Opening of the Ten Commandments, Commandment 5
Honour thy father and thy mother, &c.
THis Commandement enioynes the performance of all ſuch duties as appertaine to men in regard of their place, that is, that reſpect a ſpeciall reference which paſſeth betwixt ſome men more then others in ſome ſpeciall and peculiar bond binding them mutually one to another.
Theſe duties are of two ſorts.
1. Such as concerne eueryevery mans ſelfe.
2. Such as reſpect others.
1. Such as concerne eueryevery mans ſelfe, which are foure.
1. To take notice of his place, and the ſeuerall duties thereof, that he may the better performe the ſame.
2. To labour for all ſuch graces and vertues, as are requiſite for the diſcharge of theſe duties.
3. To maintaine the dignitie of his place.
4. To be ſatisfied and contented with the preſent place wherein God hath ſet him, and with the dignitie and honour thereof.
2. Such duties as reſpect others in regard of ſpeciall bonds and obligations tying them together.
Theſe bonds are of two ſorts.
1. Naturall.
2. Spirituall.
1. Naturall, taken from things naturall in this preſent life, and theſe are twofold.
1. Arbitrarie.
2. Neceſſarie.
1. Arbitrarie, ſuch as it is in a mans power to hauehave or not to hauehave, according to the freedome of his owne choice and election: and this is called friendſhip, whence we are denominated friends.
2. Neceſſarie, ſuch as are by God and the courſe of nature eſtabliſhed, and depend not meerely vponupon the choice of will, and theſe are two.
1. Kinred.
2. Degree.
1. Kinred or neereneſſe of bloud, whence men are termed kinſmen.
2. Degree whereby one is ranked in a certaine order towards others.
Degree is twofold.
1. Of equalitie, whence men are called equals.
2. Inequalitie, wherein one is aboue another or vnderunder him, and this is
1. Superioritie, wherein one is preferred before another.
2. Inferioritie, wherein one ſtandeth vnderunder or behinde another.
2. The bonds of ſpirituall things are taken from things that doe concerne the eſtate of another life hereafter. And theſe are all or the chiefe bonds that doe paſſe betwixt man and man, tying them to each other, and cauſing them to become indebted in ſpeciall duties towards ſuch perſons, which are not owing in common to all. Now let vsus conſider the duties themſelues depending vponupon each of thoſe reſpects.
1. Of friends.
Friends are thoſe that are tied together by the bond of friendſhip. Friendſhip is a ſpeciall obligation of amitie or good will, vniting the hearts of men together in a greater neereneſſe and deareneſſe then ordinarily is, or is required of all men.
Now friendſhip (and ſo friends) is of two kindes.
1. Common and imperfect, being amitie confirmed and ſtrengthned, and raiſed to an higher degree then vſuall, in regard of long and familiar liuing, abiding, dealing, or conuerſing together.
2 Perfect & more peculiar, which is amity in the higheſt degree that can be wrought, through the mutuall acknowledgement of each others vertues vponupon ſome good time and acquaintance, and eſtabliſhed and ratified by ſome ſolemne couenant, promiſe, or oath taken each to other, as is to be ſcene in the example of Ionathan and Dauid.
The duties of friends are twofold.
1. Common.
2. Proper.
1. Common to both kinds of friendſhip.
1. To chuſe and accept none into friendſhip, but vertuous, honeſt, and religious perſons: for what communion can there be betwixt light and darkneſſe, vertue and vice?
2. To carry themſelues friendly to each other, and that two wayes.
1. By auoiding all thoſe things that may alienate their hearts one from an other, as vnkindneſſe taking, ſuſpitions, iealouſies, &c.
2. By doing all things that may more and more ſhew affection each to other, and winne the ſame, and that moſt abundantly and plentifully, each ſtriuing to exceed other, and theſe offices are twofold.
1. Leſſe neceſſarie.
2. More neceſſarie.
1. Leſſe neceſſarie, in curteſies, ſalutations, gifts, viſitations, and the like points of a certaine kinde of honeſt complement, that as little chips being kindled ſet the greater wood on fire, ſo doe cauſe the more needfull ſeruices to be more welcome and better accepted.
2. More neceſſarie offices, which are chiefly three.
1. Helpfulneſſe in the day of aduerſitie, by a free, willing, ſpeedy, and plentifull vndertaking of paines and expences for their eaſe, refreſhing, and deliuerance; for a friend is borne for aduerſitie.
2. Plainneſſe and freedome of ſpeech in a louing and with all open admoniſhing each other of the ſinnes and faults they commit, if they be any thing palpable, and offenſiue, and well entertaining ſuch admonitions.
3. Truſtineſſe in all things, by each other committed vntounto each others care, and that is twofold.
1. In ſecrets reuealed vntounto them, by keeping them faſt and cloſe as it were vnderunder locke and key, without futilitie and blabbing.
2. In affaires and buſineſſes to their louelove and care commended by a diligent endeuour of effecting them, according to the friends deſire, and for his moſt aduantage, honour, and comfort.
