A Treasury of Similes, Part F

A Treasury of Similes · Part F

p. 262Faith.

1 LIke as the Sun, which although it remaine ſtill in the Firmament, & therefore in very deed toucheth not the eie, yet the peeces or reſēblance of the body of the Sun, is preſent and reacheth to the ſight; notwithſtanding ſo great a diſtance betweene: So the body of Chriſt, which by his aſcending is taken vp from vsus, hath left the world, and is gone to his Father; is in deed abſent from our ſenſes: Yet our Faith is conuerſant in heauen, and beholdeth the Sonne of righteouſneſſe, and is verely in preſence with it, there preſent, like as the Sunne is perceiued p. 263by our ſight in earth. Iohn. 14.19. & 16.10.28. Act. 7.55. Col. 3.1. Heb. 4.16. & 10.28.

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

3 Like as when a man hath libertie to goe into the treaſure houſe of a King, there to enrich himſelfe, wil firſt of all ſeeke to hauehave the keys wherwith he may open the doores, and ſo enter, for otherwiſe, it wil nothing profit him: Euen ſo we, if we deſire to be enriched with Gods graces, muſt firſt of all labour to hauehave Faith, which is the onelyonly keye of Gods treaſure houſe, and doth bring vponupon vsus from God, all graces needfull, both for ſoule and body.

4 Like as no man may liue a corporall life, by meanes of the ſoule of an other man, but onelyonly by his owne ſoule: Euen ſo no man may liue a ſpirituall life by the Faith of an other, but by his owne Faith. Aba. 2.4.

5 As no man may entertaine and conſerue the life which he receiued by meane of his ſoule, by the foode and nouriſhment, which an other doth take, nor by that which he eateth and drinketh, but only by that, which he himſelfe doth take, and by the meates and drinkes, which he receiueth by his owne perſon: Euen ſo is it of the nouriſhment of the Faith of eueryevery man by the word of God, for the entertainment & conſeruation of the ſpirituall life.

6 Like as no wicked and vngodly ſonne, is made better, for & in reſpect of the Faith, & vertue of his godly Father; neither yet any godly ſonne is worſe in reſpect of the vngodlineſſe of his wicked father: So no man is ſaued by an other mans Faith, but by his owne. And yet it cannot bee denied, but that both temporall and ſpirituall benefites bee obtained and gotten, for and through the Faith of other men: Euen as one man by his wiſedome, p. 264may make another man proue wiſe: So he that belieueth may by his Faith and prayer obtaine Faith for other men. Yet notwithſtanding, like as no man is wiſe, by an other mans wiſedome, but by his owne: So no man is ſaued by another mans Faith, but by his owne. Ezech. 18. Math. 8.5. &c. & 9.2. Mar. 2.3, 4, 5. Luk. 5.18.

7 As the leaues, and flowers, and ſprigs of Water Betonie, or Browne-woort, though they hauehave their yearely courſe and chaunge, yet the roote from which they ſpring is euerlaſting: So though the outward fruites of Faith are chaungeable, and decay many times; yet Faith continueth euer.

8 As Dictam or Tragium receiued, cauſeth Darts ſticking in the fleſh to fal out: So the promiſes of God in Chriſt apprehended by Faith, cauſe the firie Darts of the Diuell to vaniſh and fall away.

9 As the ſmell of Trefoile, is often ſtronger in a moyſt and cloudie darke ſeaſon, then in faire weather: So the ſtrength of Faith, vttereth it ſelfe, more in aduerſitie and affliction, then in pleaſure, or time of proſperitie.

10 As the Parents are a meanes to beget the bodily forme of their children: Euen ſo the Preachers (which are called fathers) beget the forme of a Chriſtian mind, which is Faith; or the confidence of the heart, which layeth hold vponupon Chriſt, and cleaueth to him alone, and none elſe. 1. Theſ. 2.11. 2. King. 17.10. & 13.14. Phil. 10.

11 Faith is compared vntounto Golde, but Faith is much more noble then Gold: For as Gold is the moſt precious mettall in things mortall: So Faith doth moſt excell in things ſpirituall.

12 As a houſe is made to keepe vsus from colde in winter, and from heate in Summer, and to defend vsus from theeues and violences that may be offered vsus, which houſe p. 265if it be alwaies in building, doth not ſaue vsus from any one of thoſe harmes: Euen ſo our ſpirituall houſe of Faith, if it bee once built, it ſaueth vsus from heate of perſecution, and coldneſſe of all kind of aduerſities, from the Diuell, and from all kind of temptations, wherewith he aſſalteth vsus; but being alwaies in building, it ſaueth vsus from none of theſe.

13 As thoſe Birds that flieth higheſt in the firmament, are not ſo quickly ſnared by the fowlers Ginnes, as other be: So likwiſe thoſe men that hauehave alwaies an eye through Faith vntounto Ieſus Chriſt, whoſe minds doth mount aboue the skies, are not ſo ſoone ſnared by the fleſhe, the world, and the diuell, as others be.

14 Like as Fire, if fuell or wood be not alwaies added to it, will at length goe out: Euen ſo Faith, if we let it alone, & neuer ſtirre vp the ſame by hearing the word preached, by repentance, and inuocation, it will cleane be extinguiſhed.

15 As no Man may liue a corporall life, by meanes of the ſoule of an other man, but onelyonly by his owne ſoule: Euen ſo no man may liue a ſpirituall life, by the Faith of an other, but by his owne Faith. Abac. 2.4. Rom. 1.17.

16 Like as no wicked and vngodly Sonne, is made better, for, and in reſpect of the Faith and vertue of his godly Father; neither yet any godly Sonne is worſe, in reſpect of the vngodlineſſe of his wicked Father: Euen ſo no man is ſaued by an other mans Faith, but by his owne. Ezech. 18.

17 As one Man by his wiſedome may make an other man prooue wiſe: So he that belieueth, may by his Faith and prayer, obtaine Faith for other men. Math. 8.5. &c. & 9.2. Mar. 2.3, 4, 5. Luk. 5.18.

18 Like as no man is wiſe by an other mans wiſdome, p. 266but by his owne: So likewiſe no man is ſaued by an other mans Faith, but by his owne.

19 As the plaiſter, if it bee not laide to the wound will neuer heale the ſoare: Euen ſo Faith and beliefe, will not profit any man, vnleſſe hee truely applie it to himſelfe. Rom. 1.17.

20 As the mightie Oake, whoſe roote as far ſtretcheth downwardes, as his bowes vpwards, may bee ſhaken, but yet not plucked vp quite: Euen ſo they which hauehave fixed their Faith firmely in Chriſt, and hauehave caſt the Ancor of their hope in his lap; though they be toſſed too and fro diuers waies, cannot finally fall away from God.

21 Like as an Emplayſter or Cataplaſme, made of the bruſed ſeede of Muſtard, is knowne to hauehave ſingular vertue and effect, beeing applied to them that hauehave their members benummed, & that are fallen into the Letharge, or drowſie Euill; or that bee troubled with the ſwimming and giddineſſe in their head: Or that hauehave the Apoplexie, Palſie, Falling ſickneſſe; and to bee ſhort, for all cold griefes and diſeaſes, becauſe it warmeth, and bringeth heate, motion, and ſenſe againe into the affected parts; and is alſo good to helpe Leprous, Scuruie, Scabbie, and vlcerous perſons: So likewiſe Faith being vpholden, ſhored vp; and ſurely Anchored vntounto the word of God, reuiueth, erecteth, cheareth vp, and reſtoreth the dull ſpirites, and appalled conſcience of man, making it readie and prompt, to execute, atchiue, and exerciſe the offices and functions of godlineſſe.

22 As a Laborer in ſeruing a Maſon or ſlater, as he goeth vp the ladder; ſtayeth himſelfe by one of his handes, and ſerueth the Maſon or ſlater with the other: Euen ſo, euerie good Chriſtian in this world, is as it were vppon a ladder, his two handes are Faith, whereby hee ſtayeth p. 267himſelfe in his calling, depending on the commaundement and promiſe of God; and the other louelove, whereby he performeth the workes of his calling, to the good and benefit of others.

23 Like as a man with a Palſie hand, can ſtretch it out as well to receiue a gift at the hand of a King, as he that is more ſound, though it bee not ſo firmely and ſtedfaſtly: Euen ſo wee muſt know, that a weake Faith, will as truely apprehend Gods mercifull promiſes, for the pardon of ſinne, as a ſtrong Faith, though not ſo ſoundly.

24 Euen as it little profiteth the wounded man to hauehave the beſt medicine lying by him, except he had a hand to lay the plaiſter vppon the ſoare: Euen ſo the mercies of God can doo vsus ſmall good, except wee hauehave Faith to applie them vntounto our ſinfull ſoules. Habac. 2.4. 2. Cor. 1.24. & 5.7.

25 As our hand is to our mouth, and the mouth to the ſtomacke, and the windpipe to the hart, ſo that if thou haſt not a hand to feede thy month, and a mouth to feede thy ſtomacke, thy body muſt needs ſoone periſh. And againe, if the windpipe ſhould be cut aſunder, preſently thy heart dyeth, and al thy members fall downe, becauſe they want the breath of life: Euen ſo if thy Faith which is the onelyonly meane, whereby thou receiueſt the breath of Chriſts ſpirit into thy ſoule, and whereby thou liueſt that new life in Chriſt Ieſus, of which the Prophet Habacucke ſpeaketh; The iust ſhall liue by his Faith: If this pipe and Cunduit bee periſhed or broken in thee by thine owne negligence, or cut off by thine aduerſarie the diuel, who ſeeketh nothing elſe night nor day, but thy euerlaſting poyle, then certainly, both thy ſoule and body muſt needs periſh too.

26 As the Fig tree that bare no fruit, was threatned to be cut down: or as a Sun without light, is but a painted Sun: p. 268Or as a coale without heat is dead: Or as a body without motion liueth not: Euen ſo Faith without workes is dead, and the Chriſtians that bringeth not foorth the fruites of the ſpirite of Chriſt, belongeth not to Chriſt, and ſo is no Chriſtian. Luk. 16.6. Iam. 2.17.

