flocke yet in themselves they are innumerable 4. The spacious Heavens are al over bespangled with Stars to shew the perfection of Gods workes with glorious ornaments and it shewes Gods bounty to us below which at sea and land every where enjoy the stars for profit and delight Sect. 4 Fourthly of the use of the Stars FIrst they are for ornament 2. They are for distinction of day and night 3. To shew the seasons of the yeare 4. They be signes of weather 5. They have an influence on the inferiour things here below Considerations applicatory First the Stars are for ornament and ornaments are for welbeing and do come from riches First God gives a being then a welbeing he gives a being in grace and sayth to the Soule live then he gives endowments and comely ornaments Ezek. 16.11 If once I have a being in grace I shall have an honourable being at the last therefore I must hope and waite 2. I am to admire Gods riches and bounty hee hath made for himselfe and doth enioy the Heavens earth and the seas with all their ornaments Rich men have great variety and every roome is furnished wee admire them too much lâ—t us admire Gods magnificence and riches his royalty and bounty in all his workes 3. Ornaments are not unlawfull Solomon had his Throne with carved Lyons by the stayes which were for ornament soft rayment may be in Kings houses Ioseph had a party coloured coate Gen. 37.23 and a ring and a chayne of gold Gen. 41.42 people may use them according to their dignity These Cautions are needfull 1. That they be rather cast on us by some act of Gods providence not eagerly cared and sought for 2. That we avoid garishnes and neglecting modesty 3. That we in cost on them exceed not our abillity 4. That we mind them not so much as we do the inward graces and ornaments of the soule 5. That we take the ornament God gives that wee take heed of the pride God hates 6. That every day wee be not brave like Dives we that are inferiour people 7. That we lay them aside in times of humiliation Exodus 33.4.5 verses Secondly The Stars are for distinction of day and night the
speed from one people to another then could be by Camels or Horses also the Ilands are as Innes for seafaring men to refresh them Quest 3 How should they be quallified that goe to sea Answ 1. To prepare for danger for at sea be rocks quick-sands pirates tempests 2. To prepare for death for there is but an inch or two alwaies betweene it and them 3. To resolve to glorifie God when they doe see his great workes Quest 4 What is the cause of the saltnesse of the sea Answ Some thinke it is caused by the Sunne that draweth from it all thinne and sweet vapours to make raine leaving the rest as the setling or bottome others say it takes a saltnesse from the earth where it runnes God hath made it salt the meanes is hard to find Quest 5 What is the cause of the waters ebbe and flowing Answ One opinion is there be exhalations under the water that moves it two and fro others say the Moone causes the tides and ebbes we sooner find it is so then how it is so Reason is like the Sunne it discovers things under it but darkens the things above it Quest 6 From whence have the Springs and Rivers their originall Answ Some thinke from the aire converted into water they reason in nature is no emptinesse and in caves and hollow places of the earth is aire which by cold is resolved into water they give an example of Marble pillars which sweat before it raines but this is not an argument convictive the water that is on marble stones is not aire transmutated but rather exhalations of thin vapours which sticke there as the hoare frost sticks on mens beards and horses haires by a conveiance invisible a more sollide infallible answer is that of Solomon Ecles 1.7 all the rivers runne into the Sea yet the Sea is not full unto the place from which the rivers come they returne and goe so then the sea not the aire is the originall of the springs Solomon is to be preferr'd before Aristotle Quest 7 Why are some springs medicinable Answ Gods goodnesse is such he gives vertue to the creatures for mans good the second aire causes the waters come through divers mines of the earth and licke of them and participate of them and so become physicall Quest 8 What is the cause of the hotnesse of bathes Answ Some suppose there are burning minerals like Mount Aetna others thinke there are mines of brimstone they passe through others the tumbling of waters beating one against the other makes them hote we must be content to looke à posteriori God hee knowes a priori let us be thankefull for the effects when we find not the cause Quest 9 Whether are the most excellent the fishes in the water or beasts on earth Answ In the generall the beasts for they have more perfect senses converse more with men are more docible and serviceable Quest 10 Were fishes made of water onely Answ It is probable the fishes were made of the foure Elements but the water was the most predominate and the place of their