2. The duties of friends proper to the latter and more perfect kinde, viz. to be to each other euen as each others ſoule, as the Scripture ſaith, (thy friend which is as thine owne ſoule, Deu. 13.6.) and that in 2. things.
1. In an vniuerſall openneſſe and communicating of all ſecrets, counſels, intentions, purpoſes, ſo that a friend ſhould not feare to reueale any thing to his friend of himſelfe, that himſelfe knowes, be it good or euill. For this friendſhip is as it were a communion of ſoules, or a kinde of intermingling their very ſpirits.
2. In in vniuerſall participating of goods, labours, counſels, and all that each hath to other, euen to ſuffering of death each for other, ſo far as may be done without ſinne againſt God, and without breaking any of his commandements.
Hitherto of the arbitrarie bond which is at mens choice to tie themſelues withall if they will, but being tied they muſt doe theſe duties; and in tying themſelues they muſt follow the firſt rule. Now followes the ſecond branch of naturall bonds, and that is neceſſarie. And firſt of
1. Kinred.
2. Degree.
1. Kinred is a bond ariſing from the participation of the ſame bloud or nature in ſome knowne and apparent neereneſſe. This is twofold.
1. Proper.
2. Improper.
1. Proper, in that that is called conſanguinitie betwixt brother and brother, couſin and couſin, vncle and nephew, and ſo in the reſt: and the duties of kinſmen or kinſwomen are two.
1. To louelove each other with ſo much larger and move feruent louelove, by how much they are more neerer in bloud, ſo that as nature doth tie them by more bonds, ſo they muſt be affected to each other with more and more vehement amitie; brothers and ſiſters moſt; vncles, aunts, nephewes, and neeces next; couſins and couſins next, and ſo in order; but yet ſo ſtill, that ſpeciall graces, vertues, and benefits may adde to the quantitie and feruencie of their louelove.
2. To be more abundantly carefull of expreſſing this their louelove in all good offices and ſeruices of curteſie, and chiefly of helpfulneſſe in aduerſitie, by comforting, releeuing, ſuccouring, giuing, lending, and taking paines, and vndergoing danger each for other.
2. Improper bond, in regard of mariage, which is as it were a reſemblance of kinred, and a legall or ſecondarie kinred. And the duties of thoſe that are vnited in affinitie, is to be to thoſe that are thus tied vntounto them, euen as if they were their naturall kinſmen, both in louelove, and in the effects of louelove. For ſeeing in that one matter of mariage I muſt ſtand diſpoſed to theſe legall kinſmen as to my naturall, (for example, a man may no more marry his wiues ſiſter or mother then his owne) it followes by proportion, that the like account muſt be made of them in all other matters.
So much of kinred. Now for degree, and firſt that of equalitie.
Equalitie is a kinde of paritie or euenneſſe betwixt party and party, ariſing from the abſence of any notable, euident, and apparent difference in them, either by any function or endowment, or the like.
The dutie of equals is threefold.
1. To thinke better of their equals then themſelues, and to eſteeme of them aboue themſelues.
2. In giuing honour to goe one before another.
3. To be glad and well ſatisfied at the raiſing and aduancement of their equals to places aboue themſelues.
Next followes inequalitie.
Inequalitie is an euident difference betwixt man and man, in regard that the one hath more of ſomething deſeruing eſteeme and account then another hath.
This inequalitie is twofold, as the cauſes of it are double, for the difference is barely in regard of certaine endowments or qualities, or elſe in regard of ſome function, office, or eſtate. From the firſt men are called betters or leſſers: from the ſecond, Gouernours and gouerned.
The firſt inequalitie is
1. From age.
2. From gifts.
1. From age, when there is ſuch difference betwixt one another that they might in courſe of nature be parent and childe each to other. Not all difference of age makes them betwixt whom it is, vnequals, but ſuch a difference whereby one might be the childe, the other the parent in regard of age, and here
1. The duties of the aged are two, viz.
1. To be of a comely, graue, ſober cariage, abounding in knowledge and vertue, as in dayes and yeeres.
2. To be able and ready in regard of their experience to giuegive wiſe, diſcreet, and ſound aduice in matters difficult.
2. The duties of the younger in age are twofold.
1. To ſhew honourable reſpect in cariage three wayes.
1. In riſing to them.
2. Giuing them the firſt roome.
3. The firſt words, &c.
2. They muſt conſult and aduiſe with them in doubts, preferring their aduice to their owne greene conceits.
2. The ſecond inequalitie is from gifts, and that is twofold.
1. Where thoſe are that are better gifted.
2. In regard of the leſſe gifted.
1. Thoſe that are better gifted are bound
1. Generally, whatſoeuer their gifts be
1. To be of a lowly minde and cariage to thoſe that are leſſe gifted, for all their gifts.
2. To imploy their gifts willingly and humbly to the ſeruice of others.
2. They are bound ſpecially if their gifts be
1. Of minde, in wit, learning, & vnderſtanding, bearing with the dulneſſe and ignorance of others, to informe, teach, aduiſe them the beſt they can, as they hauehave occaſiō.
