PuritanSearch

Suites in Law, how they are lawful.

1 AS a Soldier in lawful war may kill his enemy, and yet love him: Even a man may forgive an injury that is done against him, and yet seek remedy by Law, so it be in a Christian manner; that is, without private revenge: that it be not scandalous to the Church; that it be to maintain peace; and that the party offending, may be chastised, and brought to repentance for his fault.

2 Like as Physicians use desperate remedies, when weaker will not serve: Even so must men use Law, as the last means, when all other fail.

Who is a Spiritual man.

AS the Scriptures call that man carnal, which is not renewed by the spirit, and borne again in Christ's flesh, and all his works like, even the very motions of his heart and mind, as his learning; doctrine and contemptation of high things; his preaching, teaching, and study in the Scripture; building of Churches, Schools, or Hospitals; founding of Colleges; giving of Alms; and whatsoever he doth, though they seem Spiritual, and after the Law of God never so much: So contrariwise, he is Spiritual which is renewed in Christ, and all his works which spring from faith, seem they never so gross; as the washing of the Disciples feet, done by our Savior Christ, and Peters fishing after the resurrection; yea deeds of matrimony are pure, Spiritual, if they proceed of faith; and whatsoever is done within the laws of God, though if be wrought by the body, as the very wiping of shoes and such like, howsoever gross they appear outwardly, yet are sanctified. John. 3.6. 1. Cor. 2.15.

The Scripture sufficient to confute errors.

1 LIke as if a man being taken with a Frensy, the Physician should come & offer him a medicine, which is of vertu to purge the superfluous humor, that causeth the disease, & to make him whole & sound, and the phrantike man should refuse it, and take another to his own contentation, that would do him no good; were this medicine strengthlesse, and not able to help his disease, because the patient desired to have another, rather then that? Not so. So in like manner, although some men refuse to have their errors, and false opinions to be confuted by the word of God, desiring rather to be tried by the writings of men, which can do them no good to establish their faith; this maketh not, but the Scripture is sufficient to confute and refell erroneous doctrine, and all false opinions, though they take it not so.

2. As in the night season in darksom places, men are wont to do all their business by candlelight, so continuing until the broad day: Even so in like sort whilst we abide in this world, where we are compassed about with the gross darkness and ignorance of heavenly things, we must carefully give ear to the prophecies of the word, take counsel at them, & govern our selves wholly by them, so long, till the day of the Lord approach, and the time wherein we shall clearly behold those things in the presence of God, which now in this pilgrimage of ours, we believe and hope after. 2. Pet. 1.19.

3 As men enterchaungeably, are said to be wiser one then another, when as one is wiser in diverse points, and another again in some other points: Even so, if man's wisdom be able to do that which the revealed wisdom of God is not, then is God wiser then man, not simply, but in some pointes; and man wiser then God, not simply, but in some points; and therefore such as avouch, that the wisdom of man is not able to refell and confute some errors, heresies, and false opinions, which the word and revealed wisdom of God cannot, is to make man wiser then God. Isaiah. 29.14. 1. Cor. 1.20, 25. & 3.19.

4 Like as Abraham said to the rich glutton, being in torments, who would have had him to have sent one to his Fathers house, to warn his five brethren, least they also should come into that punishment. They have Moses, and the Prophets (said he) let them hear them; and if they will not hear them, neither will they be persuaded, though one rise from the dead again: Luk. 16.29, 31. Even so, they that will not be persuaded by such reasons as may be alleged and brought, both for confirmation and confutation of any point, either of doctrine or manners, out of the sacred Scriptures; surely they will not be moved anything at all, either with the authorities of Poets, Philosophers, Orators, or other profane writers whatsoever; neither yet with the reasons, that may be brought out of an Ecclesiastical writer, how famous, learned, or notable so ever he were.

Sanctification.

1 LIke as Lot was vexed, and his righteous heart was grieved, with the unclean conversation of the Sodomites from day today: Even so ought our souls to be vexed and grieved continually, at the wickedness of our time; and to send up prayers to God for them, that they may be brought to the obedience of his holy will. 2. Pet. 2.7. Ezech. 9.4.

2 Like as Joseph, Elias, and Elisha, left their garments behind them: Even so must the children of God, leave their carnal affection, &c. before they can please God, and attain salvation by Christ.

3 As Wormes and Flies, that have layne dead all winter, if they be laid in the Sun in the spring time, begin to revive by virtue thereof: Even so when we are united to Christ, and are as it were laid in the beams of this blessed Son of righteousness, virtue is derived thence, which warmeth our benumbed hearts dead in sin, and reviveth us to newness of life, whereby we begin to affect and like good things, and put in practice all the duties of Religion.

4 As the sight of him that is blear-eide, is hurt by looking against the Sun: Even so likewise, it is very dangerous to handle a thing that is pure, with hands unwashed: and a man not to purge himself, that he may become a vessel sanctified to honor; meet for the uses of the Lord, and prepared to all good works. 2. Timo. 2.19, 21.

The Service of God, is to be preferred before all earthly things.

1 LIke as if a Servant that is factor for his M. beyond the seas, after many years returning home to give accounts to his master, should yield a reckoning of so much time & money, spent in carding, dicing, dancing; so much in courting and wanton company; we would laugh at so fond a reckoning: but being further asked by his master, what time he bestowed on his merchandise which he sent him for, if he should answer none at all, nor that he ever thought or studied upon that matter, we might thē think him well worthy of all shame & punishment: Evē so surely with much more shame and confusion shall they stand before God at the day of judgment; who being placed here to so great a business, as is the worship & service of God, have notwithstanding neglected the same, bestowing their studies, labors & cogitatiōs, in the vain trifles of the world: which is as much from the purpose, as if men being placed in a course to run at a gold̄ game of infinite price, they should leave their mark, and make some step aside after flies or feathers, in the air; and some other stand still, gathering up the dung off the ground: we would think these men not worthy to receive so great a reward as this that was proposed and offered to them.

2 Like as Doves, Pigeons, and Lambes, were offered in sacrifice, and sanctified unto the Lord, under the Law, as well as Oxen: Even so children & young men, ought to dedicate themselves to worship and serve God, as well as old folk. Levite. 5.5, 6. Numb. 28.3, 9. 2. Chro. 7.5. Psal. 8.2. & 119.9. & 148.12.

3 As the sacrificing Fire never went out, but burned continually upon the Altar: Even so Christians ought to have a continual care of God's Service. Num. 6.13.

Scorners.

LIke as old men for the most part are wayward, and think scorn to be told of their faults: So likewise is this doting age of the world, wayward and waspish, if when a Preacher shall reprove them of any vice that they are faulty in.

Sin left by ungodly means.

AS a Bird, the more she struggleth, having lyme twigges on her wnges, the faster is she ensnared: Or likewise a Fish taken with a bait: Or as a man that washeth him in a pool that is muddy in the bottom, the fowler he is: So likewise a man being in Sin, striving to get out by ungodly means, he infecteth himself the more with Sin.

Satan.

1 AS a Raven or carrion Crowe, will seize first on the eye of a beast that seemeth to be dead, knowing that if the eye be out, they may the easier get their pray: So Satan will seek first to peck at our eye of faith, and if that be out, he will rule us as he will.

2 As a weak & brittle wall, is easily cast down, & overthrown with every Engine; but an huge fence, a mighty strong wall, and a Tower that is firm, and fenced on every side, doth stand surely, & endureth the force that cometh against it, without yielding, staggering, or falling: in so much that the enemies that seek to overthrow it, are driven and constrained, to use warlike engines and policy; yea and to batter and shake it, with engines, torments, and ordenances of wars, which will send and throw out, stones, weapons, bullets, and pellets, of iron and lead: Even so Satan, doth most easily overthrow, with every light temptation, frail and weak men, which are not well settled in virtue, nor grounded in godliness, nor armed with the holy word, and spirit of God: but to win and overcome (if he could) men that are furnished with a strong and lively faith, and such as are stayed, and do rely upon the Lord's protection, he useth sundry subtleties, and most dangerous and forcible temptations. Math. 4.1. &c.

3 Even as the Fisher, when he taketh some great Fish, doth not by & by violently strike, and twitch her, but letteth his fishing line go at the length, until the fish do swallow down the hook, and so work her own destruction; least if at the first, he should twitch her too hard, the fishing line or thread should break, and his bait and hook lost, the fish should escape: Even so Satan the Devil, when he hath gotten a poor sinner, fast upon his hook, and hath entangled & fettered him, in the chains of some dangerous and deadly sin, and hath bewitched him, with the forceries of the flesh, and the world, he doth not sodeinly oppress & exasperate him, least at the first dash, he play the Devil openly and roughly, like a Devil, as he is; the sinner should break his bands, and escape his snares: But he doth cherish him, and maketh much of him, and doth suffer him now and then, both to speak, and to do some things that savor of virtue, that by little and little, he being made fast, and dead sure, upon the hook of sin and wickedness, he may by degrees work his own woe and utter destruction: So that the devil doth stretch out his angling rod, thread and all, not that he may let the sinner escape, but that he may make him the surer, and hold him the faster.

4 As Achfah, who when she had begged of her Father, an inheritance of the South countries, then she must have certain grounds with Wells and Springs: Even so, such a shameless beggar is Satan the devil, that he will still have a little sin, and a little, and never leave, till by little and little, he getteth both body and soul into hell. Joshua. 15.18, 19.

5 As little Children, who know not what is good for them, for if they begin to taste Honie once, they will not leave eating by their good wills, till they be sick with eating: Even so, so sweet hath Satan made sin to the taste of the wicked, that they cry still a little more of it, and find no fault with it; but that there is too little, and they cannot have enough.

6 As Flies are always busy about a sore place: So that is a sport or pleasure to Satan, which is a sore or a pain to man.

7 As an Ox will eat no kind of grass, but that which is green and fresh: Even so the devil will be sure to have his food, of the finest and best.

Spiritual graces from God.

LIke as the earth engendereth not rain, nor is able by her own strength, labor or travel, to procure the same; but receiveth it of the mere gift of God from above: Even so faith, grace, forgiveness of sins, or Christian righteousness, are given us of God, without our works or deservings.

2 As the earth of it self, is not able to get or procure to it self, seasonable showers of rain to make it fruitful: Even so much less are we able by our own strength, works, and deservings, to win & procure to our selves, faith, grace, forgiveness of sins, or Christian righteousness, unless God himself by mere imputation, and by his unspeakable gift, do bestow the same upon us.

Swearing.

LIke as he that maketh a custom of striking with his hand, it is likely that he should sometime strike unjustly: Even so he that maketh a custom of Swearing in true matters, will at the length, even forswear himself, in matters of no importance, by reason of his custom and use, which he hath got in Swearing.

Sons by adoption.

1 LIke as if a King or Noble-man, should of mere love and favor take in a beggar, nay a Traitor, and make him his heir: Even so God did with us, and such favor did he freely show to so many of the sons of Adam, as it pleased him to adopt, and so to make them his children. 1. John. 3.1. John. 1.12. Rom. 8.14.

2 As Iaball the son of Adah, the wife of Lamech, is called the father of such as dwell in Tents, for he was the first inuenter of Tents: And Iuball his brother, is also called the father of such as play upon Harps, and upon Orgains or Pipes: yet we may not therefore call the Tentes, Iabales children; and the Orgains and Pipes, the sons of Iuball: Even so God is called the father of the reprobate, but metaphorically, because he first created them; but yet they can no more be called the adopted Children of God, then the Tents might be called the Children of Iaball, or the Harps and Organes, the children of his brother Iuball. Gene. 4.20, 21.

3 As the Sun, which sometime shineth and sendeth forth her light, dispersing the clouds, and sometimes again is hidden under the clouds: Or as the Sea is one while ebbing, and another while flowing: Or as the Moon is sometimes waxing, and sometimes waning: Even so the adopted children of God, by reason of their manifold corruptions, imperfections, and rebellious thoughts of their harts, have not the spirit of God always felt in themselves, nor perceived in them by others in a like measure; but it is in them, sometimes in a greater measure, sometimes in a less.

4 Like as Trees planted by the water side, which do bring forth fruit in due season, yet the same Trees have both a summering and wintring, a spring time, and a fall of the leaf; when Winter comes they seem as though they were dead, but in Summer they shall wax fresh and green again; and yet the fruit of the same Trees are first in the sap only, then it cometh into buds, and so into blossoms; whereof some are smitten with blastings, some are nipped with frost and cold, and some are eaten with Wormes; but if they escape all these, then from blossoms, they come to be Apples: and at the first they are green and lively, and some do lust to eat them, but they are still hard and harsh, but in time they come to their full growth: And when they are ripe, then are they either shaken down with the wind, and Swine devour them: Or if they be fairly gathered; yet are they plucked from the Tree that hath borne them, then are they bought and sold, whereof some perish and are cast out of doors: The fairest and the sweetest, are brought either to the fire to be roasted, or to the Table to be pared and cut in pieces, and so to be eaten; then the tree is naked and seemeth to be dead, but the next Spring do fetch all again: So likewise are the fruits of the spirit in the adopted children of God; first in the sap of faith only, which is hidden in the heart: then it cometh into good thoughts; then into good works by degrees; but many times they are nipped and smitten in the bud, or in the blossom; that is, either in thoughts, or words, that they never come to works. The works likewise of the Sons of God, are at the first fair and fresh, but yet hard and harsh; and when they are come to any perfection, they are either wind-shaken and devoured by beasts, or smitten with persecution; then are they bought and sold, and every man handleth them as they list: In a word, the fairest, the pleasantest, and the best of our works, must be pared and picked for dainty mouths, and queasy stomachs, and in the end consumed of all; and then are our labors come to their perfection, whether they be of the Church or Common-wealth; and then do many of God's children, think themselves naked and dead, and there is no cause why they should; for their fruits whether they perish in the bud, or in the blossom, or in the ripening, or howsoever they be handled; yet they prove that the sap of God's spirit is in them; & the next spring of God's grace will fetch all again. Psal. 1.3.

5 As men say of fruit, this is but little, but it is good; here be not many of them, but those that are of them, are very dainty, they are right, of such and such a kind: Even so the adopted children of God may say; My faith is but little and weak; my love is not so much as I would it were; my zeal is but little, and my patience is but small; but it is true faith, and true love, and true zeal, and true patience, even from the very heart root, without dissembling; O Lord increase it, and strengthen it. Luke. 17. 5. Mark. 9.24.

6 As the adopted Sons of God, are planted by the ministry of the word and spirit: Even so they flourish and abound in fruit by the same means, as also by the Sacraments and prayer, &c. Psal. 92.13, 14. Rom. 1.17.

7 Like as if a King, Prince, or Nobleman, should make a poor beggar borne, his loving Son and heir by adoption; he were greatly bound to love him, and to be thankful unto him forever: Even so much more we ought to love the Son of God Christ Jesus, that hath made us Sons and heirs to his Father, by his death and redemption.

Salvation.

1 AS an Helmet saveth the head of a Soldier, in the day of battle: So Salvation, which cometh from the Lord, saveth and protecteth us, from the deadly wounds of our spiritual adversaries. Ephe. 6.17.

2 As the Pismire provideth food in Summer time, to live by in Winter: So in like manner, we must labor to attain and get Salvation, with the means thereof, in the Summer of prosperity, that so we may live spiritually in the Winter of adversity.

2 As a supper is made, when the day draweth to an end: Even so is full Salvation given to the godly, about the end of the world.

4 Like as the Infant cannot live without a Nurse: So neither can we have Salvation without Christ.

The Spirits to be tried.

AS Merchants credit men so far as their wealth and money will reach, but yet trust not them, that do not keep their day and credit: Even so in the promises that deceivers make unto their fellows, we must regard what ground they have for them, and how they can be performed.

Salvation to be preferred before either profit or pleasure.

1 AS the eye is marvelous necessary, for the guiding of the whole body, and a member that hardly may be spared, yet if there come danger unto the rest of the body by it, we must rather suffer the loss of it, then the whole body should perish for it: Even so we are to loose with contented minds, our dearest friends, or whatsoever commodities of this life, though we can as hardly spare them as our right eye, if they hinder us in the way of life and Salvation. Math. 9.47.

2 Like as when a man's foot is so soar, that it cannot be healed, and putteth the other parts of the body in danger to be infected by it, is wont to be cut off, for the preservation of the rest: Even so when our friends, or any earthly commodity whatsoever, shall become hurtful to our souls, and endaunger us to loose life everlasting, we must then reject them. Math. 18.8.

They whom God setteth on work must needs Speak.

AS when the Lyon roareth, whosoever is within his danger, cannot choose but be afraid: So when the Lord Speaketh, what Prophet or preacher of his, can hold his peace. Jer. 47.2. Amo. 3.8.

Security is the high way to destruction.

AS the Ox, when he is driven to the Butchers stall, goeth willingly, because his hope is, that he shall be driven to some better Pasture, and never feareth until the Axe be ready to be laid upon his head: Or as a fool when he is led to the stocks, goeth cheerfully, and never feareth until his feet be fast snared therein: So likewise many men go securely forwards, weltering in the broad way, without remorse of conscience; persuading thenselves that that is the perfect way, because the greatest number do walk therein, and never perceive their own folly, until till they snared in the traps of destruction.

A Spiritual man discerneth all things.

AS a man of clear eye-sight, is able to judge of colors, and to know one color from another: Even so such as are endued with the grace of God, do as plainly and evidently judge of God's word, & try out the truth thereof, from the devises and doctrines of men.

Scriptures.

1 AS the Laws must be interpreted, not according to the censure and judgment of them, to whom they were given, but after the will and meaning of the Judge, and Lawgiuer which made them: So the Scriptures must be interpreted by the Scriptures, and the word by the word, and that which is spoken obscurely in one place, by that which is declared and uttered more plainly in another place.

2 As the Carpenter knows his Rule to be straight, not by another Rule applied unto it, but by it self, for casting his eye upon it, he presently discerns whether it be straight or no: So likewise we know and are resolved, that Scripture is Scripture, even by the Scripture it self, though the Church say nothing: so be it we have the spirit of discerning, when we read, hear, or consider of the Scripture. And yet the testimony of the Church, is not to be despised, for though it breed not a perswasiton in us, of the certainty of the Scripture, yet it is a very good inducement thereto.

3 Like as the Physicians in their books, do most diligently describe, even such diseases as are most filthy, not to the intent to praise & commend them, or else alow thē; but to the end they may be exactly known, and the more perfectly cured: So the holy Scripture in sundry places, doth most manifestly rehearse mischievous deeds, even such as are to be abhorred; not to the intent to teach and command the same; but to the end we might know them the better; and judge thereof, not according to the flesh, but according to the spirit of God; and also that we might warily avoid them.

4 As the precious stone called Drachonites, cannot be polished, nor needeth any Art or cunning, to make it either trimmer or fairer; for it is both pleasant and bright of it self: Even so the holy Scriptures, hath her glory and brightness of herself, and needeth not the artificial colors and shows, either of Philosophy, Rhethoricke, or any other Art.

5 Even as the cogitation and senses of man, are most hard to be known; yet notwithstanding, our frindes, whom we fervently love, and with whom we are continually conversant, do oftentimes, even by a beck, open unto us the cogitations & senses of their minds, without any token of words and speech by them spoken: So shall it come to pass in the holy Scriptures, so that a man love them, and be continually conversant in them; he which seeketh, findeth; unto him that knocketh, it shall be opened. Deut. 30.11, 12, 13, 14. Prov. 14.6. Math. 11.25. & 13.11.

6 Like as in a Merchants Ship, are carried diverse things necessary for man's life: So in the Scriptures are contained all things needful to salvation. John. 5.39. & 16.13. & 20.30, 31, 2. Timo. 3.15, 16, 17.

7 As whatsoever Gold is without the Temple, is not sanctified: So whatsoever sense is without the holy Scripture, although unto some it seem wonderful, yet it is not holy, because it is not contained in the sense of the Scripture. Math. 12.3, 4, 5. & 15.7, 8. & 22.31.

The Soul that sinneth shall die.

LIke as every man that eateth sower Grapes, his own teeth shall be set on edge: So likewise, shall everyone that committeth iniquity die, not for others, but for his own sin. Ezech. 18.2. Jer. 31.30.

A Sorrowfull man.

AS the Pellicane is wont to keep alone, and without company of other Birds, and whose voice or singing hath no pleasantness in it: So likewise such is the estate of a Sorrowfull man, and an heavy heart forsaken of all men, even of those whom sometime he took to be his dear friends. Psal. 102.6.

Impossible to Serue God and riches.

AS impossible as it is at one and the same time, for one man to serve two diverse and sundry Masters, for that he cannot be diligent, and employ himself about and upon the business of the one, but he must needs neglect the others affairs: So likewise impossible is it for a man to addict himself to Serue God and riches, or that which belongeth to them. Math. 6.24.

Slouthfull.

1 AS a hedge or good fence of Thorn, is hard to pass through: So is every way of gaining or getting to the Slouthfull. Prov. 15.19.

2 As Viniger is bad & hurtful to the teeth, and smoke noisome to the eyes: Even so much more hurtful, then either of both, is a Slouthful servant, to them that sendeth or setteth him about any business. Prov. 10.26.

How to carry our selves in Sickness and death.

AS a man that is to pass through a great water, doth not so much cast his eyes upon the water, as on the bancke, that is on the other side: So we also in the time of Sickness and death, are not so much to respect the grievousness of the same, as that which followeth death, namely life everlasting.

Sorrowes.

1 LIke as when a man by bleeding at his nose, is brought into danger of his life, the Physician lets him blood in another place, as in the arm, and turns the course of the blood another way to save his life: Even so we must turn our worldly Sorrowes; for the loss of goods or frindes, to a godly Sorrow for our offenses against God. 2. Cor. 7.10.

2 As the Moaths do hurt garments, and Wormes the wood: Even so doth Sorrow and heaviness, hurt the heart of man.

3 Even as filthy matter or rottenness of a boil, blaine, or push, being within the flesh, doth greatly grieve and vex sore the body that is sick; but if it break and run out, the pain is mittigated: So Sorrow being closed and shut up in the heart of man, doth mightily torment him; but being thrust out, with tears and groans, the heart is somewhat eased, and the mind a little pacified. Ezech. 24.16, 17.

4 As a great and thick smoke, vapouring out of a foul black fire, unless it have free passage, and some vent or way, where through it may go out, will all too darken, bestinch, and make black the house: Even so, Sorrow and grief, proceeding out of the hot fire of adversities and calamities, being shut up in the house of man's heart, doth make it exceeding black, and doth corrupt it, with black and bitter choller, unless through the mouth or eyes, there be a breathing out of sighs, fet from the bottom of the heart; and streams of tears trickling down the cheeks. Yet an effeminate and desperate wailing, either for the dead, or for any other cause, as of men without hope, is utterly to be misliked; and that Stoicall opinion also, that a wise man should never be moved, neither with mercy, Sorrow, mirth, or anger, is to be avoided.

Security causeth contempt of Christ.

AS they that are in health, and have no need of the Physician, and therefore seek little or nothing after him: So they that know not the dangerous diseases of their souls, but think themselves in case good enough, do seek little after Christ, and set little by him. Math. 9.11. Mark. 2.17. Luk. 5.31.

Striuing against God.

AS he that beateth his heels, and kicketh against sharp pricks, doth nothing but hurt his own heels: So he that Striueth against God, prevaileth nothing, but harmeth himself. Act. 9.5.

The Stewards reward.

1 AS men be bountiful unto such servants, whose faithfulness and deligence they have good trial off, as well in their absence, as presence; and on the contrary side, they are angry, severe, and sharp, to them which deceive their expectation, and do not answer the trust, which is reposed in them: Even so much more justly, will God put the like difference, in rewarding or punishing, the good endeavours or negligence of them, to whom he hath committed services of trust, in his people and Church. Math. 24.45, 46. &c.

2 As men have just cause, with more sharpness, and greater severity, to punish those servants, to whom they have shown their mind and will, and yet their business is neglected; then to others, who therefore do it not, because they know it not: So likewise God, to whom so ever he hath revealed most, and upon whom he hath bestowed most greatest gifts of knowledge; if notwithstanding they be negligent in using their gifts, to the profit of God's Church, them will he most severely and sharply, above all other punish. Luk. 12.47, 48.

Servants of sin.

AS men are their servants, to whose commandments they yield all obedience: Even so if Christians obey sin, they are the Servants of sin, whose wages is death. Rom. 6.16, 22, 23.

God's Spirit purified.

1 AS clean water washeth and maketh clean our bodies: So the Spirit of God, maketh our hearts and souls clean, in the eyes and sight of God. Ezech. 36.25.

2 As no man that hath the Spirit of God, can blaspheme Christ and worship Idols: So none can acknowledge Christ for Lord and God, without the same Spirit. 1. Cor. 12.3.

3 As John by the fire and Spirit, meaneth nothing but the Spirit of God, which purgeth and purifieth as the fire doth. Math. 3.11. Even so our Savior, by Water and the Spirit, meaning nothing else, but the Spirit of God, which cleanseth the filth of sin, and cooleth the boiling heat of an unquiet conscience; as water washeth the thing, which is foul, and quencheth the heat of the fire. John. 3.5.

Sin maketh our bodies the Devils dungeon.