habitation generation and conservation Quest 11 Were the Birds created of the water Answ It is thought not of the thickest of the water but the watery vapour aire and water is predominate in birds fishes in the water birdes in the aire have a resemblance 1. The elements they live in are cleare and perspicuous 2. The bird flies very swiftly so doth the fishes swim swiftly 3. The birds have wings and feathers the fishes have sins and scales The bird guids his flying with his taile so doth the fish his swimming 4. There be some fishes make a prey of others and devoure them so is it with the birds 5. The birds that prey on others doe not multiply so fast as those preyed upon so is it with fishes Quest 12 How are people compared to waters Answ In five particulars reade page 131. Quest 13 How is the word compared to waters Answ In sixe particulars reade page 3. Quest 14 How is the spirit compared to waters Answ 1. As water cleanseth from filthinesse so doth the Spirit of God Ezek. 36.35 2. Cor. 6.11 yee are washed c. by the Spirit 2. Water refresheth Iudges 15.19 much more doth the Spirit revive and quicken our soules 3. Water cooleth us so doth the Spirit in the time of tentation 4. Water makes fruitfull so doth the Spirit enable us to bring forth fruit to God 5. Those that have plenty of water we judge them happy so should we them that have Gods Spirit 6. No water no temporall life so without the Holy Ghost no spirituall life Quest 14 How is he said never to thirst that drinkes of the water Christ gives Joh. 4.14 Answ 1. He shall never thirst out of an emptinesse 2. He shall not thirst corruptly to satisfie his lusts Quest 15 Why is the sea called the red sea Exod. 14. Answ Some thinke because the mountaines and cliffes and sea bankes are red others say the originall word Suph signifies a Reede aboundance of Reed grow there so is to be understood the Reedy sea Quest 16 What water is best and most wholsome Answ The fresh water that is most thinne pure and freest from mixture and which tastes of nothing but it selfe Quest 17 How is Baptisme resembled to the Jsraelites passing through the Red sea Answ 1. The Israelites were as it were buried in the sea yet arose at the shore so in Baptisme we are as buried in sinne and rise to a new life 2. The Egyptians being drowned could no more hurt the Israelites so our sinnes in Baptisme being pardoned cannot prevaile any more 3. The Baptized Israelites all of them entred not into Canaan nor doe all baptized Christians enter into heaven 4. In the overthrow of Pharoah they were delivered from bondage so by Baptisme wee are delivered from the service of sinne and Sathan and vow warre against them 5. The Israelites after they passed through the sea did feede on heavenly Manna so Christians after baptisme doe partake of heavenly mysteries 6. As all the Israelites were baptized 1 Cor. 10. so all Christians have but one baptisme Ephesians the fourth So much of the waters Of Fire 1. Of the divers names of fire 2. Of fire properly so called 3. Of the qualities of fire 4. Of the improper fire fire met aphoricall 5. Divers resolves concerning fire Sect. 1 First of divers names given to fire SOmetimes fire is attributed to God Heb. 12.29 Our God is a consuming fire so Christ in purging the elect is like a purging fire Mal. 3.2 and the holy Ghost is like fire Matth 3.11 and the word is as fire to perplexe the carnall Luke 12.49 and fire to try and examine mens doctrines 1. Cor. 3.13 so afflictions are fire Psal 66.12 And fire is that which is made with combustible things as wood Acts 28.2 3. and coales Isai 54.16 But all fire may be ranked to two heads proper or improper fire
requires wee should walke before him Gen. 17.1 How is it possible for all his servants at once to walk before him were he not omnipresent Reason 3 Thirdly God doth excell all creatures how excellent soever the aire is every where but onely in his owne Region the waters of the Sea every where but within their bankes but God at once is in all places being omnipresent The Scriptures prove it clearely Gen. 10.9 Nimrod a mighty hunter before the Lord in Gods presence Psal 139.7 Whither shal I fly from thy presence Ier. 23.24 Doe I not fill heaven and earth saith the Lord. Sect. 5 Fifthly Objections Object 1 CAine went out from the presence of God Gen. 4.16 Answ 1. Gods presence is either generall or speciall Caine went not from Gods presence as he is universally present with his creatures but he went from the presence of his grace and favour 1. Chron. 