The Light of Faith, Part 3

The Light of Faith · Part 3

p. 334THE THIRD PART.

§. 1. The Order and vſe hereof.

ALl the rulesThe order foregoing reſpect vsus as Chriſtians, and forme vsus ſo far forth: but wee both as borne and as borne-againe are placed in conditions and ſtates of reſpect one to another, and none of vsus abſolute and of our ſelues, All men that liue on p. 335the earth are made of one bloud, propagated from one roote, and from thence hauehave flowen into families, common-weales and Churches: and liuing in them, are members of them, and partake neceſſarily of their wealth or woe, now wert thou faſhioned in ſome meaſure to the former doctrine, yet there r…maines a further poliſhing, that thou maieſt be on all hands prepared to eueryevery good worke; rules that may direct in theſe bonds of relation, are eueryevery way neceſſary: We therefore ſhall proceed to theſe of this nature, they guide a Chriſtian Magiſtrate, a Chriſtian ſubiect; a Chriſtian Huſband a Chriſtian Wife; a Chriſtian Parent, Chriſtian Children; a Chriſtian Maſter, a Chriſtian Seruant; a Chriſtian People to their Paſtor▪ the Paſtor of Chriſt to the flocke; to right Chriſtian demeanor each to other.

Moreouer, vponupon a further in…ent p. 336view we ſhall finde ſome conditions, men are placed in, not ſo expreſſely contained within thoſe forenamed bounds: and of eueryevery of them queſtion will be mooued, what ſhall ye doe in this eſtate? Theſe conditions are partly of more priuate ſtate t…n the former, yet relatiue, as neighbourhood, friendſhip, enmitie; & partly of more priuacy or lo…enes, as of the aged, the youth, the maid, the widdow, euen to theſe hath the Lord CondeſcendedThe vſe. in his word, & giuen ſome ſpeciall though briefe direction. I deſire for my part to withhold nothing from you willingly: leſt you ſhould be left men halfe qualified **Men of halfe perfected vertue.Semiperfecta virtutis hoyes, as Philo calls them, and you ſhould be found in any reſpect; Ephraim-like, as a Cake not turned. Hoſ. 7. 8. GiueGive leaue a little and ſilence whateuer gain…aying thoughts might ariſe againſt this obedience; know, p. 337that Gods law is an abſolute rule not onelyonly for matters of piety, but alſo, for an holy policy, the eternall law giuer interpoſeth, as mens frowa…d hearts will tearme it, but in very deed propoſeth and of right impoſeth vponupon vsus theſe following duties: neuer was O…conomickes Ethickes and Politickes perfected till the God of order gaue Theology. Let this g…ue law to them, and then Solon, Lycurgus and Numa may lay their hands vponupon their mouthes. I wonder not at wiſe king Dauid, who made Gods ſtatutes the men of his counſell. Pſal 119. 24. hereby he became wiſer then his enemies. But I cannot but admire the folly of thoſe that preferre the meane ſhallow reaches of their owne braines, and let Gods law ſtand before the doore, who fetch the maſter-pieces of their policies from Machiauell, and not from the word and p. 338mouth of him, who is wonderfull in counſell: yet theſe dreame of a wel-ending looſe to thoſe proceedings that thwart the law of the moſt high. Such wily foxes how oft hauehave wee ſeene caught in their own craftineſſe. And what folly is it in maſters of families, in husbands and miniſters, to reſt in directions of their owne, when they might hauehave rules ſo cleare from Gods word; to preſſe and perſwade you, let me informe you in two things: firſt that it is not left as arbitrary, but it is commanded that we obey in theſe: not feare, nor cuſtome, but conſcience muſt ſtrike the ſtroke; as the Apoſtle Paul tells vsus in one of theſe for t…e reſt. Rom. 13. 5. ſecondly that dueties to man perfo…med in obedience to Gods law are acceptable and well-pleaſing ſeruices & Sacrifices to God, Heb. 13. 16. Col. 3 24. on the contrary duties to man neglected, or p. 339iniury done to man, is not only a treſpaſſe againſt man, but a ſinne againſt God himſelfe. Iam. 1. 27. pure religion and vndefiled before God is to viſit the fatherleſſe and widdow. This ſpoken wee addreſſe our ſelues to the rules of this nature, and there firſt begin with ſuch as concerne the Magiſtrate and Subiect.

§. II. Of the Magiſtrate and Subiect.

THe Magiſtrate hath hisThe Magiſtrates duty. power of God, Rom. 13. 1, Let him not thinke much to take his direction from him, the wiſedome of God ſaith, counſel is mine and ſound wiſedome: I am vnderſtanding, I hauehave ſtrength, By me Kings reigne and Princes decree iuſtice: By mee Princes p. 340rule, and Nobles, euen all the iudges of the earth, Pro. 8. 14. 15. 16. Take her aduiſe and ſhe willforeign Phil. de creation… principis. lead you in the way of righteouſneſſe, in the midſt of the pathes of iudgement, that the may cauſe thoſe that louelove her to inherit ſubſtance, & ſhe will fil their treaſu…e. Pro. 8. 20. 21. Large promiſes and to the heart of Princes, hauehave they but faith to truſt her of her word, ſure they ſhall neuer ſee that time, wherein one man ruleth ouer another to his hurt, Eccleſ. 8. 9. Oh bleſſed are they that keepe her wayes, Pro. 8. 32. Heare then the Inſtruction and refuſe it not.

God hath thus ranked all in Gouernment, they are The King, as ſupreme: The Gouernors ſent by him. 1 Pet. 2. 13. 14.

Accordingly he hath ranged his precepts and Counſels to Kings▪ Inferior Magiſtrates.

He hath Charged his king for… The duty of the King. His kingdome, His court: both p. 341for Pietie, Policy.

For Piety in his Gouernment;For his kingdome. le plain ba… ſer. Away with Antichriſtian pride, it cannot be vailed by that text in Eſa. 49. 23. the ordinary gloſſe ſaith on that place. L…ngens puluerem pedum tuo…ū, ô eccleſia primitiua, in perſona Capitis t…j Ieſu Ch…iſt…: and Baſil on Pſal 36. foreign.Isa 49:23Ps 36

1 That he hauehave the booke of God with him, to read in it all the dayes of his life Deut. 17. 19. 20 that nei…her pride may make him outragious to his brethren, nor impiety diſobedient to God.

2 That he caſt his ſcepter at Chriſts feet: and giuegive him the kiſſe of ſubiection. Kiſſe the Sonne, leſt he be angry, offer him your auxiliary hands and faithfull mouth, Pſal. 2. 12. ſhall ye loſe by it? honour him, and for a recompence, he will honour you. 1 Sam. 2. 30. maintaine his King…ome, your dominion ſhall …ee ſiable, your name ſhall endure for euer and be continued as long as the Sunne, Pſal 72. 18. 17. be a nurſing father to his Church, (Eſa 49. 23.) and thy Cities ſhall fl…uriſh like graſſe of the earth, and here it belong to kings.

p. 342To cut off falſe Prophets: Heretickes and peruerſe and incorrigible ſeducers, and blaſphemers, Lev. 24. 16 2 King. 23. 20. Dan. 6. 23. theſe are the peſt of Church and ſtate.

To throw downe the Altar of Baal, and not to ſuffer Altar againſt Altar, Gedeon …ke erect the Lords Altar, Iehouahſhalom, but downe with the Altar of Baal and the groue that is by it, ſo ſhalt thou purchaſe that excellent and new name Ierubbaal, and let Baal plead againſt thee, and Balaam curſe too: Oh that all Princes would ſet for their patternes thoſe famous kings, and rulers, the Lords worthies, fathers in Iſrael Aſa 2 Chro. 15. 8. 12 13. 14. 15. 16. Hezekiah 2 King. 10. 4. 5. 2 Chro. 31. 1. Ioſiah 2 Chro. 34. Nehemiah; Neh. 13.

To publiſh Edictes for the maintenance of true religion and to ſee that Chriſts doctrine p. 343and diſcipline bee preſerued 2 Chro. 29. 9 Dan. 3 29.

3 That he prouideable men, ſuch as feare God, to be Gouernors and iudges vnderunder him. Exod 18 21. The wicked walke on eueryevery ſide, when vileſt men are exalted. Pſal. 12: 8. and Salomon tels vsus what experience makes good, when the wicked riſe, men hide themſelues: but when they periſh, the righteous increaſe, Pro. 28. 28. but who are they; Encroaching Abimelecks, ſoothing Abſaloms, Ambitious brambles, and flattering Doegs.

For Policy,

1 He muſt care for the wealeSalus populi, ſumm… lex eſio. Haereditatem Caeliſoli. of his people, to this muſt hee looke as to the Pole ſtarre while he guides the ſhip of the common-wealth, maintaining their inheritances, liberties, priuiledges and perſons, to this end it is his part to ſee that his people may increaſe, their multitude is his honour; their decay, his p. 344deſtruction, Pro. 14. 28. and chiefely prouide that righteouſneſſe may flouriſh among them, for righteouſneſſe exalteth a nation, but ſinne is a ſhame to any people, Pro. 14. 34.

2 He muſt ſee that iudgement may flow downe, as the riuers, the kings ſtrength ſhould louelove iudgement, Pſal. 99. 4. hereby ſhall he eſtabliſh both the land and his owne throne, Pro. 29. 4. 14. this note was the Swa…ne-ſong of the ſweet Pſalmiſt of Iſrael, which the God of Iſrael, the rocke of Iſrael, ſpake to him, he that …th men muſt bee iuſt, ruling in the feare of God. and he ſhall be as the light of the morning when the Sunne riſeth; euen a morning without cloudes, as the tender graſſe ſpringing out of the earth by cleare ſhining after raine. 2 Sam. 23. 1. 3. 4. It is his glory to ſit perſonally on the throne of iudgment, and the fruite is great, he ſcattereth away all p. 345euill with his eyes. Pro. 20. 8. EueryEvery king is … iudge, though eueryevery iudge be not a king.

3 It is his Glory to ſearch out a matter, Pro. 25. 2. The holy Ghoſt recordes herein the high praiſe of King Salomon, 1 King. 3 16. to the end, deciding the caſe betweene the two harlots. And Iob ſaith of himſelfe, I was a father to the poore, and the cauſe which I knew not I ſearched out. Iob 29. 16.

4 Hee muſt abominate all wickedneſſe, Pro. 16. 12. This is the Groundſell of the kingdome of God… owne Sonne, Pſal. 45. 6. eſpecially 1 Harkeni…g to flattery and lyes. Pro. 29 12. 2 The condemning of the iuſt Pro. 17. 26. 3 To ſ…ite Princes for equitie Pro. 17. 26. 4 Carn…ll confidence, 5 Couetouſneſſe, 6 Polygamie, Deut. 17. 16, 17. 7 Drunkenneſſe and Gluttony, Eccleſ. 10 17. Pro. 3. 2. 3. 5. 8 Laſ…iuiouſneſſe, Pro. p. 34631. 2. Eccleſ. 7. 28. 9. Chil…iſhneſſe, Eccleſ. 10. 26. 10 Oppreſſion, Pro 28. 16. 11 Wilfull inflexibleneſſe, Eccleſ. 4. 13. 12 Allyance with the open enemies of Gods truth. 2 Chr. 19. 2. & 20. 35. 36 37.

5 He muſt looke to theſe vertues, mercy and truth, the beſt court of guard, Pro. 20. 28. Power ouer his paſſions, Pro. 25. 28. & 16 32. Bounty, as the prolonger of his dayes, Pro. 28. 16. Wiſedome to ſcatter the wicked and bring the wheele ouer them, Pro. 20. 26. Temperance, Valor, Pro. 30. 31 Secrecy or reſeruedneſſe, Pro. 25 3.

6 He muſt beſtow his fauors on the deſeruing, Pro. 19 6. and by no meanes exalt a ſeruant ouer Princes, this is one of the foure things which the earth cannot beare, Pro. 30 22. and 19 10.

