A Treasury of Similes, Part M

A Treasury of Similes · Part M

p. 460Married folkes, are one a helpe to the other.

LIke as in the parts of a mans body, there is a mutuall helpe and participation of the one towards the other: Euen ſo ought it to bee alſo among Married folkes, the one ought to bee an eye, eare, mouth, hand, and foote to the other: In trouble, the one muſt be the comfort of the other. In aduerſitie, muſt the one bee the others refreſhing; yea, and in all their life, muſt the one be the helpe and ſuccour of the other. Gene. 2.18.

Man.

1 LIke as God hath created all things in the world for Mans vſe and ſeruice: Euen ſo he hath created Man alone for his glorie. Act. 17.24, 25.

2 Like as al things in the world ſerue Man, and are ſubiect to man: Euen ſo ought Man to be ſubiect to the Lord, and to ſerue him, and for this end man was created. Act. 17.27, 28, 29.

3 As things that be nought worth are ſtil throwne out, caſt away, not fit for any good purpoſe, but to be reiected and troden vnderunder feete: Euen ſo is Man a thing of nought. Pſal. 144.4.

4 As the excellent and noble Hauke, called a Faulken, vponupon the fiſt of the fouler, ſeeing a pray flying on high, dooth by and by ſpread his wings, and offer to breake the ſtrings, wherewith ſhee is holden, and to bee gone after the pray; but if ſhee be hooded, ſhe neither ſeeth the pray, nor is any whit mooued: Euen ſo Man, whoſe nature farre excelleth all other liuing creatures, thinking vppon the things that are aboue in heauen with God, and with p. 461the eyes of his mind, beholding eternall bliſſe, and endleſſe felicitie, he is inflamed and pricked, with a great and wonderfull deſire, to attaine vntounto the ſame; but if he bee hooded with ignorance, ſpiritual blindneſſe, and a louelove of this world, he will neuer bee touched with any heauenly motion, nor any whit moued with any right louelove of God, nor once turne ſo much, as an eye of his mind, towards heauen nor God. Pſal. 42.1, 2. Phil. 21.23.

5 As the Crocodile is a creature of an incredible bigneſſe, and yet hath his beginning of a very ſmall and little Egge, and is knowne onelyonly to Egypt, and to thoſe Countries which are watered with the ryuer Nilus, and in this thing is very admirable, that no liuing creature, that hath ſo ſmall a beginning, as of an Egge, doth grow to ſuch an exceeding bigneſſe: Euen ſo ſuch a one is Man, when he forgetteth his originall, and the foule matter of his beginning, waxeth inſolent and proud; and yet in this one thing hee is more admirable, that being moulded out of the earth and duſt, hee will make his heart a neſt for pride and all abhomination, to build and to dwell in. Gene. 2.7. & 3.19. & 18.27. Iob. 4.19. & 10.9. to. 13. Pſal. 146.4. & 78.39. Eſay. 40.6, 7, 8.

6 As the earth by his naturall courſe is borne downeward, and is loweſt of all Elements: So Man borne by the talent and motion of his fleſh, is beyond horſe and mule, and is by the Prophets warned to learne wiſedome by the Swallow, by the Ant, by the Spider, by the Oxe, by the Aſſe, and almoſt by all the beaſts in the field.

7 Like as if a begger, who hath not a ragge to couer him, wil notwithſtanding brag that he is the greateſt Man, and the richeſt in all the countrie, and in all aſſemblies, is not aſhamed to take the higheſt place; eueryevery Man would iudge ſuch a man worthie to be whipt: Or if there were a p. 462theefe, who being conuicted of many great crimes, notwithſtanding would be ſo ſhameleſſe, and ſo ſtately, that he wold not hūble himſelf before his iudge, nor any other Man, he deſerueth without any pitie, to be puniſhed with all ſeueritie: Euen ſo in like maner, if Man (diſſembling his beggerly eſtate, his vice and ignorance) will preſume that he is wiſe, rich, vertuous, he doth by this meanes make him ſelfe vnworthy of Gods mercy, whereof he ſhould participate, if by an humble confeſſion of his miſerie, he would ſeeke for it.

8 As a veſſell cannot be knowne whether it be whole or broken, vntill it hauehave liquor in it: So can no Man be knowne what he is, before he be in authoritie.

Man wholly corrupted.

1 AS we ſay, not the eſſence of the Load-ſtone doth draw yron, but the properties thereof: So likewiſe the whole nature of Man is corrupt, not in reſpect of the eſſence of the ſoule or bodie, but in reſpect of the qualities. The ſoule is corrupt, not in reſpect of the eſſence which is ſpirituall, but in reſpect of the qualities, which be in the ſoule. Pſal. 24.4, 5. Ephe. 4.22, 23, 24.

2 Like as if a Man being fallen into a pit, ſhould rather be inquiſitiue how he fell in, then how to come out: Or as a Man deſerueth to be counted madde and vnwiſe, that hath his houſe on fire, & will ſtand thinking how it came, and not rather labour to quench it: Euen ſo hee may be counted a fooliſh Man, that is more carefull to know how he became wholly corrupted through originall ſinne, then to know and learne, how rather to come out of it, and ſo eſcape the daunger of it.

p. 463Maiſters dutie towards their Seruants.

1 AS the Centurian, who had many ſeruants vnderunder his authoritie, and they were all at his becke and commaundement, moſt readie to obey him in any thing that he ſet them about; and this good order hee brought them too, by reaſon that his ſaid ſeruants were deare vntounto him; that is, he made a ſpeciall reckoning of them, and was as a father vntounto them: So likewiſe all Maiſters are in conſcience bound to eſteeme and account well of their ſeruants, and to vſe their authoritie that they hauehave ouer them, mildly, and Chriſtianly; and then, if their ſeruants do perceiue that they are deare vntounto their Maiſters, ſo may the Maiſters in time worke them like waxe to their owne minde: except they be ſuch as hauehave ſold themſelues to worke wickedneſſe. Ephe. 6.9.

2 As Maiſters and Dames doo louelove and cheriſh cattes and dogges, which hauehave bene brought vp any long while in their houſes: Euen ſo much more they ought to louelove and fauour their ſeruants that hauehave done them long and faithfull ſeruice.

3 As it is vnpoſſible that he that hath no skil in Muſick, can make an other man a Muſitian: Or as it is hard for a Scholler to learne, that thing well, that his Maiſter teacheth ill: Euen ſo it is vnpoſſible that a Maiſter that is naturally negligent, ſhould make his ſeruant diligent.

Marriage euer eſteemed, for encreaſe of the Common-wealth.

AS he is counted no good Gardiner, that being content with things preſent, dooth diligently proine his old trees, and hath no regard, either to impe or graffe yong fettes, becauſe the ſelfe-ſame Orcharde (though it be neuer ſo well trimmed) muſt needes decaye in time, and all the Trees dye within fewe yeares: Euen ſo, p. 464he is not to be accounted halfe a diligent Citizen, that being content with the preſent multitude of Citizens, hath no regard to encreaſe the number by lawfull Matrimony.

MercieMercy.

LIke as he that is without compaſſion in beholding an other mans wounds, ſhall hauehave no bodie to pitie him, if at any time he be hurt himſelfe: Euen ſo, he that with pitie doth raiſe vp his neighbour being fallen, ſhall hauehave many to relieue and comfort him, if he himſelfe fall into any calamitie. Iam. 2.13. Mat. 5.7. Rom. 12.8. Prou. 3.3, 4. & 14.22, 31. & 16.6. & 19.17.

The Miſerie of worldlings.

1 LIke as we ſee the Mules of Princes go all the day long, loaden with treaſure, and couered with faire cloathes, but at night ſhaken off into a ſorrie ſtable, much bruſed and gauled with the carriage of thoſe treaſures: Euen ſo, rich men that paſſe through this world, loaden with gold and ſiluer, and do gaull greatly their ſoules in carriage thereof, are diſpoyled of their burthen at the day of death, and are turned off with their wounded conſciences, to the loathſome ſtable of hell and damnation.

2 As we be iuſtly moued to pitie, by beholding the momentany miſeries of men, and the diſtreſſed ſtate of their bodies, being conſumed with ſores and ſickneſſe, and euen at deaths doore: Euen ſo much more ought we to be grieued at the moſt fearfull ſtate of worldlings, for the eternall miſerie of their ſoules, not dying, but being alreadie cleane dead in ſinne, and yet liuing in that ſtate, which leadeth to vnſpeakable torment, and the hotte burning furnace of the wrath of God.

Mercies of God.

1 AS a riuer continueth running ſtill: Euen ſo the Mercies of God do daily light on the faithfull.

p. 4652 As the ryuer hath a ſwift courſe: So the Mercies of God helpe at a pinch. Pſal. 46.1. &c.

3 As a ryuer is deepe: Euen ſo the Mercies of God are great, neither can the bottome of them be ſought out of any man.

4 And as the ryuer hath this propertie (as hath alſo all other water) to binde, and therfore doth not the earth diſſolue, becauſe (as the Phyloſopher ſaith) the water bindeth it in: Euen ſo the Mercies of God do bind vsus vntounto himſelf, or elſe we ſhould diſſolue and become Sathans ſinke and puddle.

5 As a begger will neuer goe foorth a begging, vntill ſuch time as hee can hauehave prouiſion, or maintenance at home: So wee will neuer come to Chriſt for MercieMercy, ſo long as we ſee any goodneſſe in our ſelues. Pſal. 32.4.

6 As a ſparke of fire is in compariſon able to drie vp all the water in the Sea: Euen ſo no more is all the wickedneſſe of man, vntounto the Mercies and mercifulneſſe of God.

7 As no man is ſo thankfull for health, as he that hath beene in continuall ſickneſſe: So no man feeleth the MercieMercy of God, that is not truly humbled in his owne ſight.

Mans nature to be mortified.

1 AS the ſeede of right Artichoke, if the point of it bee not broken, bringeth foorth the prickley Artichoke or Thiſtle: So the beſt Mans child, if his corrupt nature be not mortified, wil bring forth nothing but vngodlineſſe.

2 Knecholme growing of it ſelfe, bringeth forth fruit, but being planted, it bringeth foorth none: But Mans nature, if it bee ſuffered to grow of it ſelfe is vnfruitfull, but beeing planted in Chriſt, becommeth fruitfull in good workes.

3 The ſuperfluous moyſture of Elecampane beeing dried vp, it commeth fitteſt to his full vertue, and is hot in p. 466the third degree; but though the ſuperfluitie of euill bee mortified in vsus, yet wee our ſelues will neuer come to our firſt perfection, except we be quickned by Gods ſpirit, &c.

A Mind troubled.

1 LIke as a great and deepe wound cannot bee touched with ones hand, thogh neuer ſo ſoftly, but with ſome griefe to the partie: Euen ſo a troubled & wayward Mind, hard to pleaſe, thinketh ſcorne of eueryevery thing, and is offended with the leaſt word ſpoken.