2. Of bodie, with the paines of their bodie to helpe thoſe that are weake and feeble.
3. Of eſtate, either in parentage or wealth, to countenance and releeue the meaner and poorer, being rich and great in good workes, and ready to diſtribute, according to the eminencie of their eſtate and meanes. Great and rich men muſt practiſe,
1. Bounty.
2. Munificence.
2. The leſſe gifted are bound to two things.
1. To acknowledge their gifts with all due and reſpectiue cariage towards them agreeable thereto in all ciuilitie and curteſie.
2. To be willing to be beholding vntounto them, and to enioy helpe and aſſiſtance from their gifts, as occaſion ſhall be offered.
Hitherto of vnequals without gouernment. Now of thoſe with gouernment becauſe the difference betwixt them ariſeth from ſome office or eſtate which the one hath more then the other.
Their duties are of two ſorts.
1. Mutuall.
2. Seuerall.
1. Mutuall, ſuch as they are reciprocally, and theſe are three.
1. A ſpeciall degree of louelove each to other, according as they are more neerely combined in their eſtates. The parent owes a parentall louelove, the yoke-fellow a matrimoniall louelove, and ſo in the reſt, each muſt hauehave a more earneſt, plentifull, and ſtedfaſt affection to other in regard of their places.
2. A particular mentioning of each other in their prayers vntounto God.
3. A ſpeciall care of each others comfort and credit, and endeuour to procure it more then to other men.
2. Their duties ſeuerall, ſuch as are peculiar to either.
1. To Gouernours, towards them that are gouerned.
2. To gouerned, towards them that gouerne them.
1. The duties of Gouernours are twofold.
1. Common to all Gouernours.
2. Peculiar to each kinde of Gouernours.
1. The duties common to all Gouernours are two.
1. To keepe reuerence and reſpect to themſelues in the hearts of thoſe that are vnderunder their gouernment, by a vertuous conuerſation, and by giuing themſelues examples to them in all goodneſſe.
2. To exerciſe their authoritie ouer them, to which end it muſt be declared, and that in three reſpects.
1. What be the parts of power and gouernment to be exerciſed.
2. What is the next end that all muſt aime at in their gouernment.
3. The manner of vſing that authoritie.
1. What be the parts of power and gouernment to be exerciſed, and thoſe are towards
1. All vnderunder their gouernment.
2. To the different kinds of them.
1. Towards all vnderunder their gouernment, two wayes.
1. To direct them in their wayes.
1. By minding lawfull and fit things.
2. By forbidding the contrary.
2. To defend them from the iniuries that might be offered them by any other of the common inferiours chiefly.
2. The ſecond part of power and gouernment to be exerciſed, is towards the different kindes of them.
1. To the good.
2. To the euill.
1. To the good and obedient.
1. By praiſes and commendations.
2. By rewards and recompences.
2. Towards the euill and diſobedient.
1. By reproofe and reprehenſion.
2. By chaſtiſements and corrections, according to the difference of faults and places differently.
2. The ſecond dutie to be declared is, what is the next end that all men muſt aime at in their gouernment, viz. the welfare, good and happineſſe of thoſe vnderunder their gouernment, as well as and together with, their owne welfare and content.
3. The third dutie to be declared, is the manner of vſing their authoritie to this end, by the practiſe of foure things.
1. Iuſtice.
2. Prudence.
3. Mildneſſe.
4. Courage.
1. By the practiſe of iuſtice in a twofold regard.
1. Of perſons towards whom gouernment is exerciſed, by being indifferent and vnpartiall, the ſame to all, in the ſame caſes.
2. In regard of the ſpeciall acts of power, and that in two regards.
1. By commanding nothing but what is lawfull to be done in regard of conſcience to God, and forbidding nothing but what may be omitted without ſinne againſt God.
2. By correcting and reprouing for nothing but a fault, praiſing and rewarding for nothing but a vertue, and that according to the proportion and quantitie both of vertues and vice.
2. By the practiſe of prudence or diſcretion two wayes.
1. By obſeruing the different diſpoſitions of thoſe that are vnderunder ones gouernment.
2. By making choiſe of two things.
1. Fit things to command and forbid, and fit kindes of reproofes, corrections, praiſes, rewards, agreeable to the difference of the perſons diſpoſitions with whom one hath to deale.
2. By making choiſe of fit times and places, wherein to exerciſe any part of authoritie, both
1. In regard of ones ſelfe that commandeth, reproueth.
2. In regard of them that are commanded, reproued, &c. The fitteſt time is, when neither are tranſported with paſſion or diſtemperance.
3. By the practiſe of mildneſſe to ſhew it ſelfe two wayes.
1. In commandements.
2. In reproofes and corrections.
1. In commandements two wayes.
1. By abſtaining from hard, difficult, and painfull commandements, vnleſſe in caſe of neceſſitie.
2. By mollifying commandements with louing, familiar, ſweet and perſwading ſpeeches different according to the diuers kindes of inferiours.
