A Treasury of Similes, Part H

A Treasury of Similes · Part H

p. 351Hearers of the word.

1 AS deſperate patients, which at no hand will practiſe the good Phyſicke giuen them, becauſe they ſee their Phyſitions ſomething ſickly and crazie: Or as thoſe men that being as blind as a beetle, yet doo moſt willingly refuſe the true and p. 352faithfull directions of their appointed guides, becauſe (as they thinke) they hauehave a blemiſh in one of their eyes: Euen ſo, ſuch are thoſe Hearers of the word, who ſay they will not belieue the Preacher, ſay what he can & will, becauſe hee doth not practiſe himſelfe, that which he preacheth to other.

2 As al thoſe excellent creatures of God (ſo high, ſo ſingular, ſo pure, ſo precious, ſo beautifull, and the ſame ſo ſhining) were firſt formed eueryevery of them by the word of the Lord, from that vnfaſhioned, that darke and confuſed Chaos, are not therefore contemptible, but rather moſt highly to be eſteemed, as apparant teſtimonies of the incomprehenſible maieſtie, goodneſſe, wiſedome, power, and prouidence of God: For example, Wine, which is ſo friendly to nature, ſuch a ſtrength to the weake, ſuch a ſolace to the ſorrowfull, and many wayes ſo medicinable for men, is not therefore to bee deſpiſed, becauſe it is broched, from a warped, a woodden, or a wormeaten barrel: Or as Milke which is ſuch a ſtrength vntounto nature, ſo wholſome for diet, and eueryevery wayes ſo wonderfull in working, is not therefore to bee miſliked, becauſe it is drawne from an hayrie, a fat, or fleſhie bagge: Or as Roſes, which are moſt ſeemely in ſight, ſo ſweete to ſmell vppon, and ſo meete for medicine, are not therefore to bee reiected, for that they grow vp among prickes, among brambles and briers: Or as an Electuarie, which comforteth nature, purgeth corruption, and reſtoreth to health, is not therefore to bee forſaken, becauſe it is made of vile and bitter confections, or brought out of a loathſome boxe: Or as Siluer and Gold, which are ſuch ſingular treaſures, ſo glittering in ſight, and eueryevery way moſt neceſſarie for mens vſes, are not therefore to bee abhorred, becauſe they are tryed foorth of the loweſt Element, which is the earth: Or as p. 353precious ſtones, which are ſo ſeemely in ſhow, ſo rich in valew, and of ſuch ſingular operation; are not therefore to be loathed, becauſe they are commonly brought foorth by filthie and venemous beaſts: Or as ſilke, which is moſt precious, yet is for all that ſpunne by the vileſt worme: Or as the body of man, which after a ſort, may be called the final cauſe of all creatures; the moſt excellent in forme, the perfecteſt in ſubſtance, and which onelyonly was ordained to eternall happineſſe, and yet was the ſame both formed of earth, and faſhioned euen of filthie clay; by all which Similies, we may truely conclude, that for ſo much as the aforeſaid matters are not to bee vilely eſteemed, notwithſtanding they doo proceede from ſuch vile and filthie beginning: Euen ſo much leſſe may the word of the Lord be reiected of any Hearers of the ſame, beeing truely preached, though the life and maners of thoſe Miniſters thereof, be neuer ſo much to be miſliked of men. Gene. 1.3. &c. Pſal. 33.8, 9. & 148.5. Rom. 1.20. Math. 23.2, 3.

3 As the Phyſition when he is ſicke, cannot heale him ſelfe, nor hath not his iudgement ſo perfectly as he had before he was ſicke, but ſeeketh helpe at an other Phyſitions hand: So the lernedſt man liuing (though he be a preacher himſelfe) as long as hee liueth, and beareth ſinfull fleſhe about with him, ſhall hauehave many ſinfull and froward luſts and affections raigning in him, which blindeth his ſight, that he ſeeth not his owne ſinnes; and therefore it is very needfull, that hee ſhould often Heare the Sermons and counſels of others, although they be much his inferiors. 2. Pet. 1.21, 13. 1. Tim. 4.6. &c. Tit. 3.1. &c. 2. Sam. 12.1. &c.

4 As a Spunge gathereth vp all liquor, whether it bee good or bad: Euen ſo ſome Hearers of Sermons, receiue all that is ſpoken good and euill.

p. 3545 As an houre Glaſſe, or Condiut, that which in an houre runneth in, the ſame in an other houre runneth out againe: So likwiſe ſome Hearers forget that in one houre, which they heard and learned in an other.

6 As a veſſell that receiueth liquor, which being powred out, the dregges remaine: Or as a Siue that retaineth and keepeth the good Corne, and caſteth out the chaffe: Euen ſo ſome Hearers of the word preached, doo reiect and neglect the wholeſome and profitable doctrine, and keepe in minde that which is not ſo neceſſarie and profitable.

7 Euen as a Dogge (beeing otherwayes but a filthie beaſt) hath a tongue very medicionable for many malidies: And as the Dragon (though he be very cold of body himſelfe) yet for all that, there proceedeth a fire from his mouth for the heat of others: So likewiſe ſome preachers, notwithſtanding they bee lewde in life, and key colde in godly conuerſation, yet for all that, they may hauehave ſuch a tongue, as may preſcribe a very ſoueraigne ſalue for the ſurfetting of their Hearers ſoules, and they may alſo hauehave ſuch a mouth, as may kindle a fire, to conſume the corruptions of their Hearers, and ſo alſo enflame them in newneſſe of life, and therefore to be heard willingly.

8 As a famiſhed man, who doth neuer refuſe any wholſome foode prepared for him by his Hoſt, though his Hoſt himſelfe will not taſte thereof: And likewiſe a verie ſicke patient, which neuer reiecteth an healthfull medicine, though his Phyſition doth miniſter the ſame with a Leprous hand: Or as a miſerable begger, will not forſake a faire peece of Siluer or Gold, though it bee proffered him in a filthy fiſt: And like as vntounto an impriſoned Rebell, who will neuer reiect the Princes pardon, though it be brought him by a moſt leaud ribald: Or as a ſorrowfull p. 355diſtreſſed Caitiffe, which willingly would heare any ioyfull newes, notwithſtanding the meſſenger which brings the ſame, be a very vngracious varlet: So there can be no more daintie diet prouided for Chriſtians, then the foode of their ſoules; there cannot be a more healthful medicine be made for Chriſtian Hearers of the word, then that which amendeth their ſpiritual maladies: Nor there can bee a more golden gift giuen vntounto them, then ſeuen times purified Gold of the ſacred Scriptures, rightly diuided; neither can there be any more wel-commed pardon proclaimed to men, then that which containeth the free forgiueneſſe of ſinnes: And there cannot a more happie newes bee publiſhed abroad, then that which concernes the inheritance of euerlaſting life: Notwithſtanding, the Preacher himſelfe be careleſſe, be Leprous, be filthie, bee beaſtly or vile; yet the godly Hearer will not forſake this heauenly foode, or make light account of this wholſome medicine; lightly eſteeme this Gold, or reiect this pardon; thinke ſcorne of this newes, but feede hungerly vppon it; applie it in time, lay it vp in his heart, yeelde all reuerence vntounto it, and delight onelyonly therein, as in the very ioy of his ſoule.

9 As a poore Prentiſe that is very deſirous to learne his occupation throughly in eueryevery point, (who notwithſtanding his Maiſter doth dayly reuile him, call him Aſſe, and dolte, yea and ſomtimes doth ſurely ſwinge him) yet will he accept the ſame in good part, and by no meanes be driuen from learning the miſterie of his Trade, becauſe it bringeth in the end a pleaſure with profit: So likewiſe euerie Chriſtian Hearer of the word, ſhould be ſo addicted to the louelove thereof, that neither reſpecting ſome outragious affections, nor yet weying at all the diſordered wordes which vnaduiſedly paſſe from ſome Preachers mouth; p. 356but (regarding rather the matter in hand) ſhould wholly fixe their minds thereon; aſſuring themſelues, that albeit the ſame ſeemeth ſower at the firſt to fleſh and bloud, yet in the end it wil bring quiet reſt to their ſoules. Mat. 11.29. Hebr. 12.11.

10 As the Anuile or Stithie, the more it is hammered, the harder it is: So the moſt Hearers of the word now a dayes, hauehave their harts ſo hardned in ſinne, and their conſciences ſo ſeared vp with an hot yron, that the hammer of Gods word cannot breake them in peeces, nor zealous preaching approach to the quicke, as it did before in the Apoſtles, &c. Pſal. 95.8. Rom. 2.5. Ephe. 4.19. 1. Timo. 4.2. Iere. 23.29. Act. 2.41. & 8.12.

11 As it is the beaſtly nature of ſome Horſes to kicke at his keeper, which prouides him prouender: So is it the marke of a degenerate mind, for any man to murmure at the iuſt reprehenſion of his Paſtour.

12 As a Glaſſe-windowe receiueth in the light ſo ſoone as it ſhineth, but withſtandeth euerie tempeſt or ſhower that beates at the ſame: So ſhould euerie Chriſtian Hearer, bee readie to receiue the light of the truth, when hee heareth it preached, and bee likewiſe as carefull to withſtand and reiect euerie errour or falſe Doctrine, that dooth ſlip from him, which will after mooue a tempeſt in his conſcience by the ſence of Gods iudgement.

13 As a Riddle or Syue, letteth the cleare water iſſue foorth quite, and keepeth onelyonly the Chaffe or the mud that ſwimmeth aloft: Or as a daintie and delicate Dogge, which when one offereth him a good morſell of meate, will ſcornefully caſt his head aſide and catch a Flie: So in like manner the malicious Hearer, whatſoeuer good morſell of Doctrine or inſtruction ſhall be proffered him p. 357by the Preacher, the ſame ſhall ſurely fall to the grounde, but if any vaine or vnſauorie matter, ſhall ſlippe from him, whereby hee may ſuſtaine any reproach, that ſhall bee ſure to be catched and marked, and to bee caſt in his teeth, &c.

14 As the Thiſtle, which if it bee ſtroked vpwardes, will not lightly moleſt a man, but beeing ſtroked downewards dooth pricke him: So ſurely many Hearers of the word preached, ſo long as their Miniſters doo Preache pleaſant things, they ſeeke not to ſtirre them at all, or bee diſpleaſed with them, both ſo ſoone as hee beginneth to rubbe them a little on the gall, and to touch them home to the quicke, then they kicke and ſtorme at the ſame. Eſay. 30.10. Ierem. 11.21. Amo. 7.12. Mich. 2.11. 2. Tim. 4.3.

15 As meate, the more a man receiueth, the more it diſtempereth, if it bee not digeſted: So the more a man learneth, and the more he Heareth, the greater is his ſinne, if he grow not by it.

16 As the Auditors of Ezechiel, did willingly come and ſit before him, and Heare him, but they ieſted at his words, and would not doo as he taught them: Euen ſo, many will giuegive Preachers the Hearing, but with their mouthes they ieſt it out, and make no more reckoning of their Sermons, then they doo of a Fidler and his ſong, and not ſo much. Ezech. 33.30, 31, 32.