2 As the ſicke-man cannot away with the ſight of his wife, blameth the Phyſition, is grieued at his friend that comes to viſite him, & yet being gone, is diſpleaſed againe at their departure: Euen ſo is the wauering way and trade of life, and the wandering and inconſtant mutabilitie of the Mind, which ſeldome doth arriue at the quiet and deſired port and hauen.

3 Euen as they are queaſie ſtomacked, and are diſquieted with vomiting, doo leape from one Ship to an other, that they might find ſome eaſe thereby, vntill they perceiue themſelues nothing the better, but yet doo the ſame ſtill, that they did before, carrying their vomite (as we may ſay) ſtill about with them, where euer they goe: So in like manner, they which euer anon, chooſe now one, and now an other trade of life, doo rather entangle themſelues in cares & troubles of a diſcontented Mind, then be diſcharged and rid there from.

4 As it ſometime falleth out, that one receiueth an iniurie, is grieued, and ſtudieth to reuenge; an other beeing author of a wrong, reioyceth at other mens harmes, and fecks to keepe him ſtil vnderunder, whom he hath once oppreſt: Euen ſo is the Minde it ſelfe, at warre with it ſelfe, and through contrarie & repugnant affections, is rent, and in a manner torne in peeces.

p. 467Magiſtrates dutie to their ſubiects.

1 AS that medicine is more to bee allowed, which healeth the parts of a mans body, then that which vtterly burneth away the ſame: So is that Magiſtrate more to be prayſed, which by correction cauſeth euill doers to amend, then hee which by death and execution vtterly taketh the ſame away.

2 As God is aboue all men, the ſoule more excellent then the body; and the kingdome of heauen more precious then earthly treaſures: So likewiſe doth the chiefe & principall end of the Magiſtrates charge and office, conſiſt in the eſtabliſhing and maintaining of the puritie of doctrine, in the holy miniſterie & ſeruice of God, the holy adminiſtration of the ſacraments, the inuocation of Gods name, the order of Eccleſiaſticall Diſcipline. Rom. 13.4. 1. Chro. 15.1. & 22.6. & 2. Chro. 14.3. &c. & 15.8. &c. & 17.6. &c. & 29.1. &c. & 30.1, 2. &c. & 31.1, 2. &c. Dan. 3.24. &c. Pſal. 2.10.

3 As inferior Magiſtrates ought not to ſhrinke from equitie & Iuſtice, notwithſtanding the commaundements of their ſuperiors: So is it as great an ouerſight in the ſuperiour, for feare of diſpleaſing his inferiour, to make any wrongfull or vnlawfull decree. Dan. 6.9, 25. &c. Iere. 38.5. Math. 27.25.23.

4 Like as when fire hath taken a houſe, men vſe to pull it downe, and to caſt it to the earth, leaſt it ſhould fire alſo the neighbours houſes: So muſt the Magiſtrate plucke down, and puniſh the tranſgreſſor, leaſt the heate of Gods wrath be kindled, and conſume all the people. Numb. 35.32, 33. Ioſu. 7.12. &c. Deut. 13.10, 11, 17. & 21.1. &c. Iona. 1.15. 1. Cor. 10.6. &c. & 5.4. &c.

5 As it is great rigor to condemne to death, a man that by miſchance killeth one: So is it a mercy condemned by the p. 468Lord himſelfe, to pardon him that wilfully committeth murder. Numb. 35.11, 12. Numb. 33.16, 17. Exod. 21.12.

6 Euen as too much crueltie and ſeueritie of a Prince, dooth make his ſubiects to feare him with hate: So alſo doth generall good will & gentleneſſe make them to louelove him, and to feare leaſt he ſhould bee taken from them, or incurre any miſhap.

7 As Princes and Magiſtrates, hauehave their lawes, ſtatutes and ordinances, wherewith to containe their ſubiects in their duties, in the time of peace: So ſhould they take order for good gouernment in the warres, to the end their iuſt warres, may iuſtly and hoiſly bee proſecuted. Deut. 20.1. &c.

Meane eſtate of life is ſafeſt.

AS men being in deepe Caues, are neuer ſtricken with thunder or lightnings: So the baſe, low, and Meane eſtate or degree, is moſt at eaſe and in ſafetie.

Miniſters.

1 AS a Mule that is gotten betweene a Horſe and a ſhee Aſſe, is neither Horſe nor Aſſe: So ſome Miniſters, whiles they endeuor and ſtudie to be as well of the Court, as of the Spiritualtie, and to bee as well ciuill Magiſtrates, as Preachers of the Goſpell, are in deed neither of both.

2 As a Phyſition may perſwade his ſicke patient, to take medicine, and tell him the daunger, if he will not receiue it, but hee cannot compell him, and yet oftentimes the ſicke partie is forced by his parents and friends to receiue it: Euen ſo it is the office of a Miniſter and Preacher, to perſwade by all good meanes, his pariſhioners to abſtaine from all notorious ſinnes, but to compell them, he cannot; but the magiſtrate may and ought to doo it. Deut. 21.18, 19, 20, 21.

3 Like as that woman which taketh a child to nurſe, and p. 469feede for hire, although ſhee ſhould pray for it one part of the day, and ſing it an other part of the day, & ſhould waſh it, and keepe it as cleane as poſſibly could be, the third part of the day, and yet ſhould giuen no milke, nor feede it, but ſuffer it to die for hunger; neuertheleſſe for all her ſinging, and ſaying, waſhing and praying, ſhee were a murdereſſe: Or as if a watchman were hyred of the Citizens, to watch the Cittie, and ſhould leaue his place, and goe into the Cittie, and helpe the Maſons to build the Walles; or be occupied about ſome other affaires, which hee had no charge off, and in the meane time, the enemies ſhould come and kill ſome within the Cittie, in thus doing, hee ſhould bee guiltie of their death: Euen ſo that Miniſter, that taketh a Congregation to feede, who although he be diligent in reading his ſeruice, ſinging of Pſalmes, miniſtring the Sacraments, or elſe occupied about ſome affaires of the common-wealth, and ſhall leaue vndone the moſt principall part of his calling, which is preaching, and Catechiſing, and ſo the people periſh for want hereof; in thus dooing, he ſhould bee a ſoule murderer, and guiltie of all thoſe that thus periſh. Ezech. 34.2. &c. & 33.2, 3. &c. Iere. 23.1, 2. &c. Zach. 11.17. Iohn. 10.1. &c.

4 Like as Cookes, who commonly are occupied in preparing of banquets, hauehave as much feeling and ſeeing of the meate, as any other; and yet there is none that eateth leſſe of it then they; for their ſtomackes are cloyed with the ſmell and taſte of it: So in like maner it may come to paſſe, that the Miniſter which dreſſeth and prouideth the ſpirituall foode, may eate the leaſt of it himſelfe; and ſo labouring to ſaue others, he may be a reprobate. Mat. 7 22. Act. 1.16, 17. 2. Timo. 4.10. Hebr. 6.5.

5 Like as if Miniſters cannot aunſwere one thing of a …houſand, if God ſhould enter into iudgement with them, p. 470in reſpect of themſelues: Euen ſo much leſſe will they be able to aunſwere the Lord, for eueryevery ſoule that dieth, belonging to their charge, which will bee required at their hands, dying I meane the ſpirituall death, for lacke of ſpirituall foode. Iob. 9.3. Ezech. 3.18.

6 As there cannot bee a greater treaſure or Iewell in a Chriſtian common-weale, then an earneſt, faithfull, and conſtant preaching Miniſter of the Lords word: Euen ſo can there not be a greater plague among any people, then when they hauehave one for their Paſtour and Miniſter, that is either a Nonreſident, a blinde guide, a dumbe Dog, or an hypocriticall hireling.

7 As a iuſt and righteous man regardeth, and is mercifull, euen to the very beaſt that doth him ſeruice: Euen ſo much more Miniſters, ought to hauehave a great care of the ſoules and ſaluation of thoſe people, committed to their charge. Prou. 12.10. Act. 20.28. Col. 4.17. 1. Pet. 5.2, 3.

8 As a Lawyer may not expound the Lawe, as he thinketh beſt himſelfe, but he muſt expound Law by Law; and as the tenour of the writings doo require: Euen ſo a Miniſter of the word, may not expound Scripture after his owne humour, and as beſt liketh him, but hee muſt doo the ſame by Scripture, and as the tenour of the ſame will ſuffer him, and according to the meaning of the holy Ghoſt.

9 Like as a carefull Houſholder, knoweth eueryevery thing in his houſe, and what is neceſſarie for euerie one: Euen ſo a carefull Miniſter dooth watch ouer his flocke, that he may know eueryevery man, his conuerſation and manners, and ſo may Miniſters comfort where it is needfull, and reprehend the blame worthie.

10 As there bee diuers ſorts of Candles, ſome of Ruſhes, which giuegive a ſmall light, and are ſoone foorth; ſome p. 471of Weeke, but will not burne, vnleſſe they bee often ſnuffed; but the beſt ſort are of Cotten, and burneth deareſt: Euen ſo there bee diuers ſortes of Miniſters in England: As firſt reading Miniſters, and theſe giuegive no light at all, and therefore to bee caſt out: Secondly, ſuch as bee turne-coates, and time-ſeruers, as King Henries Prieſtes, Queene Maries Chaplaines, who alſo doo more harme then good, without great compulſion; but the beſt ſort are zealous and painefull Paſtours, who are the true lightes and Candles. Math. 5.14. Iohn. 5.35. Reue. 1.20.

11 As Birdes fall not into the ſnare, where no Fowler is: Euen ſo God reuealeth not his ſecrets to his people, but by his Miniſters. Amo. 3.5, 7.

12 As a Candle that is lighted, ought not to bee put vnderunder a buſhell, but ſet vponupon a Candleſticke, that all they that come into the houſe may ſee light by it: Euen ſo the Miniſters of the word, ought not to hide their giftes, but ſo plainely to ſet foorth the light of Gods moſt holye word, that euerie man in the Church, may thereby bee guided and directed in his calling. Pſal. 18.28. Mark. 4.21. Math. 5.15, 16.

13 Like as Aarons rodde (beeing afore withered and dried) by diuine vertue became greene againe, budded and brought foorth good and wholeſome fruit: Euen ſo likewiſe it is meete, that ſuch as bee called to the Office of the Miniſterie in the Church of God, ſhould ſhewe foorth the fruites of vertue and good workes in themſelues, and by wholeſome doctrine alſo inſtruct others vnderunder their charge, to doo the like; and to ſhewe foorth …heir ſound and liuely faith, by good and Chriſtian acti…ns. Numb. 17.8.

