A Treasury of Similes, Part D

A Treasury of Similes · Part D

p. 215Spirituall Doctrine of our ſoules.

1 AS God workes in his creatures, that after winter comes Summer, and after a ſtorme, comes faire weather: So in the ſpirituall Doctrine of our ſoules, firſt hee teacheth repentance; preacheth the Lawe; threatneth vengeance for ſinne; caſtes downe man in his owne ſight; and p. 216lets him looke euen into hel, with feare of conſcience for his diſobedience; but afterwards he comforts him, rayſeth him vp, and heales him. Math. 9.13.

Deſires of the fleſh, how they are quenched.

LIke as the Dropſie deſires and longeth after drinke, and drinke greatly increaſes it: Euen ſo euill Deſires, and corrupt affections, if they bee followed, doo much increaſe, but being refrained, they decreaſe.

The Deceites of the world are daungerous.

1 AS they which walke in a myſt, do not ſee it ſo well, as they which ſtand vponupon an hill from it: Euen ſo it fareth in diſcerning the Deceites and diſſimulations of the world; whoſe propertie is to blind them that come to it, to the end they may not ſee their owne eſtate: Euen as a Rauen firſt of all ſtriketh out the poore ſheepes eyes, and ſo bringeth to paſſe, that ſhee may not ſee the way to eſcape from his tyrannie.

2 Like as a mans naked body toſſed and tumbled among many thornes, cannot but be much rent and torne, and made bloudy with the prickes thereof: So a worldly mans ſoule, beaten with the cares and cogitations of this life, cannot but be vexed with reſtles pricking of the ſame; and wounded alſo with many temptations of ſin, which follow vponupon it.

Diſcord.

AS Muſicke, if the harmonie of the ſtrings be not conſonantly fitted, the ſound is not ſweete nor acceptable to any good and tunable eare: Euen ſo, if Chriſtians doo diſagree amongſt themſelues, they are vnacceptable to God.

Diſeaſes of the mind.

AS the wounds of the body with often rubbing and chafing, are made ſometimes incurable: Euen ſo the p. 217Diſeaſes of the mind, if they be exaſperated and ſtirred vp, will more and more rebell and draw the partie in whom they are to ſinne more greedily, then euer he did before.

Death of the body not to be feared.

1 LIke as a traueller, who hauing paſſed many daungers, reioyceth greatly whē he approacheth neare vntounto his own contrie, or home. Or as a man, who willingly departeth out of a ruinous houſe, ready to fall vppon his head: Euen ſo a godly Chriſtian can take no pleaſure in this tranſitorie world, ſeeing each day he draweth nearer to an end then other, where the pleaſures that he receiueth, are nothing to the paines hee ſuffereth, and his delights doo coſt him ſo deare. Phil. 1.23.

2 As men locke vp their beſt apparell in a cheſt, meaning to weare them againe: Euen ſo are the Dead bodies of the faithfull, buried in ſure and certaine hope of riſing againe to life euerlaſting. And therefore none ought to feare Death, or be vnwilling to die.

3 As money borrowed is to bee paide againe with thankes, and good will: So the life that wee hauehave borrowed of God, is to bee yeelded vp with cheerfull countenance and thankes.

Dunſticall writers.

AS the ſauour of the beaſt Panther, ſeemeth ſweete to none other then vntounto bruite beaſtes: So is Scotus and other Dunſticall writers, to ſharpe, quicke, and good wits, moſt fooliſh: Whereas vntounto doltes, and dawes, they are as deare as any darling.

Decree, or purpoſe of God.

AS no man is able, neither King, Prince, nor Potentate, to ſtay, ſtoppe, or hinder the courſe of the Sunne, Moone, or Starres: So likewiſe can no man ſtay, p. 218let, or hinder the Decree, purpoſe, determination, or coū ſell of God. Pro. 21.30.

Decreaſe of renued holineſſe.

AS when a theefe goeth about to ſpoyle any man of his goods, if hee offer to breake in at the broadſide of his houſe, he is ſtraightway eſpied and receiueth the repulſe; but if he vndermine the houſe, he may bee within it, and on the dweller before he bee aware: So when as Sathan commeth as it were bluntly to a Chriſtian, and doth at the firſt daſh, moue him to forſake, and renounce God by infidelitie, his malicious purpoſe is ſoone eſpied, and for the moſt part ſo carefully reſiſted, that hee hath not any hope euer to preuaile by that meanes, and to robbe the regenerate man of his renewed holineſſe: So that he is driuen to take another way by the end (for he will neuer giuegive ouer) and to goe more cloſely to worke.

Day of Iudgement terrible to the wicked.

1 AS Cornelius being a iuſt man, and feared God, was yet affraid when hee ſaw the Angell: Euen ſo, much more ſhall the wicked be aſtonied and confounded at the preſence of God, at the Day of Iudgement. Act. 10.2.3.4. 2. Theſ. 1.9.10.

2 Like as when the boughes of the Fig tree bee tender, and that it beginneth to bring forth leaues, it is a certaine token that Summer is neare: Euen ſo, treaſons, peſtilence, warres, famine, Earthquakes, &c. are the Prefaces or Prologues to ſorrowes, and ſhew that the Day of Iudgement is neare, euen at the doores. Math. 24.32. Math. 13.28.

Death of Christ.

1 AS the hearbe Panax, or Panace, hath in it a remedie againſt all diſeaſes: So is the Death of Chriſt, againſt all ſinne, ſufficient and effectuall.

2 Like as the ſtorme and tempeſt of the Sea, was pacified, p. 219and ceaſed as ſoone as Ionas was caſt into it: Euen ſo, by the Death, burial, and reſurrection of Chriſt, the wrath of God was truely, and indeed pacified; that calmeneſſe might be giuen vntounto the troubled conſciences of ſinners: and a moſt ſure attonement and peace made betwixt God and vsus. Iona. 7.2. &c.

3 Like as a Corraſiue which being applied to the part affected, eateth out the venime and corruption: Euen ſo the Death of Chriſt by faith applied, frettethout, & conſumeth the concupiſcence, and the corruption of the whole man.

Diſpleaſure foreſeene.

AS a man doth receiue more at wil, and with leſſe daunger, the ſtroke which hee foreſeeth: So a Diſpleaſure foreſeene, and prouided for, and before perceiued, doth leſſe annoy him.

Death.

1 AS no man may maruaile at a thing burnt, that might be burned, or at a thing molten, that was to be melted: So is it not to bee maruelled, that any is Dead, which was mortall, and borne to die.

