A Treasury of Similes

Covetousness.

1 AS the subtle fawning Spaniel, oftentimes fetcheth his Masters gloue, in hope to change it for a better morsel: Even so many men show great kindness and give rewards, to the end to reap them double again.

2 Like as the infected member of a man vexed with an itch, is always clawing and rubbing: Even so the covetous mind, is restless in seeking and gathering together.

3 As fire is never sufficed with wood, nor the earth with water: Even so the covetous man is never satisfied with money.

4 As the grave is open to receive dead Carkasses: or as hell is never full: Even so the coffer of the covetous cormorant, is never contented.

5 As the stiller the water runneth, the deeper is the River; and the more deep, the more dangerous: Even so, the longer Almighty God suffereth the Covetous man to sin uncontrolled, the greater is his sin, and the more grievous is the punishment that attendeth thereon in the day of account. Haba. 2.9.

6 As Covetousness is evil, yea the evil of all evils: So likewise it maketh those men as bad as it is, which are infected with the same; and as hateful in God's sight, as that sin it self; for that the effect is like the cause. 1. Timo. 6.10. Psal. 10.3. Exod. 18.21. Luk. 12.15. Mar. 10.22.

7 As Cattle do keep the Pastors bare, with continual grazing upon them; so doth the covetous over awe the poor by endless oppression, and merciless dealing. Jer. 6.13.15. Amo. 8.4. &c.

8 Like as if a sick man be laid in a bed of Iuerie or gold, or of wood, his disease forsaketh him never the sooner: Even so, whether you entreat the Covetous by these sweet promises made by Almighty God in his holy Gospel, or threaten them by his dreadful Judgments pronounced in his fearful Law, they make never the more haste to repentance. Ezech. 18.1. tote.

9 As the Wax is pliable to every print: Even so the Covetous man's hand, is ready to receive every bribe.

10 As the Ass, that notwithstanding he carrieth the meat for his masters belly, and the clothes for his back, yet himself doth feed upon grass, and contenteth himself with one hairs skin: Even so the Covetous man, whose Chests are stuffed with money, and his wardrope with apparel, such misery hath assaulted his soul, that he can hardly afford his belly a good meals meat, or cover his back with a good coat.

11 As the Be bringeth sweet honey in his mouth, and a sharp sting in his tail: Even so Covetousness hath pleasure in this life, and pain in the life to come.

12 Like as they that will tame wild bulls, must wear no red garments: So likewise they that will no evil do through Covetousness, must do nothing that belongeth thereto.

13 As God punished both Eli the Priest and his two soones: the father for not correcting them, and the sons for sinning so grossly: So likewise will he plague both the Covetous man, for the evil getting of his money, and his children for possessing that which is none of their own. 1. Sam. 2.12. &c. & 3.11. &c. & 4.14, 15. &c.

14 As the glutton that ouerchargeth his stomach with meat, is compelled to spew, and cast it up again: So the greedy covetous Cormorant, that gathereth great riches, and devoureth and swalloweth up great substance, shall loose it again; for God shall even draw it out of his belly. Psal. 37.16. & 39.6.

15 As a River whose spring is small, yet by receiving other brooks and streams, groweth strong and violent: Or as they that are sick of the Dropsy, who by drinking are never satisfied, but still increase in thirst: Or as a flame, which is never abated with quantity of wood, how much so ever a man layeth on, well may it for a while be suppressed, and yield forth nothing but smoke, but breaking out, it waxeth greater, according to the abundance of wood: So likewise the heart of a Covetous man, never regardeth that it hath to be therewith content; but what it hath not, to covet thereafter. Esa. 56.11. Ier. 6.13. & 8.10. 2. Tim. 3.2. 2. Pet. 2.3.

16 As the Fish swallowing the hook, together with the bait, is taken and killed: So in like manner, Covetous men do pierce themselves thorough, with a thousand sorrows, which do entangle them in death everlasting.

2. King. 5.27. 1. Sam. 8.3. John. 12.6. Act. 16.16, 19. & 19.24. &c. Ier. 22.17.

17 As the Indian Ants or Emets, who gather the gold and keep it, yet neither can use it, neither will suffer men to have it, so far forth as they may: Even so Covetousness, which with care and labor slayeth the man that is subject thereto, it draweth him through fields and woods, sea and land, in the cold of winter, and in the heat of summer; night and day, in rain, wind, and danger, admitting no rest, and all to seek and hunt after goods: yet doth it grant him only the sight, but not the use of them. Prea. 4 • . & 6.1, 2. Ephe. 5.3. Mat. 13, 22.

18 As the good corn of God's word is a sanctified seed of salvation and life: So the falsehood and deceit of Coue • ousnesse and riches, do in such sort draw men to aboun • ance, and withal, to the perverse use of the same, that hereby this seed of salvation, and life everlasting, is choked up. Luk. 16.9.

19 As charity is the gift of God proceeding from his favor and grace: So contrariwise, Covetousness is a vengeance which he poureth upon those, whom for their sins he hath given over into a reprobate sense. Ro. 1.28.29. 1. Cor. 5.11. & 6.10. I am. 5.1.

20 As Aesop's Dog, who swimming with a piece of flesh in his mouth, and seeing the shadow thereof, taking that to be another piece of flesh, opening his mouth to catch that also, lost the same which he before had: So likewise the Covetous man being insatiable, and every way seeking to increase that he hath, doth many times loose that which is in his hand. Pro. 15.27. & 28.16.

21 As Gold of it self can neither feed, nor clothe us: So that which the Covetous man buyeth with gold or silver, proceedeth not out of the gold or silver, but from God's providence; neither can it minister any help without God's grace & blessing. Heb. 13, 5. Col. 3.5. Mat. 6.26.

22 As the remedy to quench his thirst that is vexed with a hot fever, cometh not of giving him drink, but of taking away his fever, which causeth his thirst: Even so the way to grow rich, is not by heaping of riches, but by diminishing the Covetousness and unlawful desire of the same. I am. 5.3. Luk. 12.15.

23 As when the Spleen increaseth, the other members, joints, and parts of the body, do consume and pine away: So Covetousness, and the great treasures and riches of covetous tyrants increasing, the wealth of subjects and inferior persons, is weakened and diminished, whiles they pill and poll away their substance and goods, to enrich themselves withal.

24 As the Spleen increasing, the other members do decrease: So likewise Covetousness growing greater & greater, all virtues do utterly decay, and vanish away: bountifulness, liberality, charity, truth, righteousness, and all such excellent qualities, are no more found, in those mē which are strangled and poisoned with a great and greedy desire of worldly riches.

25 As Floods, which send their waters into the sea, and leave the dry land, which is very thirsty, vnwatered: Even so, some Covetous men do now and then bestow great cost and much of their riches, upon those that need them not; not drawn thereunto with either love or mercy, but carried with vain-glory, and with vanity it self, so to do. Mat. 5.7. Esa. 58.7.

26 Like as the Sea is seldom or never seen without tempestuous waves: So also we can never see a covetous man's mind free from carefulness, fear, trouble, & vexations.

27 As a Pot hath a wide open mouth: So Covetousness gapeth evermore after worldly goods, riches, and honor.

28 As the Owls & night Crowes, see better by night then by day: So the eyes of covetous men, be blind to see how to come to heaven; but to get worldly goods and riches, they can see well enough.

29 As we see some men, which naturally are so inclined to mischief, so seditious, so contrary to peace & tranquility, that they are no sooner entered into a house or Common-wealth, but presently they sow discord & dissention, troubling the common-quietness, and peaceable estate, which was before: So also the cursed desire of Covetousness, is no sooner entered into our heart, but that forthwith we perceive a great confusion of tumultuous • nd dissentious appetites, to boil and rise up within us, which do straightways entangle us in the nets and snares of the devil, and at the length bringeth us to miserable • eath and destruction.

30 As the Covetous man would not like of those servants and hirelings, who by their negligence and careleslesse have suffered his houses to fall to ruin, and have left his lands & vineyards untilled, neither would he be pleased with that man or maid-servant in his house, which serveth him to no purpose: So likewise if he himself make no use of his riches and treasures, but keep them altogether unprofitably, he may not think that he is the servant of God, holding of him whatsoever he hath, with commandment to make use of them, and that he is countable for the damages and loss which happeneth by his want of traffic; that is to say, for that he hath not used them as the Lord hath commanded.

31 Even 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 Covetous man destroyeth & taketh away the life of a man, not only by offering him violence, but also in refusing to give or lend that unto him, which is necessary for his preservation.

32 As a flood, which at the beginning being but a little River, by little and little (as it runneth) increaseth in such sort, that in the end it beareth with it whatsoever resisteth: Even so, if a Covetous man have once gotten one hundredth pounds, he straightways desireth two hundredth; from two hundredth, he cometh to a thousand; from a thousand to a million; and from millions, to an infinite sum.

33 As one that climeth up a Ladder, useth the first step as a means to come to the second; and the second, to come to the third; continually climbing until he come to the top: So likewise there is no difference between the Couetou • man, and him that climeth up the Ladder, but that the o •• findeth an end of his ladder, the other findeth none at all, neither of his care nor sorrows which necessarily follow riches; neither yet of his earnest desires in the attaining and keeping of them.

34 As the Ass that carrieth meat for the belly, and cloth for the back, yet he himself feedeth upon grass, and contenteth himself with an hairy skin: So the Covetous, whose Chests are stuffed with gold and silver, yet cannot afford their belly a good meals meat, nor cover their back with a good coat.

35 As the Be bringeth sweet honey in her mouth, but a sharp sting in her tail: So Covetousness hath pleasure in this life, and pain in the life to come.

36 As the Ape that is tied to the clog, thinketh that he keepeth the clog, and not the clog him; is greatly deceived: So likewise is the covetous man, which thinketh that he keepeth his riches, when indeed his riches keeps him.

37 As Dinah while she wandered to see fashions, and thought to feed her fancy upon the daughters of a strange Country, she lost her Virginitie amongst the sons of the Country: So some men while they seek to feed and fill their greedy worm of Covetousness and ambition, with diverse pleasures and profits of the world, they loose their sincerity amongst them, and so make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience.

38 Even as Tamar went out of her brother Amons chamber, with her maidens garment of diverse colors rent, because she was enforced to leave her maid̄head behind her: So some Covetous worldlings, which sometimes with Demas followed Paul, but now with Demas embrace his present world; are enforced to go away with their gar • ent of diverse colors, rent and torn: for while they will venture through the bushes and thorns of worldly cares, to get worldly promotions, it is no marvel if they come out with their zeal quenched, their courage abated, their faith blasted, their love cooled, their knowledge withered, their humility defaced, their sincerity decreased, and the whole garment of piety and Religion scratched, torn, and rent in pieces.

Continuance in Sin.

1 LIke as if a man's foot, leg, or arm be broken, with how great pain the same is restored to his former estate, all men know. But if any member of our body should be broken twice or thrice, or more often, in one and the selfsame place; every man can then judge, how hard a thing it were for that part to recover her perfect strength and health again: Even so fareth it in the ruptures and wounds of our soul. If a man do commit sin once or twice, and do unfeignedly without dissimulation make his refuge to the medicine of repentance, he doth out of hand obtain health again, and that sometimes without any skarre or blemish of the disease past; but if he begin to add sins upon sins, in such sort, that the wounds of the soul do rather putrefy within him, by covering and defending them, then heal by repentance and confession; it is to be feared, that such a one shall not find repentance at commandment when he wisheth for it. Rom. 2.3, 4.

Carnal men.

1 AS a child borne and brought up in a dungeon, will not believe (if his mother tell him of the light of the Sun, and such other pleasant commodities) that there are such things, or very hardly: Even so no more will Carnal men believe either the immortality of the soul, or the mercy and judgment of the Lord, &c.

2 Like as in other matters it cometh daily to pass, that mē being in process of tim • brought by experience, to see their own errors wherein they have done amiss, are displeased with themselves for so doing, wish they had done otherwise, and so are said to repent, of this or that action: So Carnal men having all their lives lived in vain and sinful pleasures, altogether careless of the service of God, and of their own salvation, at length see the vanity of their lives past, are grieved for it, and wish (although too late) that they had taken another course.

3 As Adam by coming out of the state of holiness into the state of sin, had his eyes opened to see the filthiness of sin, and his own nakedness, whereupon he being ashamed, desired to hide and cover himself: So in like manner, Carnal men coming out of the state of senseless security, wherein they neither knew, nor considered what sin is, into the state of repentance, wherein they conceive of sin as it is indeed, and judge themselves in regard of it, the most abject men of all other, unworthy of their company, or to come in their sight: and therefore they decline and shun it, wherein this shame doth consist.

Covetousness in old men.

1 AS wayfairing men, the less way they have to go, the less careful need they to be, either of spending their money or victuals: Even so for old men, who have as it were one foot in the grave, to be covetous, is a very absurd thing.

Christ our Prophet.

1 AS the print of a Seal is more plainly perceived in the soft wax, then in the Seal it self: So likewise the knowledge of God is more manifest to us in Christ, who is the lively image, and engraven form of his Father.

2 As the Moon doth naturally receive her light of the Sun: So all the light, all the true wisdom and understanding, or heavenly knowledge that the Church hath, it hath it of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Christ was in our person justly cursed of God, and executed for us.

1 AS the Surety is by the just sentence of the Law, condemned to pay his debt, for whom he hath willingly and advisedly undertaken: Even so it is mere and true justice, and no wrong, that Christ by the just sentence of the Law was hanged on a tree, and so he bare indeed the true curse of the Law.