14 As the paines of a woman in child-birth, is great p. 472and wonderfull: Euen ſo the paines, toyle, and griefe of body and minde, which true and faithfull Miniſters of Chriſt take and ſuffer, to forme and faſhion Chriſt in them, that pertaine to their charge is exceſſiue great. Gal. 4.19.

15 As naturall Fathers doo make no ſpare of labour, trauaile, and toyle, to get and lay vp in ſtore for their childrē: Euen ſo the true Miniſters of the word, ought to take great care, paines, and to make no ſpare of themſelues, but to beſtow themſelues, and all their gifts fully and wholly vponupon their flocke, to winne them to God, who hath made them Fathers ouer his people. 2. Cor. 12.14, 15. 1. Theſ. 2.11.

16 As fiſhers do oftentimes catch with their nets, great ſtore and plentie of fiſh in the Sea: Euen ſo when it pleaſeth God to beſtow his graces in aboundance, then his Preachers by the preaching of his word, ſhall catch great ſtore and varietie of mens ſoules, and ſo conuert them to God. Ezech. 47.9, 10. Mark. 1.17.

17 As the Apoſtles, when they had laboured all night in fiſhing, and caught nothing, yet in the day time they caſt out againe, at the commaundement of Chriſt, and ſo incloſed a great number: Euen ſo godly Miniſters, are neuer to diſpaire, though they doo not ſee that they winne any by the word; yet God will bleſſe their labours, when he ſeeth it good. Luk. 5.5, 6.

18 As Hiram beſtowed much labour vponupon the materiall Temple: Euen ſo ſhould Paſtors and Preachers, take much paine with the people of God, which are his ſpirituall temple. 1. King. 7.13, 14. &c.

19 As the Iſraelites, might not plough with an Oxe and an Aſſe: So onelyonly thoſe Miniſters muſt inſtruct the people of God, who are able to teach them. Deut. 22.10.

20 Like as the runners looke euer to the marke, and the p. 473Champions employ all their ſhifts and practiſes to ſmite their aduerſarie, and ſtart not aſide with blinde braides, ne beate the aire with raſh ſtroakes: Euen ſo eueryevery man in his vocation (but ſpecially the Miniſters and teachers of the Church) ought to chuſe out wiſely the meanes that leade ſtraight to the right end; and in exerciſing the ſame, to vſe diligence and continuance, that they may in the eternal life, attain the promiſed reward of their diligence. 1. Cor. 9.24, 25.

21 As hired ſeruants will not tend mens ſheepe and cattell longer then there is money and profit comming to them for it: Euen ſo ſuch Miniſters which ſerue in the Church of God, if their end be their owne profit and promotion, then they ſurely giuegive ouer, and chaunge their copie when dayes of proſperitie faile, and when ſtormes and perſecution for the word begin to growe. Iohn. 10.12, 13.

22 As a carefull Houſholder is not onelyonly content with prouiſion for the preſent time, but prouideth aforehand, and hath by him ſtore of things needfull, both old and new, as well for his houſhold, as for the entertainment of his friends: Euen ſo he that is a Miniſter in the Church of God, ought by long ſtudie and meditation aforehand, to be throughly furniſhed and ſtored with all maner of doctrine and comforts, needfull for eueryevery ſort of men. Math. 13.52.

23 As that is counted the life of men, wherein they moſt delight and reioyce: So that is a good Miniſters life, to ſee his flock ſtand faſt in the Lord. 1. Theſ. 3.8.

24 Like as a Nurſe dooth fauour, and with all mildneſſe ſofter and cheriſh her children: Euen ſo ought a Miniſter with all kindneſſe and lenitie to cheriſh his flock. 1. Theſ. 2.7.

p. 47425 As a Souldier taketh wages of them, for whom hee fighteth, and goeth on warfare: Euen ſo a Miniſter of the Goſpell, may lawfully receiue maintenance at the hands of them to whom hee preacheth the Goſpell. 1. Cor. 9.7.

26 As a Souldier preſſed forth to the warres, entangleth not himſelfe in other ciuill affaires: Euen ſo a Miniſter which is Gods Souldier, ought to keepe himſelfe free, from all ſuch things as might hinder him from his calling. 2. Timo. 2.4.

27. As one candle cannot light an other if it ſelfe bee put out: So likewiſe a Miniſter and Preacher, ſhall not inflame others with the louelove of God and godlineſſe, himſelf being voyd and without the ſame louelove and godlineſſe. Iob. 21.17. Luk. 22.32.

28 Like as the Trumpet ſoundeth out aloude to giuegive ſouldiers and ſeruitors warning to prepare and put themſelues in a readineſſe, for that which they are appointed for: Euen ſo much more ſhould godly Miniſters ſtraine their voyces and crie aloude, both to Princes and people, to ſhew them the dangers that are imminent and at hand, for their ſinnes. Eſay. 58.1.

29 As the Trumpetter that is ſet to watch for the comming of his enemies, is guiltie of the bloud and death of the Citizens and people, if through his negligence, and for want of warning by his Trumpet, the enemie ſteale vp, vponupon them, and make ſlaughter and hauocke of them at vnwares: Euen ſo the Miniſters of the word alſo, if the people periſh in their ſinnes, for want of continuall admonition and calling vponupon to repent, their bloud will bee required at theyr hands. Ezech. 33.2. &c. & 3.17.1… 19.

30 As the wreſtler obtaineth not the crowne o… p. 475garland, except hee ſtriue for it according to the Lawes of wreſtling: So likewiſe Miniſters, are not to looke for any reward, except they doo their diligent endeuour, to doo their duties faithfully. 2. Timo. 2.5.

31 As work-men that labour faithfully and painefully in their calling, are worthie to hauehave their hire and wages well paide them: Euen ſo much more ſuch Miniſters, which labour carefully in the Church of God, for the ſaluation of ſoules, deſerue to hauehave the reward allotted and appointed them for their paines. Math. 10.10.

32 Like as a man that hath meate and drinke enough, but no ſtomacke to digeſt it; and ſo the more hee eateth, the more it turneth to his hurt: Euen ſo ſuch Miniſters as make no conſcience of ſinne, do by Gods iuſt iudgement prooue diuels; as the example of Iudas manifeſteth: for the more knowledge a man hath, the more wicked he is if he want grace. Mark. 14.44. Iohn. 6.70.

33 As a lumpe of Waxe, if it bee kept from heate, or from the fire, it keepes his owne forme ſtill, but if it bee held to the fire, it melts and runne abroad: So Miniſters, who by reaſon of their callings come neare God, if they be lumpes of iniquitie, and liue in their ſinnes, they ſhall find that the corruptions of their hearts, will melt abroad as wax at the fire. Iere. 15.19. Eſay. 6.5.

34 Like as if a Nurſe ſhould take a mans child to bring vp; and yet neuer giuegive it milke, in ſo much that the child dieth for hunger; ſhee for thus doing is a murthereſſe: Euen ſo it is with him, that taketh vppon him the charge of Gods people, and neuer feede them with the milke of Gods word, or elſe ſo ſeldome, that their ſoules doo famiſh; he is the murderer of them, and hath betraied them into the hands of their enemies; and ſhall bee condemned …or them, as a traytor vntounto God, vnleſſe he repent.

p. 47635 Like as a charitable and godly maiſter, ſometimes giueth a good Almes, by the hand of a lewde and wicked ſeruant: Euen ſo God (if it ſeeme good to him) by the Miniſtery of an euil Miniſter, can draw the vngodly, to know, louelove and feare him.

36 As the Snuffers and tongs, which were in Salomons Temple, wherewith they did ſnuffe the Lampes, were of moſt pure Golde: Euen ſo the Miniſters of the Goſpell, who are bound to reproue and checke the ſinnes and iniquities of others, ought to keepe themſelues blameleſſe, and vnſpotted of the world. Exod. 37.23. Eſa. 58.1. 1. Tim. 3.2. Iam. 1.27.

37 As he which hoordeth vp, & hideth his Corne, that it may not helpe and ſuccour hungrie ſoules in the time of dearth, is grieuouſly curſed of men, women and children; and contrariwiſe, he that in a famine & great dearth, doth bring forth his Corne, and ſelleth it, is highly prayſed and praied for of the people: So likewiſe that Miniſter & Preacher, deſerueth ſharpe and rough reprehenſions, which will not impart his knowledge and skill, to the hungrie and thirſtie ſoules, of the children of God; and on the other-ſide, hee is worthily prayſed, which openeth vntounto them the Garner of diuine doctrine, which teacheth and preacheth, & doth faithfully exerciſe the office of a watchman. Prou. 11.26. Ezech. 3.17, 18. & 33.2.

38 As learned and skilfull Phyſitions, with the bitter potions, and ſharpe medicines, which they miniſter vntounto their patients, doo mixe ſome ſweete and pleaſant thing, to winne thoſe that be ſicke, the more willingly to receiue them: So Miniſters and Preachers of the word of God; beeing learned and godly wiſe, ought (if need bee) to temper their bitter and rough reprehenſions, with a ſweete and comfortable doctrine, and ſo of ſharpeneſſ… p. 477and mildneſſe, to make a ſoueraigne & wholeſome medicine, to heale the ſpiritual griefs & diſeaſes of their hearers.

39 As the Prieſt that ſerueth and wayteth at the Altar, is worthie to liue vponupon the offerings; and the Souldier that ventereth, is worthie his wages: And the Husbandman that toyleth, is worthie the harueſt; and the ſheepheard, that feedeth a flocke, is worthy to bee fed with the milke, and cloathed with the wooll: So queſtionleſſe; that Miniſter that preacheth not, is worthy no offerings; the Souldier that fighteth not, is worthy no wages; the husbandman that loytereth, is worthy of weedes, & the ſheepheard that feedeth not, can with no good conſcience require either the milke or the fleece; but his due reward and iuſt recompence is puniſhmēt, for by his default, the ſheepe, the people of God, are hunger ſtarued & deſtroyed of the Wolfe.

40 As the words of a Lord Chauncellor, are ſaid to be great, becauſe it comes f…m the King: So the words of a Miniſter are ſaid to be g…at, becauſe it comes from God; thence the preachers are ſaid to be the mouth of God, and their words a two edged ſword. Exod. 4.11, 12.

41 As God ſaid to Ioſhua: Whoſoeuer will not obey the words of thy mouth, ſhal die: Euen ſo, he that obeyeth not the words of Gods holy Miniſters, ſhal ſurely die. Ioſ. 1.18.

42 As the Goſpell is to be preferred before the Law, for the worthineſſe of it: So the Miniſters are to be preferred before the Prophets for their worthineſſe.