27 As Infidelitie is the head-ſpring of all wickedneſſe and vice: So on the contrarie ſide, Faith is the originall well and fountaine of all vertue and godlineſſe. Which Faith is declared not onelyonly by words, but by ſuch deedes and workes, as God hath commaunded vsus in his holy and ſacred Scriptures; and where no ſuch workes bee, ſpeake they neuer ſo godly, there is no true liuely Faith. Tit. 1.13, 16.

28 As Beggers, which not being woorth one farthing wil yet boaſt of great wealth: So many brag of great Faith and holineſſe, but hauehave little or none; euen as though they could remooue mountaines out of their places, and yet know not what true Faith is. Luk. 18.8.

29 As the Sunne except it ſhine and beate vppon the face of the earth, there will no fruite ſpring, increaſe, or ri… pen: Euen ſo, except Faith ſhine in the ſoules of men, they ſhall neuer be acceptable to God.

30 As the Sunne ſhining in the firmament, auaileth him not, that hath none eyes to ſee the ſame; neither him that winketh with his eyes, and will not ſee, but onelyonly him that doth behold the light thereof: So doth the death of Chriſt profit him nothing, which lacketh true Faith to lay hold vponupon the ſame; but onelyonly ſuch as by a liuely and fruitfull Faith, applie the ſame vntounto themſelues. Gal. 2.20. Iohn. 3. & 6. tot.

31 As ſome kind of medicines are ſo compoſed that they will ſerue for a generall helpe for all diſeaſes: So Catholike Faith, doth ſerue againſt all diſeaſes of the ſoule.

p. 26932 As a Traueller, which iourneying into a Countrie where he might liue delightfully & profitably, doth leaue the right and ſtraight way, and followes by paths, which will leade him into daungerous places, to the loſſe of his life, is vnwiſe: So eueryevery one that thinketh to pleaſe God without Faith, taketh a wrong courſe, and deceiueth him ſelfe, to the deſtruction and loſſe of his ſoule.

33 As a ſhielde or buckler is the chiefe defence of a Souldier, wherby he beateth backe his enemies weapons: So likewiſe Faith in time of ſpiritual conflict, repelleth the diuels weapons, or inſtruments. Pſal. 5.12.

34 As the ſuperſtitions Pagans, thought that an Idoll, which they termed Vibilia, kept them from erring out of their way: So Faith which is our Vibilia, will not ſuffer vsus to wander out of the way, ſo long as we doo all things according to that patterne which was ſhewed vsus in the mount. Exod.25.40.

35 As the argument is alway good for the ſubſiſtance of any ſubiect, vntounto the natural propertie of the ſame: and contrariwiſe; the propertie being ſet, the ſubiect of neceſſitie muſt be ſeene: So Faith which iuſtifieth man, being ſet, good workes, which are the properties of the ſpirit of of Faith, are neceſſarily ſet.

36 Euen as good works being ſet, Faith, frō which they doo ſpring, muſt needs be ſet: So wherſoeuer Faith is not, good works are not; & where good works be not, there is not faith, y^e cauſe of good works. 1. Tim. 1.18, 19. Ma. 25.34.

37 Euen as without eyes no man ſeeth, without eares no man heareth; without ſmelling no man ſmelleth; without taſting no man diſcerneth taſtes; without touching no man toucheth any thing: So without Faith, can no man ſee, heare, ſmell, taſte, eate, and finally touch Chriſt.

38 As by the preaching of the Goſpell, the holy Ghoſt p. 270doth kindle Faith in vsus: So he increaſeth, feedeth, cheriſheth, & confirmeth the ſame by the vſe of the Sacraments. Gen. 17.10. Exod. 12.13. Math. 26.26, 27. 1. Cor. 11.23.

39 As the bodie hath his hand, mouth and ſtomacke, whereby it taketh, receiueth, and digeſteth meate for the nouriſhment of eueryevery part: So likewiſe in the ſoule, there is a Faith, which is both hand, mouth and ſtomack, to apprehend, receiue, and apply Chriſt and all his merites, for the nouriſhment of the ſoule. Gal. 3.14.

40 As in the litle & tender budde, is infolded the leafe, the bloſſome, and the fruite: So where men are diſpleaſed with themſelues for their offences, and do withall, conſtantly from the heart deſire to beleeue, and to be reconciled to God, there is Faith, and many other graces of God infolded. Iſay 42.3. Math. 6.6.

41 Euen as in a childe when he growes to be a man, remains to be the ſame ſubſtāce that was in the child before, but now is made ſtronger by age, and caſtes away all childiſh toyes: So in the ſame Faith which we profeſſe in our Baptiſme, muſt we grow & learn the full vnderſtanding of it, that it may he felt ſweeter vntounto vsus daily more and more, while we liue, euen to our laſt end; and by which Faith we alſo grow in the feare of God, and by which we be ſaued.

Faith is Faith, though it be weake, or ſmall, or lye hidden.

1 LIke as a litle child, who with his litle hands; or as a pore man, who with his rugged & ſcabby hands, refuſe not to take bread & other alms that men wil beſtow vponupon them, aſwel as if they were greater, & hole: And like as diſeaſes that are vniuerſal throughout the whole bodie, (as a burning ague) thogh they weaken all the parts of the ſame, and ſpecially the ſtomack more then all the reſt: yet neuertheleſſe, hinder not, but that it may take a medicine; yea rather the diſeaſe is an occaſion vntounto it, to prouoke it p. 271vntounto it: Euen ſo alſo it ought to be ſo far of, that the weakneſſe of our Faith ſhould keepe vsus from embracing righteouſneſſe, and the other benefits of Ieſus Chriſt, that it muſt prepare vsus to the contrary. Luk. 5.31, 32.

2 Like as our diſeaſes and infirmities let not, but that our Faith, be it neuer ſo weake, is yet capable of the graces of God, and of al the righteouſneſſe of his ſonne: Euen ſo the litleneſſe of Faith, maketh it not leſſe caple to be able to apprehend and embrace, the righteouſneſſe of Chriſt, &c.

3 And like as the Apple of the eye, which is ſo litle, and yet for all that, can apprehend the light of the Sun, which is ſpred ouer al the horizon, yea and the Sun it ſelfe; which is farre greater, and more ample then all the earth: Euen ſo the eye of Faith, albeit that it be verie ſmall, yet it ceaſeth not to lay hold of the Sonne of righteouſneſſe; together with his light and other giftes, which are as great, and as many in number.

4 Like as a woman with childe, though ſhe feele not the childe alwayes ſtirre, yet becauſe ſhe hath ſometimes felt it, ſhe comforteth her ſelfe, that ſhe is with childe: and as ſhe is with childe a good while before ſhe can ſenſably feele it moue, and at the firſt ſhe feeleth it but weakly; yea, after ſhe hath felt it ſtrongly, ſometime ſhe feeleth it not againe a good while; and when ſhe doth, in much weakneſſe, ſometimes in compariſon of the former; and yet for all this, hath in the ende a happie trauayle: Euen ſo Faith is not felt to mooue ſtrongly, aſſoone as it is bred, and when it beginneth once, it continueth not alwayes alike motions: So that it is with Faith, and with all other the Graces of the Spirite, as it is with the Sunne, which ſometime ſetteth, ſometime riſeth; ſometime ſhineth, ſometime is couered with cloudes, or ſhaddowed p. 272from vsus, by thick and foggie myſts ariſing out of the earth. Euen ſo Faith and other vertues, ſometimes ſeeme to be ſet and gone downe in vsus, but when the morning comes, they ariſe againe; ſometimes they are couered from our eyes, by ſuch myſts and cloudes, that ariſe out of the fleſh, that we cannot eſpie them; but yet for all this, as he reaſoneth ilfauouredly and vntruly, that ſaith; The Sunne cannot be ſeene now for cloudes, therefore it is not in the firmament: ſo he that ſaith; I cannot ſee and perceiue Faith, and the Spirit in me now, for the fruites of the fleſh, therefore they be not in me.

5 Like as it doth not follow, that a litle childe hath no reaſonable ſoule, becauſe he hath not the vſe of it: or that the Trees be dead in winter, becauſe they beare no fruite; or that there is no fire, becauſe there is no flame: Euen ſo; whoſoeuer hath a certaine teſtimonie of his Faith and ſaluation in all his life, may be aſſured, that it is there ſtill, and ſhalbe vntounto the end, although for a time he feele it not, nor perceiue the working of it, &c. Ioh. 13.1. Phil. 1.6. Rom. 11.29.

6 And like as whē fire is raked vnderunder the aſhes, it ſheweth not his brightneſſe or heate outwardly, vntill it be vnraked and kindled in a flame: Euen ſo it oftentimes falleth out with our Faith, which is hidden & couered with many vices, which the moſt holy Saintes of God themſelues, doo many times themſelues commit (euen as to fall into diſeaſes, the which continueth, till it pleaſe God to ſtirre vsus vp anew by his ſpirite, and to kindle vsus againe, euen like as when a candle is put out.

7 Like as Rebecca when ſhe felt the Twins ſtriue in her wombe, though it payned her, yet ſhe knew, both that ſhe had conceaued, and that the children were quick in her. Euen ſo they who hauehave theſe motions and holy affections p. 273in them; to wit, that their ſinnes are pardonable, deſiring merciemercy and pardon of God in Chriſt, by hartie prayer for them; may aſſure themſelues, that the ſpirit of God dwelleth in them, & conſequently that they hauehave Faith, though a weake faith.

8 As a poore diſeaſed begger with a lame hand, hauing the Palſie alſo, is able neuertheleſſe to reach out the ſame, and receiue an almes of a King: Euen ſo a weake and languiſhing Faith, is ſufficiently able to reach out it ſelfe, and to apprehend the infinite mercies of our heauenly King, offered vntounto vsus in Chriſt.

9 As an Infant taketh and holdeth with his little hand a whole Apple, though he doth it not ſo ſtrongly or ſurely as a man: Euen ſo Faith, how little ſo euer it bee, taketh hold on Chriſt, and receiueth him, not by halfes, but all whole. Math. 17.20.