2 As the Surety although he be utterly clear obnoxious and guilty to none, yet by his suretyship, is a debtor and obnoxious to the Creditor, and the Law: So likewise Christ took our person on him, and presented himself therein before his Father, and so he became by our sins, sinful, defiled, hateful, and accursed.

3 Like as if a tender Ladies only child, should by some casualty be all tumbled in blood, or mire, & most stinking filth: the child so berayed & loathsome, would breed great abhorring & loathing in the eyes of the delicate Lady: yet the childes own person should be nevertheless beloved of the mother, but rather the more if it may be: So such two persons or conditions are found in Christ; according to one, he was always beloved; according to the other which he took upon him (whilst he had not finished that office) he was justly accursed.

Christ's Merits.

1 AS the Jebusites God's enemies, could not fully be conquered until David came: Even so, no more could the Kingdom of Satan be clean overthrown, until Christ Jesus the King of glory, was borne of the seed of David, who conquered sin, hell, and the devil, and possessed the holy hill Zion, and made his people Citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem. 2. Sam. 5.6, 7, 8, 9. Joshua. 23.7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.

2 Even as the Ointment that was poured upon the head of Aaron, rested not there, but went down also upon his beard, yea to the skirts of his clothing: So likewise the righteousness of Christ and his Merite, is given and attributed to everyone that be his members. Psal. 133.2.

3 As Christ's righteousness is made ours really, by imputation, to make us righteous: Even so we by the Merite of his righteousness imputed to us, do merit and deserve life everlasting.

Christ a King.

1 AS King David when he had reigned 33. years in Jerusalem, died with great victory: Even so Christ • esus our Lord and grand Captain, after he had preached the Kingdom of his Father, gat this noble victory • gainst death, and all his enemies, in the 33. year of his • ge, by suffering death, and tryumphantly ascending into heaven, where he reigneth a glorious King forever.

Christian, a general name for all that are baptized.

LIke as every man and woman hath a several & proper name, whereby he is discerned and known • rom another: Even so there is one name, that is general • y appertaining unto all men, namely Christian; which is • eriued unto us from Christ our Savior, as the Author 〈◊〉 whom we believe, in whom we are baptized, whose word we esteem, whose redemption and righteousness we do reverence, by whose spirit we being annointed with holy oil, by him are made joyful and glad. Act. 11.26. & 26.28. 1. Pet. 4.16.

God's Children.

1 LIke as natural Children are like their natural fathers, in favor, in speech, in laughter, or in some lineaments of their bodies: Even so the spiritual Children of God, are like unto him their Father, in righteousness and holiness of life.

2 AS we love them which love our Children, and our hearts and hands too, arise against them which misvse thē: Even so the Lord our God, who exceedeth all fathers in love, much more loveth those which love his Children; and his heart and hand too, arise in his heavy wrath and displeasure against such as harm, and misvse them. 1. John. 5.1. Psal. 15.4. Mat. 10.40, 41. Luk. 10.16. Zach. 2.8.

3 As a woman in travail, in the middle of her sorrow, crieth in her pains: Even so such is the estate of God his Children, in the midst of persecution. Esa. 26.17.

The excellency of God's Children.

1 LIke as David said when he should have married Saul's daughter: Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a Kings son, seeing that I am a poor man, and of small reputation? So seemeth it to any, a light thing to be sons and daughters of GOD, the King of all Kings, seeing we are sinful men, and of no reputation, but have deserved rather eternal confusion.

2 As the sons of Princes are in great account with men in this world: Even so the Children of God, are in greater account with God, and all godly men, both in this world, and in the world to come.

3 As the Children of Kings are attended upon by Noble men, and guarded with strong men, yet both but men, whose breath is in their nostrils, and their hands cannot accomplish the device of their heart: Even so the Children of God are attended upon by God himself, whose eye is always over the righteous, & they are guarded by the Angels of God, who for their swiftness, are said to have wings; for their readiness, they are said to stand in the presence of God; and for their strength incomparable. 2. Kin. 19.35. Psal. 34.15.

4 As the pleasures of the sons of men are such as the world doth afford, carnal security, worldly prosperity, fleshy delights, beastly sensuality, with pride, and ease, wealth, fullness of bread, and such like: Even so the pleasures of the Children of God, are such as the world can neither give nor take; as the love of righteousness, delight in the law of God, patience in affliction, love of the Saints which excel in virtue, and such like. Psal. 1.2. & 16.3. 1. Cor. 2.9.

5 Like as the riches and treasures of the sons of men, are gold and silver, houses, and lands, Lorships and manners, rents and revenues, and such like: which thieves may steal, or moathes may eat, or rust may freate, or fire may consume, or water may ouerflowe, or time may wear, or death may end: So likewise the riches and treasures of God's Children, are, the word of GOD, God's favor, forgiveness of sins, freedom from hell and the devil: liberty with the Saints, the spirit of contentation, peace of conscience, continual joy in the holy Ghost, and a Kingdom of glory in heaven, with such like; which no thief can steal, no rust can freat, no fire can burn, or consume, no water can drown, no plague can infect, no time can wear, nor death can end. 2. Cor. 3, 17. Gal. 5.22. Esa. 11.2.

6 As those are in most honor with Princes, which are said to stand in their presence, and attend upon them in their Courts, as Daniel did: So God's Children shall stand in the Courts of God, and have the full fruition of his comfortable presence: and therefore on the contrary side, the ungodly are herein accursed, in that they are shut from the presence of God; to wit, his gracious presence: for otherwise all things whatsoever are in his presence.

The Children of God.

1 LIke as a heathen man being asked why he did wear such a long bushie beard, answered; that so often as he beheld it, he might commit nothing unworthy the gravity of the same: he would not be like a Tavern with a bush at the door, and no wine within: So likewise, if any man shall ask the Children of God, why they are called Christians; the Church of God, the spouse of Christ, Citizens of heaven, and by such like names of love and honor: they are to answer, that so often as they remember these names and titles, they ought not to commit anything unworthy the gravity and majesty of the same.

2 As many Papists, and some Protestants too, who be superstitious and Popishly affected, do not remember what titles they have, nor by what names they be called, and therefore they must have puppets and images in their Churches and houses, to put them in mind of their duty to God: Even so, some men's Religion and holiness, is all in their titles of God's Children, and in naked names of Christians, which only they hold, when indeed all Christianity is banished from them.

3 Like as it is counted a shame for a Citizen to go like a Courtier, or for a man to put on woman's apparel, or a woman to wear on man's apparel, which is an abomination to the Lord: Even so it is a greater shame for the Children of God, who are Citizens of heaven, to go after the fashion of the Courtiers of hell, or after the manner of the world. Rom. 12.2.

4 As when Christ the Lord of life was put to death, there was darkness upon the face of the earth, the veil of the Temple rent, the graves opened, and the dead arose, &c. at the sight whereof, the very enemies of Christ which watched him, were afraid for that they had done unto him; yea they were constrained to confess and say; Doubtless this man was the son of God: So likewise the Children of God, that be or ought to be dead with Christ their head unto sin, as he died for our sins, then there will follow a wonderful alteration in their lives: there will appear such zeal in professing of the Gospel, such pity in relieving the poor, such patience in bearing the cross, such faithfulness in performing of promises, such charity in judging their brethren, such mercy in forgiving offenses, such sincerity in worshipping of GOD, such constancy in defending of the truth, such watching over all their ways, and such wisdom in winning men • o God, that their very enemies, which before did mock • hem, hate them, and persecute them, shall be constrained with shame to say; These are no doubt the Children of God, these are good men, these are true professors in • eed, &c. Rom. 6.4, 5. &c.

5 Like as worldly men in their houses, in their apparel, 〈◊〉 their feastings, in their furniture, and in everything, • hey strive to have matches, & all their things suitable: So •• kewise the Childrē of God must strive to have their titles • nd names, their lives and qualities, their profession and practice, suitable and answerable the one to the other, and so to depart from iniquity. 2. Tim. 2.19.

6 As carnal men desire to be gorgeously appareled: Even so the Children of God desire to be clothed with their house, which is from heaven. 2. Cor. 3, 4.

7 Even as plants & trees, do spread abroad their roots in the earth, from whence they have their nourishment: So likewise the Children of God, because they be fed with delicates and dainties from heaven, and are norished with the grace & favor of God, they hold up their hands, they turn up their eyes, they lift up their hearts & minds to God that is in heavē, from whence their souls receive comfort, joy, salvation, and everlasting life.

Salvation only to be had in Christ, if men know how to find him.

1 LIke as if a man knew certainly that in such a wood an infinite mass of money were hid, if the owner thereof would give it unto him, yet if by no means he could find the same, what should the gift of such a treasure profit him? though it were of value to purchase a kingdom: nothing at all. Even so standeth the case between Christ and us: though we know never so well and certainly, that salvation and all kind of treasure is permanent and to be found in him, and do belong to such as can find him, yet if we can by no means find him, what shall the understanding hereof profit us? nothing at all. 1. Cor. 28.10. Esa. 55.6.

Christ to be found by hearing the word preached and read.

1 LIke as if one have a Moyne of Copper, Tinne, or Lead, he useth great pain and diligence to come by the same, but if it prove a vein of Silver or Gold, then the owner thereof setteth Pyoners on work, who with great care, courage and comfort, labor night and day, in hope to be greatly enriched thereby: and albeit the vein sink down very deep, and prove most hard and difficult to win, yet do they not cease or slacken their labor, but rather add so much the more diligence, in hope that their gains will double their pains, when the Moyne is once won: for this they hold (as a rule infallible) that the lower any metal doth lie in the earth, the better and more gainful it proves in substance: Even so it is in the study of the Scriptures, and in hearing the same read and preached, the more pains and diligence one useth therein, the more increase of sound knowledge, wisdom & comfort is gotten in the ende, being that most rich and invaluable Moyne, wherein all the treasures of wisdom and understanding are to be found, containing and comprehending all the counsels and commandments of the Lord, &c. 1. Chro. 28.10. Pro. 3.13, 14, 26. & 8.18.19. John. 30.31. Mat. 7.7, 8.

Children dying before they be baptized, are not damned.

1 AS by Circumcision, which was a cutting off, of the the fore-skin; the Children of the Hebrews were brought unto God, were sealed up with the Seal of his Couenaunt, and received into his Church, to the great comfort and joy of the Parents, which were certified by the same, that God was not only their God, but also the God of their posterity and seed; and yet if anything had happened unto them, afore they could be circumsized, they mistrusted not, but that GOD would by the virtue of his Testament save them: So by Baptism, the Children of Christians are brought unto Christ, are sealed up with the Seal of the people of God, & received into his Church, as members of his son Jesus Christ, and fellow-heirs with him of his heavenly Kingdom; which thing unto the faithful parents must be a heavenly comfort: For by it, they are certified and assured that their sins be not only washed away with the blood of our Savior Jesus Christ, but also the sins of their posterity and Children. But if it be not the pleasure of God, that the fathers and mothers should see their Children alive, for to offer and present them unto him by Baptism, yet there is no cause why they should think that they should be damned, because the grace of is not bound to the Sacraments. For if there were some good man among the Turks, or else among the Idolaters and Infidels, which had the knowledge of the Gospel, and a true faith in our Savior Christ, and yet could by no manner of means come by the Sacrament of Baptism, or be baptized, yet no man ought so much as to think, that such a one for want of a little water should be damned, seeing he hath the chief and principal; that is to say, a true justifying faith: else the water should have more virtue and efficacy, then the blood of our Savior Jesus Christ; or at least as much: and the Minister that should minister the outward Baptism, should be of as much power as Jesus Christ himself.

2 Like as the Water and Minister can do nothing without the spirit and blood of our Savior Christ: So it should follow (if Children be damned that die before they be baptized) that Jesus Christ, his spirit and blood, should be able to do nothing, without the water and Minister. And so by this means, our Savior Christ and his Spirit, should be as subject unto the Minister and Water, as the Water and Minister should be subject unto Christ and his holy spirit: and so consequently, his grace and mercy should be alligated and bound unto corruptible elements, and made subject unto men: Whereby it should come to pass, that Jesus Christ should be no more true God, nor yet true Savior.

3 As the fleshly Children of Abraham, and such as came of his flesh, which departed this life before the eight day of Circumcision, were not damned; but by the virtue of the promise and covenant of God, were saved: So also after the same manner, the spiritual Children of Abraham, (that is to say) the Infants of all the Christians, are not condemned, if they decease before Baptism, but are saved by the efficacy of the promise of God, and by invisible Baptism, wherewith our Savior Christ Baptizeth them, who (by his death and precious blood) hath redeemed them.

Cares of this world, cool the love and desire of heavenly things.

1 AS the Sea that the wind hath lain sore upon, is yet tossed and troubled, after the wind is laid, and the tempest gone: Even so man's man's mind lately comne out of the business and Cares of the world, still casteth and studieth the same things, and panteth after them, and cannot after this, come straight to it self, and so to meditate and exercise spiritual matters. Math. 13.22. Luk. 8.14.

2 Like as when a River or Fountain is troubled, there can no water be taken or drawn out of them, but such as is full of mud: Even so when the mind is troubled and choked with the over careful and unquiet savor of the mire and dyrt of this peevish world, there can neither holy prayers, nor any godly exercises be found there.

The breach of God's Commandments.