7 Hee ſhall doe wiſely and ſafely in peace and warre. p. 347if he doe all by Counſel, Pro. 24 6.

For his houſhold both forFor his Court. piety and policy, I perſume not to deliuer ought of mine, as neither durſt I in any of the reſt, but ſhall content my ſelfe with what is deliuered in the Pſalme 10 1. Which preſents all kings of the earth with a perfect draught of heauenly Gouernment.

He but giuegive the ſc…le…ion, or Anatome, which will be found excellent to behold: but much more amiable, were it couered with fleſh and skinne. Yet if any in high place ſhall chance to looke on it, that ſame God that gaue life to dea… and d…y bones, that ſame God I ſay, breath vponupon theſe lineaments, that life may enter into them.

Here is in this 10 1. Pſalme, a Prince taught of God.

For the manner of inſtruction,

1 In a third perſon, Dauid, on whoſe heart was drawne this p. 348ſacred plat-forme, that no…e might conceiue it to bee ſome Platonicall Idea, and reiect it as vna…taineable, nor any take it for ſome meane piece, vnworthy a royall and braue ſpirit.

2 In a Pſalme, that while it is ſung, and the doctrine with warbling Notes, ſuits the heart through the eare, the ſpirit of gouernement and of God, that was on Dauid, might fall on him. A Pſalme of Dauid.

For the matter taught:

The graces Royall, mercy and iudgement, which graces are caracteriſticall to a King, the limits of his proceedings, the glory of gouernement, the qualifiers of reformation:

The end and aime taken with a ſingle eye, the glory of God, verſe 1.

The rules for adminiſtration of royall power, whoſe

ORDER teacheth,

1 That the riſe muſt be at his p. 349owne perſon and ſpirit.

An euill man cannot bee a good King.

That his ſentence may be diuine on the throne, Diuinity muſt be ingrauen on the doore poſts of his ſoule, in the table of his heart,

2 That the next principal care muſt be for his houſe, leſt from thence prophaneneſſe & wickednes goe forth ou…r al the land.

3 Then ſoone ſhall hee ſet and ſee Church and State happy.

Nature reſpecting,

Integrity, that it be whole, ſincerity, that it be in truth.

HIMSELFE, that he

Keepe piety, a perfect way.

Prudence in a wiſe behauiour.

Vprightneſſe, whoſe

Seate, the heart.

Nature, integrity that it bee whole.

Sincerity, that it be in truth.

Vſe, walking in it.

p. 350Place of exerciſe, the houſe, and of intireneſſe, at home, as well as in forraigne dealing, in his houſe, as well as in Gods houſe.

All which muſt be followed, with

Patience, neuer in ought haſting the Lords decrees, or haſting to ill meanes.

With prayer, in a lowly dependance vponupon God for aſſiſtance.

With an eye euer to his death, and the time of reckoning, when account muſt be giuen of the ſtewardſhip, verſe 2.

That he auoyde

Preſumption,

Idolatry, the thing of Beliall, which hath nothing to doe with Chriſt.

Apoſtacy, verſe 3.

Frowardneſſe of heart, wayward againſt God, and bitter towards man.

Acquaintance with lewd perſons, p. 351and wicked things verſe 4.

2 HIS COVRT.

Abandoning

The whiſpering Slaunderer, verſe 5.

The ambi…ious proud man,

The deceitfull,

The Lyars, verſ. 7.

Entertaining

The faithfull, the plainehearted,

The godly, the vpright-liued. Of theſe will he take

1 For counſell,

With great choyce, his eye ſet to the worke.

Looking to their fidelity and piety, elſe wiſedome is but emptineſſe in heart.

Babling in word.

Folly in deed.

Taking of the Natiues, not ſtrangers, who cannot tender ſo well the good of the State.

Men experienced in the aff…ires of that State.

Giuing them liberty to ſit p. 352with him in counſell, and to ſpeake their conſciences freely, verſe 6.

2 For ſeruice, who is ſo fit as a man of a good conſcience, that preferres vprightneſſe in his wayes, before all things in the world.

3 HIS KINGDOME, the ciuill ſtate, the Church.

Puniſhing malefactors with diligence, diſpatch, conſtancy, and impartiality.

The end of all is the good of the Church and State, being the Lords rather then his, verſe 8.

Hitherto of the ſupreame Magiſtrate:2 The duty of inferiour Magiſtrates. all others are Gouernours ſent by him, the ſpecialties of their dutie are contained in theſe following rules.

1 They muſt know the power giuen into their hands, that accordingly they may execute their office. Some hauehave a greater power, ſome a leſſe, conferred vponupon them, ſome in peace, p. 353ſome in warre, ſome Counſell…rs, ſome Senators and Iudges, &c. Some law-keepers, as Iuſtices; what euer the power entruſted to them bee, that muſt they vnderſtand, that hee a…rogate not what belongs not to him, and that hee neglect not what he ought to ſee to.

2 They muſt remember they are to giuegive account, as to God, ſo to the King: whoſe mouth, eyes, and hands they are.

3 Their characteriſticall properties, and the vertues they ſhould preſſe vntounto, are theſe following.

1 Wiſedome and vnderſtanding, Deut. 1. 13. Gouernment is the feeding and leading of the people: Hee that is Gouernour, muſt bee prouided of the inſtruments of a Paſtor, thou muſt be experienced in the affaires thou would…ſt mannage, that thou maieſt leade the people by the diſcretion of thy hands. This is p. 354the ability to apply the power that is in thy hands to the good of the State, as the matter ſhall require. Great is the good may come by ſuch wiſe Magiſtrates: By a man of vnderſtanding and knowledge, the ſtate of the land ſhall be prolonged, Pro. 28. 2.

2 Courage and zeale, able valiant men muſt they be, maſters ouer their paſſions, and ſtout in their places, Exod. 18. 21. Maſters ouer their paſſions, elſe rage will tranſport, fauour will bow, and eueryevery other paſſion of the heart beare ſway to the peruerting of iudgement, and blinding the eye of right reaſon.

Courage alſo needfull here, if any where, for it is thy part to take the prey out of the Lyons mouth, to reſcue the innocent made a prey; to maintaine the right of the fatherleſſe, Iob 29. 17. It is thy part, without feare of mans face; equally to impart iuſtice to all: it is thy part to riſe p. 355vp againſt the monſters of the time, Drunkards, Blaſphemers, Swearers, Fornicators, Idle perſons, and the like. What heroicke ſpirit hadſt thou need of, to ſtand in the ſtreame, and turne the current of the time? Is it a ſoft, timorous, ſheepiſh ſpirit; is it not an vndaunted heart that beſeemes you? Stirre vp thy ſpirit, contend for God, for thy Country, for thy King, for thy charges good. Would any ſtay the ſweet ſtreames of iuſtice from running downe in the ſtreetes? pray with Nehemiah, O God, ſtrengthen my hands, Neh. 6. 9. 11. Doth any offendor aske, is it peace? anſwere with that couragious, what peace ſo long as thy wickedneſſe remaines? and when thou findeſt the miſtreſſe of diſorder, the myſtery of the knot of wickedneſſe in the place where thou art: if it ſcorne thy proceedings, cry who is on my ſide, who? Let not her painted face allure p. 356or entice, cry throw her downe, and then trample her vnderunder feet, 2 King. 9. 22. Doe great ones offend, contend euen with Nobles, and let them feele the dinte of thy ſword, Neb. 13. doſt thou thinke of the trouble; Eaſe ſlaies the fooliſh, and delicacy is not to be looked for in gouernement, doſt thou feare oppoſitions? Deale couragiouſly, and the Lord ſhall be with the good, 2 Chr. 19. 11. So ſhall the wicked feare, the godly louelove, and all reuerence thee, but if not, thou and thy authority will be contemned, and kicked-againſt by eueryevery worme.

3 The Feare of God, whoſe is the iudgement, who ſits with them in the iudgement; 2 Chro. 9. 6. 7. Exod. 18. 21. What doſt thou a Ruler in Iſrael, without religion? God ſitteth in the aſſembly of Gods, and feareſt thou not him? Thou canſt not doe iuſtice, that careſt not for religion; well is the vniuſt Iudge p. 357deſcribed by our Sauiour in the parable, he feared not God, neither regarded man, Luc. 18. 4. But who is the Magiſtrate that feares God?

Hee that feareth nothing butBe not like Gallio. Act. 18. 12.Acts 18:12 the offence of God, not the face of man.

He whoſe care is to promote religion, and to doe good to the houſe of God, Neh. 13. 14.

He whoſe conſcience leadeth him to the duty he oweth, without looking on what will follow: that he refers to God.

He that dares not iuſtifie the wicked, and condemne the righteous, Pro 24. 25.

He that dares not violate the band of his oath.

Hee that dares not vſe his power, or rather, abuſe it, as an inſtrument to wrecke his priuate reuenge, nor deſpiſe the pooreſt vnderunder his rule, nor wry for affection, nor reſpect a poore man in his cauſe, nor follow a p. 358multitude to doe euill, Exod. 23. 2, 3.

Hee that ruleth as one that muſt giuegive account of his power.

He to whom that is as impoſſible which he may not doe, as that which he cannot doe.

Hee that thinkes nothing impoſſible to doe which his place requireth.

4 Louers of truth they ſhould be, men of truth, ſifting out the truth, ſtanding for the truth, hating tale bearers, prompters, and ſycophants, the falſe pleadings of vnconſcionable Counſellors, the iugling conueiances of Atturneyes, and bringing iudgement to the ballance.

5 Iuſtice which carrieth anforeign, quaſi foreign, per medium tranſiens. equall hand in all cauſes and caſes, it heareth cauſes ſpeake, not perſons, it knoweth not bribery againſt, nor for the innocent; it ſhaketh his hands from ſuch gaines, it hath both eares open, but neuer an eare to lyes; it dares p. 359not ſay with Caine, Am I my brothers keeper? It caſts out pitty and fauour, it hath a bended brow on the whiſperings of a great neighbour; it feares to bee acceſſary, by admitting needleſſe ſuits, protracting iuſt ſuits, and raſh impoſition of oathes; it ſcornes to looke at diſpleaſure, reuenge, or recompence; in a word, as a iuſt law is an hear… without affection, an eye without luſt, a minde without paſſion, a treaſurer which keepeth for eueryevery man what he hath, and diſtributeth to eueryevery man what he ought to hauehave: ſo is a iuſt Ruler.

6 Hatred of couetouſneſſe, as the roote of all euill, as the canker of all the former vertues, a right hand full of bribes, hath a left hand full of miſchiefe for his companion. And is it not abhominable, that a ſlaue to Mammon ſhould Lord it ouer men? to ſet your hearts againſt it, remember p. 360what Paul cals it, filthy lucre.

4 Remember the end of your ordination and miſſion, which is, for the puniſhment of euill doers, and for the praiſe of them that doe well, 1 Pet. 2. 14. Thus yee carry not the ſword in vaine, Rom. 13. 4.

So farre the Magiſtrates duty: now to the duty of the Subiect.

The Subiects duty is containedThe ſub…ects duty. in theſe.

1 Honour, Rom. 13. 7. For they are powers, the Sunne and Starres ſhining in the firmament of the State; they are Gods, both as Gods deputies and Viceroyes; and as they beare his image in authority and ſouer…ignty, ſpeake not euill then of dignities; conſerue their actions in the better part, feare and reuerence them, and bee thankefull …or them, Eccleſ. 10. 20.

2 Obedience, Tit. 3. 1. knowing that God is the author of p. 361Magiſtracy, Rom. 13. 1. and Magiſtracy is euer good, euen when the Magiſtrate is euill. Great alſo is the good by Magiſtracy receiued; publique peace and perfection, that wee might enioy temporall things in ſafety, and follow our callings in quietneſſe, and a receptacle for the C…urch, where ſhee may lodge, as in an Inne; and if they be Gods that are in power, they are the very nurſing fathers, and nurſing mothers of the Church.