2. In reproofes and corrections, by giving them
1. Moderately, for kinde and meaſure, ſo that the reproofe and correction neither exceed the fault, nor the power and ſtrength of the corrected.
2. Compaſſionately, and with demonſtration of louelove and pitty, for the manner chiefly, when neceſſitie calls to ſome roughneſſe.
4. By the practiſe of courage and reſolution in going on forward to performe what is fit, notwithſtanding
1. Any importunitie, intreatie, and ſuit.
2. Ill ſpeeches or ſhew of danger.
Hitherto of duties common to all ſuperiours in gouernment. Peculiar duties of ſeuerall kindes of gouernours both in the
1. Familie, of the Maſter, Dame or Miſtreſſe do follow.
2 Common-weale. do follow.
The Maſters dutie is twofold.
1. To all his familie ioyntly.
2. To the ſeuerall members of his familie.
1. To all his familie ioyntly, as lie is a common ruler of that ſocietie wholly conſidered, and ſo he muſt regard 4. things.
1. That Gods name be called vponupon and worſhipped in his familie; for the families are curſed that call not vponupon the name of God.
2. He muſt hauehave regard to catechize them in true religion, and bring them all vp in information of godlineſſe.
3. He muſt hauehave regard to prouide things neceſſarie for them.
1. In health, [Food, and the like.
2. In ſickneſſe
Attendance.
Phyſicke.
4. He muſt hauehave regard to ouerſee their wayes and cariage: and
1. Set them to fit imployments.
2. To redreſſe and reforme their diſorders.
2. The maſters dutie is to looke to the ſeuerall members of his familie.
1. To thoſe whom it is in his power to chuſe, as wife and ſeruants, to chuſe vertuous and godly ones, a woman fearing God, and ſeruants fearing God.
2. To vſe them all well, viz. the
Wife.
Children.
Seruants.
1. The wife, and that two wayes.
1. By familiar and kinde behauiour towards her perſon.
2. By liberall and bountifull allowance of all comforts vntounto her.
2. The children, two wayes.
1. By good education.
1. In younger yeeres cauſing them to be taught to write and reade, &c.
2. In riper yeeres, ſetting them to ſome calling according to their capacitie and their parents abilitie.
2. By good prouiſion for them,
1. Of goods and portion, euer remembring the diſtinction of age and goodneſſe, ſo that the eldeſt hauehave his double portion, and the youngeſt their ſingle portions.
2. Of yoke-fellow, husband or wife in due ſeaſon fit for them, one that at leaſt is not impious, nor Infidell.
3. The ſeruants in a twofold regard.
1. To imploy them moderately in worke, neither toyling them, nor giuing them leaue to be idle.
2. To reward them liberally with wages and gifts, according to eueryevery mans eſtate, and abilitie, and Gods bleſſing vponupon their labours.
Hitherto the Maſters dutie: the Dames followes, and that is twofold.
1. Towards her infants, to nurſe them with her owne milke, if it may ſtand with her health, as the law of nature teacheth, why elſe doth God giuegive breaſts and milke at that time? and as godly women hauehave done.
2. Toward the whole familie, to ouerſee their wayes, as the husbands deputie and helper, ſtill according to his good will and liking, and chiefly to attend to the maidens.
So much of the gouernours of the familie in priuate. The duties of the publique gouernours follow. Theſe are of two ſorts.
1. The higheſt and chiefeſt gouernours
2. The ſubordinate and inferiour.
1. The higheſt and chiefeſt gouernours, who muſt obſerue theſe foure things.
1. To eſtabliſh the true religion and worſhip of God in their iuriſdiction, and prohibit the contrary.
2. To ſee good, vertuous, and wholeſome lawes made for the welfare and good behauiour of the people.
3. To defend their owne country and their oppreſſed neighbours by iuſt warres defenſiue or offenſiue.
4. Being a King, to ſit perſonally in the ſeat of iudgment diuers times, yea vſually: for the Kings in Iſrael ſucceeded Iudges.
2. The ſecond ſort of gouernours are ſubordinate and inferiour.
1. Iudges, truly to adminiſter diſtributiue iuſtice in finding out and ſentencing malefactors with all iuſt ſeueritie and equitie of proceedings.
2. Other officers of all ſorts, to be helpfull to the vtmoſt of their power to the execution of all good lawes and orders, according as for the moſt part their oaths doe binde them.
So farre of the duties of gouernours, next are the duties of the gouerned.
1. Common to all.
2. Peculiar to each.
1. The duties of the gouerned common to all are twofold.
1. To the perſons of their gouernours.
2. To their power and authoritie.
1. To the perſons of their gouernours, reuerence, and that twofold.
1. Inward, in heart, by ſtanding in awe of them, and not daring to offend them for conſcience ſake to God that hath ſetled gouernours in the world.
2. Outward reuerence,
1. In words and ſpeeches.
2. In geſtures and behauiours.
1. In words and ſpeeches three wayes.
1. To themſelues, that they be ſubmiſſiue and dutifull, mannerly and reuerent, as Sarah called Abraham, Sir.
2. To others before them, that they be neither ouer many, nor loud and vehement, but moderate & temperate.
3. To others of them behinde their backs, that they be reſpectiue and loyall, for ſo was Sarahs very thought of her husband.