1 AS many worldly men deal with their Creditors, who will hardly let slip one hour, or day, but will take the advantage and forfeiture of their Bonds and Obligations, without anymore delay: Even so if our good God and merciful Father should deal as precisely and strictly with us, in taking advantage of the Bonds, forfeytures, and penalties, wherein we daily fall into by breach of his Commandments many ways, then our estate should be most miserable. Job. 9.2, 3.

2 As evil debtors, when their day of payment draweth near, and when their Creditors are at hand to demand the same, do seek to hide themselves, and to shun their Creditors presence: So likewise the most part of the world be so careless in keeping that covenant, vow and promise which they made to God at their Baptism, that even willfully they throw themselves indebted unto GOD, and thrall unto Satan, some by one sin, and some by another, through violating and breaking of God's Commandments, that when by sickness or death they are summoned to render an account of their bayliwicke, then they wish that the mountains would fall upon them, to hide them from the presence of God, but all in vain. Esa. 2.19. Hose. 10.8. Luk. 23.30. Reve. 6.16. Luk. 16.2.

Christ is not a Redeemer, but unto them, who being turned from iniquity do lead a new life.

1 LIke as if the Servant of some Noble man, or Gentleman, were for committing of treason, felony or murder, condemned, and going to the place of execution; and his Lord or Master of mere favor and good will, should not only by earnest suit to her Majesty, procure a pardon for his life, and so deliver him from that villainous death; but also should adopt and take him for his son and heir: if he now after this his deliverance, go and say, I will take my pleasure, be Idle, and follow mine own fantasy, and never endeavor to please, or pleasure his Lord and Master, but rather seek to hurt and displease him every way that he can; such a wretch deserveth to be punished most extremely: Even so such as say that Christ hath Redeemed us, and by his death hath purchased for us forgiveness of sins, righteousness, and life everlasting, and hath adopted us to be his sons and heirs, wherefore we will take our pleasure, be Idle, and rather we will do more wickedness: doubtless Christ died not for such, nor satisfied for their offenses, no nor yet merited heaven for them, to the end that they shouid spend their days in Idleness, and heap sin upon sin, but rather to live Christianly and godly. Ro. 6.4. Gal. 5.24. Tit. 2.11. 2. Tim. 2.19. Luk. 1.75. Ephe. 1.4. & 2.10. 1. Pet. 1.15.

2 Like as if an Astrologer could or should tell an ambitious Cardinal that he should be Pope, although he did put an undoubted trust therein, yet for all that he would not be Idle, but would use all the means that possible he could, to attain and come to that dignity: Even so the Children of GOD, the surer they are that Christ hath Redeemed them, so much the more they understand the great good will of God towards thē; and therefore they are always forced more and more by godly conversation of life, to make certain unto themselves, the knowledge of their election and Redemption by Christ. 2. Pet. 1.10.

3 If a miserable and wretched Thief shall have committed many thefts and murders, and after that his wicked deeds were known, the son of a King should be brought to be arrained and condemned for the same, and so bear the punishment thereof, and this thief to be discharged and pardoned: if hereupon the thief should rejoice and make a scoff at him, when he seeth the son of a King to be put to death, and suffer the punishment that he deserved; such a Caytiffe deserveth a most horrible death: Even so at this present it fareth with us: behold our Savior Christ, the only Son of God, is imprisoned, and we delivered: he condemned, and we pardoned: he put to death, and to all shame, and we received to honor: it is not therefore for us to be drowsy-headed, and live securely, and to flatter our selves in our sins and iniquities.

4 As the Israelites were never able to yield sufficient thanks to God for their bodily deliverance from the bondage which they were in, in Egypt: So to Christ our Savior for our Redemption and spiritual deliverance from the tyranny of Satan and sin. Exo. 14.30. & 20.2. Psal. 81.10.

God's Providence over his Children.

1 AS it was impossible that Herod and Pilate, together with the Gentiles and Jews, should conclude more, and bring anymore to pass in afflicting Jesus Christ our head, then the hand and counsel of the Lord hath ordained to be done from everlasting: So also it is impossible that the Herod's of our time, the Pilate's & the Pharisees, together with the mad and bewitched people, should take more in hand, and bring more to pass in afflicting the members of Christ, then the hand and counsel of God hath first decreed to be brought to pass by them. Act. 4.27.28, John. 7.30. & 8.20.

2 As the smallest birds of the earth are not taken without the will and providence of our heavenly Father: Even so, nothing good or evil doth happen unto God's Children without his provident will. Math. 10.29. Amo. 3.6.

3 As the Lord in mercy feedeth the birds of the air, that they have sufficient, and also so gallantly decketh the Lilies of the field (which be so gorgiously and so richly clothed, that even Solomon in all his royalty, was not appareled like one of them:) Even so much more if we have an assured trust in him (so liberal and bountiful a Father) he will not (doubtless) see us his Children lack anything that good is, concerning our food or sustenance, apparel or clothing, as shall be meet and expedient for us. Math. 6.26, 28, 29, 30.

What Comfort we receive by the name of Christ, or annointed.

1 LIke as the anointing, whereby at God's Commandment, Prophets, Priests, and Kings, were appointed amongst his people, with an outward and visible Oil, was a public testimony, that God would govern and defend his people by this person, and also keep and uphold his divine worship, and likewise teach his people: and this person had commandment of this thing; that they might suffer themselves to be governed, cleansed, and taught: Even so the Son of God manifested in the flesh, concerning his manhood, is annointed with the holy Ghost without measure, (which is the truth of that outward anointing) and so is ordained and given of the Father, to the Prophet, Priest, and King of his Church.

2 As it must needs be that all they be made sad that doubt under what Lord they are in this life, whether under Christ, or Satan: So on the contrary, it cannot be but all they must be filled with joy, who by the inward testimony of the anointing of faith, and by the outward washing of holy Baptism, are assured, that they are under Christ the King of righteousness. Col. 1.13. Luk. 17.21. & 2.10, 11.

3 Like as in time past when Solomon by the commandment of God was anointed, there was public joy among the people of God; because they knew that God would do them good, and defend them by the hand of a King: Even so we when we hear out of the word of God, that our Lord Jesus is Christ, that is, that same annointed of the Lord, we ought with the Angels to be filled with an exceeding joy of mind, being surely persuaded, that even in this very thing that the heavenly Father hath appointed, and in very deed given his own Son Christ, that is annointed, to be our King, that he doth openly from heaven declare, that he by his son will become the everlasting restorer and defender of his Church.

Christian Service.

AS in a man's body one part is very ready to do service to another, the foot to the eye, and the eye to the foot: Fuen so every Christian man, as parts of the mystical body of Christ, must be willing and ready to do service one to another, not envying those which be in greater calling, nor scorning his inferiors.

Christianity.

LIke as everything which striketh a hard Stone is broken in pieces, the stone remaining whole: Even so every man which striketh against Christianity, hurteth himself, and cannot prevail against the same.

Christ became poor to make us rich.

LIke as the poor birds have their neasts to fly unto, and to rest themselves in: So contrariwise, our Savior Christ being base and poor, had no place of his own in the earth to rest his head in, that so he might enrich us. Math. 8.20. 2. Cor. 8.9.

Christ the bread of life.

1 AS bread perishing nourisheth us in this life for a small time: Even so Christ the bread that perisheth not, but endureth forever, nourisheth to everlasting life. John. 6.48, 51.58.

2 As he that will be nourished by bread, must eat it: So likewise he that will be benefited by Christ, must believe in him. John. 6.55. 1. Cor. 10.17. John. 6.35.40.

3 As the Devil is the food of the wicked, which he nourisheth in all iniquity, and bringeth up into everlasting damnation: So is Christ the very food of all them that be the lively members of his body, and them he nourisheth, feedeth, bringeth up and cherisheth, unto everlasting life.

Christ rejecteth not a weak faith.

LIke as the week or match of a Candle, Link or Torch, which either wanting Oil, Tallowe, Wax or Rosen, or having thereof not sufficient, yieldeth forth at sometime, but a dark blind snuff, and imperfect • ight: Even so Christ our Savior, rejecteth not a weak, slender, and wavering faith, which yet (notwithstanding so long as any spark of godliness ap • eareth) is not quite quenched and extinct, albeit at • ometime it be very near thereunto. Esa. 42.3. Math. • .20.

Contentious men.

1 AS we see one coal kindle another, and wood to be apt matter to make a fire: Even so those that be disposed to Contention and brawling, be apt to kindle strife, and to set men together by the ears.

2 As a litie spark many times setteth a whole house on fire: Even so a Contentious and froward person, of a little matter of naught, maketh much debate and division among lovers and friends.

The Cup of God's wrath.

LIke as we see men take the Cup one at an others hands and drink in course: Even so we, when we have tasted of the Cup of God's wrath for our sins, if we repent, we are to comfort our selves that it shall be taken out of our hands, and given to our enemies, even to those which hitherto have made a spoil of us, and they shall suck out the dregs thereof. Esa. 51.21, 22. Jer. 51.7. Ezech. 23.31, 32, 33, 34.

Death of Christ.

1 AS the Bands of Matrimony are set free by the death of the married couple: So are we made dead to the Law, by the death of Christ; and freed from the yoke, servitude, and bondage of it. Rom. 7.3, 4. & 5.12.

2 As a strong Corasiue laid to a sore, eats out all the rotten and dead flesh: Even so Christ's death being applied to the heart of a Patient sinner by saith, weakens and consumes the sin, that cleaves so fast unto our natures, and dwells within us.

3 Like as in the common destruction of the first borne in Egypt, they whose doors were sprinkled with the blood of the Passover, were safe: So likewise, if there shall come a common destruction upon any land for their sins, yet they that have their souls sprinkled with the blood of the Lamb Christ Jesus by his death, shall be saved.

4 As the life of Christ, is the life of life: So the Death of Christ, is the death of death.

5 As the Libard useth a strange kind of policy to kill the Ape, he lieth down upon the ground, as though he were stark dead: which the Apes seeing, come all together, and in despite skips upon him; this the Libard beareth patiently, till he thinks they have wearied themselves with their sporting; then suddenly he likewise leaps up and catches one in his mouth, and in each foot one, which immediately he killeth and devoureth: Even so, such was the policy of Christ, he was laid in the dust for dead: the devil then insulted over him, and trampled upon him, but he like a lively Lybard, starting up on Easter day, astonied the soldiers set to keep him, which were the devils apes, and made them lie like dead men, even as he told them before by his Prophet. Math. 28.7. Ose. 13.7.

6 As the Cameleon when he espies a Serpent taking shade under a tree, climbs up into that tree, and lets down a thread, breathed out of his mouth as small as a Spiders thread, at the end whereof, there is a little drop as clear as any Pearl, which falling upon the Serpents head, kills him: Even so Christ climbs up into the tree of his Cross, and lets down a thread of blood, issuing out of his side, (like Rahab's red thread hanging out of her window) the least drop whereof being so precious, and so peerless, falling upon the Serpents head, kills him. Joshua. 2.18.21.

7 As the wild bull of all things cannot abide any red color, therefore the Hunter for the nonce standing before a tree, puts on a red garment, whom when the Bull sees, he runs at him as hard as he can drive, but the hunter slipping aside, the Bulls horns stick fast in the tree; as when David slipped aside, Saul's spear stuck fast in the wall: Even so such a hunter is Christ, who standing before the tree of his Cross, puts on a red garment, dipt and died in his own blood, (as one that cometh with red garments from Bozra ) therefore the devil and his angels like wild bulls of Basan run at him, but he shifting for himself, their horns stick fast in his Cross.

8 Like as when Mahomet, the second of that name, besieged Belgrade in Seruia, one of his Captains at length got up upon the wall of the City, with banner displayed; another Bohemian espying this, ran to the Captain, and clasping him fast about the middle, asked one Capistranus standing beneath, whether it would be any danger of damnation to his soul, if he should cast himself down headlong with that Dog (so he termed the Turk) to be slain with him? Capistranus answering that it was no danger at all to his soul; the Bohemian forthwith tumbled himself down, with the Turk in his arms; and so by his own death, only saved the life of all the City: Even such an exployt was this of Christ; The Devil like the great Turk, besieging not only one City, but even all mankind, Christ alone like this noble Bohemian, encountered with him, and seeing the case was so, that this Dog the Devil, could not be killed stark dead, except Christ died also; therefore he made no reckoning of his life, but gave himself to death for us, that he only dying for all the people, by his death, our deadly enemy might forever be destroyed.

9 As it was bootelesse for Golias to brandish his spear against David: So it little auailed the Devil to shake his spear likewise in and by the hand of the soldier, against the heart of Christ, when he suffered death.

10 As David having heard Golias prate and talk his pleasure, when they came to the point, at the first stroke overthrew him: So Christ with that very selfsame spear, which at his death gave him a little venny in comparison, or (if it be lawful so to speak) but a philip on the side, which was soon after recured, gave the devil a deadly wound in the forehead, which with all his paws, he shall never be able to clawe off.

11 As David only with his sling, did vanquish and overcome Golias: So Christ only by his death, and by the power of his cross, did conquer and subdue the devil. 1. Sam. 17.51, 54.