LIke as if a man had a fair house, wherein he must entertain a King, and should make thereof a Swinstie, or a stable, all men would say, that he did greatly abuse both the house and the King: Even so man's body being at the first made a Palace, for the everliving God, if a man shall abuse it by drunkenness, swearing, lying, fornication, or any uncleanness, he doth make it instead of a Temple for the holy Ghost, to be a sty or stable for the Devil. For the more filthy a man's body is, the more fit it is to be a dwelling place for Sin and Satan, 1. Cor. 6.15.

Satan's subtlety.

1 AS Naab the Ammonite, warring against the men of Iabes Gilead, would not raise his siege, but upon condition that he might thrust out all their right eyes: So Satan the enemy of our souls, who seeketh by all means possible our destruction, never ceaseth to assault us, until he have deprived us of the eye of right judgment, that we may not see our salvation in Christ Jesus only. 1. Sam. 11.2. 1. Pet. 5.8.

2 Like as if men by long experience, and observation of the natural causes, can attain unto such great knowledge of things to come, that they can tell twelve years before the change of the Moon, the Eclipse of the Sun, what day, hour, and minute it shall be: Even so much more Satan (who is a more excellent nature then man, and greater experience) hath knowledge of things to come, for that he hath been practiced therein, from the beginning of the world, and is also more circumspect in observing of causes, because thereby he deceiveth man, a poor simple soul.

3 As Amalek resisted the children of Israel, that they might not enter into the land of Promise: So doth the Devil with Christians, that they should not enter into heaven. Deut. 25.17. Exod. 17.8, 9.

Spiritual man.

AS a man sore wounded and diseased, may for a time or season, be deprived almost of all operations of the natural life, to the outward show of his own indument and feeling: Even so may a Spiritual man be soar wounded by Satan, and diseased by the present sight and feeling of his sinful corruption, specially in temptation; that he may think, yea appear to others, that the life of the spirit is not in him.

Impenitent Sinners.

LIke as a Captain that hath taken some hold or Sconse, doth rule and govern all therein, and disposeth it at his will and pleasure: Even so it is with all blind, ignorant, and impenitent Sinners; not one Devil alone, but even legions of Devils possess them, and rule their hearts: and therefore how soever they may sooth themselves, and say, all is well, for God is merciful: yet their case is far worse then Mary Magdalens was, who had been possessed with seven Devils. Mar. 16.9.

Preuenting of Sin.

1 EVuen as a Father when he sees his child too bold and venterous about Fire & Water, takes and holds it over the fire, or over the water, as though he would burn or drown it, whereas his purpose indeed, is nothing else but to prevent danger for the time to come: So in like manner, Christ's subjects are bold to sin by nature, and therefore to prevent a mischief, he doth exercise them with affliction, and seems for a season, as though he would quite forsake his Church; but his meaning is, only to prevent offenses in times to come. Hosea 2.6.

2 As Beasts, which going in the way see green pastures, and desire to enter in, and therefore go to the hedge, but feeling the sharpness of the thorns, dare not venture to go in: So likewise God's people, like unto wild beasts, in respect of sin, viewing the green pastures of this world, which are the pleasures thereof, are greatly affected therewith: and if it were not for the sharpness of crosses and temptations, which are God's spiritual hedge, by which he keepeth them in, they would raunge out of the way, and rush into Sin, as the Horse into the battle.

Sentence of condemnation, why set down.

AS a wise Father of a family, will check his servant, and if the cause require, correct him in his childes presence, and that the child it self may learn thereby to fear, and stand in awe of his father: So likewise Christ the most careful and wise governor of his Church, hath set down the Sentence of condemnation against the wicked, that the children of God in this world, whensoever they shall hear or read the same, might be moved thereby to stand in great fear of God, and more dutifully perform obedience to his commandments. Mat. 25.41.

The holy Spirit regenerateth not all.

AS the Sun doth not warm everything that it lighteneth: So neither doth the Spirit regenerate, nor draw to the love of wisdom, all which it illuminateth, and to whom he giveth the knowledge of his doctrine, but only the godly and the faithful. Math. 24.46.

Mot to grieve the Spirit of God.

1 AS men use their guests friendly & courteously, showing unto them all service & duty: So likewise must we do to God's Spirit, which is to come to dwell & abide in us, doing nothing in any case, which may disquiet or molest him. Ephe. 4.30.

2 Like as when the Ark of the covenant, which was a sign of the presence of God, was in the house of O bed Edom, then the Lord blessed him, and all his house: Even so much more when the holy Ghost dwells in any man's heart, there is more then the Ark of the Lord present, even God himself: and therefore such an one, may look for a greater blessing, if he grieve not him by sinning. 2. Sam. 6.11. 1 Thes. 5.19.

The use of all prescribed means to Salvation, is necessary.

1 IF a King should give unto one of his subjects a Princely Palace, upon condition that he shall go unto it, in the way which he shall prescribe, he would (no doubt) take what pains he could to know the way, and afterward endeavor to keep & continue in it: So likewise the kingdom of heaven, is the most glorious and royal Palace that ever was, and God hath bestowed the same on his Elect: and he requires nothing at their hands, but that they would turn their faces from this world, and walk unto it, in the way which he hath chalked forth unto them in his word; Therefore if they be desirous to have Salvation & life everlasting, they must come forth of the broad way, that leads to destruction, and enter into the straight way, that leads to eternal life: they must acqaint themselves with the guides, which are the faithful Ministers of the word, that will cry unto them, Here is the way, walk ye in it, when they shall go to the right hand, or to the left.

2 As Simeon going into the Temple by the motion of God's spirit, met with Christ: So if we will be ruled with the same spirit, & frequent holy assemblies, we shall meet with our Salvation.

Christ's Spirit.

1 AS the light cannot match with darkness: So likewise Christ's Spirit cannot accord and match with sin, and lusts of the flesh. 2. Cor. 6.14.

2 As Rain with the moisture thereof fatteth the earth, to make it fruitful: Even so the holy Spirit, with his invisible grace doth make us fruitful, to produce the fruits of righteousness. John. 7.38.

3 As fire consumeth everything that it layeth hold on: So the Spirit of God, consumeth all the corruption of our hearts, and original sin in us.

4 As fire giveth light to the bodily eyes: So the Spirit giveth light to the eyes of the soul. Ephe. 1.17.

5 As fire giveth life & quickeneth those that be benumbed with cold: So the Spirit of God, doth quicken and put life into those that be dead in their sins. Ephe. 3.5.16.

6 As a man that made a bargain, will be careful to keep the earnest penny, that he loose not all his bargain: So also must we be careful to keep the Spirit of God, the earnest penny of our salvation, that we be not deprived of the same. Ephe. 1.13.

Sacraments.

AS Circumcision, (which was a Sacrament of the old Law) was a seal in that time to our Fathers of righteousness: Even so be our Sacraments to us in these days, seals of God's promises unto us, and all have one strength and virtue. Rom. 4.11.

Sin of set purpose.

AS he that striketh the King ignorantly, not knowing him to be the King, is nothing in so much fault as he that striketh him, knowing it is the King: Even so he that doth offend God of ignorance, is to be less blamed, then he that wittingly and willingly offendeth him. Luk. 12.47, 48.

God giveth us understanding to know the Scripture.

EVen as the Disciples of our Savior Christ had no knowledge, nor understanding, until God gave it thē: So fareth it with all the rest of God's children, that although they hear never so much his Apostles Preach, yea, Christ himself personally sounding in their ears; yet except the Lord open their hearts and minds as he did Lydia, it availeth not one. Math. 16.17. Act. 16.14.

Sins are our greatest enemies.

1 AS a huge and mighty fire, will be asswaged, and at the length quite put out, if the sticks and other matter, that doth chearish and increase it, be withdrawn and kept from it: So in like manner, our affections and troubles will come to an end, if we do cease to do evil, and give over sinning, before it give over us; for our Sins are as dry sticks and stubble, wherewith the fire, not only of the wrath and malice of Infidels and heretics, but also of the wrath and indignation of God, is kindled, increased, and most mightily stirred up against us.

2 As we wonder at the Creator, not only in great matters, as heaven, earth, the Sun, Elephants, &c. but also in like creatures, as pismires, lice, worms, flies, &c. So a soul given to Christ, must as well regard little as great matters, and Sins, knowing that we must give an account for every idle word. Math. 12.36.

For the health of the Soul, the body is to be kept in subjection.

LIke as when one part of a man that is sick, is not capable of the remedy, wherewith he may be holpen, the Physician is wont to apply the same remedy to another part; as if one be grieved with an extreme Ach of the head, then the Physician useth to strike a vain of the arm, because the head will not abide Phlebotomie, or blood letting: So, that we may help and heal many diseases of the Soul, we must keep the body in subjection to the spirit, and tame the lusts of the flesh, and labor to bridle our affections, and to keep them within the compass of reason, sobriety and temporance.

Spirits that die in the Lord.

EVen as the Spirit of Christ, passed from the Cross into Paradise, at the very same moment that it departed out of the body, and thence returned into the body, that whole Christ in respect that he was man, might be afterwards glorified: So likewise all good Christians, do believe that their Spirits and souls, who die in the Lord, do straightway depart unto God, there to enjoy that measure of glory that is appointed for them; until that they being adjoined again unto the same bodies (which will be the very same in substance truly corporal, though in a far more excellent estate) shall live under Christ their head for evermore. Luk. 23.43. Reve. 14.13.

The Lord's Supper.

1 AS Bread nourisheth and strengtheneth man, and giveth him ability to labor: So the body of Christ, eaten by faith, feedeth and satisfieth the soul of man, and furnisheth the whole man to all duties of godliness.

2 As Wine is drink to the thirsty, and maketh merry the hearts of men: Even so the blood of our Lord Jesus drunken by faith, doth quench the thirst of the burning conscience, and filleth the hearts of the faithful with unspeakable joy.

The holy Spirit the earnest penny of our inheritance.

1 AS in a thing that is bought, there is sometimes given an earnest penny, to wit, some part of the money agreed on, as well for the beginning of the payment; as by consequent, for the assurance that the bargain shall be held firm: So likewise the holy ghost, who by faith engendereth peace & joy in the harts of the faithful, is the earnest penny, assuring us, by this beginning of the spiritual blessings, which God promiseth to his children; that he holdeth us for his possession, purchased to the praise of his glory; and that at the length he will gather us into the full enjoying of the inheritance of heaven. Ephe. 1.13, 14. Rom. 8. 29, 30.

2 Like as when a man doth purchase an inheritance, he first giveth earnest that is, some part of the money promised, that serveth as a beginning to the payment of the total Sum: So God having redeemed us by the blood of Jesus Christ, giveth the earnest penny of his holy Spirit; that is to say, a beginning of knowledge of the true God, of sanctification, of love to God, of righteousness, and of peace, and joy in the holy Spirit, attending until he finish in us the communication of that light, joy, holiness, and glory, that we shall have perfectly in heaven. Ephe. 1.13, 14.

3 As among men, when things that pass too and fro, though they be in question, yet when the Seal is put too, they are made out of doubt: Even so when God by his Spirit, is said to seal the promise in the heart of every particular believer, it signifieth that he gives unto them evident assurance, that the promise of life belongs unto them. Ephe. 4.30.

Sluggards.

AS the Drunkards drinketh till he hath drunk all the money out of his purse, and all the wit out of his head, and all goodness out of his heart, that there is no difference between him and the beast, except it be in this; that the beast can go and keep his way, which the drunkard cannot do: So the Suggard sleepeth in all security, and neglecteth his business, and puts off all care, for doing of all his duties, until he hath slept all thrift out of his shop, and all his friends out of his company, and all God's graces out of his heart, and all comfort out of his soul, and all strength out of his body, and all conscience out of his dealing; till his stock be spent, and his occupying decayed, and his customers gone; and God's spirit gone, and all be gone; and till nothing be left but fear and shame, with poverty, penury, and a bare head and feeble shoulders to bear off the blows.

Singing of Psalms.

1 AS that is a godly sorrow, that driveth us to prayer; a blessed heaviness, that maketh us seek unto the Lord: So that is a godly mirth that endeth with Singing of Psalms, and heavenly joy, that at the least wise maketh us more fit to serve God. 2. Cor. 7.10. Col. 3.16. Ephe. 5.18. I am. 5.13. 2. Chro. 35.25.

2 As no man can truly pray, without the feeling of his wants: So no man can Sing from his heart, unless he have some persuasion of God's favor; and so as affliction driveth him to pray; so mirth moveth him to Sing. Act. 15.25.

3 As all knowledge is increased, especially by hearing, reading, and conferring about the Scripture: So all affections are most of all stirred up, by meditation, prayer, and Singing of Psalms. Psal. 147.1.

4 Like as when the light of the Gospel came first in, Singing of Ballads (that was rise in Popery) began to cease, and in time was clean banished away in many places: So likewise the sudden renewing of them, and hasty receiving of them everywhere, maketh us to suspect, least they should drive away the Singing of Psalms again, seeing they cannot stand together; of which we are so much the more jealous, because we see that in other places also, where these be not received in, yet the Singing of Psalms is greatly left, over that it had wont to be.

5 As the ungodly have a grace in their wickedness, and are the better liked of among the ungodly (though indeed they are then most deformed) So this singing of Psalms maketh us comely before God, and lovely in the eyes of his Church, when we (having prepared our harts thereunto) do sing with affection, with reverence, & with understanding. Psal. 331. Reve. 14.3.

6 Even as a costly garment may be comely in it self, yet shall it not become us, unless we be fit for it, and it be well put upon us: So though to sing be never so comely in it own nature, yet it becometh not us, except we be prepared for it, and do sing David's Psalms with David's spirit. Ephe. 5.19. Colloss. 3.16. 2. Chro. 29.30.

7 Like as the expert Physicians use for the most part to annoint the brinks of the Cuppes with honey, when they minister their bitter potions to sick children, least they should abhor their health for the bitterness of their drinks: Even so the holy Ghost perceiving that mankind is hardly trained to virtue, and that we be very negligent in things concerning the true life indeed, by reason of our great inclination to worldly pleasures and delectations, hath invented and mixed in his form of doctrine, the delectation of Music by the Psalms, to the intent that the commodity of the doctrine, might secretly steal into us, whilst our ears be touched with the plesantnesse of the melody: so that for this ende be these sweet and harmonious songs devised for us, that such as be children, either by age, or children by manners, should indeed have their souls wholesomely instructed, though for the time, they seem but to sing only.

Sin the cause of affliction.

AS no man ought to accuse and blame the Pysician, as though he were the only occasion of the corrupt humors within the body, notwithstanding that he hath brought and driven them out, that a man may evidently see and perceive them; but the misbehavior and intemperate diet of the man himself, is the very right occasion, and the only root thereof: Even so we ought not to ascribe any blame or fault unto God, if he send us heaviness, pain and trouble, but to think that it is a medicine and remedy meet for our sins; and every man to ascribe the ve • ie cause and occasion thereof unto himself, and his own sins; and to refer blame to nothing else. Dan. 9.5, 6, 7. Jonah. 1.12.

Our Spirit must strive to overcome the flesh.

LIke as the Spirit far passeth and overcometh the flesh in Christ: Even so must it do in us also, that we have more respect unto God, and unto life everlasting, then unto this our worm eaten flesh.

Sins of others are not to be imitated, or to be our excuses.

LIke as if in walking, thou shouldest see him fall that goeth before thee, thou goest not to fall with him, but thou art to be so much the more circumspect that thou fall not as he did: Even so we are to remember, that those foul falls, and gross faults of David, and of S. Peter, and of others, are set before us, first that they should be to us as a mirror of the frailty and weakness of man, to acknowledge, that if we be exempted and freed, it is by the grace of God: and secondly, that we should so much the more stand upon our guard, and be watchful, least we likewise fall.

Sorrow for imminent danger of death, war, hell, &c.

AS there was great lamentation in Zion, because of God's justice for their sins: Or as there was great lamentation for Pharaoh in Egypt, because he was a Lyon in the land, and a Dragon in the Sea; and as there was great Sorrow, fasting, mourning, and weeping among the Jews because the King had decreed their deaths: Even so we the inhabitants of England, have great cause of lamentation, fasting, mourning, and weeping, because death is scaling our windows, the beasts of the fields, to wit, the Pope and the Spaniard, hungering to devour our bodies, to spoil our Country, and to shed our blood as water upon the land; and our souls as prepared for the fire of hell, by reason of sins in the common sort; of horrible cruelty in many of them that are mighty; and of the general ignorance of Christ, according to his Gospel, in every sort. Jer. 9.17, 18, 19. Ezech. 32.1, 2, 3. Hest. 4.3. Jer. 9.12. Ezech. 32.4, 6. Math. 7.19. & 13.42, 49. Hos. 7.3, 4, 5.

Salvation is from God alone.

AS the virtue attractive to draw Iron, is not in the Iron but in the Adamant: Even so the virtue and power of Salvation, lieth not in the Minister, but in the power of the word, wrought by the spirit of God.

By our words, deeds, gestures and moouings, Satan knoweth the secrets of our hearts.

AS a man holding in his hand an Angling rod, and with a baited hook fishing in an obscure and troubled river, although he doth not see the fish rush vpō the bait, yet he perceiveth very well, that the fish is taken, and hanged upon the hook, because the Corke or bark of his fishing line is pulled down, and hid under the water: So Satan, that most subtle and wily fisher, although he seeth not our thoughts, being in the secrets and bottoms of our hearts, yet notwithstanding, by outward signs, he many times doth know them; as by our words, (for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh) by our actions, and by the gestures of our bodies. Math. 15.19, 20. Prov. 6.18.

Our duty to read the Scriptures.

1 AS Artificers with their tools and instruments, do finish their work: So by reading of the holy Scriptures, our selves are corrected, formed, and renewed. Col. 3.16. 2. Pet. 1.19. Ephe. 6.17. Rom. 15.4. 2. Timo. 5.16. Act. 17.11. Psal. 119.105. Dan. 9.2.

2 As Artificers cannot transform earth or wood into silver or gold, only they can by their Art and workmanship, give form and shape unto things: But by the reading of God's word, thou mayest of a wooden or earthen vessel, make a vessel of gold or silver; as saith the holy Apostle Saint Paul, 2. Timo. 2.20, 21.

3 Like as there are some spices, which without brusing do yield no smell, but the more they be chafed the sweeter they are: Even so is it with the holy Scriptures, such as read but little can find no taste, but the more they be pervsed and read; the more do they yield forth the treasures and pleasant fruits hidden in them. Psal. 25.14. John. 7.17. & 6.45.

4 As increase of strength groweth to the body by meat: Even so the like groweth to the soul, by the reading of the holy Scriptures.

5 As a bar of iron by long lying in the fire waxeth hot, red, and of the nature of burning fire: Even so that soul that daily employeth it self in reading, and meditating the word of God, groweth to be spiritual, divine, heavenly, and kindled in the word of God. John. 5.3 • .

6 As some Birds use to sit by the waterside, that seeing the shadow of ravening fowls flying in the air, they may escape them by leaping into the water: So must Christians be even conversant in the hearing and reading the word of God, that so they may behold as in a Glass, the sleights of the Devil, may escape them, and so maketh it their Glass to see their own sins in; all which would (without unfeigned repentance) bring condemnation.

The Subjects duty to their Magistrates.

1 AS Saint Peter admonisheth servants to be subject to their Masters, albeit froward and peevish: So are Subjects bound to obey their Magistrates, albeit an infidel, a wicked man or an Idolater. 1. Pet. 2.18. Rom. 13.1. Tit. 3.1. 1. Pet. 2.13, 14.

2 As Christian Religion doth not subvert the order of Policy: So the wickedness and impiety of the Magistrate, doth not deprive him of his right to command; neither doth it exempt the Subjects from their duty to obey.

3 So long as there remaineth in Princes, the Image and ordinance of God: Even so long continueth the bond of Subjects, to yield obedience to Magistrates, not as to men, but as to God. Exod. 9.16. Dan. 2.37. 1. Sam. 21. 1. &c. Jer. 26.7. & 29.7. & 35.9. Ezech. 29.18. 1. Sam. 26.9.

4 As God armeth the Magistrate with the sword, for the preservation of his Subiectes, against the violence of their enemies, and to enforce rebels to yield obedience to their lawful decrees: So when alone, or with his Sargeants & Officers, he is not able to perform this duty, he may and ought to command his Subjects to help him to execute his office; and they are bound at his commandment to take arms, & to employ themselves. Judge. 5.9, 23.

5 As by natural affection, the hands and other the members of the body, do stand bound to employ themselves for the safety of the body, but especially of the head, against all violence and injury: So likewise ought all Subjects, to think upon the natural bond and affection, and in duty under the conduct of their head, to preserve the body of the Comminaltie; but especially the person and authority of their Prince and Magistrate, against the violence and endeavours of their enemies. 1. Sam. 11.6, 7. Judge. 21.8. &c.

6 As the Magistrate is by God authorized to leauie tolles, taxes, tributes, and many other Subsidies of the people: So are the Subjects bound to furnish and pay them. Rom. 13.6, 7. Math. 22.21. & 17.25, 26, 27.

Salvation is desired of the godly.

AS all men of themselves be sinners, & through sin are in God's wrath, banished far away from him, condemned to hell, & everlasting damnation; and none is clearly innocent but Christ alone: So every soul inspired by God, is desirous to be delivered from sin and hell, and to obtain at God's hands, mercy, favor, righteousness, and everlasting Salvation.

Free from Sin by faith.

AS we being in the servitude of Sin, demonstrate and make known our service, by giving over our member by the obeying of Sin from iniquity: Even so we being made free from Sin by faith in Jesus Christ, & endued with God's spirit, a spirit of liberty, must needs demonstrate this freedom and liberty, by giving over our members to the obedience of the spirit, by the which we are lead and guided from virtue to virtue, and all kind of holiness.

No Sanctification, except we be united to the Church.

EVen as the spirit of man, doth not strengthen the members of the body, unless they be fast and surely joined together: So the holy Ghost, doth not revive and comfort the members of the Church, when they fall away, and will not continue in league and fellowship with the servants of God, longer then they are fast bound, and knit to the congregation of God's people, in love and peace in Christ; the holy Ghost doth minister no strength, no consolation, no comfort unto them; there remaineth nothing else in such men, but a numbness, and extreme blindness in heavenly things. And whiles in their arrogancy and pride, they forsake and condemn the church of God, because they cannot draw it into subjection, to their fond and fantastical humors, they become of men, devils incarnate.

Sin is to be reproved in all estates.

AS those which have Corn fields, thinketh it not a thing unmeet to be told by their servants, of thistles and weeds which would hinder and mar the Corn, if they provide not to have them plucked up: Even so it is not an unworthy thing, to show unto those which are of high calling, the hurtful and dangerous weeds, which would ouergrow and choke the heavenly seed of the Gospel, sown in the Lord's field.

Satan inflameth wicked cogitations into our minds by his temptations.

AS the Smith doth not make himself the hot coals that be in his Forge, but doth blow the fire with bellows, and so the coals are kindled, and made hot and fiery: So, the Devil doth blow and inflame those dangerous and wicked cogitations, which are conceived in our hearts & minds, with the bellows of manifold temptations, and so laboring to kindle the fire of all iniquity, he ministereth nourishment to all our wicked and damnable purposes. For the heart of man, is like unto a Smiths Forge; his evil & bad cogitations are hot burning coals; he that doth blow the bellows, to make them burn up, and to consume both our souls and bodies, is the Devil, that ancient enemy of our happiness and salvation.

Satan's craft to deceive Eve, and the world.

EVen as a Fouler doth lay abroad and spread his net, to take the Birds, where bait is, & there they may feed: So the Devil, when he would take Eve, spread his net in gluttony, and tempted her with a beautiful Apple, till at the length, to the harm and woe of all their posterity, both she and her husband were taken, and trapt to our woes. Gene. 3. 1, 2. &c. Ose. 13.6. Luk. 6.25.

Similitudes in the Scripture.

AS Images and Pictures are not in all points alike, or correspondent to that which they represent, but differ in colors, bigness, or thickness: So the things and Similituds in the Scripture, are not in all points alike to that which is likened unto them.

Service of man.

AS that Service of men which is done by constraint, carelessly, and negligently, is justly hated & rejected: So the Lord hateth & rejecteth all Service of man, which proceedeth not from a cheerful love, and earnest zeal of his glory. 1. Cor. 13.13. & 16.14. Tit. 2.14.

Satan called God.

AS the belly is called a God, because they which are given to the pleasures thereof, make more account of it then of God: So after the same sort is Satan called a God, and the Prince of this world. 2. Cor. 4.4. John. 12.3. & 14.30.

Sin is noisome to God's spirit.

AS the smoke of any filthy smelling thing, driveth away Bees: So the smoke of the dunghill of our corruptions, namely our Sins, will drive away the holy Ghost out of our hearts.

Swearers.

LIke as if we see a man hold up his hand at the bar of an earthly Judge, we pity him, and we are sorry for him: Even so much more ought we to pity common Swearers & blasphemers, who are no better before God, then rebels, that hold up their hands at the bar of his judgment seat, as guilty malefactors. Exod. 2.7.

Little Sins to be regarded.

AS a man may die as well by the choking of a Fly, as by the devouring of a Lyon: Or as a Ship may as well be sunk by too much weight of Mustard seed, as of great stones and lumps of lead: So likewise little Sins will sink a man to hell, as soon as great Sins.

Strength.

LIke as through wickedness man's mind is overcome, and brought into a base slavery unto all evil: So likewise by Strength, it overcometh and hath the victory, and is advanced unto freedom and dignity.

The State of man.