2. Outward reuerence is in geſtures and behauiours, as bowing the knee, doffing the hat, ariſing vp to them, and all other like reſpectiue cariages.
2. The dutie of the gouerned common to their power and authoritie two wayes.
1. By a willing obedience to all their lawfull commandements.
2. A due receiuing of all their reproofes and corrections.
1. Submiſſiuely, gently, patiently, though they be vniuſt and ouer-rigorous.
2. Fruitfully, and with care of reformation, if they be iuſt and cauſefull.
The peculiar and proper duties are
1. Thoſe that are priuate.
2. Thoſe that are publique.
1. Thoſe that are priuate in the familie, viz.
Of
1. The wife.
2. The children.
3. The ſeruants.
1. The peculiar and proper duties of the wife and yoke-fellow are twofold.
1. Sociable cariage and cheerefull behauiour to his perſon.
2. Huſwifely ſauing and thriftie diſpoſing of the goods of her husband.
2. The peculiar and proper duties of the children are twofold.
1. To maintaine the parents, if need be, in ſickneſſe and age; yea rather to want ones ſelfe, and that his owne children want, then ſuffer them to want.
2. To be ruled by them in the choice of a yoke-fellow, wife, or husband.
3. The peculiar and proper duties priuate of the ſeruants are twofold.
1. To be truſtie in ſauing and keeping their Maſters goods committed to them.
2. To be painfull and diligent in their buſineſſes, as well in the abſence as the preſence of the gouernours.
2. The peculiar and proper duties publique in the Common-wealth are two.
1. Defence of their perſons againſt all treaſons, conſpiracies, violence offered to them by any, according to their places.
2. Payment of accuſtomed and iuſt dues, as tole, tribute, and the like, for their maintenance in their places.
So much of the duties depending vponupon ſpeciall naturall bonds. Now follow ſpirituall bonds, with the duties on them dependant, for there is a ſpirituall life, and things that doe pertaine to the ſpirituall life, and therefore it cannot be but that ſome conſideration ſhould be ſet from them to binde men to diuers ſpeciall duties. Now there is
1. A ſpirituall kinred.
2. A ſpirituall degree.
1. A ſpirituall kinred betwixt all Chriſtians, members of Chriſts bodie.
2. Betwixt ſome Chriſtians peculiar.
1. Betwixt all Chriſtians members of Chriſts bodie, to whom eueryevery other member of the ſame bodie oweth two things.
1. Brotherly louelove, which is an accounting of them ſpecially deare, deſiring their good and delighting in it, and grieuing for the contrary, and taking content in their ſocietie aboue all other kinde of people.
2. Speciall helpfulneſſe to them in their croſſes and afflictions, doing good chiefly to the houſhold of Saints.
2. There is a ſpirituall kinred betwixt ſome Chriſtians peculiarly, whom God hath made eſpecially beholding or beneficiall each to other, as
1. The father in Chriſt.
2. The ſonnes in the faith.
1. The father in Chriſt is that man by whoſe Miniſterie it hath pleaſed God to conuert another to the faith and to true pietie: he owes three things.
1. A ſpeciall care to further their proceedings whom he hath brought to goodneſſe, by bold and diligent admoniſhing, comforting, exhorting, and that frequently, as occaſion will ſerue.
2. Ioy and thankfulneſſe to God for their well-doing and good proceedings in pietie.
3. Sorrow and ſpeciall humiliation before God for their diſorders, decay or reuolting.
2. The ſonnes in the faith: they owe two things.
1. A ſingular thankfulneſſe, ſuch as ſhould make them thinke no coſt nor paines too much to doe them good, making account that they owe to them euen themſelues.
2. They owe a greater readineſſe to receiue their admonitions & exhortations, as men hauing a ſpeciall power ouer them.
Hitherto of kinred.
2. Now of a ſpirituall degree, and that is twofold.
1. Of gifts.
2. Of gouernment.
1. Of gifts, in regard of which ſome are
1. Stronger Chriſtians.
2. Weaker Chriſtians.
1. Stronger Chriſtians, that hauehave a greater meaſure of ſanctification, theſe muſt vſe their ſtrength in a milde and gentle manner, by bearing with the weakneſſes of the weake, and ſeeking to heale and edifie them.
2. Weaker Chriſtians, and of a leſſe degree of gifts of grace. Thoſe muſt
1. Reuerence the more abundant graces of God in their brethren.
2. They muſt make vſe of them for their owne edification, ſtriuing hard after the marke, and labouring to grow on forward to the ſame degree of grace.