43 As they who dreſſe much meate for others, taſte ſome themſelues, and as nurſes, who chew meate for yong children, ſuffer ſome to ſlip downe into their owne bellies: So the Miniſters of the word, who ſtudie day and night how they may be ſetting before the eyes of the people; the vgly and filthie ſhape of ſinne, ſhould themſelues bee great…y inamoured with it; that they who labour to affright p. 478others with the fearefull iudgements of God, ſhould ſtand in ſome awe, and that they, who inflame others with the louelove of God, ſhould heate themſelues; and in briefe, that all the doctrines, exhortations, threatnings, and promiſes, which they propound to the people in the name of God, ſhould redownd to their owne profite and edification.

43 As it is meete that the Steward of a great family ſhould be wiſe and diſcreete, in ſuch ſort, that hee hauehave a reſpect to euerie mans age, abilitie, and diſpoſition, and to giuegive and diſtribute to euerie one of them accordingly: So likewiſe it is very requiſite, that Miniſters who are the diſpoſers of the bleſſed word of God, ſhould hauehave a ſpeciall kind of dexteritie, wiſedome, and good diſcretion, whereby hee may skilfully and fruitfully diuide to euerie one their portion accordingly. 1. Cor. 4.1, 2. 2. Timo. 2.15.

44 As a Father beareth a ten…r affection to his daughter: Euen ſo a godly Miniſter, hath a louing heart & tender affection to his people, which are members of the Church. Lament. 2.11. 1. Cor. 4.15.

45 As the mouth of the Oxe was not to bee muſled, that treadeth out the Corne. Deut. 25. So the Miniſter of the Goſpell, muſt be prouided for. 1. Cor. 9.9, 10.

46 As the Candle that is carried in a Lanthorne, ſhall light many Candles, and yet looſe no part of his owne light, bee the wind neuer ſo boyſterous; but that Candle that is open to the weather, a little puffe of wind, or one drop of raine will put it out, that it can neither giuegive ligh… to others, nor to it ſelfe: So in like manner, that Miniſter that taketh heede to learning, and continueth therein, and he to whome the word of God is a Lathorne, and a light ſhall helpe himſelfe and others; when hee that ventureth p. 479without it; ſh…ll put out his owne light, and the light of others alſo. 1. Timo. 4.16. Pſal. 119.105.

47 As it is to be ſeene and read in the Goſpell, that not euerie one that ſaith vntounto me Lord, Lord, ſhal inherite the kingdome of heauen, but they which doo the will of my Father (ſaith Chriſt) which is in heauen: Euen ſo is it often ſaid, that a hood maketh not a Muncke, neither rounding or powling, neither yet a long Gowne, or a ſquare Cap or Tippet, maketh a true Apoſtle or Miniſter; but he is counted to bee the aſſured Miniſter of Chriſt, which both is able and can by ſound doctrine, exhort and comfort the gaine-ſayers thereof; and alſo doth diligently goe before the people of God, by good example of life, and vertuous conuerſation.

48 As it is the dutie of Iudges, which doo ſit in iudgement, as concerning matters of life and death, to ſhut the one eare to the accuſer, and to reſerue the other for him that is accuſed, after the example of great Alexander: So likewiſe it is the part of Miniſters, to be ready to make anſwere to euerie queſtion of the Law of God; for he that is ignorant in Gods Law, he may aſſure himſelfe, that he can by no meanes be Gods Miniſter.

Mind.

1 AS we vſe not the troubled water, vntill it bee cleared againe: So muſt we not vſe our Mind, being moued and angrie, but ſuffer it firſt to be pacified.

2 As out of the veſſell which is filled with liquor, the …yre is expelled: So out of a Mind repleniſhed with ver…ue and godlineſſe, all kind of vanities be voide.

Member of Christ, falleth not finally.

AS a mans arme taken with the dead Palſie, hangs by and receiues no heate, life, or ſence, from the reſt of …e Members, or from the head, yet for all this, it remaines p. 480ſtill vnited and coupled to the bodie, …nd may againe be recouered by plaiſters and phiſicke: So after a greeuous fall, the child of God that feeles no inward peace & comfort, but is ſmitten in conſcience with the trembling of a ſpirituall Palſie for his offence; neuertheleſſe in deed remaines before God a member of Chriſt, which ſhalbe reſtored to his former eſtate, after true and vnfained repentance.

Memorie.

AS the leaues of a booke which is ſildom vſed, wil cleaue faſt together: Euen ſo the Memorie waxeth dull, if it be not oft quickned.

A Minde ruled by reaſon.

AS the ſhip which hath a ſtrong ankor, may ſafely ſtay in any hauen; So likewiſe a man which hath his Mind ruled by reaſon, will liue peaceably and quietly in any region of the world.

The Minde of man.

1 AS Trees planted and ſet by the waters ſide, ſeeme faire and pleaſant, adorned with ſtore and varietie of freſh and greene leaues: So likewiſe doth the Minde of man (being garniſhed with godly knowledge, & moyſ… ned with the water of Gods diuine ſpirit) flouriſh & ſhine with the bright beames of vertue, and ſpread abroad his boughes, both of faith toward God, and alſo yeeld foorth the fruite of Chriſtian workes toward his neighbour. Pſal. 1.3. Eſay 17.8.

2 As the eye of the bodie, although it behold all othe… things, yet it cannot ſee either it ſelfe, or ſome other part… of the bodie, euen thoſe which are neareſt vntounto it; So it fareth with the Mind of man (the eye of the ſoule) it ranged ouer the whole worlde, aboue the higheſt heauens, an… beneath the bottom of the earth, and yet it is a ſtraunger … p. 481home, moſt ignorant of the owne eſtate.

3 As we ſee in running Riuers, that the force of the water is greatly diminiſhed, when as the currant thereof is turned into ſeuerall litle ſtreames; and that both the heate and light do looſe much of their vertue, when as they are diſpearſed abroad into large and open places: So likewiſe it happeneth to our Mindes, when as they are applied vntounto ſeuerall ſtudies, which ſometimes are contrary one to the other; ſo that we thinking (through an ambitious deſire) to do many things, in the end effect and bring to paſſe nothing as we ſhould do.

4 As Porke betokeneth vncleanneſſe, from which we muſt abſtaine; and beaſts did ſignifie that beaſtly affections ſhould be killed: So the Minde and will muſt be renued, that it may allow, chuſe, and do ſuch things as pleaſe God.

5 As the bodie being alwayes oppreſſed with labour, looſeth his ſtrength, and ſo periſheth: So likewiſe doth the Minde of man, oppreſſed with the cares and pleaſures of this world, looſe all her force, luſt, and deſire, that ſhe had to the reſt to come, of eternall life; and ſo dieth not onelyonly the death of ſinne, but haſteth what ſhe can, to hate & abhorre all vertue.

6 As a ſhip hauing a ſure Ankor, may lye ſafe in any place; So the Mind that is ruled by perfect reaſon, is quiet eueryevery where.

Merite or deſert, not to be looked for, for well doing.

1 LIke as if one ſay, the Prince hath beſtowed a great Office vponupon ſuch an honeſt man, this betokeneth …ot wherefore, but vponupon what maner of perſon the Prince …eſtowed it: Euen ſo in like maner, if we ſay that God wil …iue glory, the kingdome of heauen, and euerlaſting life, …o them that walke vprightly; this teacheth vsus, what maner p. 482of men the Lord will giuegive the inheritance vntounto, but not for what cauſe mouing him, he will giuegive it vntounto them. Eze. 36.22. Math. 18.27. & 25.34. Luk. 17.7, 9, 10. Gal. 1.15. & 3.18.

2 As he which is wicked and dooth wickedly, hurteth himſelfe, and not God: Or as hee that hath the health of his bodie, and doth by good dyet keepe and preſerue it, dooth hee therefore deſerue any reward at the Phiſitions hands? Verely no: for he doth it not for the Phiſitions profit, but for his owne: Euen ſo likewiſe, he that by the gift of God hath obtained the health of his ſoule, and by his grace, doth the things that belong to the preſeruation of the ſame; ſhall we ſay, that he dooth Merite or deſerue any reward at Gods hand, becauſe that he is made ſuch by his grace and gift, and doth now through his helpe, aide, and aſſiſtance, keepe the ſame grace, for his onelyonly profite and commoditie, either by earneſt beliefe, or by vnfained louelove, or by aſſured hope, or by well doing, and patience in aduerſitie and trouble, &c.

3 Like as if any man that hath a ſtate, or intereſt for terme of yeres, and a taking of profit in a peece of ground, by another mans liberall graunt, doo alſo claime to himſelfe the tytle of proprietie; dooth hee not by ſuch vnthankefulneſſe, deſerue to looſe the verie ſelfe poſſeſſion which hee had? Or like as if a bonde Slaue beeing made free of his Lorde, doo hide the baſeneſſe of the eſtate of a Libertine, (who is made free by maumiſſion, and not by byrth) and boaſte himſelfe to bee a Free-man borne; is hee not woorthie to bee brought backe into his former bondage? Euen ſo, althoug… good woorkes proceede from the grace of God, ye… they doo pleaſe him, and are not vnprofitable to the dooers of them, but rather they receiue for rewarde, p. 483the moſt large benefits of God; not becauſe they deſerue, but becauſe the goodneſſe of God, hath of it ſelfe appointed this price vntounto thē: But what ſpitefulneſſe is this, that men not contented with that liberalitie of God, which giueth vndue rewardes, to workes that deſerue no ſuch thing, do with ambition full of ſacriledge, endeuour further, that that which is wholly of the liberalitie of God, may ſeeme to be rendred to the Merites of men?

Murderer of ſoules.

LIke as if a Nurſe ſhould for wages, take in hand to nurſe a young child, who either hauing no Milke, or hauing milke enough, would giuegive it none, but ſuffer it to die for hunger; in thus doing ſhee were a Murdereſſe: Euen ſo that Miniſter that taketh a flocke to feede by Preaching and Catechiſing, who either hath no knowledge, to performe this dutie, or hauing ſufficient knowledge, but yet is Nonreſident, and abſent from them, and ſo ſuffereth the people to periſhe for want of inſtruction, ſuch a one before God, is a ſoule Murderer. Ezech. 33.2. &c. & 34.2. &c. Iere. 23.1. &c. Zach. 11.17. Eſay. 56.10, 11.

Marrying.

1 AS they that purpoſe to plant any thing, doo firſt conſider the nature of the ground, in the which they minde to plant: Euen ſo much more ſhould men, that entend to Marrie, hauehave reſpect to the nature and condition, but eſpecially, to the ſoundneſſe of Religion of the woman, of whom hee deſireth to plant Children, the fruits of honeſtie, and welfare. 2. Cor. 6.14. &c. Deut. 7.3.