10 As the apple of our eye, though maruellous little, we ſee very great mountaines, and the very body of the Sunne, much greater then the whole earth: So likewiſe our Faith, though very litle, taketh and receiueth al whole Ieſus Chriſt the ſonne of righteouſneſſe. Iohn. 3.16.

11 As a little child doth as truely hold a precious Ring with his finger, as a Giant with all the force of his hand and fiſt, being one and the ſelfe ſame Ring: So our Faith, whether it be weake or ſtrong, apprehendeth, and taketh hold vponupon the merits of Chriſt Ieſus the Sonne of God. Mar. 9.24.

Faiths obiect.

LIke as the act of healing the eyes of the Iſraelites, and the brazen Serpent went together: So in the act of iuſtifying, theſe two, Faith and Chriſt, hauehave a mutual relation, and muſt alwaies concurre, Faith as the action which apprehendeth; Chriſt as the obiect, which is apprehended: p. 274So that neither the paſſion of Chriſt ſaueth without Faith, neither Faith helpeth, vnleſſe it bee in Chriſt his obiect.

Faith how it is alone, and not alone without workes.

1 AS the Queenes Maieſtie, though in her ſtate and office ſhee bee alone, yet ſhee goeth not without her maides of Honour after her: Or as the office of the eye alone is in the head to ſee, yet the eye is not without other members of the body, which hauehave alſo their offices to them aſſigned, & appropriate: Euen ſo it is with Faith: for moſt true it is, that by Faith alone (in reſpect of other workes of the Lawe) we are iuſtified. And yet the ſame Faith being alone, ſhee is not alone: In her office alone, but in practiſe not alone: So that as eueryevery thing muſt ſtand in his proper charge and office; ſo alſo muſt eueryevery thing neede in ſome reſpect, the ſocietie and helpe of an other.

2 Like as the roote ſucketh of the ground, the body receiueth of the roote, the braunches taketh of the body, the fruite ſhooteth out of the braunches; theſe ſucceſſiuely goe together: Euen ſo Faith grounded vppon Chriſtes paſſion, Faith giueth the ſappe of louelove, louelove bloſſometh foorth in good workes. And therefore in Faith we muſt be conſtant; in louelove feruent; in workes diligent; and in doctrine we muſt keepe order; we may not let the effect preſume before the cauſe, nor the daughter before the mother.

3 As workes without Faith, make but a Phariſaicall hypocrite: Euen ſo Faith without workes, maketh but a carnall Goſpeller.

4 Like as the flame of fire burneth the wood, without helpe of the light, and yet the flame cannot bee without the light: Euen ſo is it aſſuredly true, that Faith alone conſumeth p. 275and burneth away ſinne, without the helpe of works, & yet that the ſame Faith cannot be without good workes: And therefore if wee ſee a flame that giueth no light, we know by and by that it is but vaine and painted: Euen ſo when we ſee not ſome light of good workes in a man, it is a token that he hath not the true inſpired Faith, which God giueth to his choſen, to iuſtifie and glorifie them with all: So that moſt certaine it is, that the louelove of God, and a mans neighbour, doo of neceſſitie goe ioyntly together with Faith.

5 Like as with the ryſing of the Sunne, there goeth ioyntly of neceſſitie, the ſpreading foorth of his beames and his light: Euen ſo of neceſſitie, louelove and good workes follow Faith in thoſe that are iuſtified, in ſo much as hee that loueth not, and liueth well, abideth in death.

6 Like as that body wherein there remaineth no feeling or moouing, liueth not: And yet it followeth not thereupon, that feeling and moouing are the cauſe of life, but life is the cauſe of moouing: Euen ſo the efficient cauſe of our iuſtification is God, for the obedience, paſſion and death of Chriſt onelyonly: And Faith is the inſtrument, wherby we take hold of Chriſt our righteouſneſſe. So then the louelove of God and a mans neighbour, muſt of neceſsitie followe Faith in him that is iuſtified: Like as moouing and feeling, do of neceſſitie follow life. But louelove and good workes, cannot proceede but of Faith, like as there can grow no good fruites but of a good tree.

7 As wee commonly ſay, that white haires make an olde man, and yet our meaning onelyonly is, that they declare him to bee an old man: Euen ſo when we ſay that woorkes doo iuſtifie, it is ment that workes do but declare whom is iuſtified. Iam. 2.18.

8 Like as in the fire, the light and the heate are ioyned p. 276together for mans vſe, yet the heate onelyonly warmeth: So likewiſe Faith and workes goe together, in mans life and conuerſation: But yet it is Faith alone without workes, that ſaueth.

9 As the hand hath a propertie to reach out it ſelfe, to lay hold of any thing, and to receiue a gift: But the hand hath no propertie to cut a peece of wood of it ſelfe without a ſawe or knife, or ſome ſuch like inſtrument; and yet by the helpe of them, it can either diuide or cut: Euen ſo, it is the nature of Faith, to goe out of it ſelfe, and to receiue Chriſt into the heart. As for the duties of the firſt and ſecond Table, Faith cannot of himſelfe bring them foorth; no more then the hand can diuide or cut: Yet ioyne louelove to Faith, and then can it practiſe duties commaunded, concerning God and man.

10 As in regard of ſubſtance, although the eye bee neuer alone, yet in regarde of ſeeing, it is alone: Euen ſo, though Faith ſubſiſt not without hope and louelove, and other graces of God, yet in act of iuſtification, it is alone without them all.

11 Like as when any one of the Iſraelites were ſtung to death by fierie Serpents; his cure was not by any Phyſicke or Surgerie, but onelyonly by caſting of his eye vp to the brazen Serpent, which Moſes had receiued by Gods commaundement: Euen ſo in the cure of our ſoules, when we are ſtung to death by ſinne, there is nothing required within vsus for our recouerie, but onelyonly that we caſt vp and fixe the eye of our Faith on Chriſt, and his righteouſneſſe. Iohn. 3.14.15.

Forgiueneſſe of ſinnes onelyonly from God.

1 LIke as the Prince onelyonly hath power to Forgiue and pardon fellonie or treaſon in his ſubiects: Euen ſo God onelyonly hath power to Forgiue ſinne. Mar. 2.7. &c.

p. 2772 As that man is a Traytor, who being a ſubiect himſelfe, will take vponupon him to pardon treaſon or fellonie, in another ſubiect: Euen ſo is he a Traytor to God, that will take vponupon him to pardon that ſin, that is committed againſt God.

3 Like as no man can forgiue debts, but the Creditor, to whom the debt is due: So no man can forgiue ſinnes, againſt whom there is no ſin committed, but he onelyonly that is hurt and offended by the ſin, and that is God, either immediatly, or by meanes. Eſay 43.25.

4 Like as if one doo forgiue an other mans debts, the debtor is abuſed, if he do belieue that he is diſcharged of the bond of his debt, and the Creditor hath wrong done him, without whoſe knowledge and will, the debts belonging vntounto him are forgiuen, and his debtor diſcharged, which forgiueneſſe he doth make void immediatly, and doth neuertheleſſe claime the debt vponupon his debtor: Euen ſo likewiſe, if any man doo forgiue ſinnes, which be not done againſt himſelfe, he deceiueth him whom he forgiueth, and ſinneth againſt him alſo, to whom the offence was done, which hath the power only to forgiue, or withhold the offences done vntounto him: and ſo he doth both not diſcharge the party that is guiltie, and doth offend him alſo, into whoſe right he doth vnaduiſedly intrude.

5 As men do not giuegive almes at any time to a ſtout begger, who although he hauehave need, yet will not confeſſe it, and craue almes gently, acknowledging his pouertie: Euē ſo no more will the Lord giuegive vntounto vsus any ſpirituall almes, to wit Forgiueneſſe of ſinnes, vnleſſe we ſhall humble our ſelues before him, with true feeling of our pouertie and miſerie. Math. 9.13. & 11.28.

p. 278Falſe Doctrine.

1 AS the herbe Blattaria, whereſoeuer it bee ſtrewed or laide, the Mothes and Bats incontinently find it out, and come vntounto it: So corrupt Doctrine, whereſoeuer it be diſperſed, by and by, ſuch people as are corrupt, wil flocke vntounto it.

2 As a dramme of the roote of Solanum ſomniferum, cauſeth Idle imaginations, two drams cauſeth madneſſe, and fower drams killeth one: So a litle Falſe Doctrine, maketh an idle head.

Feeling of Faith, and other good graces which we are indued with, is not alwaies alike and the ſame in vsus.

1 LIke as we are not alwaies alike diſpoſed, at one time as at an other: So we hauehave not alwaies alike deſire to ſee, or to heare the word of God, or to read it, or to confer with our brethren, which are more aduaunced in the knowledge and zeale of the true and right maner of worſhipping of God, then we are. And likewiſe the ſpirite of God, doth not touch and ſtirre vsus vp alwaies alike. And this is the cauſe, that in our Faith, as in all other qualities, there is ſometimes more, ſometimes leſſe, and that oftentimes it is more ſtrong and liuely, and then ſometimes againe more remiſſe and faint.

2 Like as we ſee the water is more hote or cold, according as it is neare or farre off from the fire: Euen ſo is it with vsus, according as wee are more or leſſe exerciſed in the word, and driuen by Gods ſpirit, wee hauehave more or leſſe zeale and affection.

3 And altogether like as the diſpoſition of the body followeth the qualitie and temperature of the ayre, Elements and exerciſes, to which wee giuegive our ſelues: Euen ſo according to the places where we liue, and the nouriſhment p. 279that wee there take, is the eſtate of our ſoules and conſciences. But bee it that water is ſometime hote, and ſometime colde, and that it chaunge his qualities, ſometimes one way, ſometimes an other, yet it is alwaies water: Euen ſo the man that is elect, after his regeneration, is alwayes faithfull, howſoeuer in that he is the childe of Adam, he bee ſometimes enclined to euill, and that his Faith be not alwayes in one and the ſelfe ſame eſtate, and that hee is not alwayes accompanied with the like zeale and affection. For oftentimes it commeth to paſſe, that we feele Ieſus Chriſt to ſtirre and mooue himſelfe in vsus, and by and by after, wee hauehave no manner of Feeling at all: But therefore hee ceaſeth not to dwell in vsus, no more then our ſoules doo dwell in our bodies when we ſleepe, although in ſleeping, wee neither Feele them, nor any of their operations.