12 As Penny-royal being hung up in the larder-house, yet buds his yealow flower: Or as Noah's Olive tree being drowned under the water, yet keeps his green branch: Or as Aaron's rod being clung and dry, yet brings forth ripe Almonds: Or as Moses bramble-bush being set on fire, yet shines and is not consumed: Or as the Palme tree, though it have many weights at the top, and many snakes at the root, yet still it says; I am neither oppressed with the weights, nor distressed with the snakes: So Christ the right Penny-royal, the true Noah's Olive Tree; the right Aaron's rod, the true Moses bramble-bush: and the true Palme tree, though all the Judgments of GOD, and all the sins of the world, like unsupportable weights were laid upon him, yea though the cursed Jews stood beneath like venomous snakes hissing and biting at him, yet he was neither so oppressed with them, nor so distressed with these, but that even upon his cross, he did most flourish, when he was most afflicted.

13 As Epaminondas being sore wounded in fight, demanded of his soldiers standing by, whether his enemies were ourthrowne or no? They answered yea: Then whether his buckler were whole or no? They answered all, I. Nay then (said he) all is well. This is not the end of my life, but the beginning of my glory: For now your dear Epaminondas dying thus gloriously, shall rather be borne again then buried: So Christ likewise was sore wounded, but his enemies death and the devil, were overthrown and spoiled: his buckler, which was his Godhead, was whole and untouched: therefore there was no harm done; his death was no death, but an exaltation unto greater glory. John. 12.32.

14 As Gideon's fleece when it was moist, the earth was dry, but when it was dry, the earth was moist: So when Christ's fleece was moist as a green tree, then were all we dry like rotten sticks: but when his fleece was dry, all the blood and water being wroong out of his precious side, then were we moistened with his grace. Judge. 6, 37, 38, 39.

15 As a Lamb is much more nimble and lively for shearing: So Christ the Lamb of God, by this shearing of his death, which was a kind of quickening to him, and only a trimming to him before he ascended to his Father, as Joseph was trimmed and polde before he appeared to Pharaoh.

16 When Adam slept, his side was opened: So whe • Christ died, his side was opened.

17 As Adams side being opened, flesh and bone were taken out: So likewise Christ's side being opened, wate • and blood were taken out.

18 As of Adams flesh and bone the woman was built • So of Christ's water and blood, the Church was built; so that the death of Christ is nothing but the sleep of Ad ••

19 As Jacob traveling towards Haram, when he had laid an heap of stones under his head, and taken a nap by the way, was much revived with it after his tedious journey: So Christ traveling towards Heaven, when he had slept a little in that stony Sepulcher, which was hewn out of a Rock, lived then most princely after his painful passion. Gen. 28.10, &c. Math. 27.60.

20 Even as when many birds are caught in a net, if a Pelican, or any other great bird that is among them get out, all the rest that are little ones follow after: So likewise Christ by his death, as a great bird having broken through the net of death, all we escape with him.

21 As Honey being found in a dead Lyon, the death of the Lyon was the sustenance of Sampson: So Christ's gall is our honey, and the bitter death of Christ by reason of his righteousness, is the sweet life of man. Judge. 14.8, 9.

22 As Deborah rejoiced when Barack put Sisera to flight: Even so we have great cause to rejoice, seeing Christ by his Death, hath put death to flight. Judge. 5.1, &c.

23 Even as a noble Champion, having already had a leg and an arm slasht off, when all the stage in admiration of his vallour and manhood, cries: Save the man, save the man: yet puts out himself, and standing up on one leg, and striking with one arm, fights still as stoutly as if he had never been hurt at all: So Christ having been scorned & scourged already, when the whole Theater of heaven and earth wept for him, yea when the powers above the heaven came down, and the dead under the earth rose up to mone and pity him, only he himself would neither ask any favor of others, nor yet show any favor to himself, but was very angry, and called him Satan, that gave him such counsel: yea though all the Saints in heaven and earth did bleed at the very heart, in a manner as much as himself did upon the cross, to see so good a man so shamefully despited, yet nothing could stay him, but still he went on forward as pleasantly and as cheerfully as to any banket or feast, to this most rueful and dreadful death.

24 As when the heart of a man hath received a deadly wound, he is accounted for dead, because he cannot escape death: So sin in the Death of Christ, hath received a deadly wound; so that by reason of that near conjunction which by faith we have with Christ, we are said to be dead with him. Rom. 6.3, 4, &c.

Christ betrayed and sold.

AS Joseph was sold of his own brethren into the hands of strangers: Even so was Christ our Savior, betrayed and sold of Judas his own Disciple, and delivered of his own Nation into the hands of Pilate, and the Heathen. Math. 26.15, 16.

Christ died to deliver us.

1 AS Sampson, who died himself to deliver his people from the Philistines: So likewise Christ to deliver us from the Devils, died himself. Judge. 16.30.

2 Like as if a man should go to prison for debt, or any such matter, and one of his friends should come in the mean season, and pacify the Creditor by satisfying and paying the debt, then we may well say, that he hath delivered this man out of prison, although he came not there, but should have gone thither: Or as when we say, such a man hath delivered his friend from the gallows, we mean not that he was already hanged, for then were the deliverance too late: but we mean, that he delivered him, that he should not be hanged: So likewise when the Scripture saith, that Christ died to deliver us out of hell; because he saveth and delivereth us that we come not there, which else should surely have gone thither, and have been damned perpetually, except Christ by his death had delivered and loosed us.

Christ reviveth us again that were dead.

LIke as the Pelican, which having brought forth her young ones dead, or being stung or killed by Serpents, she pecketh forth her heart blood to revive them: Even so we being conceived and borne in sin, and altogether dead in our trespasses and offenses, stung of that old and fiery Serpent the devil, which first beguiled our Parents in Paradise, and so having the reward of sin, which is death; we in this case are revived, and quickened again by the blood of the true Pelican Jesus Christ, which he from his heart hath shed and poured out for us. Col. 2.13, 14.

Christ's person consisteth of two natures.

1 LIke as there must be both these two natures, true and sound, the properties of either being kept in one person of Christ, to reconcile man to God, and to strike this covenant: So also to keep this covenant, that according to the promise and oath of God, it may be everlasting, both natures must remain forever sound with their properties, unless we will have the covenant in the pillar and foundation to be shaken.

2 Like as when the root of a tree is hurt, the branches also do wither, and there can be no fruit hoped for: Even so the Doctrine being corrupt, concerning the person of Christ, and the two natures in the same person, together with their distinct properties, the doctrine also of the Priestly and Kingly office of Christ remaineth corrupt, which are as it were the fruits of the doctrine concerning his person.

Christ though amazed and confounded with sorrows and fears, yet remained still sinless.

LIke as if you set two glasses filled, the one with muddy water, and the other with clear Crystal water, and first let them stand till all the muddinesse in one be settled at the bottom, then shake both these glasses, in the one the mud ariseth straightway, and defileth all the water there: in the other, although you shake it never so much, yet the clear water, though troubled likewise, remaineth still all clear as Crystal: Even so, if any of us be shaken and disquieted with any trouble, our muddy affections arising, do presently defile us all over: but Christ (in whom was man's true nature, but not any the least defilement of nature) being likewise shaken, he remained still clear from any the least spot of sin at all.

Christ never lost his confidence in God.

LIke as those men do never loose their confidence and trust in God, who by some violence are stricken into astonishment, or naturally fall on sleep, their faith, patience, love, obedience, decreaseth not in them for all that: Even so, neither in Christ, his assurance in God could never decay: albeit his sinless nature, might and did fear the pain, and being astonished with excessive pain, might and did suddenly desire ease. Math. 27.46. Mar. 14.33, &c.

He that Speaketh in the Church.

LIke as if the Harp make a confused noise, and giveth no distinct sound, it delighteth not, it recreateth not, because no man can tell what it is that is plaide: So he that Speaketh in the Church, in a language which other men understand not, cannot edify, because men understand not what he speaketh.

Confessing of secret faults.

LIke as he is unwise that openeth his disease, and committeth himself unto an unskillful Physician, that will rather make him worse then cure him: Even so as unwise is he that revealeth his secret falls & scapes to them whose mouths are ready with the Pharisees to say; See thou to that: or to blabbe abroad their brethren's infirmities, so making the matter rather worse then better.

Christ after a sort present with us in body.

1 AS the sun, which though it remain still in the firmamēt, and therefore in very deed toucheth not the eye, yet the body of the Sun is present to the sight, notwithstanding so great a distance between: So likewise the body of Christ, which by his ascending is taken up from us, and hath left the world, and is gone to his father, is indeed absent from our senses: yet our faith is conversant in heaven, and beholding that son of righteousness, and is verily in presence with it there present; like as our sight is present with the body of the Sun in the firmament, or as the Sun is present with our sight in earth. John. 14.19. & 16.28. Act. 7.55. Col. 3.1. Hebr. 4.16. & 10.28.

2 As the Sun with his light is present to all things: So is also Christ with his Godhead, Spirit and power, present to all, and filleth all. Ephe. 1.23. Col. 1.17, 18.

How Christ sitteth at the right hand of God.

1 AS it is the use and custom of Kings and Princes, which have their deputies & substitutes, to whom they freely give all authority to rule and govern, and do cause that man to sit by him, and at his right hand, whom he will give most honor, and unto whom he will give most authority and power: Even so we understand by these words: (He sitteth at the right hand of God:) that our Savior Christ is exalted above all creatures, and that he hath dominion or governance in heaven and in earth, and that he reigneth with his Father, having equal power with him. 1. King. 2.19. Psal. 45.9. & 110.1. Mat. 20.21. Phil. 2.9, 10, 11. 1. Pet. 3.22. Ephe. 1.20, 21. & 4.15.

2 As those on earth that are set at the right hand of Kings, do execute justice in courts or Assizes, for the maintenance of the state and peace of the Kingdom: Even so Christ Jesus sitting at the right hand of his Father, that is, being made sovereign Lord of all things, both in heaven and earth, is to hold a Court or Assise, in which he shall come to judge both the quick and the dead.

Christ confounds his enemies.

AS Joshua dealt with the five Kings that were hid in the Cave, he first makes a slaughter of their arms, then he brings them forth, and makes the people to set their feet on their necks, and to hang them on five trees: Even so Christ deals with his enemies: he treads them under his feet, and makes a slaughter not so much of their bodies, as of their souls. And this the Church of God finds to be true by experience, as well as it finds the love of Christ towards it self. Joshua. 10.24. Luke. 17.27. Psal. 2.9. & 110.1.

Corruption of truth by man's traditions.

AS sweet Dough is made sour by a little Leaven: So is the sweetness and comfort of the doctrine of truth corrupted, if it be never so little entermedled with human doctrine, or man's traditions. Mat. 13.33. & 16.6.

The Creature may not control his Creator.

AS it is unreasonable for a piece of clay to challendge the Potter for the form, shape, or use, that it is made for: Even so it is an intolerable presumption of man, to reason against his maker, for the end that he is made for, whether it be honor or dishonor. Job. 10.9. Psal. 103.14. Rom. 9.20, 21. Esa. 64.8.

The wonderful Chaunge of Christians.

AS it is a great miracle for a dead man to be raised again: So likewise is the change that Christ hath made in those that be his, wonderful. 1. Pet. 4.6.

Christians in great misery, if God forsake them.

AS women traueyling in child-birth, and have not strength to bring forth their fruit, are in great misery: So likewise are the Children of God in great distress in the days of trouble and affliction, if God leave them, and forsake them therein. Isaiah. 37.3.

Contentious Spirits are dangerous.

AS we are to take heed of Dogs when they are fighting and brawling for a bone, that we be not too busy in kicking them, least we be caught by the shinnes: Even so are we to take great heed of such as be unquiet & troublesome spirits, that are ready to wrangle and disquiet the Church, about every trifle. Phil. 3.2.

Christ the appointed Reconciler.

LIke as there was a certain person, by whom sin entered into the world, and by sin, death, and so became as it were, the cause and foundation of falling away from God, and entering into league with the devil: So also must there be a certain person appointed of God, that might be the foundation & cause of Reconciliation, and of never breaking the same conjunction with God, the fountain of all happiness.

Custom another nature.

AS impossible as it is for a Black-moore to cast away his skin, and to become white; and for a Leopard to put away his spots: So impossible it is for them that noosell themselves and accustom themselves continually with evil doing, to change their custom, and to endeavor to do well. Jer. 13.23.

Christians are to pray chiefly for spiritual graces.

AS Achsha begged of Caleb her Father, a blessing to her dowry, and springs of water to her dry soil: So must all Christians entreat Almighty God, to give them the grace of his holy spirit, with the gift of his heavenly Word, that they may pay unto him the tribute of honor. Joshua. 15.19.

The benumbed Conscience, is senseless of spiritual graces.

AS the sick man lying upon his bed, is not able to go to the Physician to seek for his health; but the Physician is to be entreated to come to minister to him: Even so, such people as are ignorant and sick of sin unto death, are not able to go to the spiritual Physician the Preacher, or have any mind so to do, because they neither understand their disease, nor the danger they be in, nor yet feel the grief thereof, so that oftentimes when the godly Preacher cometh unto them, and ministereth wholesome medicines and consolations, yet are they not able to receive the same. Ephe. 2.12. 2. Tim. 2.25, 26.

Good Counsel, not to be refused of the wisest.

LIke as they that are given to gather wealth, although they have great store of wealth at home: yet if Golde and Silver be brought to them from other places, they do not refuse it; and the richer they be, the more they desire: So wise Magistrates (whose treasure is to consist rather in the wisdom and faithfulness of good men, then in the hugest mass of money that can be) though they be most wise and rich that way, yet they ought not to refuse the wise advise of any, but be willing & glad to hear it, whose soever it be.