16.29 To come before God is expounded Psalme 96.8 to come into his Coures Cain went from the presence of God from his Church and family in Adams house who taught his children religion and to offer Sacrifice hee went from that sweete communion that Gods children have with him in his worship and service Object 2 In Ephes 2.12 the Gentiles were without God in the World how was he then present Answ 1. They were without Christ who was God 2. They were without the knowledge of God 3. They had no interest in God as his people 4. They did not enjoy God as his people doe to fly to him in all neede to worship him to be conversant with him Object 3 In Psalme 16.11 't is said in his presence is fulnesse of joy and his presence is every where how is this joy then wanting in earth and in hell His presence and favour causes joy in his kingdome of glory Answ but in earth his presence is troublesome to the prophane because his Nature and theirs doe quite differ and he is a Judge whom they feare and hate In hell his presence is terrible to the damned because his presence and wrath there goeth together A Kings presence is joyous to those that shall be pardoned enriched and honoured but terrible to Traitors that are condemned and to be executed Object 4 If people be taught this it will dash all mirth and sport and make them very demure and sober to thinke they be alwayes in the presence of God Answ It is the way to make them truely joyfull when they are upright the Angels are full of joy yet stand in his presence it will dash carnall sport and bring spirituall joy we shall not lose but gaine by it wee shall lose that would defile us and gaine that would beautifie us Object 5 There is much wickednesse done every day God being present t is a marvile he suffers it Answ 1. He shewes his infinite patience and long suffering Rom. 9.22 2. He lets wicked men alone till their sinnes be full Gen. 15.16 3. Hee keepes sometimes a little Sessions here and executes vengeance to shew there is a God 4. Hee hath a great day to reckon with them for all Object 6 God is said to bee in heaven Psal 2.4 Psal 115.3 Our God is in heaven Answ There he is in his Majesty and Glory yet he is in earth by his providence and omnipresence Ier. 23.24 Object 7 Hee is not with the wicked Numb 14.42 he withdrawes himselfe from them Hos 5.15 Answ He is not with them to protect them to blesse them to direct prosper and reward them yet he is with them to punish them Gen. 10.7 to restraine them he is so neare them as he puts his hooke in their Nostrils Isaiah 37.39 He is not with them in grace and favour yet hee is with them by a generall providence to over-looke them and curbe them and disappoint them as the places before quoated doe shew Sect. 6 Sixthly Applications to edifie 1. THis shewes them to be very sots that goe about to doe their wickednesse in secret they are notably blinded and seduced for sinne where they can they sinne in Gods presence as Nimrod was a mighty hunter before the Lord so it may be said men are great usurers before the Lord great swearers great lyers grievous drunkards notorious theeves before the Lord though they thinke God is in the Circle of heaven Iob 22.14 and say who seeth us Ezek. 9.9 There is a God sees and is present who is the witnesse and wil be the Iudge 2. This may teach the godly 1. To be sincere because they walke before God Gen. 17.1 2. To feare and reverence Gods presence Ierem. 5.22 3. To be comforted he is present in our troubles Psal 91.15 4. To come prepared to holy duties God is present Psal 26.6 5. To approve our selves to him whom we are before Quest 7 How shall we approve our selves to the Lord Answ By following these directions 1. We must approve of the things that are excellent esteeme and minde the persons and things that GOD doth affect 2. We must approve our selves to God by avoiding secret sinnes as Ioseph Gen. 39. 3. By making conscience to performe private duties Math. 6. approving our selves to our Father that seeth in secret 4. Wee must make conscience of those sinnes wh ch the world accounts small sinnes as petty oathes â—â—le talke following the fashions gaming wantonnesse c. 5. We must approve our selves to God in holy courses of life and conversation though the world scoffe at us as they doe at those that runne not with them to the same excesse as they doe 6. By doing Gods worke after his owne minde looking to our preparations temper of heart our reverence simplicity aimes c. that wee may mainely strive for Gods approbation in all our performances To shew us the excellency of God in his Omnipresence Hee is present every where because infinite Thirdly alwayes because ettrnall 2. He is present without locall mutation or succession He is not included by any place nor excluded from any place 3. He is a most fit Iudge to judge the world because he needs no Iury nor Evidence He is a witnesse himselfe and so will give a righteous Sentence and will bring to light the secrets of the just done before him to their everlasting honour and the secret sinnes of the wicked to their everlasting shame We should be stirred up by all meanes to desire Gods gracious presence where our joyes shall be full Fourthly and our pleasures everlasting Psalme 16.11 Of Perfection 1. What Perfection is 2. That God is perfect 3. Questions about perfection 4. Applications to edifie Sect. 1 First What Perfection is Perfectâ—â— TO be perfect is to lacke nothing to be absolute and intire to be all whole full without the least defect to have all excellency in the superlative degree in every good to the utmost so that there can be no want nor addition This is Perfection Sect. 2 Secondly God is perfect GOD is