17 As Naaſh the Ammonite ſaid, who would make a couenant with the men of Iabeſh Gilead, vponupon condition that hee might put out all their right eyes, and bring all that ſhame vponupon Iſrael: So likewiſe many Hearers of the word, will in effect ſay to the Lord, we are content to bee thy children, and to heare thy Preachers, & thou ſhalt bee p. 358our Father, ſo that wee may hauehave what we will, ſay what we will, and doo what we will. 1. Sam. 11.2.

18 As where the word is not preached, there the people periſhe: So where it is plentifully deliuered, and the people negligent in Hearing of it, and not obeying it, there is deepe damnation and vtter deſtruction ſhortly to be looked for. Zepho. 3.1.

19 As ſtonie grounds mingled with ſome earth, are commonly hot, and therefore hauehave as it were ſome alacritie and haſtineſſe in them, and the Corne as ſoone as it is caſt into this ground, it ſprouteth out very ſpeedily, but yet the ſtones will not ſuffer the Corne to bee rooted deepely beneath; and therfore when Summer commeth, the blade of the Corne withereth, with rootes and all: So likewiſe is it with thoſe profeſſours and Hearers of the word, who hauehave in their heartes ſome good motions by the holy Ghoſt, to that which is good; they hauehave a kinde of zeale to Gods word, they hauehave a liking to good things, and they are as forward, as any other for a time, and they doo belieue; but theſe good motions and graces, are not laſting, but like the flame & flaſhing of ſtraw and ſtubble; neither are they ſufficient to ſaluation.

20 As they that hauehave any bodily diſeaſes, if they refuſe the Phyſick miniſtred vntounto thē, reape no profit at al, albeit the Phyſition offer them medicines a thouſand times: Euen ſo the Preacher of the word, ſhall doo no good by his preaching, vnleſſe his Hearers and auditours, attentiuely marke, and carefully practiſe the ſame.

21 As the wicked and vngodly in old time, when they were reprehended by the Lords Prophets, for their ſins and wickedneſſe, did either denie their fault committed, as Kaine, and Geheſie. Gene. 4.9. 2. King. 5.25. Or elſe they were angrie, and vſed reprochfull words, and ſought reuengement: p. 359As king Herord vntounto Iohn Baptiſt. Mark. 6.17. The Elders to Steuen. Act. 7.57. Or elſe they craftily and couertly excuſed themſelues as Saule did. 1. Sam. 15.20: Euen ſo do the wicked and vngodly Hearers of the word, when their ſinnes and wickedneſſe are ſpoken againſt, and laide open by faithfull Preachers; whereas contrariwiſe, the godly doo acknowledge and confeſſe their faultes when they are reprehended, as Dauid, 2. Sam. 12.13. Ezechia, Eſay. 38.8. And as the men did that heard Peters Sermon, Act. 2.37.

22 As children that are of ſuch heauie ſad moulde, as that they are neuer mooued with mirth, nor with the crying of other children: Euen ſo ſuch is the dulneſſe of a number of people in Hearing of the word, who are no more mooued with the iudgements of God to feare, nor allured with the ſweete promiſes of God to louelove and like, then if they were ſo many ſtockes or ſtones. Mat. 11.16.

23 As the fruitfulneſſe of the earth, when the raine dooth fall vppon it, and when it yeeldeth to them that labour in it, fruites for them that dreſſe it, is a teſtimonie of Gods good bleſſing vponupon it: Euen ſo, when men profit by the labours which is beſtowed vppon them in the preaching of the word, it is a teſtimony of Gods good bleſſing vponupon them. Hebr. 6.7. Rom. 1.20. Act. 6.7.

24 As he that looketh his bodily face in a Glaſſe, and by and by departeth away about other buſineſſe, and forgetteth his faſhion and forme: Euen ſo ſuch are the forgetfull Hearers of the word, which neuer practiſe that which is taught them. Iam. 1.23, 24, 25.

25 As in the time of Ezechiel, thoſe people that came to offer ſacifice, might not goe out of the ſame doore wherby they came in: So thoſe that come to Heare Gods p. 360word, ſhould not come forth againe vnchaunged in their affections, which were euill. Ezech. 46.9.

26 As the Cocke did crow three times before Peter repented: Euen ſo the Lord hath much to doo with vsus, before wee profit effectually by the Hearing of his word. Math. 26.45.

27 As the next way to purchaſe fauour with Princes, is to honour their perſon, and fulfill their commaundements: So likewiſe the chiefeſt way to hauehave Gods fauour, is to honour his maieſtie, and to doo his will reuealed vntounto vsus in his word preached. Preach. 8.2.4.

28 As where the dead carkaſſe is, thither do the Eagles reſort: So when Gods word is truely taught, to that place ſhould Chriſtians repaire to Heare it. Math. 12.42.

29 As when the dam feeds her young, euerie Bird gapeth, and ſtrugleth, and ſtretcheth the necke to receiue the foode: So when wee come to Heare Sermons, euerie man muſt reach and ſtretch out his heart to receiue the word preached. 1. Pet. 2.2.

30 As the Eagle continually ſoareth till ſhee come to the higheſt: So alſo Chriſtians muſt ſtill increaſe in knowledge, through and by the Hearing of the word, till they come to perfection. Hebr. 6.1.

31 As Pharaohs ill fauoured Kine, which deuoured the fat Kine, but yet remained as ill fauored and leane as they were before: So likewiſe many that hauehave Heard Sermon vppon Sermon, now the ſpace of 36. yeares, are yet neuer the more reformed for all their Hearing, but as leane in knowledge and godlineſſe, as they were before. Geneſ. 41.3, 4.

32 As a Carpenter that ſhould ſquare all by his Rule, but ſtickes it at his backe, and workes all by ayme: So many p. 361hauehave heard much preaching, and remember many things, but yet make no profit or practiſe of it, ſo that it had beene better that they had neuer heard. Ioh. 15.22.

33 As Bees paſſing ouer other things, take pleaſure only in flowers, and forſaking the reſt, doo crop them: So likewiſe ſome Hearers of the word preached, doo onelyonly deſire to hauehave their eares fed with fine phraſes, delicate flowers of eloquence, daintie Similies, prettie compariſons, and pleaſant Hiſtories; as for ſound Doctrine, they contemne it, and hate to hauehave it a bridle for their luſtes, a reproouer of their vanities, and a Glaſſe to ſee themſelues in; they ſeeke rather after flatteries and fables, and they loath the truth, which ſhould doo them good. 2. Tim. 4.3. Act. 17.21.

34 As God in ſome part, did rebuke the Sonnes of Ely for their wickedneſſe, but yet they would not obey; and the reaſon is there ſet downe, becauſe the Lord would deſtroy them: Euen ſo in like manner, howſoeuer wee may not iudge of any mans perſon, yet this may be ſaid, that if men will not learne, but remaine ignorant ſtill, and refuſe to Heare the word of God preached when they may, or if in Hearing they will not obey, it is a fearefull ſigne, that God will at length deſtroy them. 1. Sam. 2.25.

35 Like as when a Tumpet is ſounded in a mans eare, and he lies ſtill, not ſtirring at all, hee is certainely dead: So ſurely, when the trumpet of the Goſpell is ſounded in the eares of our hearts, if wee awake not out of our ſinnes to newneſſe of life, wee are no better then dead men before God.

36 As it is very requiſite, that a Paſtor ſet ouer a congregation, ſhould be continually reſident to Preach vntounto them, and Chatechiſe them, at the leaſt on eueryevery Saboth, and not to leaue them to ſtraungers, whoſe voice they p. 362know not: Euen ſo euerie Chriſtian Hearer of the word, ought ordinarily and vſually to Heare ſuch a Paſtor, and not to goe from him on the Sabboth day, eſpecially, if he be deſirous to grow and increaſe in faith and knowledge.

37 Like as in times paſt, thoſe trees which did beare fruit, might not be cut downe: So thoſe Chriſtians which hauehave a care to leade a vertuous life, according to the preſcript rule of Gods word, are not in daunger of S. Iohns Axe; to wit, of the iudgement of God for ſinne. Deut. 20.19. Math. 3.10.

38 As of many men, comming into a Gold-ſmithes ſhop, one buyeth a chaine of Gold, an other a coſtly ring, ſome a rich Iewell, and ſome buy plate cunningly and curiouſly wrought, and ſome one among the reſt, ſtoupeth downe, and taketh vp a blacke cole, which he turneth and tumbleth in his hands, til it foule and make blacke his fingers: Euen ſo, verie many doo come to the Church, to Heare the word preached, and doo learne and beare away, exceeding good and heauenly leſſons, and doo gather great ſtrength to their faith, and much comfort to their ſoules, and peace to their conſciences; and ſome againe doo come without any good purpoſe, intending to take ſome occaſion to quarrell with the Preacher, and to marke if any thing fall from him vnwiſely, vndiſcreetly, or barbarouſly, wherewith they may ſport themſelues, and ſcorne him: ſuch as they, came with wicked purpoſes, and cauilling mindes, ſo they depart with hearts as hard as Adamants, ſeared conſciences, and brazan faces, ſo bloudleſſe, that they cannot bluſh, far worſe then when they came.

39 Like as when a man caſteth an handfull of Corne vponupon a very hard and ſmooth path, it is all one, as if it were caſt vponupon a pauement: So alſo through the cuſtome and p. 363deceitfulneſſe of ſinning, the diuell hath made the hearts of ſome Hearers, vnmeete to receiue the heauenly ſeede of the word of God. Math. 13.4.

40 As the men in the olde world, were diſobedient to Noe, and contemned the preaching of righteouſneſſe: So many faithfull Noes Preach the word ſincerely; but alas, it falleth into the hearts of many, but as good ſeede into euil ground, and therefore either bringeth foorth little, or elſe no fruite at all; the contempt whereof was then, and ſo is now, the cauſe of many plagues. Gene. 6. tot. 1. Pet. 3.20. & 2. Pet. 2.5. Math. 13.3, 4.

41 Euen as hunting Dogges, neuer leaue ſearching till they hauehave found out the wild beaſt in one place or other: So carefull Hearers of the word, muſt neuer leaue ſearching, till they hauehave found the word, and neuer leaue aſking, till they vnderſtand it.

42 As Honie which is naturally ſweete, maketh thoſe things ſweete, wherewith it is mingled: Euen ſo ſuch is the liuely nature of Gods word, in the ſoule of a diligent Hearer of the ſame.

43 As the ignorant Plowman going in the field, trampleth and treadeth vponupon precious hearbes, but when the skilfull Hearboriſt and Phyſition commeth there, who knoweth the vertue of them, they wounder at them, and gather them for their vſe: Euen ſo it is with ignorant and careleſſe Hearers, and readers of the word of God; but it is otherwiſe with diligent and carefull Hearers and readers thereof.

44 As there are many degrees before the Grapes come to be Wine, as that they bud, flower, come into cluſters, ripen, &c. So are there before a Hearer be fit for God, as that he Heare the word preached and read, and that he lay it vp in his heart, and practiſe it in his life.

p. 36445 As a ſicke body which ſaith to the Phyſition; preſcribe me what you will, but I will take what I liſt, he ſhall periſh for all his Phyſition: So in like manner, ſuch Hearers of the word of God, as ſay to their Preacher, ſay what you will, we will neuer beleeue you, but doo as wee liſt, and as we thinke good; ſuch ſhall ſurely periſh, and goe to the diuell, for all their Hearing, without ſpeedie repentance. Ioh. 3.18. & 5.24.