AS the good estate of a Subject or servant, consisteth in this, that he living in the favor and good liking of his King, or Master, procured by his loyal obedience and faithful service, is free from all evils and injuries, and enjoyeth all things either needful, or pleasant: So the State of man being pure from sin, is good and happy; otherwise, if by sinning, and rebelling against God, he incur his displeasure, most wretched and miserable.

Thankfulness for God's graces and benefits.

1 LIke as a Husband loving his wife tenderly, (to make his affection known unto her, by bestowing upon her many great presents, of Gold and costly Jewels,) is much grieved if she dissemble the gifts which he hath bestowed upon her, and say she hath purchased them by her own money: Even so God can in no wise be pleased with us, if we will conceal, or else attribute to our selves, the graces which he hath bestowed upon us, which he would have to be testimonies, tokens, and demonstrations of the inviolable love and fidelity, that he beareth unto us. Deut. 8.1, 2, &c. & 9.1. &c.

2 As a Hare or a Conie, cannot chewe their cud, unless they have champed it before: Even so, if a man be presently Thankful, after a benefit received, so shall he be the more able to call it to mind afterwards.

Tale-bearers.

AS wood serveth to kindle & keep fire: Even so Tale-bearers, stir up, kindle, and nourisheth strife. Prov. 26.20.

Human Traditions.

AS the flowers of Lysimachus are fair to see, yet unsavory: So human Traditions make a fair show, but there is no spiritual savor, or sweetness in them.

Time seruers.

1 AS the Apple tree, which in the Spring time buds and openeth it self, so that it doth as it were become white, by reason of the blossoms; but a shower falling upon it, many of the blossoms are shaken off, and the frost also doth much more consume them; afterward, when the fruit beginneth to spring forth, some great wind, (much of it being come forth,) falleth down, and when it waxeth ripe, the Cater-pillar cometh, which, with other worms, gnaweth & spoileth it so much, that scarce the twentieth part, yea scarce the hundredth part; many times remaineth: Even so it cometh to pass with the hearers of the Gospel; in the beginning thereof, everyone coveteth to be a Protestant, and a good Christian; everyone liketh of it very well; and the first fruits thereof are very pleasant: but when wind, a shower, or temptation cometh, many fall away from it by companies: afterward sects and seditions arise, which like unto woormes and cankers, gnawe and infect the fruits of the Gospel, and so many false opinions spring up, that very few do persevere in the true profession thereof. Math. 13.21, 21.

2 As the Reed is tottering, shaking, and yielding every way with the least wind that bloweth: So likewise be all such as are weather-cockly Temporizers, as in their words & deeds be wavering, vncōstant, slippery, changeable, fickle, faint-hearted, and dare not stoutly persist in their conceived opinion, but as (turn-coats) say and unsay, do, and undo. Math. 11.7. Luk. 7.24.

3 Even as luke-warm water doth annoy the stomach so far, that the stomach is constrained to cast up the same again: So those that be Time-seruers, and luke-warm professors, are so offensive unto the Lord, that he must needs, and will at the last, spew them out of his mouth. Reve. 3.16.

4 Like as the Hedge-hog hath two holes in his side, one toward the South, another toward the North, now when the southren wind blows, he stops up that hole, and turns him Northward; and when the Northern wind blows, he stops up that hole likewise, and turns him again Southward: Even so such are are all Time-seruers and temporizers, they believe for a time, as long as the warm Sun of prosperity shines upon them; but as soon as any storm of persecution ariseth, by and by they have a starting hole to hide themselves in; they change their Religion, and turn about with the time.

6 As a Top, which always runs round, and never goes forward unless it be whipt: Or as a Mil-horse which making many steps, turns about, & is continually found in the same place: Or as a door which riding upon his hinges all the day long, is never a whit nearer at night: So likewise Newters and Time-seruers, run beside the mark, by going forward and backward in a Maze. Prov. 26.14. 2. Timo. 3.7.

7 As it was with the Tribe of Ephraim, which was as a Cake upon the harth not turned, bakte on the one side, & raw on the other side: Or as the Laodiceans, who were neither hot nor cold: So is it with all Time-seruers & Newters, their Cake is dough, as we say, and they hold of both sides; and as Ambidexters with Ehud, they play with both hands; and as the Sun in Hezekiah time, they go both forward and backward; running up and down, in and out, and yet indeed are neither above, nor beneath; neither within, nor without. Ose. 7.8. Reve. 3.15. Judge. 3.15. Isaiah. 38.8.

8 As an Ennuche, which is a man, and no man: Or as a Pu • neise, which is a stone, and no stone: Or as a Bat, which is a Bird, and no Bird: Or as Fennell, which is a tree, and no tree: Even so such are Time-seruers, men-pleasers, and Newters, which go backwards and forwards, who will be sometimes Christians, and no Christians.

9 As a Weavers shettle, which if it go forward one way, presently goeth backward again as much another way: Or as a Weaver himself, such a one Penelope was, who woul do, and undo, weaving that in the day time, which she did vnweaue in the night: So in like manner, Time-seruers and Newters, build and destroy, do and undo, say and unsay; for no man doth more transgress, then he that is doubtful, and uncertain in Religion, one while putting his foot forward, another while pulling it backward again. Job. 7.6.

Tears.

LIke as when the body receives a deep wound, at the first, ye shall see nothing but a white line or dint made in the flesh, without any blood; yet stay but a while, then comes blood from the wound in great abundance: So at the first the mind is astonished and gives no Tears; but after some respite and consideration, Tears follow.

Time.

1 LIke as a treasure, the more precious it is, the more warily and diligently the owner thereof will safely keep it, and take better heed unto it: Even so Time (considering nothing is more precious) should warily be used, and good care taken, that it be not lost, without some profit gotten.

2 As they are worthy to be punished, that lewdly spend their money, and waste away their lands, in riot, excess, and prodigality: Even so they are much more to be blamed, that either idly, or ungodly spent their Time, which is the greatest treasure that God giveth. For money and riches being lost & wasted, may be recovered again; but Time vainly spent can never be recovered again.

3 As there is no man that looseth money or any other thing, but some gaineth and getteth good by it: But the loss of Time turneth to no man's avail.

4 As from the Ship, men through their swift sailing, trees and Towns seem as it were to depart: So through the swift course of Time, first childhood departeth, then youth, and so at the length old age.

5 As men when they are dead and returned again to dust, cannot praise God, nor declare his name, nor the great things which he hath done for them: Even so we are to take Time, while Time serveth, and must do those things whilst we are alive, that belong to our callings, for to that end was our life given us. Esa. 29.5. Psal. 30.9.

Time of peace more dangerous then of persecution.

AS the Sun and Wind, agreed on a day to prove their several strengths, in taking a cloak from a way-fairing man; and in the forenoon, the wind used all violence he could to blow off the said cloak; but the more he blew, the more fast held the traveler his cloak, and gathered it more closely about him. At afternoon the Sun sent forth his pleasant beams, and by little and little so entered and heated this man, as he caused him to yield and put off, not only his cloak, but also his coat: So likewise the allurements of pleasure are more strong and harder to be resisted, then the violence of persecution. As the example of David declareth, who resisteth easily many assaults, in Time of adversity; but yet fell dangerously in Time of prosperity; so that godly men have no less war in Time of peace, then in Time of persecution; and that there never wanteth occasion of bearing the Cross and suffering affliction, to him that will accept of the same. 2. Sam. 11.

Truth.

1 EVen as the nearer that Gold and Silver are put to the fire, so much the surer proof they have of their goodness & finnesse: So the Lord's Truth, the more exactly it is weighed with spiritual examination, so much the greater confirmation of credit it receiveth.

2 As the froath of the Sea dashing upon the Rocks, doth again fall off, when the Rocks are immooueable: So is Truth the vanisher of all calamities, and cannot be utterly oppressed.

3 Like as by striking of two flints together, there cometh out fire: So it may be, that sometimes by contention, the Truth which is hidden in a dark peace, may come to light; which by a peace in naughtiness and wickedness, being as it were buried under the ground, doth not appear.

Tyrant.

1 LIke as the Serpent Aspis of Afric, whereas ( Pliny saith) the male and female go always together, and if one of them be slain, the other doth continually follow the slear, till he have stricken him, although he be in a great assembly of people, except he pass over a river: So a Tyrants Son, or the like Tyrant, will never cease to seek revengement, until he either destroy others, or else be destroyed himself.

2 As the rind of the Seal-fish, and the gall of Hyena, be effectual remedies against sundry sicknesses: So God useth Tyrants, and wicked men sometimes, for the correction of vice.

3 As in fishing, when the fishes be deceived with the bait, have the Hookes in their mouths, men draw them, and make them follow, whither so ever please them: Even so God withdraweth mighty Tyrantes, from executing their devises, and from obtaining their enterprises.

Threatenings.

AS sometimes it thundereth, without lightning, which thunder bringeth most terror, but void of all danger: So the Threatenings of some do appear terrible, yet are they void of all trouble and hurt Isaiah. 37.29.

Trade of life.

1 AS the Ox is most apt for the plough, the Horse for the carte, and the hound for hunting: So ought men to choose that occupation, and Trade of life, whereunto by nature they are most apt.

2 As he which hath no house of his own, wandereth here and there: So he which followeth no certain Trade of life, must foolishly assay many sorts and chaunces.

Thoughts.

LIke as the Lord requireth an account of every idle word: Even so he requireth tribute of wicked lusts & Thoughts, arrayneth them, keepeth a court for them, and setteth fines and mercements, upon the heads of them. Math. 12.36. Rom. 7.7. I am. 1.15. Math. 9.4.

Temperate.

LIke as it is in vain to shut the outer Gates of a City, if but one be left open, whereat the enemy may enter: So it is not enough to be Temperate in other things, (that is to have a firm and moderate government of reason, against vicious affections of the mind) if we set open our ears unto ribauldrie and filthy talk.

Tongue.

1 AS rivers be compassed with banks, least they should flow over: So ought our Tongue to be walled with reason, least it should be over busy in babbling. I am. 3.2. &c. 1. Pet. 3.10.

2 As beasts and birds by man's industry are tame: Even so contrariwise the Tongue of man, is so unruly that no man can tame it. I am. 3.7, 8.

3 As a very little fire kindleth never so great a heap of matter, apt to be kindled: Even so the Tongue setteth the whole course of nature on fire, & is kinled it self of hell. I am. 3.5, 6.

4 As a sharp Rasour with the least touch that can be, shaueth and cutteth: So doth also the Tongue of a mischievous lying man. Psal. 52.2.

5 As a Ship though never so great and huge, is turned about with a very small Rudder: Even so the Tongue, though it be a small member, oftentimes overruleth the whole body, and setteth it out of course. I am. 3.4.

6 As it is impossible that a Fig-tree should be able to bring forth Olives, or a Vine Figs: So it cannot be, that that Tongue which is given to evil speaking and slandering, should be able to bring forth any good thing, not defiled with the venom of the Tongue and the heart. I am. 3.11, 12.

7 As Fire, (Chaff and Stubble being added unto it, or anything apt to burn,) will burn it clean up; yea if Towns, if Cities, yea & the whole world be added thereto, it will burn them up all: So likewise, if words be added to the Tongue, then backbiting, slandering, swearing, lying, &c. it will at the last set whole Kingdoms on fire.

Talke.

1 AS the Musician with the soft striking of strings doth please us: So the Talke that is gentle, doth sooner persuade, then that, which is rigorous and extreme.

2 As the East wind is accounted neither good for man nor beast: Even so Talke, and words that profit not, are not wont to proceed from the wise. Job. 15.2, 3.

3 As the savor of stinking carrion is noisesome to them that smell it: So is the speech of fools, tedious to wise men that hear it.

4 As a Vessel is known by the sound, whether it be whole or broken; So are men proved by their speech, whether they be wise or foolish.

Two natures in the personal union of Christ.

LIke as in that one person of Christ, there be Two natures: So there is a dubble will, working, wisdom, strength, power, virtue, &c. the one heavenly, and not created; the other human, and created. Luk. 2.52. Mar. 11.13. & 13.32. 1. John 2. 1, 17. John 2.25. & 6.64. & 5.20. Heb. 1.9. John 1.33. & 4.6. Heb. 1.3. John 2.19, & 10.18.

Testimony of the spirit in the elect.

AS Merchants being desirous to sell their wares, are content to let the buyer see & handle, and sometimes also taste of the same, thereby to induce them to buy: Even so God Almighty, willing (as it were) to sell us the joys of heaven, is content to impart a certain taste before hand, to such as he seeth are willing to buy; thereby to make them come off roundly with the price, and not to stick in paying so much as he requireth.

False Teachers.

AS empty Clouds, which boast of rain, but yet have none, are blown away with the wind: Even so false and untrue Teachers, who brag of great things, yet they bring not that which they boast off. 2. Pet. 2.17. Hose. 13.3. Jude. ver. 12.

Trouble of conscience.

1 AS the Angel did say that there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, neither crying, neither shall there be anymore pain: So after that we are at peace with God, it is most true, that there shall be no more Trouble of conscience. Reve. 21.14.

2 As it is a chief point of worldly wisdom, not to tarry for the use of physic, until we be deadly sick, but to be acquainted with God's merciful preservation to defend us from it: So likewise it is a chief policy of a good Christian, not only to seek comfort, when the agony and Trouble of Conscience is upon him, but also to use all good helps to meet with it before it comes.

3 Like as we condemn them of folly, who will not as well labor to keep themselves out of debt, as also to pay the debt, when they owe it: So likewise, it is a madness not to be circumspect to avoid all occasions, which may bring Trouble of mind or Conscience upon them: As also they would be provident to enter every good way, which may draw them out of this Trouble, when they have once entered into it.

Types of truth.

AS the Raven was a figure of the Law of God, which threatened all sinners: So the flood was a revengement sent from Almighty God, upon all offenders. Gene. 8.6. &c.

Trinity.

LIke as if three Kings equal in dignity, should meet all in one place, being equal also in power and majesty, if all three should sit down, though one be no better then another, yet one of them must needs sit down the first, and another in the second place, and then the third; but yet we cannot say, that he which sat down first is the chiefest: So it is in the Trinity, though none be greater or above another, yet the Father is in the first place, not because he is before the Son, or the holy Ghost, in dignity or honor; but because he is the fountain of the Deity, the Son being from him, and the holy Ghost from them both.

2 As light proceeding from the fire, is never separated from it, neither is one of them before the other: So it is with Christ and his Father.

Temptation.

LIke as a skillful laborer that riueth wood, who having a great knottie Logge or tree to cleave, hath also diverse wedges for the purpose, and everyone bigger then another, and entereth with the least first, and it maketh way and entrance for a bigger; and it again for the biggest of all; and so by little and little, the Logge or tree, is cleft into many small pieces, and made fit for the fire: Even so, when Satan purposeth to make a spoil of the graces of God in the soul of any, he useth sundry Temptations & devises for his purpose, and everyone of them differing from another.

Straunge Tongues edify not.

AS it were a madness, or at the least a great folly, for one man in communicating with another, to speak in a Tongue which the other understandeth not: Even so, it is much more folly for a man to speak to a multitude, or a whole Congregation, in that sort or order; and to speak Latin, Greek, or Hebrew, to the unlearned multitude at Church. 2. Cor. 14.9, 11, 23.

Truth not to be found with false Prophets.

AS Welles dry in the bottom, deceive them which seek for water in them: So they which look to learn a Truth at the hands of false Prophets, are deceived of their expectation. Isaiah. 12.3. 2. Pet. 2.17.

Trouble and afflictions, do further us to the right knowledge of our sins.

LIke as the hard Copper & Tinne, do melt in the fire: Even so in Trouble and affliction, our hard, rough, and stubborn hearts do melt, and fall to misliking and loathing their sins. Gene. 43.18. Numb. 21.7.

Christians through Trouble and adversity, are made bold and hearty.

AS one that hath sailed oft upon the Sea, and proved and escaped great and dangerous tempests, and hath been sore tossed with the fearful waves, is afterward the more bold & hardie to go unto the Sea, for as much as he hath ever escaped well, and come home safely: Even so a Christian man, whom the cross hath oft assaulted and exercised, for as much as he hath always found comfort, aid, and help of God, afterward he trusteth God, the longer, the more, though the same affliction and adversity come again unto him, that he had before. 1. Sam. 11.34, 35, 36. 2. Cor. 1.9, 10, 11.

Troubles and afflictions are means to try us withal.

1 LIke as those are the most honest, and most chaste Matrones, which being sore tempted, assaulted, and provoked unto wickedness, do nevertheless keep their spouse faith, towards their Husbands undefiled: Even so can no man know nor prove perfectly, how the Church of Christ keepeth her spouse and bridgrome Jesus Christ, until such time as Antichrist assaulteth and tempteth her, with false doctrine, tyranny and persecution.

2 As such Trees as have strong and deep roots, and sufficient natural sap, no violent heat of the Sun can hurt or harm them; but such as are felled and cut down, are soon dried up with the heat of the Sun; and as the grass that is mown down doth soon wither: Even so likewise such faithful Christians as are rooted in Christ Jesus, cannot Troubles and afflictions hurt, they grow and wax green notwithstanding; but the unfaithful do betray themselves, and show what they are, as soon as they see any heat of Trouble or persecution coming.

3 As with one Flayle, are both the stalkes and ears of the Corn beaten, and also the corn it self threshed and purged out: Even so with one manner of Trouble and affliction, are the faithful purged, and provoked to pray unto God, and to laud and magnify him; and the unfaithful also are provoked to curse; and so are they both tried, provoked, and known. Esa. 41.15. Amo. 1.3.

4 Like as when the Corn is threshed, the kernel lieth mixed among the Chaff, and afterward are they disseuered asunder with the Fan or wind: Even so the people in the Church, do first hear the preaching of God's word; but some stumble, repine, & are offended, and yet they dwell together one with another; but when they are fanned, and when the wind of Trouble and affliction beginneth once a little to blow, then it is easy to sunder and to know the one from the other, the faithful from the unfaithful.

5 As a rotten and an old weak house, standeth a while for a time; but as soon as a wind cometh and bloweth, it appeareth unto all men how feeble the foundation and stay of it was: Even so are there such Christian men, without ground or foundation, which as long as all things go well and prosper with them, they will seem to be good Christians; but in time of Trouble and persecution, their dissimulation is known, and breaketh out. Deut. 8.2.

6 Like as prosperity shutteth and bindeth the eyes of men: Even so likewise Trouble and adversity doth open them.

7 As the Salue, that remedieth the diseases of the eyes, doth first bite and grieve the eyes, and maketh them to water, but yet afterward the eye sight is clearer and more sharp then it was: Even so Trouble and affliction do grieve and vex men wonderfully at the first, but afterward it helpeth and lighteneth the eyes of the mind, that it is more reasonable, wise, and circumspect; for trouble bringeth experience, and experience, bringeth wisdom.

Trouble and adversity, giveth us occasion to pray unto God.

LIke as Water, as long as it floweth, and runneth over the even, plain, wide, and broad fields, breaketh not out by no violence, but dispearseth and spreadeth it self abroad everywhere alike: but when it is gathered together by cunning and skill, and conveyed into a narrow room, as into a pipe, or cōduit, then it springeth & spouteth out an high: Even so the mind of man, as long as it is quiet, idle, and without sorrow or Trouble, it walketh and wandreth abroad at large, and at liberty: but when it is brought in, restrained and driven to a straight and a narrow issue, thorough Trouble and adversity, it breaketh out aloft unto God in heaven, with an earnest, hearty, and a fervent prayer; for grace, aide, and comfort: Wherevpon is a common proverb sprung: Neede and necessity, teacheth men to pray. Isaiah. 26.16, 17. 1. Sam. 7.2, 3, 4. 2. Chro. 33.12, 13.

Trouble and adversity, do further us to virtue and godliness.

1 AS Water, that is continually standing, how clear so ever it seem, yet it is corrupt and naught; but that water which hath his continual course, the more it rusheth and struggleth over the stones and sandes, the more lively, fr • sh, and better it is: Even so a godly man in the time of prosperity, and absence of the cross, is sluggish, dull, and litherly; but thorough the cross and affliction, he is quickened and exercised, and increased in all goodness.

2 As rusty and cankard iron, thorough the File is made bright and smooth: So likewise our old rusty Adam, hath need of Trouble and adversity, to cleanse and purge us from the cankered rust of sin.

3 Like as a Knife, though it be never so smooth, if it be not used, it waxeth rusty; and the same rust fretteth it, and marreth it: but the more that it is occupied, though it be somewhat worn thereby, yet it is the more bright: Even so, although a man hath a good nature and inclination, if he be not occupied and exercised with Trouble and adversity, he waxeth rusty, cankard, & rotten: but through the cross and tribulation, though the rust have won somewhat of him, being a man, and of himself weak, yet he shall thereby be made more bright, clear and beautiful again. Levite. 26.14. &c. Hebr. 12.11.

4 As the seed that is cast into the field, must suffer the wind, rain, snow, frost, and all manner of tempests, and yet it waxeth, and bringeth forth fruit: Even so the spiritual seed, which is the word of God, being received of a devout, and a fervent heart, is not destroyed thorough Trouble; but bringeth forth right good and profitable fruit.

5 As a Walnut-tree, the more it is beaten, the better it is, and not the worse: Even so man thorough many stripes and much adversity, turneth from ill, and waxeth good. 1. Pet. 4.12.

6 As there is nothing better for the thick skin of an Horse or an Ass, then a very sharp whip, to yerke him with: Even so, there is nothing more fit and profitable for our stubborn and haughty flesh, then much sorrow and vexation; whereby it may be stirred and pricked forward.

7 As Woollen-clothe must be often beaten and brushed, least moathes breed in it: Even so shall spiritual Moathes and worms, to wit, wickedness, sin, and abomination, have the less power to breed in us, if we be well brushed and beaten in time, with Trouble, affliction and adversity. Prov. 20.30.

8 As Flesh, that cometh fresh out of the shambles vnsalted, waxeth soon unsavory, and worms breed in it; but the salt with his sharpness, keepeth it sweet from corruption: Even so doth God cast and sprinkle salt upon us, thorough diverse temptations and afflictions, that they may bite and season us, that we corrupt not, nor perish in sin.

9 Like as that body that is always idle, and never moveth, nor hath no exercise, is easily subject unto sickness and infirmities; but those bodies, that have their exercise and labor, are more lusty and sound, and can better continue: Even so the soul, that is well exercised with Trouble and affliction, hath occasion & cause to be beautiful, sound, and clear.

10 As Lie the sharper it is, the cleaner it taketh away all manner of filth out of clothes: Even so the greater and sharper our Trouble and adversity is, the more filth and inconvenience it draweth and biteth, from our corrupt and poisoned nature.

11 As Worm-wood is very good and wholesome, for a raw and weak stomach, which is of a naughty digestion: Even so bitter Trouble and affliction, is very wholesome and necessary, for the weak and feeble soul.

Trouble and sorrow do help and further us toward the fear and love of God.

1 LIke as when a Trespasser is led out to be headed, hanged, burnt, or otherwise to be punished; other that see him, do learn to fear and to beware of that thing, which brought the offender to his last end: Even so when God sendeth any plague, either upon some special person, or else upon some whole Commonaltie, all other ought so to consider the same, as though they themselves were in the place of the afflicted person; as though his Trouble and sorrow were their own; that they may the rather fear God, and take heed, that they fall not into the like vengeance of God. 1. Pet. 4.17, 18.

2 As a Dog that is of a good nature, if his Master strike him, yet he loveth his Master notwithstanding, and fawneth upon him: Or as a good child, although his Father or Mother beat him, yet he loveth them nevertheless, and desireth to have their favor again: Even in like manner are true Christians minded towards their heavenly Father; but such children as be wicked, and of an evil disposition, when they be a little scourged, they run away from their Fathers, and murmur against them.

Trouble is good and profitable to teach men patience.

1 LIke as men use to clip and to cut shorter the feathers of Birds, or other fowls, when they begin to fly too high, or too far from them: Even so doth God diminish our riches, possessions, estimation, honor, authority and power, that we should not pass our bounds, and glory too much of such gifts.

2 As the body, when it is wearied and consumed with labor and travel, desireth ease and rest that it may lie still: Even so the soul, being laden and oppressed with Trouble and affliction, is brought to a narrow issue, and then it hasteth after rest & quietness, and nothing vexeth it less then pride. Dan. 3.1. &c. 29. & 4.31. 2. Cor. 12.7.

3 As a piece of iron, or of Silver, stricken or beaten with an hammer, waxeth broader, thinner, smoother, and softer: Even so the stony and hard hearts of men, thorough heaviness, and adversity, are made more buxom and pliant, that a man may wind them (as a man might say) even round about his finger.

4 As a cursed wild Colte, hath a Snaffle put into his mouth, that he bite not him that handleth him: Even so the Snaffle of the cross and adversity, doth let and hinder us (being froward, furious, and full of spite, malice, and revengement) that we commit the less wickedness, abomination, and uncharitableness, in our lives. 2. Chro. 33.1, 2.9.11. &c. Act. 9.2, 3, 4.

5 Like as when a man hath been a long season healthful, and without any manner of sickness, he cannot take sickness by and by so patiently, as he ought to do: Even so likewise, he that never felt any affliction or adversity, whensoever any happen unto him, he is sore vexed with impatientnesse; but adversity teacheth men patience, and practiseth them therein. Rom. 5.3, 4.

6 As men eat diverse things by morsels, which if they should eat whole, would choke them: So by diverse days we suffer Troubles, which if they should all come together, they would make an end of us in one day.

