A Treasury of Similes, Part R – Part S

A Treasury of Similes · Part R – Part S

p. 613Raſhneſſe to be eſchued, eſpecially of the godly.

1 AS hee that is ſooneſt wearied, that knoweth not how far his iourney is: So worketh hee, and goeth about his buſineſſe, with tediouſneſſe, till repentance ouertaketh him, who well knoweth not the eſtate and manner thereof before.

2 As the enemie lying neare the Walles, is the cauſe why the Citie dooth watch, and take diligent heed: So when your enemie diligently waite and marke you, then will you doo nothing Raſh or void of reaſon.

p. 614Reſurrection of all at the latter day.

1 LIke as at the laſt day, the bodies of the righteous and faithfull, ſhall riſe againe vntounto immortalitie, glorie, and honor; the greatneſſe wherof, the eye hath not ſeene, nor the eare heard, nor the hart of man conceiued: So the vnrighteous and reprobate, ſhall riſe againe with their very bodies, vntounto euerlaſting ſhame; and both body & ſoule ſhall goe into hell, with the diuell and his Angels, there to abide euerlaſtingly. Eſay. 66.24. Mark. 9.44. Math. 25.30.46. Ioh. 5.28, 29. Act. 24.15. 2. Cor. 5.10. Dan. 12.3. Reue. 20.13. 2. Pet. 2.4, 5, 6.

2 Like as the vngodly in this word, hauehave with their bodies taken their owne pleaſure, ioy, and delight: Euen ſo in the life to come, they ſhall be plagued and puniſhed with euerlaſting paine and torments; in the ſame bodies.

3 Like as when we ſee ſeed ſowne, to putrifie and corrupt, we are yet in good hope, that it will ſpring vp againe with fruit; for vnleſſe it be diſſolued, it cannot riſe againe: So in like manner we muſt hope of our owne bodies, being buried, when we ſee their corruption, yet wee muſt then bee moſt certainely perſwaded, that they ſhall riſe againe; for death doth not ſo much waſte the body, as the corruption of it. Act. 16.8. 1. Cor. 15.1, 2, 3, 4. &c. Ioh. 5.28. & 11.24. Act. 24.15.

Repentance.

1 LIke as if a Noble man, or Gentlemans ſeruant, were (for committing of treaſony, fellony, or murder) condemned, and going to the place of execution, & his Lord or Maiſter, of meere fauour and good wil, ſhould not only by ſuit to her Maieſty, procure a pardon for his life, and ſo deliuer him from that villainous death, which for his deſerts he had worthily deſerued; but alſo ſhould adopt and take him for his Sonne & heire; ſhuld this fellow after this p. 615his deliuerance, goe and ſay, I will now be idle & take my pleaſure, and follow mine owne phantaſie, and neuer endeuor to pleaſe or pleaſure my Lord or maiſter; but rather I will ſeeke to hurt & diſpleaſe him euerie way that I can? What ſhall wee ſay in this caſe? Be not theſe moſt wicked and deſperate words? And doth not ſuch a fellow deſerue moſt grieuous puniſhmēts. Euen ſo, the like ſay they, who either by word or deed ſay; that Chriſt hath redeemed vsus, & by his death hath purchaſed for vsus forgiueneſſe of ſins, righteouſneſſe, and ſo deliuered vsus from hell, and made vsus the Sonnes of God, and heires of heauen; wherefore wee will ſtand like idle perſons, or rather doo more wickedneſſe, and liue as we liſt, &c. Chriſt our Sauiour doubtleſſe died not for ſuch, nor ſatisfied for their offences, no nor yet merited heauen for them, to the end that they ſhould ſpend their dayes in Idleneſſe, and heape ſinne vppon ſinne, and become altogether wicked; but that they ſeeing his great louelove, and how greatly ſinne diſpleaſed him, ſeeing hee was willing to redeeme them from ſinne, Sathan, death and hell, ſhould no more commit ſinne, but louelove, honour, and obey him, thanke him, put their truſt in him, and worke vertuous and good works plenteouſly, not as bond ſeruants, to eſcape hell; for ſo much as Chriſt hath deliuered them, neither yet thereby to winne heauen, which he by his paſſion hath purchaſed for them, but as naturall Sonnes, for the glorie of God, mooued thereto, by motion of the holy Ghoſt, and by faith and louelove. For godly Chriſtians doo vndoubtedly feare to ſinne, ſo much more then the wicked doth, by how much more they know that God dooth in this preſent life, puniſh his legitimate children, more then baſtards. Rom. 6.4. Gal. 5.14.2. Timo. 2.19. Tit. 2.11. &c. Luk. 1.75. Eph. 1.4. & 2.10. 1. Pet. 1.15. 1. Pet. 4.17, 18. Iere. 25.12. Iona. 1.12.