Hearing of the word, neceſſarie to all.

1 AS a yong childe after he is borne, ſtandeth in need of nouriſhment, that life may be both preſerued and increaſed: Euen ſo, hee that is begotten anew by the ſeede of the word of GOD, muſt yet bee fed by the ſame word, that hee may get ſtrength, and ſpirituall encreaſe, till hee come to ſome good meaſure of perfection. Ephe. 4.16.

2 Like as none will refuſe a preſent, or gift that is ſent from a Prince, although the bringer thereof bee neuer ſo ſimple a body: Euen ſo likewiſe, none ought to refuſe to Heare Gods word, although the Mininiſter bee neuer ſo homely that preacheth it, becauſe hee is ſent of God.

3 As the Razor, though it be tempered with due proportion of Steele, yet if it paſſe not by the Grind-ſtone, or Whet-ſtone, is neuertheleſſe oftentimes vnapt to cut; yea though it be made once neuer ſo ſharpe, if it bee not often whetted, waxeth dull: Euen ſo, there is no man ſo ripe in forecaſt, readie in pollicie, ſharpe in Iudgement, feruent in louelove, earneſt in trueth, zealous in Religion, who although hee hath profited well by Hearing of Sermons, is therefore ſo ſufficiently inſtructed, that hee needeth to Heare no more; but rather in truth, ſtandeth in need often, from time to time, to Heare of aduertiſement, p. 365counſell, and direction, by the Preaching of the word.

4 As a tree, or a braunch of a tree, that hath no deepe rooting, but either is couered with a fewe Moules, or elſe lieth in the water, at the ſeaſon of the yeare bringeth forth leaues and bloſſomes, and ſome fruite too, and that for one or two, or moe yeares: Euen ſo one that is an Hearer of the word, may receiue the word, and the word as ſeede, by this generall faith may be ſomewhat rooted in his hart, and ſetled for a ſeaſon, and bring foorth ſome fruits in his life; peraduenture very faire in his owne and other mens eyes; yet in deede, neither ſound nor laſting, nor ſubſtantiall. Luk. 8.13. &c.

5 As Corne and hearbes doo die and wither, if they hauehave not the firſt and latter raine, and moyſture in due ſeaſon: So likewiſe faith and godlineſſe, muſt needs periſh and decay in thoſe, which hauehave not often the heauenly watering of Gods word, to refreſh them withall. Deut. 11.14. & 28.12, 24.

6 As fire goeth out for lacke of wood: So is faith extinguiſhed in vsus, for lacke of the preaching of the word of God, and earneſt and heartie prayer, whereby it is maintained.

7 Like as one man may not belieue for an other, and as one cannot be ſaued by the faith of another, whoſoeuer he be, if he himſelfe doo not belieue in proper perſon: Euen ſo, one man may not Heare the word Preached for an other, in ſuch ſort as it may profit him, if hee himſelfe doo not Heare it in his owne perſon. Rom. 10.14.17.

8 As a man may the better both ſpie his ſpots, that hee may waſh them, and alſo ſet his attire in the better order about him, if for that purpoſe hee diligently viewe himſelfe in a Glaſſe: Euen ſo, hee that is carefull to auoide that p. 366which he ſhould not doo, and to execute that which hee ought to doo, hath very great helpe by Hearing the word preached, and by imprinting of it in his mind. Iam. 1.23.

8 As yron except it be vſed, doth become ruſtie: So the ſoule, except it be often exerciſed with Hearing and reading the word, it begetteth ſinne.

Humilitie.

1 AS the leaues, wherewith the ſtemme of the Lilie is ſet from the roote to the top, by little and little, as they grow vp to the top, wax ſmaller and ſmaller: So the godly, as they grow higher in preferment, wax Humbler, and ſmaller in their owne ſight.

2 As the Vallies ordinarily are more aboundant, and bring foorth more fruite then doo the mountaines, by reaſon that being more lowe, they receiue more commodiouſly all the dew and fatneſſe, which falleth and deſcendeth from the high hills: Euen ſo it behoueth, that euerie Chriſtian bee more and more lowe and Humble in his owne eyes, if hee will that God endue and repleniſh him with his graces; the which can find no place in him that preſumeth any whit of his owne vertues. 1. Sam. 15.17. Eſa. 66.2. Iam. 4.10.

3 As they that goe or walke in a plaine way, are not in ſo great daunger to fall, as they which goe vponupon the ridge of houſes, or vponupon the top of ſome high mountaine: Euen ſo, they that will be humble and hauehave no opinion of them ſelues, they goe a great deale more ſafely and ſurely, then they which hauehave proud hearts and loftie lookes. For the way that leadeth to life is ſtraight.

4 As ſheepe by nature are meeke, innocent, & harmeleſſe: Euen ſo, ſuch as be good Chriſtians, ought to bee Humble and meeke, and rather to ſuffer wrong then doo any; & not to be cruell like Lyons, rauenous like Wolues, p. 367wilie like Foxes; leacherous like Goates; filthie like ſwine; or to ſhew themſelues in behauiour, like other ſauage and wilde beaſtes.

5 Like as the Sunne being high at noone, cauſeth ſhort and ſmall ſhadowes, but being low in the Morning or Euening, it cauſeth the ſame to appeare both broade and large: So by how much the more a man is endued with vertue and Godlineſſe, by ſo much the leſſe, deſireth the boaſting, and aduauncement of himſelfe; whereas on the contrarie part, one endued with the ſmacke and ſmell of vertue, will ſtraight cracke, bragge, yea and make thereof his boaſts.

6 As Egges that be ful, doo ſinke in the water, but thoſe that are emptie, doo ſwimme aboue: So he that is adorned with true vertue and learning, will not ſo much brag or boaſt himſelfe, as he that is otherwiſe.

7 As no man is ſo thankfull for health, as hee that hath beene in continuall ſickneſſe: Euen ſo, no man feeleth the merciemercy of God, that is not truely Humbled in his owne ſight.

8 As it is honeſtie for a man when hee is bidden to a feaſt, to be remooued higher then he offereth to ſit, rather then to bee remooued lower: Euen ſo Humilitie in our dealings, bringeth Honour and eſtimation. Luk. 14.9, 10.

9 As proud perſons ſtay themſelues vponupon their owne ſtrength; that is, ſtay vponupon a reede, and vppon the Ice of one nights freezing, and are like vntounto ſmoake that mounteth vp on high, and ſo in going vp, is ſcattered and conſumeth to nothing: Euen ſo the Humble man, is a Rocke, or a ſquare body, which is alwayes ſtayed, on which ſide ſoeuer it be turned.

10 As Braſſe or Copper dooth make a greater ſound, and is heard, further off then Gold, whereas notwithſtanding, p. 368Gold is farre more excellent then it: So eloquence ioyned with knowledge, ſoundeth lowder and farther, then Humilitie coupled with charitie; and yet ſuch Humilitie is farre better, and more excellent then it. 1. Cor. 8.1. & 13.1.

11 As the high hilles after much Tillage are often barren, whereas the low Vallies by the ſtreames of waters paſſing through them, are very fruitfull: Euen ſo the gifts of God, ioyned with a ſwelling hart, are fruitleſſe, but ioyned with louelove and the grace of Humilitie, they edifie.

12 As a tree, the more deepely it is rooted in the earth, the taller it groweth, and mounteth the higher: Euen ſo a man, the more humble and lowly that he is, the more and higher doth the Lord exalt him. Math. 7.17. Luke. 1.52, 53. Iam. 4.6.

13 As a building is ſo much the firmer and ſtronger, as the foundation and ground-worke of the ſame is laide lower and deeper: Euen ſo the ground-worke of Chriſtian Phyloſophie, is vnfained Humilitie; and the deeper that the ſame is laide and ſetled in our hearts, the ſurer and more permanent, will the building of our religon be. Luk. 14.11. & 18.14. Math. 23.12.

14 Euen as wee ſee ſometimes two men about to goe into ſome ſumptuous and ſtately Hall or houſe, through a very low and narrow doore, the one ſtouping and bending himſelfe, dooth paſſe through and goe in without harme; the other ſtout, not ſtouping nor bending at all, but preaſing in with great force, hurteth his head, and falleth backward: Euen ſo ſuch a ſtately and princely place is the kingdome of heauen, the habitation of the Saints of God, whoſe way is very ſtraight, as Chriſt affirmeth, and the doore thereof, is lowe and narrow: So that, that man which humbleth himſelfe, and ſtoupeth low, doth enter p. 369into that moſt ſtately and princely houſe, of the King of heauen; but hee that is puffed vp with pride, and ſwelled with inſolencie, cannot get in at that gate, he falleth to the ground, his pride doth throw him backward. Math. 7.13, 14, & 11.29. & 18.3, 4.

15 As ſpices ſmell beſt, when they are ſmalleſt beaten: So are a Chriſtians good works more acceptable to God, when they are leſſened by Humilitie.

16 As pride and good conſcience can neuer goe together: So Humiliation, is the beginning of all grace and religion; and ſuch as hauehave knowledge in Religion and many other good gifts, without Humilitie, are but vnbrideled, vnmortified, and vnreformed perſons.

17 As the Vallies are more vſually fertile then the hils, for that the fatneſſe of the earth is more eaſily carried thither by raines and ſhowers: So muſt it be with vsus, if wee will be filled with the graces and bleſſings of our God, we muſt be Humble, low, and plaine as the vallies.

18 As that great Oratour Demoſthines, ſomtimes ſpake of pronunciation, who beeing demaunded what was the firſt, ſecond, and third, eſpeciall point of Rhetoricke, anſwered alwayes. Action: So may wee likewiſe ſay of true Humilitie, that it is the principal part of Chriſtianitie, and as it were all in all, yea the life and ſoule thereof, ſo that it be true, entire, and vnfeigned.

19 As the heauier the burthen is, the more it preſſeth downe: So likewiſe the moe, and the more hainous that our ſinnes bee, the greater is, and ought to be our Humiliation.

20 As it is in the parts of holineſſe, the more they are practiſed by the body in the life and action, the more they are confirmed and encreaſed inwardly in the ſoule: So the more that a man giueth himſelfe to the vſe of all the p. 370outward exerciſes of Humiliation before men, the more doth he humble himſelfe in the ſight of God.

21 As trees growing on the top of hills, hauehave a rough barke, crooked knots, long bowes, and therefore vnmeete for any building, vntill they bee fallen, pilled, ſquared, drawne home, and can do nothing of al theſe themſelues: So likewiſe we, as long as we be wandring in the mountaines and wilde woods of this world, being highly minded, and in great wealth or authoritie aboue others, as on an hill; we hauehave froward proud minds, and not meete for Gods houſe, vntill we be Humbled, and made lowly in our owne ſights, and fall flat downe at Chriſts feete, and hauehave the rough barke of our old Adam pulled off, and our crooked affections cut away, bee mortified, and drawne home by the preaching of his word, and working of his holy ſpirit. 2. Cor. 3.5. Ioh. 6.44.

Hypocrites.