Trouble maketh men temperate.

AS the Physician, when he perceiveth that his patient will eat overmuch, and will wax too fat, he measureth and restraineth him, and by breaking somewhat from him, he restoreth him to his health again, and so saveth him: Even so, when we do shamefully misuse Wine, Corn, bread, and drink, and other gifts and creatures of God, to maintain drunkenness, surfeiting, excess and riot, then doth God punish us with hunger, dearth, penury, and with other plagues, that we should learn thereby, to be temperate and to keep measure, and to use his benefits thankfully.

Trouble teacheth men to contemn the world.

1 LIke as he that taketh a journey in hand, and goeth into a strange Country, when he cometh into a pleasant Town, where he meeteth merry company and good companions, peradventure he spendeth away the time, and tarrieth too long among them, and so forgetteth his household and things at home; but if one hard mischaunce after another happen unto him, then he maketh the more haste home again to his wife & children, where he hath more rest & quietness: Even so, when these transitory things, as riches, health, beauty, honor and dignity, happen unto us, if we will once gape upon them, and delight so much in them, that we do the less regard and esteem the heavenly life; then will God make the way rough & crabbed unto us here in this life, that we should not take and esteem this transitory life in this world, for our right natural Country, towards the which we take our journey. Psal. 137.1. &c.

2 As a man must sometimes spurr his Horse, although he be a good and quick Horse, that so he may go and run the faster and speedier: Even so we cannot go forward in our vocation and calling, so speedily, nor so well as we ought to do, except we be pricked forward with sharp spurs and scourges.

3 Like as when the Master striketh his slothful, dull, and sleepy servant, then he laboreth the more diligently, and is more profitable unto him: Even so we all for the most part of us, have the nature of such slothful and sluggish servants; which will do nothing well, except we be driven by compulsion, and even whipped and beaten unto it.

4 As those be evil servants, which will do nothing, unless a man be ever upon their bones with a cudgel, yea, and then will do nothing well neither; yet notwithstanding, must a man never cease driving and forcing of them, until such time as they begin to amend, and to serve willingly, & with a good heart: Even so although no compelled service, that is violently wroong out of a man, doth please God, yet the continual inuring and exercising in goodness, may make it at length so pleasant and delectable unto us, that we shall have delight therein.

Troubles and adversities, is a furtherance to eternal life.

1 LIke as the Corn is first threshed, Fanned, and rid from the Chaff, and then laid up and reserved in the Garner: Even so godly Christians upon earth, are beaten, mishandled, evil entreated, whereby they are purged and rid of many wild & light manners, and so are brought into the everlasting Barn of the kingdom of heaven.

2 As no man can triumph or be crowned, except he hath foughten, and warred manfully, which cannot be without great danger, labor and travel: Even so can no man attain to the crown of eternal life, except he hath first suffered much Trouble, sorrow, & adversity. 1. Cor. 9.24, 25. 2. Timo. 1. 8. 2. Timo. 4.7, 8. 1. Pet. 5.1. I am. 1.12.

3 As the man that is sick, must receive the purgation and medicine, how sower or bitter so ever it be, that he may the sooner recover his health again, and not die: Even so when we suffer the hand of God, to rule and order us, being content and patient therewith, although it smarteth and grieveth us, yet it shall profit and help us, to everlasting health and soundness. Math. 5.4, 10. & 7.13, 14. Luk. 6.21.

Ordinary means to avoid Trouble, are not to be condemned or refused.

1 LIke as a Shipmaister, being upon the water, and foreseeing a tempest to be at hand, calleth upon God's aid and help, and yet for all that, he hath a sure eye to the stern, to rule that as hansomely and cunningly as he can: Even so in like manner of necessities, and perils, it is lawful, and men ought also to use all manner of honest and convenient means; as Physic and medicines, in sickness; labor and travel with the sweat of our brows in poverty; the power and authority of the Magistrate in wrong, injury, debate, and dissention; battle array against the enemies of our Country, and such like; so that no man build nor trust in any manner of thing, saving in the very living God only, which can help, deliver and remedy all things, without any middle or mean, if there were none at all. Act. 27.10. &c.

2 As weak, tender and diseased eyes, are refreshed and quickened, with green and fresh pleasant colors: Even so, cumbered and Troubled minds are wonderfully refreshed, received, and restored to strength, through seemly, honest, and measurable mirth and pastime; as by hearing of instruments of Music, by walking abroad, by altering and changing of the air, and by going out of such places as be obscure and dark, into such as be very lightsome; and especially for a man in his Trouble, to visit his special friends, or to be visited of them.

God delivereth from Trouble in due season.

LIke as God seeth the Trouble and affliction of his Church, how it is vexed: Even so hath he appointed a just time, how long he will suffer the wicked to take their pleasure, and how far they shall go and attempt; and when that is expired, no longer nor no further can they go. Jer. 25.1. unto 15. & 29.10. Psal. 46.1. &c. Math. 28.20.

God helpeth and comforteth such as are in Trouble, by his word and spirit.

1 LIke as a Captain in war; giveth his Soldiers that are under him, a great courage, by speaking manfully and comfortably unto them: Even so God will have his word daily to be published and proclaimed abroad to those that are in Trouble, to the ende to encourage his Soldiers, that fight under his banner. Math. 18.20.

2 As in Winter, the trees although they seem, not only unfruitful, but also utterly dead; yet the Sun with his coming, (when the winter hath taken her leave,) doth so mollify, resolve, and warm, both the earth it self, and the trees, that they bud out again, wax green, & bring forth fruit: Even so when the faithful are esteemed, and seem as though they were deprived and destitute of all help, and as it were utterly forsaken in time of Trouble; yet doth the heavenly spirit of God, lighten, warm, and strengthen their hearts to all goodness.

God sometime mittigateth Troubles, that we may the more easily overcome them.

1 AS a Captain giveth sometime his Soldiers liberty to take their rest, ease, and pastime, that they may somewhat refresh themselves, and afterward fight the more manfully and freshly: Even so our spiritual Captain, granteth ofttimes unto his Children, a certain recreation, ease and rest, whereby they may refresh and revive themselves, that they may afterward handle themselves the more valiantly in their spiritual affairs.

2 Like as a man of war, hath a lust and a courage to fight, having diverse valiant servants about him, which will suffer him to take no wrong: Even so the holy Angels, do compass about and defend us, that in all manner of Trouble and affliction, we are bold and able to stand and continue it valiantly. Psal. 34.7. &c. 2. King. 6.17. &c. & 19.35.

3 Like as a sick person, although he doubt nothing of the faithfulness, honesty, and tenderness of his Physician or Surgeon towards him, yet for all that, desireth him to handle his wound, and to dress him easily, and tenderly, as is possible for him: Even so in like manner may we call upon God, that if it be not against his honor & glory, he will vouchsafe to give some mitigation and easement of our pain; and specially we must desire of him, to grant us strength that we faint not, nor be overcome with the fear or greatness of our sorrow and grief, by reason of our great Troubles, whereby we might forsake him, and fall into some wickedness. Psal. 50.15. & 91.15. John. 14.13.

Patience in Trouble very needful.

1 AS a Lamb or a sheep is led unto the slaughter, and never crieth, nor openeth the mouth, but suffereth and abideth it patiently and meekly: Even so ought the children of God, when they are accursed and reviled, not to curse or revile again; when they are smitten, not to smite again, but to suffer all manner of smart and pain; and not once to blear, or to open their mouths against it. Esa. 53.7. Jer. 11.19. Math. 5.10, 11.

2 Like as they that are sick and distressed, and diseased, can be content to suffer and abide any of their members of their body to be cut off, and to be burnt, so that they may be anything relieved and eased thereby, of their great smart, and continual pain, (which is yet but transitory) and to be made whole and sound again: Even so ought we gladly and willingly to suffer our Lord God, and to be still and quiet, when he sendeth us adversity, whereby we may be relieved and discharged of eternal pain, and obtain health, bliss, and salvation for our souls.

3 As a good Captain leadeth and ordereth his army, according as the occasion requireth: Even so, a virtuous man behaveth himself patiently & well, in Trouble and adversity, and maketh the best of it.

4 Like as a Merchant man, maketh fair voyages and great journeys, and ventureth body and goods, and nothing is too hard and sower for him, only for worldly and transitory gain and lucre; and yet his hope is uncertain, whether he shall gain or loose; and though he gaineth never so much, yet he bringeth home nothing but frail and transitory goods, which shall have an ende: So we likewise have a long voyage to make, even from earth to heaven; and therefore we should be as well content, as prompt, glad, and willing, to suffer all manner of perils and dangers, that may happen by the way; seeing that we shall have an infallible and sure hope of eternal & everlasting riches, for Jesus Christ sake.

5 Like as when a man of an high and noble birth, is contemned and mishandled, in a strange land, where he is not known, it grieveth him nothing so much, as if the like should happen unto him at home in his own natural Country: Even so our natural Country is in heaven, upon earth we are but strangers and Pilgrimes, therefore we ought the rather to suffer all things patiently here, only that we may have rest, among the inhabitants in our right eternal Land and Country. Hebr. 13.14. Phil. 3.20. 1. Pet. 1.3, 4, 5.

6 As a man of war, preparing himself with all manner of things appertaining to warfare, though his enemies be never so strong, yet he forgetteth all fear, & never once thinketh upon the strokes and wounds, but only upon the victory and triumph, and goeth his way and fighteth manfully like a giant, against his enemies, only for worldly glory and lucre: Even so it would redound to the great slander and shame of Christians; if they for the honor, glory, and pleasure of God, should not as promptly, willingly, and manfully, fight against their ghostly enemies, for higher, and greater triumph, lucre, and commodity, though they should endure many Troubles, and great adversity.

7 Like as when a man playeth at the Tables, he cannot always cast what he would have; but whatsoever he hath cast, he must make the best of it: So likewise whatsoever things happen in our life, contrary to our will, we must with courage and constant faith, take and turn all Troubles and adversities to the best, and never despair.

8 Like as when a little child, that can scarcely go, chanceth to stumble upon a stone, he falleth down by and by in the same place, and there lieth still weeping and crying, til somebody take him up: So contrariwise, Christians who have reason and understanding, must use and endeavor themselves, that whatsoever Troubles, sickness, or inconvenience soever happeneth unto them, yet by and by (so far as is possible) to labor to heal, ease, and remedy it.

9 As a virtuous Child will not forsake his father in his need or Trouble; nor an honest and loving wife, her husband or spouse; nor yet a faithful servant his master: So much less should a godly Christian, forsake or deny God his Father, or Christ his spouse, and heavenly Lord and master, in Trouble and adversity.

10 Like as worldlings and carnal men, fornicators, whoremongers, and murderers, care neither for shame, nor for anything else; and spare no labor or travel, so they may bring to pass their wicked lust and desire; and yet oftentimes they miss of it: Even so much more a faithful Christian ought to be constant, earnest, painful, and patient in honest and good things, though yet he be letted, and greatly hindered, by many Troubles, & much adversity.

Love towards God, worketh patience in Trouble.

1 AS Jacob served seven years for the damsel Rahel, and by reason of the hearty love that he bareth unto her, the time was but short unto him; and the days that he served for, seemed but a short space: Even so whosoever loveth God, will bear and take patiently whatsoeeuer Troubles God shall lay upon him, and whatsoever he suffereth for God's sake, it shall be easy unto him. Gene. 29.18.

2 Like as a Soldier, (first for fear of prisoning, and of the shameful death which he should suffer, if the battle should be lost; and again in hope of the great reward and excellent honor and renown, if the victory go on his side) will fight the more boldly and lustily: Even so every true Christian is stirred and provoked to more faithfulness and patience in Trouble, when he considereth the exceeding profit and commodity of patience; and again the great hurt and discommoditie of impatience in Trouble.

No Transubstantiation in the Sacrament.

AS Bread and drink by natural nourishment, be changed into a man's body, & yet the body is not changed, but is the same that it was before: So although the Bread and Wine, be Sacramentally changed into Christ's body, yet his body is the same, and in the same place that it was before, that is to say in heaven, without any alteration, or change of the same.

Tyrants.

AS the wings of Eagles, with their stripe or blow, do mar the wings and break the feathers of other birds: Even so the mighty and great men of the world, with their Tyrannicall cruelty, and most hellish impiety, were wont to draw to destruction, and to drag to death the weaker sort, and such as are innocent, and tender the glory and praise of God. 2. King. 21.16. Math. 23.37. Act. 7. 52. Hebr. 11.37.

Thankfulness for benefits received.

AS it is against good manners, for a man to mourn at the Marriage of his friend: Even so it is against duty, for men not to rejoice with Thanksgiving, when they by evident testimonies, perceive the favor of God towards them, in coupling them to himself. Math. 9.15. & 12.49, 50.

We are God's Temple.

1 AS Baltasar King of Babylon, by using the vessels belonging to the house of God in a banquet, and drinking in them, with their Princes and Concubines, did profane them, and was for the same soon, after rewarded, (for the same night he lost both his kingdom and life:) Even so surely, they that shall abandon, not the vessels, but the Temple it self, and not a Temple of stone and of wood, but even their bodies and souls, that are made the lively Temples of the living God, to profane and filthy uses of the world and the flesh, in lieu of dedicating the whole to the holy service of God, who is with them, do most filthily profane the Temple of God, and so can expect no other then a most horrible vengeance and punishment. 1. Cor. 3.17. & 2.6.14. &c.

2 Like as when a King maketh his entry into a Town or City, he findeth those streets where he is to pass, made clean, and his Palace hanged: Even so much more ought we, whom God hath chosen to be his Temple, and to make his entry into us, to be with us, and to dwell with us, to purify and cleanse from all filthiness and uncleanness, and to adorn the place of his habitation, with all virtue and liuelinesse.

3 As they that wear long garments, when they come to foul ways, do tucke and gird them up, least they should load them with mire, by dragging them through the same: So we, whose minds and affection do so bend to the earth, that they do even traile thereupon, walking through this world full of mire and corruption, must tuck them up towards heaven, least they should touch such dangerous & damnable mire, from the which we ought wholly to retire and separate our selves, that we may be made holy Temples to the Lord. 1. Pet. 1.13, 14. Levite. 11.44. & 10.2. 2. Timo. 2.21.

Temperance.

AS a man cannot be Temperate, if he be not prudent: So no man can be strong or valiant, if he be not Temperate.

Unity among brethren.

AS you may not with any kind of might, break the Faggot or Bauen, that is whole, when as yet you may lightly break the sticks thereof severally, or being a sunder: So are brethren easy to be ouercommed, which do strive together, but being at amity, they are not so soon discomfited.

Virtue always accompanied with praise.

AS our shadow followeth us, although against our will: So likewise glory, praise, and commendations, do follow Virtue and learning.

Vain-glory.

1 AS winds being about to cease, do most vehemently blow: So mortal men, when they do most exalt themselves, then are they nearest their fall and end.

2 As nights succeed days, and Winter Summer: So grief and sadness, follow Vain-glory and pleasure.

Spiritual Usury.

LIke as he which lendeth, looketh justly to receive his own again: Even so let him that is merciful to the poor, most assuredly expect, that the things which he layeth out, shall be rendered again of God with a most liberal increase; as it were with a threesold Usury. Prov. 91. 17. Math. 5.41. Deut. 15.10. Math. 25.27, 28.

Virtue to be increased with life.

LIke as they that are tosted here and there with sundry tempests, have not sailed much, but were greatly encumbered: So such as have lived long, neither yet have profited anything in Virtue, and godliness, are not said to have lived, but lingered.

Vnwilling to die.

LIke as he is overmuch given to Wine, which would suck up the dregs: So is he too greedy of life, which in old age could not be content to die.

Virtue.

1 LIke as if a man cast a precious stone into the dirt, it will notwithstanding show forth the beauty of it again: Even so the Virtue of a holy and righteous man, will show forth it self, whithersoever it be cast, either into bondage, prison, or prosperity.

2 Like as precious and costly Spices, and Odours, do smell and savor best when they be bruised, broken, or set on fire: Even so the praise and commendation of Virtue, thorough continual use and exercise, and thorough adversity, is spread wide abroad, and made minifest, and known everywhere.

3 Like as true faith is not Idle, but working, and powerful by love: Even so true Virtue, is not a bare affection of the mind, or the bare purpose of the will, but doth set out it self by outward honest actions, and doth shine in them; from whence all the praise thereof doth consist in the action. Tit. 3.8. 1. Thess. 4.12. Rom. 12.17.

4 As we are wont to eat Peares, and the kernels of Nuts, but throw from us upon the ground, the parings and shells: So we ought unfeignedly to be in love, and delight with Virtue and godliness, and to continue & despise the shape or shadow of the same, being separated and divided from Virtue it self; for, to retain and hold the fashion and likeness of Virtue, without the substance of the same, is mere hypocrisy.

5 Like as when Orpheus, went to fetch his wife Euridice out of Hell, he had her granted to him upon a condition, that he should not turn back his eyes to look upon her, till he had brought her into heaven. Yet having brought her forward a great way, at length his love was so excessive, that he could not continue any longer, but would needs have a sight of her; whereupon forthwith he lost both her sight and her self, she suddenly again vanishing away from him: So if we have any Virtue, which is to be loved, as a man is to love his wife, yet we must not be so blind in affection, as to dote too much upon it, or to be always gazing and wondering at it, least by too much looking upon it, and by too well liking of it, and by too often remembering of it, we loose it.

6 As the Sun being directly over us, our bodies have the less shadow, as we may perceive at noon, and a little before and after: So also the more Virtue and goodness is in us, the less ostentation and boasting we should have.

7 Contrariwise, as this is a sign of the going down of the Sun, & his departure from us, when as our shadows become great: So also this is an argument, to prove that Virtue diminisheth in us, when pride and presumption increaseth.

8 As the heat of the Sun softeneth Wax, and hardeneth the mire: So likewise Virtue rejoiceth and comforteth the good, & grieveth the wicked, consuming and wasting them by little and little, and so at length pineth away with sorrow and grief, in seeing good men flourish in wealth and prosperity.

9 As we see the fire in the beginning, cast forth a great smoke, which quickly vanisheth away as soon as it is well kindled: So likewise Virtue causeth great malice and spite in the beginning, but if a man be constant and will not be discouraged, but burneth more and more in Virtue and goodness, in the end he shall disperse them, as the Sun beams driveth away the clouds, in such sort, that at length we shall not know what is become of them.

10 Even as the Stars do shine in the night, but in the day time they lie hidden: Even so, true Virtue, waxing beautiful by temptation, doth (as iron with use) show in adversity what force it is off, which otherwise in time of prosperity lay hid in secret.

11 As the precious stone Sandastra, hath nothing in outward appearance, but that which seemeth black, but being broken, poureth forth beams like the Sun: So Virtue showeth but bare to the outward eye, but being pierced with inward desire, shineth like Crystal.

12 Like as in a pair of Tables, nothing may be well written before the blots and blurs be wiped out: so Virtue and nobleness can never be seen in a man, except he first put away his vices.

13 As by nature the Cedar will be tall, the Diamond bright, and the Carbuncle glistering: So Virtue will shine, though it be never so much obscured.

14 Like as an Adamant draweth by little and little the heavy iron, until at last it be joined with it: So Virtue and wisdom draw men's minds to the practice thereof.

Vain glorious fools in preaching.

AS some Physicians to the intent they would seem the more learned, do mingle sometimes together, diverse kinds of herbs, fetched from the sundry partes of the world: So some Vain and glorious fools, do think no Sermons or Orations, learned enough, unless they rehearse therein, the authority and sayings of Poets, Orators, Philosophers, together with sentences in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.

Varietie of Treatises.

LIke as Varietie of meats do corrupt in the stomach, and breed sickness, rather then preserve health: Evē so Varietie of Treatises, upon one and the self-same thing, doth hinder the growth and profiting of diverse, in soundness of judgment, and godly life.

Vice.

1 AS into the Well or bow Nette, is an easy way or entering, but the way & going out, is altogether hard & uneasy: So is the entry into Vice, headlong & easy; but the returning thence into a better life, is full of difficulty.

2 As the staining or blot, that of long time in the cloth hath continued, may not be easily taken away: So the Vices wherewith we have of a long time been infected, may not at pleasure and ease be plucked from us.

3 As a Strumpet though she be never so richly dect, and it be with Purple Veluet, yet she stinketh the viler, in the sight of all honest Matrones: Even so, there is no Vice more pestilent, then that that is like Virtue: there is no such Judas kiss, as with an Apostles face: there is no such deceiving Devil, as like an Angel of light: and there is no such dissembling City as Jerusalem, for hypocrisy.

4 As the civil Magistrates punish Vice & lighter faults, with some penalty of money, or loss of member. So the Church, and the Minister especially with the Church, hath to punish Vice and faults, by reprehensions, and rebukes.

5 As the civil Magistrate punisheth great faults by death: So the Minister, with other which have interest, hath with the sword of excommunication, power to kill those which be rebellious, & to cut them from the church, as the other doth from the Common-wealth.

Usurer.

1 AS it behooveth him that hath fallen into the mire, either to be still, or with speed to rise; for if he should stir, then he should therein be the more defiled: So ought he that hath to do with an Usurer, either to rid himself from his debt and danger, or at the least to enter no farther therein.

2 As an earthen box, that is close, with a hole in the upper part, wherein money is put, which money cannot be come by, unless the box be broken: So likewise, a man can get no money out of the Usurers bags or coffers, until death hath broken the life of the Usurer.

3 As he that is stricken or stung of the little Serpent, called Aspis, falleth into a pleasant sleep, and so by the sweetness of that dead sleep, dieth; For then the venomous poison dispearseth it self into every member: So he that borroweth upon Usury, thinketh for a time that it is pleasant and profitable unto him, and that he hath received a great good turn; but in the end, this Usury runneth through all his riches, and converteth all that he hath into debt. Exod. 22.25. Levite. 25.36. Deut. 23.19. Nehe. 5. 1. &c. Psal. 15.5.

4 As the Law of Diuorce, which was given by Moses, did not excuse the Jew before God, which used it, but that he was guilty of the breach of wedlock: Even so the statute for Usury, doth not so make it lawful, that the Christian which useth it to the hurt of his neighbor, is clear or guiltless thereof, before the Majesty of God. Deut. 24.1. to 5. Math. 19.7, 8. Mal. 2.16. Mar. 10.4, 5.

5 Like as the Massing Priests, who were wont to offer sometimes an half-penny themselves, to move the people by their example to offer also; and by that means, for one half-penny, they got twenty: Even so doth the Usurer, he giveth sometime a little Usury, to get thereby a greater.

6 As the Rain falling upon the Flint, neither breaketh it self, or causeth it to grow bigger: Even so the pleasant dew of God's word, sweetly dropping down upon the hard hearted Usurer, can neither make him cease and sin less, nor yet grow in goodness.

7 As the Sea is never filled with water, though all the storms of the world run into it: Even so the greediness of an Usurer is never satisfied, though he gain never so unreasonably. Psal. 95.5.

8 As no man standeth for Nonsidencie, but he which is a Nonresident, or he which would be a Nonresident: So likewise no man standeth for Usury, but he which is an Usurer, or he which would be an Usurer.

9 As the Iuie loveth the Oke to grow up by it: So the Usurer loveth the borrower to grow rich by him. The Iuie claspeth the Oke like a louet, but it claspeth out all the juice and sap, that the Oke, cannot thrive after: So the Usurer lendeth like a friend, but he covenanteth like an enemy, for he claspeth the borrower with such bands, that ever after he decayeth and diminisheth, as fast as the Usurer increaseth.

10 As a very bitter and pinching black Frost, doth kill and destroy, the tender, sweet, pleasant, and beautiful blossoms: Even so the Usurer likewise, many times by his extreme Usury, doth kill men, women, and children.

11 As a poor siely sheep, hath succor and shelter under a Thorn bush, in some storm or tempest a little while, but when she departeth from the bush, it keepeth back a piece of her fleece, and the oftener she goeth, the barer and nakedder she is; so that at the length, she is able to abide neither bush nor storm: Even so such a bush of Thorns is the Usurer to the poor borrower, he will leave him at the length no fleece on his back; he will leave him no house over his head, unless it be some prison house to die in; no bed to rest upon, no flesh on his bones, nor no credit in the world.

11 As the Thorn bush, that pincheth and pulleth the poor sheep, never thriueth, nor proveth any good timber, but serveth only for the fire: So the Usurer serveth for nothing but Hel, and howsoever he thriueth here, he shall be pinched there.

13 As he that cutteth down a Tree by the roots, doth with all cut down the boughs, twigg • s 〈◊〉 branches also: So likewise the Usurer, consumeth, utterly vndoeth, and with sorrow drieth up the marrow in the bones of parents, to the shortening of their days, and withal, doth even destroy their poor sweet infantes also.

14 As the Caterpillars of Egypt, were surely tethered, that they harmed no place, but where they themselves were: But these Caterpillars the Usurers, will sit at home in their Chaires, like a Boore that is a franking in his Stie, and will consume a man, one, two, or three hundred miles from them; for they, by their Brokers, do fly over, and view all the lands, lordships, manners, parkes, woods, groves, fields, meadows, pastures, and whatsoever, farms, leases, or other commodities, of Noblemen, Lord's, Knights, Esquires, Gentlemen, yeomen, and husbandmen; and here they gobble up a whole Town, and there a goodly Park; here a Lordship or Manner, & there a most pleasant wood.