Feeling of ſinnes greater in ſome, then of the merite and righteouſneſſe of Ieſus Christ.

1 LIke as we Feele the calamities and miſeries of warre, more then the fruites and pleaſures of peace; and the griefes and diſeaſes, more then the quietneſſe of health; and the hardineſſe of pouertie, more then the profites and commodities of aboundance and riches: Euen ſo we ought not much to maruaile, if wee Feele the ſtingings and prickes of ſinne, a great deale more, then the conſolations of the righteouſneſſe of Ieſus Chriſt, ſeeing that ſinne dwelleth in vsus, and not righteouſneſſe, which thing is the cauſe, that the one is more ſencible then the other: Notwithſtanding for all this, wee muſt not thinke, that ſinne is greater and ſtronger then righteouſneſſe; or that it can in anye reſpecte bee compared vntounto it; or can bee more able to condemne and deſtroye vsus, then the righteouſneſſe of Ieſus Chriſt, and the grace of GOD p. 280is, to iuſtifie and ſaue vsus. Rom. 6.1. &c.

2 Like as we hauehave ſometimes in the ende of our finger, ſome pain or grief, which we feele a great deale more then the health that is all ouer the reſt of the body; yea thogh it be much greater then the paine of our finger: Euen ſo we muſt not eſteeme the greatneſſe or the ſtrength, whether it be of righteouſneſſe or ſinne, according to that feeling we hauehave, becauſe the one, that is ſin, is more ſencible then the other; and ſpecially, foraſmuch as we embrace righteouſneſſe onelyonly by Faith, which is of thoſe things that are not outward and ſencible.

Feeling and finding not alwayes in our ſelues, good deſires to holy Exerciſes, yet we muſt not be diſcouraged therefrom.

AS a man that taketh bread & meate, and eateth it without any great appetite, hath not ſuch a pleaſure in eating, as if he were well an hungred: notwithſtanding that which he receiueth, ceaſeth not to profit and ſuſtaine him, as we ſee in ſickneſſe: Euen ſo do prayers and other Chriſtian Exerciſes, to which ſuch cold perſons do giuegive themſelues. And therefore it only remaineth for them to ſearch the meanes how to encourage themſelues, and to do euen as a man would do to fire, when it is almoſt out, which he would hauehave kindled againe; he bloweth it, and layeth matter about it, wherwith to kindle the ſame: or as a man that putteth Oyle to a Lampe, when the light is going out.

Babling of Fooliſh men and women.

AS there is no beaſt that more loueth his Whelpes or yonglings then the Aſſe or Ape: So ſome Fooliſh women, and fond men, do more regard their owne tale, and blind babling, then all other mens.

p. 281Faith as God giueth vsus it, ſo he encreaſeth the ſame in vsus.

AS it is the part of a naturall Father, to nouriſh and ſet forth the childe which he hath begotten: Euen ſo no doubt, God is ſo faithfull, that as he giueth Faith vntounto his deare children, ſo he doth furder, feede, and conſerue the ſame alſo in them. Pſal. 68.28. Luk. 17.5.

Faith the onelyonly trueth which reciueth the bodie of Chriſt crucified.

1 AS the ſuſtenance of bread and drinke, being holden onelyonly in the hand, or gazed vppon with the eye, nouriſheth not, except the ſame be inwardly receiued and conueyed into the ſtomacke: and yet neither againe the receiuing of eueryevery thing ſuſtaineth mans bodie, except it be meate and drinke, which hauehave their condition properly to nouriſh: So in like ſort it is with Faith; for as the beleeuing of eueryevery truth, and Faith of eueryevery obiect ſaueth not, but that Faith onelyonly which is in Chriſts blood: ſo neither againe doth the ſame blood of Chriſt profit vsus, except by Faith it be inwardly receiued. Mat. 11.28. Ioh. 3.15, 16, 18. & 14.1, 11, 12. & 15.4, 5, 7. Act. 10.44.

2 As the Sunne, the fountaine of all light, ſhineth not, but onelyonly to ſuch which hauehave eyes to ſee, nor yet to them, vnleſſe they open their eyes to receiue light: Euen ſo the body of Chriſt crucified, being the materiall ſuſtenance onelyonly of our ſoules, it followeth that the ſame ſuſtenance muſt be receiued by Faith into our inward hearts, or elſe it is not effectuall.

3 Like as Iuſtifying Faith, goeth euer with his obiect Chriſt; Euē ſo to the ſame faith alſo muſt be required, that it ſtand not only in outward profeſſion, in words, in tong, and talke, as ſwimming onelyonly in the lippes, nor in inward formes, in ſhewes, and geſtures only, which is but a dead p. 282and an idle Faith, making an Hypocrite before men, rather then a iuſtified man before God: but muſt enter further into the inward heart; and as the ſuſtenance of the ſoule muſt inwardly be receiued and digeſted.

Forgiueneſſe of ſinnes to be preached to all men.

1 LIke as God hath ſhut vp all in vnbeliefe, that he might hauehave mercy vppon all: Euen ſo hee will hauehave this grace of Forgiueneſſe of ſinnes, of his mercy, to be ſet forth and preached to all mankinde. Rom. 11.32. Ioh. 3.16. 1. Ioh. 2.1, 2.

2 As the hungry ſtomacke is able to receiue meate; but yet for all that, vnleſſe he which is hungry do receiue and eate the meate, he is not refreſhed: So likewiſe the contrite and humble heart, is able indeed to receiue Forgiueneſſe of ſins; but yet vnleſſe he do receiue it in very deed, the conſcience of ſinne is not quietted, but it dooth receiue it indeed, when it receiueth the word of Grace by Faith.

3 As Forgiueneſſe of ſinnes is not obtained without true repentance and amendment of life: So after it is once obtained, it is not continued without the conſtant obſeruing of the ſame. For to what end is the diſeaſe cured, which is of purpoſe procured againe, when it is once healed? Mat. 3.2. & 4.17. Ioh. 8.11. & 5.14.

Faith hath need of continuall increaſe, and yet is neuer perfect in this life.

1 LIke as in eueryevery mans body, it is neceſſary there be encreaſes of the body, according to the meaſure and quantitie of eueryevery one, vntill it come to the perfect meaſure: Euen ſo it fareth with the caſe of Faith, for the bringing of it vntounto a iuſt meaſure; ſauing that the encreaſe thereof, cannot be made vp in any certaine number p. 283of yeares, as the body may, but needeth to hauehave continuall increaſe, as long as we hauehave our being here vponupon earth, by continuall preaching and Catechiſing, by the right vſe of the Sacraments, by true and earneſt prayer, and by diſcipline. Rom. 10.17. 1. Cor. 3.2, 6. Act. 2.38. Math. 7.7. 1. Cor. 5.3, 4, 5.

2 Euen as a Candle or Lampe, vnleſſe they bee nouriſhed with ſupply of new Tallow, or Oyle, are ſoone extinguiſhed: So alſo the word of our Faith vtterly decayeth, vnleſſe it bee preferred by newe Doctrines, and meditations of Scripture.

Flatterer.

1 EVen as the beaſt Hyena, doth imitate a mans voice, and ſo learneth ones name, whom he calleth foorth and deſtroyeth: So a Flatterer will ſo ſooth you with yea and nay; that at the length he will bring you to the pit of deſtruction.

2 As a Camelion can turne himſelfe into al colours ſaue white: So will a Flatterer chaunge himſelfe into all ſhapes and hewes, ſaue honeſtie.

3 As there is nothing more daungerous, then poyſoned honie: So nothing ought more to be bewared, then a Flattering friend.

4 As lice doo forſake the dead bodies, where the bloud is decayed, and wherevpon they vſed before to feede: So Flateres are preſent ſo long as proſperitie raigneth, but in aduerſitie, they are fled and gone.

5 As they which doo bring vp any wild beaſt, will firſt behold wherewith his nature is pleaſed or offended, vntill at the length by continuance, the ſame is made tractable and tame: So a Flatterer doth accommodate himſelfe to the will, mind, and affections of his friends, vntill at the length he may gather the knowledge of his inclination.

p. 2846 As the ſhadow when the Sunne ſhineth, doth follow thee, wherſoeuer thou goeſt: So a Flatterer in thy proſperous ſtate, is euer with thee preſent.

7 As Orators ſometimes do ſpeake in the perſons of other: So a Flatterer wil report that he heard things of thee, although it were nothing ſo.

8 As a Scorpion is a venemous creature, which hath a pleaſant face, but woundeth deadly with her taile; ſhe ſtingeth not with her face, but with her hinder part: Euen ſo ſuch a one is euerie ſmoothe tongued and flattering bodie, which ſpeaketh faire to his neighbours face, and killeth him in his heart. Prou. 26.22, 28. & 18.8. Rom. 16.18.

9 As a Bee doth carry a floure in her mouth, but behinde dooth pricke verie ſharpely with her ſting: So likewiſe verie many in theſe dayes, doo vſe moſt ſweete and pleaſant ſpeeches, and will euen ſtroke, as it were thy humour and diſpoſition, with ſoft and ſugred communication, to the ende, that (by reaſon of ſome malice couched in their hearts) they may worke thy woe and vtter ouerthrowe. Pſal. 118.12. Pſal. 78.36, 37. Prouer. 28.23. Eecle. 7.7.

10 Like as the ende of an Orator, is, with eloquence to perſwade: and the end of the Phyſition, with medicine to cure and to heale: Euen ſo the end of the Flatterer is, with his humble communication, and ſweete alluring talke, to deceiue: ſo that flattery is a ſweete muſicke to a mans eares; but indeed, there is none more pernicious and peſtilent then that is.