3 Loyalty, whereby wee reſolue and endeauour to the vtmoſt of our power, to preſerue and vphold the perſons, rights, prerogatiues, crowne and dign…ties of Princes.

4 Maintenance, paying tribute, Rom. 13. 7. So did our Sauiour, giuing to Caeſar that which is Caeſars.

5 Subiection and ſubmiſſion, 2 Pet. 2 13. Rom. 13. 1.

To their lawes, puniſhments, p. 362iniuries, as Dauid and Chriſt, and the Apoſtles, ſubmitted to the iniurious dealing of Saul, Pilate, and the Tyrants, when perhaps they could hauehave made reſiſtance.

6 Prayer, 2 Tim. 2. 1.

And all this.

To all ſorts of Magiſtrates; to the King as ſupreame; to Gouernours ſent by him, 1 Pet. 2. 13. 14.

To eueryevery of their ordinances, though humane, if not contrary to Gods word, for there wee are to obey God rather then men, and be it his commands bee in point of Gods worſhip, ſo farre as belongs to the circumſtances, How and when, being in things indifferent in their owne nature, and that he alſo profeſſe to diſclaime all opinion of holineſſe, worſhip, merit, and neceſſity, there muſt we be ſubiect.

And all this

For the Lords ſake, and for p. 363conſcience ſake, Rom. 13. 1 Pet. 2. and notonely for feare, with cheerefulneſſe.

Our bodies and goods at their diſpoſing, not our ſoules and conſciences.

Without ſuſpition of them, or euill thoughts.

And all this by all ſubiects: as,

Though we be Chriſtians, and the Magiſtrates Pagans:

Though we be ſtrangers while we are wi… in their gates.

Though Church-men, Rom. 13. 1. euen eueryevery ſoule.

And in all, be ſure thou meddle not with th…ſe that are giuen to change, or the ſ…ditious Pro. 24. 22. But feare thou the LordThe Courtier. and the King, and put not forth thy ſelfe in the preſence of the Princ…, nor ſtand in the place of great men, Pro. 25. 6. 7. But i… thou be a Courtier, ſome particular rules muſt be added.

1 Look after wiſedom, without p. 364which, thou wilt▪ bring ſhame euen vponupon the face of Maieſty, Pro. 14. 35. This true wiſedome is founded on the true feare of God, and is attained by meditation in Gods ſtatutes, Pſ. 119. 13. This wiſedome will doe that which riches and diligence, or remoue from his preſence, will not, euen pacifie the wrath of a King, which is as meſſengers of death, Pro. 16. 14. Eccleſ. 8. 3.

2 Let righteouſneſſe and grace be in their lippes, proceeding from the vnfaigned louelove thou beareſt to pureneſſe of heart. Theſe are the delight of Kings, theſe draw the louelove of Kings, Pro. 16. 13. & 22. 11.

3 Diligence in thy buſineſſe will make roome for thee in the Kings preſence, Pro. 22. 29.

4 If thou hauehave by ignorance, or againſt thy will offended thy Lord and maſter, ruſh not headily to what may enrage him, leſt thou ſinne againſt thine p. 365owne ſoule: but by long forbearance and ſoft anſweres, ſhew thy patience: this hath eloquence to perſwade, and a ſecret force to breake the bones, Pro. 20. 2. & 25. 15. Beware how thou ſtand in an euill thing for he doth whatſoeuer pleaſeth him, Eccleſ. 8. 3.

5 Improue thy power, though to hazard of place and life; if the matter ſo require, for the good of Gods Church and religion, after the famous examples of Hoſter, chap. 4. 16. and Nehemiah, chap. 1. 11. & 2. 1. 2. 3 4. 5.The Ambaſſador.

If thou art an Ambaſſador, there is requiſite,

1 Wiſedome and prudence, to know thy place and employment, and how to apply it to the occaſions, and this wiſedome guided by piety, He that ſendeth a meſſage by the hand of a foole, cutteth off the feet, and drinketh dammage, Pro. 26 6. Eleazar, Abrahams ſeruant may be the patterne for them in this point, and thoſe p. 366that follow, Gen. 24.

2 Faithfulneſſe in the buſineſſe committed to him, it is health, & re…reſhing to the ſoule of him that ſent him, Pro. 25. 13. & 13 17.

3 Expedition and ſpeed, when the deſire commeth, it is a tree of life, but hope deferred, maketh the heart ſicke, Pro. 13. 12 As vineger to the teeth, and as …moake to the eyes, ſo is the ſluggard to them that ſend him, Pro. 10. 26.

I… a Counſellor of State, theſeThe Councelcellor of State. ſpeciall directions.

1 Let pie…y bee at the right hand of policy, neuer giuegive aduice to ſtrengthen the hands of thy ſoueraigne, by enterprizing any euill action, as did curſed Achitophel, 2 Sam. 16. 21. 22. Neither aduiſe thou againſt the publique good of the people, as if a King were not abſolute, that tendred their grieuances, as did R…hoboams greene-headed Stateſmen, p. 3672 King. 12. 10. 11.

2 See thou giuegive a right anſwere, and ſeaſonable, eueryevery one then will kiſſe thy lippes, and thy word fitly ſpoken, will bee like apples of gold with pictures of ſiluer, Pro. 24. 26. & 25. 11.

3 Be acquainted well with the Hiſtories of the old Teſtament, and the menaces of the Prophets which threaten Nationall plague… againſt Nationall ſinnes, that thoſe ſinnes and their ſpreadings may be wiſely diſcerned and preuented: and account it the chiefeſt part of thy wiſedome, not proudly or ſcornefully to obſerue thoſe threatnings written in Scriptures, or preſſed by Gods Miniſters: Salomon ſaith, ſcornefull men bring a city into a ſnare, but wiſe men turne away wrath, Pro. 29. 8. Sure it is the Lord neuer brought a ſweeping iudgement on a people, that once he hath taken for his owne by couenant, p. 368but the ſame might hauehave beene foreſeene in the warrings of conſcionable Miniſters, that ambitiouſly ſeek not themſelues, if their admonitions had beene obſerued.

4 Seeke the good of the op…reſſed, and thinke not of excuſes to withdraw thy helping hand. If thou forbeare to deliuer them that are drawne to death, and thoſe that are ready to be ſl…ine; if thou ſai…ſt behold we know not; doth not he that pondreth the heart, conſider it? and hee that keepeth thy ſoule, doth not he know it? and ſhall not hee render to eueryevery man his workes? Pro. 24. 11. 12.

5 In all determinations, caſt firſt for compaſſing the meanes, readily to bring them about: Prepare thy worke without, and make it fit for thy ſelfe in the field, and afterwards build thine houſe, Pro. 24. 27.

Theſe concerne the Magiſtrate and Subiect, the eſſentiall p. 369parts of a Common-wealth: we deſcend next to the family, and there firſt, forme the Husband and Wife.

§. III. Of the Husband and Wife.

THe firſt couple in the family,The duties of the huſband and wife. in order of nature, and in the erection of a family, is the Husband and Wife: where duties of ſoure ſorts concurre to their wel-being.Officia. Fundamentalia. Mu…ua. Particularia. Reſultantia Which are 1 Fundamentall.

Fundamentall.

Mutuall, in which both ſtand equally charged.

Particular, which both owe a part.

Such as ariſe of theſe.

1 The fundamentall duties, concerne their holy comming together, which ought primarily to bee heeded, for matching together according to Gods p. 370duplicate page p. 371duplicate page p. 370ordinance, we may depend vponupon him, for a bleſſing on his owne ordinance, whereas a godleſſe enterance brings neceſarily (vnleſſe God by an high hand direct it) miſery and m… n…fold inconueniences, together with the wrath of God: what then are theſe duties?

1 One man muſt hauehave but one woman at once, nor one woman more then one man, thus in the inſtitution of marriage, Gen. 2. 24. VponUpon which the Prophet Malachie comments thus: Did he not make one; yet had he the reſidue of the ſpirit… and wherfore one? that he might ſeeke a godly ſeede: therefore take heed to your ſpirit and let none deale treacherouſly againſt the wife of his youth. For the Lord the God of Iſrael ſaith that hee hateth putting away. Mal. 2. 15. 16. and our Sauiour readeth it. They two ſhall be one fleſh: and the Apoſtle Paul calls it the Law of the Huſband or of the wiſe. Rom. 7. 2.

p. 3712 Theremuſt be obſerued a ſufficient diſtance in blood, by thoſe that enter this eſtate, that the mariage be not inc…ſtuous, ſo the degrees forbiden are ſet downe in Lev. 18.

3 Equality in religion is on both …ands to be looked to, that we be not vnequally yoked with vnbeleeuers: and equality may be extended alſo to age, eſtate and diſpoſitions, that to the being this latter to the welbeing of mariage. 2 Cor. 6. 14.

4 Freedome from the law of another husband or wife, as that ſhe be not the betrothed or vniuſtly diuorced wife of another man.

5 The Conſent of parties, that the match be not forced, and of the Parents or Guardions, that the match be not ſtoll…n,

6 The avoydance of perſons infamous or fowly diſ…aſed with the Leproſie, the French Poxe or the like:

p. 372Theſe rules let all obſerue that would lay an happy foundation of a holy family, reſpecting their owne or their poſterities good: whereas he that dare ouer-leape theſe bounds, and breake into holy wedlecke, may expect the curſe of God, without repentance ſtaying his hand lifted vp.

2 The mutuall duties of2 Mutuall. husband and wife are

1 Matrimoniall fidelity, that he play not the baggage with the wife of his youth, and that ſhe forſake not the guide of her youth nor forget the Couenant of her God. Mal. 2. 15. Pro. 2. 17.

2 Matrimoniall louelove,

3 Due beneuolence, the one not defrauding the other, vnleſſe it be with conſent and that for a time, that they may giuegive themſelues to prayer, leſt Satan tempt them for their incontinency, … Cor. 7. 3. 4. 5.

p. 3733 The particular duties:3 Particular. and ſo the duties of the Huſband firſt, are theſe,

1 Cohabitation, dwellingThe husbands duty. with her as a man of knowledge: dwell with her, not dwell with drunkards, whores ſpend-thrifts gameſters, not ſpend thy dayes in tippling houſes and tauernes, no, nor euer or moſt an end in thy neighbours houſe. And dwell with her as a man of knowledge, for prudence beſeemes him to whom dominion and rule is giuen, neither is it permitted to them, but on condition, that they wiſely gouerne them: for ſeeſt thou a man not able to rule himſelfe, how ſhall he rule his wife? Where ſhould knowledge reſide but in the head? elſe may we ſay with the wolfe in the fable **O what a head without braineso quale ſine cerebrocaput? Know then, thy authority ouer thy wife is not tyrannicall, knowledge is oppoſed to tyranny, paſſion, teſtineſſe, p. 374which diſtempers of heart it eaſily ſuppreſſes: but that barbarous imprudency which knowes how to define of nothing aright is the cauſe of arrogancy, tyranny and iniurious dealing.

2 Honour to the wife as to the weaker veſſel and as one that is or may be coheire of the grace of life with thee, as the helpe giuen thee of God, thy onelyonly like, and now as by creation, ſo by coniunction in Matrimony, thine owne fleſh: not trampling on her becauſe the weaker, but therefore putting on her the more abundant honour: this is done.

1 By vſing her as thy companion, thy glory, with all ſignes of eſtimation according to her rancke in the family, and her relation to thee, reſpecting her as the Lord gaue her to be, thy helpe, thy like, thy companion in life. 1 Cor. 11. 7.

2 By couering her infirmities. p. 375in Giuing ſoft Anſwers in her waiwardneſſe, and ſhewing her her fault afterwards. Forbearing to ſpeak to her diſgrace before others.