2. The ſecond ſpirituall degree is of gouernment, here is
1. The gouernour▪
2. The gouerned.
1. The gouernour the Paſtor, whoſe dutie in regard of his flocke is twofold.
1. Publique.
2. Priuate.
1. Publique.
1. To teach them the word and will of God, and that three wayes.
1. By reading the Scriptures in the Congregation to them.
2. By catechizing the ignorant.
3. By preaching to all.
2. To pray to God with them, and become their common mouth.
3. To adminiſter the Sacraments.
1. Of Baptiſme.
1. To any infants tendred to him.
2. To Infidels, if any be conuerted.
2. Of the Lords Supper, to men of
1. Knowledge, in two things.
1. In fundamentall points of Chriſtian Religion.
2. In the doctrine of the nature and vſe of the Sacraments.
2. To men of life free from publique, ſcandalous, and groſſe euils.
2. The priuate dutie of the Paſtor in regard of his flocke is twofold.
1. To ouerſee the wayes of all, admoniſhing die vnruly, comforting the tempted, &c.
2. To viſit the ſicke, and comfort and inſtruct them, chiefly being ſent for.
2. The duties of the gouerned, the flock, whoſe duties are twofold.
1. Towards the Paſtors perſon in a twofold regard.
1. To hauehave him in ſingular honour and louelove.
2. To afford a rich maintenance, in paying willingly Gods portion the tithe, vntounto him, Gods officer to receiue his temporalties as he adminiſtreth his ſpiritualties.
2. The dutie of the flocke gouerned toward his ſpirituall iuriſdiction is twofold.
1. To ſubmit themſelues vntounto his ouerſight and admonition, with reuerence as to God.
2. To receiue Gods word of him rather then of any other, if he be faithfull, and that
1. Obediently.
2. Diſcreetly.
Hitherto the affirmatiue part of the fift Commandement. The negatiue followes, ſhewing the ſinnes againſt this Commandement, which are of two ſorts.
1. Of omiſſion, in the totall or partiall neglect of any of the things commanded.
2. Of commiſſion, in doing things contrary thereto, and that either in regard of ones ſelfe, or others.
1. Ones ſelfe, which is
1. By denying ones place, in conceiuing ones ſelfe not to be inferiour to thoſe to whom he is inferiour; for no man likely will denie his ſuperioritie ouer others.
2. By a ſcorning or diſdaining to the duties of ones place, as many a man ſcornes to be ſubiect, though he cannot but confeſſe that he ſhould ſo be.
3. By nouriſhing ones ſelfe in thoſe vices that hinder him from the duties of his place.
4. In diſhonouring his place, both
1. In exceſſe, by an ouer-loftie conceit and cariage of himſelfe therein.
2. By an ouer-baſe and contemptible behauiour in the ſame.
2. Sinnes of commiſſion in regard of others, and that in regard of bonds, which are either naturall or ſpirituall.
1. Naturally whether
1. Arbitrarie, as friendſhip, and the faults of friends, which are both
1. Common.
2. Proper.
1. Common to both kindes of friends, and that
1. By making friendſhip with vnholy and openly wicked men, and being friends with Gods profeſſed enemies.
2. By abuſing of friendſhip with any.
1. By counterfeiting that louelove which one doth not beare; when a mans words are ſoft as butter, and yet they be ſwords.