2 Like as a man which walketh ouer a fielde couered with Snow, and ſees not his way, but when he thinketh to runne on, ſodenly fals into a pit: Euen ſo they which hauehave all things at will, and ſwim in pleaſures, which as a Snow couereth their way, and dazeleth their ſight; while they thinke to liue on & reioyce ſtill, ſodainly ruſh vponupon Death, and make ſhipwracke in the calme ſea.

Delight.

THey that ſeeke in Plato, Demoſthenes, and ſpecially in the ſacred Scriptures, nothing but vtterance and eloquence: Are like vntounto thoſe that delight in the onelyonly colour and ſauour of ſalues and medicines.

p. 220Falſe Doctrines, and inuentions of men.

1 LIike as hey, wood & ſtuble, put to the fire, are brought to ſudden conſuming: Euen ſo the Doctrines and inuentions of men, not ſtabliſhed by the word of God, cannot beare the tryall of the holy Ghoſt, but they by and by fall away and periſh. 1. Cor. 3.12.13.14.15.

2 As there is no foode more wholſome then the foode of the word of God, if it bee receiued ſincerely as it is: So there is none more noyſome and hurtfull, when it is marred with mixture of other things mingled with it, then is the falſe Doctrine of men.

3 As ſmoke hurteth the eyes, and ſuffereth them not to ſee clearely: So alſo doth peruerſe Doctrine, it dazeleth the eyes, taketh away iudgement, & blindeth with error.

4 As it is great fooliſhneſſe to forſake the cleare fountaines, and to drinke puddle water: ſo it is great folly to leaue the ſweete Doctrine of the Euangeliſts, and to ſtudy the dreames of mens imaginations.

Diſcipline.

1 LIke as if there were neuer ſo faire a garden or orchard planted, and yet the ſame left without a fence, or but with a bad fence, ſo that ſomthing (ere it were long) ſhuld get in, and ſo roote vp the hearbes, and marre the plants: Euen ſo is it in the Church where Diſcipline wanteth, although there be neuer ſo ſound and good preaching with Catechiſing, againſt ſin and wickednes, yet the edge therof is ſo dulled, that it is fruitleſſe and of little force.

2 Like as when a man goeth a ſtray and wandreth in ſome Forreſt, not knowing in what great danger, it would no doubt, be a great comfort to him to bee told of his errour, and taught the right way: Euen ſo the principall end of Diſcipline, tendeth, that eueryevery member of the Church p. 221ſhould walke in the feare of God; and that if any one goe a ſtray, he ſhould be brought backe into the way of ſaluation. Math. 18.15.16.17.

3 Euen as when a man falleth into a ditch or deepe pit, ready to be drowned, he hath good cauſe to thanke him that pulleth him out and ſaueth his life: So likewiſe we are to account our ſelues much bound and beholding to the Eccleſiaſticall Diſcipline of Gods Church, when wee, (through wickedneſſe and lewdneſſe of life, are ready to be drowned in hell) then (I ſay) wee are by good documents, exhortations, reprehenſions, and publike admonitions, hayled and drawne out of the ſame.

4 As no Cittie, Towne, houſe or familie, can maintaine their eſtate, and proſper, without Policie and Gouernment: Euen ſo the Church of God, which requireth more purely to bee gouerned then any Cittie, or familie, cannot without ſpirituall Policie, and Eccleſiaſticall Diſcipline, continue, increaſe and flouriſh.

5 As the word of God is the life and ſoule of the Church: So a godly order of Diſcipline, is as it were ſinewes in the body, which knit and ioyne the members together with decent order and comelineſſe: It is a bridle to ſtay the wicked from their miſchiefes: It is a ſpurre to pricke forward ſuch as bee ſlow and negligent: yea and for all men, it is the Fathers rodde, euer in a readineſſe to chaſtiſe gentlie the faultes committed, and to cauſe them afterwarde to liue in more godly feare and reue…ence.

Drunken men.

AS one ouer-loaden with Wine, can very hardly hide or keepe any meate in his ſtomacke: So alſo the drunken man; may keepe or containe in him no ſecretes.

p. 222Drunkards, and Drunkenneſſe.

1 AS Lot in ſeeking to make himſelfe merry with wine, did incurre thereby a perpetuall heauineſſe: Euen ſo all thoſe that do practiſe the like, are in great daunger of getting diſhoneſtie and ſhame. Gen. 19.32.

2 Like as the immoderate drinking of wine, was onelyonly the cauſe of Lots abhominable and vile inceſt: Euen ſo the like exceſſe in all other Drunkards, is the onelyonly cauſe, why they do many things, whereof, being come to themſelues againe, they are then both ſory, and ſore aſhamed. Pro. 31.4 1. Tim. 3.3, 8. Tit. 1.7. Leuit. 10.9. Num. 6.3. Eſa. 5.11.

3 As a man by reaſon is diſcerned from a bruit beaſt: So when wine and ſtrong drinke depriueth him of his vnderſtanding and reaſon, it depriueth man of man, and placeth him in the degree of beaſts. Prou. 20.1.1. Cor. 6.10. & 5.11, 22.

4 As there is no exerciſe more profitable for the children of God, for their ſaluation, or wherein God is greatlier glorified, then in prayer, thankeſgiuing, and praiſes to the Lord: So is there nothing that ſooner quencheth the vſe of the ſame, then Drunkenneſſe. 2. King. 16.9. Luk. 21.34.35. Eph. 5.18. Rom. 13.13.

5 As long and ſore raine moyſteneth the earth, and ſo conuerteth into mire, that it cannot be tilled to bring forth fruite: Euen ſo our bodyes diſtempered with too much drinke, cannot receiue the ſpirituall Husbandrie, neither yeeld any fruite beſeeming the immortall ſoule. Pro. 23.29, 30. 1. Pet. 4.3. Mich. 2.11.

6 As all men do deſire to hauehave ſufficient and competent ſhowres of raine in their fields and cloſes, ſo that they may be able both to exerciſe tillage, and to enioy the plentie of their fruites and encreaſe: Euen ſo in this field, p. 223men ſhould drinke but ſo much as behoueth; leaſt by exceſſe and Drunkenneſſe, the very earth of their body (being as it were turned into a very Fenne and Quagmyre) may better ſerue to breede Woormes and Serpentes of vice and ſinne, then it ſhould bee able to bring foorth the fruite of charitie.

7 As whatſoeuer groweth in Fennes and Marſhes, bringeth foorth no fruite, for therein doo breede Serpents and ſundrie kindes of woormes, which doo bring more horror and dread, then encreaſe of victuall: Euen ſo ſuch are Drunkards, being fit for no profit or commoditie; for oftentimes in their Drunkenneſſe, they know neither thē ſelues, nor any body elſe, neither can they goe, ſtand, nor ſpeake any thing that pertaineth vntounto reaſon. Eſay. 19.14. & 28.1, 23, 7. Amo. 2.5.15.