comfortable in his presence and promises mercies and favours 4. If a man doe but open his mouth the ayre fils it so if we open our mouth to God and pray in faith God hath promised to fill it Psal 81.10 5. If a man be buried in the earth the ayre leaves him and he putrifies and rots so those men are wholy earthly minded suncke under earthly cares buried in earthly desires and in worldly hopes God leaves them and they rot decay and perish 6. A man that hath good ayre is in possibility of health and chearefulnes but hee that enioyes communion with God hath certainty of soules health and shall have so much comfort first or last as shal exceed worldlings Sect. 4 Fourthly of the usefulnesse of the Ayre IT is so usefull that we live in it and cannot live without it t is more usefull then fire and water friends or mony with the ayre we do eate and drinke and sleepe worke walke play and refresh our selves ayre is usefull in prison in sicknesse at all times in all places the ayre is with us in contempt in disgrace in all miseries the ayre will visite us abide with us offer it selfe to goe downe to our Lungs and refresh us Conclusions 1. How good is God that makes the Aire so common the poore Plough-man hath a better portion in it than the rich Citizen The Aire is Gods doale to the world all share in it the dogge the horse the swine are not deprived of it yet it is more pretious than the gold of Ophir the Rubies and Pearles are not to be compared with it were it not to bee had without price a man would part with all his substance for it and purchase it with his chiefest treasure yet God in bounty makes it common and more plentifull than the stones of the street O blesse his name for ever 2. The Sunne is the cause of the usefulnesse of the aire for of it selfe it is both cold and darke so 〈◊〉 my soule without grace both darke and cold till God doe shine on me with light and heate 3. Let me learne of the aire to be usefull that others may have benefit by me endeavouring to behave my selfe so toward my governours my family my kindred my neighbours toward the poore the weake the strong that I may be usefull to all so shall I not live without being desired nor dye without being bewailed my enemies will wish to be like to me and my friends will rejoyce to speake of me and my conscience will speake for me Sect. 5 Fifthly of the continuance of the Aire THe aire and all things are continued by an upholding providence of God Psal 119.90.91 Good things in their want doe breede desire in their enjoyment they bring delight comfort and contentment Conclusions 1. As the Aire is constantly continued so is the love of God to his people our sinnes if we repent deprive us not of it Psal 89.33 nor our afflictions Psal 91.15 nor yet death it selfe Rom. 8. ver 38. The loue of God compasses us and continues with us as surely and as sweetly as the ayre we do breath in 2. God takes not away this useful Creature but continues it I must learne of him not to take away from men that which is most usefull that which they cannot well bee without To take a poore mans tooles to pawne or his bed-cloathes or garments and keep them is somwhat harsh To with-draw maintenance from my teacher to take away the good name of my brethren to be a meanes to keepe bread from the Market or preaching from the people is not the Divine but the diabolicall nature 3. The aire is continued amongst others to them that are evill and sinne against God and blaspheme his name To teach me not to doe the worst I can to those which are evill and doe me wrong but to be patient toward them and to strive to overcome them by supplying their wants and necessities 4. At night the aire hath his being though it wants the well-being to me that is it doth want light and heate so grace may give me a being though I want the comfort and exercise for my well-being but the sunne-shine of favour brings feeling comfort and joy Sect. 6 Sixthly Questions resolved about the Aire Quest 1 WHere doe you prove the Aire was created Answ The aiery region is called heaven There are three heavens the Imperiall heauens where the Angels are and Elementary heavens where the Sunne Moone and Starres are and the Region of the Aire where the Fowles doe flye called the Fowles of heaven Mat. 13 3◠which heaven is the aiery region When God made the Firmament he made the aiery region Quest 2 How is Sathan said to be from beneath Iohn 8. Yee are from beneath ye are of the Divell saith Christ Yet in Ephes 2.2 he is the Prince that hath his power in the aire Answ There is beneath in place beneath in dignity a Lord may be beneath a slave in place the slave may be in the chamber above him there is beneath in respect of dignity so the people are beneath the Prince Sathan