11 As a Looking-glaſſe dooth imitate, whatſoeuer is ſet before it, and dooth repreſent the likeneſſes of them that looke in it, but by a contrary way, for it ſheweth the left ſide to be the right; and if thou looke into the p. 285Eaſt, it doth repreſent thee, looking towards the Weſt: Euen ſo a Flatterer in voice and in geſture, will imitate thee: If thou laugh and be merrie, he alſo will be pleaſant and merrie: If thou weepe, he will weepe for companie: If thou wilt backbite and ſlaunder a man, he will take thy part; and will, with raylings, obloquies and ſlaunders, euen grieuouſly wound the ſame man. And if thou wilt praiſe thy ſelfe, hee will helpe thee: Or if thou loueſt to heare thy ſelfe praiſed of others, hee will carrie thee, as it were vponupon the wings of praiſes and commendations, vp into the clouds and loftie skies. Through his ſubtil ſlights and craftie deuiſes, he turneth and bendeth himſelfe eueryevery way: When hee will worke vponupon men that be ſad and heauie, he is preſently tranſlated into their humor. With men that are remiſſe, and without courage, hee dealeth merrily: He handleth old men grauely, and young men courteouſly; with wicked men he is bold and impudent, and with libidiuous and leacherous people, he is filthie and ſhameleſſe. The Flatterer hath alwayes at his fingers ends, and ready vnderunder his girdle, the geſtures, voices, inclinations and diſpoſitions of all perſons, high and lowe; he leaues out none, that hee may deceiue all: Hee will praiſe thee in thy preſence, and ſcorne thee in thy abſence; for the Flatterer is double tongued; he now extolleth thee and doth ſet thee aloft with great prayſes, and by and by, he will caſt thee downe with iniuries and wrongs.

12 As ſtickes and wood doo nouriſh and maintaine the fire, but the fire doth waſte and conſume them: So a man that is Flattered by ſmooth diſſemblers and hypocrits, doth maintaine his Flatterers, for the moſt part, but in the end, they wil deuour, and vtterly vndoo him.

p. 286Fickleneſſe of the ſtate of great perſons.

AS the Pine is a great tree, yet the fruite falleth quickly away: So the goodneſſe of many great perſons quickly decayeth.

Friend and frindſhip to be tried, and then truſted.

1 AS Zeuſis painted ſlowly, and with leaſure, that which ſhould long laſt, and continue: So muſt that Friend be a long time tried, which ſhall for euer continue faithfull. Eccle. 6.6, 7. &c.

2 As euill and vnwholeſome meate can neither be detained in the ſtomacke, without daunger of diſeaſes, neither expulſed without great griefe and paine: So if you will keepe an euill Friend, he will hurt you; but if you will reiect him, he will exclaime, and breede you great tumult and trouble.

3 As he which hath none other money, then one counterfeit coyne, is altogether monyleſſe: So he which hath none other Friend, then he which is vnproued, or tryed, may be well named friendleſſe.

4 Hee which goeth about to obtaine the frindſhip of many, is like the vnchaſt woman, who ioying herſelfe with many, hath no one aſſured louer.

5 As Telephus (the Sonne of Hercules,) all voide of Friends, was compelled to ſeeke ſalue for his ſoare, euen of his enemie: So ſuch as hauehave no faithfull Friends, at whoſe hands they ſhould be counſelled, are faine ſometimes to heare their foes.

6 As the concord in Muſicke of fiue tunes, & two halfe tunes, ſeemeth as it were but one voice and ſound: So for true Friends, there ought to be but one mind; yet ſo doth the flatterer obey the talke of the rich man in all things, that a man would thinke one onelyonly ſpake, and not two: but ſuch are to be tried.

p. 2877 As if the field might be made more fertile with prayſing, and lauding it, then ſhould it bee no leſſe prayſed, then plowed or dunged: So if your Friend may by praiſing him be made better, good it is then to commend him; if not, to what auaileth ſuch hatefull, fond, and vnprofitable flatterie?

8 As in trying veſſels, we firſt doo fill them with water, & not with wine: So in prouing of our Friends, we ought firſt to trie them with trifling matters, before we do commit vntounto them our weightie affaires and ſecrets.

9 Like as a Phyſition cureth a man ſecretly, he not ſeeing it, ſo ſhould a good Friend, helpe his Friend priuily, when he knoweth not thereof.

10 As mightie flouds, by how much they are brought into ſmall ryuers, by ſo much they looſe of their ſtrength: So friendſhip cannot be amongſt many, without abating the force thereof.

10 As the man that drinketh poyſon, deſtroyeth himſelfe therewith: So he that admitteth a Friend erre he perfectly knowe him, may hurt himſelfe by too much truſting him.

Faith onelyonly the meanes of Forgiueneſſe of ſinnes.

1 AS no man can bee ſaid to enioy and poſſeſſe riches, who is himſelfe vncertaine, whether he hath any riches or no: Or as he that cannot bee ſaid to enioy regall honours, and princely dignities, which doubteth whether he ſhall euer or neuer obtaine them: So in like manner, neither muſt wee thinke that there is any felicitie in remiſſion of ſinnes, if this certaine and vndoubted truſt of Forgiueneſſe of ſinnes be wanting. Pſa. 51.12. & 103.12. Math. 9.2. Mar. 2.5. Rom. 5.1. & 4.7. & 8.38. Eſay. 1.18. & 44.22. Mich. 7.19. 1. Iohn. 2.12. Iob. 13.15.

p. 2882 Like as we apprehend colours by the ſight, & ſounds by the eare: Euen ſo we apprehend by Faith Gods promiſes, in which he offereth life vntounto vsus, and all other graces. Rom. 5.1. Abac. 2.4. Iohn. 3.15.

Flatterie.

1 AS glaſſe a thing of no great regard, is much like vntounto the Chriſtall, a thing precious and deare: So Flatterie a thing as well vile as wicked, doth imitate friendſhip, a thing worthie of due laud and commendation.

2 As oyle is death and deſtruction, vntounto Flies, Ants, and ſuch others: So is Flatterie and adulation vntounto Princes and Prouinces, vtter ruine, and cleane decay.

3 Euen as Oyle doth cauſe the fire to flame: So Flatterie doth miniſter nouriſhment to errors: So that it is not good to belieue a Flatterer, for vnderunder the perſon of a moſt ſweete friend, he is a moſt bitter enemie. Pro. 29.5.

4 As no vermine will breede where they finde no warmth, no vultures ſleepe, where they find no pray; no Flies ſwarme where they ſee no fleſh; no pilgrime creepe where there is no Croſſe: So there is no Parraſite or Flatterer, will lurke where he finds no gaine.

Faith and obedience requiſite in them that be baptiſed.

LIke as there bee in the doctrine of Chriſt two partes, one concerning Faith, the other obedience: Euen ſo, they be both alſo required of them that be baptiſed. For baptiſme is added to the doctrine of Chriſt, ſo that a man may ſay aright in this caſe, as the Apoſtle ſaith vntounto the Galathians: I doo teſtifie to eueryevery man that is baptiſed, that hee is a debter, to accompliſh, and keepe the whole doctrine of Chriſt. Gal. 5.3.

Follie of ſome men great.

LIke as he deſerueth not to be reputed wiſe, that applying all his ſtudie, to the trimming of his garments, p. 289ſuffereth his body to periſh with hunger, and diſeaſes: Euen ſo neither ought ſuch men to bee accounted wiſe, that purſuing and following the delights and vanities of the body, abandon and neglect the care of their ſoules: The bodies beeing none other, but the apparell to the ſoules, as the garments to the body.

2 As Flies are buſie in the Pothegaries ſhops, and if they happen to get into his glaſſes of ſweete Syropes and oyntments, and there die, they ſtinke, and ſo ſpoyle his Syrope or oyntment: Euen ſo doth a little folly him, that was had in great eſtimation for his wiſedome. Prea. 10.1.

Faith without a particular appliance, hath no comfort or commoditie in it.

LIke as if a man ſhould belieue himſelfe to be rich, becauſe many men poſſeſſe great riches; himſelfe to bee filled and ſatisfied, becauſe other men hauehave whereuppon to eate: Or himſelfe to ſee, becauſe other men hauehave eyes, herein he ſhould much deceiue himſelfe: Euen ſo it is impudencie, or rather infidelitie, for a man to belieue that other men hauehave their ſinnes pardoned them, and not hee himſelfe. Abac. 2.4. Ephe. 1. 14.

Fleſh and ſpirite.

1 AS the Ayre in the dawning of the daye, is not wholly light or wholly darke, as at midnight, and at nooneday, neither is it in one part light, and an other part darke, but the whole ayre in the ſame Horizon, is partly light, and partly darke throughout: Or as in a veſſell of luke-warme water, the water it ſelfe is not onelyonly hote, or onelyonly cold, or in one part hote, and in an other part cold; but heate and colde are mixt together in eueryevery part of the water: Euen ſo is the Fleſh and the ſpirite mingled together in the ſoule of man, & this is the cauſe why theſe two contrarie qualities fight together. Gal. 5.17.

p. 2902 As a man doth feele a paine, which is but in the top of his finger, more ſenſibly, thē the health of his whole body; yet the health of the body is more, then the paine of a finger: Euen ſo a godly Chriſtian, doth more feele the Fleſh then the ſpirite; yet the power and efficacie of the ſpirite, by the vertue of the holy Ghoſt, is ſuch, that it is able to preuaile ordinarily againſt the Fleſhe: and therefore the Fleſhe is not more then the ſpirite; and as men feele corruption, not by corruption, but by grace; So the more they feele their inward corruptions, the more grace they hauehave.

3 Like as if the wood bee taken from the fire, and the embers quenched, yet neuertheleſſe the ſtones oftentimes remaine hote and burning: So the Fleſh, though it be chaſtiſed with hote and drie maladies, or conſumed by many yeares in trauaile, yet concupiſence abideth ſtill in the bones.

Forgiuing of others.

1 LIke as a Seale put to a peece of waxe, leaueth an Impreſſion or marke, like it ſelfe in the wax, which when a man lookes on, he doth certainely know that there hath beene a Seale, the print whereof is left behinde: Euen ſo it is in eueryevery one that hath readineſſe to forgiue others; for by it, a Chriſtian may eaſily know, that God hath ſealed to him the forgiueneſſe of his ſinnes, euen in his heart.