3 By pleaſing her in what euer may be to her edification. I Cor. 7. 33.

4 By ſuffering thy ſelfe to be intreated, admoniſhed and aduiſed by her in caſes reaſonable and good, Gen. 21. 12. whoſe aduiſe would be good, for God hath framed her fearefull and thee ſtout, and reſolute, her ſuſpecting all dangers, and thee looking to thy attempts, not to light obiections, which ſometimes not regarded are the greateſt ouer throwes to weighty vndertakings.

5 By entruſting her with ſuch things as are meet and her gifts are fit for in the family and in thy eſtate, not commit…ing them to ſeruants or others before p. 367her. Pro. 31. 11.

6 By yeelding her freely all due praiſes Pro. 31. 28. 29.

And that both theſe may bee performed, heare a third duty.

3 LoueLove, the character of a good husband, chiefely required, wherein the man is ready ſooneſt to erre, that which maketh his authority ſweet and amiable, and beſt framing the wife to a cheerefull yeelding of her reuerend ſubiection to her husband. Herein faſhion thy heart to all affectionateneſſe, erre thou in her louelove continually ſaith Solomon, Pro. 5. 19. Reioyce with her, all the dayes of thy vaine life. Eccleſ. 9. 9. Be not bitter to her in words, quarrellous, teſty, paſſionate, reproachfull for her infirmities or deformities, nor in deeds in diſcourteous vſage, vniuſt reſtraint, and blowes. Col. 3. 19. but nouriſhing p. 377and cheriſhing her as thine own fleſh: and tendring her ſoules good by counſell and comfort.

4 Prouidence in two thingsforeign vxoria.

1 In maritall protection, Ruth. 3. 9.

2 In procuring neceſſaries for the wi…e Eſa. 28. 3. According to ability, ſo laboring in his calling that hee may prouide for her while he liues, and leaue her ſomewhat when he dyes.

5 Piety, going before her in all holineſſe and godlineſſe; cheifely.

In prayer in the family, 1 Tim. 2. 8. by which our meats and labours are ſanctified and without which the family is in danger of Gods high diſpleaſure, Ier. 10. 25. and he himſelfe beareth the brand of a prophane A theiſt Pſal. 14. 4. of the lets and hinderances of this duety hee muſt eſpecially beware, 1 Pet. 3. 7.

In family inſtruction, Gen. 18. p. 37819. Pſal. 78. 2. 3. 4. Deut. 66. yet not intruding into the Miniſters office, as taking vponupon him to expound further then the recitall of what he hath learnt, and the application of plaine texts, to the neceſſities of the family, the places before alledged tell wherin this duty lieth.

Theſe are the duties of the Husband more eſpecially, the duties of the wife are theſe.

1 Obedience in all things, ſubiection to her owne husband IThe wiues duety. Pet. 3. 1. Tit. 2. 5. Ephe. 5. 22. This is the Character of a good wife; to be wiſe, prudent, chaſt, rich, beautifull, louing, yea religious, without obedience is not pleaſing to God, nor agreeable to nature. This ſubiection is due to him, be he poore or rich, if ſhe were a Lady & he an Husbandman, Vaſhti the Empreſſe is not exempted in this point, Heſt. 1. 12. 20. She muſt Submit to his directions, 2 King. 4. 22. Epheſ. 5 p. 37923. and to his reſtraints about diet, apparell, and companie, Gen. 3. 19. ſo ſubiect that ſhe deſire to pleaſe him. 1 Cor. 7. 34.

2 Honor, as to her ſuperior and head, 1 Cor. 11. 3.

In giuing reuerent titles, 1 Pet. 3. 6.

In being his image or his glory, bearing forth the amiable and praiſe-worthy qualityes that are in him, and bearing her ſelfe according to his degree and place at home & abroad. 1 Cor. 11. 7. and repreſenting his authority in the family in his abſence.

In liuing without ſuſpicion, making the beſt conſtruction of his doubtfull actions: Michal offended in miſinter p…eting Dauids dancing before the Arke.

In leauing to him the ſecrets of his publike imploiment, keeping her to her owne meaſure for domeſticke affaires, eſpecially p. 380if he be a Magiſtrate or Miniſter.

3 Feare: let the wife ſee that ſhee feare her husband, Epheſ. 5. vlt. this is ſhewed,

By reuerent behauiour before him, not rude, bold, and audacious.

By avoiding what may prouoke him to anger, diſlike and griefe.

By giuing ſoft anſweres when he is angry, Pro. 15. 1.

By forbearing brawling, paſſion, or frowardneſſe, euen with others in his ſight.

By making him her Couering when they are abroad, many women are intemperate and wilfull, Pro. 27. 15. 16. and like oyle in the fiſt.

4 A chaſt conuerſation coupled with the former feare, 2 Pet. 3. 1. rare was the ſeuerity of ancient times, when an heathen could by Iſaacs ſporting with Rebecca, Gen. 26. 8. 9.Gen 26:8Gen 26:9know they were married.

p. 3815 Modeſty and ſobriety inQuae ad inanem pompam, vel ad i…lecebram fermè haberi ſolent, meritò reprehenſa ſunt. Aug. Tom. 2 Ep. 199. apparell 1 Pet. 3. 2. 1 Tim. 2. 9. and here whateuer maketh for vaine pompe or for inticement, are worthily reprooued.

6 A meeke and quiet ſpirit. 1 Pet. 3.

7 That ſhe be an helpe to him, ſhe muſt doe him good and not euill all the dayes of her life. Pro. 31. 12. Gen. 2. 18. and ſo.

1 In the education of children both for nurſing them, and for inſtructing them vnderunder her huſband. Pro. 6. 20. and 31. 1. indeed her husbands authority excludes her from ſole inſtruction in the family, but vnderunder him it reſts chiefely on her in their infancy and childhood, then ſhall her children riſe vp and call her bleſſed, her husband alſo; and hee praiſeth her. Pro. 31. 28.

2 In his temporall eſtate and the commodities of this preſent life, and ſo there is required of her,

p. 3821 That ſhe be diligent in labour,foreign. for him and the good of the family: ſhewed three waies.

In Getting: laboring with her hands, Pro 31. 16. not eating the bread of Idleneſſe, verſ. 27 Sarah kneaded dow, Gen. 18 6: Rebecca skilfull in Cookery, Gen. 27. 14. and Thamar Dauid… daughter 2 Sam. 13. Much more then ought our Nobles and Gentlemen be ſome way Employed, when as the weaker ſexe is thus charged. And truely ſhe is deepely charged what euer our dainty dames doe weene, as

1 To ſeeke imployment andProu. 31.Prov 31 not tary til imployment find her, and ſom…thing fall out ſhee cold find to doe, verſ. 13.

2 To take to any labour fit for her ſexe: as ſpinning, verſe 13, 19.

3 To doe it willingly verſ. 13.

4 To riſe ea…ly to it verſe, 15. 18.

p. 3835 To be conſtant, not changing from worke to worke, but ſtrengthening her armes.

6 To ſpend her time in profitable worke, (not in fine worke good for nothing, but to ſhew skill) as Carpets, verſ. 22. Sheets, verſ. 24. The cloathing of her family, husband, and children, verſ. 21. 23. I know n…t which is better, the bread of Idleneſſe, or the bread of Curioſity.

In guiding both what ſhe hath got and her family: what ſhee hath got, not locking it vp in a cheſt, not laying it out on trifles, but in neceſſaries: ſhe conſiders a field, and buyes it, Pro. 31. verſe 16. and guiding the family, giuing their portion of meat to the whole houſhold: of worke to the Maides, verſe 15. Ouerſeeing the waies of her houſhold, verſe 27.

In preſeruing what her huſband prouides, ſo that his heart reſts in her, hee ſhall hauehave no p. 384ſpoile by her, verſe 11. She muſt not bee waſtfull: this is to pull downe the houſe with her owne hands: and euer the more cloſely done, the more ſinfully, Pro. 14. 1. She muſt not ſpend without conſent, much leſſe entertainement of ſuch as be ſuſpected, or diſliked by the Husband.

2 That ſhe be carefull to aduance her Husbands reputation,

In adorning him in ſeemely and fit apparell, verſe 23.

In ſeeing to his children and ſeruants, eu…n to the meaneſt of the houſe, for their conuenient cloathing and handſomneſſe, verſe 21.

In keeping her feet within her owne houſe, Pro. 7 11.

In couering his infirmities.

3 In his ſpirituall eſtate ſhee muſt bee an helpe, as being an heire with him of the grace of life, 1 Pet. 3. 7. By furthering all good duties, as Prayer, Thankeſgiuing, p. 385Repetition of Sermons, Conference, by being a comfort to him, in afflictions, in diſeaſes: By admoniſhing him wiſely and ſubmiſſiuely, Gen. 21. 12. For ſhee is not bound to conceale his drunkenneſſe, whoredoomes, and the like.

Thus hauehave you a draught of a Wife, and of an helpe meet for her Husband: here may all married women ſee their duties, and their failes.

Theſe are the particular duties of man and wife.

4 The fourth ſort are ſuch as4 Such a… a…iſe of theſe. ariſe of theſe, and they are, the honour & louelove of one anothers friends, mutually, which much vniteth affections, and preuenteth cauſes of diſſentions.

Thus of the firſt couple in a family: The ſecond relation is that of Parents and Children.

p. 386§. IIII. Of Parents and Children.

THe duties of Parents andParents and childrens duties. Children are of two ſorts, Mutuaell, and Seuerall, and theſe either the duties of Parents, both together; and each apart. Or of Children.

The mutuall duties of ParentsWhich are … Mutuall. and Children, which both owe one towards the other, are two.

1 Naturall affection, called by the Greekes, foreign, It is a louelove which none can feele, but they. It hath in it the yerning of the bowels ouer the party lo…ed; it is heatheniſh, and more then bruitiſh, to be without naturall affections, Rom. 1.

2 Prayer, for each other.

The duty of both Parents is,2 Seuerall. Parents duty.

1 Education both in religion and the true feare of God, Epheſ. 6. 4. And in ſome honeſt trade p. 387of life: and for this cauſe muſt they obſerue the inclination of their children, and accordingly diſpoſe of them, Prou. 20. 11. & 22. 6.

2 Prouiſion for their eſtates and marriage: for their eſtates, it is their parts to lay vp for them as God ſhall bleſſe them, 2 Cor. 12. 14. yet here remember, that thou with-hold not thy hand from workes of charity, becauſe thou haſt many children; nay, for this very cauſe, let thy hand be more liberall, thou haſt the m…re to intreate the Lord for, the more ſinnes to be broken …ff, the more conſciences to bee purged, the more ſoules to hee d…liuered: thus Iob offered ſacrifices for his children, and reckoned that as layed vp: Dauid ſaith, the righteous, is euer mercifull, and le…d…th, and his ſeed is bleſſed, Pſal. 37. 26. I… thou ſtudy more for an earth… ▪ then an heauenly patrimony for them, ſaith Cyprian p. 388(which is to commend thy Cyprian de op…re & E…eēmoſynis.children to the Deuill, rather then to Chriſt) thou art in a double fault, both that thou prouideſt not the ſuccour of God the Father for thy children, and that thou teacheſt thy children to louelove their patrimony more then Chriſt. Secondly, they muſt leaue them what they hauehave receiued of their Anceſtors, Pro. 19 14. Thirdly, they muſt ſet their houſes in order by Will, reſpecting therein the firſt borne, vnleſſe by ſome grieuous crim…, he hath otherwiſe deſerued, as did Reuben, Gen. 49. 3. 4. Deut. 21 17. 2 King. 20. 1. 1 Tim. 5 8. If hee hauehave and doe deſerue diſinheritance, the Father or Mother, as I take it, may not doe it in that ſtate which deſcended from his Ancients; for God hath there made him heire, and to meddle with it for time after their life, is to put forth the hand to that which is not theirs, but his: and be it that he is like p. 389to be the ruine of the houſe and family, yet this none knoweth, and if God will ruine it thus, who ſhall let it? the way to vphold it, if any, is prayer, good inſtruction, reformation of our ſelues, and the maintenance of Gods houſe and worſhip, that he may ſay, as he did of Dauid, I will build thee an houſe, 2 Sam. 7. 11. In lands of our owne purchaſe, and all other goods th… a…e our owne to diſpoſe, as well as to inioy, we ought to reſpect the deſeruing children. This for their eſtat…s, their marriage is alſo to bee looked vntounto by the Parents, as they ſee their i…clination and neceſſity: the wa…t of care herein, is the cauſe of mi… of many youth.