1 AS the cotten head of the hearbes Lyſimachus, Fodefoote, Dandelion, and Fleabane, which a blaſt of wind carrieth cleane away: So likwiſe the Religion and zealous profeſſion of Hypocrites, when a little trouble or perſecution ariſeth, are then carried cleane away.

2 As the ſmall hearbe Biſcort, hath ſmooth and plaine leaues like vntounto hearbe Patience, but in the earth hath a crooked roote: So many beare a ſmooth countenance, and a faire ſhewe outwardly, ſeeming to take all well, which inwardly, hauehave a crooked, and an euill heart in meaning.

3 As the ſmall Celendine, ſpringeth and flowreth, at the comming of the Swallowes and Summer birdes, withereth at their departing: So many men profeſſing Religion, riſe at the warme proſperitie of ſome, and fal away at their departure, into the ſtormie winter of aduerſitie.

p. 3714 As the Holeworte, with the ſolide roote, and Holeworte with the hollow roote, neuer growe together, the one by the other, in the ſame garden: So Hypocrites and hollow-hearted Chriſtians, wil euer be among the ſound and ſincere Chriſtians in the ſame Church, though the faith of the one groweth not with the other, but dieth: but it is otherwiſe in the Church inuiſible.

5 As the ſound rooted Holeworte is alwayes the ſmaller, the hollow rooted Holeworte, the greater: So Hypocrites are commonly greateſt in worldly matters and ſubſtance, and the greateſt in worldly things, are commonly hollow-hearted.

6 As Silkwormes after they hauehave for a time brought out their ſilke, at the laſt, turne into Moathes or Butterflyes; ſo ſome hauing done good in the Church for a time, fall afterward, and become vaine perſons; and ſometimes (with the Silke-wormes) conſumers of that good which they hauehave wrought.

7 As the moſt Dodders, hauehave properties according to the hearbs whereon they growe, being hotter when they growe on hote hearbes, then vponupon cold: So many are zealous or cold in Religion, according as their Maiſters are, vponupon whom they hang, and alſo coole with them.

8 As the hearbe Oleander, maketh a goodly and beautifull ſhewe, yet hath ſcarce one good propertie, but is deadly to the vſers of it: Euen ſo bee Hypocrites.

9 As the hearbe Horsflower, or Melampyrum, hath ſeed like to wheate, yet is hurtfull to Corne: So likewiſe are Hypocrites to godly Chriſtians.

10 As the hearb called horned Clauer, after it hath once borne ſeed, periſheth, both braunch and roote: So ſhall Hypocrites do.

p. 37211 As the wild Caroline thiſtle, is of the receiuers, found hot of operation, yet by nature is colde: So many euill men, to others ſeeme hotte for a time in profeſſion, yet hauehave cold hearts within them.

12 The Mulberie tree is counted the wiſeſt of all trees, becauſe it onelyonly bringeth foorth his leaues, after the colde froſts be paſt, ſo that it is not hindered as other trees bee; but in Chriſtianitie, he is but a foole & an Hypocrite, that profeſſeth not openly till daungers be paſt, and till he may doo it without loſſe or hinderance.

13 As the flower of Periwincle, Milkworte, & Lyſimachus, is pleſant to behold, yet without ſauor: So Hypocrits make a faire ſhow, yet vnſauory in the noſtrils of the Lord.

14 As the ſmall Torneſell, when it hath made a ſhewe for a time, with white Veluet leaues, and yealow flowers, it fadeth away, without bringing forth any fruit: So Hypocrites, when they hauehave made a faire ſhew for a time, fall away, without bringing forth any fruits of godlineſſe.

15 As Mouſetayle, & Adders-tongue, flower in Aprill, and are ripe in May, and ſhortly after, the whole hearbe periſheth in the pride of the yeare: So many people at the beginning of Religion, make a great ſhewe, but fall away long erre troubles come, euen in the middeſt of the Churches proſperitie.

16 As the ſeede of Mercurie is commonly loſt before it be ripe: So many leeſe their Religion before it come to perfection.

17 As the ſtinking Coriander bringeth forth a ſweete ſeede: So an Hypocrite, and wicked man, ſometimes vtter good words.

18 As a woodden leg ſet to the body, is no member of the body: Euen ſo a Chriſtian, who doth onelyonly in ſhew & name, profeſſe Chriſt, ſuch a one is no true member of p. 373Chriſts myſticall body, but an Hypocrite.

19 As there needeth no more but one pinne or pricke, to pearce a Bladder, and to make all the wind therein incloſed, incontinently to come foorth: Euen ſo there needeth no more, but one very little tentation, to pul the vizard from Hypocrites, and to diſcouer them to eueryevery man, who ſhall know after that they bee tried, that there was nothing but a colour, and an imagination of all the reputation of righteouſneſſe and vertue, which they had gotten amongſt men. Rom. 10.3. 2. Cor. 3.5. 1. Cor. 2.14.

20 As ſea wormewood, if it be in it naturall & proper place, is of a very ſtrong ſmell, ſalt, and of a moſt ſtraunge and bitter taſte; but if it bee remooued into gardens, or grounds naturally holpen with ſweet waters, it doth maruellouſly alter, and yet Sea-wormewood ſtill: So the wicked in their owne companie, &c. are moſt vngracious &c. but comming into the Church, where the ſweet ſtreames of Gods word runne, they ſeeme greatly chaunged for a time, and yet wicked men ſtill. 1. Sam. 2.12. &c.

21 As the hearbe Biſcort, though it hauehave ſtraight and ſmooth leaues, yet is rightly called by that name, becauſe the roote in the earth is crooked and writhen: So though many make outwardly a faire profeſſion, yet the Lord cō demneth them as wicked; becauſe hee ſeeth their heart within to be wickedly ſet.

22 As the yellow Wolfes-bane, flowreth in Winter, and yet a venemous and naughtie hearbe for all that: So many make a faire ſhewe euen in aduerſitie, yet euill men for all that.

23 Euen as ſome Birdes hatch other Egges, forgetting their owne; in like manner Hypocrites hatch other mens diſcredit vponupon little or no ground; but forget their owne liues, that are ful of groſſe ſinnes and hypochriſies.

p. 37424 Like as a good & a faire cloake being large, ſo couereth a man, that many things may be carried vnderunder it, and conueied cleanly, which we would be loth and aſham d to hauehave ſeene: Euen ſo Hypocrites craft and deceit, hideth and couereth their vntruth, which to bee plainely ſeene and perceiued, they would be aſhamed. 1. Pet. 2.16. 2. Cor. 4.2.

25 As drunkards erre, goe aſtray, and are not able to guide and direct themſelues in their way: Euen ſo ſhall it be with wicked Hypocriticall Prieſts, Prophets, and Miniſters, for they ſhall faile in viſion, and ſtumble in iudgement, as by experience may manifeſtly be ſeene by many. Eſay. 28.7.

26 Like as when wee ſee Tares to grow in the Corne fieldes, amongſt the Wheate, till Harueſt, which cannot without ſome hurt to the Wheate, bee rooted out afore: So wicked Hypocrites and other euill men, of whome there is hope that they may be conuerted, ſhall be alwaies in the outward account of the Church, till the end of the world. Math. 13.29, 30.

27 Like as graues, vppon which lie faire ſtones, coſtly engrauen with Imagerie, & hauing inſcriptions in braſſe, and the Armes of them that lie in them, faire ſet forth, and blazed by Hearauldes cunning, hauing within them nothing but a rotten ſtinking carion: Euen ſo Hypocrites, which outwardly beare a glorious ſhew before men, and but inwardly before God, are moſt foule, filthie, and lothſome. Math. 23.27, 28.

28 Euen as Mariners, which are carried with the courſe and force of winds, being in an Hauen, wil not diſanchor, nor depart out of the Hauen, without a proſperous wind, blowing to their very good liking: So Hypocrites doo looke, that the people ſhould ſhout and clap their hands, p. 375in token of their great praiſes and commendations they ſeeke for, and hunt after vaine bruites and reports, without which, they are diſpoſed to doo nothing well. Math. 6.2.5.

29 As a peece of Waxe, the nearer it approcheth and commeth to the fire, ſo much the more the heate of it appeareth in melting it: Euen ſo in like manner, the holineſſe of God, may better be known in the reuolt of Hypocrites, approching vntounto him by honorable offices in his Church, and profeſſion of his word, and ſo he may bee the more glorified of the people in ſuch iudgements, and alſo ſo much the leſſe will hee ſuffer their corruptions, but will puniſhe them more ſharpely. Leuit. 10.3. 2. Timo. 4.10.14, 15, 16.

30 As a thicke Wood and goodly groue, giuing great ſhaddow, very pleaſant to behold, dooth delight the eyes of the beholders ſo greatly, with the varietie and thickneſſe of flouriſhing trees, and pleaſaunt plants, that it ſeemeth to be ordained only for pleaſures ſake; and yet within, is full of poyſonfull Serpents, rauening Wolues, and other wilde, hurtfull, and cruell beaſtes: Euen ſo, an Hypocrite, when outwardly he ſeemeth holy, and to be wel furniſhed with the ornaments of all ſorts of vertues, dooth pleaſe well, and delight much the eyes of his beholders; but within him, there lurketh pride, couetouſneſſe, enuie, and all maner of wickedneſſes, like wild and cruell beaſts, walking and wandring in the wood of his hart. For fained holineſſe, is double iniquitie.

31 As a Swanne, whoſe feathers are all white, but her fleſh blacke, white without, and blacke within: Euen ſo, he is not to bee counted religious but an Hypocrite, that doth couer & hide his foule faultes, and loathſome ſinnes, p. 376with a faire and beautifull ſhew of vertue, fayning an holyner, where none is.

32 As the Viper, although ſhee bee peſtilent and poyſonfull, yet notwithſtanding, whiles ſhee is nummed with cold, ſhe may ſafely be handled, not becauſe ſhee hath no poyſon in her, but becauſe in her cold and numneſſe, ſhee cannot vſe it: Euen ſo pernicious and diſſembling Hypocrites, do ſomtime want opportunitie and power, to practiſe and to put in execution, their wicked and deteſtable treacheries.

33 As the skin of a Foxe is of ſome value, and in requeſt, but the fleſhe is nothing woorth: So outward ſhewes of holineſſe, are highly eſteemed with Hypocrites; but cleanneſſe of the heart, and inward puritie, is of them no whit regarded.

34 Like as an Apple that is very beautiful without, but is rotten within: Or as a goodly tall Tree that flouriſheth, and is full of leaues, but yet fruitleſſe: Euen ſo ſuch is an Hypocrite, who would ſeeme to be that he is not, and hateth to be that he ſeemeth. 2. Tim. 3.5.

35 As the Oſtrige beeing a great and mightie foule, hath wings, but doth not flie, neither is lifted vp from the ground with them: So very many men in the world, doo ſeeme to be carried vp to heauen, vponupon the wings of their ceremonies, but are in deed, in heart, mind and deſire, faſt nailed to the earth.