Affectionate Admonitions unfruitful.

LIke as he that observeth the wind shall never sow: So likewise they which have an eye always unto the affections of men, and will know what entertainment their admonitions and reproof shall have before they will bestow them, can never profit thereby: for that in so doing, they seek rather to please men and feed their humors, then that God should have his glory increased thereby. Prea. 11.4. Gal. 4.10.

Christ comforteth his.

AS the Rain maketh the new mown grass freshly to spring again, and showers so comfort the earth, that it yieldeth the fruits thereof: Even so shall Christ refresh, foster, nourish, and cherish his people. Psal. 72.6.

Christ a sure Rock.

AS he that setteth the foundation of his house upon a firm Rock, may be sure that the foundation shall be • ble to bear the weight of that which shall be set upon • t, and that no rain or flood shall wash it away: So he that buildeth his faith upon Christ, as he is set out and preached unto us in the Gospel, shall be sure that hell gates, that is, all the power, force, and cunning of the devil, shall never be able to prevail against him. Math. 7.24.25. Mat. 16.18.

The complete armor of Christians.

1 AS a Soldier, if he be not shod but barefooted, shall quickly be surbatted, and unable to travail: Even so a Christian, not having the Gospel of peace, cannot endure. Ephe. 6.15.16.17.

2 As it is an absurdity for a Soldier, to put himself into the field naked, without armor and weapon, as well to strike the enemy, as to defend himself. So also is it always necessary for a Christian to be armed at all points, especially, to have the shield of faith, the helmet of saluauation, the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.

Christian freedom.

AS servants, when they have served a time, change their masters, and are maisterlesse, or serve others: Even so Christians are to remember, that their condition is so unstable and uncertain in the Church of God, except they have the spirit of freedom: namely the spirit of adoption of children, and so by Christ, and in Christ, be truly made free. John. 8.35.36.

Christ our grand Captain.

AS soldiers are to resort to their standard: So faithful Christians are appointed to flock to Christ. Isaiah. 11.11.12.

Contemners of the truth.

1 AS Swine will moozell up and down in the mire, whatsoever precious thing shall be offered them: So wicked contemners and despisers of the word, do (as it were) tread under their feet, whatsoever promise is offered, or in judgment threatened to them out of the word.

2 As they which are displeased with all things that profit them not: Or as a deaf man, who seeing the lips of speakers to move, thinketh them too lavish of their tongues: Or as a blind man, which groping by the walls and windows of a fair house, doth find fault with the windows, because they are not so smooth as the walls: Even so such are they that find fault with the Scriptures, because they show as well the spots, as the beauty; the vice, as the virtue. Math. 7.6.

Comfort from God's spirit.

AS water refresheth the thirsty, and as floods do moisten the dry land, and make it fruitful: so God by his spirit rejoiceth the people of his Church, and poureth out abundance of his blessings upon them. Isaiah. 44.3.

The growth of grace by Christ's death.

AS Wheat except it be sown in the ground, and there die, doth not spring again, and so multiply: Even so the knowledge of those benefits which we have by Christ, are increased, grew, and multiplied throughout the whole world, by his death. John. 12.24.

Calling.

1 LIkewise a sword being committed into the hands of a Soldier, by the Captain general, he is not to smite before he be commanded to fight, and before the Trumpet be sounded to battle: Even so, though a man have excellents given him, yet he is not to execute any function, especially publicly, before he receive a particular warrant and Calling from God. Reve. 16.1.

2 As Sampson though he had strength given him, that he was able to have defended the Israelites, and revenged them of their enemies, yet he could not take upon him the government of the people, until such time that the Lord had called him unto it: So likewise the Ministers of the word, albeit they have never so notable gifts of knowledge, utterance, &c. yet they are not in any case to entrude themselves into the Ministry, unless they have a particular Calling from the Lord.

3 As the Ostrige hath wings and flieth not: So some men have a Calling, but they answer it not: they have knowledge, but they practice it not: they have words, but they work not.

4 Like as if a stranger should violently thrust in himself to be the shepherd of thy sheep, thou wouldest ask him who sent for him, what he had to do there, and thou wouldest rather think him to be a thief, and a murderer of thy sheep, then to be a faithful and trusty servant: So surely if thou come to take charge of God's people, before he inwardly move thy conscience to pity his people, and outwardly by order, call and place thee where he thinks good, he will judge thee a thief, a wolf, a devourer, and not a feeder.

Beauty.

AS a Ring or Jewel of Gold is very unseemly, and doth not become the filthy snoute of a swine, that is always rooting in the dyrt and myer: So uncomely is Beauty to a woman that hath not wit nor discretion to behave her self.

Benefits.

AS the Moon doth show her light in the world, which she receiveth from the Sun, so we ought to bestow the Benefits received of God, to the profit and commodity of our neighbor.

The Authority of the Church, not above the word of God.

1 LIke as it is not reason nor just, that a Wife should control, or be superior and above her Husbands word and commandment, having a wise and discreet Husband to govern and command her: So likewise it is no reason or right (whatsoever the Papists say) that the Authority of the Church, which is the Wife, should be greater and of more force, then the word and will of the Husband Christ Jesus. Ephe. 5.24.

2 As man is not above God, nor the Wife above the Husband; for otherwise to say, the one is blasphemy, and the other absurd: Even so it is blasphemy and absurd, to say that the Authority of the Church, is greater then the word and Scriptures of God.

Wise Counsel of a friend.

AS the sent and savor of a sweet Ointment or Perfume, is comfortable to the brains and heart: So is the wise and hearty Counsel of a man's assured friend. Pro. 27.9.

Cities and Countries.

AS a Pot of meat seething on the fire, which nobody skimmeth, must needs be full of loathsome filth: So Cities and Countries continuing in bloody violence, without repentance, and amendment, must needs be • oathsome and abhominable in the eyes of God. Ezech. 24.6.

Men must be fitted to their Callings, and the Callings to the men.

LIke as a member of a man's body out of joint, is dangerous, and hindereth his health and welfare: So in like manner, the setting of Children to Callings unfitting their gifts and affections, is dangerous and hurtful, both to the Church and Common-wealth.

Distinction of Callings.

LIke as the members in a man's body, although they live by one life, and one soul, are notwithstanding distinct and diverse one from another in functions; as the foot seeth not, but the eye; the ear heareth, and not the hand, &c. Even so also the members of Christ, howsoever they live all by one and the same faith, are notwithstanding in their particular functions and Callings, one to be distinguished from another.

God's Creatures admirable.

AS when men behold any curious work of a cunning and skillful Craftsman, straightway they will leave the work, and inquire after him that made it, that they may praise his skill: Even so it is the duty of Christians in this case, when they come abroad, and behold everywhere in all the Creatures, the admirable and unspeakable wisdom, goodness, and power of God, then they must make haste from the Creature, and go forward to the Creator, to praise and glorify him. Reve. 4.11.

Christ our Lord.

1 AS in former times the custom hath be •• that when one is taken prisoner in the fields he that pays his ransom shall become always after, his Lord: Even so likewise Christ, when we were bondslaves under hell, death, and condemnation, paid the ransom of our redemption, and freed us from the bondage of sin and Satan, and therefore in that respect he is our Lord.

Christ took upon him our infirmities.

LIke as if a man be sick of some grievous disease, and if a friend come unto him that hath been troubled with the same disease, he will show more compassion then twenty others: Even so Christ having felt in his own soul and body, the anguish, and the manifold perplexities that we feel in our temptations and afflictions, hath his bowels as it were a running towards us, evermore being pressed and ready to relieve us in all our miseries. Heb. 2.17. & 4.15. Isaiah. 53.3.4.

Christ's human nature.

AS the Plant called Mistell, having no root of his own, both grows and lives in the stock or body of the Oak, or some other Tree: So our Savior Christ's human nature, having no proper substance, is as it were engrafted into the person of himself, and • s wholly supported and sustained by it, so as it should not be at all, if it were not sustained in that manner.

Contempt of the Minister.

AS Husbandmen that misvse their Land-lord and his servants, which he sendeth to them for the rents and profits of his lande, are worthily and justly thrust out, and others planted in their rooms: So likewise were the Jews cut off from being the people and Church of God, for misvsing of Christ, his Apostles, and Prophets: and so assuredly shall all they be, that despise and set naught by, and cruelly misvse and entreat the Ministers of the Gospel, and the Preachers of his word, which are sent unto them.

A fruitless Confession.

AS it is bootelesse for a man that is very hungry, to know and believe there is meat in the world, except he knew the place, and the man that had it for him, that he might resort unto him: Or as it is in vain for one to confess his disease and sickness, unless he know some good and skillful Physician who might help him: So likewise it shall profit us nothing at all to know or confess our sins, if we be ignorant of the Mediator that should take them away. John. 1.29. 1. Timo. 2.5. Math. 11.28.

Christ the sovereign salve for our souls.

1 LIke as if the sick person should seek out such a Physician, as either could not, or would not cure him, his labor also were unprofitable, and all one, as if the needy man should go to one for an alms, that were as needy as himself: Even so we being sick of our sins in our souls, must be careful that we go and run to such a cunning Physician, as we are sure both can and will for his ability and compassion, cure and heal our infirmities, and hath a salve for every sore and malady. Luk. 3 • .46, 47. Act. 10.43.

2 As it was in Egypt, in the great dearth and famine of corn, none could have any food of Pharaoh the King but by the hands of Joseph, whom he had made Ouerse •• and Ruler of the land in his name (for when they cried to him for bread, he said: Go ye to Joseph, and what he saith to yo • do ye. Gene. 41.55. ) So likewise it is now in the famine and dearth of our souls for spiritual food, we can have nothing to feed our hungry souls from the King of Heaven, but by the means of the true Joseph, which is Jesus Christ, who is ordained of his Father to rule and govern all things in his name; so that he sendeth us to his son when we ask anything of him, for in him he is well pleased, and for his sake only, and for no man's else, doth he bestow this benefit upon us. 1. John. 5.11.12. John. 8.24.

Christ.

1 LIke as our arms, hands, feet, and the rest of our members are nourished, not of and by themselves, but of and by the meat that is conveyed into our mouth and head: Even so we are nourished, not of and by our selves, but by the virtue that is poured in the head of Christ Jesus. Heb. 2.11. Ast. 17.28.

2 Like as the Sun with his light beneficially comfor • eth all the world: So Christ the Son of God, reacheth his benefits unto all men, so that they will receive them thankfully, and not refuse them disobediently. Psal. 19, 1.2.

3 As the Sun is the well-spring of lively power: So Christ giveth life everlasting to all believers.

4 As the Sun with his brightness driveth away clouds and foggy Mystes: So Christ the son of God sitting at the right hand of his Father, is the conquerer of Tyrants and Heretics.

5 As the Sun in winter when he is most farthest off from the Pole, is most nearest the earth: so the son of God is most near unto the godly ones in misery, and giveth • hem help and salvation.

6 As it is a most certain token of death to a sick man, (as Hypocrates saith) if he dream that the visible Sun is hidden, obscured, and darkened: so likewise a most cer • aine death of the soul is nigh at hand, if our Son Christ be darkened by abolishing or corrupting of the true doctrine.

7 As the sun gives light plentifully to the whole world, and yet keep the self same light within it self: Even so our Savior Christ God and man, hath the perfect fullness of all goodness in him self, and yet gives part to us, as he thinks good, not loosing any piece of that he hath himself, but lightning our darkness with that light which he hath within himself. 1. Cor. 1.30.

8 As the fountain from which all men do draw water, and from which the small creekes and arms do run and flowe, is said to have water of it self, and yet cometh not as of it self, but from the spring which daily feedeth it, and from the flowing streams, and is sufficient for all men to draw out off: Even so Jesus Christ hath life in himself, to wit, the fullness of life wherewith he liveth, and quickeneth his, and yet hath he it not as of himself, as he witnesseth in another place, that he liveth because of his father. I am. 5.26.

Carnal profession.

LIke as all those that were borne of Abraham, were not the children of Abraham: So likewise all that profess the Gospel, are not partakers of the Gospel.

2 As it is not usual to curb in the horse in his race, but before he begin to run: Even so, those which be by nature choleric & melancholic, are by reasons and persuasions to be won and restrained, before they begin to be angry.

Contempt of Christ.

AS a strumpet loveth the tokens that her lover sendeth her, better then her lover himself, and in time of poverty she will utterly forsake him: So Christ is our lover, and man's soul is she whom he loveth, he hath given us tokens as pledges of his love; to wit, all kind of riches and good things whatsoever we possess in this this world: now if for love of keeping these things in time of persecution, we forsake our lover, we be abominable strumpets, unworthy to be beloved of him.

Christ suffered in his soul for our salvation.

1 AS the Holocaust, or whole burnt offering, the whole and every whit being chopped and cut into pieces, was altogether put into the fire, and burnt: and so it was by a special name called the Whole burnt offering: Even so, not the body only, but also the soul of Christ, even every whit of his humanity, was burnt and consumed in the fire of affliction, as a perfect Holocaust, and a whole burnt offering for our sins. Levite. 16.5. &c. Isaiah. 53.20. 2. Cor. 5.21. Heb. 2.14.

2 As we have sinned both in our bodies and souls: So likewise Christ was made our propitiation, who purposely and answerably did suffer both in body and soul.