15 As the Worm Teredo, (whereof Pliny maketh mention in his natural history) which is as soft as silk, in the feeling of the hand, but biteth so hard with the teeth, that it eateth the strongest Timber: Even so such a thing is Usury, and the Usurer, soft in his words, and fair in his promises; but by his deeds he stingeth to death, & wasteth the greatest substance.

16 As Vultures and Ravens, will pick out the guts of a man's belly: Even so likewise the Usurer, eateth up the fruits of other men's labors.

17 Like as fire, which is an active and insatiable Element, for it burneth and consumeth all the wood that is laid upon it: So the Usurer, the more he hath, the more he desireth, and like Hell gates he is never satisfied.

Ungodly man.

AS he that shall ever and anon be casting himself into the fire and water, and run upon dangerous places to break his legs, arms, or neck; and further, shall take pleasure in doing all this, is either a fool or a mad man: Even so is the Ungodly man as oft as he sinneth, which endevoreth as much as in him lieth, to pitch his soul into Hell; and whereas he taketh pleasure in sin, he sports himself with his own destruction.

Vnbeleefe.

1 AS an empty vessel is capable of water, and yet being closely stopped, none can enter into it, though it be poured upon it in great abundance: Even so it fareth with our hearts, they are capable of God's graces, but being stopped by Vnbeleefe, no grace of God can enter into them, though daily and plentifully offered.

2 As men that are but civil, have care to avoid robbing and killing, because God gives commandments against stealing and killing: Even so much more we ought to strive against our manifold doubting, distrustings, and Vnbeleefe of God's love in Christ, having a commandment of God that calls upon us, and binds us to do so.

Vnthankfulnesse.

1 AS the Israelites were no more thankful and obedient, when they had peace, and lived in a land that flowed with Milk and Honie, then when they were in the solitary desert and wild wilderness: Even so the most part with us in England, are no more thankful in this peace of the Gospel, nor any whit more desirously give themselves to serve and worship God aright, then if they should live in a land fruitless, and destitute both of spiritual and temporal blessings.

2 Like as the ingrate, and unkind Cuckowe, after that she is nourished and brought up of the poor hedge Sparrowe, to some good perfection of age, in so much that she is able to get her own food and living, is then so much forgetful of the kind love of this Sparrow, that (all mercy and compassion set apart) she eateth and devoureth her up: Even so some children, who have been with great care and expenses, brought up of their parents, to such good perfection of age, as they might be able to live and maintain themselves, and also be a great comfort to their parents, do notwithstanding show themselves so unkind and Vnthankfull to them, that by their obstinacy and ungracious behavior, they bring the gray heads of their parents to the grave with sorrow; as Esau, and Absalom. Gene. 27.46. & 28.6. &c. 2. Sam. 15. 1. &c. & 16.11. &c. & 17.1, 2. &c. Gene. 37.17.35. & 42.38.

3 As everything that is weighty and heavy, tendeth and presseth downward, yet notwithstanding, the clouds that are full of water, and swelled with moisture, do ascend upward, because the Sun taketh them from the earth, and with his force draweth them up on high; which being lifted up in the air, are gathered to gether, and thickened, and so do cover and hide the brightness of the Sun, by whose help and attraction, they were taken and carried up; but notwithstanding their malice, they being desperate and scattered abroad, the Sun they conquerer, and ouercommer of darkness, thrusteth through his beams, breaketh the clouds, and giveth light with his shine: Even so the Iseralites, when they lay in Egypt a long time in obscurity, thralldom, bondage, and slavery, to Pharaoh, and his people, and were even nalled as it were, to the earth of all contempt and cruelty, were then taken up, and set in great and high dignity, by the Son of righteousness; but afterward they went about, to obscure and extinguish the brightness and light of God himself; by whose benefit, they had gotten that honor and dignity, which they had, and without whom they were nothing but bond-slaves of misery and wretchedness; but seeing they were like foul black clouds, they were dispersed away; & the glory of Christ, against their wills, and in spite of them, together with the brightness of his name, did break out, and shine abroad, and give light throughout all the world.

4 If a Prince should promise a Tailor, or Shoemaker, ten thousand crowns for one years service, he would not refuse it, but being thus offered and promised unto him, he would be ready to leave his house, his wife, his children, and all other things, to go to service to such a Lord, for one year: Even so we may well deserve to be accounted unthankful and senseless, that will not be otherwise won and induced to serve God, who by so many, so excellent, & so assured promises, doth daily invite us thereto.

Vnthankfulnesse to God.

LIke as if any man should give unto any one of us, an annuity of twenty or forty pound yearly, during our lives, we ought to thank him for it: Or if a friend had redeemed any one of us out of prison, either by his friendship, or money (where otherwise we should have lain all our life long) we would greatly love him: Now if the same man by his valiantness had saved us, being in great danger in battle or Shipwracke, we would much reverence him, & say that we were never able to mak him amends: Even so it is a very great ingratitude, seeing that our Lord God, hath by his son Jesus Christ, delivered us out of the captivity of Satan, sin, death, hell, and damnation, so by our disobedience and lewdness of life, to despise and anger him; and for so great kindness, to give him again so great contumely & despite. John. 8.34, 36. Rom. 6.20, 22. Coloss. 1.13, 14. Heb. 2.14.15. Act. 10.38. 2. Timo. 2.26.

Ungodly men.

LIke as Children which do not abstain from things forbidden them, specially when they hope that it shall be kept secret, and that their father or mother shall not know of it: Even so ungodly men wrapped in mischief, who when they have offended, and are fallen into some sin, do not acknowledge their iniquity, neither can they abide to confess it, although the torment of their conscience doth force and compel them to make confession thereof; but they hide the same in silence, and in holding their peace, they think to cover and bury all things in oblivion.

Vices covered with the names of virtues.

AS Achelous who when he would fight with Hercules, would shift himself into a Serpent, would change himself unto the likeness of a Devil; or being a Devil, he could change himself into what form and frame he would: Even so some men do cover Vices, with the names of virtues; as the proud man, is shifted unto a clean man, a fine man, a handsome man: a covetous man, is changed unto a subtle prudent man; a wary and a frugal wise man: the leacherous man, is called an amorous man, a loving, and a courteous man: the idle man, is named a quiet and harmless man: the flatterer, is accounted an eloquent person, learned and witty in his talk: drunkenness is changed into good fellowship; gluttony, unto hospitality; envy unto good will; and tyranny unto Justice, &c.

Varietie of gifts.

AS one member hath need of another, and every office of each member, is profitable for the whole body: Even so the Varietie of gifts, diversely distributed unto the Church, are given to profit withal, and to edify the whole body of Christ in love. 1. Cor. 12.8, 9, 10, 11, 25. Ephe. 4.7.

Vnfaithfulnesse in time of trouble.

AS a sliding foot, that layeth his Master in the dirt: Even so such is an Vnfaithfull man, in whom a man reposeth confidence in trouble. Prov. 25.19.

The Vanity of men's inventions.

AS when men dream pleasant dreams, as soon as they awake, there is no such matter: Or as Chaff, which by reason of his lightness, the wind lightly bloweth away: Even so fond devises, triflings, inventions, doting doctrines, deceitful traditions, and superstitious Religions, coined by man's foolish, fantastical, and phanatical brain, will come to nothing. Job. 20.8. Psal. 73.20. Jer. 23.28, 29.

The Ungodly are grievous to God.

AS a Carte that is laden with sheaves of Corn in harvest, is pressed under the load: Even so God is pressed with those, that are given over to sin and wickedness. Amo. 2.13. Esa. 1. 14.

Virtue spreadeth her branches over all.

LIke as if a man carry in his hand, a light burning candle, it giveth not light to him only that carrieth it, but to all those which be in the house, and they also see it which are without: Or as he that is bathed or perfumed with precious ointments, or sweet poulders, have not only the pleasure thereof to themselves, but the savor thereof casteth itself out, and is pleasant to all those which stand by: Even so such as be the children of knowledge, and do carry about them the light of God's word, they do not only taste of the comfort thereof themselves, and work comfort to those that appertain to the Church of God; but lighteneth also the hearts of Pagans & Infidels, which are abroad. Psal. 18.28. Math. 5.15, 16. 1. Thess. 1.7, 8.

Unity.

AS an Ointment well compounded of sweet and odoriferous things, cannot but be acceptable to the sent of all men: So that Unity, which beginneth at Religion, and stretcheth to the uttermost borders of the Church and Common-wealth, cannot but both please God, and all good men. Psal. 133.2.

Unmercifulness to others.

AS a liberal, good, and bountiful Master to his servants, cannot but be very angry and much offended, if any of them deal cruelly with their fellows: Even so much more justly, will God withdraw his mercy from them that deal unmercifully with them that live amongst them. Math. 24.45, 46. Math. 18.33, 34, 35.

Usury.

1 AS poison the weaker it is, the longer nature resisteth it; and the stronger it is, the sooner it killeth: Even so Usury, the lesser it is, the less it hurteth; the greater it is, the sooner it consumeth.

2 As a Burthen, the heavier it is, the faster it wearieth; but a light burden (saith the Proverb) will prove heavy with far carriage: So likewise is it with Usury, the greater, and the smaller, both eat and consume: but the first in the shorter, the last, in the longer continuance.

3 As there is great difference between the biting of a Flea, and the biting of a Dog, and the biting of a Lyon: yet all are bitings, and the least will draw blood: So there is difference between him that taketh five, and him that taketh ten, and him that taketh twenty in the hundred: yet all is biting, and the least will consume a man in continuance.

4 As a Serpent that stingeth privily, is little perceived or felt at the first, but afterwards, the man that is stung swelleth, and the effect of that little stinging, is dispearsed through the whole body: Even so the inconvenience of Usury, is not felt in the beginning, but in time, it amounteth to a great sum, and devoureth a man's whole substance.

5 Like as we see in theft or robbery, if a man steal but twelve pence out of arich man's purse, though the want of it be little felt, by reason of his store and abundance, yet he is hindered that looseth it, and he is a Thief that taketh: it: Even so is it in Usury, though it be taken of a rich man, and in so small a measure, as that his abundance, hardly suffereth the evil thereof to be perceived, yet is he bitten, that payeth it, and he that taketh it, an oppressor. Exod. 22.25.

How we must Use the things of this world.

AS a Traveler useth his staff in his journey, as long as it doth further him, so long he will carry it with him; but when it hindereth him, then he casts it away: So likewise must we Use the things of this life; namely, as long as they are helps to further and make us fit for the kingdom of heaven; but if they be any hindrance to this spiritual gegiment of Christ, we must renounce them, and cast them away, be they never so precious to us. 1. Cor. 7.31.

The best but Vnprofitable,

LIke as servants, be they never so diligent in executing that which is committed unto them, yet cannot justly vaunt themselves, that they have done anymore, then bounden duty: So all Christians, when they have traveled as much as in them is possible yet they are to confess themselves, Vnprofitable servants. Luk. 17.9.10.

God hath Vengeance in store.

AS in treasure-houses or store-houses, men keep all manner of things, to serve their purposes: Even so God keepeth in store, weapons of his wrath, to Reuenge himself upon the wicked, for the injury and violence done to his Church. Jer. 50.26.

Vain-glorious talkers.

1 AS new Wine will burst the vessels which it is put in, except they have a vent: So a man desirous to hear himself, can by no means hold his tongue. Job. 32.19.

2 As a Dog having an arrow sticking in his leg, will not rest till he have it out: Even so no more will a foolish pratler rest, till he have spoken all he knoweth of anything, or by others, good or bad.

Ungodly men.

1 AS the filthy Swine, regard not, but thrust from them Roses, that are most beautiful and sweet, and seem to contemn most fragrant, and pleasant Flowers; and do rather seek after foul puddles, and stinking mire, and forsaking dainty dishes and costly Iuncates, do frank themselves most greedily, with wild Mass and unclean things: So Ungodly men, have no taste of the word of God, but hunting after uncertain riches, which are in continual hazard; and at the length, will deceive them; they (are as it were) fettered in the inchaunting pleasures, and pestilent flickerings of the world.

2 As Pilate's soldiers with the wicked Jews, took Christ and stripped him off his garments, buffeted him, and slew him: So likewise do Ungodly men by their wicked behavior, strip him of all honor, and slay him again.

Vain-glorious men.

1 AS Organe players, unless somebody blow unto them, the windy bellows do make no sound at all: Even so Vain-glorious men, unless they be pricked forward, with commendations and praises of others, have never any mind or purpose, to bend themselves to any good action.

2 As the lighter Ballance, or ende of the beam, will press upward, and ever be highest: So the Vainer, more unprofitable and vniuster, that a man is, the more will he vaunt, and extol himself: and being a very impious, ungodly, and most wicked man, will arrogantly assume unto himself righteousness, & most impudently challenge the name of a good and honest man, when indeed, he setteth more by one penny of money, then by ten pounds worth of honesty: and doth love more ten pounds of money, then he doth the health, wealth, credit, liberty, life, yea and more then the soul of his neighbor, and Christian brother.

3 Even as an Archer doth shoot nearer, and sooner hit a fair great mark, then a little one: So the Devil doth easily hit with his arrows, and strike with his darts, the Vain-glorious man, and proud men of the world, but the humble and lowly, he misseth, with all the sleights & cunning he hath.

We ought to Visit them that be in misery.

1 AS Beggers when they would have men to pity them, lay open their soars, because that though things be never so great in themselves, yet till they be seen, we will hardly believe them (and therefore we do the poor much wrong many times) in judging their estate to be better then it is: Even so thereby is shown what is the nature of all, that if we will show mercy to others, so cheerfully as we should, we must Visit them in their necessity, and not turn our eyes away from beholding their need. Luk. 10.30. &c. &c. Math. 25.40. I am. 1.27.

2 As the Queen of Saba came among others, to make trial of the wisdom of Solomon, which was so great, which when she had done, and had seen, and heard all things, she was greatly astonied; and said unto the King, it was a true word, which I had heard in mine own lande, of thy sayings, and of thy wisdom; howbeit, I believed not this report, till I came and had seen it with my eyes; but loe the one half was not told; for thou hast more wisdom, and prosperity, then I have heard by report, &c. Even so may it be said of the condition of our brethren, that though we hear much, yet we shall not know the tenth part of their poverty and misery, except we will go and see it; and therefore cannot be so moved to pity them, as the Lord would have us. 2. Chro. 10.5, 6.

3 Even as Abraham (when he would provoke himself to great humiliation, as such a chastisement did require) he wept in the sight of the dead corpse, that the beholding of it, might move him the rather: So likewise, if we would look into the necessity and calamity of our brethren, and set it before our eyes, we should be more plentiful in well doing, then we are; and be more ready to weep with them that weep, and to be like minded one towards another. Rom. 12.25, 26.

Virtuous and godly men.

1 LIke as the Margarites, those little white shining precious stones, which do grow within shell fishes in the Sea, in this point are very marvelous and wonderful; that though they be bred and increased in the Sea, yet have they no similitude and likeness with the Sea; for the Sea is blew or sky coloured; but the Margarites are white; the Sea is horrible, and full of discomfiture, but they are cheareful, pleasant and beautiful to behold; they move much, greatly delight, and allure mightily men's eyes to look upon them; the Sea is bitter, but they are amiable, and without all bitterness; but rather in some sort and measure, by reason of their clearness & brightness, they represent the sky; the reason is, because they receive influence from thence: Even so, such Virtuous & godly men, who are surely grounded, and certainly settled, in the love of God, and true Christian Religion, who being borne & brought up in this world, have no resemblance, likeness, nor fashion of the same; in desire they be drawn; in will they be severed; in words they differ; in works they utterly disagree from it; and they do rather resemble in some measure, heaven, from whence they receive the influence of the grace and favor of God.

2 Even as that precious stone called a Carbuncle, doth not in darkness loose his shine and excellent beauty: So likewise, a Virtuous and godly man, in the extreme darkness of infinite calamities, obloquies, cursings, railings, backbitings, slanders, and whatsoever, doth show his Christian patience, and quiet sufferings; for he knoweth well, that such things do profit much, to advance the praise of time and noble virtues.

3 As most pleasant perfumes, do even then, when they be in the fire, give out a most excellent Odor, and their sweetest savor: Even so, a Virtuous and godly man, when he is thrust into the midst of the hot scorching fire of calamity and misery, doth then show most his virtue, faith, religion, patience, and constancy.

4 As the fuller and heavier Scale, is ever lowest: So the more Virtuous, honest and godly, that any man is, the more will he submit and humble himself; and howsoever other men, will seem to praise him, he nevertheless, doth still acknowledge his own imperfection. And indeed it is in a Christian man, some perfection, to know, and to acknowledge, his want and imperfection.

Union with Christ in the supper.

1 AS the Union between Christ and us in Baptism, is spiritual, and requireth no real and corporal presence: So likewise our Union with Christ in his holy supper, is spiritual; and therefore requireth no real nor corporal presence.

2 Even as if one take molten Wax, and pour it to other Wax, and so work the whole together, they will be so united and mixed, that they cannot be separated: likewise must it needs be, that who so receives the flesh and blood of the Lord, he is in such sort joined to him, that Christ is found in him, and he in Christ.

3 Like as if it be a thing to be marvelled at, how we be members one of another; and man and wife may be all one flesh: Even so much more wonderful, is this nigh coupling together of Christ and us; which doth most truly and certainly, not unfeignedly, colorable, or phantastically, happen unto such, as do faithfully eat the Lord's supper.

4 As by a certain order of the heavenly dispensation, first the sign is received, and then in the sign, and by the sign, the thing signified: Even so must we first be Vnited to the visible flesh of Christ, and by that afterward to his Godhead, if we will be made partakers of grace. John. 6.53, 54, 55.

5 Even as the Bread is really and truly united unto us, eating the same: So also is the flesh of Christ, truly and in very deed, Vnited unto us, who eat the same.

6 As by one and the same soul, all the members of the body are Vnited with the head and quickened: So likewise all the faithful, although they be upon earth, and the head is in heaven, yet they are in very deed by one & the same spirit, Vnited with him; and being united, do abide and live in him. 1. John. 4.13. Rom. 8.9.

The fruit of Vngodlinesse.

LIke as in husbandry, a man must not look or think of one seed to receive another; as of Barly to reap Wheat; or for Pease to receive Rie: So likewise in this life, a man must not hope or look to reap of his Ungodly life, heaven; the reward of a life lead in the fear of God.

The Vntractablenesse of some people.

1 AS a wild Horse, if he cannot by kicking and rearing, cast his rider, watcheth the time till his rain be slacked, and getting the Bit between his teeth, setteth his tail an ende, and runneth his rider against the trees and walls, and through hedges, to spoil him if it be possible; and when he is down, giveth him a farewell with his heels: Or as the Mule is a beast well enough known to be froward and unruly, so that if his keeper watch him not the better, he will take him up in his teeth, and lay him before him in the Maunger: Even so there is nothing so brutish, as is the Vngratfulnesse, frowardness, & waywardness, of some Parishioners, in rejecting the doctrine, and government, which God hath appointed for their souls; whereof, although there be many Judges, yet none can tell what a troublesome work this is, as the faithful Ministers of the Gospel, who are driven to manage such rusty and untamed iades, as are many among the multitude; for what with yerking out the heels, rising upon the hinder legs, going side-long, and other froward touches of such unbroken Coltes, the poor Minister, if he be on their backs, can hardly keep the Saddle; and if he lead them in his hand, one froward iade or other in the Parish, taketh him up by the collar, and throws him out of the way; so that though the Minister be never so honest and godly, and have many good friends, yet if he be careful to do his duty, he shall hardly stand without suspension or deprivation, or some such like foil; which would never come to pass for the most part, if it were not for the horses, and Mules in his own Parish. Psal. 32.9.

2 As Horses get nothing by their furiousness & madness, but the sore Bit and Bridle: Even so the Vntractablenesse and waywardness, of obstinate and stubborn persons, getteth not anything, by oppugning and withstanding the Gospel, and gainsaying the truth of God's word; for they wrestle against God, and so make themselves ridiculous.

Vnprofitable things, may be profitable.

AS the Bees gathereth most sweet Honie, out of the withered Tyme, and out of other herbs of more unpleasant juice: So likewise may we also, out of the evil and Vnprofitable things, pick out that which may turn to our profit & commodity; as Shipwrack to Zeno Citius, and banishment to Diogenes, gave them occasion to study Philosophy.

Virtuous in poor estate, and contrariwise.

AS a woman, who having a Hen that laid her every day an Egg; now she seeing that her Hen was very lean, and yet laid still after her accustomed manner; supposed that if she were fat and lusty, she would lay twice a day; and with this conceit of mind, she fed and crammed her thoroughly, so that in short space she became so fat, that clean contrary to the expectation and opinion of the woman, she left laying altogether: So in like manner, there are many, who in their poor and base estate, are very Virtuous; but if they be once mounted and advanced, to any degree of felicity and abundance, and do live easily and wealthily, then they give over their former study, and become careless, sensual, and void of all good works; so that they can neither go nor run in the way of virtue.

Weakness in the best Christians.

AS sweet Trefoile, looseth his sent seven times a day, and receiveth it again, as long as it is growing, but being withered and dried, it keepeth still his savor: S the godly, living in the body, shall often fall, and recover again, being dead, shall no more fall, but continue in their holiness.

Wicked children of godly parents.

1 AS the fair Echium, bringeth forth an evil favored seed, and that evil favored seed again, bringeth forth a fair Buglosse: So sometime a godly Father, begetteth an evil child, and a Wicked child; again sometimes begetteth a godly Son.

2 As the foreskin of the flesh, remaineth in him, which is begotten of one circumsised; and the Chaff cometh again with the Corn, though the seed be never so clean: So it is in original sin, and in sinful children of Religious parents.

The Word of God, how it worketh in men diversely.

1 LIke as the material Sun in the Firmament (which being but one, and ever the same) yet is in some sort an occasion of contrary effects; for whereas properly it lighteneth, and is comfortable to the eyes that be sound and clear, improperly it dimmeth and breedeth annoya • ce to such as are maimed in sight; again, whereas it softeneth Wax, it hardeneth Clay; and as it procureth a sweet savor from Flowers, so it draweth nothing but a stinking smell from dead carrions: So likewise the Word of the Lord being preached, it worketh in the godly and the wicked, a contrary effect; for it lighteneth the one, and blindeth the other; it softeneth the one, and hardeneth the other; it draweth a sweet favor from the one, and a vile stink from the other; it maketh some better, but some others it maketh worse: it allureth some to repentance, but other some it causeth (through their perverse nature) to increase in pride and contumacy. Psal. 19.8. & 119.105. Isaiah. 6.9, 10. Math. 13.13, 14, 15. Act. 28.26, 27. Rom. 11.8. Act. 2.37. Act. 7.51, 54. Phil. 4.18. Hebr. 13.16. Rom. 22.11.

2 Like as water, notwithstanding it be but one, and ever the same, yet it is in some sort also an occasion of contrary effects; for being the one among fire, it quencheth the same, but being cast into Lime, it sets it on fire: So in like manner the Word doth naturally quench the fiery affections in the children of God: but accedentally, inflameth the fiery dispositions of the children of Satan. Isaiah. 55. 1. John. 4.13. Jer. 44.16.

3 Even as the Flowers, although they be ever the same, yet are they the matter of diverse things and effects: For whereas they are Honie to the Bees, they become very poison to the venomous Spider: Or as the Honie, which is wholesome for sound stomachs, is very hurtful for those that are sick of the Collicke, not through fault of it self, but of the receiver: So likewise the word of God is wholesome and profitable to the godly, but other ways to the wicked.

4 As the fire which purgeth the Gold, consumeth the dross, which being put unto Frankencense, procureth sweet perfumes, which are great recreations for men, which yet is present death unto Swine: So surely the Word of God, it worketh like contrary effects in the godly & the wicked: For it is Honie to the one, and poison to the other: It is very healthful for the one, and hurtful to the other: It purgeth the one, and consumeth the other: It draweth a sweet savor from the one, but a foul stink from the other: Lastly, it is a recreation for the one, but a destruction to the other. Psal. 19.10. & 107.20. Tit. 1.9. & 2.8. 1. Timo. 1.9, 10. John. 13.10. & 15.3.

5 As the godly by their obedience, do feel in the Word the mighty power and wisdom of God to their salvation: So the ungodly by their disobedience, do find nothing therein but the invincible power of God, to their endless damnation. 2. Thess. 1.10. 1. Pet. 1. 8, 9. 2. Thess. 1.7, 8, 9.

6 As the thunder-Bolt (which being cast forth from the clouds,) spareth every such matter, as submitteth it self to the force thereof; but breaketh to powder whatsoever hard thing shall withstand the same: So the Word, which proceeds from the Lord by the mouth of his Ministers, doth never return in vain, but is either a sovereign salve to such as are broken in heart, or otherwise, an hammer to dash in pieces such as are obstinate in heart. And therefore cannot properly be accounted the cause of sin, though by reason of men's sundry natures, it may in some sort be said to be an occasion thereof. Isaiah. 55.10, 11. Jer. 23.29.

Word of God.

1 EVen as the Gold & Silver are put to the fire, so much the surer proof they have of their goodness and fineness: So the Lord's truth, the more exactly it is weighed with spiritual examination, so much the greater confirmation of credit it receiveth.

2 As Wells, the more they are drawn, the better they are: Even so the Word of God, the more diligently it is handled & used, the more plentiful fruit is received by it.