2 Like as that Husbandman doth with diligence Till p. 484that ground, which he hath once taken to Farme, althogh it be neuer ſo full of faultes, as if it be drie, if it bring foorth weedes, though the ground cannot beare much weat, yet through good husbandry, he winneth fruit thereof: Euen ſo in like maner, he that hath a froward or irreligious wife, muſt hauehave care and diligence, to inſtruct and order her minde, and courteouſly apply himſelfe, to weede out by little and little, the noyſome weedes of ſinne out of her minde, with wholeſome precepts out of Gods word, that in time, he may feele the pleaſaunt fruite thereof, to both their comforts. For, (as it is commonly ſaid) A good Iack, maketh a good Gill.

3 Like as a man hauing one hand, or one foote, if by any meanes hee get himſelfe an other, may thereby the more eaſily lay holde on what hee liſteth, or goe whither hee will: Euen ſo hee that hath marryed a Chriſtian wife, ſhall more eaſily enioy the healthfull pleaſures, and profitable commodities of this preſent life. For in trouble, the one is a comfort to the other; in aduerſitie, the one is a refreſhing vntounto the other: yea and in all their life, the one is a helpe and ſuccour to the other.

Ministers that hauehave moe liuings then one, are neuer true teachers.

1 LIke as a Dogge, which as long as hee holdeth a bone in his mouth and knaweth it; ſo long he holdeth his peace, and cannot barke: Euen ſo, as long as Miniſters hauehave this bone of pleaſaunt riches, and ſuperfluitie of liuing, they will neyther deale faithfully nor truly with the word of God, nor yet carefully diſcharge their calling.

p. 485Magiſtracie, and Miniſterie, not to be ſued for.

1 LIke as it is meeter that the diſeaſed ſeeke to the Phyſition for counſell, then that the Phyſition ſhould goe about to ſeeke for the ſick: Euen ſo he that knoweth himſelfe, fit either for Magiſtracie, or Miniſterie, any dignitie or Office, ſhould rather abide till hee be called thereunto, then ſeeke for it himſelfe. Exod. 18.21.

2 Like as a gouernour of a Ship, is not choſen for his riches, but for his knowledge: So ſhould the chiefe Magiſtrate in euerie Cittie, be choſen rather for his wiſedome, and godly zeale, then for his wealth and great poſſeſſions.

3 Like as a battered or crazed Ship, by drinking in of water, not onelyonly drowneth her ſelfe, but all thoſe that are in her: So a ruler by vſing viciouſneſſe, deſtroyeth not him ſelfe alone, but all others beſides that are vnderunder his gouernment.

4 Like as a good Muſition, hauing any key or ſtring of his Inſtrument out of tune, dooth not immediately cut it off, and caſt it away, but either with ſtraining it higher, or ſlacking it downe lower, by little and little cauſeth it to agree: So ſhould Rulers rather reforme tanſgreſſours by ſmall corrections, then ſeeke to caſt them away for euerie treſpaſſe.

The Miniſterie of the word.

1 AS all men knowe, that the good eſtate of the body, dooth chiefly conſiſt herein, that the meate wherewith it is nouriſhed bee well dreſſed, and made fit for the receiuer, not raw, offenſiue, or mingled with any hurtfull thing: So without queſtion, the health of the ſoule doth chiefly depend on the Miniſterie of the word, that it offer …o the Church nothing, but that which is both in it ſelfe p. 486good and ſound, and alſo made fit for the preſent eſtate of the hearers.

2 Like as moſt men are curious about the dreſſing of their bodily meate, which is ſoone turned to filth, and ſo caſt away, as a moſt loathſome thing; yea which together with the belly, for the which it is prepared, ſhall be aboliſhed: 1. Cor. 6.13. So ſurely much more it is to be wiſhed (& the contrary greatly to be wondered at) that men wold be likewiſe as carefull in prouiding for themſelues, wiſe and cunning Cookes, able to prepare a right, the ſacred word of the euerliuing God, wherewith their ſoules are, or ought to bee fed to eternall life. But alas men ſpend their whole care time, and ſubſtance, about the one: To wit, the filling of their bellies, and the feeding of their bodies; and are altogether careleſſe of the other; thinking no coſt ſufficient for the one, and euerie pennie that is beſtowed on the other, cleane loſt.

Mind diſeaſed and ſicke.

1 AS the ſicke body cannot away with neither heate nor cold: So a ſicke Mind, is neither pleaſed, with wealth nor woe.

2 As vntounto them that are ſicke all things are troublous, they loath their meates, blame Phyſitions, and be angrie with their friends; but health being reſtored, they delight in things againe: Euen ſo vntounto a ſicke Mind, each life i… loathſom, but to a ſound Mind, no trade of life is miſliked.

3 They which be ſicke in body, will giuegive themſelues to reſt, they will keepe good diet, and ſend for the Phyſition with ſpeede. But they that bee diſeaſed in Mind, doo abhorre all reſt and remedy.

4 Like as if the fountaine bee muddie and corrupted, nothing that is pure can proceed from the ſame: So if th… Mind bee infected with euill affectio…s, it will corrupt a… p. 487that proceedeth from the ſame.

5 As children, and they whoſe ſtomacks are queaſie, cannot abide bitter and vnpleaſant potions, though they be wholeſome; but rather like ſweete things beſt, though moſt hurtfull: Euen ſo wicked men, fooles, & they whoſe ſoules Sathan hath bewitched, like better of them that ſing Placebo, ſpeake (Placentia) ſowing pillowes vnderunder their elbowes, and doo flatter them; then they that tell them the truth, and find fault with their ſinnes.

6 As a good ſtomacke turneth al that it eates into good nutriment, and a bad ſtomacke turneth all that it eates into raw humors: Euen ſo a good Mind, conuerteth all that it heareth, and all that it ſeeth, and all that it feeleth, vntounto ſome profit; but a bad Mind, maketh a temptation of euerie thing. Rom. 14.14. Tit. 1.15.

7 As a field, although it bee fertile, without Tillage cannot bee fruitfull: So the Minde of man, without the word of God, and heauenly inſtruction, muſt needes bee barren, and can bring foorth no effects of faith, nor fruites of godlineſſe.

8 Like as if one drinke or eate, ſleepe or labour too much, it hurteth the corporall health, which cannot bee preſerued, but by a mediocritie in all things: So likewiſe may we ſay of the Mind, which ſurely is not in health, if it be either too hautie, proud, or preſumptuous, or too baſe, lowe, and ſubmiſſe.

9 As the ayre is cleared, with the brightnes, & ſhine of the Sunne, and when the Sun is downe and ſet, the ayre is couered with darkneſſe: Euen ſo the Mind of man, when it …s purged & cleared with heauenly wiſedome, fought and …rawn out of the word of God, doth ſhine moſt excellent…y, & ſendeth forth a pure & perfect light of Chriſtianitie, …hich may eaſily bee diſcerned, to proceed & come from p. 488God himſelfe; but being without that true light, it is ouerwhelmed with an horrible, and fearefull darkneſſe, and giueth out nothing, but filthy myſts, and ſtinking vapors, which doo ſpring & riſe out of the corruption, and rotten nature of man, and euen from hell, and Sathan himſelfe.

Murder.

1 LIke as if a ſubiect deface the armes of his Prince, it is counted an iniurie ſo great, that it ſhall bee reuenged and puniſhed as Murder, for that this in like ſort tendeth to the confuſion of all order: Euen ſo he that defaceth the image of God by Murder, which is Imprinted in men, ſuch an outragious villaine, deſerueth double puniſhment.

2 As it is good for mans body, betimes to cut off a rotten member, leaſt the ſound part be drawne to it: So likewiſe it is profitable for the ſafetie of humaine ſocietie, to take out of the way, Murderers, noyſome and hurtfull Citizens, leaſt the corruption of one, by litle and little creepe into the whole body of the ſocietie.

3 Like as if ſuch tyrannie ſhould bee vſed againſt any naturall woman, as violently to pull her infant from her breaſts, cut the throate of it in her owne boſome, & compell her to receiue the bloud of her owne deare child into her owne mouth; all nations would hold the fact ſo abhominable, that the like had neuer beene done in the courſe of nature: Euen ſo, no leſſe wickedneſſe commit they, that Murder and ſhed the bloud of Gods children, vppon the face of their common Mother, the earth.

MercieMercy of God to be appealed vntounto.

LIke as that woman did, who when ſhee ſtood arrayned at the Barre before Alexander the great, and wa… (according to her demetites) condemned, ſhee then ſaid I appeale from thee ô King: Alexander wondering at h… p. 489ſaid; thou art a mad woman; doeſt thou not knowe that euerie appellation is from a lower Iudge to a higher, but who is aboue me? Then ſaid ſhe, I know thee to be aboue thy Lawes, and that thou maiſt giuegive pardon, and therefore I appeale from Iuſtice to MercieMercy, and for my faultes I craue pardon: So likewiſe muſt we doo, when wee looke into the perfect law of Gods word, and ſee him readie to condemne vsus for our ſinnes, and our conſcience witneſſe that we hauehave deſerued death, wee muſt appeale from Iuſtice, and our deſeruings, vntounto his pardon & forgiueneſſe; and both call and truſt to bee partakers of that ſaluation which he hath purchaſed & offered to the whole world; for his Mercies doo paſſe all our miſeries, as farre as God is greater then man, and his pardon can forgiue all that call on him in true faith. 1. King. 20.30.31, 32. &c. Math. 18.26, 27. Luk. 7.37. &c. & 15.21. & 18.13. 2. Chro. 33.12, 13.

Inſufficient Miniſters.

1 LIke as if a man ſhould faine himſelfe to bee a Phyſition, and had no skill at all in Phyſicke, and yet ſhould take a ſumme of money to heale a ſicke man, and after ſhould runne away, or if hee tarried with the ſicke man, and neither did him any good, nor could doo him any, were not this apiſh Phyſition a theefe: Euen ſo that Miniſter, that taketh vponupon him to bee a Miniſter, and taketh wages of a people to doo thoſe duties that belong vntounto a Miniſter to doo, that is, faithfully to Preach vntounto them the word of God, and diligently to Catechiſe them; but yet either doth it not, or cannot doo it, ſuch one is in deed a theefe, and a Church robber, &c. Ioh. 10.1. &c.

2 As in a Common-wealth, hee is not to be borne with, that would iuſtifie falſe and counterfeit money or …oyne: So likewiſe is he to bee reprooued, condemned, p. 490and rebuked not a litle, which will iuſtifie an ignorant, a lewd, and a counterfait Miniſter, bicauſe he doth approue ſuch coine for good, as neuer came out of the Lords conſiſtorie, which no good or faithfull Chriſtian euer did. 1. Cor. 9.14, 16. 1. Tim. 3.13. Tit. 1.7, 8, 9.

3 Like as none that is a good ſubiect to his Prince, not onelyonly wil not traffique with counterfait coine, but moreouer will doo his endeuour to hauehave it defaced, and openly nayled vponupon the poſte: Euen ſo eueryevery true ſeruaunt of Chriſt, will not onelyonly be farre off from dealing with any ſuch wicked and counterfeyt Miniſter: but moreouer, will doo his beſt in all godly manner, that ſuch a one may bee forced to take ſome other calling vppon him, &c.