36 As the Kite being a moſt greedie & rauening foule, mounteth exceeding high, ſo that you would thinke ſhe toucheth the gliding clouds, and as ſhe flieth, doth ſpred her wings; and yet when ſhee is at the higheſt, ſhee hath her eyes faſt ſet and fixed below in the earth, prying and ſpying to catch, (if ſhee can) ſome poore Chicken, or p. 377ther pray within her talens; in deed ſhee flieth high, but neuer looketh vp towards heauen, but altogether downe towards the earth: Euen ſo, thou ſhalt ſee a number of …, faining a certaine ſanctimonie, counterfeiting much holineſſe, who, although they are thought with the contemplation of heauenly things, to be rauiſhed and taken vp into the cloudes, yet they mind nothing leſſe then true godlineſſe, neither any thing more, then earth and earthly things. Their ſtudie is for worldly honour, their greateſt carking and care is, for rich and large reuenues, for dignities, Princes fauors, and worldly wealth: Such men turne their backes to heauen, and flie from God, and ſo being diſappointed of that light, which they ſeemed to … for, they are wrapped in palpable and moſt daungerous darkneſſe.

37 As Braſſe is a mettall of red colour, and hath a certaine likeneſſe of Gold, but is indeede Braſſe, & not gold: Euen ſo, ſuch are Hypocrites, which vnderunder the ſhape and colour of Religion and holineſſe, do couer a Chaos, and confuſed heape of all wickedneſſe and abhomination: Such men, when they ſeeme beſt, are then worſt; for of all wickedneſſe, there is none more pernicious, then that of …e…s, which when they are moſt bent to deceiue, they handle the matter ſo, that they ſeeme to bee honeſt, vertuous and godly men.

38 As he that hath a painted Oxe, and hunteth & followeth for Part…idges, is not an Oxe; but vnderunder the ſhape and likeneſſe of that ſimple creature, lieth in waite for the prettie fine Birds, that he may take them, and kil them: So likewiſe an Hypocrite, that with a counterfeited and fained holineſſe, wil colour and couer impietie, wicked purpoſes, or whatſoeuer is againſt the word and will of God, … not a iuſt man, but vnderunder the colour and ſhape of godlineſſe p. 378and honeſtie, ſeeking the prayſe and glorie of the world, he caſteth in his head, and worketh by degrees, the ruine, decay, and vndoing of his neighbours, that he may compaſſe their goods, lands, and poſſeſſions, & gaine ſome honour and dignitie among men. 2. Tim. 3.5.

39 Euen as the ſwiftiſt Haukes, going about to ſeaze vponupon, and to take the Bird that flieth as it were in the top of the ayre, doth not by and by, when ſhee firſt ſeeth her, flie directly towards her, but rather at the firſt, with fetching of a compaſſe, doth ſeeme to forſake, and to deſpiſe her, and to draw and to flie from her, but at the ſecond or third flight, ſhe goeth toward her in the ayre, with a wonderfull force, and incredible ſwiftneſſe, to take her in the ayre, and to rend her in peeces: Right ſo doo Hypocrites behaue themſelues; for at the firſt to ſee too, they wil ſeme to thee, not to regard, but to contemne the riches and promotions of the world, but then they coyne and counterfeite a ſimplicitie, fouling for a greater matter, then yet they ſee preſent, and reaching at ſome higher aduauncement, and greater dignitie, then that preſent time and occaſion dooth offer; but at the ſecond or third flight, when euerie thing dooth anſwere their expectation, thou ſhalt peceiue, that withall ſpeede and greedineſſe, they will lay hold vponupon thoſe things, which thou thoughteſt they had contemned. They doo not wiſh or deſire any thing more, neither can any thing more highly pleaſe them, then the very ſelfeſame things, which they once made the worlde beleeue, they deteſted and could not abide them. Theſe are double hearted men, they hauehave wicked lippes, and hands that worke iniquitie; they be thoſe ſinners that goe two maner of wayes, and euerlaſting woe is their reward. Math. 2.8.

40 As Painters, which hauehave a greater regarde to the p. 379colours and ſhadowes of Images and Pictures, then vntounto the ſubſtaunce of the ſame, and contemning the inward parts, they beſtow all the wit, skil, and cunning they hauehave; in expreſſing and painting out, a bare ſhaddow, and outſide of the thing, and the more they deceiue the eyes of them that behold it, the more excellent men are they iudged: Euen ſo Hypocrites, doo ſome deedes, which to ſee too, are very good workes; but neuertheleſſe, they keepe their hearts, minds, and wils, diuided and ſeperated farre from God: Theſe things, to wit, their hearts, minds, wils and purpoſes, they ſteale from the Lord, and doo beſtow them vponupon the world; they regarde not God, they ſeeke onelyonly to pleaſe men: in the action of vertue, they hauehave no reſpect vntounto vertue it ſelfe, but onelyonly and barely to the ſhewe and ſhape, or likeneſſe of vertue. Rom. 12.1. & 6.4. 1. Cor. 5.7, 8. Ephe. 4.24.

41 As the Hearbe of the Sunne, ſo called, becauſe it windeth it ſelfe about the Sunne, in the morning very earely; it beholdeth the ryſing thereof; and all the day, it euen followeth the courſe of the Sunne, euer turning the leaues towards the ſame, but the roote, it neuer changeth, ſtirreth, nor moueth, it hath that ſtill, faſt fixed within the earth: So likewiſe Hypocrites will ſeeme to followe the Sonne of righteouſneſſe, Chriſt Ieſus, but it is onelyonly in leaues, and outward ſhewes, for their rootes, that is, their hearts, are farre, and faſt within the earth, where in deede their treaſure is. Math. 6.21.

42 Like as Apple-trees, which in the ſweete and pleaſant ſpring-time; will bee well ſtored, and full of goodly bloſſomes, and will giuegive a franke offer, and a large promiſe of much fruit, but when the fruite is looked for, and ſhould be gathered, there is none to be had; they were but bare leaues and idle bloſſomes: Euen ſo, ſuch are Hypocrites, p. 380who wil lift vp their hands, eyes and voices towards heauen and God; and with ſuch godly greene leaues, will make a faire flouriſh & a beautifull ſhew, but their harts & affections, are ſurely ſet vponupon earthly, vaine, vile, and tranſitorie things; and are as farre from God, as heauen & earth are diſtant one from an other. Eſay. 29.13. Math. 15.8.

43 As a Ruſhe or graſſe, without moyſture withereth and drieth vp: Euen ſo the Hypocrites, becauſe they hauehave not faith moyſtned with the grace of God, periſh and vaniſh away. Iob. 8.11.

44 As the Doer of Gods will doth abſtaine from euill, becauſe it is contrarie vntounto the will of God, & doth good, becauſe he is conſtrayned with the louelove of him, which is onelyonly good: So the Hypocrite contrarily, abſtaineth from euill, for feare of puniſhment, and doth the thing which ſeemeth good, not conſtrained with the louelove of God, but mooued of his owne will, by deſire of praiſe, or hope of reward. Math. 7.21.

45 As an Actor in a Comedie or Tragedy, which ſomtimes reſembleth Agamēnon, ſomtimes Achilles, ſomtimes their enemie Hector, ſometimes one mans perſon, ſometimes an other: Euen ſo an Hypocrite wil counterfeit, and ſeeme ſometimes to be an honeſt and iuſt man, ſometimes a religious man, and ſo of al conditions of men, according to time, perſons, and place.

46 As the Oſtrich hath things like wings, & would make one belieue that ſhe could flie, but cānot: So an Hypocrite will reſemble & make a great ſhew of that which he is not.

47 As Stage-players, are not taken for them which they be, but doo put on, and repreſent a ſtraunge perſon, and hide that vnderunder a perſonage, which they are not: So the Scripture by a Metaphor, calleth ſuch Hypocrites, as by externall geſtures and deeds, boaſt themſelues for Saintes, p. 381when for al that, their minde is prophane and wicked; that is, when the outward man appeareth meeke as a ſheepe, when the inward man, is rauening like a Wolfe. Mat. 7.15.

48 As the King that exacted of his debtor tenne thouſand Talents, did neuertheleſſe, frankly forgiue the whole debt to him which had nothing to pay, but flied vntounto the mercy of his Creditor: So the Lord ſaith vntounto the proude Hypocrite: If thou wilt enter into life, keepe the commandements. Mat. 10.17. to the end that the Hypocrite deſcending into himſelfe, might confeſſe his filthines, & pouerty, & ſo craue pardon; which had he done, he had heard with the ſinful woman; Thy ſinnes are forgiuen thee. Luk. 7.48.

49 As it is eaſie to know a peece of Gold from a peece of Braſſe, when they come both to the Anuile, and to bee ſtriken with the hammer; for Braſſe will not bee handled; but when it cōmeth to the beating, it breaketh, & maketh a ſharp dinne and yrkeſome; & Gold ſoundeth ſweetly, & is pliable, you may ſtretch it out, both in length & bredth; in thin and fine leaues as you liſt: So in like manner, when an Hypocrite commeth betweene the Anuile & the hammer of affliction, hee braſteth with impatience; he murmureth, cryeth out, and lamenteth in blaſphemies againſt God, whereas a faithfull Chriſtian praiſeth God, giueth him thankes, and layeth out his heart, ſubmitting himſelfe willingly vnderunder the Lords hand that ſtriketh him.

50 As the Viper hath a ſmooth skin, finely ſpotted without, but moſt poyſonfull within: Euen ſo an Hypocrite, hath ſugered words & faire ſpeech, but a deceitfull heart.

51 Like as the Viper, when ſhee goeth to the water to drinke, caſteth out her poyſon; and after ſhe hath drunke, receiueth the ſame againe: So likwiſe an Hypocrite, when he preſenteth himſelfe to be partaker of the Lords Supper, will counterfeit much holyneſſe, and ſeeme to bee religious, and vpright in life and conuerſation, but afterwardes p. 382he returneth to his vomite, and continueth in his wicked courſe.

52 As a Ruſh cannot grow without moyſtneſſe, ſo can not the Hypocrite, becauſe hee hath not faith, which is moyſtned with Gods ſpirit.

Heretickes.

1 AS one being bitten with a mad Dogge, ſhall not only runne mad himſelfe, but alſo with his contagion ſhall infect others: So they which hauehave conceiued any pernitious Doctrine or Hereſie, will not onelyonly themſelues be infected, but alſo with their infection, vtterly marre and defile others.

2 As the wind doth not carrie away the ſound & good Wheate, but the light chaffe, neither doth a ſtorme ouerturne a tree faſt and ſoundly rooted: Euen ſo, no more doth eueryevery wind of Doctrine, carrie away true members of the Church, but the chaffe and rotten members; as Heretickes, ignorant perſons, Hypocrites, phantaſtical heads, and new-fangled men, &c.

3 As vnconſcionable Vintners, mingle their Wine with water: So Heretickes, corrupt the truth, and mingle their owne conceits with it.

Hypocriſie.

1 AS it auaileth a man nothing at all, to the eaſe and reliefe of his pouertie, to hauehave falſe coyne in his purſe, it muſt be good currant money, otherwiſe it doth further endaunger himſelfe, and openeth a gap to his vtter deſtruction: Euen ſo, a faire tongue, with a foule heart, is falſe coyne, it will helpe no man; if he ſay, he hateth ſinne, and yet loueth it in his heart, for in ſo doing, he condemneth himſelfe, how many, and how good prayers ſoeuer hee maketh.