3 As we cannot live without meat and drink, which God hath ordained for our bodily life: So we cannot have faith, without the preaching and hearing of the Word of God.

4 As the fish called a Carpe, which seeing the Net to be cast into the water, diueth suddenly down to the bottom, and dasheth her head so deep in the mud, that the compass of the Net slippeth over her clean; or at the most, doth touch no more then the tippe of her tail, but take her it cannot: So the most kind of men, are of so carping a nature, that they no sooner perceive the Net of God's Word to be preached in the Church by their faithful Minister, but forthwith they begin to dive so deep in the dung of their own delights, and to dashe their minds so much in the mucke of worldly trifles, that either the net of God's Word doth slip over them clean, or at the most, it doth but lightly touch them; yet let them shift as they can, they shall be taken one time or other, if they belong unto the Lord.

5 As Crowes are then most busiest to do hurt, when the Husbandman soweth his seed, and when the same seed beginneth to sprout: Even so Satan, and his infernal spirits, are then most careful to steal away the seed of the Word of God, when it is first preached; as also when it beginneth to take some root in the hearts of the hearers. Math. 13.4. Mark. 4.4. Luk. 8.5.

6 As Gold, Silver, and precious stones, are not consumed with material fire, but rather are made more pure: Evē so the pure Word of God, suffereth neither hurt, nor damage in spiritual fire, that is, temptation and persecution.

7 As wild Campion, Larks-spur, Canterbury beles, thrown before Scorpions, taketh away their power to do harm: So the Word preached sincerely, doth strike men with such a terror, that they dare not do the evil they intended.

8 As the water of Lilium Conuallium, if it be drunk, restoreth speech to him that hath lost it, by the Apoplexy: So the Word of Christ truly received, maketh them to speak that could not.

9 As Master-woort where it is sown, delighteth the ground: So the Word, where it is faithfully preached, delighteth godly Christians.

10 As Balm Apples called Charentia, taken in wine, are a pleasant remedy for all pains, as well within the body, as without; & so comforteth the strength of such as take it, that no grief may happen to them: So the Word of God truly preached, & rightly applied, is a present remedy for wounded consciences, and so comforteth such to eternal life, &c.

11 As Sothern-wood taken into the body, driveth out Wormes; and laid among clothes, killeth Moathes, and vermin: So the Word of God laid truly up in the heart, killeth and driveth out evil motions.

12 As Echium or Milk-woort drunken, causeth plenty of Milk in women's breasts: So the Word of God well learned of the Minister, and rightly divided & applied of him, yieldeth plenty of instruction, for the hearers and children of God.

13 As a blind man is altogether unable to judge rightly of any color: So he that is ignorant of the Word of God, is not able to judge and discern, what is either consonant or dissonant unto the truth of God.

14 As the pureness of Gold, must be tried forth by the touchstone, or furnace; but yet through the industry of those that have skill and experience in both; for otherwise, what use is there either of the touchstone or furnace, with such as have no knowledge at all to deal in the same: Even so every doctrine, is to be tried by the only rule of the Word; but yet the spirit of God must direct the action, or else the Word of it self, will but little avail us. 1. John. 4. 1, 2.

15 As they that have well swept their Chambers, it seemeth unto them, that they are very clean; and yet notwithstanding, when the Sun cometh, to enter there by the windows, they perceive straightways by the beams, an infinite deal of dust, which the Philosophers call motes: Even so oftentimes before we be well instructed in the Law of God, if we be exempted from gross and palpable sins, such as are murders, whoredoms, thefts, &c. we glory that we are perfect and innocent; but when our consciences come to be descried by the Word of God, and that Jesus Christ, who is the light, hath entered there by his spirit; then he maketh us to see by his beams, an infinite number of faults, and imperfections, which are hidden in our hearts, as are the Serpents in the hoales. Rom. 7.7.

16 Like as drunkards, who being over charged with Wine, and meat, have no manner of knowledge or feeling of the case wherein they are, nor of anything else; and yet having their faces covered, and all to be rayed with dirt, they cannot perceive it, until their Wine be drenched, and their brain delivered from those fumes and vapors whereby they were so letted, and darkened: So we likewise, before we be regenerate, are in such sort besotted with a love that we bear to our selves, and with a vain opinion that we have conceived of our selves; that we know not the filthiness and villainies wherewith we are betrayed; but when as the light of the spirit and Word of God begins to break forth unto us, we come by little and little, to break and scatter those clouds, which were before our senses, and recovering the view of our reason, we begin to awake our selves, and discover the pitiful and miserable estate wherein we are.

17 Anacharsis did say, that the Athenians used money for none other purpose, then for numbering, and casting of account: So there be some that use the Scriptures and Word of God, only for table-talk, vain-glory, and ostentation.

18 Like as the light of the Sun, cannot help the eyes that be blind; or a voice which soundeth loud, profit deaf ears: Even so, no more can the preaching of the Word of God, or the administration of the Sacraments, profit our souls, except the holy Ghost indeed, join his power withal; by the which, only the ears are prepared, the heart opened, the affections touched, and the willes disposed and prepared, there by to give an entrance to the outward ministry.

19 Like as by the power and blessing of God, the fruits of the earth are brought forth, yet by the ordinary means of planting and sowing: Even so, although faith be inwardly wrought in us by the operation of the holy ghost, yet is the true preaching of the Word of God, the outward ordinary means, whereby the same is brought to pass; and as needful is preaching, for the working of faith in us, as ploughing planting, and sowing, is for the bringing forth of Corn, fruits, and herbs, out of the earth, for our corporal sustenance. Rom. 10.17. John. 17.20. & 20.31. 1. Cor. 3.5, 6.

20 As seed sown upon the grass, or green sward, doth not yield his increase: No more doth the Word, sown in hard and unprepared hearts.

21 As seed is sown to bring forth fruit: So is the Word of God preached to give increase.

22 As the seed, how good so ever it be, bringeth not forth fruit at the same instant time that it is sown, but continueth a certain time in the earth: So is it not convenient to restrain & bind the fruit and virtue of the Word of God, to the same hour that it is preached, but the fruit shall be shown to the elect, when it pleaseth God.

23 As when the seed is sown, men judge if the Land be good or bad, by the increase of the fruit that it yieldeth: Even so by the profit of the hearers, men judge, whether the Word take effect in them, yea or no.

24 As where great store of Corn and seed is, it is a sign that our bodies shall not die for hunger: Even so where the Word of God is plentiful preached, it is a token that our souls shall not famish.

25 As where good land is, there is great increase: So in them in whom the Word of God is fruitful, it will appear and show forth his fruit, as in Zacchaeus. Luk. 19.8.

26 As by bread our bodies are nourished and fed: So by the preaching of the Word of God, our souls are sustained. Amo. 8.11, 12. Math. 4.4.

27 As good seed sown in good ground, will bring forth plentiful increase: So will the lively Word of God, being truly preached amongst the faithful.

28 As that land that bringeth forth fruit, when the dew of heaven falleth on it, is blessed: So those people, which receive the Word of God in their harts, and bring forth fruit accordingly, shall be blessed of the Lord, for it shall not return, nor be preached in vain. Hebr. 6.7. Esa. 55.10, 11. 2. Cor. 2. 15, 16.

29 As that man, that is made Executor of his Fathers last Will and Testament, by the benefit whereof, he looketh to enjoy his Fathers Lands and possessions; if there should be any hard clause, or point in it, he would no doubt, not only be diligent in searching it out by reading, or getting it read, again, and again; but also by conferring with other more learned then himself, and by having the judgment of the best Lawyers: So then, if we in our causes and earthly matters (whether we be old or young) no hardness can stay or hinder us, to slack our duties, but rather cause us to use more diligence: Even so should it be, yea so would it be, in hearing, learning, and searching out the will and Word of our heavenly Father, whereby our hope is to attain to the possession and inheritance of everlasting life. And if any part of it should seem hard unto us, yet that should not cause an hardness of heart in us, to cast off the care of the whole, and utterly to refuse to hear, read, or learn any part of it. John. 5.39. Act. 17.11.

30 Like as our bodies are nourished & sustained with carnal and natural food: Even so our souls are fed and nourished by reading, and hearing the Word of God.

31 Like as the crowing of the Cock, was an occasion to move Peter to repent: Even so the Word preached by faithful Ministers, is a means to bring their hearers to repentance. Math. 26.74, 75.

32 As the Ark was a blessing to those that knew the right use thereof, as the Israelites did; but it was a curse, and a plague to the abusers thereof, the Philistines. 1. Sam. 5.1, 2, 3, 4. &c. Even so is the Word of God a great comfort and blessing to those that rightly use it, faithfully embrace it, and rightly practice it; but it is a plague and curse to those that have it, and abuse it, and do not reform themselves by it. 2. Sam. 6.3. &c. 1. Chro. 13.5. Jer. 23.19. Deut. 11.27, 28. 2. Cor. 2.15, 16. Math. 10.14, 15. Hebr. 2.2, 3, 4. Jer. 11.3.

33 As a hungry man will not refuse meat, if it be good and wholesome, which is offered to him by a child: So ought none to refuse the Word of God, if it be offered sound and good, though the preacher thereof be a young man.

34 As those men that dwell by the river Nile, are made deaf, by the great and exceeding noise of that water: Even so many people at this day, by the plentiful & continual preaching of the Gospel, (a lamentable thing to hear) do wax dull hearers, weary of it, and loath it, even as the people of Israel loathed Manna. Mumb. 11.6.

35 Like as young children that have Ratles when they be new, and have them first, will love them very much, and greatly delight in them, so that they will not forgo them, when they eat, or suck; yea and they will have them with them in their Cradles; but when they be a little old, they will cast them away, and care not for them: Even so a great number of people, did make great account of the preaching of the Word, in the time of ignorance, and would go far and near to hear it, who now having plenty of Sermons, do loath them, and care not for them, &c.

36 As hunger is a sign of good health: So likewise to hunger and thirst after God's Word, is a notable sign of our spiritual health and safety. Math. 5.6.

37 As Spices smell strongest being pounned and beaten, then lying whole in a bag: Or as Imbers are hottest being raked abroad; and meats do nourish better being cut and shred, then being eaten in gobbeth: Even so the Word of God truly expounded, preached, and rightly divided, is of greater efficacy and power, then when it is but barely read.

38 As men usually rub the Chaff from the Corn, and then eat it: So must the spiritual food, the Word of God be done withal, if it have any corruption added to it by the preacher.

39 As by wholesome meats and drinks, the body is strengthened, and increased, and by the wise counsel of Physicians, the sickness to be feared, is prevented: So by the word of God, the faith of every Christian is increased; and by the admonitions thereof, the dangers to be feared are avoided, whilst he willingly giveth credit to that which is spoken.

40 As the material seed is counted of small estimation: So is the Word of God, amongst the wicked and ungodly. Luk. 8.11. 1. Cor. 1.18.

41 Like as the seed hath power to bring forth fruit of it self: So doth the Word of God, bring forth that, even which Kings cannot cause to spring forth, but by it self.

42 As seed groweth not in the hand, not being sown: So the Word of God, doth not increase, except it be preached, published abroad, and rightly divided. 2. Timo. 2.15.

43 Like as worldly wise men use to buy books of Statutes, and to have them in their houses, to read on, that they may know how to avoid danger of Law: Even so the faithful do always set before them God's Word, and in all their doings it is their Counselor, least they should come into danger of God's displeasure. Psal. 119.24.

44 As a shower of rain falling upon fire, doth easily extinguish and quench the flame: Even so the Word of God, being received into our hearts, doth easily make all concupiscence to vanish away.

45 As the skill and cunning of the Physician, healeth all the infirmities and diseases of the body: So God's Word only cureth the sick, sorrowful, and distressed soul.

46 As a plant by continual watering, groweth up at length to a great tree: So a man by continual watering of God's Word, doth at last grow up to the full height of virtue and godliness.

47 Like as long as the Physician doth appoint the sick man what he shall do, how to diet himself, and what medicines to take, there is hope of life; but if he forsake him, we look for present death: So, as long as God of his goodness lets his Word be among us, there is good hope of his love and favor; but if he take the same away from us, then there is no comfort left.

48 As those that build without a good foundation, either the wind or water soon overthroweth it: Evē so they which in matters of faith, stay not themselves upon the Word, but upon the credit of their teachers, shall not be able to withstand the subtleties of the Devil, but are easily overthrown. Math. 7.26, 27.

49 As wheat giveth sound, good, and substantial nourishment unto the body: Even so doth the true Word of God, mightily and wholesomely nourish the soul.

50 As a grain of Mustard seed, being the least of all seeds, and sown in the earth, when it groweth up, ariseth to a great height, and beareth great branches, so that the fowls of heaven may build upon the shadow of it: Even so the Word of God, and faith being not idle, but working, although in outward show, it seem small and slender, yet doth it by little and little spread it self, and like a fair fruitful braunched tree, receive daily strength and increase. Luk. 13.19. & 17.6. Mark 4.31.

51 As the Sun which was made to lighten all things, is most light: So the Word which was made to clear all things, is most clear. Psal. 119.105. Prov. 8.9. Psal. 19.7.

52 As a man will be more wary to try every piece of Gold, when he sees many counterfeit and flourishing Angels to fly abroad: So when Christians shall see many sorts of doctrine, crawling daily like Locusts out of the bottomless pit, they must be more diligent to taste & try, which is the sound and sincere Word. 1. John. 4. 1. Jer. 23.28.

53 As the biting and sharpness of Mustard, together with his hot and fiery taste, which is many times seen to make the eater thereof to rub his nose, and wring out tears; and which also by provoking of neezing, doth excellently purge the head from rough phlegm, and rheumatike substance: Even so the Word of God being faithfully preached, and rightly applied, doth pierce the conscience, shake the mind, enkindle & inflame the heart, excite and stir up, drowsy, faint, and dull minds, to ensue virtue, and perform the duties of piety; and doth many times force and fetch out tears, of earnest and hearty repentance. Act. 2.37.

54 As they that use the benefit of the day to travel and walk in, needeth not to stumble & fall at the things that lie in their way, for that they have light to direct them by: So likewise, they that direct themselves in their calling by the light of the Word of God, go aright and upright, because God doth guide them. John. 11.9.10.

55 Like as God's curse is apparent in that earth, which notwithstanding, the rain and all the dressing that men can use, bringeth nothing but weeds, briars, and brambles: So they that hear the word of God faithfully preached, and continue in ignorance, and proceed in impiety and ungodliness, have manifest seals of their damnation. Hebr. 6.7, 8.

56 Like as if Corn be spilled or shed in any common way, the fowls presently fall upon it, and devour it, and suffer it not to remain there any longer: Even so the seed of the Word, when it is preached, and fallen into hard hearts, is by and by taken away of the Devil and wicked spirits, and so cannot remain there, nor be understood. Math. 13.19.

57 Even as a man receiving the best friend that he hath into his house, will lodge him in his best room that he hath: So likewise should a Christian lodge God's Word, in no worse place then in his heart. Col. 3.16.

58 As no man knoweth how sweet Honie is, but he that tasteth it: So we cannot understand the profit of God's Word, except we have experience therein. Prov. 24.13, 14.

59 As the salt which Elishia did cast into the spring of Jericho, was profitable to that land: Even so the Word of God, is as healthsome to men's souls. 2. King. 2.21.22.

60 As King Solomon, by continual exercising of himself in wisdom, did both resolve the Queen of Saba of all her hard and curious questions, and wrote many parables to instruct other men that were to come after him: So likewise Christians, by acquainting thenselves in the Word of God, shall be able to satisfy both their own consciences in matters of Religion, and to teach the ignorant, that which they ought to know. Math. 13.52.

61 As Jacob's sleeping in the land of Canaan, was a figure of his continual rest, and perpetual possession of the same: So likewise the steadfast settling of our senses in the Word of God, is an infallible argument of our continual enioyin thereof. Gene. 28.13. Luk. 10.42.

62 As all the sheafes in the Harvest did bow to Joseph's sheaf: So must all men be controlled and subject to God's Word. Gene. 37.7.

63 Like as the Sun doth not heat all those that it lighteneth: Even so the Word of God, doth show men what they ought to do; but not enflamed them with a desire to perform the same; for it is one thing to know that we should be wise, and another to be wise indeed.

64 As the Israelites might not sow two kinds of seeds in one and the same ground: Even so the immortal seed of God's Word, must only be received in the furrows of our hearts. Deut. 22.9.

65 As rain and Snow falling from heaven, returneth not thither again, but watereth the earth, and maketh it fruitful: Even so the Word that cometh out of God's mouth, shall not return void, but shall accomplish and bring to pass that which God will, & shall prosper in that whereunto he sent it. Esa. 55.10, 11.

66 As the seed once sown, wheresoever it pleaseth God to grant his blessing unto it, whether the sower sleep or wake, or whatsoever he doth, and howsoever he is occupied, groweth and increaseth, till it come to maturity and ripeness: So likewise the Word by the ministry of God, being scattered, where God worketh withal by his holy spirit, there it bringeth a great, marvelous, and an unlooked for increase. Mar. 4.20.

67 As of mortal and corrupt seeds, men are first borne to this mortal and corruptible life: So must we of the immortal and incorruptible seed of the Word, be borne again to a life immortal, and incorruptible, if we will live ever. 1. Pet. 1.23.24.25.

68 As it is impossible that Corn should grow or prosper, and come to good, among the bushes of thorns: So likewise is it impossible, that the seed of the Word preached, should become the seed of new birth, to him that continueth full of worldly cares, and is snared with the deceitfulness of riches. Math. 13.22. 1. Pet. 1.23.

69 Like as he that is a thirst, doth greedily and joyfully receive a cup of water or beer to quench his thirst, and to ease him for a little time: Even so much more greedily should Christians receive the Word, the water of life, whereby the thirst of their souls shall be quenched eternally. Math. 10.42. John. 4.14.15.

70 As the Israelites in the wilderness, whensoever the cloud, and pillar of fire stood still, they stood still, & when it went, they went: Even so must the Word of God be a pillar of fire unto us, when it commandeth us to stand, we must stand still; and whatsoever we do in our calling, we must have direction for the same out of God's Word. Numb. 9.21, 22. Luk. 5.4. 1. Timo. 6. 1. &c. Deut. 17.16. &c. Psal. 119. &c.

71 As children are so greedily carried with a desire of their food, that when hunger pincheth them, they neither regard leisure, necessity, nor the willingness of their Mothers, but all excuses, and business set apart, so soon as they cry for it, they must be fed: Even so we must not think it enough to desire the Word, but we must be earnest, and fervent, and importunate in calling and crying for it. 1. Pet. 2.2.

72 As the Lamp burned continually in the Temple, without quenching: Even so the Word of God, must continually sound in our ears, without intermission. Levite. 24.2, 3. Act. 2.46. John. 6.27.

73 As David longed for the Well of Bethlehem: So must Christians long and languish for the Milk of the Word. 2. Sam. 23.15. 1. Pet. 2.2.

74 Like as a vapor or perfume in the air, which in some men's nostrils is savory and pleasant, and doth revive them; and others it striketh stark dead: Even so the Word preached by God's Ministers, lawfully called by him thereunto, hath the same power and force in it, which Christ himself shown, when he spake on earth; for it is the savor of life unto life, to save those that hear it; Or it is the savor of death unto death, to those that contemn it. John. 18.4, 5, 6. 2. Cor. 2.16.

75 As it is the use of Physic, to cure men of diseases when they are fallen into them, so also to preserve them from sickness before it have taken hold of them: Even so it is the power of the Word, to asswage the trouble of conscience, when it doth once press us, as also to prevent it before it hath overtaken us.

76 As it profiteth nothing, to graff a plant, if with a whirl wind or storm, it be pulled up by the roots, before it bear fruit: So the Word of God, being preached, heard, and laid up in our minds, shall do us no good, if before it bring forth fruit, with some blustering blasts, and sturdy storm of temptations, it shall be rooted out of our hearts. Psal. 1.2.

77 Even as a twig or branch, taken from a very good and fruitful tree, and graffed into the trunk or stock of some wild tree, as a Crab, Thorn, or such like, doth draw the stock or trunk, to the nature of the twig or branch, that now it beareth other leaves, and other fruit then it was wont to do: So the Word of God, well planted, and surely graffed in our barren hearts, by preaching and Catechising, doth draw us, and convert us unto, and into itself, and causeth us to bear other goodly leaves, of holy and godly Words; and other most pleasant and wholesome fruits of unfeigned virtues and graces; but by the way, we must needs crop and cut off, the boughs of our old sins, that Christ may be graffed in us, and then no doubt our fruit shall be such, as God, for his Sons sake, will accept and take in good part at our hands.

78 As men are wont & accustomed, to make account of precious things, and not to cast them at random, but to keep them safe under lock and key: Even thus safely and surely must the Word of God, when it is heard and preached, be kept in our hearts, if we will ever come by true wisdom. Psal. 119.11. Luk. 2.19. Heb. 2.1. I am. 1.21.

79 Even as we cannot feel the favor and taste of any meat, unless we chaw the same: So also we never feel any fruit of God's Word, unless the same abide in us, and we do as it were chaw and ruminate the same.

79 As the Sun at sometime of the year, in some place, doth afford his shine and light unto the people, and yet doth little or nothing warm them: So the knowledge and understanding of the Word, and will of God preached, doth not by and by work an hungering and thirsting, to lead a virtuous and godly life, in all those whom it hath instructed, and most perfectly taught, what they should do, and how they ought to live. They receive knowledge and understanding from it, but they refuse the grace, and deny the power of it.

80 As the Jews, which crucified the Son of God, even Jesus Christ, were converted, by hearing Peter preach but one Sermon: But we are worse then they, who have heard many hundreds of Sermons, and yet are (many of us) never touched with any remorse of conscience, nor moved to any serious or true repentance. Act. 2.37, 38, 39.

81 Like as we see Crowes, and other fowls follow the heels of the sower, to pick up and devour such grain, and Corn, as do lie uncovered: So in like manner, do the Devils come like greedy fowls, into the assemblies where the Word of God is preached, to take it away from the hearts of the people, that it may not grow there. Math. 13.4.

82 As a Purgation made for the body, many times worketh not his operation, by reason of the ill temperature of the body, or else of the region, that too much, by reason of her, draweth humors of man, into the exterior parts of the body: So likewise the Word of God, poured into the ears, and understanding of man, worketh not many times his operation, in cleansing the soul from the humors and corruption of sin, by reason of the ill temperature, and disposition of the persons, that useth to read and hear the Scripture.

83 As the child before he is borne into the world, abideth in the Mothers womb, and taketh all nourishment of her: So we must learn what God is, within the bounds of his Word; not at rouers, until he mercifully delivered us from this bondage, and out of the dungeon of the body, and grant us to behold him face to face.

84 As plasters, except they be applied in order and time, and be laid upon the wound, though they be never so good, yet they cannot heal: Even so it is with the Word of God, and the parts of it, which except they be used in order, and time convenient, will not humble and receive us, as their virtue is.

85 Like as the red Sea, was a safe passage for the Israelites coming out of Egypt, and a drowning to the Egyptians: Or as the fire of Babylon, hurt not the three children cast into the Oven, but yet burnt the Ministers which cast them in: Or as the Lyon saved Daniel alive, but quickly did devour his accusers: Even so such is the nature of the Word of God, that as it is a condemnation to the wicked, so it is the power of God unto salvation, to all those which believe the same. Exod. 14. toto. Dan. 3.21, 25. Dan. 6.22, 24. Rom. 6.16.

86 As there was in the Ark the tables of the Law, the pot of Manna, and Aaron's rod: So in the Word of God, there are Commandments, mercies for the faithful, and judgments for the impenitent and unfaithful.

87 Even as salt is good, both for the keeping of dead flesh from corruption, and for the healing and purging of that which is alive: So the Word is profitable for them that be dead in trespasses and sins, to make them alive; and for them that be alive in Christ, to heal and purge them of sin.

88 Like as the Sun shining on the earth, is not polluted or hurt thereby, but rather cleanseth all things: So the holy Word of God, is not polluted by a sinful body, but purifieth it.

89 As Honie through the sickness and heat of a Fever, doth make the bitter things that are taken into the mouth, to seem strange and worse then they are indeed: So God's Word, being digested and received into our souls, doth make us more abhor the bitterness of sin, lust, vanities, &c.

90 As we make great account of our Charters, whereby we hold our earthly liberties; yea we gladly read them and acquaint our selves with them: So likewise we ought to make more account of the Word of God, which is the Law of spiritual liberty. I am. 2.16.

91 As Mariners use by the stars, to direct their courses on the Sea: So must we make God's Word a star, to direct us to Christ.

92 As we account much of Rings, Jewels, or such like things, which are left us of parents and friends, being dead: So must we account, & make much of God's Word left us by Christ.

93 As the Sun shining upon filthy sinckes, dunghills and puddles, draweth out loathsome smells, yet it self is pure and not defiled with them: Even so the Word of God, which though it draw sin and wickedness from sinful men, yet it self is pure and holy. Psal. 12.6. & 19.8.

94 As we may see many men's faces, but not know their minds, except we confer long with them: So it is with the Word of God, if we only barely, and carelessly read it, and do not earnestly meditate in it, and studiously search it.

95 Even as the natural man, conceived of natural seed, is nourished with blood in his Mother womb, and fed afterward with Milk when he is once borne, as all creatures are nourished with that, whereof they are engendered: So in like manner, the regenerate man conceived, and begotten of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, is nourished & fostered by it, receiving the same simply and purely, without any mixture, and hotch potch of any other man's inventions with it.