2 As a man walking vnderunder a wall in a cold Sunnie day, is heated of the wall, which firſt receiued heate from the Sunne: Euen ſo hee that ſheweth merciemercy to others, hath firſt receiued merciemercy from God. Math. 5.7.

Faith and hope doo differ.

1 A As Faith apprehendeth a preſent benefit: So likwiſe hope looketh for one to come.

2 As Faith apprehendeth the promiſe made by Chriſt: p. 291So neither hope nor other workes can doo.

3 As Faith is a knowledge in the minde, and truſt in the will: So hope is a knowledge in the will, and in the heart.

Faith perfect in ſubſtance, but in quantitie groweth greater by dayly encreaſe.

1 AS a childe when it is new borne, is a perfect man, and a man full growne is a perfect man: So alſo ſtandeth the caſe with Faith: That Faith is perfect, which receiueth and taketh hold vppon Chriſt; but it hath neede of daily encreaſements, to the end it may become full in all parts. Mar. 9.24.

2 Like as a child though he be a perfect man, yet hath neede of dayly foode and nouriſhment, to the intent hee may come to his full growth and making: Euen ſo he that belieueth, hath neede to minde Gods word continually, and to heare the ſame preached often, with other like helpes, to the end that he may from day to day take new encreaſement.

3 Like as the power of reaſon, which we receiued at the firſt birth of our fleſh, muſt alwaies be nouriſhed, helped, and exerciſed to the neceſſarie vſes of our life: So likewiſe Faith, which is as it were a certaine reaſon of our ſecond birth, and new man, muſt be fed and furdered like an infant, to the ſpirituall life.

Faith is tied to no time, to no age, nor qualitie of life.

LIke as it is in the Summer ſeaſon, ſome trees are fruiteful naturally in the beginning of Summer, ſome a litle after, ſome in the middeſt, ſome after the middeſt, yea and ſome doo beare their fruite at the latter end: And the tree is counted to be neuer a whit the leſſe fruitefull that beareth at the laſt, then the ſame which beareth in the beginning of the yeare: But the ſame is vnfruitfull, which p. 292doth beare no fruite at all; neither in the beginning, neither in the middeſt, nor yet at the ende of the Summer. For when the Summer is once paſt, there is no hope that the tree which hath beene barren all that time, can beare fruite at winter, becauſe that God hath ſo appointed, that they ſhould beare not in winter, but in the Summer ſeaſon: Euen ſo likewiſe, he that commeth vntounto Faith at the laſt caſt of his life, muſt be deemed no leſſe faithfull, then he which began to belieue in his youth. But he that is neuer made faithfull at all in this life, there is no hope of him, that he can come vntounto faith in the winter time, which ſhall follow the Summer of this our life. Luk. 13.7. Luk. 23.42, 43. Act. 9.1.&c. & 8.22, 23, 24.

Feare.

1 LIke as the Briſtle which is on the Shoemakers threed goeth thorowe the hole firſt, and ſo drawes a long and ſtrong threede after it: Euen ſo the Feare of Gods vengeance firſt goeth before, and throweth downe a man in his owne ſight, and then followes the long threede of Gods mercies in Chriſt offered in his word. Agge. 1.12, 13.

2 As the theife that will not ſteale, not for louelove of any righteouſneſſe, or reuerence to God, but to eſcape the gallowes: Euen ſo ſome men doo well, and eſchew euill, not for any feare or louelove of God, or goodneſſe it ſelfe, but to eſcape puniſhment.

3 Like as whē the ayre is couered with clouds, the Sun darkned, tempeſt beginne to aryſe, lightnings and fire flie from heauen, rumbling and noyſe is in the aire, the clouds burſts, and the thunder cracke comes, then raine falls, and ſtraight followes Sunne-ſhine and faire weather: Euen ſo a man truely fearing God, beeing touched in conſcience with ſorrow for his ſinnes, as one oppreſſed with the burden p. 293and vileneſſe thereof, complaines to God, accuſes himſelfe, grones, ſobbes and ſighes like the thunder crack, dare not looke vp towards heauen, for his wickedneſſe, but condemnes himſelfe: At the laſt burſtes out on weeping, and teares like drops of raine comes trickling down his cheekes, ſtraightwayes followes quietneſſe of conſcience, with wondring and praiſing the vnſpeakable goodneſſe of God, for his mercies and comfort in Chriſt his Sonne, offered to ſuch a troubled conſcience.

Friends are not alwaies to be choſen for their wealth.

AS he is a foole, which buying a horſe, beholdeth only the gay Saddle, & braue Bridle: So is he moſt fooliſh, which going about to get Friends, chuſeth them rather by their wealth and apparell, then by their good nature, qualities and conditions. Eccle. 6.6, 7. &c.

Frailtie of mans nature.

1 LIike as a Hound cannot but follow his game, when he ſeeth it before him, if he be looſe: Euen ſo can we not but fall into ſinne, when occaſion by temptation is giuen vsus, if the Lord in merciemercy withdraw and keepe backe his helping hand from vsus.

2 As a ſmall threede holdeth a ſtrong man, where hee gladly deſireth to bee, and a little pulling, draweth a man whether he willingly goeth: Or as a little wind driueth a Shippe with the ſtreame and tide: Or as a light perſwaſion is enough to make a leacherous man belieue that fornication is no ſin. And an angrie man, that it is lawfull to reuenge himſelf, &c. Euen ſo if the Lord lead vsus into temptation, and giuegive vsus ouer for our vnkindnes & vnthankfulnes, ſeeing our blind nature delighteth in euil, & is prompt & ready of it ſelfe to belieue lies, a litle is enough to make p. 294them that louelove not the truth, to belieue lies, fainings, and ſuperſtitions, and to harden them therin. 2. Theſ. 2.1, 2. &c.

3 As a ſtone caſt vp into the ayre, can neither goe any higher, neither yet there abide, when the power of the hurler ceaſeth to driue it: Euen ſo ſeeing our corrupt nature can but goe downeward onelyonly, and the diuell, the world and the fleſh, driueth there to the ſame way: How can we proceede further in vertue, or ſtand therin, (when we are tempted,) if our mercifull and good God do not by his holy ſpirite, from time to time, guide and gouerne vsus?

In Gods Fauour.

LIke when a man is in Fauour with his Prince, hee is then bold to come vntounto him, & may hauehave free acceſſe vntounto his preſence, and may ſue to him for any benefite or preferment, whereof hee ſtandeth in neede; and may obtaine it before any other: Euen ſo they which are in Gods Fauour, by reaſon that they are freely pardoned, and iuſtified in Chriſt, doo boldly approch into Gods preſence, and they are ready to aske, and are ſure to obtaine any benefit that is for their good.

Faithfull.

1 AS an whole man when he is a thirſtie, tarrieth but for drinke, and when hee hungereth, abideth but for meate, and then drinketh and eateth naturally: Euen ſo is the Faithfull euer a thirſt and an hungered after the will of God; and tarrieth but for an occaſion, and whenſoeuer an occaſion is giuen, hee worketh naturally the will of God.

2 As the vnbelieuers declare their vnbeliefe by the working of the euill ſpirit in them outwardly, the fruites of the fleſh: Euen ſo the belieuers declare their Faith, by the working in them outwardly the fruites of the ſpirite.

p. 2953 Like as when we heare a Muſition play ſweetely, or a painter, picture curiouſly, we do not inquire what countrymen they are, or whether they bee borne of noble parentage or no; but diligently hearken to the Muſicke, and marke and view well the picture: So a Faithfull and carefull hearer of the word, muſt not ſo much regard the ſtate and condition of the Preacher, as diligently to marke the good things that he teacheth, and ſo to practiſe them in his life and behauiour.

Fall of man through his owne pride.

AS we ſee a child, who whilſt he runneth vp and down to ſhew his new cloathes, hee ſtumbleth euen vponupon his cloathes, and catcheth a Fall, and ſeeing himſelfe downe, and his cloathes ſoyled and arayed in the duſt, he cryeth lowder at his Fall, then hee crowed before at his new Coate: So God hath put many excellent graces vponupon thee, thou croweſt at the ſight of them, as Nebuchadnezzer did at the ſight of his Pallace; and like a foole thou art in admiration of thy ſelfe, till thou ſtumbleſt euen vponupon thine owne giftes; and when thou art downe, thou, which before didſt crow like a foole, doeſt then crie like a child; eſpecially becauſe thou ſeeſt thy excellent graces, euen thy coate of diuers colours, ſtayned, and foyled with thy Fall. Pſa. 75.6, 7.

The Famine of the ſoule.

LIke as when God ſendeth a Famine, that wee hardly find wherewithall to ſuſtaine our liues, then our condition is miſerable: Euen ſo much more daungerous and greater is the Famine of the ſoule, when God taketh away from any people, the ſincere Preachers of his word. Amo. 8.11, 12.

p. 296Feare of God.

1 AS Ioſeph did dreame, that the Sunne and Moone did bowe vntounto him: So muſt the whole world Feare and ſtand in awe of Gods maieſtie. Gen. 37, 9.

2 As Iacob told his vnckle Laban, that except the Feare of Iſaac had beene with him, meaning the Feare of God, who was Iſaacs Feare, he would hauehave ſent him away emptie: Euen ſo it is with vsus all, except Gods Feare remaine and continue with vsus, though the Lord hath deſerued neuer ſo much at our hands, yet we like vnthankfull Labans, would ſend him emptie away, and robbe him of the praiſe of all his bleſſings and graces beſtowed vponupon vsus. Gene. 31.42. Pro. 1.7. & 14.27. Exod. 20.20. Gene. 42.18.

Gods Face is fearefull to the wicked.

AS the Face of an earthly Iudge, (which can but kill the body) is moſt fearefull and terrible vntounto that partie which is brought before him for his wicked fact: Euen ſo the Face and ſentence of the eternall and heauenly Iudge of Iudges, will bee moſt terrible againſt the wicked, who after he hath killed, can caſt both body and ſoule into hell fire; and from whoſe countenance, flyeth away both the heauens and the earth. Math. 10.28. Reue. 20.11.