2 Like as little children will feare and be greatly afraid p. 383at bugges, and without feare, thruſt their hands into a candle or fire: So likewiſe, many men will bee afraide to commit the leſſe ſinnes, yet make no ſcruple at all, at great ſinnes; as the Papiſts do, who will not ſticke to blaſpheme the name of God, and yet make a conſcience of ſinnes; as the breach of any the Popes decrees, &c. Math. 22.23.

Hardneſſe of heart.

1 LIke as wee feele our ſickneſſe by contrarie life and health: Euen ſo Harneſſe of heart, when it is felt, argues quickneſſe of grace, and ſoftneſſe of heart; but contrariwiſe, when Hardneſſe hath ſo poſſeſſed the heart, that it is neuer felt, this is daungerous in them, who hauehave their conſciences ſeared with an hotte yron, who by reaſon of cuſtome in ſinne, are paſt all feeling; who likewiſe deſpiſe the meanes of ſoftning their hearts. Eſay. 65.17. Zach. 7.11. Ephe. 4.19.

2 Like as if the cleareneſſe of the Sunne, doo happen to ſhine vponupon the eyes of him that is blind, his eyes are not made clearer thereby, but rather more dimmer: Or if one doo ſhout, or ſpeake loude in the eares of him that is deafe, his hearing is nothing thereby quickned, but rather more dulled: Euen ſo, if any man ſhal propound and ſpeake the truth to him, whoſe heart is Hardened, hee is not made the better any thing at all by it, but afterwards conceiueth more Hatred againſt the truth. 2. Cor. 2.16. Act. 19.9. Exod. 9.34.

3 As it is daungerous to the ſtate of his body, whoſe veine beeing ſtriken by the Phyſition, ſendeth foorth no bloud: Euen ſo daungerous is his condition for his ſoule, that hath his heart ſmitten by the word of God, but ſheweth no tokens of repentance.

4 As in ſome kind of ſickneſſe, a man may die languiſhing: So likewiſe, where Hardneſſe of heart raignes wholly p. 384and finally, a man may deſcend to the pit of hell, tryumphing and reioycing.

5 As we are carefull to flie the infection of the bodily plague: So much more carefull ſhould we bee, to flie the common blindneſſe of mind, & Hardneſſe of heart, which is the very plague of all plagues, a thouſand folde worſe then all the plagues of Egypt.

6 As there is nothing harder thē the Adamant ſtone, eſpecially that which is had in the Indians, which in firmnes, hardneſſe, & value, exceedeth the reſt, which yet is ſaid to bee ſubdued and mollified with the warme bloud of a Goate: So likewiſe the heart of man, beeing Hardned through the continuance and Cuſtome of ſinne, will not be mollified, bridled, nor tamed, neither with the bloud of a Goate, nor yet with the bloud of that immaculate Lambe Chriſt Ieſus, which gaue himſelfe a ſacrifice for vsus, vponupon the Altar of the croſſe, & there beſtowed his bloud, that he might mittegate and appeaſe our wild minds and pricke to the quicke, our hard and ſenſeleſſe hearts; and to open vntounto vsus the way to the attaining of eternall life, and euerlaſting ſaluation. Eſay. 48.4. Iere. 5.3.

7 As a ſtone preaſeth to his centre: So an Hard hearted man, is preaſing toward hell. Exod. 15.5.

Hatred.

1 LIke as louelove beareth good will euen to the dead, and wiſheth them aliue, and would (if it were poſſible) ſtay them from death which are condemned to die: Euen ſo Hatred, ſeeketh to fley the liuing, and deemeth them vnworthie of life, which hauehave offended neuer ſo lightly.

2 As the fire doth conſume that ſubſtance, whereby it is nouriſhed: Euen ſo Hatred, conſumeth the hart wherein it hath beene miſled.

3 As the Moath doth gnaw the garment where it is p. 385bred: So Hatred gnaweth the heart, wherein it was conceiued.

4 As a Bee ſtingeth and pricking an other, doth looſe his ſting, and can neither make Honie, nor liue but a ſmal time after: So the heart pricking an other with the ſting of Hatred, dooth looſe many ſweete vertues, and killeth it ſelfe.

Mans Heart naturally corrupt from the wombe.

1 AS a Tree, whoſe roote is rotten and infected with venimous ſap, bringeth foorth none but corrupt and naughtie fruite: Euen ſo from mans Heart, which is corrupt, and naturally infected with the contagion of ſinne, can proceede nothing that is good. For that which is born of the fleſh, is fleſh. Gene. 6.5. & 8.21. Pſal. 14.1.3. & 53.1, 3. Rom. 3.10. &c. Mark. 7.18.21, 22.

2 Like as a Wolfe cannot ingender but a yong Wolfe; and a Serpent a young Serpent; and euen as wee doo not leaue off or ceaſe to hate a yong Woolfe, although that he hath not yet eaten or woried any ſheepe: Or a yong Serpent, notwithſtanding that he hath not yet caſt forth his venime, but doo iudge him worthie of death, becauſe of the peruerſe nature that is in them: So ought we to eſteem and thinke, that God hath no leſſe occaſion to hate and condemne vsus, euen from our mothers bellie, becauſe of our peruerſitie, and naturall malice engendred with vsus. And though the Lord ſhould damne vsus eternally, hee ſhould doo vsus no wrong, but onelyonly that which our nature meriteth and deſerueth. For although that the young Infant, hath not yet done any worke, which wee may iudge to be euill and wicked, ſith that he hath not yet the vnderſtanding, diſcretion, nor the power to doo it, yet it followeth not therefore, but that the peruerſitie and malice, which is naturall in man, hath alreadie his roote in him, as p. 386one part of his paternall inheritance, the which cannot pleaſe God. For although that it bringeth not foorth her fruites; yet they doo remaine ſtill there, as in their roote, which will bring them forth in his time: As the venime is alreadie in a Serpent, although that he bite not, and ſo the nature of a Woolfe in a yong Woolfe, how harmeleſſe ſoeuer he ſeemeth to be.

3 As a Seale cannot bee Imprinted in an Adamant, which by reaſon of the hardneſſe thereof, wil not yeelde: Euen ſo the Heart of man, is by nature ſo hard, that it will not yeeld, vntill it bee wounded and bruſed by the ſpirite of God, by the preaching of the law. Ezech. 11.19. Rom. 2.5. Pſal. 51.17.

4 Like as when the Adamant is beaten to powder, it will then receiue any print: Euen ſo, when the Lord ſhall bruſe our Hearts, and batter our affections, and take the ſence from them, then they will (no doubt) receiue ſome impreſſions of Gods anger and vengeance.

5 As Waxe melteth with the heate of the fire: So the Heart of man, fainteth with the greatneſſe of troubles and vexations. Pſal. 22.14.

Our Hearts muſt be eleuated dayly to heauen.

1 AS thoſe that keepe Clockes, vſe euerie day once at the leaſt, to pull vp the plummets, leaſt their weight ſhould draw them downe ſo farre, that the courſe of the Clocke ſhould be hindered. So in like manner, wee muſt ſet apart ſomtime of the day, for the eleuating and rayſing vp of our minds to heauen, by meditation on Gods word and prayer, leaſt our Hearts ſhould ſo far deſcend through the weight of the cares of this world, that our courſe in godlineſſe ſhould be hindered and ſtopped.

2 As the Marriner on the Sea, doth caſt out the beſt Iewels, and moſt precious things, if they ouer-loade his p. 387ſhip, and put it in daunger of ſhipwracke: Euen ſo we in this our pilgrimage, muſt caſt from vsus the moſt precious things we enioy, if it be our eye, or our hand, if they hinder vsus in the race of godlineſſe, and doo preſſe vsus downe, ſo that we cannot goe on chearefully as we ought. Mat. 5.29, 30. & 18.8.

Husband the head ouer his wife.

1 LIke as the head ſeeth and heareth for the whole bodie, ruleth and guideth the body, and giueth it ſtrength of life: Or as Chriſt doth defend, teach, and preſerue his Church, and is the Sauiour, comfort, eye, heart; wiſedome, and guide thereof: Euen ſo muſt the Husband be head vntounto his wife in like maner, to ſhew her like kindneſſe; and after the ſame faſhion to guide her, and rule her with diſcretion, for her good, and preſeruation, and not with force and wilfulneſſe to intreate her. 1. Cor. 11.3. Ephe. 5.23, 24, 25. &c.

2 Euen as the Maiſter is to counſel his ſeruant, and likewiſe to heare the good counſell of his ſeruant, as Naaman heard his ſeruant. 2. King. 5.13, 14. So in like manner the Husbandes dutie is to counſell and admoniſh his wife, yet ſo, as that when he fayleth in dutie, hee is to heare her good counſell & admonition, either concerning heauenly matters, or worldly affaires, ſhee notwithſtanding conſidering her eſtate and condition vnderunder him, and in humilitie, confeſſing her ſelfe to be the weaker veſſell.

3 As when a Lute or other muſicall inſtrument, two ſtrings concurring in one tune, the ſound neuertheleſſe is imputed to the ſtrongeſt and higheſt: Euen ſo, in a wel ordered Houſhold, there muſt be communication and conſent of counſell and will, betweene the Husband and the wife; yet ſuch, as the counſell & commandement may reſt in the Husband. Gene. 3.16. 1. Pet. 3.1. Col. 3.18. Ephe. 5.22.

p. 3884 Like as the Church muſt depend vponupon the wiſdome, diſcretion, and will of Chriſt, & not follow what it liſteth: So muſt the wife alſo rule and applie her ſelfe to the diſcretion and wil of her Husband, becauſe the gouernment and conduct of eueryevery thing reſteth in the head, and not in the body. Ephe. 5.24. 1. Cor. 14.34. Numb. 30.7.

5 As it were a monſterous matter, and the meanes to ouerthrow the perſon, that the body ſhould, in refuſing all ſubiection & obedience to the head, take vponupon it to guide it ſelfe, and to commaund the head: So likewiſe were it for the wife to rebell againſt the Husband.

Hypocriticall heretickes.

1 AS the Card-thyſtle or Teaſell, hath Celles and Cabbins like the Honie combe, and in them, firſt white flowers, but after their falling away, a bitter ſeede: So the wicked hauehave their Sinagoges, and a faire ſhew of words, but in the end bitter fruites.

2 As the heads or knoppes of Card-thyſtle, are hollow within, and for the moſt part hauing Wormes within: So the chiefe ring-leaders of the wicked, hauehave hollow harts, and commonly the worme of conſcience gnawing them.

Hiding of faultes.

AS they are very hardly cured, which hauehave no ſence nor feeling of their diſeaſe; for example, thoſe that hauehave the Lethargie, and the Phrenſie: Euen ſo none are more hardly brought to goodneſſe, then they which doo Hide their faultes.

The Husband and wifes dutie.

1 AS the auncient Counſellers of King Saloman, gaue wiſe aduiſe and counſell vntounto Rehoboam King of Iſrael, to the ende that hee might winne the louelove and good liking of the people; ſpeake kindly vntounto them (ſaid they) and they will ſerue thee for euer after; which counfell not p. 389being followed, great inconuenience and miſchiefe after befell vntounto him, &c. Euen ſo likewiſe, if the Husband bee deſirous to procure the louelove of his wife, and to winne her to God; or if the wife would alſo procure the louelove of her Husband, and winne him to God; then they muſt drawe on one an other with ſweete and gentle words, of louelove, ſpeaking kindly one to an other: becauſe gentle wordes doo pacifie anger, as water quencheth fire; but if they ſhall vſe taunts, or wordes of reproach, and deſpight one againſt an other, much hurt may enſue thereof: For a little leauen, ſowreth the whole lumpe. 1. King. 12.7. &c. Prou. 15.1.