8 As when there is too much raine, the ground is vnfit for Tillage and turned to myre: So when one is Drunken the ſpirituall tillage can take no force, nor the ſoule bring foorth her fruites of Chriſtianitie.

9 As a Sip on the Sea without a guide, leaning now on the one ſide, now on the other, ſo often in daunger: So …n like manner it often happeneth to the Drunkard, who …acketh the guide of reaſon, ſtumbleth at eueryevery ſtone, and ſometime falleth in the myre.

The Diet of the ſoule.

AS it is not ſufficient for the good eſtate of mans body, that it be brought into the world, in the naturall …erfection of it, which conſiſteth in the equall tempera…ure and iuſt proportion of the ſeuerall partes of it, for …hat it beeing left here, would ſoone periſh and come to …ought: And therefore it muſt of neceſsitie bee conti…ually both nouriſhed with meate and Drinke, and alſo p. 224preſerued from all hurtfull things; yea carefully reſtored to the former ſtate of health, if by any inward or outward meanes it fall into ſickneſſe, or be any way hurt, wounded, or diſtempered: Euen ſo, no more will it ſerue for the good eſtate of the ſoule, that it be both prepared by repentance for regeneration; yea actually regenerated by the ſpirit of God: but it likewiſe muſt continually be tended, fed, right Dieted, and cheriſhed; yea healed of all thoſe maladies, which by any meanes happen vntounto it.

2 As the body being neglected for a ſmal time, becommeth weake and diſtempered, yea ſoone falleth into ſickneſſe, and doth periſh: So is it with the ſoule, the which being neglected but a litle, there wil a decreaſe of holineſſe be plainly felt; yea perhaps ſeene by others.

3 As the body muſt continually be repaired with nouriſhment, becauſe it is continually conſumed by our naturall heate: So muſt the ſoule by a good Diet dayly vſed, be preſerued.

4 As it is impoſſible to order the bodie aright, either i… ſickneſſe or in health, without the certaine knowledge of our complexion, age, and ſtrength, and vnleſſe we ma… in what parts it is moſt weake or ſtrong, that accordingly choyſe may be made both of meates in health, and of r… medies in ſickneſſe: So the foundation of the right ordering of the ſoule, conſiſteth in this, that we know our age and ſtrength in Chriſt, whether we be ripe & ſtrong men, able to digeſt ſolide meates; or but babes and weaklings who muſt be fed with milke: and alſo our infirmities, wh… ſinnes we are moſt ſubiect vntounto, that ſo we may auoyd a… occaſions of them.

5 As moſt men liuing are ſaid to hauehave their health howſoeuer that exact temperature, ad pondus, wher… of Phiſitions diſpute, cannot bee founde in any ma… p. 225or in any age: So abſolute perfection of holineſſe, is not required to ſpirituall health.

6 As it is ſufficient for bodily health, that the diſtemperature be not ſo great and manifeſt, as that it hinder any of the naturall faculties from their functions: So likewiſe if the corruption of ſinne be ſo brideled, as that it hinder not the performance of any Chriſtian dutie, there is ſpirituall health: yea although this corruption of ſinne be ſo ſtrong, that it doth ſometimes bring forth ſome ſinne, and hinder in part the performance of ſome Chriſtian dutie; yet if for the generall courſe of life, the grace of Gods ſpirit do preuaile, ſo that it repreſſeth that ſin, and performeth all duties, ſometimes faintly, and imperfectly; at other times fully, and couragiouſly, yet here is health.

7 As the naturall life of man may (if no outward violence come) be preſerued with the leaſt care, coſt, & paines that can be: but if a man deſire to keep his bodie in vigour and ſtrength, there muſt choyſe of Diet be made, and care vſed; and moſt of all, if he goe about to augment either his ſtature in his yoong yeares, or afterwardes his ſtrength or fleſh, he muſt be yet more carefull, yea curious in his Diet, beſtowing all his time, yea great care and coſt in it: So it is in ſpirituall life, the which being once put into the Soule of man by the hand of God, will continue there euer by itſelfe, although (as it commeth often to paſſe) the owner of it be negligent in mainteining it; yea in a manner careleſſe of it. Whereas he that deſireth to continue a whole & ſtrong man in Chriſt, without any ſickneſſe or decreaſe of grace, muſt make account to beſtowe great care in this worke, and farre greater, if (as he ought) he deſire to encreaſe in grace.

8 As it is the part of a wiſe man, not to walke too neare the brinke of a deepe Riuer, whereinto if he chaunce to p. 226ſlip, there is daunger of drowning, but rather to keepe a a loofe off, and ſo to be in ſafetie: So a good Dietarie of the Soule, muſt carefully auoyd licentiouſneſſe, and the too free vſe of worldly pleaſures. Luke 21.24. 1. Cor. 6.12. & 9.27.

9 As it is not ſufficient for the feeding of the body, that meate be receiued into the ſtomacke: for that if by any infirmitie thereof, it be ſtraightway voyded, it doth not any whit nouriſh the bodie: Euen ſo no more will it ſerue for the feeding and dieting of our Soules, that we heare the word with great ioy and delight: yea, with care and attention, vnleſſe alſo wee remember and keepe it in our ſoules.

10 As the bodie, the which although it be fedde to the full, and daily filled with meate, yet it cannot be preſerued, much leſſe increaſed in health, ſtrength, and vigour, vnleſſe it be exerciſed, that ſo the meate receiued into the belly, may be drawne and faſtned to the other parts of the bodie, which otherwiſe will not nouriſh, but ſoone paſſeth away without any profit: So for the preſeruation of ſpirituall health and ſtrength, exerciſe is no leſſe needfull then foode: the truth here of appeareth in many: who although they feede their ſoules with all care and diligence, being continually conuerſant in ſtudying, hearing, reading, meditating, and regarding the word: yet their Soules are not nouriſhed by this foode, becauſe they do not ioyne exerciſe vntounto it, as prayer and inuocation of the name of God, both publike, and alſo priuate conference, &c. 1. Theſ. 5.17. Luk. 18.1. Ephe. 6.18.

11 Like as men feeling their bodies any way heauie, diſtempered, and out of courſe, ſtraightway they flie to this remedie of exerciſe, not doubting but that it will ſoone put it away: So whenſoeuer we feele our ſelues prone to p. 227ſinne, and vntoward and ſluggiſh in the ſeruice of God, if we giuegive our ſelues to the exerciſe of prayer, and ſtretch out the ioynts of our ſoules before God, we ſhal no doubt feele a great chaunge in our ſoules, and that now they are light and able to lift vp themſelues to heauen.