3 As an army of soldiers do altogether get the victory, and not any one of them asunder, and yet for all that, each one singly, is profitable in fight for the attainment of victory: Even so the sufferings of Christ, as his death and bloodshed, his hatred, his shame, and ignominy, &c. both of his body and of his soul, all together do sufficiently merit, but each one in several, is profitable, and helpeth thereunto.

Christ's victory over Satan.

LIke as if two enemies fight together, and the one let the other choose his weapon himself, and appointe the other what weapon he is to use, if he which is dealt so withal, do vanquish and overcome the other, the greater is his glory which doth so overcome: So likewise Christ and Satan fighting, Satan did choose to fight with him in the flesh (the weakest of many weapons) yet even with that weapon did Christ overcome him; which got Christ the greater glory, and gave Satan the greater shame.

Christ suffered and died as he was man.

AS the precious stone called the Carbuncle, to see too, is like an hot burning cole of fire, shining exceeding brightly, the which feeleth no fire, neither is it molten, changed, or mollified therewith: If thou shalt take it, and close it fast in a ring of lead, and cast it into the fire, thou shalt see the lead molten and consumed before thy face, but the Carbuncle remaining sound and perfect without blemish as before: for the fire worketh upon the lead, but upon the Carbuncle it cannot work: Even so, Christ our Savior, being in the hot scorching fire of his torments, suffered and died as he was man, but as he was GOD, he neither suffered nor died: the fire of his afflictions, wrought then upon his manhood, but his divinity and godhead continued perfect, and utterly untouched.

The Cross maketh peace.

AS in a ciuell government and common-wealth, nothing is more occasion of war, then overmuch peace: So in the Church, and among Ministers of the Church, as nothing is more pernicious then too much quietness, so nothing more ceaseth private contentions oftentimes arising amongst them, thē the public Cross of persecution.

The personal union of Christ.

AS a certain soul, being joined to a certain body, maketh one certain person, as Peter, Paul, John: So the eternal word of the Father, took unto it that flesh of the virgins, that is to say, made the same so proper unto it self, that from hence cometh and proceedeth that person, which is called Christ.

Christ the resurrection and life.

1 LIke as in a perfect body when the head hath sense and motion, the hand that is of the same body hath also sense & motion convenient for it: So likewise Christ being the resurrection and the life, as there is spiritual life in him, so every member of his, shall feel in it self spiritual sense and motion, whereby it is raised up from sin, and liveth unto God. John. 5.25. & 6.63.

2 As the Burgess of a Town in the Parliament house, beareth the person of the whole Town, and whatsoever he saith, that the whole Town saith, and whatsoever is done to him, is also done to all the town: So Christ upon the Cross stood in our place, and bare our person, and what he suffered, we suffered; and when he died, all the faithful died in him: and so likewise as he is risen again, so are all the faithful risen in him.

3 As Christ, by the merit of his death, wipeth out our iniquities; and by his blood cleanseth our consciences from all mortal sin: So in like manner, by his resurrection from death, he declareth himself to be righteous, and in all respects perfectly pure, according to the law of God. Rom: 4.25. Psal. 16.16.

Christ hath prepared a place for us in heaven.

LIke as if a man were assured that there were made for him a great purchase in Spain, or Turkey, so as if he would but come thither, he might enjoy it, he would not forbear to adventure the dangers of the Sea, and of his enemies also, if need were, that so he might come to his own: Even so, seeing that Christ Jesus hath made a purchase for us in heaven, and there is nothing required of us, but that we will come and enjoy it, we ought to refuse no pains or fear in the way, but carefully to strive to get in. Luk. 13.14.

Christ our Intercessor.

LIke as he that would know whether the sun shine in the firmament, must not clime up into the clouds to look, but search for the beams thereof upon the earth, which when he sees, he may conclude, that the sun shines in the firmament: Even so, if we would know whether Christ in heaven make intercession for us, let us ransack our own consciences, and there make search whether we feel the spirit of Christ crying in us, Abba Father. As for those that never feel this work of God's spirit in them, their case is miserable, whatsoever they be. Rom. 8.26.

Calamitie.

EVen as a cloud darkeneth the air, and covereth the sun: So Calamitie and misery, maketh cloudy the mind of man, & taking from him all his joy, it leaveth him bare and naked, without comfort, and full of sorrow.

2 Like as lightnings do smite whatsoever they find in the earth, except the Laurel tree, as Pliny affirmeth: Even so great Calamitie, is able to take away, and to overthrow whatsoever is in man, or that he hath, save only firm and constant virtue: for constant virtue is a goodly Laurel tree, ever flourishing and green, and will not be consumed, burnt up, nor destroyed, with any fire that breaketh out of the clouds, be it never so fierce, nor with any violence of torments and troubles whatsoever.

Rude and wanton Children.

LIke as when any are stinged, with the poison-full sting of Serpents, forthwith they labor for remedy against the same, least the wound rot and put them to further annoyance: Even so, such Children as be infected and diseased with wanton Idleness, being also destitute of good manners, and learning, must be sent to the school to be cured of their master, with the rod of correction, and virtuous education.

False Christians.

LIke as among a great sort which are stricken with extreme sickness and diseases, some do always scape as it pleaseth God: So it is to be hoped, that among an infinite number of false Christians, God will touch some, to bring them back from the filthiness and corruptions of the world, and to lead them to the fearing of himself.

It is impossible to know who is a true Christian before he die.

LIke as in a ground sowed with diverse seeds, no man can certainly know some seed from another, which shall bring forth fruit; and which shall not; yea though it have already put forth, yea and that more is, though it be eared: Even so, no one man can know another man thoroughly to be a Christian (which is the greatest felicity that is) before the end of his race; because no man is to be counted happy before his deaths day, by reason of many miseries and calamities which may befall him.

Christ the cause of our resurrection and life.

1 AS the first Adam was the root of all mankind, and he conuyed sin, & by sin, death to all that sprang of him, Christ only excepted: So likewise Christ the second Adam, which is the root of all the elect, conveyeth life both in body and soul, to all that are united to him; and by the virtue of his resurrection, they shall rise again after this life.

2 Like as the power of the Godhead of Christ when • he was dead in the grave, raised his body the third day: So also shall the same power of Christ his Godhead, convey it self unto all the faithful, which even in death remain united unto him, and raise them up at the last day.

Why God afflicteth his Children.

AS a godly and wise Surgeon, purposing to cut the corrupted wounds of a sick body, and to take away, or to fear with an hot Iron, the rotten flesh, in cutting or searing hath no pity of the weak man, to the end, that in curing his sore, and healing his wound, by cutting and searing, he may show him pity: Even so, our most wise God, that celestial Physician, and heavenly Surgeon, smiteth and afflicteth us, that he may heal us; cutteth and seareth us, that he may cure us. Heb. 12.6.7. Deut. 32.39. Amo. 3.2. Psa. 89.31.32.

Good Christians are much grieved, when God is dishonored.

AS a water pot, or a Vial full of liquor, if suddenly it be overthrown, doth shed and scatter the liquor: So a devout and godly Christian, abounding with tears, being moved and troubled with sorrow, because of the injuries, dishonor, wrongs and blasphemies committed against the Lord, doth presently pour out great abundance, and as it were mighty streams of salt and bitter tears. Luke. 19.41. Psal. 119.136. Math. 26.75.

Disobedient Children.

EVen as a long and a prosperous life is promised unto obedient sons: So on the other side, all disobedient, unthankful, and obstinate Children, are assured of the punishment of infamy, joined with diverse and great o • lamities and torments. Exod. 20.12. 1. Sam. 2.22. 1. King. 1.25, &c. Deut. 21.18. &c. Pro. 20.20. Ephe. 6.2.

The end of our Calling.

LIke as if her Majesty (to show her puissance against a foreign power) should call forth one or two of her subjects, who are most beholding unto her, to Just and turney in her presence for her honor, they would no doubt strain all their strength in this service, yea and their lives too: Even so, much more ought we that are Christians to perform this duty to our God, and Prince, who hath called us out by name to fight for his honor, to be a chosen and peculiar people, unto himself, to stand on his parts, to show forth his virtues, and to be zealous of good works (yea and that we might the better perform this service, he hath furnished us with his own armor and weapons, yea and his own hand is with us too, though all men see it not) and therefore we must endeavor to do valiantly, and to do our best, to answer the expectation of our heavenly king and prince. Tit. 2.13.14. Psal. 130.4. 1. Pet. 2.9. Cantic. 8.6.

The Churches variable estate upon earth.

LIke as the day and night do one follow another: So likewise in the administration of the Church here upon earth, Christ suffereth a continual intercourse between peace and persecution.

Christ is to be served and pleased before our selves or others.

AS the master of those servants that are borne in his house, or whom he purchaseth; do pretend that they do him wrong, when they spend any time either to their own particular profit, or in the service of others: So may Jesus Christ much more justly complain of us, that are his twofold servants; namely, by birth and by purchase, if we employ even never so little of our lives to serve and please our selves, the world, or the devil, our enemies. 1. Cor. 6.19. Math. 16.24. Luk. 9.23. Rom. 12.2.

It is spiritual Adultrie to forsake Christ, and love the world.

EVen as a woman may rightly be called an Adulteress, that giveth her body to other men, and setteth her love on another: So they which fly from Christ, and forsake him, being their spiritual husband, by setting their love on this world, or anything therein, do commit adultery against Christ. I am. 4.4. Ephe. 5.30. 1. Cor. 6.17.

Christ is sent of the Father.

AS fire sendeth forth both heat and light, but neither heat nor light sendeth fire: so the father sendeth both Christ, and the all knowing comforter, and he is unsent.

Christ and the holy Ghost are of the Father.

AS both the light & the heat are of the fire: So Christ and the holy Ghost both are of the Father; the one begotten, the other proceeding; and the Father only is of himself, and of no other.

Christ is to be loved for saving of us.

1 LIke as if thou fallest into a deep river, being in apparent danger of drowning, if any man should cast the a rope, or himself leap into the water to save thy life, thou canst not sufficiently confess and acknowledge thyself his debtor, to do him pleasure and service all the days of thy life: So likewise we were not only in danger of falling into hell, but were already fallen, even from our infancy, and daily through our sins fell deeper and deeper: Yet Christ cast us not in a rope to pull us up and save us, but threw himself into our sea of woe, into our hell; to be short, into horrible death, wherein we were drowned, to pluck us forth, and therefore with great zeal and affection we are bound to say: Lord we are bound to love, honor, serve, please, and obey thee, in all that we may, with our whole hearts, all the days of our life.

2 Like as if thou werst upon a Scaffold ready to be beheaded for thy drunkenness or adultery, and thereupon shouldest have a pardon, and so thy life saved, upon condition, that thou shouldest fall no more thereinto; thou wouldest no doubt willingly and heartily promise, yea, with thy hand subscribe, and with thy tongue swear, that thou wouldest never more commit adultery or drunkenness, but that thou wouldest abhor all Taverns, Alehouses, and drunkerds, all whores and bauds, and so amend thy life: Now seeing Jesus Christ hath saved thee, not from an apparent danger of death, but even from death it self, and not from the death of the body, but from everlasting death; who requireth of thee to amende thy life, which thou art bound so to do, yea thou oughtest cheerfully and earnestly promise and faithfully vow, to reform and amend, and to shun all occasions that might procure thee to displease and offend him.

Counsel.

EVen as out of an Apothecaries shoppe, where very wholesome medicines, precious ointments, and most pleasant perfumes are sold, sometimes cometh most rank and deadly poison: So very often, from men greatly experienced, and deeply learned, do come very pestilent, pernicious, and treacherous Counsels.

The right knowledge of Christ crucified.

1 AS Elisha when he would revive the child of the Shunamite, went up and lay upon him, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his hands upon his hands, and his eyes upon his eyes, and stretched himself upon him: Even so, if thou wouldest be revived to everlasting life, thou must by faith as it were, set thyself upon the Cross of Christ, and apply thy hands to his hands, thy feet to his feet, and thy sinful heart to his bleeding heart; and content not thyself with Thomas to put thy finger into his side, but even dive & plunge thyself wholly both body and soul, into the wounds and blood of Christ. 2. King. 4.34.

2 As the dead Soldier tumbled into the grave of Elisha, was made alive at the very touching of his body: Even so shalt thou by a spiritual touching of Christ dead & buried, be quickened to everlasting life. 2. King. 13.21.

Our Conformitie with Christ, by a certain kind of imitation.

1. AS Christ in the garden, and upon the Cross, by prayer made with strong cries and tears, presented and resigned himself up to be a sacrifice of propitiation to the justice of his Father for man's sin: So must we also in prayer, present and resign our selves, our souls, our bodies, our understanding, will, memory, affections, and all we have to the service of God, in the general calling of a Christian, and in the particular callings in which he hath placed us. Psal. 40.7.8.

2 As Christ bare his own Cross to the place of execution: So must we as good Disciples of Christ, deny our selves, take up all the Crosses and afflictions, that the hand of God shall lay upon us, if it be every day, and follow him. John. 19.17. Math. 10.38.

3 As our Savior Christ, when he apprehended the wrath of God, and the very pangs of hell were upon him, wholly stayed himself upon the aide, help, protection, & good pleasure of his Father, even to the last: So must we by a true & lively faith, depend on God's mercy in Christ, as it were with both our hands, in peace, in trouble, in life, & in the very pang of death: and we must not in any wise let our hold go; no though we should feel our selves descend to hell.