Wicked.

1 AS the third sort of Canterbury belles, being planted in Gardens, prosper overmuch, for it doth spread abroad and multiply, that it hurteth other herbs, and will not easily be weeded out or overcome: Even so the Wicked in the Church.

2 As if one and the same wormwood, the common wormewoood is hot in the first degree, Sea wormwood hot in the second, and yet both wormwood: So among the Wicked, some less hot in profession, some more, and yet both Wicked; some less cruel, some more cruel, and yet both ungodly, &c.

3 As the wild Boores and Swine, which are wont to eat and destroy other Wheat and Corn, will seldom feed upon Triticum Romanorum, or bearded wheat, because of the prickie beards, which do them hurt: So the Wicked, which live by devouring and oppressing other the Children of God, will seldom assault them, which can hurt them.

4 Polimanie held in the hand, keepeth a man from being stung or hurt, with any Scorpion; but the more virtues a man hath, the sooner the Wicked will vex him, therefore are worse then Scorpions.

5 As the great Raifort or mountain Radish, being planted near the Vine, causeth it to starve, and wither away: So the Wicked, being too near the godly, make them to decay and fall away.

6 As the Salamander that is ever in the fire, and never consumeth: So be the souls of the reprobate and ungodly men, ever dying in hell, and yet never dead.

7 As water lighting upon a hard stone, falleth away, because there is no entry open into the stone: So the Wicked, do with their hardness of heart drive back the grace of God, that it cannot pierce into them.

8 As the flint stone are made of such matter, that neither water can moisten them, nor fire can melt them: Even so the Wicked and obstinate, are so stony hearted, that neither the heavenly dew of the sweet promises of the Gospel, or the fear or furious threatenings of the law, can mollify their hearts. Ezech. 3.9.

9 As long as a sick man can walk and stand, there is some hope that he will recover and amend; but if he must needs lie down, then there is little hope of his health: Even so a man that walketh in the counsel of the Wicked, or standeth in the way of sinners, there may be some hope of him; but if he once sit down in the Chair or seat of the scornful, then there is no hope at all of his repentance. Psal. 1.1.

10 As the disease of a Canker, infecteth always the next part unto it, until it have run through and infected the whole body: Even so the Wicked, never cease, until they have drawn them all such as keep them company. 1. King. 11.3, 4, 5. Deut. 7.3, 4. Judge. 16.16, 17, 18.

11 As fire is of this nature & quality, that it will burn up whole houses and fair places, even with a spark, if it be letten alone, which otherwise might be put out with ones finger: Even so the Wicked, yea but one Wicked member in a Town if he be suffered, will at length do much hurt to the whole Town, &c.

12 As that Mother cannot but be greatly afflicted, who having many children weeping and crying at once for meat, and she not having sufficient, or none at all to give them: Even so the Wicked man, being greedily called upon without ceasing, but almost infinite passions, to yield to their desires, must needs be vexed and pitifully tormented, especially being notable to satisfy any one of the least of their petitions.

13 Like as the stone of Sycila, the which the more it is beaten, the harder it waxeth: Even so the Wicked, the more that the terrors and threatenings of God's judgments are denounced against them, the more hard hearted they be.

14 As the Grave always craveth for more, and is never satisfied: Even so such is the insatiableness of the throats of the Wicked. Rom. 3.13.

15 As the Milner doth muffle and blindfold his horse, that draweth his malt Mill, whereby the horse supposing that he goeth right forward, is deceived, for that he turneth round: Or as the Faulconer, doth put hoods upon the heads of his Haukes, that so they may sit the quietter on his arm: Even so Satan muffleth and hoodwinketh the Wicked, by ignorance, and by the delights, pleasures, & vain enticements of the world, that so he may possess them the quietter, to their utter overthrow.

16 As the Adder is by nature inclined, and desirous to sting and hurt with his poison whom so ever he may: Even so all the counsels of the Wicked, tend to the increase of wickedness and mischief. Psal. 58.4.5. & 83.5.

17 As the poisonful nature of an Adder, can by no means be redressed, no not by enchauntment, for he stoppeth his ears against the charmer: Even so there is no hope of the conversion of obstinate Wicked ones, who stubbornly refuse to hear, all wholesome doctrine and good counsel, that proceedeth out of the word. Act. 7.57.

18 As the Axe is in the hands of the hewers, or workmen: Even so the Wicked, whose misery and service, the Lord useth to destroy, and to plague others, are also in the hand of God. Esa. 10.15.

19 As men throw away their tools, when they are worn and broken: Even so God, when he hath finished his work, then he casteth away the Wicked, whom only he useth as instruments of his wrath. Isaiah. 12.

20 As Anakins or Giants, were driven out of the land of Canaan for their sins: So the Wicked, when their sins are ripe, cannot avoid God's plagues. Deut. 2.9, 10.

21 As a Bow bent with an arrow, ready set in it, to shoot to anything: Even so are the devises of the Wicked against the godly. Psal. 37.14.

22 As he whose Bow breaketh in drawing, misseth his mark: Even so the enterprises and endeavors of the Wicked, even then when they thir • • o destroy the godly, are broken and come to naught. •• all. 37.15.

23 As we see the fire-brands ends burning, which very shortly are clean burnt out, or easily quenched out: Even so the devises, attempts, and threatenings of Wicked men, when God doth not establish and ratify their counsels, come to naught.

24 As young wild Bulls, are strong and lusty to do hurt: Even so is the rage of malicious Wicked men, in persecuting the godly. Psal. 22.12.

25 As trees that are unprofitable, and bring forth no good fruit, are to be cut down, and cast into the fire: Even so the Wicked and obstinate, that persevere in their malicious blindness, and indurate disobedience, deserve severe punishment. Math. 3.10. & 7.19. Luk. 3.9. Iud. ver. 12.

26 As Chaff is blown abroad with the wind, & scattered: Even so such is the state of the Wicked, when God bloweth upon them, with the breath of his displeasure. Job. 21.18. Psal. 1. 4. Psal. 35.5. Esa. 17.13.

27 Like as fire consumeth Chaff and stubble: So likewise God shall make the Wicked, overthrow, destroy, and bring to naught their own devises. Math. 3.12. Isaiah. 33.11.

28 As the mad Dog rageth, and if he be able, biteth everyone that he meeteth with: Even so is the rage of Wicked men of might, towards them that they can bring under their power. Psal. 22.20.

29 As Dogs, when by vomiting they have cleared their stomachs, of such matter as afore lay there undigested, do presently return to it, and devour it again: So likewise fareth it with a fool, that seemeth sorrowful for his folly, and with a Wicked man, that feigneth repentance, and conversion▪ the one delighteth still in folly, and the other returnet • • ine to his filthiness. Prov. 26.11. 2. Pet. 2.22.

30 As in fining of metal, the dross is separated from other metals: Even so God will separate the Wicked of the earth, from the godly, and them that fear him. Psal. 119.119. Esa. 1.22.

31 As dross is separated from Silver, by melting it in the fire: Even so the Wicked shall perish, by the fire of God's wrath. Ezech. 22.19, 20, 21, 22.

32 As fire quickly consumeth dry stubble and straw: So the wrath of God kindleth as fire, and consumeth the Wicked for contemning his word, and for the wickedness of their inventions. Esa. 5.24. Jer. 4.4. & 5.14. Gene. 19.24. Levite. 10.2. Numb. 11.1. & 16.35.

33 As the fruit cannot be good, except the tree be first good: Even so from the evil heart of a Wicked man, nothing that is good in the eyes and sight of God, can proceed. Math. 12. 33, 35.

34 As the grass on the house top, which for lack of root, withereth afore it can grow up to be mowed, or to any other good use: Even so the Wicked, though they flourish like the green herb, yet quickly shall they be cut down and wither away. Psal. 37. 1, 2.

35 As the Mill if it go empty; or the filthy Hog, if he be not satisfied with meat, make an unpleasant and odious noise: So the Wicked (if the Lord in everything satisfy not their desire) do most wickedly murmur, and blaspheme his providence.

36 As his sight is very bad, that can discern nothing but black; his taste very ill, that can feel relish of nothing but sharp things; as smelling is far out of frame that sauoreth nothing, but that which stinketh: So likewise his mind is most Wicked, and his tongue most devilish, that can conceive of his brother, and report nothing but that which is bad and discommendable in him.

37 As a dark and dim light, which a man cannot discern anything by, nor use to his benefit, but is ready so soon as it is stirred to go quite out: So is the prosperity of the Wicked. Job. 18.6.

38 As Lions rage and roar, when they seek after their pray: Even so do Wicked men, when they seek to destroy them that fear God. Psal. 7.2.

39 As a raging Lyon, spoileth and devoureth all that he can catch or come by: So the Lord deuoreth the Wicked that fall from him, and exerciseth all manner of cruelty upon them. Ezech. 19.5, 6, 7, 8.

40 As Moathes eat garments, and Wormes wool: So the Wicked shall be fretted away and consumed. Hos. 5.2. Math. 6.19. I am. 5.2.

41 As the Net craftily laid, encloseth a number of fish: So the Wicked by their privy devises, seek to catch and draw into their danger, the godly. Ezech. 12.13. Psal. 31.4.

42 As men tread dirt under their feet in the streets: Even so God shall cause the Wicked to be trampled on, that rise up against him, and his elect children. Psal. 18.42.

43 As in an Oven or furnace, the fire doth quickly consume the wood, which is put therein: Even so the Wicked, in the day wherein God will show forth his anger, shall quickly be consumed. Psal. 21.9. Mal. 4.1.

44 As Rushes and other green things, that commonly grow in watery places, if in hot weather they want moisture, do quickly consume, wither, and come to naught: Even so the ways of the Wicked, and the hope of the hypocrite, shall perish. Job. 8.11, 12, 13.

45 As the Sea when it rageth, the waters thereof cast up dirt & mire: So the Wicked in their outragiousnesse, show abroad their filth. Esa. 57.20.

46 As smoke vanisheth and cometh to nothing: So the Wicked and ungodly perish at the presence of God. Psal. 68.2.

47 As a Snaile melteth and consumeth to slime and earth: So shall God consume the Wicked, and bring them to naught. Psal. 58.8.

48 As we see diverse beasts, vermin, and fowls, escape out of sundry snares, and engines, and yet in the end, to he trapped in one or other: So in like manner, some Wicked, do at times seem to escape the heavy judgments of God, yet in the end they shall be snarled. Jer. 48.44.

49 As Swine though they be washed never so clean, yet so soon as they can find a miry plat, they will wallow & tumble themselves in it again: So what pains so ever is bestowed, to reduce & reclaim the Wicked and ungodly from their impiety, they will shortly pollute and defile themselves again. 2. Pet. 2.22.

50 As fire made of Thorns, burneth fiercely for the time, and keepeth a great noise and crackling, but yet is speedily burnt out and consumed: So the attempts of the Wicked, are for the time violent, and dangerous, but God in his good time, doth with speed extinguish and quench them. Psal. 118.12. Nah. 1.10.

51 Like as men are wont to hew down the trees, that are either unfruitful, or else bring forth bad fruit, and make firewood of them: So God in his good time, will root out of his Church, all Wicked men, and throw them into eternal fire. Ezech. 31.3. Luk. 13.6, 7.

52 As a Wall when it beginneth to bow, or is shaken, will shortly fall: Even so ruinous is the state of the Wicked, howsoever it seem to be. Psal. 62.3.

53 As Wax melteth at the heat of the fire: So likewise the Wicked, perish at the presence of God. Psal. 68. 2. Micah. 1.4.

54 As the Spiders web is now whole, and straightwaies broken, almost for the least thing that may happen: So the expectation of the Wicked, faileth and deceiveth them. Isaiah. 59.5.

55 As of Spiders webbes, no man can make clothe to clothe him: So the Wicked, who bend their wits to conceive mischief, and whose whole labor is to bring forth iniquity, shall not reap profit by their devises & pains. Job. 8.14.

56 Like as the widow that is in extreme grief, for the loss of her Husband and of her children, because she is now destitute of all help and comfort: Even so such grief and affliction, will God bring upon the Wicked; who when they flourish and are in prosperity, are proud and unmerciful. Isaiah. 47.8, 9.

57 As a little Image, though it be set upon an high mountain, is notwithstanding a little one still; and on the other side, if Colossus that huge and mighty Image, be placed in a very low valley, yet looseth not his bigness: Even so a Wicked and cursed man, that is fraught with sundry vices, though he flourish in honor and riches, yet is he but a seely mean man: and on the other side, a man that is virtuous and godly wise, although he be in extreme poverty, & beggarly estate, yet out of doubt he is a great man, and to be highly accounted of.

58 As men mad & frantic, are wont to tear & rent themselves: So Wicked and ungodly men, inflict upon themselves, most deadly and incurable wounds; yea they be most willful murderers of their souls and bodies.

59 As Wax melteth at the heat of the fire: Even so do the Wicked perish at the face and countenance of the Lord. Psal. 68. 2. & 80.16.

60 As the Sea, although it receiveth an unspeakable multitude of floods and rivers, which do run into it, yet never runneth over; neither is so full, that it will receive no more: So evil and Wicked men, are never satisfied with malice, envy, and hatred, neither make they any end of their treacheries, sins and iniquities: but with the goads of some, they are stirred up, and pricked forward, to commit others worse and more detestable then the first.

61 Like as if a King redeeming a poor bondman, whom his Master diversely tormented, should besides so favor and honor him, as to adopt him for his child; it might well be accounted a frantic or senseless part in this bond-man, to forsake such honor and preferment, and to return to live under the tyranny and thralldom of his cruel Master: Even so such are they, who being delivered from the tyranny & cruelty of Satan, and made kings in Jesus Christ, do give themselves to the lusts and pleasures of the flesh, and the allurements of the world, thereby returning themselves into the wretched bondage of the devil, to abide eternally under his tyrannous Dominion.

62 Like as if a man departing from London towards York, & yet giveth out, that he will take his way through Ireland, and every man will scorn him as a fool, or take pity of him, as if he were a senseless person, that goeth far amiss: Even so is it with him, who taking no course to amend his life, but continuing in offending God, doth nevertheless say and uphold, that he will go to heaven; every man may judge him to be senseless and greatly out of the way, because he taketh the contrary course, which leadeth to Hell.

63 As a continual rain, dropping upon a Rock of stone, maketh it yet never the softer: So nothing can make the heart of a Wicked man to relent.

64 As a wheel tilts up behind, and shoots down before: So the Wicked are forward to all badness, & backward to all goodness. Psal. 82.13.

65 As the death of Christ, was not efficient to save the Wicked: So the sin of the Wicked, was not sufficient to condemn Christ. Zacha. 13.6.

66 As the thief imprisoned, wisheth the judgment seat overturned, the Law with his Princes and power dead, and the day of his execution never to come: Even so do the Wicked Caterpillars of the world, men careless of godliness, and hardened in heart, whose consciences do accuse them guilty, and fearing God's judgment, they desire rather that he were not at all, then that he should come to give them the reward of sin, eternal death, the assured stipend to all Wicked actions and thoughts. Rom. 6.23.

67 As the Tiger, when he hears the sound of a Taber, or Drumme, straightway runneth mad, and teareth himself in pieces: So the Wicked, when he heareth the sound of the charmer, charm he never so wisely, doth not as the Tiger tear himself, but he rents and tears the Lord in pieces.

68 As the sheep and Kine are put into fat pastures, to be prepared for the shambles: So likewise the Wicked, the more wealth, ease and prosperity that they receive and enjoy, the nearer and heavier is their destruction.

69 As the Ox that is stall fed, waxeth fat, and the fatter he is, the nearer he is to the day of slaughter: So it fareth with the Wicked worldlings, which never come under the cross or affliction, and whose necks could never abide the yoke of the word of God, they are set up a fatting for the butcher of Hell, and made ready against the day of slaughter, which is the day of judgment, when all these outward, common and general blessings, shall tend to their greater condemnation. Job. 22.7. &c. Psal. 73.5, 7. &c.

70 As everything that a godly man doth, is not by and by to be allowed off: So is not everything that a Wicked man doth, always to be misliked.

The Word of God the food of the soul.

1 LIke as the body is sustained and nourished, with material bread, because it is material it self: So is the soul nourished with spiritual bread, which is the Word of God, because it is spiritual.

2 As the body will faint and decay, if it be not from time to time, refreshed with bodily sustenance: Even so the soul waxeth feeble and weak towards God, unless the same be often and continually chearished, refreshed and kept up, with the Word of God, the only food of the soul. Deut. 8.3. Math. 4.4.

3 As the soul being a divine, spiritual, and immortal substance, doth far excel the body, which is nothing else but dust, earth and ashes: Even so the sacred and eternal food, and assured salvation of the soul, ought to be acquired and sought for, with far greater care & more earnest study, zeal, love, desire, and affection, then the health and welfare of the body. John. 6.26, 27.

4 As the rain watereth the fields, and maketh them fruitful, and causeth Corn to grow, and giveth strength unto the same, and garnisheth and beautifieth, all godly plants, with abundance of most pleasant fruits: Even so the Word of God and doctrine of Christ, bedeaweth and moisteneth the children of God, and feedeth and nourisheth their souls to everlasting life; and causeth them to bring forth very excellent virtues, and most rich and plentiful fruits and effects of a true Christian faith. Esa. 55.10. Hebr. 6.8. Ezech. 34.26.

5 As no man may entertain and conserve the life which he received by means of his soul, by the food and nourishment which another doth take, nor by that which another eateth and drink • h, but only by that which he himself doth take, and by meats and drinks which he receiveth in his own person: So likewise is it of the nourishment of the faith of every man, by the Word of God, for the entertainment and conservation of the spiritual life.

Wisdom to be used in reprehending another.

LIke as it is not enough for the Physician or Surgeon, to know the wound, the malady, and soar disease, and to tell the patient thereof, prescribing him the names of the simples, that he must take for the curing thereof; but they had need to prescribe him the manner of the compounding them, and quantity of each one, which they would have him to take, with diverse other circumstances; or else it is like, that the receipt will do more hurt then good: Even so is it in spying of beams or motes, that is, of faults and sins committed by other; yet it is not enough to know the fault, and tell the party of it, and what is good for it, but in the administration of that which is good, great Wisdom is to be shown. Math. 7.4, 5. & 18.15.16. &c. 1. Timo. 5.20.

Whoredom.

1 LIke as a fire being kindled in a City, if the wind blow vehemently, stayeth not in the burning of one house or two, but spreadeth far and wide, and draweth a great destruction with it: So likewise Whoredom, being once kindled, stayeth not in one man, but inuadeth and spreadeth over all parts of the City. Prov. 6.27. &c. Job. 31.9. 2. Sam. 12.19. & 16.22. Heb. 13.4. Mal. 3.5.

2 As not only he that killeth with the hand, but also he that expresseth by token or word, the malice of his heart, is before God guilty of murder: So in like manner, not only he which committeth uncleanness in deed, but he also that doth solicit a woman by signs & words, is taken to be guilty, either of Adultery, or incest, or of deflowering, or of Whoredom, although the work it self follow not.

3 Like as he is before God a plain thief, that hath a purpose to steal, though he steal never a half-penny; because he is not stayed from it by will, but either by fear of punishment, or by some other means: Even so he cannot be excused from Adultery, which in purpose and endeavor is inclined to the work of Adultery, either in his eyes, hands, gesture of body, and filthy communication. Prov. 5.3. &c. 1. Cor. 6.10. Deut. 23.17, 18. Pphe. 5.3, 5. 1. Cor. 10.8. Reve. 21.8. 1. Cor. 6.15, 16, 17.

Will of God not curiously to be searched into.

LIke as a servant must not enter into the searching of those things, which be most secret points of his Masters will, which do not belong unto his knowledge, but rather must mark with all the diligence he can, to know what his will is towards him, and to employ himself wholly thereunto: Even so, it is not our parts to search the secrets of God's Will, which do not belong unto us, but rather to prove and understand what the Will of God is towards us. Deut. 29.29. John. 6.39, 40. 1. Timo. 2. 4. 1. Thess. 4.3. Rom. 12.2. Math. 7.21.

Weakness of judgment.

1 AS there is a certain Weakness of the sight, which causeth the patient to think that he seeth staws, when he seeth none: So there is a certain Weakness of judgment, which maketh men think they spy faults, when they do not.

2 As they which have the Tenasme of body, often go about to avoid the filth of the body, but cannot: So many have a Tenasme of soul, who labor often to cast out their evil, and cannot.

A Word spoken not recalled.

AS it is not easy to take again the Bird, that we suffer to fly out of our hands: So is it most uneasy, to call again a Word once pronounced and spoken.

Woman.

1 LIke as the kicking of a Mule, is oftentimes with wine letted: So contrariwise, the malapert sauciness of a Woman, is with wine provoked.

2 Like as a man that is stung with Bees, will thereupon forsake the Honnie: Even so such is a Wife, that being offended with the manners of her Husband, doth therefore forsake him.

3 As none doth feel and perceive so well, on what place the shoe doth wring him, as the wearer: So none doth know so well the ouerthwartnesse of his Wife, as he that is married unto her.

4 As the Bird of Egypt, which when she is old, purgeth all the filthy humors of her body with spices of Araby, and sendeth forth of her mouth a woundrous sweet breath: Even so a Woman, when she is past bearing of children, then should she savor and breath all heavenly things, so that she neither do nor say anything, that is not religious and godly, and that may be an example for the younger Women to follow. Tit. 2.3, 4.

5 As a vessel, the weaker it is, the more it is to be favored and spared, if we will have it to continue: Even so a Woman, because of her infirmities, is much to be borne withal. 1. Pet. 3.7.

6 As the perfect Gold which is of a pure substance, sooner receiveth any form then the sturdy Steele, which is a gross and massy metal: So Womens effeminate minds, are more subject to sudden affection, and are sooner fettered with the snares of fancy, then the hard hearts of men.

War.

AS the Temple of Diana at Ephesus, being in twenty years by all the people of Asia, and by so many Princes built, should in one night be fired by the vile harlot Herostratus: Even so great Cities by War, are easily overthrown, but not so soon to be built again. Isaiah. 19.2.

Choosing of a Wife.

LIke as he that will plant anything well, doth first consider the nature of the ground, in the which he intendeth to plant: Even so much more, he that intendeth to marry, should have respect to the condition of that woman, out of whom he desireth to plant children, the fruit of honesty, and godliness.

Will of a regenerate man.

AS a man that hath one leg sound, the other lame, who in every step which he makes, doth not wholly halt, or wholly go upright, but partly go upright, and partly halt: Or like a man in a boat on the water, who goeth upward, because he is carried upward by the vessel; and at the same time goes downward, because he walks downward in the same vessel at the same instant: Even so the Will of a man regenerate, partly willeth, and partly nilleth, that which is evil, because it is partly regenerate, and partly unregenerate.

Worldly wise men.

LIke as a woman, who having so much work to do, that she could not tell where to begin, sat her down, and left all undone: Even so Worldly wise men, who seeing many things out of order, both in Church and Common-wealth, and so little hope of any redress or reformation thereof, that they cannot tell which, or what to correct, or amend first, and therefore they leave sin unpunished, and let men do what they list.

Works follow faith in every good Christian.

AS in material buildings, after the foundation is laid, there remaineth the greatest labor, time, cost, cunning & diligence, to be bestowed upon the framing & furnishing of other parts, that must ensue: Even so the heavenly edifice or building of our soul, have laid on the foundation, & ground of true belief, the rest of all our life, time, labor, & studies, is to be employed in the perfecting of our life and actions; as it were in raising up the walls, and other parts of our spiritual building, by the exercise of all virtues, and diligent obseruatiō of God's commandments; without the which, it will be to no more purpose for us to brag of our faith or knowledge in the scriptures, or to say that we have faith, and look to be saved as well as other men, then it will be to purpose, to have a foundation without a building upon it. I am. 2.26. Mat. 3.8.

Wickedness, and the fruits thereof.

1 AS the godly when they die, leave not only behind them, a good name and fame unto themselves, but also to their kindred: Even so contrariwise, the wicked and ungodly, when they die, leave not only a reproach and shame to themselves, but also to their kindred. Math. 11.39.

2 Like as when Grapes be full ripe, and ready for the press, then we know that vintage is at hand: So likewise when Wickedness aboundeth, God's vengeance cannot be far of. Joel. 3.13.

Wife.

AS the glistering beams of the Sun when it ariseth, decketh the heaven: So the virtuous dispositions of a good Wife, adorneth the house.

The Works of the world, declare God the workman thereof.

1 AS a prisoner in a dungeon, may easily by a little beam that shineth in at a chinke, conceive there is a Sun, from whence that beam descendeth: Or as a Trauayler in the wilderness, that falleth upon some Channell or Brooke, may ascend by the same, to the Well or Fountain: Even so, he that beholdeth & considereth the wonderful Works of the world, may thereby conceive also, the wonderful Artificer or workman, that made them.

2 Like as if a man do pass by sea, into some foreign, strange, or sauadge Country, where nothing else but birds and beasts do appear; yet if he should espy some exquisite building, or other work of Art and reason in the place, he would presently assure himself, that some men dwelt, or had been in that Country, for that such things could not be done by beasts or unreasonable creatures: Even so, if we cast our eyes in the view and consideration of the heavens, with the Sun, Moon, Stars, and the rest of the creatures of this world, we may then easily judge, that there is a God that hath made all these; and so from time preserveth the same. Psal. 19.1. Job. 38.4. &c.