11 As it commeth to paſſe in our bodies, both in the whole, and alſo in the ſeueral parts and members of them, that the more they are exerciſed, the more they are both confirmed in ſtrength, and augmented in quantitie; and contrarily, the more they ceaſe from performing their naturall functions, the leſſe able they are to performe them: yea by this meanes it commeth to paſſe, that they are litle and weake: Euen ſo it commeth to paſſe in the dieting of the ſoule, the graces whereof, as they are more or leſſe, put in practiſe in the doing of good works, & the performance of Chriſtian duties: ſo they doo either encreaſe or decay.

12 As when the bodies of men, or rather of children, do not grow vp to their full and naturall ſtature, it argueth ſome ſecret diſtemperature, and ſome naturall infirmitie in them: So when Chriſtians doo not grow on from one meaſure of grace to a greater, it doth of neceſſitie infer an euil Diet and conſtitution of the Soule. Ephe. 4.15. 2. Pet. 3.18.

13 As the holineſſe of the Soule is nouriſhed by the ſame thing by the which it is begotten: So it is encreaſed by the ſame Diet, by the which it is nouriſhed.

14 As there is required a greater verture and force, both of nature, and of Diet, to augment the bodie in ſtature, then to keepe and continue it in life and healthe: So hee that deſireth not onelye p. 228to continue, but alſo to goe on in grace, muſt indeed vſe this conſeruatiue Diet of ſpirituall foode and exerciſe: that is, to cleaue to God, to his ſeruice, and to all ſpirituall exerciſes, without ſeperation or intermiſſion: to wit, to the hearing, reading, and ſtudying of the word of God; to the conſidering of his workes, and obſeruing of his actions; to prayer, ſinging of Pſalmes, to the exhorting and inſtructing of others in the wayes of godlineſſe: And laſtly and ſummarily, to the daily performance of all Chriſtian duties, and the exerciſing of all thoſe graces, which he hath receiued.

15 As we know by daily experience, that many notable Phyſitians hauehave fallen into daungerous and mortall ſickneſſes, and by them be brought to vntimely Death: So it is not ſufficient for our ſpirituall welfare, that wee know how to Diet and order our ſoules, as long as they are in health and ſtrength, it being alſo required, that we know how by a conuenient and meete Diet, to recouer them out of ſickneſſes, and to heale all the maladies happening vntounto them.

Deferring of Repentance.

1 LIke as we would eſteeme and iudge a man not to be wiſe, or well in his wittes, that trauelling on the way, and hauing great choyſe of luſtie ſtrong Horſes, ſhould let them all go emptie; and lay all the carriage vppon ſome one poore beaſt, that could ſcarce beare it ſelfe, or much leſſe ſtand vnderunder ſo great a waight laide vponupon it: Euen ſo, ſurely, no leſſe vnreaſonable is that man, who paſſing oueridlie and careleſly, the luſtie dayes and times of this life, without amendment and reformation of his wicked life, reſerueth and deferreth the ſame vntounto feeble olde age.

p. 2292 Like as the holy Ghoſt accounteth them accurſed, who hauing whole and ſound Cattell, doo yet offer to God the lame, the blind, the ſicke, and that which they would be aſhamed to giuegive to a mortall man: Euen ſo how much more are they accurſed before God, that hauing ſo may dayes of youth, ſtrength, and health, doo yet dedicate and appoint vntounto his ſeruice, onelyonly their limping old age, allotting to God a little, ſhort, maymed, and vncertain time: and vntounto his enemie, the greateſt, the faireſt, and the ſureſt part thereof. Mal. 1.8. Leuit. 3.1, 6. Numb. 18.12. Eccle. 12.2.

3 Like as if a Captaine accompanied with other Souldiers, did enter into a rich Citie to take the ſpoyle thereof, and one Souldier ſhould ſay, I will ſtay; and come in the next day after, when all the ſpoyle is gone: Might not hee be well reckoned to be both a coward, and vnwiſe? Euen ſo, is it not great folly and peruerſeneſſe in ſome men, that paſſe ouer their youthfull daies in not ſeruing of God, but liuing diſſolutely, and will not take time whilſt time is? Seeing that now is the time of fight, for the obtaining of our Crowne: Now is the day of ſpoyle to ſeaze on our bootie: Now is the market, to buy the kingdome of heauen: Now is the time of running to get the game, & price: Now is the day of ſowing to prouide vsus corne. Pro. 20.4.

4 Like as a Prince ſometime pardoneth a malefactor, when he is come to the verie place of execution; yet were it not for eueryevery malefactor to truſt thereupon, for that this is but an extraordinarie act of the Prince his fauour, and neither ſhewed nor promiſed to all men: Euen ſo no man ought to flatter and deceiue himſelfe in Deferring his conuerſion, and reforming his life, by alleadging the example of the good theefe, ſaued euen at the laſt houre vponupon the Croſſe, and carried to Paradiſe that ſame day with p. 230Chriſt; for this act was a ſpeciall Miracle, reſerued for the manifeſtation of Chriſt his power & glorie, at that houre vponupon the Croſſe; and beſides, this act was vponupon a moſt rare confeſſion, made by the theefe in that inſtant, when almoſt all the world forſooke Chriſt. Luk. 23.40, 41, 42, 43.

5 As before the deſtruction of Ieruſalem (for that God deſired to ſpare his people, and the place of his habitation) he ſent his meſſengers betimes in the morning, which ceaſed not to call them backe, ſaying: Returne yee wandring children, confeſſe your iniquitie, and your ſtarting aſide will I heale againe: Euen ſo did the godly Preachers in the laſt yeare of King Edward the ſixt, before their ſodaine chaunge of ſtate, neuer more often, more earneſtly, more boldly, and vehemently, crie out and Preach Repentance, then then, fearing the people from their ſinnes: But neuertheleſſe for all their threatning, they could not make their ſtonie hearts to relent: They would not turne to the Lord with all their hearts, with weeping, faſting, and lamenting: But being paſt ſhame, with ſtiffe neckes, and vncircumciſed harts and eares, continued ſtill in their ſinnes; till deſolation and confuſion fell vppon them. 2. King. 21.12.13.14.15. & 23.27. Eze. 21.2.2. Chro. 36.6.19. Math. 24.16. &c. Luk. 13.34.35.