Children not to be clothed with over costly apparel.

AS the soft Flax soon catcheth hold on the fire: So likewise youthful nature, will soon be inflamed with Costly apparel, and with new fashions, which is a great fault in parents; as lamentable experience too much teacheth this day. Isaiah. 14.12. Zeph. • .8.

Christ will take Compassion on us.

1 AS the Apple of the eye is so tender, that it may not be touched, but with great grief: So likewise the conjunction between Christ & us, is such, that he feeleth our afflictions, and thereof taketh great compassion. Zach. 2.8.

2 As Alexander the Monarch of the world, whensoever he came to any City to besiege it, he would at the first show forth & display his white flag or banner, in tokē of mercy, if they would yield: but if they would not, then he would set forth and display his red flags and banners, in token of wrath and blood: So in like manner at the first our Savior Christ will show mercy unto us, hoping that we will turn & repent, but if we will not, then he will bring dreadful judgments upon us.

Cardes and Dice.

1 AS by lots the soldiers parted the garments of Jesus Christ: So may we well say, that these games of Cards and Dice, is the means to part between the world and the devil, many of those, who professing reformed Religion, are addicted thereunto. Mat. 27.35. Pro. 16.33. Eph. 5.16.

2 As the pleasure of gain, and the sorrow for loss in play, are mighty passions to move the harts of men: So also a number of braules, quarrels, and controversies do arise, of Carding and Dicing: as swearing, cursing, and blaspheming of God. &c. Exod. 20.7. Math. 12.36. 1. Cor. 10.31.

3 As they that whet their knives upon a chalk stone, do not sharpen them, but rather make them more dull & blūt: Even so, such as use Dicing and Carding, do not quicken their wits, but rather dull them.

Christ is the food of a Christian soul.

AS every man is carnally fed and nourished in his body by meat and drink: Even so is every good Christian man, fed and nourished in his soul, by the flesh and blood of our Savior Christ.

Care of the salvation of others.

AS when one of our friends is ill at ease or sick in his body, we will not stick to ride and run to procure any means whereby to restore his bodily health: Even so, much more ought we to be more careful of the salvation of the souls of our brethren, by how much more the the soul is of greater price then the body.

Christ crucified healeth us.

AS skillful and cunning Physicians, are wont sometimes, when a sick man is sore vexed with a numbness of his whole body, to cut a vain of his head, that the letting of blood may heal the body of that disease and sickness: Even so Christ is our head, and we are his members: A vain of our head is cut, that our whole body may be healed: Christ suffered, that mankind might be redeemed. Col. 1.18. Gal. 4.4.

Original Corruption is the root of all sin.

AS the cause of trees and plants, of their roots, stocks, stems, and boughs, is in the seed: So the cause of our transgressions, foul sins, and most dangerous iniquities, is our own Corruption, wherewith we are moved, and inclined to all evil; and the ignorance, and not knowing of our selves, wherewith we are greatly hindered in the knowledge of our God, and do also most sharply censure those things in others, which we do love and cherish in our selves.

Our Conversation is carefully to be looked unto.

AS it behooveth him that walketh upon cords strained and fastened on high, diligently to look to his footing that he may not totter, or decline this way, or that way: Even so it standeth us upon, to be wary, and carefully to look about us, and to take good heed where we set our feet, that is, our affections and the delights of our hearts, least we fall down headlong into the bottomless gulf of God's displeasure. For if we will fixe our affections, and bend our wills, with a deliberate consent, to do the thing that is evil, unjust, and ungodly, making no conscience of anything that we do, be it never so opposite and contrary to the will of God, it cannot be, but falling from the state of grace, we shall fall most suddenly and shamefully, into the infernal pit of hell, death and damnation.

2 As a wheel although it turn about on the ground, yet the greatest part of it is always from the earth, and but little of it toucheth the ground: So although our body be on earth, yet the Conversation of the soul, which is the greater part of us, must be in heaven.

Christ is possessor of heaven for us.

1 AS if upon the confiscation of an inheritance coming to many brethren, when the Prince afterward maketh a release, the eldest brother taketh the possession for assurance, that himself and his brethren are restored to their goods, and the same is an assurance to the coheirs with the eldest, that in the person of their eldest brother, themselves are put in possession of the inheritance common to them all: Even so Jesus Christ hath taken possession of heaven, not only for himself, but also for us his coheirs. Rom. 8.17.

2 As the high Priest entering into the holy Sanctuary, upon his shoulders and breast, carried the twelve names of the twelve Tribes of Israel: So Jesus Christ entered not alone into heaven, but we also with him. Ephe. 2.5.

Company changeth nature.

AS the Chameleon, is sometimes black, and sometimes green, sometimes pale, and sometimes blew (for he ever taketh his color, of the thing which he seeth to be next unto him, and doth show and represent, the color 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 Counsel they follow, & whose familiarity they use. Psal. 101.1.2. &c.

Christ's care of his members, though absent.

EVen as the Eagle, having her young ones shut up in the nest, although she flieth exceeding high, and pearseth the lofty air, yet she withdraweth not her eyes from her young ones, but still beholdeth them; and they also, crying after their manner, with their streatched our necks, do look after her: Even so the Lord Jesus ascending into heaven, did behold his Disciples, and they also hungering and thirsting after him, did fasten their eyes upon him, and did not loose the sight of him, until he pearsed and broke open the heavens, and entered into the presence of his Father. And although they were divided 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 worthy praise, that a Soldier do ever bear about him, the signs and badges of his Captain, that it may appear to whom he belongeth: So is it no little honor to a true Christian man, to pass through many dangers, and to be experienced in many troubles, and to endure many afflictions for his Captain Christ's sake: for sorrows, vexations, and trbulations, are the armor and badges of Christ. Gal. 6.17.

Christ fisheth for men.

AS the Devil, that wicked and crafty fisher, with his great, large, long, and broad Nets, taketh and draweth up great multitudes, and infinite numbers of souls, which voluntarily give themselves unto him, and do suffer him most easily to take them, by and with with his baits, which are, voluptuousness, the foul pleasures, and rotten delights of the flesh, worldly wealth at will, the vain glory of the world, innumerable riches of all sorts, power, authority, vanity, an insatiable desire to bear rule, and a thousand such others; the seely poor fishes being deceived by these baits, do never feel the hook, until it stick so fast in their jaws, that there is no scaping, but the devil maketh a full account of them, as of his own: Even so contrariwise, Christ doth fish for men, that he may draw them out of the bitter waters of the dangerous sea, and that he may give unto them the water of grace, who seeketh to save their souls, and to bring them to everlasting happiness, and celestial immortality, (who yet fly from him, and would not come near him) he fisheth with a sharp and bitter bait, very unpleasant to the corrupted nature and appetite of a natural man; to wit, with much fasting, praying often, with watchings, honest labors in a man's calling; contempt of the world, spiritual poverty, bitter tears, deep sighs, and grievous groans, for sins committed against the Lord; with humility and lowliness of heart; with kindness, peace, patience, righteousness, and such other things: all which, although to those which are inclined with a right and true love of God, they are pleasant and welcome, yet nevertheless, to the will and desire of a mere natural man that is a friend of flesh and blood, they are hard, and do seem very bitter to his corrupted taste.

Men which can keep no Counsel, are very dangerous.

1 AS the Sea, called the dead Sea, which is a Lake in Judea, called Asphaltits, whereof Aristotle, Pliny, Justin, and diverse others do make mention: wherein is neither fish, nor any living creature found in it, whereupon it hath the name Dead: and in it nothing is covered, neither doth anything that is in it, sink to the bottom thereof, but all things do swim, and are in sight, and do continue in the top of the water: Even so, such are they that will keep no Counsel nor secrets whatsoever, but will reveal and bewray all things that they know, whether they be good or bad.

2 Even as Hypanis a River in Scythia, which hath a marvelous sweetness, until a little bitter spring which Herodotus calleth Exampeus, be mingled with it, and then it is corrupted with a wonderful bitterness: Even so, those men which are like torn vessels that will hold no water, and so full of chinks, that they neither can nor will keep any secrets or Counsel, are very bitter and intolerable men, and do much harm in every place where they come; neither can any Counsel or secret be committed unto such, without great danger to the Common-wealth wherein they dwell; and especially to all those that repose any trust in them. Such men, seem they never so wise, learned, and full of Counsel, are not to come near godly Princes, neither to be made acquainted with matters of state, and the affairs of the Common-wealths, least they do great hurt, both with giving counsel themselves, and also by discovering such weighty secrets, as shall in trust be committed unto them. Job. 22.18. Psal. 1.1.

Christ is less beholden to the most part of the world, then Caesar was to the Romans.

AS Marcus Antonius with an Oration that he made upon the death of Caesar, is said to have greatly delighted the people of Rome, and that he moved very many of them, to shed great store of bitter tears, when he put them in remembrance of the great benefits which they had from time to time, received of Caesar, and withal, did show them Caesar's garments, wherein his enemies, Cassius, and Brutus, had slain him, all full of blood: whereat they were so mightily moved, that they expulsed the homicides and murderers out of the City, so that they durst not, if they would live any longer, come near it: And yet in these days of ours, though the Preacher (never so good an heavenly Orator,) come with the Oracles of God himself, in his mouth, and show most plainly, what Christ the Redeemer of the world, hath done for man, and prove that man hath received unspeakable and innumerable benefits, by and through Christ; and declare what bitter tears, water and blood, did trickle down his cheeks, and what deep and deadly sighs, with many fearful and grievous groans, did rise from his heart, before he came to the Cross; and though he rip up his passion stitch by stitch, as the holy Book, and divine Word, shall direct and lead him; and though particularly he show, how and where he was wounded, that he was beaten, spit upon, crowned with thorns, nailed hand and foot to the Cross, scorned and mocked of the Jews: & though he show most lively, that the wicked and cruel Jews embrued their hands in his blood, & gave him vinegar and gall to drink: yea, and although the Preacher declare and prove, that besides the death and passion of his body, he suffered in his soul, the heavy wrath and indignation of his Father, and the extreme tortures and torments of hell, for a time, no less then the the reprobates that be there already, and no less then all we by just desert should have suffered forever, if Christ had not done it for us: and yet few or none for all this will shed one tear, give one groan, or sigh once from the bottom of his heart.

Christ his goodness considered, there was never any creature dealt so unkindly with him, as man doth.