is from beneath in respect of cursednesse basenes and indignity Quest 3 How are the clouds supported by the aire seeing the aire is more thinne and pure doth the weaker uphold the stronger Answ The Lord upholds all things by his power the earth he hangs upon nothing he is not tied to meanes nor to give a reason of his doings the Clouds are upheld it is so but by what meanes our ignorance of it is no vice in us Quest 4 Have fishes aire in the seas and rivers Answ As the wind blows where it listeth and we know not whence it comes nor whither it goes so it may be said of the aire how it penetrates or commixes it selfe with a contrary element what path it hath under water what aire fishes have or whether they breath by the Gills we may question but should avoyd curiosity and never looke for full satisfaction Quest 5 Are not some Masters of families to be blamed that being able in state they are so grosly worldly minded that they deprive themselves of the fresh aire and also their wives and children and servants and let them have no time or too little time to refresh themselves Answ They deprive themselves of a sweet blessing and demonstrate to the world what a hard master their Lord Mammon is that taskes them so hard and makes such drudges of them for the fresh aire cheeres their spirits farthers their health encreases their appetites abroad neare the City or farre off as they goe they eate of the fruites of their labours rejoyce their children encourage their servants if they have grace glorifie God in his workes doe good by conference and example amongst the countrey people returne to their home and with a fresh Career with cheerefulnesse and activenesse they fall againe to their trades and callings their whet proves no
then my life now exceedâ— my life in the wombe I came from a little wombe to a great world I goe from a little world to a great heaven which the great God of his great love and mercy will bestow on them which shall greatly be satisfied with it Sect. 7 Seaventhly of the riches and fruitfulnesse of the earth THe earthes riches are first latent lying hid secondly patent being open The riches that lye hid are among the rest these the sand pit the clay pit the cole-mine the state for tiles the quar-stone the free-stone the marble the Jet that drawes to it the straw the Adamant that drawes the iron there is the rich Diamond the greene Jasper (a) In Scithia vel Persia the glittering Sapphire the fiery Calcedony the Sardonix (b) In India vel Arabia like to the colour of a mans naile above but more red beneath the greene Smaragdus (c) In Scithia comforting the eyes the red and soft Sardius the gold shining Chrisolite (d) In Ethiâ—pia the Skie-colourd Beril (e) In India or it is a watrie colour and six square the green or sea-green Topaze (f) Neare the red sea There is the Gold Silver Brasse Coper Peuter Tin Lead Quicksilver Brimstonâ— and much hid treasures shining in darknesse the greene and gold-like Chrisophrasus there is the purple Hiacinth the Amethist of the same or a violet couler with many other but I am dealing in hid treasures and must cease The riches of the earth that are patent open and manifest are grasse hearbes flowers corne and trees The grasse for the plenty and use the hearbes for foode and physicke and medicine the flowers for variety colours and smell the trees for shade timber and fruit the corne for to make bread time may permit to handle in severall meditations Applications 1. I may raise my mind to the Lord and say the earth is full of thy riches Psal 104.24 it is full but how full I cannot tell but this I am sure God is the owner of it for the earth is the Lords and the fulnesse thereof Psal 24.1 and Christ which is the heire of al things Heb. 1.2 is now said to bee worthy to receive power and riches Hos 2.8 Dispensatores Rev. 5.12 God is a rich God Christ a rich heire all is his and we on earth are but stewards 1. Peter 4.10 2. The earth is rich within and fruitfull without I would I were like it to have inward graces outward fruits The Kings daughter is all glorious within and also without Psal 45.14 3. If earth be so rich what is heaven the best things here are Gold and Pearles and pretious stones which there are the walls the gates and the pavement of the streete Revel 21.19 c. the riches of heaven we have no riches to resemble them no conceits to apprehend them O how great is the goodnesse hid and laid up Psal 31.20 I may admire it and hope for it and wait for it and that may comprehend me for I cannot comprehend it 4. The riches of the earth are obtained by labour and industry for the hid treasures men digge and search Prov. 2.4 and for the outward treasures men plough and plant and graft and prune and water and take paines for the diligent hand makes rich and in labor is aboundance then I must not thinke to be idle in the earth nor to gaine spirituall riches without industry and paines and labour Sect. 8 Eighthly Resolves concerning the earth Quest 