6 Like as the Iewes, who ſcorned the meſſengers of God, mocked his Prophets, and derided their Sermons, vntill ſuch time as the wrath of God was kindled againſt them, and no redreſſe or amendement could be had: So likewiſe a great number with vsus in England, doo moſt ſhamefully ſcoffe and deride the word of God, deſpiſe the miniſters of Chriſt, and account of them as mad men, and moſt wickedly eſteeme their preaching, (beeing the true Oracles of God) to bee but vaine fables and lyes. 2. Chro. 36.15.16.

p. 231Deſertion of Gods ſpirit.

LIke as God did not leade the Children of Iſrael the directeſt way into the promiſed land of Canaan: So likewiſe we goe not directly to heauen, but are carried about by the wilderneſſe of this world, for the trying of our patience, and exerciſing of other graces giuen vsus of God. Numb. 33.1. &c.

Sound Doctrine doth cheare the ſpirits.

AS ripe Grapes doo reliſh ſauourly, and with their pleaſant and toothſome iuce doo ſingularly refreſh the palate, and delight the throate: Euen ſo ſound Doctrine, wholeſome admonition, and gracious ſpeeches, do cheare the ſpirites, and comfort the mindes of Chriſtians. Eſay. 24.7, 13.

Dead in ſinne.

1 AS Dead men can do nothing, that liuing men ſhould doo: So when we are Dead in ſinne, wee can doo none of thoſe things which declare and ſhew foorth our life in Chriſt. Ephe. 2.1. Col. 2.13.

2 As a Dead man in his graue cannot ſtir the leaſt finger, becauſe he wants the very power of life, ſenſe, and motion: So likewiſe no more can he that is Dead in ſinne, will the leaſt good: Nay if he could either will or doo any good, he could not be Dead in ſinne.

3 Euen as a Dead man in the graue, cannot riſe but by the power of God: So no more can hee that is Dead in ſinne riſe, but by the power of Gods grace alone, without any power of his owne. Iohn. 3.3. Epheſ. 2.10. & 4.24. Phil. 2.13.

Deuiſe of the wicked.

AS the Egges of the Cockatrice hatched, are full of poyſon: Euen ſo are the deuiſes of the wicked, and the execution of their enterpriſes hurtfull. Eſay. 59.5.

p. 232The Diuell fearefull, and enuious.

1 LIke as if an enemie of great might, hauing alſo an aduantage of vsus, by reaſon of the ground wherein he hath planted himſelf, be dreadful to vsus, ſo as we hauehave good cauſe to feare him: Euen ſo much more we ought to bee afraid of the Diuel, hauing the like or greater aduantages of vsus. Ephe. 6.11.12.

2 As a good Midwife is carefull to helpe the woman in trauell and ſaue the child: Euen ſo the Diuell contrariwiſe, is ready to hinder and hurt the Church, & to deſtroy her ſeede. Reue. 12.2.3.

God Delighteth in the conuerſion of a ſinner.

AS a Father taketh great ioy and comfort, when his Sonne, who was wilde, vnthriftie, and vngodly, becommeth modeſt, thriftie, and religous: Euen ſo it is a Delightfull and acceptable thing to God, when any ſinner is conuerted from his wicked and lewde courſe, and now liueth Chriſtianly. Luk. 15.23.24.

Diſſentions.

AS Bees when they ſtriue together, and are ſtirred vp through ſome vehement motion, with throwing of duſt, are brought into order, and appeaſed: Euen ſo men, when they are toſſed and tormented, with troubleſome broyles, perturbations and paſſions, if they would remember duſt, whereinto of neceſſitie they muſt be turned, and neuer forget death, which they ſhall neuer bee able to eſcape, they would eaſily beſtayed, pacified and quietted, & would repreſſe & keepe within compaſſe their ſtrangling luſts, and vnruly appetites, which cannot indure to be tamed and ruled by reaſon.

How to encounter with Death.

1 LIke as if a man were to fight with a Dragon, his beſt way to deale with him, is to pull out his venemous p. 233ſting: Euen ſo the Dragon wherewith eueryevery Chriſtian man is to encounter, is Death, whoſe ſting is ſinne; therefore that we may not take the foyle of Death, we are in all our life, to labour to bereaue him of this his ſting. 1. Cor. 15.56.

2 As the Philiſtines, that they might the better deale with Sampſon, cut off his haire where his ſtrength lay: So alſo eueryevery one of vsus, that wee may the better deale with Death, are to cut off our ſinnes, which bee the ſtrength of Death. Iud. 16.5. &c.

Death.

1 LIke as hee that is to paſſe ouer ſome great and deepe ryuer, muſt not looke downeward to the ſtreame of the water: But if he would preuent feare, hee muſt ſet his foote ſure, & caſt his eye to the banke on the furtheſt ſide: Euen ſo he that draws neare Death, muſt as it were, looke ouer the waues of Death, and directly fixe the eye of his faith vponupon eternall life.

2 Like as if a poore man ſhould be commaunded by a Prince, to put off his torne and beggerly garments, and in ſteade thereof, to put on royall and coſtly robes, it would be a great reioycing to his heart: Euen ſo much more ioyfull newes muſt this be vntounto all repentant and ſorrowfull ſinners, when the King of heauen and earth, comes vntounto them by Death, and bids them lay downe their bodies as ragged and patched garments, and prepare themſelues to put on the princely robe of immortalitie. No tongue can bee able to expreſſe the excellencie of this moſt bleſſed and happie eſtate.

3 Euen when a man was to offer a Bullocke or Lambe in ſacrifice to God, he muſt leaue his offering at the Altar, and firſt goe and be reconciled to his brethren, if they had ought againſt him: So much more muſt this bee done, p. 234when men are in Death, to offer vp themſelues, their bodies and ſoules, as an acceptable ſacrifice vntounto God. Rom. 12.1.

4 As Trauellers, not thinking of the Sunne ſetting, are ouertaken with darkeneſſe, before they be aware: So doth Death ſodainly come vponupon many, that neuer thought of it, neither hauehave learned to die, nor what ſhall become of them when they be dead: ſo that it behooueth all Chriſtians, that wil be ſaued, to watch, to ſtand ſtedfaſt in the faith of Chriſt, to quite themſelues like men, and to be ſtrong; and to do, all that they do, in louelove. 1. Cor. 16.13.

5 As earthen veſſels are alike ſubiect to danger & breaking, whether they be new or olde made: So likewiſe all men are open and ſubiect to Death alike; whether they be yong men and in their luſty and flouriſhing age, or they be old men, and well ſtrooken in yeares.