p. 6162 As for examble, like as if an Aſtrologer, ſhould tel an ambicious Cardinall that he ſhould bee Pope, although he did put an vndoubted truſt therein; yet for all that, hee would not be idle, but would vſe all meanes poſſible to attaine, and come to that dignitie: Euen ſo the children of God, the ſurer they are, that Chriſt hath redeemed them, ſo much the more they vnderſtand the great good will of God towards them; and therefore they are alway forced more and more by Repentance, and godly conuerſation of life, to make certaine vntounto themſelues the knowledge of their election, and redemption in Chriſt. 2. Pet. 1.10.

3 Like as the fire without heate or warmth, is no true fire: So is it a cleare matter, that faith without Repentance, is no true faith. Luk. 19.8. & 23.40, 41, 42. Act. 2.37 & 19.18, 19.

4 As it is the nature of ſome cloth, if it bee ſtayned when it is wet, the ſtaine will ſeeme to bee eaſily waſhed out, but being drie, it will appeare againe: Euen ſo ſome men thinke that they hauehave Repented, when they hauehave done it to halfes; and therefore they are to repent againe; as thoſe that breake out of priſon, are brought thither againe. Pſal. 51.2.

5 As bleaching and whiting weareth the cloath: So a man muſt be worne before he can bee cleane waſhed by true Repentance.

6 Like as in an aſſurance or euidence, a man may leaue out ſuch words as be effectuall in the conueyance, to their great preiudice: Euen ſo, ſure it is, that many things in Repentance, may be found out to a mans hindrance, which were forgotten at the firſt. Eſra. 10.2. &c.

7 As it is the nature of the children of God, in the reading of the Scriptures to take all with them, not a peece only, but as wel that which humbleth them, as that which p. 617lifteth vp: Euen ſo it is the part of them which will repent truely, not to play the Mice and Rats to nible a little, ſo much as maketh for them, but to take all, and not to leaue out that which maketh againſt them.

8 Like as a man that is ſtrayed far out of his way, muſt turne quite backe againe the contrarie way: So thoſe that hauehave ſtrayed from the wayes of godlineſſe, to the way of ſinne, muſt by vnfained Repentance, turne quite backe againe into the right way.

9 As it makes a glad Father, and delights him to hauehave a child like himſelfe, eſpecially both in place and liniaments of body: Euen ſo more glad is God, when one is ſpiritually borne, and ſheweth himſelfe like vntounto God in all his actions, by vnfained Repentance.

10 As dead men in their graues, although they be helped neuer ſo much, can not riſe from thence: Euen ſo men that are weake, but dead in treſpaſſes and ſinnes, can doo nothing that may further their Repentance, or conuerſion, though they be helped neuer ſo. 2. Timo. 2.15.

11 Like as if a man build a houſe, which doth coſt him much labour, and great charges, and not hauing laide a ſure foundation, when a tempeſt commeth, his houſe doth fall; then will he be verie ſorrie, and repent that hee hath ſo vnaduiſedly beſtowed his money and labour: Notwithſtanding, for al this his great ſorrow and Kepentance, yet it cannot ſet vp his houſe againe which is fallen, but onelyonly it taketh occaſion by the ruine of the houſe, to teach the owner more wit againſt another time, that when he buildeth againe he may make a ſure foundation: Euen ſo, though thou Repent neuer ſo much, yet that can not get remiſſion for thy ſinnes that are paſt, but that muſt be pardoned onelyonly by the faith of Chriſtes bloud, neuertheleſſe it doth teach thee wit, and learneth thee to tame p. 618thy body, and ſubdue it, and to caſt a low foundation, that in time to come, thou maiſt the better reſiſt the aſſaults of the diuell, the world and the fleſh.

12 As the Angels in heauen doo reioyce ouer man, when he repenteth: So the diuell is throughly imbrued, with higheſt delights, and (as it were) with moſt pleaſant pleaſures, when hee ſeeth men, (ſpecially thoſe which hauehave giuen their names vntounto Chriſt) to liue without Repentance.

Regeneration neceſſarie in all men.