3 M…d…rate & due correction by word, Pro. 13. 24 & by rod, Pro. 22. 25. & 19. S…. & 23 13. 14. & 29 25. In giuing correction, this muſt be obſ…ru…d for the māner, 1 We muſt admo…ſh … of p. 390Gods word, conuincing them of their faults, without bitterneſſe of ſpirit, Col. 3. 21. 2 Wee muſt not prouoke them to wrath: which is two waies done: I By words, when wee burthen them with vniuſt things in the whole, or in p…rt, or lade them with vniuſt and vnmeete, and vnbeſeming precepts. True, this latter ſort of Commandements ought to bee obeyed by the children, yet through corruption it hath in it I know not what matter of prouocation, and Parents ſhould auoide them: or elſe when wee purſue them with …epr…chfull words euer chiding and rating them. 2 By d…eds, in indiſcreet and violent paſſion, while we… correct: in the kind… of corre…ion, th…r…d is a… p…inted, and not ſuch as may indang…r health, in the number of ſtripes, no… ſo long that thy brother ſhould ſeeme vile in t… eyes. This may at the be…t inforce, p. 391but neuer teach. And laſtly, in partiality, immoderately louing one aboue the reſt, which doth greatly exaſperate and prouoke, as wee ſee in Ioſ…phs brethren: in this S. Ambroſe blameth Iacob, who ſhould wiſely hauehave concealed his affections, Gen. 37. 3. 4.

The duty of each apart is,

The duty of the Mother to nurſe her children if ſhe be able; the barren wombe and dry breaſt is a heauy curſe, Hoſ. 9. 14. Nature teacheth it to all women, which giueth with the fruitfull wombe, a moiſtened breaſt. There are onelyonly two caſes wherin ſhe is exempted from this duty: 1 In deficiency of nature, when ſhe hath not milke: 2 In da…ger of life through weakeneſſe. But pride is vſually that which cauſeth them to put off nature.

The duties of children to theirChildrens duty. Parents, are theſe fiue.

p. 3921 Honour, both inward in an holy eſteeme of them, tenderneſſe of reſpect, and obſeruance towards them. And

Outward in reuerend behauiour, in ſpeech and geſture.

2 Obedience, in ſpeciall at ſome times, as in the choiſe of their …lings.

In the election and diſpoſing of their marriages. Thus did Iſaac, Gen: 24. Thus euen Iſhmael, Gen. 21. 21. and Iacob, Gen. 27. 46. This power hath eueryevery Father ouer his Virgin, 1 Cor. 7. 36. 37.

More generally at all times, ſo they muſt obey for the matter, in all t…ings that are not ſi… full, Col. 3. 20. Epheſ. 6. 1. And for the manner, 1 With readineſſe to heare and receiue inſtruction, Pro. 1 8 2 With ind…auour to fulfill their deſires by labour, or otherwiſe. 3 With ſubmiſſion to their rebukes, Pro. 13. 1. R…ſtra…nts in dy…t, apparell, p. 393and recreations, and to their corrections. 4 With all meekeneſſe, expreſſed by obeying w…th …ut inquiring, murmuring, or contendi…g. 5 Without reſpect of profit, elſe it is baſe and mercenary.

3 Feare to diſpleaſe, Leuit. 19. 3.

4 A couering of their i…firmit…es, …ulpable or miſerable onelyonly, as of age, body, or mi…de. The contrary to this was Chams ſin, Gen. 9. 21. 22. which firſt brought in the curſe of ſeruitude.

5 Thankefull requitall of their l…ue and care, which is three waies chi…fly performed.

1 By our good behauiour, being a crowne to our Pa…ents, and not ſonnes that cauſe ſhame, Pro. 17. 6.

2 By aiding and rel…euing them, if they be in need, 1 Tim. 5. 4. after the example of Ioſeph, this is called in Greeke, foreign, to remunetate and requite a p. 394benefit receiued, deriued of …, Ariſt. Hiſt. anim. l. 8. c. 8 pi…ta…is cultrix.viciſſim, againe, and foreign, which ſignifieth a Storke: for this inſtruction is read vsus in natures ſchoole; the Storke, when her damme is old, and labours of age that ſhe cannot flee, ſhee beareth her on her owne wings into the meadowes and places where they feed, and when ſhee hath fed, ſhe carrieth her backe to the neſt againe.

3 By care for their honour in life, in death, and after their death by celebration of their funerals, payment of their debts, as farre as ability will reach, and fulfilling their will, in paying legacies or otherwiſe.

Here note, that the bond of relieuing our Parents, pa…le…h vponupon the heires of the children, or Executors, or Adminiſtrators: for this bur…en is ioyned with the goods of the childe, and therefore is paſſed ouer with them, and …n…a…l…d to them.

p. 395All this thou oweſt,

Though thou be come to high place, or gifts, ſo did Ioſeph to Iacob, and Solomon to his mother 1 King. 2. 19. and our Sauiour to his parents, Luk. 1. 51.

Though they require things that may diſcredit thee in the world: Conſider Gods ordination, or be they diſordered perſons or fooliſh, pray for them, deſpiſe them not, God that knoweth what is beſt for thee, hath ſet thee in this condition, or be they thy ſtep parents, Ruth obeyed Naomi. Yea be they but thy tutors or guardians with whom thou art left in truſt, Heſter obeyed Mordecay.

So farre of Parents and Children.

p. 396§. V. Of the Maſter and Seruant.

THe third relation in the familieThe duty of Maſters is that of Maſter and Seruant, to forme them: it pleaſeth the Holy Ghoſt to be at much paines with, great plaineneſſe in the New teſtament, to ſhew that the ſubiection of ſeruants is a morall and perpetuall ordinance; a ſeruant may be Chriſts freeman, as the freeman is Chriſts ſeruant, ſeruice of me… will ſtand with liberty of Chriſtians: and to aſſure both Maſter and ſeruant that God in ſpeciall requires they make conſcience of their dealing, as they deſire to be no hypocrites in religion▪ and to hauehave the family eſtabliſhed, Pſal. 101. 2. Pro. 14. 3.

The Maſters duty is.

1 To doe that which is iuſt p. 397and equall to their ſeruants. Col. 3. 1. iuſtice is ſhewed, when they require not vniuſt things of them, when they giuegive iuſt and due things to them, both in maintenance, giuing them the portion of food conuenient for them, Pro. 31. 15. and in wages,Iam. 5. 4.Jas 5:4 that it be proportionable to their worke, in due time, and with out defrauding them of any part of it, and if they continue with them long that they ſend them not out empty. Equality is ſhewed, in not impoſing more worke on them then they hauehave ſt…ength to doe, in keeping them in their ſickneſſe, and in not deſpiſing their cauſe, but hearing their iuſt defence. Iob. 31. 13. 14. In giuing them li…ty on the Lords d…y for their ſ…ules good, and in n…t giuing care to eueryevery word that …n ſay of them, or the …. Eccle… 7. 27.

2 To giuegive due correction, p. 398for it is an euill which the earth cannot beare, a Seruant when he ruleth, Pro. 30. 21. 22. nor is it meet to bring vp a ſeruant delicately.

3 To know the waies of their houſhold, not leauing their callings and the whole care of their buſines to their ſeruants. Pro. 27. 23. Pro. 31.

4 To prouide for their ſoules, by praying with them daily. Pſal. 127. 1. 2. 1 Tim. 4. 4. 5. Ier. 10. 25. by training them vp in Gods feare in priuate inſtruction, by bringing them to the publike meanes of grace, compelling them thereto Gen. 35 1. 2. 3. by chuſing into the family faithfull and caſting out lewd ſeruants, as the Haughty of lookes, the proud of heart, lyers, and deceiuers, Pſal. 101. 5. 6. 7. elſe by one ſuch the whole family may be infected.The due…y of Seruants.

S…ruants owe,

1 An high account of their p. 499Maſters, 1 Tim. 6. 1.

2 Obedience for the matter in all things, not ſimply euill, for the manner, ſo as to pleaſe them well, Tit. 2. 9. not only doing the work, but doing, it to their minds & likings, with feare to offend them, 1 Pet. 2. 18 Epheſ. 6. 5. with feare and trembling, in ſingleneſſe of heart & with heartineſſe, heartily with good will doing ſeruice Epheſ. 6. 6. Col. 7. 23. out of conſcience, as to the Lord Epheſ. 6. 7. as fearing God, Col. 3. 22 which feare of God is oppoſed to eye-ſeruice and man pleaſing 2 Sam. 12. 29. and commands that they looke to God whoſe eye is on them, and will require an account of them how they hauehave ſerued their Maſters, that they pray to God for their Maſters, and the family and the good ſucceſſe of their labours after the example of Abrahams ſeruant. Gen. 24. 12. that they ſhew the graces of God in their p. 400calling as they are ſeruants▪ which is the very touchſtone of religion & that that adornes the doctrine of Chriſt our Sauiour, Tit. 2. 10.

3 All good fidelity, Tit. 2. 10. not purloining or filching: but thrifty, carefull that nothing be ſpoyled, or loſt, or miſcarry by their default, after the example of Iacob, Gen. 31. 36. not diſcouering the ſecrets of the family, of their Maſters, of their calling or trade, not eating the bread of Idleneſſe, truſty in executing their Maſters directions; & ſpeedy in diſpatch of buſines abroad, a ſlothfull meſſenger is a prouocation and irkeſome griefe to them that ſend him.

4 Subiection, 1 Pet. 2. 18. to their corrections by words and blowes, 1 Pet. 2. 19. 20. Pro. 29. 19. thoough vniuſt and aboue meaſure; ſo Hagar was commanded to ſubmit to Sarah, Gen. 16. 8. 9. not anſwering againe p. 401by way of contradiction, Tit. 2 9.

5 Moderation and contentation, in dyet and apparell beſeeming ſeruants, in liberty; not gadding out of their place without leaue, much leſſe running abroad a nights, a ſinnefull and wicked rioting, and in their company not offending their Maſter by bringing lewd company into the family, nor keeping ſuch company abroad.

And this is charged on all ſeruants, hired ſeruants as ſtrictly bound to it as bond-ſeruants, old ſeruants are tyed to as much duty as thoſe that come now to ſerue, religious ſeruants aſwell as Pagans, men ſeruants aſwell as women ſeruants, not birth, office, gifts or meanes doe priuiledge from the ſtrict bond of theſe duties.

And this is due to all Maſters without difference of ſexe, as to the Miſtris, 1 Tim. 5. 14. Pro. 31 p. 402or of condition, as to the poore aſwell as the rich, or of diſpoſition, be they froward or good and gentle, or of religion, be they vnbeleeuers or beleeuers, 1 Pet. 2. 18. 1 Tim 6. 1. 2.

Thus do, and thy ſeruice is accepted as obedience to God, Epheſ. 6. 6. and the Lord will pay thee wages aſwell as thy Maſter. Epheſ. 6. 8. and before God there is neither bond nor free, but all are one in Chriſt, Gal. 3. 28. Col. 31. 11.

Thus farre of the ſeuerall ſocieties that conſtitute a familie. We come now to the Church, and there ſee what God faith to the Miniſters and the hearers, the Paſtor and flocke.

p. 403§. VI. Of the Paſtor and the flocke.