2. By treachery and perfidiouſneſſe.
1. In bewraying their ſecrets to their hurt.
2. In betraying their perſons and eſtates to any danger or miſchiefe.
2. The proper faults of friends to the more perfect kinde, in forſaking friendſhip and breaking it off cauſeleſly.
2. Naturall bonds neceſſarie in regard of
1. Kinred.
2. Degree.
1. Kinred, whether it be proper or improper.
1. By a neglect and contempt of our kinred in regard of pouertie, or other like things.
2. By wronging and oppreſſing them any way for gaine ſake.
2. Naturall bonds, neceſſarie in regard of degree, are both to equals and vnequals.
1. To equals.
1. By a lifting vp our ſelues aboue them, in falſe conceitedneſſe of minde.
2. By lifting vp our ſelues aboue them in outward cariage, and ſtriuing to take the better of them.
3. By enuying and hindring their preferment.
2. Naturall bonds neceſſarie in degree to vnequals.
1. In regard of endowments.
2. In regard of power & iuriſdiction.
1. In regard of endowments alone without gouernment, whether for
1. Age.
2. Gifts.
1. Age. Here the faults are
1. Of the aged.
2. Of the younger.
1. Of the aged are,
1. To be of a fooliſh, light, and pettiſh diſpoſition and behauiour.
2. To giuegive bad and naughty counſell to the younger, incouraging them to ſinfulneſſe, or any ill cariage.
2. The faults of the younger are to be
1. Scornefull towards their perſons in contemptuous behauiour.
2. To be careleſſe of their aduice, and follow ones owne head rather then their directions.
2. The endowments of gifts are here the faults
1. In betters.
2. Of thoſe that hauehave fewer gifts.
1. Of betters in gifts, are
1. Common to all.
2. Speciall.
1. Common to all,
1. To ſwell and be conceited, becauſe of their gifts.
2. To diſdaine and contemne thoſe that hauehave leſſe gifts.
3. To vſe them with oſtentation, and an arrogant ſetting forth of themſelues.
2. The faults of betters in gifts, in ſpeciall to thoſe that excell
1. In wit and vnderſtanding to ouerreach and deceiue others, or bring them into errour.
2. Of bodily ſtrength to hurt and miſchiefe others that are weaker.
3. Of eſtate, of wealth, and parentage, to diſgrace, diſcountenance, and oppreſſe others.
2. The faults of thoſe that hauehave fewer gifts
1. To obſcure the gifts of others through enuie, detracting from them, as if they were leſſe excellent then they be.
2. To ſcorne to be beholding to them, or to make vſe of their gifts, as occaſion is offered.
2. Endowments were either alone without gouernment, or of power and iuriſdiction with gouernment: with gouernment, whoſe faults are
1. Common.
2. Seuerall.
1. Common to both ſuperiours and inferiours.
1. To entertaine a ſpeciall hatred and ill will towards them, euen more then towards others, as oft it falls out.
2. To curſe them and wiſh euill to them, and pray to God againſt them.
3. To ſeeke their diſgrace and reproch.
4. To ſerue themſelues of them without any regard of their good eſteeme & welfare.
2. Faults with gouernment, which were either common or ſeuerall: the ſeuerall followes.
Seuerall to each, viz.
1. Gouernours.
2. Gouerned.
1. Gouernours, whoſe faults are
1. Common.
2. Proper.
1. Common to all of them.
1. To loſe the authoritie of their place, and bring contempt vponupon themſelues, by a wicked and fooliſh cariage, and bad example of life.
2. To abuſe the authoritie of their place in regard of
1. The end of vſing it, in ſeeking alone their owne content and eaſe, not regarding their inferiours good.
2. In regard of the manner of vſing it.
1. Vniuſtly.
2. Vndiſcree…ly.
3. Rigorouſly.
4. Remiſſely.
1. Vniuſtly, and that
1. By partialitie, in hauing a reſpect of perſons in their gouernment.
2. By vniuſt commandements, in enioyning them things that are ſinfull, forbidding them things that are lawfull.
3. By vniuſt recompences,
1. In praiſing and rewarding euill deeds, or leſſe good more then the better.
2. In reprouing or correcting for well-doing, or more for ſmaller faults then for greater.
2. The ſecond manner of vſing it is vndiſcreetly, by excuſing any part of their authoritie.
1. In vnfit times; when either themſelues on inferiours are ill diſpoſed by paſſion or griefe.
2. In vnfit places, when the place may make their authoritie more difficult; as more publique correcting then is fit, and ſometimes more priuate.
3. In things vnſutable to the diſpoſition, power, and abilitie of their inferiours.
3. The third manner of vſing it is rigorouſly.
1. In condemning hard and difficult things without iuſt cauſe, or any thing in a rough or boyſterous manner violently.
2. In reprouing or correcting,
1. Exceſſiuely for matter, aboue the nature of the fault, or ſtrength of the ſufferer.
2. Paſſionately and furiouſly for manner, with bitterneſſe and acerbitie of ſpeech and countenance.
4. The fourth manner of vſing it is remiſſely, in being ouercome
1. By intreaties.
2. By fooliſh pittie.
The faults of Gouernours were 1. common, or 2. proper, which follow.
1. Proper to the ſeuerall kindes.
1. Priuate.
2. Publique.
1. Priuate or the houſholder.
1. In regard of his whole familie.
2. In regard of the ſeuerall parts of his familie.
1. In regard of his whole familie, conſidered as one common bodie.
1. In performing a falſe idolatrous worſhip among them.
2. In teaching them a falſe religion to the poyſoning of them with error.
3. Waſting & conſuming his goods, to the bringing of want of things neceſſarie to them, ill husbandlineſſe.
4. In letting them doe what they luſt, as Salomon ſpeakes of a childe ſet at liberty.
2. Faults proper to the ſeuerall parts are
1. For chuſing them.
2. For vſing them.
1. For chuſing thoſe that he may chuſe, and that
1. By making choice of a bad woman to wife, for wealth or beauty ſake.
2. By entertaining bad and wicked ſeruants careleſly or wittingly.
2. For vſing them badly, viz.
1. The wife.
2. The children.
3. The ſeruants.
1. The wife.
1. By churliſhneſſe to her perſon.
2. By grudging and nigardice for her allowance.
2. For vſing the children badly, and that
1. In fondneſſe of louelove to them.
2. In miſgiuing their portions, without regard of age or goodneſſe.
3. In miſplacing them in mariage for ſiniſter reſpects, euen with idolatrous or naughty yoke-fellowes.
3. For vſing their ſeruants badly,
1. In ouer-burthening them with worke, and toyling them out.
2. In pinching them in their wages, not giuing that which is couenanted, or giuing too little.
Theſe are the Maſters faults: the Dames faults are
1. To thruſt out her children to nurſe out of niceneſſe and vnwillingneſſe to take paines.
2. To be imperious in the familie, in that ſhe muſt hauehave her owne way without and againſt her husbands good liking.
2. The proper faults of publique gouernours which are in the Common-wealth, whether
1. Chiefe, or
2. Subordinate.
1. Chiefe and higheſt.
1. To eſtabliſh a falſe religion.
2. To make vniuſt lawes.
3. To make vniuſt warres, or lay cauſleſſe burdens and taxations on their ſubiects.
4. To peruert the ſeat of Iuſtice.
2. The ſubordinate mans publique faults are in Iudges or other officers.
1. In Iudges, by iudging
1. Corruptly and falſly for any cauſe.
2. For hire and reward.
2. In other publique officers, by hindring the execution of good lawes for fauour, feare, or money.
Hitherto of faults of Gouernours. Now ſecondly of the faults of thoſe that are gouerned both common and proper.