4 As a blind man groping for the wall, when he knoweth not how to come by a guide, is in great diſtreſſe: So likewiſe ſuch ignorant people as are deſtitute of faithfull Miniſters, and not knowing by whome to be guided by found inſtruction, are in a moſt fearefull ſtate. Eſay 59.10. & 56.10, 11, 16. Act. 8.31. Matth. 15.14.

5 As Vineger is to the teethe, and ſmoake to the eyes: So is a wicked, idle, and inſufficient Miniſter to the people, dulling their ſences, and blinding them with ignorance. Zach. 11.17. Matth. 5.13. Ioh. 10.13.

6 Like as it is impoſſible for an euill man, drowned in all kinde of vices, to enter into the heauenly Paradiſe: Euen ſo it is for the leacherous, couetous, arrogant and ſtout ſtomacked, and inſufficient or vnpreaching Paſtor or Miniſter, to make his people and pariſhioners, chaſte, humble, and meeke, and fit and able to embrace the kingdome of God. Pſal. 50.16, 17. Prou. 29.18. Ier. 23.1, 2. &c. & 48.10. Rom. 2.1. &c. Luk. 22.32. & 12.42. &c.

p. 491Misterie of the Goſpell.

AS the vertues of water Betony, Penniwort, ſea Chick-weed, Blew-bells, wilde Elder, dames Violets, Golden-flower of Perowe, redde Lillies, baſtard Hiacinthes, Talpia, are yet vnknowne; what maruell then, if heauenly things, and many Myſteries of the word be hid.

Miniſters muſt be able to confute the enemies of Gods truth.

1 LIke as they which builded again the material and ſtone wall of the earthly Ieruſalem, had not only the Trowell in one hand to build withall, but moreouer the ſword in the other, to beate back their enemies which aſſaied to hinder the worke that was in doing: So in like maner, thoſe men whō the Lord hath appointed to build vp this ſpirituall Ieruſalem of his, the Church of God, it behoueth them, not only to hold faſt the word of truth to edifie withall, but moreouer they muſt bee of abilitie, through the plentiful knowledge of the word, to confute and confound all their gaine-ſtanders. Nehe. 4.17, 18. &c. Ioh. 17.17. 2. Cor. 6.7. Ephe. 1.13. Colloſſ. 1.5. 2. Tim. 2.15. Iam. 1.18. 2. Tim. 3.16, 17. 2. Timo. 2.25.

2 As the Proclamation is the Princes who firſt ſet it foorth, though it be afterward publiſhed againe of the Cryer: So the word is Gods, who firſt vttered the ſame, though it be rehearſed a new of any learned writer.

3. And as he that calleth the Kings Proclamation, repeated by the Cryer, the Cryers proclamation, had need of a fauourable Interpreter to ſaue him from rebuke: Euen ſo, if any ſhall auouch the word and authorities of Gods Spirit, repeated of learned men, to be their authorities, had need of a verie partiall hearer, to quite him from blame.

4 Like as if a man were ſent on a meſſage frō his Prince, p. 492and by the way, ſhould heare his meſſage repeated of one of his fellowes or more, if when hee commeth to doo his meſſage, he ſhould ſay: thus ſaith my companion; or thus ſaith my Lord the King, & my companion together; what might we thinke of ſuch one in ſo ſaying? In like manner they which take ſo much paines to alleadge the words of the Lord, or the ſumme and meaning of them vnderunder the name of learned writers, or ioyne God and men togegether, as coſpeakers, to make the matter ſufficient, as though otherwiſe it were not enough; for they are vnwiſe to thinke that men will regarde what man ſaith in ſuch matters.

5 Like as if any Noble man of wiſedome and credite, ſhuld be called to witneſſe the truth in any doubtful matter, which hee well vnderſtood, and hauing declared the whole truth, the partie that requireth the ſame ſhould anſwere thus; I would the rather belieue this that you hauehave ſaid to be true, if ſo be that I might heare ſome of your ſeruants to witneſſe the ſame: In this doing, might not this Noble man, well thinke that he were greatly abuſed, that could not be credited, vnleſſe his men ſhould alſo teſtifie thereof? Euen ſo, how can the Lord take it in good part, ſeeing hee hath ſo often in his word commaunded that wee ſhould ſpeake nothing vntounto his people, but that which commeth from his mouth, without any other additions, and hath ſufficiently ſet downe in his word, the whole truth, both what is needful for vsus to doo, and what to leaue vndone; and yet many will not belieue him, vnleſſe they heare Heathen men, and other learned writers, to witneſſe the ſame? 1. Pet. 4.11. Deut. 18.18. Iere. 9.1. King. 22.14. 2. Chro. 17.7, 8, 9. Ezech. 3.4, 17. & 33.7.

6 Like as if a Scholler will not beleeue that which his maiſter hath taught him; vnleſſe his ſchoole-fellow will p. 493ſay it is ſo; this fond opinion of the Scholler, maketh not the teaching of his Maiſter inſufficient: Euen ſo when a man will not beleeue that the word of God dooth teach, or refell and confute this or that, vnleſſe the Doctors do ſo expound the ſame; yet this proueth not, but the Scripture of it ſelfe is ſufficient to doo it, though hee make not ſo much account thereof. Eſay. 59.21. Hebr. 4.12. Iere. 23.29, 22. Pſal. 19.7, 8.

Miniſters muſt obey Chriſt.

AS no Ambaſſadour can hauehave any higher authoritie, then is limited and expreſſed by plaine words in his Commiſſion by the Prince, or whoſoeuer it bee that graunteth it; and as euerie one of the Commiſsioners, to whome a Commiſſion is directed, hauehave that authoritie which in their Commiſſion is mentioned, and no other: Euen ſo in the Commiſſion that Chriſt gaue to his Apoſtles, euerie one of them ought obediently to obſerue their maiſters commaundement, with his authoritie giuen to them, and not to breake it, and goe beyond the bounds and limitation of it.

The dutie of Miniſters, both to ſeducers, and the ſeduced.

LIke as parents, whē their child is hurt with the biting of a Dogge, are wont to purſue the Dogge onelyonly, but the weeping child they bemone, and ſpeake faire vntounto it, comforting it with moſt ſweete words: So likewiſe godly preachers muſt bee impatient, zealous, ſharpe and vehement, in condemning and deteſting the falſe iuglings, deceits, of the Authors of falſe doctrine, and maintainers of ſects; but contrariwiſe, they muſt with all mildneſſe, good affection, and gentle ſpeech, behaue themſelues …owardes thoſe that are myſled, gone aſtray, and falne …hrough weakneſſe, and ſo to reclaime them. Gal. 6.1.

p. 494Mens deuiſes.

LIke as if a wicked ſeruant doo take vponupon him to ſerue his Maiſter with wholeſome foode, ſhould mingle therwith ſome ſecret poyſon, to annoy him withal, deſerueth due puniſhment, according to his demerites: Euen ſo as diſpleaſantly, ſhall the confuſed minglings, and fooliſh deuiſes of Men, be taken of the Lord, in making mixtures of their owne deuiſes, with his worſhippe and ſeruice.

Mens traditions.

1 AS when the naturall Sunne is darkned with cloudes that doo ariſe from the waters, and from the earth: Euen ſo our Sauiour Chriſt, which is the true Sonne of righteouſneſſe, is wonderfully darkned with the myſts and clouds of Mens traditions and dreames, ſo that many times, his comfortable light is cleane taken away, from the eyes of our ſoules and conſciences.

2 Like as if the Sunne bee darkned, the Moone of neceſſitie muſt looſe her light: Euen ſo when the chearefull light of the true Sonne of righteouſneſſe is taken away by Mens inuentions, and ſuperſtitious doctrine, and Popiſh traditions, without all doubt, the Church muſt vtterly looſe her light; it muſt needes bee without all heauenly vnderſtanding and knowledge; it muſt needes be in horrible darkneſſe, and in the ſhadow of death.

Moderation of worldly care.

LIke as a traueller in his iourney, is troubled with care, for nothing but that which ſhall bee neceſſarie for him in his iourney: So wee in the pilgrimage of this life, muſt bee carefull for nothing, but that which may benefite vsus in our iourney to life euerlaſting.

p. 495Man of no continuance.

1 AS a dreame, ſmoke, vapour, a puffe of wind, a ſhaddow, a bubble of water, hay, graſſe, hearbs, flowers, leaues, a Weauers ſhuttle, dried ſtubble, are things of ſmal account, and leſſe continuance: Euen ſo the glorie, beautie, magnificence, ſtrength, and wiſedome of Man, is nothing elſe, then vaine, britle, tranſitorie and ruinous; vnleſſe it bee ſuſtained, vpholden, and vnderſhored by the heauenly power of the ſure and eternall word of God. Pſal. 73.…. Iob. 20.8. Pſal. 103.14, 15. Iob. 7.6, 7. & 8.9. & 13.25. & 14.2. Hoſ. 13.3. Iam. 4.13. Eſay. 40.6. Iam. 1.10. 1. Pet. 1.24.

2 As the Birdes when they flie, doo guide themſelues with their tailes, and the Ship is guided by the ſterne: So we ſhould looke to our taile, namely, that we are but duſt and aſhes.

Men knowne by their doings.

1 AS the goodneſſe and badneſſe of trees are diſcerned, by the goodneſſe and badneſſe of their fruites: Euen ſo Men, eſpecially ſuch as take vponupon them to bee teachers of others, are diſcouered by their well or euill doings. Math. 7.16.

Moderation in millitarie diſcipline.

LIke as in Vintage time, the Grape gathering cannot be ſo cleane, but that ſome bee left behind; nor the ſhaking off of Oliues ſo preciſely done, but that ſome Berries remaine, either among the leaues, or in the top of the tree: Euen ſo in the dolefull maſſacre, and lamen…ble deſtruction of the people, there ſhould not bee made ſuch a generall ſweepe-ſtake, but that ſome ſhould …ee left and reſerued vnderunder hope of merciemercy. Eſay. 17.4, 5.6, 10. Iere. 49.9.

p. 496Men by nature cruell.

LIke as wilde and fierce beaſtes, are often by induſtrie of man tamed, and looſe their deſire to hurt: Euen ſo Men by nature are glad, and deſirous one of an others hurt, till God worke an alteration in them by his holy ſpirite, and ſo reforme them. Iere. 10.14. Eſay. 11.6, 7, 8. & 65.25.

Mothers ought to nurſe their owne children.

AS euerie Tree dooth nouriſh that which it bringeth foorth: So likewiſe it becommeth naturall Mothers, to nouriſh their children with their owne milke. Math. 2.14. Gene. 21.7. Exod. 2.8, 9. Iud. 13.4, 24. 1. Sam. 1.23. 1. Timo. 5.10.