AS sometimes it falleth out, that a Hen sitteth upon Ducks eggs, and with her diligent sitting, and the heat of her body, she doth hatch, and bring them forth: and when they be able to follow her, she clucks them, and after her manner, as though they were her natural Chickens, she doth call them about her; but they being not of her, but the Ducks kind, though by her they have been hatched, and of her have received life, and though she hath a continual care to bring them up, and to defend them from such enemies as seek to devour them, yet nevertheless, they will follow and seek after that whereunto by nature they are inclined and given: when she is scraping and scratching in the earth to find them food, they will be in the water, mire, or foul puddle, after their kind; she may cluck and walk alone, they will not keep her company, unless perhaps in some danger, when the Kite is ready to catch them, for some succor they will fly to her: howbeit at the length, when she perceiveth them to be unnatural and unkind to her, she doth forsake them and give them over: Even so our sweet Savior Christ Jesus, having taken great pains for us, and having humbled himself, even in the lowest degree of all humility that can be named; as in coming down out of his fathers bosom, being most perfect, most holy, and omnipotent God, being every way equal, and in nothing interior to his Father, to take our weak, frail, and feeble nature upon him, and (sin excepted) to have a perfect feeling of all our miseries & infirmities; as wearisomeness of body, hunger and thirst, and such others: and besides the enduring of these, many years together, having suffered a most cruel death, and even at his death upon the Cross, having tasted and taken a full cup of his Fathers fury and indignation, which was indeed filled and prepared for us, as a just reward for our sins, and should have been our own cup, and our own portion, forever and ever, had he not even then taken and supt it up, to clear and to free us from it. Again, after all these things, having still continued his humility in suffering death, to keep his body three days in the grave, and even as it were to tread and trample upon him, and then manger death, hell, devil, and Jews, having risen again, and being ascended, and gone up to his Father, where now (until his coming again, to judge the quick and the dead) he sitteth at the right hand of majesty and power: He now speaketh and calleth unto us; by his Prophets, Apostles, and Ministers, and willeth us to remember, what case and estate we were • n, before he died, and suffered all these things for us; and he would have us to know, to be sure and never to forget, that if he had not suffered death here upon earth, as he did, we should never have found any way or entrance into heaven: the celestial joys, and pleasures of the Lord's saints, salvation, and eternal life, should never have be • onged unto us; we should have had no more to do with them, then they that live without faith, and die infidels: The horrors of hell, and the stinking lakes of unspeakable shame, confusion, torments, endless death, and damnation, should have been our inheritance, lot, and perpetual portion. Christ therefore doth daily put us in mind, that we be not our own, but his, and that we be the greatest and dearest purchase, that ever was made, in heaven or in earth; and that the like price and cost was never bestowed upon any creatures, as upon us. When the Angels, which were in heaven, in the presence of their creator, did once offend they were hurled out, and cast into hell; Christ would not bestow upon them one penny of all that great price, and rich ransom, which he paid for us; he would not then become man, to shed one drop of blood for them; but for our sakes, he spared not one drop, but shed all. The Hen, that himself speaketh of, was never so diligent and careful, to gather her chickings under her wings, as he hath ever been, most ready to shroude and to protect us, against all the enemies of our souls and bodies. Many mothers shall sooner forget the children of their own womb, and utterly forsake them, before Christ will forsake us; yea he will never forget, nor forsake us, unless we first forget, and forsake him. Now therefore we being his, so dearly bought, and so truly paid for, he calleth upon us every day, he clocketh us, and looketh for us, that we should follow him, and tread in such steps, as he hath appointed, & that we should not range at random, but keep our selves within the hearing of his voice, and our lives within the limits of obedience unto the same: these things he looketh for at our hands. But we deal with this most kind, most loving, and most merciful redeemer, and Savior of our souls & bodies, even so as the unnatural & unkind Ducks deal with the Hen, of whom they have received life; they regard not her clucking, neither we Christ's calling: when she is seeking and providing for them, on the fair, dry, and wholesome earth, they will be in some foul water, filthy mire, or stinking puddle: And when the Lord Jesus calleth us to integrity of life, to do the thing that is just and right in his own eye, and to speak the truth, according to the knowledge of our hearts, then will we with greediness, pollute our souls and bodies with all wickedness, and things that be abominable: then will we oppress our brethren, not caring who sink, if our selves swim; then will we not stick to speak lies, even to God's own face: And when the Lord calleth, and sendeth us to seek heavenly things, we presently return to the foul puds of the world, carnal delights, and vain, yea vile pleasures: So that, we ever take the contrary way, to that which Christ commandeth. Christ calleth for our harts, to have them in truth and sincerity, with all diligence to attend upon his pleasure, and to wait on his will; he would have us, not in part, but wholly to give them unto him, and without the heart, he will receive, and take in good part, at our hands and lips, nothing. But we on the other side, give nothing less to God, then our hearts. There is nothing that may and cannot command our hearts, & have them at pleasure, sooner then Christ Jesus, who with the death of his own heart, gave life to our bodies and souls. If the world do but a little smile upon us, and give us but an alluring look, and a fair word, we will by and by follow it, and bestow upon it all our attendance. If the devil himself can make us believe, that we shall either have profit, or pleasure by doing his will, our hearts, minds, wills, & all, are readier for him, then for Jesus Christ. O matchless, yea monstrous madness! they that seek our destruction, can sooner with a pleasant look, then Christ with the giving of his life for us, have us at commandment. Christ would have us to mortify our earthly members, as fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affections, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is Idolatry: But alas, we nourish, pamper and cherish all these. The Lord would have our conversation in heaven, but we are altogether carnally and earthly minded. The Lord would have our feet to stand within the gates of Jerusalem, but we love rather to be trampling the streets of Egypt, Babylon, and Sodom. The holy Ghost would have us to fight a good fight, to finish our course after the will of God, and to keep the faith, not only in words, but also in life and deeds: Indeed we are apt and ready to fight and strive for worldly promotion, honor, dignity, revenues, and riches; but for heaven, and heavenly things we will never strive, take no pains, nor once trouble our selves, we will have it with ease, and all manner of pleasures, or else not at all, farewell it. The courses we take here in this life, are very bad; and the end (unless we repent) is like to be worst of all: And whiles we have no care to keep good consciences, it is impossible for us to keep faith. If Christ and Satan should stand before us, the one pointing us to heaven, and eternal felicity, but the way to it, full of troubles, griefs and sorrows: the other pointing to hell, but the way to it, full of delicates, pleasures, and dainty delights; and let God call, and the devil call, yet the devil (it is to be feared) is like to have the greater number to follow him, for those short pleasures: & Christ but a few to follow him, because they must go load̄ with Crosses and afflictions; daily experience doth teach us no less, seeing all our actions are carnal, and have only but little outward show, and no taste at all of true godliness, nor so much as any relish of the spirit, and love of Chri •• Some will abstain from the committing of any gross sins, now and then, and yet not that, in any true and sincere love to God, but either for fear of shame and punishment in this world, or else fear of vengeance, in the world to come; which both are unprofitable: for the Lord hath no pleasure in forced service, he will have it voluntary, with the heart, and proceeding of love, not of a servile fear, otherwise it shall be numbered with the rest of our sins. This doth greatly condemn us, that though we do not such things our selves, yet we can without trouble of conscience, grief of heart, or vexation of mind, see and hear the Lord's name blasphemed, his Sabbath vnhalowed, Idolatry committed, parents dishonored; whoredom, theft, murder, and Covetousness, commonly used; and all the laws of God utterly contemned; and it shall never offend the greatest number, so much as a thorn in a foot, or a blaine or push upon a finger. This undoubtedly is even to forsake God in the plain field, and to be afraid to serve him in truth and sincerity, least we should thereby purchase man's displeasure: unless therefore we learn to serve him better, in more truth, with greater zeal in singleness of heart, we have nothing else to look for, but that he will forsake us, both in this world, leaving us destitute of his assistance, that our enemies may pray upon us; and also in the world to come, in giving out against us, his malediction, curse, woe, and sentence of death. Math. 25.37. Psal. 15.2. Pro. 23.26. Col. 3.5. Phil. 3.20. Psal. 122.2. 2. Tim. 4.5.6.7. Math. 25.41.

Breakers of the fourth Commandment.

1 AS those parents that bring not their sons & daughters, (being of years of discretion) on the Sabbath day to the Church, to be partakers of the holy exercises, as preaching, prayer, Catechising and Sacraments, do transgress this Commandment: So in like manner, those pa • ents greatly offend herein, that bring their young children to the Church on the Sabbath days, who either by their crying or running up and down the Church, do both trouble themselves, the Minister, and the people, that the word preached, & the prayers uttered, cannot with reverence be so well heard, as otherwise they might. And no less do they offend herein, that bring their Hawkes, Hounds or Dogs, to disquiet the Congregation.

2 As Magistrates, Schoolemaisters, as also all Artificers, and Handicrafts men, ought to abstain from their Offices and callings on the Sabbath day, because they are impediments to hinder their zeal and attentiuenesse, that they ought to give to God in his worship and service that day: So contrariwise, if God will not have them exercise their vocations and trades, being lawful and necessary, then much more he will not have them exercised in unlawful and unnecessary works, as in gayming, dycing, daunsing, carding, drinking, rioting, & other vanities of this world, whereby they are not only drawn from the company of the holy Congregation, but also do thereby defile their bodies, which they ought rather to sanctify and keep holy.

Christ cometh of the Father.

AS the Sun remaineth the same, and is not lessened by the beams which it spreadeth abroad: So neither is the substance of the Father lessened or changed, though he have the Son, an Image of himself.

Christ not to be denied in persecution.

AS the Serpent when he seeth he shall come into man's hands, defendeth his head, either by gathering himself into a circle, or thrusting his head into a hole, leaving the other parts open to the wounds: So likewise we must do in time of persecution, even keep Christ our head from wounds, howsoever our bodies suffer.

Curiositie.

1 AS the Physicians do speak of the members of a man's body, that they are made and composed of form, substance, strength, and greatness: and placed and disposed very cōueniently, to show their effects and operations: So likewise in every Commonwealth, God hath raised up some men, either Ciuilians, or Divines, & furnished them with such graces and gifts, as are necessary to effect such things, as he hath before determined: now if the foot will take vpō him to execute the office of the hand, or that the hand will needs walk as the foot: if the ear will strive to see, and the eye to hear, it would be a very vain & foolish thing for them to enterprise such things, seeing they have not been made and framed thereto: In like manner we strive in vain, when as we endeavor to effect such things whereto by nature we are not appointed and ordained.

2 As men having heard a report of the fertility, pleasure, and abundance of any strange Country, are never quiet until they have seen it: but they have not been there a year, but they are in great dislike with it, as ever they were with their own native soil; for though they change their air, they never alter their nature; their minds are as full of fancies, and their heads of toys, as ever they were: Even so, such as are possessed with wandering and straying cogitations, who will needs occupy every Trade, and be of all Occupations, and change their opinions as often as they do their garments, having one foot in the Court, and another in the Country; they do no sooner undertake anything, but they are presently weary of it; and they have not so soon given it over, but forthwith they would take it in hand again.

3 As we see the diseases of man's body, do bring such unquietness & irksomnes with thē, that the poor Patiēt disliketh everything whatsoever: yea such oftentimes, as in his health & prosperity, were most pleasing unto him, as his wife and children, his bed, his meat & drink, & such like. So likewise it is apparent in the affections of the mind, which being once distempered, we cannot long live contentedly in any condition of life whatsoever.

4 As the Egyptian (who carried somewhat wound up in his napking) answered (unto him that demanded what it was) that he had covered it, to the ende, that no man should see it: So likewise must we learn, that if there be anything hidden and laid up in the works of God, that it is of purpose kept from us, to the end that we should not be too curious to inquire after it; and that it is far better to be utterly ignorant herein, then to have all the knowledge thereof that may be. Deut. 29.29. 1. Tim. 4.7. & .6.20. Tit. 3.9.

5 Like as Coursers and Hunters, who leading their dogs into the fields, do not let them slip at all adventures, at whatsoever cometh next to hand, but hold them until their game be found, to the end they may be the more fresh & lusty to maintain their course: So likewise must we hold and keep in our Curiositie, and not suffer it to follow after whatsoever it lusteth, but only that, which being once attained unto, bringeth with it both pleasure and profit.

6 As they, who in reading over a book, do note nothing but the faults & errors therein contained: Or as such, which take much more pleasure in beholding a monster, then a body which is perfectly made: Or to view an Antike picture, or some old counterfeit, wherein there are strange devises: Even so let one speak to us of the wisdom, Justice, liberality, modesty, and temperance of another, and we will scarcely give any ear thereto: but let one tell us, that some young wench have lived incontinently; or that some woman is taken in Adultery; or that there is strife & contention among brethren, or some discord among friends, we are waking enough, and but too too curious and ready to hear.

7 As we see Serpents nourished by venom, and live in filthy, stinking, and darksome Caues: So curious men, do nourish themselves, with woeful and sorrowful discourses, and never take pleasure in anything, but in that which deserveth pity and commiseration.

8 As Surgeons search and seek out the disease, with intention to heal it, and if it be a soar that should be kept secrete, they are both wise and faithful enough to conceal and hide it: So contrariwise, curious men are desirous to know every malladie, to the end they may make it known, and publish it, wheresoever they come.

9 As backbiters take pleasure to hear evil of their neighbors: So these curious men take delight to report the worst to the next company they meet with, so that they are exceeding envious, and rejoice in nothing but in other men's wants, imperfections, and mischiefs.

10 As it were a foolish and an intemperate humor, for a man that hath a fair, beautiful, amiable, and virtuous wife, with whom he might very lawfully enjoy his pleasure and delights, to reject her and cast her off, and to buy at a very great rate, with pain, sorrow, and shame, the love of another most foul, and filthy Slut: So in like manner, it is a most sottish and foolish thing, to despise so many godly histories, and beautiful discourses of this life; so many learned books; so many excellent Treatises and worthy examples, whereby we may reap such exceeding profit and pleasure: Curiously to busy our selves in enquiring after our neighbors matters; to open sealed letters; to hearken under men's windows; or to whisper in women's ears, and such like absurdities: whereto curious men are most commonly addicted.

11 As old Lamia (so much spoken of in ancient stories,) who had eyes like unto Spectacles, which she might take out, and put in at her pleasure, so soon as she came home into her lodging, she used to lock thē up into her coffer, and set her down to spinning, as blind as a beetle, and never saw what she did in her own house: but she went no sooner abroad, but she put them in her head again, and would very curiously behold what other men did. In like manner, we through a foolish and sottish self-love, do never view our own imperfections, although they be clear as the Sun, and as big as a millstone: but on the contrary, we can quickly espy other men's vices, though it be at midnight, and that peradventure they be not so big as a peble stone.

12 As it is reported of Democritus, that walking abroad, he was wont to shut his eyes, least by wandering regards, his mind should be turned from the contemplation of honest things: So likewise must we with all our endeavours, bar and shut up this curious humor, to the end to keep it in, that thereby we may search after nothing, whether it be touching God, nature, or our neighbors, but that which may profit us, and tendeth to our edification; rejecting all unprofitable, impossible, and superfluous things: about the knowledge whereof, we consume our bodies, misspend our time, and loose our labors; all which should be carefully & diligently employed in the study and seeking after, of more commodious and more necessary matters.

13 As Rebeccaes two twins did struggle and wrestle before they were borne, for hatred and malice: but Elizabeth's one child did spring and skip before he was born, for joy and gladness: So he that is curious, & busieth himself about more things then one, shall never prove singular in anything; nay he shall find that strife and resistance in his head, which Rebecca did in her womb: but he that labors and travels only about one thing, shall bring it to good perfection; and be as well delivered of it, as Elizabeth was of John the Baptist. Phil. 3.14.

Curtesie.

1 AS the tree is known by his fruit, the gold by the touch, and the bell by the sound, so is a man's birth by his benevolence: his honor, by his humility; and his calling, by his Curtesie.

2 As the peg straineth the Lute strings, so Curtesie stretcheth the heart strings.

3 As it belongeth to the Sun to lighten the earth with his beams; so it pertaineth to the virtue of a Prince, to have compassion, and be Curteous to the miserable.

Courts of Princes.

AS it was a saying sometime of Asia, that it was no praise never to have seen it; but to have lived soberly and temperatly in Asia, was praise worthy: Even so it were no great matter, never to have seen the Courts of Princes; but to have lived Christianly in those Courts, were a special work of God in his children.