Friends vnprofitable.

AS the ſtumpe of a tooth is vnprofitable to eate withal: So they in whom there is no faith nor credite to be repoſed, are Friendes vnfit and vnprofitable for a man in the day of trouble. Prou. 25.19.

A Friend forſaken.

AS a veſſell, how profitable ſo euer it hath beene to the owner, and how neceſſarie for his turne, yet when it is broken, it is throwne away and regarded no longer: Euen ſo ſuch is the ſtate of a man forſaken, of thoſe, whoſe p. 297Friend he hath beene, ſo long as he was able to ſtand them in ſtead. Pſal. 31.12.

Such a Father, ſuch a Sonne.

AS Vipers broode deſtroyeth them that breed them: So generally the children of them that murthered the Prophets, and ſhewed crueltie to the ſaints of God, fulfill the meaſure of their fathers, and are vnmercifully bent againſt all thoſe that ſeeke their life and ſaluation. Math. 3.7 & 23.33.

A dead Faith.

1 LIke as he that falleth into a Riuer, if he neither moue hands, armes, nor legs, is quickly drowned, and ſinketh downe dead to the bottom; but if he ſwim, eſcapeth aliue: So he that truſteth to a dead Faith, which becauſe it hath no good effects, and bringeth forth no liuely fruites, as an holy louelove to God & man, pietie, patience, pitie, merciemercy, compaſſion, and ſuch like vertues, he muſt needes be drowned in vtter deſtruction, and ſincke downe into the bottomleſſe gulfe and pit of hell: but he that moueth his hands & his feete, to do the deeds of a true & right Faith, which worketh by louelove, and ſhall be a dooer of the word, and not an hearer onelyonly, he ſhall eſcape ſafe out of all dangers, and ſhall arriue at the happie hauen of eternall happineſſe, and euerlaſting life, through Chriſt Ieſus. Iam. 2.14. &c. Gal. 5.6. Iam. 1.22.

2 Like as if a man ſay to one that is hungry, fill thy belly, and giueth him nothing, this ſhall not be true charitie: So likewiſe, if a man ſay he beleeueth, & bringeth forth no workes of Faith, this ſhall not be true faith, but a certaine dead thing ſet out with the name of Faith, wherof no man hath to bragge, vnleſſe he will openly incurre reprehention, ſeeing that the cauſe is vnderſtood by the effects. Iam. 2 15, 16.

p. 298Spirituall Fornication.

AS they that forſake their husbands, and giuegive themſelues ouer to ſtraungers, doo ſo become common Whoores: Euen ſo ſuch is the ſtate of thoſe which leaue God and the truth, which ſometime they profeſſed, and commit Idolatrie, and cleaue to ſuperſtitions. Ezech. 23.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

Fasting, when needfull.

1 AS men accuſed in times paſt with longe hanging beardes, with vncombred hayre, with blacke array, were wont humbly to abate themſelues, to the end to procure the mercy of the Iudge. So likewiſe when we are accuſed for our ſinnes before the iudgement of God, when either peſtilence or famine, or war begin to range abroad, or if any calamitie otherwiſe ſeeme to hang ouer our coū trie, then it behoueth vsus both for his glorie, and for common edification, and alſo is profitable and healthfull for vsus, that wee ſhould in pitious array, humble our ſelues in Faſting and prayer, before his maieſtie, and ſo craue to eſcape his ſeueritie. Ioel. 2.25.

2 As bridles are neceſſarie for wilde horſes: So likewiſe is Faſting ſometimes for a Chriſtian, to tame the fleſhe.

3 As ſome men naturally are continually out of meaſure, and inclined to one extremitie or other, which are both naught, and many there hauehave beene, which hauehave alwayes continued but too licentious: So alſo ſome there hauehave beene ſo ſuperſtitious in Faſting and abſtinence, that they hauehave made conſcience to vſe ſuch things, as God hath left free, and at their libertie.

p. 299Fained Friends.

1 EVen as a brooke in winter, is carried with great violence, and runneth with a mightie force, flowing ouer, with abundance of waters on eueryevery ſide, when there is no want nor neede of waters; but in the heate of Summer is dried vp and emptie, when water is ſcant, and hard to be had, wherto thirſtie paſſengers as they trauaile, running in hope of water to drinke, are vtterly deceiued: So, a fayned and hollow hearted Friend, in the time of thy proſperitie, and rich eſtate, will promiſe thee many things, when thou haſt neede of nothing: but if the winde ſhall turne, and blow the contrarie way, and thou ſhalt be turned and toſſed with many ſharpe brunts, and bluſtring blaſts of troubles, aduerſitie, penurie and pouertie, thy Friends (as thou thought) will bee like a tree withered through want of ſap; and like a ditch without water, dried and parched with the heate of the Sunne.

2 As a ſhaddow doth follow that man which is lighted with the bright beames of the Sunne, but if the Sunne be hid, or couered with a cloud, the ſhadow vaniſheth, & is cleane gone: So a fained and counterfaited Friend, doth follow and plie that man, whome he perceiueth to bee rich, to be famous, honorable, & in the Princes fauour, at whoſe hands hee hopeth that ſome thing will be gotten: But if he ſhall fall into calamitie, bee deſpoyled of his riches, and ſhall tumble downe from the toppe of his honour, into the lowevallie of diſgrace, hee preſently forſaketh him, and maketh no reckoning nor account of him. Prou. 17.17.

3 As a Swallow whoſe companie may be had in Summer, but not in winter: So likwiſe Friends (as they go now a dayes) will ſwarme about thee, ſo long as thou art able and willing to feede their humors, and ſerue their turnes; p. 300but that ended, they will leaue thee in the middeſt of a thouſand ſurges and wants, of what troubles ſoeuer ſhall light vponupon thee.

Forgiueneſſe of ſinnes.

1 AS the Serpent or the Toade, when they die, are not in ſo miſerable a ſtate as ſinfull men, becauſe there is the ende of their woe and miſerie: So contrariwiſe, when men dieth out of the fauour of God, and without the benefit of Forgiueneſſe of ſinnes, there is thē the beginning of his woe and miſerie.

2 Like as when Benhadad king of Syria, was diſcomfited, and ouercome by the king of Iſraell, by the counſell of his ſeruants, who told him that the kings of Iſraell were mercifull men, he ſent them cloathed in ſackcloath with ropes about their neckes to intreate for peace and fauour: Now when the King ſaw their ſubmiſſiō, he made couenant of peace with him: So likewiſe we by our ſinnes, moſt iuſtly deſerue hell, death, and condemnation, eueryevery day, and therefore it ſtandeth vsus in hand, to come into the preſence of God, & to humble ourſelues before him in ſackcloth & aſhes, crauing and intreating for nothing in the world ſo much, as for pardon of our ſinnes, and that day by day, without ceaſing, till the Lord giuegive his bleſſed anſwere to our conſciences, that all our ſinnes are put out of his remembrance. 1. King. 20.32. Pſal. 32.1. Eſay. 38.17. & 44.22. Mich. 7.19.

3 Like as a man that for ſome miſdemeanour hath beene caſt into priſon, and lyen there many yeares, winter and Summer in cold yrons, when he obtaines libertie, he will often bethinke himſelfe of his old miſerie, and take heede for euer, leaſt hee fall into the ſame offence againe: So likewiſe he which hath ſeene his owne ſinnes, and felt the ſmart of them, and withall by Gods goodneſſe obtayned p. 301aſſurance touching the pardon and Forgiueneſſe of them, will neuer willingly and wittingly commit the like ſinnes any more, but in all things chaunge the courſe of his life.

Faith muſt not wauer in prayer.

AS the waue of the Sea is driuen ſometimes into this coaſt, ſomtimes into that, according as the wind & the raging of the Sea is: So likewiſe a mā doubting, now thinketh this thing, ſhortly after his mind being chaunged, he thinketh an other thing, euen as he is driuen on with erronious doctrine, and blind affections. Such a man prayeth in vaine, becauſe hee is deſtitute of true Fayth. Iam. 1.6, 7.

Forgiueneſſe of ſinnes free, yet requireth thankfulneſſe.

1 EVen as the King, his ſeruant owing him ten thouſand Talants, yet when he fell downe and beſought him, he forgaue him the whole debt freely, and of his meere liberalitie: So alſo God the Father dooth freely forgiue them all debts, that is ſinnes, which flie vntounto him for ſuccour, with truſt and confidence in Chriſt. Math. 18.23. &c. Luk. 7.41, 42.

2 But euen as the king called againe vntounto puniſhment, that ſeruant, being vnthankfull, and cruell toward his fellow ſeruants, and that which before he forgaue him when he humbly beſought him, now hee requireth againe of him, being ſtubborne and cruell towards his fellowes: So God, after he hath receiued vsus being ſorrie for our ſinne, into fauour, will hauehave vsus imitate his example in liberalitie and goodneſſe towards our neighbour. Math. 18.32, 33.

Faith without workes is vaine.

1 EVen as that ſpeech is vaine, wherein it is ſaid to the needie, warme your ſelues, and fill your bellies, when as helping hands are not alſo put to: So that Faith is vaine, p. 302and deade, which is in the mouth, without the fruite of workes. Iam. 2.15, 16.

2 As a Carkas wherin is no liuely ſpirit, deſerueth not to be called a liuing creature: Euen ſo Faith that is dead, and without workes, deſerueth not to bee called Faith. Iam. 2.17.

3 Euen as the ſpirit which is inwardly in a lyuing creature, quicke and luſty, doth bewray it ſelfe by moouing & feeling, and by the outward actions: So likewiſe a liuely Faith, doth ſhewe it ſelfe by good workes; otherwiſe it is like a tree without a roote, by which it is nouriſhed, held vp, and adorned. Iam. 2.18.26.

4 As Almes and liberalitie to the poore, which is but in faire ſpeeches, is cold and doth not helpe: So in like manner, the Faith which is but in words and outward profeſſion of ſpeech, although it be with neuer ſo great brags, is dead; ſo that wee muſt vnderſtand, that a thing which is weake and dead in it ſelfe, can by no meanes hauehave power to giuegive life and to ſaue.