1 HOw can the huge heavy earth hang in the aire upon nothing and yet stand firme Answ The earth is upheld by the mighty power of God and the nature of all earthy substance poises towards the Center so it all bending thither it clings together firme and stable as a man clenching his fist his fingers are fâ—st and steddy Quest 2 How did the dry-land appeare Gen. Answ 1. God made the mountaines to stand up whereas the earth was plaine before 2. The waters gathered to one place at Gods command so the dry land appeared Quest 3 Is the earth or the seas the highest Answ 1. The earth for all rivers runne into the sea because naturally they runne downeward 2. Were the sea higher men would saile farre more swift to the Land than from it 3. Were the sea higher then going farre on it with ships the earth would be the plainer discerned 4. Men are said to goe downe to the sea in ships Psal 107. Object In Psal 104 6. the waters stood above the mountaines Answ It was spoken of the creation before God separated the earth from the waters Quest 4 Doth the earth turne round and the heavens stand still as one of the Philosophers pleaded Answ No for the Sun runneth his race Psal 19. and the earth hath foundations therefore it standeth fixed Prov. 8.29 Mich. 6.2 Quest 5 What may we thinke of Archimides of Siracusa who wa osfopirtion if there were another globe to place his engine he could move the earth Answ 1. An Ingineere hath some ingredients of madnesse saith Struther in his observations 2. The Text saith the contrary Psal 104.5 Quest 6 How did the Geographers divide the earth Answ Into foure parts First Affrica where the Babarians and Ethiopians doe inhabite Secondly Asia which is divided into two parts Asia major which is parted from Europe by the Scithian river Tanais Asia minor where were the seaven churches St. Iohn writ unto Revel 1.11 Thirdly Europe divided from Affrica with the Mediterranian sea and from Asia with the aforesaid river Tanais England and Scotland are the two greatest Iles which lye North-ward The fourth is America first discovered in 1492. by one Christopher Columbus servant to the King of Castile and 7. yeares after it was nominated America of Americus vesputius Here is new Spaine new England Virginia Burmudus Quest 7 How is it that wicked men enjoy so much of earthly possessions Answ 1. They are Children by creation Luke 3. ult 2. They doe some outward services 3. They are very industruous for these things being children by creation they have an earthly portion for outward services they have out outward rewards their industry and labour is recompenced with terrestriall good things as the maine they aimed at and did pursue with their strength and might Quest 8 Have wicked men a right to earthly thins Answ That is given them them they have a right unto Psal 115.16 the earth is given to the sonnes of men To take from a wicked man any of his goods under a pretence he hath no right to them or to deny payment of debt for that cause is phantasticall To say he is an usurper leave that to be desâ—ided betweene God and him as the case stands betweene us and him let us give to all men their due Rom. 13. we may not take a poynt from a Turkes hose on the aforesayd termes nor deny payment of a debt to him pleading he is
together and runnes round Thirdly other windes doe continue longer in motion the Whirle-winde parts assunder and is sooner dissolved Quest 6 What thoughts are we to have when wee doe thinke on the winde or feele it Answ Such as these or the like 1. To think of Gods goodnes which now opens his treasures and sends forth the winds to us 2. I should have thoughts of obedience for the windes obey Christ 3. I must beleeve more than I see I cannot see God nor Angels nor my owne soule nor the Winde yet beleeve all this to be 4. I may thinke of my mortallity for my life is as the winde that passes away Psalme the one hundred and third 5. I should desire the Spirit of God which as the winde blowes where it listeth to blow on my soule that I may be truely regenerated and so flourishing in grace that I may bee as a garden Iohn 3. Cant. 4.16 Quest 7 How are wicked men like the winde Answ 1. In their rage and malice the blast of the mighty is as a storme Isaiah Chapt. the twenty fifth verse the fourth 2. In their mutability the windes are variable and inconstant so are wicked men in their words Psalme 5.9 in their deedes therefore compared to a broken tooth or sliding foote and wee are fore-warned not to put confidence in them Mich. 7. 