6 Like as if a man ſhal come into a Potters ware-houſe, where he ſhall ſee a large Table, ſet full of Pots, ſome old and ſome new; ſome little, and ſome great; and ſhall demaund of the Potter, which of them all, ſhall firſt be broken: he may well ſay for anſwer; That which ſhall fall firſt to the ground: Euen ſo among men, he dieth not firſt, that is elder, but he that firſt falleth to the ground; that is, commeth firſt to his graue. Pſal. 2.9. Eſay 30.14. Reue. 2.27.

7 Like as if a Begger ſhould be commaunded to put off his old ragges, that he might be cloathed with rich & coſtly garments, he would not be ſory, though he ſhould ſtand naked a while, till he were wholly beſtripped of his rags: So likewiſe when God calls a man to Death, and bids him put off his old ragges of ſinne and corruption, and be cloathed with the glorious roabe of Chriſtes righteouſneſſe, there is no cauſe why he ſhould be loth to die, ſeeing his abode in the graue, is but for a ſpace, while corruption be put off. 2. Cor. 5.1, 2.

p. 2358 As bread of all other nouriſhment doth ſuſtaine the body: So aboue all things, a continuall thought of Death is wholeſome for the ſoule.

9 As yong ſchollers, who hauing ſpent their time diligētly at their bookes, return from the Vniuerſities to their friends, and are welcommed home both of father & mother, brother and ſiſter, eueryevery one preaſing forward with great deſire to kiſſe them, and to make the greateſt demonſtration of ioy and gladneſſe that may be, for their happie returne: So in like maner, when true Chriſtians die & depart out of this world, where they are, as it were at ſchoole, to returne to their fathers houſe: God himſelfe is the firſt that biddeth them welcome; and willeth them to enter into the ioy of their Lorde and Father: Ieſus Chriſt is the next which taketh & leadeth them into the Pallace of the King, and ſaith; Come ye bleſſed of my Father, poſſeſſe the kingdome prepared for you, from the beginning of the world. Then come the Angels, who carry them like Lazarus, into Abrahams boſome, to reioyce for euer with them, and with the other holy Fathers. Math. 25.21, 34.

10 Like as ſome pleaſant companions, and merily diſpoſed, will often ſay, that God fauoureth a man when he taketh away his wife by Death; eſpecially, if ſhe be euil, and of bad condition: So likewiſe if this be true, we may ſafely ſay, that God beſtoweth a maruellous grace vponupon vsus, and doth vsus the greateſt pleaſure that may be, when as by Death he deliuereth vsus frō our fleſh, which is the moſt treacherous and diſloyal wife that can be: and which doth ſo torment the poore m…nd with whom ſhe is married, that ſhe vexeth & diſquieteth her ſilly husband, with the greateſt and moſt intollerable griefe that may be.

11 As we ſee in the ſeaſons of the year, that from the beginning to the end, they are appointed of God, & that in ſuch ſort, that all the mē in y^e world, thogh they ſhuld imploy all p. 236their whole force, counſels and endeuours to the contrarie, were not able to alter them: Euen ſo likewiſe may we be aſſured, that our liues are ſo limited and bounded by God, that neither king nor Prince, power, nor Potentate, can any manner of wayes ſhorten or prolong them: Yea and that which may wonderfully comfort vsus, ſo often as we remember it, that God doth oftentimes prolong our dayes by the meanes of wicked tyrants, which would cut them off by Death. As Moſes and Daniel were. Exod. 2.2.3. &c. Dan. 3. toto & 6.5. &c.

12 As the brazen Serpent was ſo far from hurting the Iſraelites, that contrariwiſe it healed them: So after the ſame ſort, Death is now ſo farre from hurting any godly Chriſtian, that on the other ſide, that if affliction as a firie Serpent ſting vsus, or if any thing elſe hurt vsus, preſently it is helped and redreſſed by Death.

13 Euen as a Bee ſtinging a dead body, takes no hurt, but by ſtinging aliue body, many times looſeth both ſting and life together: So likewiſe Death, ſo long as it ſtung mortall men which were dead in ſinne, was neuer a whit the worſe, but when it ſtung Chriſt once, who is life it ſelf, by and by it loſt both ſting and ſtrength.

14 As they which wil needs play the hob-goblings, or the night-walking ſpirits (as wee call them) all the while they ſpeake vnderunder a hollow vault, or leape foorth with an vgly vizard vponupon their faces, they are ſo terrible, that hee which thinkes himſelfe no ſmall man; may perhaps bee afrighted with them: But if ſome luſty fellow chaunce to ſtep into one of theſe, and cudgel him well fauoredly, and pull the vizard from his face, then eueryevery boy laughes him to ſcorne: So it is with Death; who was a terrible bulbegger, and eueryevery man afraid of him a great while; but Chriſt dying, buckled with this bulbegger, and coniured him (as p. 237we may ſay) out of his hollow vault; whē as the dead comming out of the graues were ſeene in Ieruſalem: and puld the vizard from his face, when as hee himſelfe riſing, left the linnen cloathes, which were the vizard of Death, behinde him. Math. 27.52, 53. Ioh. 20.6.

15 As that Aſſe called Cumanus aſinus, ietting vp & down in a Lyons skin, did for a time terrifie his maiſter, but afterwards being deſcried, did benefit him very much: So in like manner, Death ſtands now like a ſilly Aſſe, hauing his Lyons skin puld ouer his eares, and is ſo farre from terrifying any, that it benefits all true Chriſtians; becauſe by it, they reſt from their labours: and if they be oppreſſed with troubles or cares, when they come to Death, they are diſcharged: Death as an Aſſe doth beare theſe burdēs for thē.

16 As he that felleth a tree vponupon which the Sunne: ſhineth, may well cut the tree, but cannot hurt the Sunne: Or as he that powreth water vponupon yron which is red hot, may well quench the heate, but he cannot hurt the yron: Euen ſo Chriſt the Sonne of righteouſneſſe, did driue away the ſhaddow of Death: and as glowing yron, was too hot and too hard a morſell for Death to digeſt.

17 Like as all the while that Adam did eate any other fruite, which God gaue him leaue to eate, he was nouriſhed by it: but when he had taſted of the forbidden tree, he periſhed: So Death had free leaue to deuour any other man, Chriſt onelyonly excepted, but when it went about to deſtroy Chriſt, then it was deſtroyed it ſelfe.

18 Euen as thoſe barbarous people called Cannibals, which feede only vponupon raw fleſh, eſpecially of men, if they happen to eate a peece of roſted meate, commonly they ſurfet of it & die: So likewiſe the right Canniball, the only deuourer of al mankind, Death I meane, taſting of Chriſts fleſh, & finding it not to be raw (ſuch as it was vſed to eate) p. 238but wholeſome and heauenly meate indeede, preſently tooke a ſurfet of it, and within three dayes died.