5 Like as if that liberalitie which is onelyonly in words, be cold & dead, and doth not profit the poore, nor make him a liberall man which vſeth it: Euen ſo that Faith which is onelyonly in ſpeech is dead, and therefore cannot ſaue or profit him which hath it. For if words onelyonly could profite or cauſe it to bee Faith, then ſhould words alſo profite the poore man or woman, which is deſtitute: But words onelyonly can not make a faithfull man, nor onelyonly words make a liberall man.

6 As a man is knowne to be dead, when hee doth not breath, cannot ſtir, ſee, heare, & ſuch like; and contrariwiſe when he doth any of theſe, he is knowne to be aliue: Euen ſo is it with Faith, if it can or doo bring foorth no good workes, then is it dead: on the contrarie part, the actions p. 303and ſtirring thereof, doo ſhewe it to bee aliue.

7 Euen as we ſee ſome painter ſo skilful, that he can caſt ſuch colours, in painting fire, that at the firſt bluſh, it might make a man iudge it to bee fire indeed: But if a man hold his hand to it, to feele for ſome heate, and to make triall by the effects, a child will be able to iudge eaſily, that it is but a dead image, becauſe the effectes are wanting: Euen ſo, there bee very many men, as cunning as any Painter, to make a ſhew of Faith, through great bragges and vaunts, that God is their God, and that they put all their whole truſt in him; that they looke to be ſaued as well as the beſt; yea though but a fewe, yet they hope to bee of the number of thoſe.

8 As an vnfaithfull ſeruant, which doth his buſineſſe deceitfully, and hypocritically, to his Lord and Maiſter, whoſe wages hee taketh, and in the meane time, fauoureth his enemie, and laboureth by all the meanes that hee may, to pleaſe him, and with his diligence to ſerue him: Euen ſo in like manner, hee which boaſteth of Faith in Chriſt, and in the meane time liueth looſely and wickedly, hee dooth no otherwiſe, then to ſpeake outwardly, thoſe things with his mouth, from which, both the heart it ſelfe, and all the ſtudies and actions of his whole life, doo diſagree. Ioh. 8.40.44.

For the louelove of Christ wee muſt Forſake all.

1 AS a faithfull wife hauing her husband in a ſtraunge Countrie, who ſending for her, dooth foorthwith Forſake Father and Mother, Friend and acquaintaunce, goods and landes, not regarding either perill or pouertie, that maye happen vntounto her, ſo that ſhee may bee in the fellowſhippe and companie of her husband, becauſe ſhee loueth him, and hath her ſure confidence p. 304and truſt in him, and is ſure that ſhe ſhall participate with him, whatſoeuer he hath: Euen ſo wee that are faithfull Chriſtians, ought (vnleſſe we would be reputed vnnaturall braunches, vnkind louers, and inſolent perſons) to abandon and Forſake for the louelove of Chriſt, who hath married vsus vntounto himſelfe with the Ring of Faith) all worldly and fleſhly pleaſures, what and how many ſo euer they be, yea and our liues too. Mat. 10.37. Luk. 14.26.

2 As a weake woman will not refuſe to forſake all, and to follow her louing husband, who is nothing elſe, but earth, aſhes, fleſh, bloud and corruption, hauing yet no certaintie of his life, nor no full aſſuraunce of his perſon nor preſence: Euen ſo, much more wee ought to Forſake all, when our heauenly husband Ieſus Chriſt for our ſaluation and commoditie, and becauſe hee would make vsus like vntounto himſelfe, doth call vsus out of our owne countrie, and to follow him, which is the author of life, the preſeruer from perils, the giuer of all good giftes, and the moſt faithfull louer of our ſoules.

3 Like as a husband that hath diuers manſion places, the which alſo by the common right of marriage, belong vntounto his wife, who cauſeth her to dwel in what houſe it pleaſeth him, and when he liſt, he cauſeth her to remoue and to chaunge habitation as he thinketh beſt, which ſhee willingly is contented with, beeing a dutifull wife, and delighting in the companie of her husband: So likewiſe Ieſus Chriſt, who is the Lord of the vniuerſall world, who alſo hath married vsus to him by Faith, will hauehave this prerogatiue ouer vsus, namely to place vsus in which of his houſes it pleaſeth him beſt: So that it is our part for his louelove to Forſake all, and to obey him, and willingly to dwell in what place he will hauehave vsus, and there to remaine in leading p. 305a Chriſtian life, till ſuch time as he ſhall call vsus thence vntounto ſome other place.

Superſtuitie in Feaſtes and banquets.

1 LIke as if a Horſe by eating too many Oates, ſhould grow heauie, dull, and ſlacke to goe or draw, the owner would beware of giuing him too much, leaſt hee ſhould both looſe his prouender, and weaken his horſe: Euen ſo in meate and drinke, and long ſittings at Feaſts, if the plentie make vsus heauie and ſlowe in our vocations, namely in the ſeruice of God, we hauehave iuſt cauſe to cut it off, and ſo to take away the abuſe, which is eſpecially hurtfull, and to be condemned. 1. Cor. 10.31.

2 As men vſe to put water into their wine for feare of drunkenneſſe, and to put ſalt in their meate to ſeaſon it: Euen ſo muſt our ſpeeches and talke ſauour of ſobrietie & Chriſtian reformation, at Feaſts and other meetings. Iob. 1.4.5. Math. 12.36.

Fauourers and furtherers of wicked actions and ſinne.

EVen as when ſome huge and great Fiſh, is drawne out of a ryuer, in a net, many ſmall ones, which are about him, are taken and drawne out with him: Right ſo it is the Lords manner, not onelyonly to tangle and to trap, within the infringible net of his indignation & heauie iudgements, the firſt Authors, and chiefe bruers and brochers of Idolatrie, treaſon, treacherie, or any kind of euill whatſoeuer: But all thoſe alſo will hee cenſure, with the ſame weight and meaſure of puniſhment, which hauehave any pleaſure in thoſe forbidden euils, and are ſo farre from beeing offended and grieued at the ſame, that they wiſh in their harts, good ſucceſſe, & continuance vntounto thē. Eze. 29.4, 5.

A fellow-like Feeling.

LIke as there is no one part in our carnall body, that is hurt, but that all the reſt of the members Feele ſmart p. 306by the ſame: Euen ſo ought wee to hauehave compaſſion one vponupon an other, when hee is in trouble, and ſuffereth any ſorrow, and our neighbours buſineſſe ought no leſſe to be ours, then our owne. Rom. 12.10.15, 16.

Free-will loſt in Adam.

1 AS he which killeth himſelfe, doth it whilſt he is aliue, but being dead, cannot reuiue himſelfe againe: So we had Free-will to doo good, before we loſt it in Adam, but hauing loſt it, we cannot recouer it.

2 As a man that is in cloſe priſon muſt needes thereabide, and cannot poſſibly get forth and walke where hee will; Yet can he moue himſelfe freely, and walke within the priſon: So likewiſe, though mans will be chained naturally by the bonds of ſinne, and therefore cannot but ſinne; and thereupon ſinneth neceſſarily, yet doth it alſo ſinne Freely.

3 As that priſoner that is not onelyonly ſicke and weake but euen ſtarke dead: Which cannot ſtirre though the keeper vntie his boltes and chaines, nor heare though hee ſound a trumpet in his eare: and if the ſaid keeper would hauehave him to moue and ſtir, he muſt giuegive him not only his hand to helpe him, but euen ſoule and life alſo: Euen ſo ſuch a one is eueryevery man by nature, not onelyonly chained and fettered in his ſinnes, but ſtarke dead therein, as one that lyeth rotting in the graue, not hauing any abilitie or power to moue or ſtir: and therefore he cannot ſo much as deſire or doo any thing that is truely good of himſelfe, but God muſt firſt come and put a newe ſoule into him, euen the ſpirit of grace, to quicken & reuiue him, and then being thus reuiued, the will beginneth to will good things, at the very ſame time, when God by his ſpirit firſt infuſeth grace. Iere. 10.25.

4 As a Ship when the Sterne is broken, is driuen hither p. 307and thither where the tempeſt will: Euen ſo by the diuel, we are driuen from one ſinne to an other, neither hitherto can doo any thing, but euen as the diuell will; and except God doth deliuer vsus with his ſtrong hand of his merciemercy, we ſhal remaine in the bonds and chaines of ſinne vntounto death. Gene. 6.5. & 8.21. & 20.6. Prou. 16.1.9. & 20.24. & 21.1.

5 Like as if a man ſhould fall into a myrie deepe, and ſtonie place, and ſo ſhould both be drowned, bee arrayed with myre, and alſo be hurt: So wee by originall ſinne, are drowned in the darkneſſe of ignorance: wee are ſo defiled with luſts & concupiſcence, and wee are wounded as touching the powers and faculties of the mind. Iere. 31.18. Ezech. 36.26, 27. Ioh. 6.44, 45. Rom. 9.10.

6 As the vnderſtanding doth ſee nothing of it ſelfe, but that which is carnall: Euen ſo the will of man, doth hate and abhorre of it ſelfe, all things which are good, and loueth that which is euill, carnall, and nothing durable. 1. Cor. 2.14.

7 Like as when a man taketh a knife and cutteth bread with it, the knife alſo doth cut, but not without the hand of him which holdeth the knife, for the knife is not Free of it ſelfe, either to cut or not to cut; yet for all that, when a man doth cut any thing with a knife, hee ſaith, this knife cutteth well or ill, although of it ſelfe it dooth cut nothing at all, but by the power and force of the cutter: So we likewiſe can do nothing of our ſelues that is good and right, except the ſpirit of God worketh it in vsus: So that all godly Chriſtians, wil confeſſe and ſay, we hauehave laboured, we hauehave preached, we hauehave praied, &c. knowing yet them ſelues to be nothing elſe but the inſtruments of the Lord which worketh. Prou. 16.1.9. & 21.1. Iere. 10.25. & 13.23. & 34.7. Ezech. 36.26.