3. The windes are in all parts wheresoever we goe and the wicked walke on every side and are in all places Psal 12.8 Quest 8 How are the wicked like a storme in their malice and persecutions Answ 1. A storme comes of windes and water two contrary elements so wicked men are sometimes differing among themselves yet joyne both against the godly Manasses against Ephraim Ephraim against Manasses both against Iudah Isaiah Chapter the ninth verse twenty one 2. A storme comes often times in secret when men are asleepe so wicked men come on the godly at unawares Psal 11.2 3. The storme comes to spoyle and undoe men so the wicked will spoyle and undoe the godly as saith the Prophet they will undoe a man and his heritage 4. The storme doth wet but not wound us so the persecutions of the wicked doe wet our cheekes with teares but hurt not our soules 5. The storme is not in all places nor lasts alwaies nor is the rage of the wicked on all persons nor all times Revel 2.10 Sathan shall put some of you in prison some not all and yee shall have tribulation tenne dayes not alwaies the time is limited Quest 9 Why are the godly resembled to a garden and the Spirit to the North and South winde Cant. 4.16 Answ 1. As in a pleasant garden that with sweete gales of winde hath prospered there men doe take pleasure to walke so Christ takes delight to be among his gracious people 2. In such a garden is variety of hearbs and flowers fruits and spices so in the people of God are variety of gifts and graces 3. Such gardens are fenced and walled so Gods people are protected and defended 4. Such gardens are weeded and watered so Gods people are purged and instructed 5. In such gardens is beautifull order so it is with Gods people in their severall places they performing severall duties medling each Christian with their owne businesse are in a beautifull order 6. As such a Garden seemes dead in winter yet there is life at the rootes so Gods people doe seeme dead in afflictions yet there is grace in their hearts 7. The garden is the most beloved plot of ground though the owner have much land so the people of God are beloved above others though all the earth be the Lords 8. A blinde man and one that cannot smell hath small felicity in such a garden so those Sathan hath blinded and those that have no spirituall savour doe finde small comfort or felicity in the company of the goâ—ly though they bee excellent in graces and the gales of the holy Spirit as the North and South winde hath blowne upon them Thus having gone thorow with some digressions and many imperfections the Heavens the Sunne the light before the Sunne the Moone the Stars the Aire the Clouds the Raine-bow the Raine the Earth the Water the Fire the Windes I here make an end of these Meditations and conclude the few leaves ensuing with Meditations of Man in whom is the Compendium of all the reste he hath matter and substance with the Heavens reason with the Angels light with the Sun a parcell out of the earth sence with beasts growth with trees I had almost forgot sin with Divels The Exordium ALl our thoughts can reach unto may be considered in two heades The Creatour and the creatures The Creatour is knowne to us in his Essence and his Attributes the creatures are two wayes considered invisible and visible the invisible two wayes either the habitation or the inhabitants the habitation expresse two wayes made though without hands and glorious the glory expresse two wayes in the perfection and perpetuity the perfection two wayes freedome from all evill the presence of all good The Inhabitants considered two fold the Angels and Saints the Angels considered two wayes in their Nature and office their Nature considered two wayes in the puritie and celeritie their purity is considered derivately and comparatively their office is two fold to praise GOD to doe service to the Elect their praises are these two wayes considered as t is sincere and perpetuall their service to the Elect is unseene and certaine Againe the Angels are considered in their number their number is knowne to GOD unknowne to Man the Saints are considered in their Soules there in their bodies here in the grave onely two excepted Henoch and Elias whose bodies are in Heaven before as types of Christ as evidences of the Resurrection The visible creatures are two fold the Heavens and the Earth the Heavens are two wayes considered in their sphaeres and orbes or in other phrases the Heavens and their ornaments the Heavens are considered as out-spread and firme the orbes are two fold the Sunne and the Planets the Sunne is considered in his light and swiftnesse in his light is two things as t is the fountaine and as t is communicated the Moone is considered in her mutation and blemishes the Stars are set forth in multitude and glory The Earth is considered singly or coniunctively coniunctively by a Synecdoche as t is land and water making one globe The waters are considered in the Sea in the Rivers the Sea is considered in his bounds in his motion the motion is considered in the flowing and ebbing the bounds are considered in the stabilitie and perpetuitie The Earth is singly considered in the substance and dependance the dependance on Gods power in the Aire the substance in the massinesse and riches the riches latente or patente the patente invegatives or the sensitives the sensitives have life and feeling the vegatives are part in the earth part above the earth