THe Paſtor and flocke are the integrall parts of the body of Chriſt, both are faſhiond for vſe and ornament to the body by diſtinct precepts, that it may not be iuſtly ſpoken of them, who is blind as his meſſengers, who are froward as his people.

The Miniſter muſt be guidedThe Miniſt…rs duty. by theſe rules,

1 Hee muſt hauehave a lawfull calling both inward and outward, no man may take this honour to himſelfe. The ſon of God glorified not himſelfe to be an high-Prieſt, but God the father ſaid, thou art my ſonne, this day hauehave I begotten thee. Heb. 5 4▪ that this may be vnderſtood, I beat it out diſtinctly. The calling of p. 402duplicate page p. 403duplicate page p. 404the Miniſter is to be conſidered as it reſpects his calling to the Miniſtery or to the place where he is to exerciſe his Miniſtery. The firſt concernes his ordination by the Church, and his miſſion of God. The latter concernes his allotting by the Church to a place for the execution of his Office and performance of his duety. In a lawfull calling to the Miniſtery is requiſite, Election, tryall and ordination. Election is either the Lords taking and miſſion, or the Churches ſelecting.

1 The Lords choice and ſending is primary and cheife in this calling, How can they preach except they bee ſent, Rom. 10. 14. God is the Author of this calling, Epheſians 4. 11. 12. hee raiſeth vp ſheepheards, Micha 5. 5. Thruſts forth laborours Matth. 9. 37. ſendeth workemen into his Vineyard,Authoritatiue. Matth. 20. 1. 1 Cor. 12. 28. I p. 405hauehave ſet thee a watch man, ſaithThis man the Lord hath taken to be his mouth to a people. God, Ezech. 33. 7. Which inward election or miſſion is knowne 1 By gifts wherewith the Lord endoweth, both of Chriſtian ſanctity and Miniſteriall abilities, that they bee foreign apt to teach 2 Tim. 2. 24. 2 By ſinceritie of heart whereby the Miniſter is conſcious to him ſelfe, that neither Ambition, nor Coue…uouſneſſe, nor E…uy and the like corrupt affections but a ſincere deſire to Edifie the Church, and the true feare of God moo…ed him to deſire the Office of a Biſhop: yet may he that Preacheth the Goſpell looke to liue of the Goſpell; yet this alone may not cauſe any to aſſume the worke without the Churches election.

2 The Churches election, is the outward calling, which examining the gifts of the calling, p. 406which examining the gifts of the called, ratifieth and gratifieth the Lords Election, and this is done by Tryall and ordination.

3 Tryall is either of life or abilities: of life, that they hauehave a good report euen of thoſe that are without, and that there be no proceeding to impoſition of hands, ſuddenly or raſhly, 1 Tim. 3. 2. 7. & 5. 21. 22. Or by partiality. Of abilities alſo, el…e may not the key of knowledge be committed to an Idiot a dumbe dog that cannot barke, the key of heauen cannot be vſed without knowledge.

4 Ordination, the rite hereof was foreign, the impoſition of hands this is the outward miſſion, done by the Miniſtery or presbytery alone, without the people,

The outward calling without the inward may be of force to the Office and worke, but p. 407both requiſite if the Miniſter▪ himſelfe will hauehave any comfort in the worke, yet not the inward of the former force without the outward.

Concerning the Miniſters calling to a place or charge, ſince there now are no Apoſtles (a charge I call a portion of people allotted for him to preach vntounto): beſides all that foreſpoken there are requi…ed two things.

1 The allot…ing of ſuch a man or men to ſuch a portion of people by the Gouernours of the Church.

2 The conſent of the people, whoſe voyce is to …eeCyprian. …. 1. Ep 4. ipſa (ſeilt plebs) maxime pot…ſtatem habet v…l elig…nd… dignos ſacerdotes vel indignos recuſandi. looked vntounto ſaith Saint Cyprian the people hauehave chiefely the power either to chooſe worthy Miniſters or refuſe the vnworthy, and the Lord ſaith in Ezech. 33. 2. If the people of the land take a man, this holdeth vnleſſe it be among infidels, where no church p. 408as yet is planted, there the firſt …lone is ſufficient: as if one choiſe Miniſter were by our Church-Gouernors ſent to the Americans, ſuch a one deſeruedly beares the name of an Euangeliſt, as was Timothy, that ſuch a thing may come into the heart of our gouernours, let vsus all pray.

Hee then hath a lawfull calling inward and outward to ſpeake to a particuler congregation, whom God hath endowed with Chriſtian graces of ſanctity and Miniſteriall abilities, and an vpright deſire to glorifie God and edifie the people, and whom the viſible Church and Gouernors there, hauehave vponupon examination of abilities and on ſufficient teſtimony of approoued life ſet apart to that …unction, and ordained to execute the ſame: and becauſe order is to be kept, and eueryevery one know where he is to teach, this p. 409man ſo furniſhed inwardly and outwardly is the watch man to that congr…gation, to which both the Gouernors of the Church aſſigne him to teach, & that people hauehave teſtified their liking by conſenting▪

After this, not eueryevery diſlike, not any diſlike without true cauſe can diſanull that Miniſters calling.

Let all Miniſters looke well to their entrance, that they may with comfort vndergo the temptations, and troubles of their calling.

This is the firſt rule.

2 He muſt not neglect the gift giuen to him, but ſtire it vp and blow the coales that they may liue and glow▪ 1 Tim. 4. 14. 2 Tim. 1. 6.

3 He muſt beare a tender and fatherly affection towards them for their ſaluation, contented to profeſſe himſelfe, and indeed to be, their ſeruant for p. 410Ieſus ſake: becomming all things to all men by compaſſion, that hee may winne the more, 2 Cor. 4. 5.

4 He muſt attend on reading priuately to himſelfe, 1 Tim. 4. 13.

Exhortation and doctrine among his people, and this in ſeaſon, and out of ſeaſon, publiquely and from houſe to houſe, day and night, willingly, not by conſtraint, of a ready minde, not for filthy lucre, as an enſample to the flock, taking the ouerſight thereof, 1 Pet. 5. 2. 3. 4. 2 Tim 4. 1. 2. 3.

5 He muſt be an enſample to the beleeuers in word, in conuerſation, in charity, in ſpirit, in faith, in purity, 1 Tim: 4. 12. in word▪ that is, in ſpeech, in ſpirit, that is, in feruency and zeale for God and his glory in the ſauing of his hearers.

6 He muſt hold faſt the forme of ſound words, that hee may p. 411feed his flocke with ſincere milke, and may keepe the commandement without ſpot, vnrebukeable, and may bee able to conuince the gaine-ſayer, 2 Tim. 1. 13. 1 Tim. 6. 14. Tit. 1. 9. For as the people muſt bee fed, ſo muſt they bee preſerued from Wolues and Dogges. The mouthes of falſe teachers muſt be ſtopped, Tit. 1. 11.

7 Eccleſiaſticall diſcipline muſt be vſed & maintained with the ſtricteſt bands of good order.

8 He muſt care for their good after his death, 2 Pet. 1. 15. And if it lye in his power, ſee them deliuered to ſome faithfull Paſtor, as Auguſtine ſaw Eradius his ſucceſſor, with ioy, Tom. 2. ep. 110.

This is the duty of the Paſtor.

The people owe to their Miniſter,

1 LoueLove for their works ſake,The peoples duty. they muſt know them which labour p. 412among them, and are ouer them in the Lord, and admoniſh them, 1 Theſ. 5. 12. 13. Their very feete ſhould be beautifull, Rom. 10. 15. The Galathians bare ſuch louelove to the Apoſtle Paul, that they could hauehave puld out their owne eyes to hauehave giuen them to him, Gal. 4. 14. 15.

2 Double honour, they ſhould eſteeme them highly, as Miniſters of the New Teſtament, not of the letter, but of the ſpirit, the Galathians receiued Paul as an Angell of God, as Chriſt Ieſus. There is required alſo a ſpeciall feare in vsus, when we receiue the Miniſters ſent of God, as the Corinthians receiued Titus with feare and trembling, 2 Cor. 7. 15.

3 Maintenance conuenient for his perſon and calling, remembring what the Scripture ſaith, Thou ſhalt not muzzle the Oxe that treadeth out the corne, and the labourer is worthy of his reward, 1 Tim. 5. 18 Gal. 6. 6 p. 413To with-hold tythes, is to rob God, Mal. 3. 8 9. And to giuegive no more then what wee are bound to by law, teſtifieth an heart void of the feare of God: thou ſhouldeſt hauehave thy firſt fruits and free will offerings, Deut. 14. 23. & 12. 17. 18. 19.

4 Obedience to the word taught by them, ſuffering the words of exhortation, and willing to imbrace wholeſome doctrine, Hebr. 13. 17. 22. 2 Tim. 4. 3. LoueLove, honour, and maintenance, are nothing without obedience, nor doe make thy godly Miniſter goe on with ioy in his labours if this be wanting. The greateſt encouragement to thy Miniſter is ſubmiſſion, and profeſſed ſubiection to the Goſpell of Chriſt in all things. Now we liue, ſaith the Apoſtle Paul, if ye ſtand faſt in the Lord, 1 Theſ. 3. 8. For what is our ioy or hope, or crowne of reioycing. Are not euen yee in the p. 414preſence of our Lord Ieſus Chriſt, at his comming? yee are our glory and ioy. Oh happy thing, when the Miniſter comming before … iudgement ſeate of Chriſt, the great ſhepheard of the ſheepe, can ſay, Behold, here am I, and the children which thou haſt giuen me. But ſhall not your countenance bee daſhed, when all the account he can make, is this, I hauehave ſpoken vntounto them, and they would not heare. Lord, who hath beleeued our report? I hauehave laboured in vaine, I hauehave ſpent my ſtrength for nought, and in vaine, Eſa. 49. 4. Reade and peruſe that one Text in Eſa. 30. 8. 9. 10. 11. Now goe, ſaith the Lord, write it before them in a Table and note it in a Booke, that it may bee for the time to come, for euer and euer. That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not heare the law of the Lord; which ſay to the ſeers, ſee not, and to the Prophets, prophecie not vntounto vsus p. 415right things ſpeake vntounto vsus ſmoothe things, prophecy deceits, get ye out of the way: turne aſide out of the path: Cauſe the Holy one of Iſrael to ceaſe from before vsus.

§. VII. Of Neighborhood.

THe moſt eminent relationsThe rules for neighbourhood. wherein wee ſtand obliged one to another in ſocieties, hauehave beene bandled; thoſe of more priuate ſtate follow, and ſo firſt that of neighborhood. Here I take the word neighbour, ſtrictly, as wee doe ordinarily in our common talke: and for our direction, I hauehave ſelected ſome choice rules, which being taken vp in practiſe, may make our neighbourhood religious and righteous. The rather ſhould we p. 416attend to theſe rules, becauſe it is an imputation caſt vponupon religion and preaching, that it ſpoiles all good neighbourhood: yet in very deed it ſhall appeare, that this onelyonly formes vsus hereunto, and deſtroyes nothing. but that bad▪ good-fellowſhip of rude, vnmortified men, which is impious, vnciu…ll, and pernicious.

That thou maieſt bee a good neighbour, (beſides the rules of dutie to men before deliuered in the ninteenth to the 27. Section of the ſecond part.) Some things muſt in ſpeciall be auoyded, ſome things muſt be done by thee.

For the things to bee auoyded, they are theſe.