2 As the ſpitefull Iewes, which hated the Lord Ieſus, would not vouchſafe to giuegive him his name, when they talked of him, or with him; but to ſhew their vtter diſlike of him, they vſed to ſay: Is this he, or art thou hee that wilt doo ſuch a thing? Is not this he? &c. Againe whither will he goe, that we ſhall not find him? They would not ſay: Is not this Ieſus Chriſt? Or the Sonne of God? This is a moſt deſpightfull kinde of ſpeaking, and dooth bewray aboundance of malice, that was hidden in their hearts: Euen ſo it ſometimes falleth out betwixt the Huſband and the wife, betwixt the Father and the Sonne, betwixt the Maiſter and his Seruant, &c. That they could ſpeake dutifully one to an other, but contempt and diſdaine, and anger, and malice will not ſuffer the one to affoord vntounto the other their names and their titles, leaſt they ſhoulde bee put in minde of thoſe duties, which theſe names require; where out Sathan ſucketh no ſmall aduauntage: Whereas many times, the verie name of a Husbande, or Wife, Father or Sonne, Maiſter or Seruaunt, &c. doth greatly ſo much helpe to perſwade the p. 390mind, and to winne the affection; yea the very mentioning of theſe names, doo oftentimes leaue a print of dutie behind in the conſcience. Ioh. 7.11.15.35.

3 As the miſtreſſe Bee, abideth alway in the Hiue, and will not ſuffer any Bees to bee idle; and thoſe Bees that ſhould worke and labour without, ſhee ſendeth them to their worke, and whatſoeuer any of them bringeth home, ſhee marketh, receiueth, ſaueth and diſpoſeth it, vntill the time come that it muſt bee occupied; and when the time commeth, that it muſt be occupied, then ſhee diſtributeth eueryevery thing according as reaſon requireth; and thoſe Bees that abide within, ſhee cauſeth them to weaue, and make the faire Honie combes after the beſt manner; and ſhe taketh care that the young Bees bee well fed and orderly brought vp; but when they come to that age, and to that point, that they bee able to worke, ſhee ſendeth them out with one, the which they follow as their guide and Captaine: Euen ſo a good Houſe-wife, muſt abide within the houſe, and thoſe her ſeruants which muſt worke abroad, ſhee ſendeth them to their worke, & they that muſt worke within, ſhee ſendeth them to it; and ſuch prouiſion as is brought in, ſhe receiueth it, and that which muſt be ſpent of it, ſhee parteth and diuideth it, and that which remayneth of it, ſhee layeth it vp, and ſeeth it kept fafe, vntill time of neede; and ſhee is carefull that, that which is appointed to be ſpent in a twelue month, bee not ſpent in a month.

4 As he that poureth water into tubbes full of chincks and holes, thinking to fill them, looſeth his labour: Euen ſo the Husband that prouideth things neceſſary for houſe, keeping, ſhall auaile little, except the wife carefully ſaue and keepe that which is prouided and brought home.

p. 391Heauen.

1 AS our cloathes when they waxe olde, wee chaunge them: Euen ſo Heauen and earth, and all that is in them, ſhal be chaunged. Pſal. 102.25, 26. Hebr. 1.12.

2 As ſmoake vaniſheth and paſſeth away: So likewiſe Heauen and earth and all that in them is, ſhall vaniſh and paſſe away. Eſay. 51.6.

3 As we ſee many weake men for a prize, to enter into combate, or Iuſts againſt a ſtronger then themſelues, and though they bee ouercome, yet not to giuegive ouer till the laſt breath: So muſt we for Heauen, ſtriue to excell in godlineſſe, thoſe that hauehave greater giftes then wee, and neuer giuegive ouer.

Houſes of the wicked.

1 AS Cages doo ordinarily ſerue for keeping of Birdes: Euen ſo the Houſes of wicked and vngodly men, doo ordinarily ſerue for inuenting of deceits. Iere. 5.27.

2 As for the moſt part, Cages are full of Birdes: So the dwelling places of the wicked, are repleniſhed with all manner of guiles, whereby they become great and rich.

Hell vanquiſhed and ouercome by Christ.

AS a Citie or Towne, that is ſacked, raſed, and beaten downe, euen to the ground, and which is ploughed, ſowen ouer with ſalte and Harrowed, is able to recouer it ſelfe, or to harme the enemies that hauehave ſerued it ſo: Euen ſo Chriſt our Sauiour, hath giuen ſuch a conflict and ouerthrow vntounto Sathan by his death, that he hath ſo bruſed and broken his head, and hath gotten ſuch a conqueſt and victorie ouer all the power of Hell, that now it is no more able to hurt the children of God; for whome, Hell onelyonly is ouercome; and vntounto them this victorie is gotten; Hell hauing ſtill his full power ouer the vnfaithfull. Iudg. 9.45.

p. 392The Lords Hoſtes is mightie.

1 LIke as Fiſhers with nets and hookes, catch fiſhe in great number: Euen ſo ſhall they, that God ſtirreth vp to execute his Iudgementes againſt any people, catch and deſtroy great plentie of them. Iere. 16.16.

2 As flouds ouerflow and deſtroy all: Euen ſo they by whome God plagueth any land, or people, doo ſpoyle all. Ierem. 47.2.

Horrer of ſinne, bringeth remorſe of conſcience.

AS the Theefe or wicked perſon, cannot bee brought vnfainedly to confeſſe his fact, before it bee made knowne, and hee himſelfe attached to appeare before a Iudge, to bee condemned for the ſame: So likewiſe the caſe ſtandeth with euerie one of vsus, who by nature are no better then theeues and murderers before the Lord, that we can by no meanes be brought in truth to confeſſe our ſinnes, before the monſtrouſneſſe, and vgly ſhape thereof, with the paine and penaltie due thereunto, bee ſet before our owne conciences, and wee as it were ſummoned before Gods Iudgement ſeate, to bee condemned for the ſame. Iere. 2.26, 27.

Vaine is the Helpe of man.

AS Heath in the drie and deſolate wilderneſſe, where no habitation is, is apt and good for nothing, and yet eaſie to bee conſumed with fire: So alſo the man that putteth his truſt in man, and maketh fleſhe and bloud his ſtrangth and defence, and paſſeth not on the Lord, ſhall not ſee any good, but ſhal periſh together with his Helpes. Ierem. 17.5, 6.

Holydaies.

LIke as the Children of Iſrael, when they had made a molten Calfe, and offered burnt offerings, & brought peace-offerings, did then ordaine a Holy-day, which p. 395they ſpent in eating, drinking, and paſtime; which corruption they tooke from the Egyptians: Euen ſo likewiſe our Holy-daies, which came from popiſh Idolaters, and idolatrous Papiſts, are for the moſt part, ſpent and conſumed in idle paſtimes, in much vanitie, and belly cheare. Exod. 32.5, 6. 1. King. 12.28. &c. 1. Cor. 10.7.

Holyneſſe.

AS the greater riches that a man hath, the greater is his gaine, deſire and encreaſe of riches: So the more Holyneſſe that any man hath, the more carefully ought, and the more fruitefully may hee labour in encreaſing it. Philip. 3.13.

Hearts of ſtrong men.

AS the Heart of a woman fainteth and yeeldeth in trauaile: Euen ſo the Hearts of ſtrong men, faint, when God will be their enemie, afflict and ſcourge their countrie. Iere. 49.24.

The vnrecouerable deſtruction of obſtinate Hearers.

AS an Earthen pot ſo broke to peeces, that a ſharde of it cannot be found fit for any vſe: So ſhall the deſtruction of ſuch be, whoſe eares cannot abide the truth, but will needes hauehave their Preachers flatter them in their ſinnes, and foſter them in their errours. Eſay. 30.10, 14.

Humilitie ought to goe before dignitie.

1 AS ſome Birdes before they flie out, and mount on high, ſtoupe downe with their heads, and touch the ground with their bills: So euerie man, before he bee aduaunced to any high dignitie, ought to ſhew great Humbleneſſe of minde, and a caſting downe of himſelfe.

2 Like as Wheate, the weightier, ſounder, and better it is, the lower place it deſireth, and ſeeketh: Euen ſo the Humble man, the wiſer, and more gracious that he is, the more pleaſure and delight he hath in Chriſtian Humilitie p. 394and lowlineſſe. But the proud man being lighter then the wind, lifteth vp, and extolleth himſelfe aboue all things: Whereupon it commeth to paſſe, that hee peruerteth all the Lawes of God, and man, for that ſoueraigntie ſake, which he falſely imagineth, to belong vntounto himſelfe. Luk. 14.10. 1. Cor. 4.7.

Not proude, but Humble men, doo profite by reading and hearing of the word of God.

1 AS the bough of a Tree, the fuller it is of fruite, the waightier it is, and the greater and more plentifull fruite it beareth, the lower hee ſtoupeth, and Humbleth himſelfe the more; but the proude man, like a fruiteleſſe and barren bough, lifteth his head on high, not ſeeking the profite and good of his ſoule, but the idle prayſes of men, and the vaine-glorie of the world.

2 Euen as if any man would ſteadily looke vponupon the bright Sphere of the Sunne, he ſhould become blind, becauſe the weake ſight of the eyes, is not able to abide ſo great a brightneſſe: So, whoſoeuer truſting to his owne wit, ſhall caſt the eyes of his mind, vppon the wonderfull and vnſpeakeable brightneſſe of the ſecrets of God; hee ſhall be ouerthrowne of the ſame, & the ſight of the mind being blinded and put out, hee ſhall neuer attaine to that which he would, becauſe the great and hidden myſteries of the moſt high God, cannot be comprehended by mans wit, being puffed vp with pride; or elſe there ſhould be no difference betweene God and man, if man of himſelfe, could attaine vntounto the ſecrets of Gods eternall maieſtie, ſealed vp in his bleſſed word, and not to bee opened, but by the mightie power of his moſt holy ſpirit. Deut. 29.29. Pſal. 25.14. Eſay. 66.2.

p. 395The Lord Humbleth vsus in this world, that he may may exalt vsus in the world to come.

AS he that would hauehave a little flame of fire, to mount and riſe vp on high, firſt keepeth it low, and holded it downe, with the force of a Fan, and the gathering together of much wind: Euen ſo God, preſſeth vsus downe, and keepeth vsus lowe, that hee may lift vsus vp, and exalt vsus on high; he throweth vsus downe here in earth, that hee may exalt vsus in heauen; and layeth many times diſgrace vponupon vsus in this world among men, that we may bee gracious in the worlde to come, with himſelfe, his Angels, and his Saints.

We are Heires, not through workes, but through grace.

1 AS an earthly Father, doth giuegive vntounto his children according to their deeds, that is, inheritance to them that are obedient, and diſheriteth them that be diſobedient: Euen ſo God our heauenly Father, promiſeth inheritance to his children, but thoſe which of childrē are made obſtinate and enemies, he ſuffereth not to enioy the inheritance. Rom. 4.5, 6, 8.