1. Common to all, and that
1. Towards their perſon.
2. Towards their authoritie.
1. Towards their perſon; both inward and outward.
1. Inward in heart, when they ſet light by them, and care not whether they be pleaſed or diſpleaſed.
2. Outward, and that in words or geſture.
1. In words, both
1. To them ſnappiſh and ſullen.
2. Before them loud and rude.
3. Behinde their backs reuiling, curſing, diſgracing.
2. In geſture and countenances of contempt.
2. The common faults of the gouerned towards their authoritie.
1. By diſobedience to their lawfull commandements, or obeying their vnlawfull commands.
2. By reſiſting their corrections and reproofes.
1. In inward murmuring.
2. In outward oppoſition, chiefly if they come to blowes againſt them, which to ones parent was death.
2. Proper faults of the gouerned are proper to ſome, viz.
1 Priuate.
2. Publique.
1. Priuate.
1. To the wife, if ſhe be
1. Sowre.
2. Contentious.
3. Waſtefull.
2. To the children.
1. By marrying without them.
2. By caſting them off in age, or cozening them.
3. To ſeruants.
1. By ſlothfulneſſe & eye-ſeruice.
2. By vntruſtineſſe and waſtefulneſſe in their goods.
2. The publique faults of the gouerned are in ſubiects.
1. In treaſon againſt the life or ſtate of their Prince.
2. In ſedition or rebellion, in a turbulent going about to redreſſe pretended abuſes, whether it be againſt the Prince or his officers.
Hitherto of ſins againſt naturall bonds: Now faults contrary to the duties whereto we are bound
2. By ſpirituall bond, and thoſe of
1 Kinred.
2 Degree.
1. Of kinred ſpirituall, and that
1 Betwixt all Chriſtians, which is brotherhood, and that is ſchiſme in rending ones ſelfe from the reſt of the members of Chriſts bodie for any diſlikes, chiefly in regard of petie differences of opinion, and falling to raile, reuile, bite, deuoure, perſecute.
2. Betwixt ſome Chriſtians.
1. Betwixt fathers in Chriſt, if they ſeeke to ſeduce them, or make diuiſions to draw followers after them, as ſome did in Pauls time.
2. Betwixt ſonnes in Chriſt, if they
1. Exceſſiuely admire them, ſo as to take all things on their word, and neglect others in regard of them.
2. If they grow to diſlike and neglect of them, becauſe of their plainneſſe in admonitions.
2. The degree of ſpirituall bonds.
1. For gifts.
2. For power.
1. For gifts. Here
1. The ſtrong doe ſinne.
2. The weake.
1. The ſtrong,
1. By deſpiſing the weaker, and ſeeking only to pleaſe themſelues.
2. Scandalizing them in a wilfull and vncharitable and vndiſcreet abuſe of their Chriſtian libertie.
2. The weake ſinne,
1. In enuying their betters gifts, and ſeeking to diſgrace them, as the falſe Apoſtles did Paul.
2. In harſh cenſuring them for the lawfull vſe of their Chriſtian libertie.
2. The degree of ſpirituall bonds for power and gouernment. Here
1. The Paſtor offends.
2. The people offends.
1. The Paſtor offends, for
1. Teaching.
2. Diſcipline.
1. For teaching.
1. For matter.
2. For manner.
1. For matter.
1. By falſe doctrine of faith, or manners.
2. By miſapplying true doctrine to grieue the good, harten the bad.
2. For the manner.
1. By vaine-glorious, and flanting preaching, for oſtentation of wit and learning.
2. By careleſſe extemporarie preaching.
2. The Paſtor offendeth for diſcipline.
1. By admitting openly, ſcandalous and wicked men, to the communion, without reproofe and admonition.
2. By peruerting the Church cenſures either
1. Againſt the good, as Diotrephes.
2. Againſt any for malice.
2. The people offend, againſt power and gouernment.
1. In offending againſt his perſon.
2. Againſt his authoritie.
1. Againſt his perſon.
1. By robbing him of his due and tenths, as chiefly impropriators doe.
2 By perſecuting and moleſting him, for his faithfulneſſe.
2. Againſt his authoritie.
1. Of teaching.
2. Of diſcipline.
1. Or teaching, by two things.
1. By reiecting truth.
2. By receiuing lies, or any thing without triall.
2. Againſt his authoritie of diſcipline, by contemning his admonitions.
Hitherto of the fifth Commandement, enioyning the duties ſpec…ally concerning vsus in regard of place: the ſixth followes.