1 Thou maieſt not remoue the ancient Land-marke, nor dare to enter into the field of the fatherleſſe: their Redeemer is mighty, hee ſhall plead their cauſe with thee, Prouerbs 23. 10. 11.

p. 4172 Thou muſt not thinke to lay houſe to houſe, and land to land, till thou haſt depopulated the place where thou liueſt, that thou maieſt bee placed alone in the midſt of the land. Nor bee carried with the vanity of ſtately buildings, ſo that thy faire houſe ſhould deuoure the timber of thy neighbours houſe that dwelleth by thee. Woe, woe to thee, thou coueteſt an euill couetouſneſſe to thy houſe. The ſtone ſhall cry out of the wall, and the beame out of the timber ſhall anſwere it. God ſhall ſmite thee with a curſe in thine owne kinde: for of a truth, many houſes ſhall be deſolate; yea, great and faire without inhabitant; yea, tenne acres of vineyard ſhall yeeld but one bathe, and the ſeed of an Homer ſhall yeeld an Epha. Barrenneſſe and famine ſhall bee the ſcourge of ſuch wickedneſſe, Eſa. 5. 8. 9. 10. Heb. 2. 9. 10. 11.

p. 4183 Auoid the backbiting tongue, Pro. 25. 23. The talebearer, Pro. 26 10. The contentious man, Pro. 26. 21.

4 When thou commeſt into his Vineyard or Orchard, put not vp into thy veſſell, nor mooue a ſickle to his ſtanding corne, thou ma…eſt put forth thy hand and e…te for thy neceſſity, Deut. 23. 24 25.

5 Deſpiſe him not, nor hate him becauſe he is poore, Pro. 14. 20. 21.

6 Enuy him not for a right worke, an vſuall ſickneſſe vnderunder the Sunne, Eccleſ. 4 4

7 Smite not thy neighbour ſecretly, leſt it be a curſe to thee. Deceiue him not, and thinke to put it off by ſaying, Am I not in ſport? Deut. 27. 24. Prou. 26. 18. 19.

8 Meddle not with the ſtrife that belongs not to thee, ſo maieſt thou take a dogge by the eares, Pro. 26. 17.

p. 4199 Preſſe not too much vponupon his kindeneſſe, leſt thou ſhouldeſt ſeeme burdenſome, withdraw thy foote from his houſe, leſt he be weary of thee, Pro. 25. 17.

10 Take not to pledge the inſtruments or tooles of his calling and trade, the meanes wherby he muſt get his liuing: as the vpper and nether milſtone. If hee bee poore, thou maieſt not ſleepe with his pledge all night, but deliuer it to him before the ſunne goe downe, if it bee any thing that appertaines to food, raiment, or lodging, Deut. 24. 6. 10. 11. 12 13.

11 Thou maieſt not call him to the Alehouſe or Taue…ne, to bibbe and drinke, or play the glutton, thou muſt not put thy bottle to him, and make him drunke. Woe to thee if thou doe it; this is curſed fellowſhip, which thou calleſt good fellowſhip. The Lord hath a cup for p. 420thee to drinke of, the cup of his right hand, drinke thou alſo, and let thy fore-skinne be vncouered, and ſhamefull ſpuing ſhall be on thy glory, Heb. 2. 15. 16.

For the things to be done, they are theſe.

1 Exhort and perſwade, and call them to the Aſſemblies and holy duties: the prophecies foretell ſuch things of Chriſtian neighbours. The inhabitants of one City ſhall goe to another, ſaying; Let vsus goe ſpeedily to pray before the Lord, and to ſeeke the Lord of hoſts. I will goe alſo, Zach. 8. 21:

2 In your meetings, let there be the ſerious conſideration of the workes of Gods hands, and the remembrance of the Lords mercies in ſtead of the Wine, and Harpe, and Tabret, and Pipe, Eſa. 5. 11. 12. Breake off euill diſcourſe, and preuent it, and diuert it by imitating the p. 421example of Sampſon, who propoſed a riddle to the Philiſtimes when they feaſted together, Iudg. 14. 12. 13.

3 Bring home his ſtray cattell, and all loſt things, if thou finde them, and with-hold not thy helpe if his beaſt be downe vnderunder his burden, Deuteronomie 22. 1. 2. 3.

4 If there ariſe any matter of diſlike; debate thy cauſe with thy neighbour himſelfe, and reueale not thy ſecrets to another, Pro. 25. 8. 9. 10.

5 Obſerue the Apoſtles rule, ſpeake eueryevery one truth to his neighbour, Epheſ. 4. 25.

Theſe concerne neighbourhood, the ſecond relation of more priuate ſtate, is that of friendſhip.

p. 422§. VIII. Of Friendſhip.

COncerning friendſhip, theRules for friendſhip. Lord directs thee in two things.

The choiſe of thy friend.

The vſage of thy friend.

For the choiſe of thy friend,How to chooſe thy friend. he requireth,

1 That hee bee a religious man. What agreement can there be betweene righteouſneſſe and vnrighteouſo…ſſe? thou m…ieſt not leaue the path to bleſſedneſſe ſet downe in Pſal. 1. 1. to walke in the way of friendſhip

2 That amongſt them thou chooſe not thy friend by his wealth, Pro 19 4.

3 That thou make no friendſhip with an angry man that cannot rule his ſpirit, Prouer. 22. 24 25.

4 That thou make him not p. 423thy friend that cannot conceale a ſecret.

5 That if it be poſſible, thou retaine thy fathers friend to bee thine, Pro. 27. 6.

When thou haſt choſen thyHow to vſus… thy friend. friend, then let thy friendſhip be thus carryed.

1 Learne to couer tranſgreſſions, and iniuries or treſpaſſes, this is to ſeeke louelove, but the repetition of old matters ſeparateth very friends, Pro. 17. 9.

2 GiueGive hearty counſell, this is as oyn…ment and perfume, it ſharpens a mans countenance, Pro. 27. 9. 17. 19. and maketh them mutually, the glaſſe where in they may ſee one anothers face.

3 Preferre a rebuke from thy friend, before a kiſſe from thine enemie. Pro. 27. 5. 6.

4 Vſe no flattery, as moſt abhorring to the lawes of friendſhip, affect not the praiſing of p. 424thy friend ſtudy it not, ſeeme not, to doe it of ſet purpoſe. Pro. 27. 14.

5 Be true and intire to him, as was Ionathan to Dauid, the prime paire in Scripture Commended for thy imitation.

6 V…e thy friend in the day of thy calamity, rather then thy brother, a friend loueth at all times, & the day of aduerſity is prope…ly the time for which he was made. Pro. 27. 10.

7 And thoug… it bee the chiefe error in friendſhip to goe farre from thy friend in a ſtraight and in his pouerty: and to be wanting to him, when he purſueth thee with words, as is noted by Solomon, Pro. 19. 7. yet this one particular Solomon himſelfe warnes thee of as a note of a man voyde of, vnderſtanding, to ſtrike, and become ſurty in the preſence of his friend. Pro. 17 18. raſh …ur…iſhip, in as much as it ouerthroweth thy p. 425eſtate, houſe and poſterity, is exceedingly ſinfull, and may not be vndertaken, no not for thy friend, Hee that hateth ſuch ſuretiſhip is ſure.

8 He that hath a friend muſt ſhew himſelfe friendly: there is a friend that ſticketh cloſer then a brother, Pro. 18. 24.

Thus farre alſo of friendſhip▪ there yet remaines a third caſe contrary hereunto, that is Enmity, or how wee ſhould behaue our ſelues to our enemies.

§ IX Of Enmity.Rules about enmity.

ABout this neceſſary point, firſt thou muſt be warned, that thou entertaine nothing that may alienate thy heart from any man, if thou be angry, thou muſt bee angry and not ſinne, p. 426and if a raſh anger ſhould take hold of thee, thou maieſt not let the Sunne goe downe, vponupon thy wrath, that were to giuegive place to the Deuill, Epheſ. 4. There is an holy Hatred of Gods enemies, but that muſt be a perfect hatred: an hatred of the vice, a louing of the man, not hating the man, as if hee were the vice, nor louing of the vice, as if it were the man. Now be it that thou carry thy ſelfe thus faire and religiouſly, yet thou maieſt hauehave many an enemie:

In Caſe thou haſt enemies, that are enemies to thee, (whether they be enemies to God or no, for that is not the queſtion now in hand as being decided in the 26. Section of the ſecond part) theſe are ſound and profitable directions.

1 Preſently looke into thine owne heart, eſpie all thy waies, to ſee if thou hauehave in any fault p. 427willingly committed, broken thy peace with God, for this is vſuall, we caſt off the thing that is good and then the enemie is let looſe to purſue vsus, This is Gods dealing whether it be with a nation, or with a man onelyonly. H…ſ. 8. 3. 4. We fall from God, and then man and creature fall from vsus. If vponupon ſearch thou findeſt any ſuch Achan troubler of thy peace, purſue him to death, let not thine eye ſpare, ſet all in order, that thy wayes may pleaſe the Lord, for When a mans wayes pleaſe the Lord, hee maketh euen his enemies to be at peace with him▪ Pro. 16. 7.

2 LoueLove him, bleſſe though he curſe, pray for him; if he …unger, feed him; if hee thirſt, giuegive him drinke; for thou ſhalt heape coales of fire vponupon his head, and the Lord ſhall reward thee, Pro. 25. 21. 22. thou maieſt in a glorious manner be conqueror, if thou hold the rule of the p. 428Apoſtle, ouercome euill with goodneſſe. Rom. 12. 21. but it is ſomewhat diſhonorable for a Chriſtian to be ouercome of euill, to faſhion thy heart hereunto remember the louelove of thy Lord Ieſus who Died for thee when thou waſt weake, vngodly and wicked, and an enemy, yea nothing but enmity: Rom. 5. 6. 8. 10.

3 HaueHave not Gloſing lippes and a wicked heart, this is like a pot ſheard Couered with ſiluer droſſe. Seuen abominations will quickly be in thy heart: and this is thy ſentence from God, whoſe hatred is couered by deceit, his wickedneſſe ſhall be ſhewed before the whole congregation. Pro. 26. 23. 25. 26.

4 If hee hauehave wronged thee and doe treſpaſſe thee, forgiue him, till ſeuen times; till ſeuenty times, ſeuen times. If the in…uries be ſuch as ruine thy credit and ſtate, or indanger p. 429thy life, ſeeke the benefit of the Magiſtrate, not by way of reue…e that is alwayes vnlawfull, but by way of defenſe, heartily embracing euer the termes of peace, and readily performing when occaſion is offered, the Offices of lo…e, in the midſt of the neat of ſeeking redreſſe.

5 Reioyce not at his fall, let not thine heart ſecretly bee glad when hee ſtumbleth: leſt the Lord ſee it, and it diſpleaſe him, and hee turne away his wrath from him. Pro. 24. 18.

Hitherto of the Relations of more priuate ſtate, the eſtates of mere priuacy do follow and there firſt, the aged.

p. 430§ X. Of the aged.

THe choiſe rules that reſpectRules for the aged. the aged whether men or women wee finde gathered to our hands by the Apoſtle Paul to Titus Chap. 2. verſ. 2. 3. 4. thoſe in the ſecond verſe reſpect aged men, wherin eueryeveryNulla aetas ad diſcendumſera eſt crubeſcat ſenectus q…ae ſe crudiri non p…titur. Ambroſ. ad Symmachum. The men. word is a rule.

The aged men muſt bee ſober, Graue, temperate, found in faith, in charity, in patience.

1 Whereas it is too common a fault to old age, to bee bibbing, they are charged with ſobriety, for aged men conſcious of their infirmity, are ready to ſeeke ſtrength in a more free vſe of wine and ſtrong drinke, needfull therefore is this watch word, and worthy to be ſet in the front.

2 Grauity is ſuiteable to p. 431their age, an habit, geſture, ſpeech and well compoſed manners fauoring thereof which may winne them reſpect and keepe authority ouer the youth; there ſhould ſhine in old age a certaine Maieſticall dignity, which ſhould cauſe the youth to hide themſelues and bring on them a kinde of baſhfulneſſe.