Men meere naturall.

AS the Moone decreaſing, hath her open ſide hanging downeward; but increaſing and gathering light, hath her opening vp towards heauen: So likewiſe Men meere naturall, hauehave their hearts ſet onelyonly vponupon earth and earthly things; but men regenerate, hauehave the open ſide of their hearts euer towardes God, heauen and heauenly things.

Godly Meditations.

AS a flint ſmitten againſt yron or ſteele, doth driue out ſparks of fire: Euen ſo godly Meditations of heauenly things, drawe out of hard hearts, ſome warmeneſſe, and as it were, fire of the louelove of God. Pſal. 39.3.

Marriage of it ſelfe is good.

AS drunkenneſſe is not to be referred to Wine, which is the good and wholeſome creature of God, but the fault is to be imputed to the exceſſiue bibbing, and ouer great greedineſſe of man, who abuſeth Gods good creature: Euen ſo Marriage of it ſelfe is good, but many vſe not well the thing that is good; and therefore they feel… p. 497the ſmart of their foule abuſe worthily.

Malicious.

AS the Spider weaueth her webbe of that which ſhee hath within her ſelfe: So the Malicious, can frame flaunders of their owne braines, though they hauehave no matter to worke vponupon.

Meane eſtate of life is ſafeſt.

LIke as they that dwell in vallies, and in deepe and low habitations, are not lightly hurt by any lightning: Euen ſo that ſtate of life, that is lowe and Meane, keepeth and maintaineth it ſelfe, moſt ſure and with leaſt daunger, againſt all manner of ſtormes.

Miniſters that ſaue others, are often reprobates themſelues.

1 AS they that builded the Arke for Noahs ſafegard, were yet drowned themſelues: Or as they that were curious workers of the Sanctuarie, for the Lord to dwell in, were yet ſhut out themſelues: Or as they that made the Arke, the Tabernacle, and the merciemercy ſeate vppon it, to ſhaddow and to defend other, and yet not themſelues ſhadowed or defended therewith: Or as the Iewes, who cried; The temple of the Lord, this is the Temple of the Lord, when they moſt of all prophaned and defiled the Temple of the Lord: Euen ſo ſuch are thoſe Miniſters, who teach others the right way to heauen; but wanting the graces of Gods ſpirit, yet cannot find the good and perfect way for themſelues to bee ſaued. Gene. 7.1. Exod. 25.8, 10, 11. Nehe. 3.1. &c. Iere. 7.4, 5. Rom. 2.17, 18. to. 24. 1. Cor. 9.27.

2 As fire-brands and wood, beeing kindled and ſet on fire, doo giuegive light and warmth vntounto others, which are cold and in darkneſſe, but are waſted and conſumed them ſelues, ſo that others receiue the benefite, and they the p. 498loſſe and ſpoyle of themſelues: So an vnlearned and vngodly Miniſter, whiles without repentance or remorſe of conſcience, he deliuereth the word & miniſtreth the Sacraments vntounto others which are prepared, knowe what they doo, and doo reuerently heare the word, and worthily receiue the Sacraments, dooth onelyonly hurt himſelfe; the reſt receiue comfort by the word, and are edified by the Sacraments; they are ſaued, though he periſh.

3 As the whetſtone doth good, and ſharpeneth many Inſtruments, but yet cōſumeth it ſelfe: Euen ſo many Miniſters, ſaue others, and condemne themſelues, through want of faith and Chriſtian behauiour.

4 As a deformed Painter may make a faire picture: So an euill Miniſter, may ſaue others, though he condemne himſelfe.

Miniſters muſt Preach, according to the ſtate of their people.

AS he is ſaid to bee an vnskilfull Phyſition, that miniſtreth a Purgation to clenſe idle humors, when hee ſhould miniſter a potion or oyntment to ſtrengthen and comfort them: Euen ſo is hee ſaid to be an vnskilfull and an vndiſcreet Preacher, that takes in hand to comfort and ſtrengthen his auditorie, when they ſhould be ſharply reprooued, and corrected.

Malice.

AS the hearbe Mint, dooth much hinder and let milke to bee turned into cheeſe: Euen ſo the Malice of the heart, doth let beneuolence to encreaſe and grow.

Good Manners in the Church.

AS the materiall Sanctuarie had his outwarde ornaments, as Gold and Siluer, precious ſtones, ſilke, purple, fine linnen, and ſuch like: So the ſpirituall Sanctuarie which now conſiſteth not of wood and ſtone, but of the p. 499ſoules of Chriſtians, beſides religion, which is the inward beautie, it muſt hauehave alſo the outward ornaments, which are good Manners & comely behauior, that nothing may be wanting vntounto the due honour and dignitie thereof.

Man may not accuſe God of vnrighteouſneſſe.

LIke as if a child of eight or tenne yeares old, hearing a Phyloſopher diſcourſe of the greatneſſe and courſe of the Sunne, ſhould argue againſt him, and maintaine that the ſame were no greater then a Platter, neither of any ſwifter pace then a Snayle; the Phyloſopher would not ſtand vponupon the deliuerie of the reaſon of his diſcourſe vntounto him, becauſe the child could not be capable to conceiue it, but he would tell him, thou art yet a child: Euen ſo is Man in compariſon of God, infinitly leſſe in knowledge, then is a child, in compariſon of the moſt excellent Phyloſopher in the world; and therefore hee ought not to reaſon, ſtriue, or diſpute with God, why hee either electeth ſome to ſaluation, or reprobateth otherſome to damnation. Rom. 9.19. &c. Iob. 9.3, 32. & 38.2, 3.

Mans eſtate in this life.

LIke as it cannot bee, that they which ſayle on the Sea, ſhould bee void of all care: So it is impoſſible in this life, but a Man ſhould be ſubiect to many cares, anguiſhes and vexations.

Mercileſſe Men.

1 AS beaſts are not eaten, vntill they be dead, boyled, or roſted: Euen ſo Mercileſſe Men, whilſt they liue, will do no charitable deeds or workes of mercy to the poore, vntil death hath thē in his pot, & ther boyle them after his maner; only at their death, in their laſt teſtament, they wil perhaps leaue ſome Legacies to be giuen when they bee dead, but death muſt be ſure of thē, before y^e pore be ſure of a p. 500pennie: It were better done by much, to relieue the poore with their owne hands, in their life time; it is not amiſſe that they doo good then, but it were better done before. Ezech. 16.49. Prou. 14.31. & 19.17. & 21.13. Math. 5.7.

2 As oftentimes yong children; the more the Father doth cocker and dandle them, the leſſe they care for him; and if he ſay vntounto them, I wil hauehave this or that done, none ſo readie to bid him commaund and doo it himſelfe, as his owne children: So it many times falleth out with vsus: God our heauenly Father hath bleſſed vsus, and bleſſed vsus againe, and yet when he ſaith; I will hauehave you to be mercifull and pittifull to your needie brethren, like ſtubburne children, we ſit ſtill, and ſtop our eares, as if we heard not. Math. 9.13. Prou. 11.17. Luk. 6.36. Mich. 6.8.

No difference of Men after death.

AS Trees growing in the wood, are knowne, ſome by difference of their trunkes or bodies, ſome by the properties of their boughes, braunches, leaues, flowers, and fruits, but this knowledge is had of them, whiles they ſtand, grow, & are not conſumed; but if they be committed to the fire & turned into aſhes, they cannot be known; for it is vnpoſſible, that when the aſhes of diuers kindes of trees, are mingled together, the tall Pine-tree, ſhould bee diſcerned, from the great and huge Oke; or the mightie popler from a little lowe ſhrube; or any one tree from an other: Euen ſo Men, whiles they liue in the wood of this world, are knowne, ſome by the ſtocke of anceſtors; ſome by the floriſhing leaues of their words & eloquence; ſome in the flowers of beautie, & ſome in the fruits of honeſtie; many by their ſauage ignorance and barbarouſneſſe; and ſome by their mild lenitie and kindneſſe; but when death doth bring them into duſt, and hath mixed and mingled them al together, then their aſhes, earth & duſt, cannot be p. 501diſcerned or knowne; for when the aſhes, and duſt of all, are mingled together, then ſhall there appeare no difference, betweene the mighty Princes of the world, and the ſeely poore ſoules, that are not accounted off; of the learned and vnlearned, betwixt rich men and beggers, or betweene the wiſe and the fooliſh.

Man is borne to louelove God.

1 AS Birds of all ſorts do deſire the ayre, fiſhes ſeeke for water, and the fire of the earth, mounteth & flameth vp towards the Elementall fire; and all things ſeeke their place, and centre, and doo tend towards the ſame: Euen ſo we ought to ſeeke after our God, who is our onelyonly reſt, our centre, and onelyonly God.

2 As flouds and ryuers, with great force runne into the Sea, becauſe they came out of the Sea: Euen ſo we ought to louelove God, & to aſpire towards him, & in al feruencie of louelove, to drawe neare vntounto him; who is that vnmeaſurable Sea of all goodneſſe, from whence we came, for hee hath made vsus after his owne ſimilitude & likeneſſe. Gene. 1.26.

3 As we are bound to keepe the precepts & commandements of God: So are we moſt ſtrickly bound, to louelove, honour, and obey himſelfe.

4 Euen as the Horſe is ordained to runne, the Oxe to plough, and the Dogge to hunt: So is Man borne, aboue all things to louelove God.

Maſſe.

AS an harlot who ſetteth her body to ſale, dooth paint her ſelfe to all laſciuiouſneſſe, and vncleanneſſe; doth ſcrout her ſelfe with rings & Iewels, and putteth on coſtly apparell, therewithal to allure to her ſelfe companions, whoſe ſubſtance ſhe may waſt away: Euen ſo that whore of Babylon, called the Maſſe, commeth abroad, ſet out as it …ere with Gold and Iewels, whilſt ſhee doth vſe certaine p. 502holie leſſons, and ſongs out of the word of God, wherby ſhe doth eaſily deceiue the ruder ſort, and the ſimple, who deceiued with the outward ſhew, do think her to be a very chaſt virgin, who indeed is a moſt filthy harlot, hurting her companions, more then the vileſt harlot that may be.

Vnlearned Miniſters are not to be admitted, vntill they be fit.

AS an Egle, ſo long as her yong ones, be not very fledge and throughly feathered, ſhe doth not ſuffer them to goe out of the neaſt, and to flie abroad, but after they be perfectly winged, and in their beautie & ſtrength of their feathers, ſhe throweth them out of the neſt, that they may flie, and exerciſe their wings and feathers, and vſe them to the end wherefore they hauehave them: Euen ſo our Sauiour Chriſt, that heauenly Eagle, after his reſurrection, commaunded his Diſciples to ſtay at Ieruſalem, as it were in a neaſt; and not to depart thence, vntill in the day of Pentecoſt, he had filled them with the grace of the holy Ghoſt: and then hee commaunded them, that paſſing through the world, and trauelling through diuers coaſtes of the earth, they ſhould publiſh abroad, and ſpread farre and neare, the Goſpell of his kingdome. Act. 1.4. & 2.2, 3, 4. Math. 28.19.