19 Euen as when Iudas had receiued a ſop at Chriſtes hand, a non after his bowels guſhed out: So likwiſe Death being ſo ſawcie as to ſnatch a ſoppe (as it were) of Chriſts fleſh, and a little bit of his body, was by and by like Iudas, choked and ſtrangled with it, & faine to yeeld it vp againe, when Chriſt on Eaſter day reuiued.

20 As a fire goeth out, when al the fuel is ſpent, but burneth, as long as that laſteth: So Death died when ſin ceaſeth, but where ſinne aboundeth, there Death rageth.

21 As the little worme that groweth out of the tree, gnaweth and conſumeth the tree, of whom it hath his beginning: So Death groweth and waxeth out of ſinne, and ſinne with the body, it conſumeth.

22 Like as if one that is about to ſhoote a Gun, bee vnſteadie at the letting of it goe, he miſſeth altogether, and al that he prepared for it afore, is in vaine: Euen ſo at the end of this life, are the diuels moſt buſie, to turne vsus from the right marke, that our former trauaile and labour may be loſt; for as much as they know that there remaineth but a very ſmall time of life: So that if the ſoule eſcape thē now, they ſhall afterward goe without it for euer.

23 Euen as mightie enemies doo beſiege & lay aſſault to a Citie: So the diuels compaſſe the ſoule of man at the houre of Death, with violence, & ſubtiltie, to take poſſeſſ… on of the poore ſoule, to apprehend it, and bring it to hell.

24 Like as if an old ſiluer goblet bee melted, and new faſhioned after a beautifull manner; then is it better then afore, and neither ſpylt nor deſtroyed: Euen ſo hauehave wee no iuſt cauſe to complaine of Death, whereby the body being deliuered from all filthineſſe, ſhall in his due time be perfectly renued.

p. 23925 As the Egge-ſhell, though it bee goodly and faire faſhioned, muſt bee opened and broken, that the young chicken may ſlip out of it: Euen ſo none otherwiſe doth Death diſſolue and breake vp our body, but to the intent that we may attaine vntounto the life of heauen.

26 As the mothers wombe carrieth the child, ſeuen or nine moneths, and prepareth it not for it ſelfe, but for the world wherein wee are borne: Euen ſo this preſent time, ouer all vponupon earth, ſerueth not to this end, that wee muſt euer be here, but that we ſhould bee brought foorth and borne out of the body of this world by Death, into another and euerlaſting life. Ioh. 16.21.

27 Like as a childe out of the ſmall habitation of his mothers wombe, with daunger and anguiſh, is borne into this wide world: Euen ſo goeth a man thorow the narrow gate of Death, with diſtreſſe and trouble, out of the earth into the heauenly life: For to die, is not to periſh; but to be firſt of all borne aright.

28 As the brazen Serpent, which hauing the forme and proportion of a Serpent, was yet without byting, without mouing, without poyſoning: Euen ſo though Death be not vtterly taken away, yet thorow the grace of God, it is ſo weakned and made voide, that the onelyonly bare proportion remaineth.

29 Euen as when the maiſter of the Shippe perceiueth that he is not wide from the hauen & place where he muſt land and diſcharge, he ſayleth on forth the more chearfully and gladly: So likewiſe the nearer we draw vntounto Death where we muſt land, the more ſtoutly ought wee to fight, and withſtand our ghoſtly enemies.

30 Like as he that goeth a far iourney, hath vncertaine lodging, trauaile, and labour, & deſireth to return home to his owne country, to his father and mother, wife, children, p. 240and friends; among whom, he is ſureſt, and at moſt quiet, by meanes wherof, he forceth the leſſe for any rough carefull path, or way homeward: Euen ſo all we are ſtraungers and pilgrimes vponupon earth: Our home is Paradiſe in heauen: our heauenly Father is God; the earthly father of all men, is Adam: our ſpirituall Fathers, are the Patriarkes, Prophets, and Apoſtles, which altogether waite and long for vsus. Pſal. 39.5, 6. 1. Pet. 2.11. 2. Cor. 5.1.2. Phil. 3.2…. Heb. 13.14.

31 Like as when a man liue in a darke miſerable priſon, with this condition, that he ſhould not come forth till the walles of the Tower were fallen downe, vndoubtedly he would be right glad to ſee the walles begin to fall: Euen ſo our ſoule is kept in within the bodie vponupon earth, as in captiuitie and bonds: now aſſoone as the bodie is at a point, that it muſt needs fall, we ought not to be ſory therefore: for by this approacheth our deliuerance, when we, out of the priſon of miſerie, ſhal be brought before the moſt amiable countenance of God, into the ioyfull freedome of heauen. Pſal. 142.7.

32 Like as it is no grief for a man to go ſleep, nor when he ſeeth his parents and friendes lay them downe to reſt, (for he knoweth, that ſuch as are a ſleepe, do ſoone awake and riſe againe): So when we, or our friends depart away by Death, we ought to erect and comfort ourſelues with the reſurrection.

33 As a good Houſholder maketh prouiſion for himſelfe and his familie, and buyeth afore-hand, fewell & victualls, and ſuch things as he hath need of, for a monethmonth, or for a whole yeare, &c. according as hee is able: Euen ſo much more ought a Chriſtiā to prouide before his Death, that which concerneth, not onelyonly one monethmonth, or one yeare, but an eternitie that hath no ende.

p. 24134 Like as faithfull ſeruants waite for their maiſter: So in like manner wee ought to looke for the comming of Chriſt, when hee ſhall call vsus out of this wretched world by Death. Luk. 12.36, 37, 38, 39, 40. Math. 24.42. &c.

The time of our Death vnknowne.

LIke as Chriſt wold hauehave his laſt cōming to be hidden from men: So alſo hee would hauehave the time of their Death, for the very ſame cauſe to be vnknown vntounto them vnleſſe that he openeth the ſame vntounto ſome, either by particular reuelation, or by probable coniectures. Mat. 24.36.

How to Draw neare vntounto God.

LIke as hee is ſaid to depart from God, which doth abandon and giuegive himſelfe to the luſtes of the world, by which he Draweth neare vntounto the diuell: So likewiſe he which departeth from theſe, is ſaid to Draw neare vntounto God; and ſo cleaueth vntounto him by faith and true obedience. Iam. 4.8.

No Diuinitie (except it be againſt God) is preſcribed to the Miniſter.

AS there is no Lawe by the which a Preacher for his doctrine may be puniſhed, if he ſpeake not againſt the Prince: So there is no Diuinitie by the which a Preacher is particularly preſcribed, or generally ordered, if he ſpeak not againſt God, the mightie prince of peace.