3 Temperance, not teſtineſſe,Temeritas …entis …ſ. aeta…, prudentia ſ… neōtutis. Cic. de ſenectute. Dem…alike, nor haſtineſſe, and pettiſh preuiſhneſſe, not wantonneſſe, which ſeene by youth maketh them more impudent in Laſciuiouſneſſe, and what more odious, then an old man playing the wanton, and expreſſing an incontinent hart, when coldneſſe hath eneruated his body, nor raſhneſſe, but all prudence.

4 Soundneſſe in faith, in charitie, and patience, the boary head is a crowne, if it bee found in the way of righteouſneſſe: old p. 432age is a ſickneſſe and full of infirmities which cannot be cured, How ſhould they then ſeeke a ſound heart and ſoule, & theſe three graces are the Summe ofƲidua eſt vi…tus, quā non …ui…n …ia firmal. …. Chriſtian perfection, ſaith to God in Chriſt, Charity to men, and patience to ſuſtaine both, and to be as ſalt to preſerue and reliſh both.

The aged women muſt bee in The wo….behauiour as becommeth holineſſe, not falſe accuſers, nor giuen to much wine, teachers of good things, and examples to young women, verſ. 3. 4.

1 Their behauiour muſt bee as becommeth godlineſſe, this ſexeforeign, in the whole habit of the body and outward carriage expreſſeth a great deale of leuity and pride euen to the graue, and ſcarſe any thing ſaue religion and grace in the heart can perſwade, euen when it hath perſwaded them to put it off▪ (well were it, if it could perſwade, euen p. 433when it hath perſwaded them,) the Apoſtle therefore preſſeth this vponupon them, telling that godlineſſe muſt be ſeene in the behauiour, the gate, and countenance, the apparell and faſhion of apparell, the ſpeech, the ſilence of ancient Matrones, ſhould carry in the face of them a certaine dignitie of ſacred comelineſſe: the Grace in the heart and the godlineſſe taught according to Chriſt in the Goſpell, ſhould be imprinted in the very ſpeech, eye, face, geſture and garments.

2 They muſt not bee falſe accuſers, Loquacity and babling is common with the aged of that ſexe, and ſome of them, neuer thinke they hauehave beene eloquent, but when they hauehave told ſome tale to detract from others: hence it is that their meetings vſually ſpiced with theſe diſcourſes are the fountaine of all diſcords and diſſentions p. 434among neighbours howmuch then ſhould all Matrons ſuſpect themſelues in this point.

3 They may not be giuen to much wine, which indeede ſets the tongue a flote, makes them forget the former godly behauiour, and giuegive examples that lead from modeſty and honeſty, this very vice hath made many aged women turne bawdes. See to it, I pray you, Wine is a mocker, ſtrong drinke is …ging.

4 They muſt bee teachers … m…dwiues in moſt places are greiuouſly dſieaſed in this caſe.of good things, not full of old wiues tales, dotages of ſuperſtitious obſeruations, ſtoryes of miracles, louelove ſongs, wanton tales, which is a diſeaſe that moſt old women are ſicke of euen to death, whereby they inf…ct the yonger ſort, and are the cauſe of moſt euiſls found vponupon them, Were it not fit for them to teach the yonger p. 435women to louelove their Husbands, to louelove their children, to be diſcree… and chaſt and keeper at home with the like.

5 They muſt be examples to the young woman in all the following virtues which are required in them, as louelove, chaſtity, diſcretion, &c.

Theſe concerne the Aged, what concernes young men and women followeth.

§. XI. Of the Youth.

THe remarkeable praiſe ofRules for youth. young women and young men are deliuered in the ſame place, Tit. 2. 4. 5. 6.

VponUpon young women ſhouldThe women. …e found.

I Sobriety and prudence and moderation which chiefely in women ſhould be ſhewed p. 436in their apparell, therein what is and is not …modeſt is taught in 1 Tim. 2. 9. 10. Art in haire, gold and pearles vnlawfull as againſt ſobriety, modeſty, piety and good workes. Sobrietie with faith ſanctifies the paines of child bearing, verſ. 15.

2 LoueLove to their Husband, and children, which preuent and deliuer from all vnlawfull louelove, and luſt, as the preſeruatiue of the you…g man from …he boſome of a ſtranger, is to be ra…ſht with the louelove of his wife, and to bee ſatisfied with her breſtes alwaies. Pro. 5.

3 Diſcretion, the beauty of their beauty: and chaſtity or coniugall purity, their chiefeſt glory, next to Chriſt and faith in him.

4 Keepers at hom…, not gadders from houſe to houſe: their owne houſes, their cloiſters, and there the true Nunnes, or rather g…dly Matrones ſeruing God in p. 437their callings and conſcionable diſcharge of them.

5 Good, i. meeke of ſpirit, gentle, amiable, apt and tendable, not brawling, bitter, talkatiue, and imperious.

6 Obedient to their Huſbands: theſe things adorne their profeſſion, and are of a winning and alluring nature.

Yong men are eſpecially toThe men▪ looke to Temperance, that they be ſober minded. This one vertue workes a cure (together with piety and godlineſſe) vponupon the hearts of young men: for it deliuers from all exceſſe, in recreations, in meate and drinke, in apparell, in paſſions of the minde, and in thoſe things that reſpect continency and chaſ…ity: and in theſe, yong men are moſt faulty. Temperance in recreations, ſees that wee ſport not our ſelues with things vnlawfull; as chambering and wantonneſſe, nor of ill fame, as p. 438Cards and Dice. It moderates the affections, that the heart be not ſtollen away by them, and gouernes the paſſions of anger, ioy, and the like, and requires a ſtint be put to them for the time, that recreation bee not made a vocation.

Temperance in meate and drinke, lookes to the quantity, that it oppreſſe not nature, and the quality, that it bee not with exceſſiue variety, and delicious fare eueryevery day, as it was with Diues, and the time, that wee ſit not at it, as thoſe that ſpend their time in Alchouſes, and at their meales can ſit three houres oft times: and the company, that it be not with wine bibbers and riotous eaters of fleſh, Prouerbs 23. 20.

Temperance in apparell, looketh to comelineſſe, ſhamefaſtneſſe, thriftineſſe, and godlineſſe.

Temperance in paſſions of p. 439the minde, is when feare, ioy, anger, ſorrow, keepe meaſure, guided by reaſon and religion, and directed to ſome good end.

Temperance in things appertaining to chaſtity, reſpects the purity of thoughts, affection, words, deeds, in the ſtate of ſingle li…e or marriage: for there is a threefold chaſtity.

Of the Virgine.Coſtitas Coniuga…, virginitotis viduitatis. Ambroſ.

Of the married perſon.

Of the Widdow.

Theſe reſpect yonger men and women. There followeth virginity and widdowhood.

§. XII. Of the Virgin and Widdow.

COncerning Virgins of bothRules for the Virgin. ſexes, wee hauehave receiued from the Lord, onelyonly theſe two p. 440directions.

1 That if any hauehave the gift of continency, either from the wombe, borne ſo, or by ſpeciall grace and power ouer their owne will for the kingdome of Gods ſake, hee abſtaine from marriage, and vſe that eſtate, as freer from diſtractions and trouble in the fleſh.

2 That they vſe the holy remedy of marriage if they hauehave a calling thereto; that is, if they cannot containe; for it is better to marry, then to burne; 1 Cor. 7. 9. That ye may know what it is to burne, vnderſtand there are three degrees of rentations to luſt. The firſt is, when the aſſaults of concupiſcence preuaile ſo, as to caſt downe the will, and carry it captiue, ſo that the heart is on fire with concupiſcence and vncleane thoughts; this is the worſt kinde of burning. The ſecond is, when the aſſaults of luſt cannot winne full conſent p. 441of will, yet doe ſtrike ſo forcibly vponupon the ſoule, that they amaze it, and hurry it with a blinde violence, and diſquiet the heart, and ſet it ſo out of frame, that they are vnfit for any holy dut…y. Both theſe are burnings which muſt be quenched by marriage, if they bee found with vsus after the vſe of watchings, faſtings, and prayer▪ The third is, when we ſeele the motions of luſt, but can ſo valiantly reſiſt, that the true louelove of chaſtity and ſhamefaſtneſſe is not thruſt out of our hearts, but wee abhorre all filthy and vncleane motions. Theſe hauehave no calling yet to marry.

Concerning Widdowes, theRules for the Widdow. Scripture ſpeaketh expreſly in one place, 1 Tim. 5. Where they are caſt by the Apoſtle into two rankes.

1 Into ſuch as were Widdowes indeede, truely deſtitute of houſe, husband, kindred, able p. 442to helpe them, or to be helped by them, or children, or meanes, who had not to truſt to but God, and continued in ſupplications and prayers, day and night. Who were aged 60. yeeres, the wife of one man, well reported for good workes, euen workes of ſeruice; as lodging ſtrangers, waſhing the Saints feet, viſiting the ſicke, &c. Theſe were to bee aided and relieued out of the Churches treaſury: and the miniſters and Deacons were to hauehave ſpeciall care of them for their maintenance.

2 Into younger Widdowes, and ſuch as had friends to maintaine them, theſe might not bee put to the Church to maintaine, leſt ſhee ſhould be burdened, and not hauehave where with to maintaine and relieue Widdowes indeed.

And for the young Widdowes, the rule is giuen in verſe 14. and the reaſon of it in p. 443verſe 15.

The rule is, that they marry, bring vp children, guide the houſe, and giuegive no occaſion to the aduerſary to ſpeake reprochfully.

The reaſon is, for ſome are already turned aſide after Sathan.

Here let the Church ſee on whom to beſtow her reuenues and reliefe, and let Papiſts for euer be confounded, while they looke on their Monaſteries and Nunneries, which feed vponupon that which belongs not to them.

Thus hauehave I endeauoured to lay before all ſorts the path which is called Holy. Let no ſluggiſh Chriſtian ſay, A Lyon is in the way, a fell Lyon is in the path; for, no Lyon ſhall bee there, nor any rauenous beaſt ſhall goe vp thereon, it ſhall not bee found there: but the redeemed ſhall walke there, and the ranſomed of the Lord ſhall returne and come (in this way) to Zyon with ſongs, and euer laſting ioy vponupon their heads: they ſhall obtaine p. 444ioy and gladneſſe, and ſorrow and ſighing ſhalt flee away. Euen ſo Amen Lord Ieſus. So be it.

Thou meeteſt him that reioyceth and worketh righteouſneſſe, To thee be glory for euer.

FINIS.

Errata.

PAge 15. line 7. for, that God did, reade that God that did. p. 50. l. 26. put out or, p. 141. l. 22. for as, r. and, p. 143. l. 16. for charge, r. change, p. 144. l. 7. for it, r. are, p. 165. l. 4. r. which is the gift, p. 147. l 14. r. I doe not remember, p. 149 l. 5 for and, r. end, p. 174 l 1. for, that hee, r. he that would, p. 175. l. 18. for into the deſi…es, r. in the deſires, p. 196. l the laſt, for word, r. world, p. 204. l. 19 for patience, r. Patient, p. 206. for ignorant, r ignorance, p. 211. l. 1. put out if, p. 230. l. 21. for rage, r. range, p. 252. l 4. for praiſe, r. phraſe, & l. 6. for defying, r. befying, & l. 7, for. deſcrying, r, decrying, p. 266. l. 17. for will indure, r. will not indure, p. 272. for willes, r wiles, p. 301. l 19. for of death, griefes face, r. of deaths griſly face, p. 318. l. 1. for care, r. cure, p. 336. l. 21. for hoyes, r. homines, p 326. l. 16. for the, r. thee, p. 327. l. 2. for couenant, r. Commandement, p. 355. l. 20. put in I…hu, p. 360. l. 22. for conſerue, r. conſtrue, p. 349. put out the 17. and 18 line.

LONDON, Printed by THOMAS HARPER, for Philemon Stephens and Chriſtopher Meredith and are to bee ſold at the Golden Lyon in Pauls Church-yard 1630.

End of the text · Richard Byfield, The Light of Faith (1630)