2 As it is manifeſt that the children of an earthly Father, are neither children nor Heires through deſert of their workes: So after the ſame ſort, the children of God, are neither made children nor Heires, becauſe of their workes, but through the grace of adoption, which is receiued by faith alone; notwithſtanding either of them both, giuegive vntounto his children according to their deeds. Rom. 6.23.

Humanitie or gentleneſſe.

LIke as pride oppreſſeth louelove, prouoketh diſdaine, kindleth malice, confoundeth Iuſtice, and at length ſubuerteth ſtates: Euen ſo Humanitie ſtirreth vp affection, augmenteth amitie, maintaineth louelove, ſupporteth equitie, p. 396and moſt ſoundly preſerueth Cities and countries.

Quiet Hearts.

EVen as a quiet, calme, and pleaſant water, wil ſhew vntounto vsus, if wee looke into it, the very image and likeneſſe of our ſelues, as it were a Glaſſe, but being mooued, ſtirred and troubled, it dooth not ſo: So likewiſe our owne Hearts, if they bee quiet, and not troubled with horrors, nor diſtempered with feares, will plainely ſhewe vsus what we be; ſo that we may eaſily know our ſelues, and not bee deceiued: but being filled with feares, toſſed with terrors, and ouer-whelmed with troubles, they cannot doo ſo. Iohn. 14.27. Pſal. 55.4, 5.

Heart of man.

1 AS a pot full of ſweete liquor, if it be made hotte, and boyled vponupon the fire, will driue away flies, that they will not come neere it; but if it bee colde, the flies will by and by goe into it, and it will receiue them, and they will corrupt and conſume it: Euen ſo the Heart of man, if it be inflamed with a true and ſincere louelove of God, will not receiue into it, thoſe daungerous temptations which are continually flying about it, but will remooue, and driue them farre off, and giuegive no place vntounto them; but if by reaſon of ſlouthfull idleneſſe in heauenly things, and for want of a godly courage, it grow colde in the louelove of the Lord, thē is it obuious, and wide open to all temptations, it barreth out none, it receiueth all; none are reiected, be they neuer ſo wicked; all are imbraced, entertayned and welcome; then is it a receptacle of all abhominations; as Idolatrie, blaſphemie, murther, Adulterie, and whatſoeuer is wicked, miſchieuous, and damnable.

2 Like as if thou ſhalt caſt into a Cenſer, odoriferous and ſweete Pomander balles, the whole houſe will be filled with a ſweete ſauour and pleaſant perfume; but if thou p. 397ſhalt caſt into it, Brimſtone, or ſome ſuch matter, all the houſe will be full of moſt horrible ſtinch: So in like manner, if thou ſhalt put into the Heart of ſome man, good and wholſome counſels, and ſhalt inſtruct him with godly aduertiſements, and ſhalt open vntounto him the fountain of the truth, thou ſhalt bring to paſſe, that there ſhall proceed out of his Heart, a great ſauour of a moſt ſweet ſmel; but if thou ſhalt fill him with euill and wicked counſels, and ſhalt perſwade and draw him to impietie, hatred, treacherie, and al abhominations, thou ſhalt be the cauſe of an intollerable ſtinch; there ſhall come out of his Heart, a moſt poyſonfull ſauour, wherwith not only his owne Heart, but the whole houſe wherein he is, and all the common wealth where he abideth, ſhall be hurt, infected and poyſoned.

3 Like as if one caſt into an hotte burning Furnace, wood and ſtickes, that be ſeare & drie, and ready to burne, there wil ariſe and burne out, a moſt pure and cleare flame of fire; but if hee ſhall caſt into the ſame Furnace, greene ſtickes, wet, and ſtinking Ruſhes, or ſome other ſuch matter, they wil burne in deede, but the Chimney and whole houſe will be filled with ſmoake, and wil bee euen blacke, by reaſon of the thick darkneſſe, which proceedeth of the foule & ſtinking ſmoake: So the Heart of man, is a furnace continually burning, if thou wilt nouriſh it with cogitations, & heauenly meditations of the louelove of God, there wil appeare and ſhine out of it, a pure flame & bright light of true & vnfained louelove to God & man, but if thou wilt cheariſh and maintaine it, with thoughts & deuiſes of ſelf-louelove, thē it wil be ful of vile ſmoak, ſtinch & darkneſſe. Rom. 1.21.

4 As the Sunne riſeth firſt, and then the beaſts ariſe from their dens, the foules from their neſts, and men from their beds: So whē the Hart ſets forward to God, al the mēbers will follow after it; the tongue wil praiſe him, the foote wil p. 398follow him, the eare will attend him, the eye will watch him, the hand will ſerue him, nothing will ſtay after the Heart, but eueryevery one goes like hand-maides after their miſtreſſe. Prou. 23.26.

5 Like as that woman that would hauehave her dough leauened, and layeth her dough in one place, and the leauen in an other, where one cannot touch the other, loſeth her labour: Euen ſo he which would hauehave his Heart ſanctified, comforted, and enlightned, and will not giuegive it to God, which ſhould doo it, greatly deceiueth himſelfe, becauſe the tempter then commeth, and takes them aſunder, & ſeazeth vponupon the Heart, becauſe he finds her alone.

6 Euen as Dina was deflowred, when ſhe ſtrayed from home: So is the Heart, when it ſtrayeth from God. Gene. 34.61.

7 As Abraham when hee was bid to offer his Sonne, roſe vp betime and left his wife at home, and neuer made Sara priuie, leaſt ſhee ſhould ſtop him, being more tender ouer her child like women, then the Father is: So we muſt giuegive our Heart to God, before the fleſh heare of it. Gene. 22.6.

8 Like as if Abagaile had conſulted with Nabal, whether ſhe ſhould hauehave ſupplied Dauid with victuals or no, when he ſent; the myzer would neuer hauehave giuen his conſent, who ſcolded ſo ſoone as he heard of it; therefore he went alone, and gaue that which he asked, and neuer tolde her husband what ſhe would doo, leaſt he ſhould hinder her, which ſought her welfare and his too: So we ſhould ſteale our Heartes from the world, as the world ſtealeth them from vsus, and tranſport them to God, when the fleſh is a ſleepe. 1. Sam. 25.18.

9 As no man ſitteth vponupon two ſeates together: No man hunteth two games together: No man iuſtleth with two p. 399Speares together: So he that hath two Hearts, if hee hauehave a true Heart of the one, hee will hauehave a falſe Heart of the other. Iam. 18. Luk. 10.13. Eccle. 2.13. 1. Sam. 5.2. Act. 4.32.

10 As there be two colours, red and blew, in one Rainbowe: So there muſt be two affections, ioy and ſorrow in one Heart.

11 As a bright and ſhining reſemblance, or image, may be ſeene plainly in a cleare and pure looking Glaſſe: Euen ſo doth the face (as it were) of the euerlaſting God, ſhine forth and clearely appeare in a pure Heart. Math. 5.8.

Health to be ſought for of God.

1 AS a good Phyſition or Surgion, wil firſt remooue the cauſe, ere hee begin to heale: Euen ſo he that enterpriſeth his Health, muſt firſt of all goe vntounto Ieſus Chriſt, the Phyſition of the ſoule, that the cauſe may be remoued, then Phiſicke hath vertue and power to heale, and not before. Luk. 8.43.

2 As the vertue attractiue, to drawe Eliſha from his worke, was not in Elias cloake, but in the power of the word: Euen ſo the vertue of healing, is not in the Phyſitions, nor any thing they take in hand, but in the Lord of life. 1. King. 19.19, 20.

The Husbands dutie to his wife.

1 AS a Chriſtall Glaſſe is a precious and profitable veſſel, yet brittle, which a man doth more carefully take heede of the breaking of it, then of ſome earthen or tinne veſſell, the one being more baſe, & the other more ſtrong: So alſo the Husband, ought to hauehave ſuch regard of the frailtie of his wife, that hee may beare with her, and entreate her with gentleneſſe and diſcretion, that hee may vſe her as a precious veſſel, to his comfort & ioy. 1. Pet. 3.7.

2 As in a great ſtormie wind, a man lappeth his cloake about him, and holdeth it faſt for feare of looſing, but p. 400when the wind is downe, & the weather calme, he letteth it hang eaſily: So when Husbands will as it were perforce, wreſt away their wiues infirmities, many of them will obſtinatly reſiſt; yet contrariwiſe, by ſweete words and louing exhortations, they might bee wonne voluntarily to forſake them. 1. Sam. 1.8.

3 As it is meere folly for a Husband to praiſe and commend his wife in company: So is it as dangerous to checke and reproue her before witneſſe.

4 As God created the woman, not of the head, and ſo equall in authoritie with her Husband: So alſo he created her, not of Adams foote, that ſhe ſhould be troden downe and deſpiſed, but hee tooke her out of the ribbe, that ſhee might walke ioyntly with him, vnderunder the conduct and gouernment of her head. Gene. 2.21.

5 As God hath teſtified his ſingular goodneſſe vntounto man, in creating him an helper to aſſiſt him: Euen ſo the Husband, ought to conſider in how many ſorts ſhee is to him a helper, to paſſe ouer this life in bleſſednes. Gen. 2.18.

High minded men.

AS the Hauke is then loſt, when truſting to her wings, ſhee ryſeth and mounteth too high: Euen ſo do vaine and proude men, then fall from God, when with their owne wit, reaſon, and wiſedome, onelyonly, and alone, they will vnderſtand the deepe myſteries of God, as though the counſels and wiſedome of Gods eternall maieſtie, might and could bee comprehended, with the reaſon and wit of man. Rom. 11.20.

High eſtate of life daungerous.

AS a tree ſet vppon the top of a mountaine, is mightily ſhaken, and eaſily rent vp by the rootes, with eueryevery bluſtering blaſt and ſtorme of winde: Euen ſo man in this world, the more and Higher he is exalted, the more and p. 401greater daungers is he ſubiect vntounto. Luk. 1.52. Iam. 4.6. Math. 7.17. Luk. 6.44.

Hope.

1 AS a man paſſing through a very ſwift floud, doth not looke downe to the water, leaſt it ſhould make him giddie, and ſo be in daunger of falling, but he hath his eyes fixed on the banke or ſhoare that hee goeth ouer vntounto: Euen ſo a Chriſtian paſſing through the waues of the troubles of this world, lifteth vp his eyes to heauen, beholding there with a ſpirituall regarde, the quiet banke that hee ſhall come too by Chriſt, not reſpecting the troubles and torments that hee is in; which troubles and torments the wicked doo reſpect; and that is it that caſteth them into deſperation.

2 As the whole vſe of the Anchor is, to holde faſt the Ship in one ſure and certaine place, (notwithſtanding all tempeſts and waues beating againſt it) becauſe it entereth into the very depth and bottome of the Sea, there taking faſt hold. Euen ſo the principall vſe of Hope, is to enter into the heauen of heauens, where Chriſt ſitteth at the right hand of God, and to hold faſt our ſoules there with him, notwithſtanding, all the waues and tempeſts of Sathan, ſinne, and condemnation, doo beate dayly and continually againſt them.