3 As in a Quiar, or company of singers, when the foreman hath given the first tune or note, there cnsueth presently a sweet harmony, and consent of all other voices, both great and small, sharp and mean: So likewise God in the creation of this world, having given once the first push or motiō to the highest heaven, called the first movable, there ensueth upon the same, all other motions of heavens, Planets, Elements, and other bodies, in most admirable order, concord, and congruity; for conseruatiō and government of the world.

4 Like as if a man that stood a far off upon a Mountain, should see in a field under him, a great, huge, and main Army of soldiers, most excellent well appointed, eache one in order agreeing with other, divided into Rankes, Squadrons, Companies, and Offices; subordinate the one to the other by degrees, and yet all rending one way; all their faces bent upon one place; all moving, marching, & turning together; all endeavoring with all cheerfulness, towards the performance of one common service, by mutual assistance, without dissention, or clamour; he that should see this, as he could not but imagine some general high Captain to be among these soldiers, whom all obeyed, and from whose supreme commandment and order, this most excellent subornation, agreement, and union, proceeded: Even so much more, upon consideration of the former coherence, consent, and miraculous subornation of creatures among themselves, in their operations, must we infer, that they have some general commander over them all, by whose supreme disposition, each creature hath his charge, and peculiar task appointed, which he must perform, for the common and universal service of the whole.

Works good.

1 LIke as when we mingle water with wine, in a Cup, or in a Glass, that which is poured in there, is called wine, though water be mingled with it; and albeit there be more water then wine, yet that which is the more principal, and most precious part of all, beareth the name: Even so the good Works which we do by the grace of God, be it that they have a great many spots and imperfections, as they proceed from us, yet for all that, they hold always the name and reputation of him, who is the principal author.

2 As sweet water issuing out of a pure Fountain, is by a filthy channel made corrupt: So likewise Works of Grace, even the best of them are mixed Works, partly holy, and partly sinful; whereby it is evident to a man that hath but common sense, that they are not answerable to the righteousness of the Law; and that therefore they can neither merit life, nor any way justify a man before God. Phil. 2.13. Luk. 17.10. Isaiah. 64.6. Rom. 3.20. Gal. 2. • 6. Ephe. 2.8, 9. Tit. 3.5.

3 As it is of necessity that the tree be made good, before she bring forth good fruit, and therefore the fruit maketh not the tree good, but is rather the sign of a good tree: Even so it followeth, that Works do not justify, because they are done of those, which before were made righteous through Grace. So that a good Woorke maketh not a good man, but a good man maketh a good Work. Math. 7.17, 18. & 12.33.

4 Like as bond men and slaves, who were in such state in old time, & so in bondage to their Masters, that though they labored & toiled never so much, yet they got nothing for themselves, but were held and kept under the bondage of their Masters, with all their labors, their force, and diligence, yea even unto blood: Even so, forasmuch as both our selves, and all that we have, belong to God by right, and he possesseth us as slaves, and bondmen, therefore what service soever we endeavor to do him, it is certain that he can owe nothing unto us. Job. 9 3, 15, 20. Psal. 143.2. & 16.2, 3.

5 As it hath been sometimes said, and truly reported of the Athenians, namely, that they knew what was meet to do, but they wholly neglected to do the same: Even so, many Christians know what is meet and right to do, but yet for the most part, wholly neglect to do the same. Luk. 12.47. I am. 4.17.

6 Like as the Lord (according to his justice and truth) hath threatened terrible punishments to wicked and impenitent sinners: Even so, contrariwise he hath promised rewards to them that do good Works, and work righteousness. Mat. 5.16. Rom. 13.9. & 1. Cor. 15.58. Ephe. 2.10. Phil. 4.8. Tit. 2.12. & 3.8.

7 Like as if a man should say, the Vine is made more fruitful by bearing grapes; or that the internal light of the Sun, is augmented by the external emission of the beams: So likewise, for a man to say that inherent righteousness is by good Works, namely, the fruits of righteousness, augmenteth; so to to say, is not only erroneous, but also ridiculous.

8 Like as if a rich man, not constrained, but of his own good will, should adopt one to be his son, whom he knoweth not, and to whom he oweth nothing, and should appoint him to be the heir of all his lands and goods; and certain years after that he hath bestowed this benefit upon him, he should lay upon him a law, to do this or that; he cannot now say, that he hath deserved this benefit by his own works, seeing that many years before, he asking nothing, had received the same freely, and of mere favor: So God could not respect our Works and deserts, going before righteousness; for the promise and the gift of the holy Ghost, was 430. years before the Law. Gal. 3.16, 17.

9 As it is impossible to separate washing from water, and burning from fire, and good fruits from a good tree: Even so impossible it is, to separate good Works from a true and a lively faith. I am. 2.22.

10 As Merchants or Chapmen, do oftentimes prize and esteem their wares & merchandise more then they be worth: Even so do we of our doings, virtues and good Works: but when they are examined and prised, by those which know them, as by the Spirit of God and his Prophets, they are altogether judged as old rags, torn, tied together, and patched up again.

11 As old Images new gilded over, which outwardly hath some glistering & show, but within, are nothing but dust and dirt: Or as counterfeit money, which is of ill and naughty metal, how good a print soever it have: Even so is the good that we do, and all the righteousness & virtue which is in us, is nothing but shame & reproach. Rom. 10.3.

12 As the Temple sanctified the Golde that was upon it, but was not sanctified by the Gold; or as the Altar sanctified the offering that was upon it, but was not sanctified by the offering: Even so good Works do not beautify a Christian man in the Lord, but the man in the Lord, doth beautify the Works. Mat. 23.17, 19. Reu. 14.15.

13 As the Apple is not the cause of the Apple tree, but a fruit of it: Even so good Works are not the cause of our salvation, but a sign, and a fruit of the same. Math. 7.17.

14 As Caterpillars sometimes and blasting, do fret and annoy the branches, that the sap cannot have his course, and so the fruit faileth, which seemed fair to the eye: So rancor and displeasure, division, schism and separation among men; being no less then noisome winds and Caterpillars to our Christian faith; eat up, and dry away many times, the sap or juice of love and charity, whereby the expected fruit of good Works, is withered in the branches.

15 As savory water cannot come from a stinking puddle, or sweet fruit from a sower root: Even so, no more can any good Work come from an unregenerate man, from a corrupt & sinful soul; who although he give his body to the fire, for the profession and maintenance of the truth; and all his goods to the poor, in a tender compassion of their misery, yet he being destitute of faith, love, and the rest of the parts of regeneration, doth not by these works please God, or fulfill his Law.

16 As the channel which is polluted and defiled, doth pollute and defile the water, that is without defilement in the fountain: Even so the mind and will of man, defiled by the remnant of sin, defile the Works, which as they come from Christ, are undefiled.

17 As in fire there is both heat and light, yet do we not say that the light doth burn, but the heat: So in a man justified, there is both faith, and good Works, inseparably, yet doth not good Works justify, but faith o • ely.

18 As one Torch doth give more light carried before, then four borne behind: So likewise our good Work or deed done, in life time and perfect health, is more welcome unto God, then forty after death.

19 As the green leaves outwardly, showeth that the tree is not dry inwardly: So the good Works openly, testify the zeal of heart inwardly.

Wise men.

1 AS the old natural Philosophers do say, that the Sun feedeth on the salt water, and that the Moon taketh her food upon the sweet water: Even so Wise men do seek things bitter, so as they be profitable, when fools only pass for things pleasant and delightful.

2 As the Be out of the most bitter things, doth gather most sweet Honie: So a Wise man, out of things hard and unpleasant, picketh gain and utility.

3 Like as Alexander, did cause Bucephalus his Horse, being old, to be carried on other horses to the battle, that he might be fresh for the fight: So ought grave, old, and Wise men, be spared from labor, that their good counsel might be only regarded, and had in necessities.

Wits.

1 AS the vessel with a narrow mouth, of a long time may not be filled, but then at the length, it holdeth the liquor more furer: So Wits that be dull in receiving learning, will most steadfastly remember the same, once obtained.

2 Like as too great a noise hurteth the ear: Or as too much meat annoyeth the stomach: Or as heavy burdens hurt the bearers of them, Or as too much rain doth more hurt then good to the ground: Even so weak Wits, and weak consciences, may soon be oppressed, with over hard questions.

Wisdom.

1 AS that vessel can never be filled, which always poureth forth and leaketh: So may he never receive Wisdom, which continually speaketh, and at no time harkneth. Prov. 17.27. I am. 1. 19.

2 As the Ass Colt, which of all other beasts is counthe veriest dullard, yet bringeth more Wit and ability to help it self, then a young infant: Even so whatsoever Wisdom or virtue men have now, they brought it not with them into this world, but have it afterwards by the gift and free liberality of God. I am. 1.17.

3 As the Palme tree spreadeth his boughs and branches so wide, and giveth such pleasant shadows, that Xerxes the King of Persia, took singular delight to sit under it, whole days together: So likewise Wisdom, coming out of the mouth of the most high, with heavenly comfort protecteth, shadoweth, recreateth & defendeth all those that commit themselves under the shadows thereof, from all harm and danger. Psal. 17.8. Lamen. 4.20.

4 As Honie is good, and the Honie comb sweet unto the mouth: So also is the knowledge of Wisdom unto the soul. Prov. 24.13, 14.

5 As earthly wisdom is corrupted with affections: Even so heavenly Wisdom is pure, undefiled, and not polluted with affections. I am. 3.17.

6 As earthly wisdom is desirous of contention: So contrariwise, heavenly Wisdom is peaceable; that is, diligent, to make peace and quietness among men.

7 As earthly wisdom is rigorous and cruel: So heavenly Wisdom is gentle, and giveth place to rigor.

8 As earthly wisdom will yield to no man: So heavenly Wisdom is tractable, and doth easily obey him that commandeth those things, that be good and right.

8 As earthly wisdom is unmerciful: So heavenly Wisdom is merciful, and full of good fruits.

9 As earthly wisdom doth accept persons, omitting the cause: So heavenly Wisdom, doth in no case regard the persons, but the causes.

10 As earthly wisdom hath hypocrisy joined with it: So heavenly Wisdom, is void of all hypocrisy.

11 As the sweet showers of rain, fall down from the high hills and mountains, and so they abide barren; but they rest and sink into the low valleys, and make them fruitful: Even so the dews of true Wisdom, doth not rest upon the proud, haughty, and scornful, but upon the meek, lowly, and humble. Isaiah. 57.15. & 66.2. Math. 11.25. Luk. 1.51. 1. Pet. 5.51.

12 As he that is humble, and hath denied himself, is fittest for the receiving of wisdom: Even so there is no greater hindrance to the attaining of Wisdom, then the pride of man's heart, and carnal Wisdom. Rom. 8.7.

13 As in dangerous sailing, the stern is not committed to him which excelleth in riches and nobility, but to him which is expert in the skill and cunning of Nauigation: So likewise it behooveth not, to commit and deliver unto him a princely government (which is richer and more honorable then other) but to him which doth excel other in Wisdom, policy, and fidelity.

14 As reason is the difference, which distinguisheth a man from a beast: So Wisdom is the perfect index, which showeth how far one man excelleth another.

15 Like as a hand is no part of a man, except it can do the office of a hand: So is Wisdom no part of Wisdom, unless it be employed as it should be.

Word of God.

1 AS an ill stomach, what good meat so ever it receiveth, it turneth it into ill humors; and the Spider gathereth poison to the same flowers, that the Be gathereth Honie: So in the Word of God, and his blessed Laws, which he ordaineth for our health and salvation, ill men gather death and damnation, through their own wickedness, and no fault in the Law, nor Law maker.

2 Like as no Burgess of a City, that hath care of his Corporation, but would be glad to know, how in times past, the world went with his Corporation, that thereby he may understand the better how to behave himself therein, as occasion shall serve; and not only would desire to know the Laws of the same, but also, what examples have any way been given, touching the same: Even so, it becometh much more Christians, that are Citizens of the Church of Christ, and have a community in that body, to know, not only the Laws of this City, (which is the Word of God) but also, what hath befallen, either good or bad, and every accident; whereupon, experience may arise by example, and wisdom thereof, to be put in use accordingly.

3 As men in the night because of the darkness, use Lantern and lights, that they may see their way: Even so we ought in this blind, dark, and ignorant world, to use the Word of God, as a Lantern unto our feet, and a light to our steps, that we may walk in those ways that God hath provided for us to walk in. Psalm. 119.105. John. 1.9.

4 As Almighty God, by his most mighty word and his holy spirit, and infinite power, brought forth all creatures in the beginning, and ever sithens hath preserved them: Even so by the same Word and power, he worketh in us, from time to time, this marvelous spiritual generation, and wonderful spiritual nourishment and feeding, which is wrought only by God, and is comprehended and received of us by faith.

The Word must be rightly divided.

OFtentimes we see that one man's stomach, taketh harm of that meat whereof another taketh profit; and that which helpeth one sick man, hurteth another: Even so doth the Word of God not rightly preached; and therefore to Preach mercy where judgment ought to be taught, and to Preach only the Law, where the Gospel should be taught, is not good.

The World lieth in sin.

AS a possessed or mad man, is not therefore free from the snares of the Devil, or well in his mind, because he hath his hands and his feet bound, and can do no hurt: Even so the World, although it be bridled by the Law, from outward wickedness and mischief, yet is it not therefore righteous, but still continueth wicked; yea this restraint showeth plainly, that the World is wicked and outrageous, stirred up, and enforced to all wickedness by his prince the Devil; for otherwise it need not to be bridled by Laws, that it should not sin.

The true Worship of God.

EVen as a man might say unto his wife, of one that is not a very man; for as much as he is not a man, he is not meet for marriage, and therefore not to be matched with thee as thy Husband; and if he be a very man indeed, yet thou mayest not join him with me; for I am thy Husband only: So likewise if any be a counterfeit God, even therefore he is not to be Worshipped, nor to be matched, with the true God, because he is counterfeit; if any seem to be the true God, yet we may not Worship him, which profess one true God, and that one alone. Exod. 20.2, 3. Deut. 5.6, 7.

Our best Works stained.

1 AS pure water put into filthy vessels, is corrupted thereby: Or as clear running water, passing through filthy channells gathereth filthiness: Even so the pure graces of God, so soon as they entered into us, are stained by the corruption of our nature.

2 Like as there is a greater force in sin, to pollute holy things, then in holy things to sanctify polluted things: Or as the whole part of a man's body, touching the soar part, cannot heal it; but rather is in danger to be infected by it: Even so it followeth necessarily, that the best Works in man are wholly corrupted; so that if the Lord should straightly examine them, no man can answer for one of a thousand. Agge. 2.13. Job. 9.2, 3.

Our Weakness to please God.

LIke as if a man being hired to do a days work, should deceitfully work but with one hand, and so disappoint his Master of the Work, which should have been wrought with both hands: Even so, whereas God craveth in every action, all our wisdom, wit, will, memory, understanding, and affection, wholly to concur together, we scarcely give him a part of all.

Wisdom and strength to be joined.

LIke as a Tree that the wind hath shaken loose at the root, the higher and greater that it is, the sooner it is overthrown: Even so a Soldier, the stronger that he is, wanting Wisdom, the sooner he is overthrown; for courage and strength, without Wisdom, is foolish rashness; and Wisdom without courage and strength, is fearful cowardliness; join them together, and they make a perfect Soldier.

The Will is instead of the fact before God.

LIke as he is not to be accounted healthful, which though he do appear whole in the outward parts, yet hath some evil disease with in his stomach, either in his Liver, or in his Lights, or in some other place: Even so, he cannot be taken for a just and righteous man (if God be judge) which although he do not outwardly use whoredom, steal, nor kill, yet doth in his heart desire other men's wives, servants, &c. or any other goods, and wisheth that he were dead, or hanged, whō he hateth. Exod. 20.17.

Good Works, but yet failing in the manner of doing.

AS the Elders of the Jews, who coming to our Savior Christ, in the behalf of the Centurion, for his sick servant, besought him instantly (as though they might not be denied) and they tell him that the Centurion is worthy of so much favor, as that forsooth the Lord Jesus should come to him & heal his servant; for proof whereof, they allege two strong reasons; one is, he loveth our nation; another is, he hath built us a Synagogue: Even so plead the Papists, we are worthy (O Lord) of thy favor, we have deserved so much at thy hands: Or such a one that is now dead, hath deserved so much, as that thou shouldest receive his soul; for he loved us well while he lived; he was an honest man, he made us good cheare, he kept a good house, he filled our bellies, & our purses too; besides this, he hath built us a stately Synagogue, goodly Churches, and Chapels of ease; he mended our highwayes, he erected such a College, such an Hospital; therefore Lord, thou must of necessity receive his soul into thy kingdom, or else thou doest him wrong. Luk. 7.3, 4, 5. Math. 7.21, 22.

By the written Word of God, things amiss are discerned.

LIke as a man that hath never so good eyes (yet if he be in a deep darkness) cannot for all the goodness of his eyes, know and discern his own Father, standing directly before him; much less a beam or a mote in his eye, until such time as he hath light to discern him withal: Even so, though we be never so well and sharp sighted, are we able to discern a beam or mote in the Churches eye, without the help of the light of the Word. Psal. 119.105. Ephe. 5.13. Math. 7.3, 4, 5. 2. King. 22.1. &c. & 29.1, 2, &c.

Not two Wills in God.

AS the sight of the eyes, when they are dazzled & disturbed, do imagine and suppose that there be two candles burning, when there is but one: Even so our mind when it looketh upon the Will of God, supposeth that there be two Wills in God, one secret, and another revealed; which is a thing far disagreeing from the nature of God.

The Wisdom of God.

AS the Lord is Almighty, and able to deliver his children and Church from the wicked, and willing to do it: Even so doth he know the ways and means, most perfectly & readily, how to do it at all times, according to to his will and pleasure. 2. Pet. 2.9.

Wrath of God.

1 AS all good neighbors will hastily run to the quenching of a dangerous fire: So likewise all Christians ought to make speed, to pacify the Wrath of God, when they perceive the same to wax hot against them. Psal. 2.12.

2 As the water of mighty floods, do with great violence & rage flow, and cannot be stopped: So the Wrath of God cometh upon the wicked, who pervert all laws and all Religion. Hose. 5.10.

The Works of God's ministry inevitable.

LIke as it is to no purpose, to seek to take by force a City so well fenced and manned as it may be: So likewise vain are the attempts of them, that oppose themselves to God's Ministers, to hinder them, from doing that, for which God hath sent them. Jer. 1.18, 19.

God's Word the salve for our souls.

AS those parts which are within us, have most need of careful keeping, because the inward disease is most dangerous: Even so the holy Ghost, hath allotted unto our inward infection, the most sovereign and all sufficient salve, his Word. Psal. 147.3. Math. 8.8. Mark. 1.40.

Will of God.

1 AS the Potter in tempering his clay, if he cannot make and frame it according to his mind, at length he will dash it in pieces: So God created man, not that he should do his own Will, but God's Will; and therefore whosoever he be, that followeth the lusts of his own wicked heart, and will not be brought to be conformable to God's Will, but continues rebellious still, the Lord in his wrath will confound them eternally.

2 Like as if a man have a trade, and other men come into his shoppe, and use such instruments as be there to a wrong ende; though they were their own, yet it would grieve him to see it: So God created all things for his own use, and for the accomplishing of his Will; but rebellious man, conforms himself to the Devils Will, and thereby no doubt he grievously offendeth God.

Good Works vncontrollable.

AS no man can accuse the Potter, for making of the same lump of Clay a drinking Pot, and a Chamber pot: So likewise none ought to quarrel, or find fault with their Creator, whose Workmanship they are, framed at his good pleasure and will. Rom. 9.21.

Mans Weakness to do anything for himself.

AS it is with young children, who when they are first taught to go, can stand no longer then they are holden up by the hand: Or as it is with those that learn to swim, who as soon as they are left to themselves, sink to the bottom: Even so likewise is it with us, when God taketh his help from us, and ceaseth to defend and relieve us, or else to take charge of us, or to do anything at all for us, and so leaveth us to our selves, we then languish, and so faint & fall down to our utter undoing; yet we perceive not this, until we be exercised with affliction. 2. Sam. 24.17.

Ungodly Warriours.

1 AS they that pour on Oil, and cast on dry straw upon a fire, do not quench the flame, but minister matter for it to burn more ragingly: So likewise sins being the cause of wars, and inflaming the wrath of God, the ungodly Warriours do even increase & continue them, and make them more fierce and raging; For where the Captains in war be irreligious, given to drunkenness, whoredoms, riot, and horrible swearing; it is wonderful to behold the soul enormities, and monstrous abominations which the common Soldiers commit.

2 As the King and the kingdom, are not beholden to those men which live in ungodly ways, although they seem to do great service to the Common-wealth, in as much as they be of those that provoke the wrath of God, and thereby put the state even of both King and kingdom in hazard: So are they not the safer, but in more danger, through those hardie Warriours, which sin so grievously.

The World.

1 AS a wrastler embracing him, whom he striveth in the wrestling place, for victory, lifteth him up the higher, that with the greater force he may hurl him against the ground: So this World doth extol us, that with throwing us down headlong it may hurt us, and that we may fall from the top of deceitful and transitory glory, down to the bottom, of most certain and perpetual ignominy.

2 As the Sea floweth and ebbeth, and all the waves thereof, at the length fall into the earth: So the World is never quiet; it extolleth some, and casteth down others; but all the vanities of it, are ended in the grave. 1. John. 5.19.

3 As the Sea doth cast to shore, shell fishes of all sortes, weeds and many other things, and not long after doth sup up, receive, and devour, & cast into the depth the same again: Even so, this World doth now thrust us out of favor, and by and by receiveth us again; and when we think our selves to be upon a very safe shore, and that we have leisure and time to rest us, and to meditate upon some worthy and excellent things; even then we find our selves deceived, and are tossed among the waves of infinite troubles; and are swallowed up of innumerable calamities, because many things that we never thought of, have prevented us, and the flickerings & false promises of this cousoning Worlde, have deceived our hope, and disappointed our expectation.

33 As a Child will love his Nurse, for the Dugs sake, though she be an whore: Even so, many men love this present World, for the vain pleasures and carnal delights of the same, though indeed the World be a very strumpet.

34 Even as the Eagle is carried up on high, and falleth not upon the ground, but to seek his necessary food, and having caught his pray, by and by flieth up again, and maketh no abode below on the earth: So we ought to have our minds occupied in heaven, and all superfluous care of worldly things laid apart; with the eyes of our minds & faith, to behold our God, and in the quietness and staidnesse of our souls, rest our selves upon his grace, without having more to do with this World, then in our several callings, to seek lawfully those necessaries only, which may serve for the presentation of life.

35 As a Staff made of a Reede, is hollow and empty: So the confidence & trust which we put in the World, is vain, and will deceive us. Esa. 31.1. & 36.6.

35 As we see sometimes in the air, a Cloude, having the figure and likeness of a tall and mighty man, which by and by is spread abroad, and representeth huge & high Towers: but in the turning of an hand, being taken with a blast of wind, it is dissolved and vanisheth away: Even such is the trust, that we put in this transitory World; it setteth before us, in the conceit of our imagination, that we shall be great men, and that we shall be very famous, and attain to great dignity; it doth promise unto us, mountains of Gold, and huge & lofty Towers of honor and renown: but all these things are Towers built in the air, and Castles made of wind, and grounded upon vanity, which are dissolved and dispearsed most suddenly. 1. John. 2.15. 1. Cor. 7.31. I am. 4.14.

The Word of God, the only weapon to overcome the world, &c.

AS that man, that will give an onset, & encounter with an enemy, or will defend and keep himself unwounded at his hands, hath need of a sword in his hand, to smite the enemy withal, and to repel his violence: So, who soever will triumph, and carry away the victory, over this world, flesh, & devil, must hold fast in his hand; that is, in his manners, conversation, and the whole course of his life, the Word of God, which is called the sword of the spirit, and is sharper then any two edged sword. Ephe. 6.17. Deut. 6.1, 2. &c. Prov. 6.20, 21.

It is in the Will of God to forsake his creature.

LIke as it is in the power and liberty of a man to kill an Ox or a Sheep for his use, to hunt and kill the Hare and Partrige for his pleasure: Even so much more without injustice, may it be in the Will and liberty of God the Creator, to refuse & forsake his creature, for his glory.

Mot enough to know God's Word, but we must be doers of it.

EVen as a Bird doth not fly with one wing alone, but with twain: So it is not enough, that we know much of the Lord's Word and will, but we must do it also: It will not suffice us at the latter day, that we have been great professors of the Gospel, and are deeply learned, if also we have not been inflamed, with a love to God above all things, and have not loved our brethren as our selves. I am. 1. 22. Psal. 128.1.

Not to be weary of Well doing.

1 AS the Sun doth not leave shining, and sending forth his bright beams, although a cloud will sometimes darken his light: Even so, we must not give over to exercise godliness, and to do Well, even towards them that be our enemies, and will hate and persecute us; and the better we do, the worse they will deal with us. Gal. 6.9. Math. 5.44.

2 As the Nut and Olive trees, although they be beaten with rods, yet bring forth most plentiful fruits: So we must not be weary of Well doing, nor cast the exercise and practice of godliness behind us, but rather more willingly and fervently proceed and go on in the same, although the friends of this world shall brawl and rate at us.