The Misteries of Gods word, are not to be opened to the wicked.

AS a Marchant that is expert and skilfull in his profeſſion and facultie, will not open, nor ſhewe his rich… wares, and coſtly marchandiſe, vntounto thoſe whom he wel knoweth will not buy them, which do come into his ſho… or ware-houſe, either as curious perſons, or as crafty ſpies and ſubtill ſearchers, not with any purpoſe to buy, bu… to doo ſome euill; and calleth vntounto him, onelyonly thoſ… p. 503whom hee knoweth to be verie willing and deſirous to buy: Euen ſo the Lorde his manner is, not to open his heauenly Myſteries, and the deepe ſecrets of his ſacred, and moſt holy word, vntounto them, whom hee perceiueth, and ſeeth plainly, to ſeek after them vainly and curiouſly, or with a wicked mind, and corrupted purpoſe, to ſearch them out, to the end they may tread, and trample them vnderunder their feete: and dooth call them onelyonly to the true knowledge of his Lawes and ordinances; and doth inſtruct and teach them, whom he is ſure will profit them ſelues and others thereby. Matth. 7.6. & 12.38, 39. Luk. 23.8, 9.

When Man in trouble, ſeeketh for comfort from the world, he ſeeketh for life in the houſe of death.

AS the blood in the body of a Man, being corrupted with a poyſoned Arrow, dooth by and by flie to the heart, euen ſeeking, and hoping as it were, to finde ſome remedie and helpe there; and yet dooth euen ſo ſoone as it toucheth the hart, find death, wher it ſought for life: So Men, when they are ſore preſſed with calamities, do make the world their firſt refuge; and whiles they ſeeke for ſuccour and comfort of the world, they finde no better thing than death, where they thought to hauehave found life: experience dooth teach them, that they ſought for life, in the houſe of death; and for a medicine there, where …o good thing is to be had.

The neceſsitie of the Magiſtrate, and a preaching Minister.

AS the wal within & eke without, is made ofſquared ſtones, between the which, the leſſe ſtones are con…eined, to make the building vp: Euē ſo the preaching Mi…iſter within the church, & the Magiſtrate in the commō p. 504weale, ſhould ſupport and vphold the meaner ſort, in due obedience.

2 Like as the Soule in excellencie, ſurpaſſeth and exceedeth the bodie: So dooth the office of the Preacher, which principally is occupied in inſtructing of the ſoule, deſerue to be preferred before all ſuch functions, as concerne onelyonly the bodie, and the direction and ordering of the outward life of man: out of which office of a diligent Preacher, ſpringeth and iſſueth the true outward obedience vntounto the ciuil Magiſtrate: who as he compelleth, the Preacher perſwadeth: as he conſtraineth, the Preacher allureth: as he forceth with the ſword, ſo the Preacher draweth voluntarily by the doctrine of the word.

Meanes muſt be vſed.

1 EVen as Noe, thogh he knew he ſhuld be ſaued, did not neglect the Means, but made the Arke as God commaunded: So alſo we, though we be perſwaded o… our ſaluation, muſt notwithſtanding vſe thoſe Means tha… God hath appointed and ſet downe for the ſame, in hi… word.

2 As God is able to keepe in health whom hee liſteth either without foode, phyſicke, or any ſuch meanes, fro… death of the bodie: So likewiſe is hee able to deale wit… the ſoule, but yet he wil hauehave his appointed Meanes vſe… as the hearing of his word preached, Catechiſing, and th… partaking of the Sacrament.

3 Like as when a certain King maketh this Proclam… tion, that of a company of rebelles or malefactors, tho… who comming into his preſence, hauehave his ſcepter reach… out vntounto them, ſhall liue; the reſt ſhall hauehave the Lawe paſſe on them; yet he keepeth himſelfe within a ſtro… Caſtle, the gates being faſt ſhut: herevpon many of th… malefactors caſting off their olde and filthie apparell, … p. 505dreſſe themſelues in the beſt manner they can to come before the king: When they come to the place of his abode, they find no entrance (ſaue onelyonly a few of them) yet they that ſtand excluded, are better to bee admitted, then they who con…emning the Kings offer, neuer looke towards him; and yet in truth, they that ſtand neareſt to the gates, doo no more deſerue life, neither are any more capable of it, or any nearer vntounto it, for ought that they themſelues can doo, then they who bee a hundred miles off: So God biddeth all caſt off their ſinnes, their corrupt diſpoſitions and liues, and to come and ſeeke to him for grace; yet they doo not by this Meanes deſerue, nor can by any Meanes compell God to admit them into his fauour, and to touch their hearts with his ſpirit: All ſhould vſe this Meanes, and hope to obtaine grace; yea none can hope to obtaine grace, who doo not vſe this Meanes; yet ſome vſe the Meanes, and doo not obtaine; and others obtaine, not vſing the Meanes; yet the Meanes is carefully to be vſed, and neceſſarie to be knowne.

4 Euen as we muſt be diligent to doo all good works, and not put our truſt of ſaluation in them; but ſay, when wee hauehave done all thoſe things which are commaunded …, wee are vprofitable ſeruants, Luk. 17, 9.10: So likewiſe we muſt vſe alwayes lawful Meanes to defend our ſelues, …d yet ſay: Our helpe is in the name of the Lord, which hath made heauen and earth; for hee hath ordained ſuch …eanes to ſaue vsus by, and workes by the ſame our deli…erance when pleaſeth him; and ſometimes to ſhewe his …ower, hee deliuereth vsus without ſuch ordinarie meanes. …ſal. 124.8.

Mortification.

AS the Arke was to Noe a graue, and yet the way to ſaue him: Euen ſo he that will liue euerlaſtingly, muſt p. 506be Mortified and die to his ſinnes. Gene. 7.1. &c.

Mourning for our ſinnes.

1 AS the Eagle feeling his wings heauy, plungeth them in a fountaine, and ſo reneweth his ſtrength: Euen ſo after the ſame ſort, a Chriſtian feeling the heauie burthen of his ſins, batheth himſelfe in a fountaine of teares, and ſo waſhing off the old man, which is the body of ſinne, is made yong againe, and luſtie as an Eagle. Luk. 7.44.

2 As Peters faith was ſo great, that he lept into a Sea of waters to come to Chriſt, Math. 14, 28, 29. So alſo his repentance was ſo great, that hee lept into a Sea of teares, when he went from Chriſt. Mark. 14.72. Luk. 23.63.

3 As it is an Idoll and no God, which hath eyes and ſeeth not: So he is rather an Idol ſhepheard, then a godly Paſtour, which hath eyes and weepeth not, more or leſſe, one time or other in preaching to the people. Iere. 9.1. Act. 20.31.

4 Euen as the Oliue tree, is moſt aboundant in fruit, when it diſtilleth; So likewiſe a Chriſtian, is moſt plentifull and powerfull in prayer, when hee weepeth, and Mourneth for his ſinnes.

5 As ſalt vapours aryſe out of the Sea, which afterward are turned into a pleaſant ſhower: So out of a ſinfull ſorrowfull ſoule, dooth ariſe ſobs and ſighes like ſalt vapours, which immediatly are turned into a ſweete ſhower of teares.

6 As a Quaile flies ouer the Sea, feeling himſelfe beginne to bee wearie, lights by the way into the Sea, the… lying at one ſide, he layes downe one wing vponupon the water, and hold vp the other wing towards heauen, leaſt he ſhould preſume to take too long a flight, at the firſt hee wets one wing, leaſt hee ſhould deſpaire of taking a new flight afterwards, he keepes the other wing drie: Euen ſo p. 507muſt a Chriſtian man doo, when hee layes downe the wing of feare vponupon the water to weepe for himſelfe, then hee muſt hold vp the wing of louelove towardes heauen, to reioyce for Chriſt, and the other of ſorrow for himſelfe.

7 As a Hinde goeth not ſtill forward in one way, but iumpes croſſe out of one way into an other: Right ſo a Chriſtian, in Mourning for his ſinnes, muſt iumpe croſſe, from himſelfe to Chriſt, and then backe againe from Chriſt to himſelfe.

8 As Hanna wept for her barrenneſſe: Euen ſo hauehave we great cauſe to weepe for our ſinnes, ſeeing wee can conceiue nothing but ſorrow, and bring foorth iniquitie to death. 1. Sam. 1.5.

9 As Tamar wept being defloured by her brother: So likewiſe we hauehave greater cauſe to weepe, ſeeing we commit ſpirituall inceſt and Adulterie, daily with the diuell. 2. Sam. 13.19.

10 As Hagar wept beeing turned out of Abrahams houſe: So this ought to be the greateſt cauſe of weeping vntounto vsus, that our life is no life, becauſe wee neuer ceaſe from ſinning, while we are heere pilgrimes & ſtraungers, exiled and baniſhed out of our Fathers houſe in heauen. Gene. 21.14.

11 As the virgin Marie wept ſo ſore for the death of her Son Ieſus, as though her tender heart had bene ſtabd and pearſt through with a ſharpe ſword: Euen ſo, there is nothing in the world that ought to cauſe vsus to bee more ſorrowfull then this, that Chriſt beeing bleſſed in himſelfe, …as curſed for vsus; being exalted in himſelfe, was imbaſed for vsus; being iuſtified in himſelfe, was condemned for vsus; being a liue in himſelfe, was dead for vsus.

12 As a Ship being neither too heauily burdened, nor …o lightly balāced, feareth neither waues nor winds, but p. 508ſayleth ſafely to the hauen: So wee beeing neither too heauie for our owne ſinnes and miſeries, nor too light for Chriſts merciemercy, but ioyning, Weepe not for me, but weepe for your ſelues. Luk. 23.28. Both together ſhall neither bee drowned with waues of deſperation, nor puffed vp with the winds of preſumption; but we ſhall ſayle ſafely in the Arke of Noah, vponupon the ſea of this world, till we arriue at the hauen of all happineſſe in heauen.

13 As a Father pittieth his owne child, and if hee ſee him crie, doth what hee can to ſtill him, and takes out his hand-kercher, and wipes the infants eyes himſelfe: Euen ſo after the ſame faſhion, God our heauenly Father, will with his owne holy finger, wipe away all teares from our eyes, and take vsus moſt louingly by the hand, and leade vsus out of the houſe of Mourning, into the houſe of mirth; then though we hauehave ſowne in teares, yet wee ſhall reape in ioy. Pſal. 103.13. Reue. 7.17. Pſal. 126.5.