Deſires of heauen.

AS they that are ſtraungers in a forraine countrie, and hauehave parents and great wealth in their natiue ſoyle, being hardly entreated where they ſoiourne, and vppon the point to returne home into their countrie, are vndoubtedly very glad thereof; euen already they ſeeme to ſee their houſes, lands, and poſſeſſions, and in their conceites, doo talke with their parents, and feele a feruent Deſire to be ſoone there: Euen ſo we, if wee remember that p. 242we hauehave treaſures of eternall riches, an vndefiled inheritance, immortall & incorruptible, which is reſerued for vsus: a heauenly Father that loueth vsus in his welbeloued ſonne, our elder brother Ieſus Chriſt in glory; the Angels, and holy Spirits inioy; and that we their felow Burgeſſes, hauehave our portion in al theſe goods, and are euen vponupon the point to be really in heauen with them, we ought then to be rauiſhed with a feruent deſire to be lifted vp thither. Phil. 1.23. Rom. 7.24.

Daunces.

AS Apothecaries do couer their bitter Pilles with ſome ſweete ſubſtance, whereby to make them goe downe the eaſier: So the Diuel, vnderunder the ſport and pleaſure of Daunces, maketh men to ſwallow luſtfull deſires; and albeit they proceed to no greater iniquitie, yet is this a mortall wounde to the ſoule, conſidering that we knowe that ſuch luſts are accurſed in the ſight of God. Exod. 32.6. & 18.19. 1. Cor. 10.7. 1. Pet. 4.3.4. & 5.8. Rom. 12.2. 2. Tim. 2.22. Iudg. 21.21. Ephe. 5.3, 4, 16.18.

The Dutie of Pariſhioners to their Miniſters.

1 AS they that ſit at a Table do eate, chewe, and digeſt their foode: So they that be Pariſhioners, and heare the word of God, ought to liſten vntounto it, meditate vponupon it, and print it in their hearts, that ſo they may receiue the nouriſhment ſignified by the word, and dutie to feede, commended to the ſhepheards of Chriſts flock▪ 1. Theſ. 5.12. Phil. 2.29. 2. Cor. 7.15. Hebr. 13.17.

2 As in meate we are not ſo much to ſeek licorouſneſſe as health: So muſt it be in the preaching of the word: for Eccleſiaſticall aſſemblies be not l…ke to common Playes, whereto men reſort for pleaſure: but in Sermons we are to looke for that which is health ſome for the ſoule.

3 As in a banquet, if any diſh chance to be ouer ſaulted, or otherwiſe it is not well dreſſed, the ſame doth not ſo offend p. 243vsus, that therefore we can eate but litle of the reſt that is well ſeaſoned: So likewiſe if in Sermons we heare any ſentence or word, not ſo fitly applied as it were to be wiſhed, we muſt not for that, leaue to make our profite of the reſt that is well and deuoutly ſpoken. 1. Cor. 2.4, 5.

4 Like as when a man filleth out but a litle wine into an excellent wrought and grauen Cup, men regard more the Cup, then the wine: when contrariwiſe, if moſt excellent wine be brought in a ſimple Cup, they conſider and commend the wine, rather then the Cup: Euen ſo is it with the treaſure of the Goſpell, preſented in a Cup either of earth or of gold; bicauſe mans curioſity hath more reſpect to the pot, the mouth, or the eloquēce, thē to y^e treaſure. 2. Cor. 4.7

5 As we ſee by experience, that the ſucking of the child bringeth in milke into the mothers breſt: Euen ſo ſuch as ſhewe themſelues deſirous to heare the word of their Paſtors, are a great encouragement to them to proceed the more chearfully, and do euen as it were bring words into their mouthes.

6 As it is in vaine to call the Phyſition and to heare his counſell, whē we liſt not to take the medicine that he doth preſcribe: So in like maner the people that heare the Sermons, and do not put the words in practiſe, in ſtead of reaping profit, ſhall incurre the greater damnation.

7 Euen as hee that hauing beene two or three yeares at ſchoole, and hath not profited, is worthy to be takē away: So thoſe Pariſhioners that hauehave bene many yeares in the ſchoole of Chriſt, and heard his word, yet do not amend; neither increaſe in faith and louelove, do worthily deſerue to be depriued of ſuch a benefit of God; and according to the threatning of Amos, to endure ſuch a famine, not of bread, but of the word, that the ſtrongeſt and moſt luſtie, ſeeking after it, but not finding it, may periſh. Amos. 8.11.

p. 2448 As the Church is the houſe of God, & the kingdome of Chriſt: So thoſe Pariſhioners that beſtow their goods vponupon the maintenance of the holy miniſterie, without the which this houſe and kingdome cannot ſubſiſt, doo offer a ſacrifice of a moſt excellent ſweet ſauour, in the preſence of the Lord. 1. Cor. 9.7. &c. Gal. 6.6. &c.

9 As Chriſt commaundeth vsus to pray to the Lord of the harueſt, to ſend workmen into his harueſt: So is it the Dutie of Pariſhioners, when he hath giuen them faithfull Paſtors, to pray vntounto him: Firſt to preſerue them in health and long life, for the good and edification of his Church: Secondly, by his holy ſpirit to guide them, that they may faithfully, and with fruite, employ themſelues in their miniſterie. Math. 9.38. Epheſ. 6.18, 19. Col. 4.3. 2. Theſſa. 3.1. Rom. 15.30, 31, 32.

Men Diſtreſſed do ſeeke after God.

AS they which hauehave great neede of water, doo make haſte to come to the fountaine or well, where water is to be had, but hauing drawne the water, and filled their veſſels, doo depart, and turne their backes to the fountaine, which hath ſupplied their want, and ſatisfied their Deſires: So very many, wheh they bee compaſſed round with perils and daungers, and are beſet on eueryevery ſide with afflictions and troubles, then they flie apace to the fountaine of grace and mercy; but when they hauehave obtained the water of comfort, then they doo deſpiſe that flowing ſpring of liuing water. Iere. 2.13. Luk. 9.61. Pſal. 84.7.

Students in Diuinitie.

LIke as he which would behold the light of the Sunne, doth rubbe and purge his eyes, that they may behold it the better: So he which would attaine to the knowledge of Diuinitie, muſt firſt waſh his ſoule and his life, that hee p. 245may the better vnderſtand thoſe things which God hath reuealed in the Scriptures.

Diuerſitie of wills and opinions.

AS amongſt many thouſands of men, there are not two faces alike, nor one voice agreeable with the other: So will eueryevery man hauehave his owne minde, vſe his owne way, wit, and faſhion.