AS trees growing on the top of hilles, hauehave a rough barke, crooked knots, long bowes, and therefore vnmeete for any building, vntill they be cut downe, pilled, ſquared, drawne home, and yet can doo nothing of all thoſe themſelues: So we likewiſe as long as we hee wandring in the mountaines, and wilde woods of this world, being highly minded, and in great wealth and authoritie aboue others, as on an hill, wee by nature hauehave froward and proud mindes, and not meete for Gods houſe, vntill we be made lowly in our owne ſights, and fall flat downe at Chriſtes feete, and hauehave the rough barke of our olde Adam pulled off, and our crooked affections out away, be mortified, and drawne home, by the preaching of his word, and working of his holy ſpirit. Agge. 1.8. 2. Cor. 3.5. Iohn. 6.44.

Recreation.

AS the Land which is ſowne euerie other yeare, for the reſt in the one yeare, is more fertile in the other: So quicke wittes, and dayly ſtudies, doo ſometimes deſire Recreation and reſt, wherewith they bee much refreſhed againe.

p. 619Regenerate man falleth not f…atly.

1 AS a man in trauelling from Barwicke to London, it may be that now and then hee doth goe ſometimes amiſſe and out of his way, but he ſpeedily returnes to the way againe, and his courſe generally ſhall bee vpright: Euen ſo it is the propertie of the Regenerate man, to walke according to the ſpirit, which is not now and then to make a ſtep forward, for to keepe his ordinarie courſe in the way of godlineſſe. Rom. 8.1. 1. Iohn. 5.19.

2 As it is the practiſe of a ſicke man, who hauing recouered of ſome grieuous ſickneſſe, walkes a turne or two about his chamber, ſaying; Ah, I would faine walke vp and downe, but I cannot; meaning, not that hee cannot walke as hee would, being ſoone wearied through faintneſſe: Or as a Souldier, that with a blowe hath his braine pan cracked, ſo as be lies groueling, aſtoniſhed not able to fight: Or like him that hath a fit of the falling ſickneſſe, who for a time lies like a dead man: Euen ſo the Regenerate man, although the fleſhe for a time vanquiſheth and ſubdueth the ſpirit, not onelyonly in thoughtes, in inward motions, and in ſome particular offences; but alſo in the generall practiſe of this dutie or calling, and through the whole courſe of this life▪ Yet the ſpirit preuailes in the ende, and getteth the maiſterie. Rom. 7.15. &c.

3 Like as a priſoner, that is gotten foorth of the Gaile, and that hee might eſcape the hand of the keeper, deſires, and ſtriues with all his heart, to runne an hundreth myles in a day, but becauſe hee hath ſtraight and weightie Boltes on his legges, cannot for his life creepe paſt a myle or twaine, and that with chaſing his fleſh, and tormenting himſelfe: Euen ſo a Regenerate man, and the ſeruants of God, doo heartily deſire, and endeuour p. 620to obey God in all his commaundements; as it is ſaid of King Ioſias, That hee turned to God with all his heart, with all his ſoule, with all his might, according to all the lawes of Moſes, &c. Yet becauſe they are clogged with the boltes of the fleſhe, they performe obedience both ſlowly and weakly, with diuers ſlips and falles. 2. King. 23.25.

Reformation.

AS Elecampane beeing greene, hath in it a ſuperfluous moyſture, which muſt he firſt conſumed before it be occupied about the body: So many men hauehave in their ſuperfluitie of euill, which muſt bee firſt Reformed, before they be employed to matters of the Church.

Regeneration increaſe by degrees.

1 AS ſeed caſt into the earth, doth not by and by ſprout, encreaſe and come to perfection, but by ſpace and length of time, it attaineth to his perfection and ripeneſſe, in that ſeaſon, that God hath appointed: As a tree likewiſe is not perfect as ſoone as it is planted: Nor an infant is not ſtraight-wayes vppon the ſuddaine, as ſoone as it is conceiued in the wombe of his Mother, become a man, but with time: Euen ſo we are not all at the firſt daſh Regenerated; but this Regeneration riſeth by degrees, and being once begun, then it proceedeth faire and ſoftly, and by little and little encreaſing euerie day, till we come to euerlaſting life in the heauens.

2 Euen as that begger, which hath but a patched or an ouerworne robe, had euer need to be carefull in peecing and mending the ſame; leaſt otherwiſe his nakedneſſe appeare vntounto all: So ſurely this Regeneration or righteouſneſſe of ours, beeing in reſpect of our ſelues, but a torne and tottered robe, wee had need euerie houre to labour and exerciſe our ſelues in the repayring thereof, leaſt our p. 621filthineſſe breake foorth; and euen to ſigh and to groane, vntill we be with our houſe, which is from heauen. 2. Cor. 5.3. Reue. 3.18. & 16.15.

Righteouſneſſe not in vsus.

1 AS an euill tree cannot bring foorth any good fruit, nor a rotten or worm-eaten ſeed, can engender any thing, but like it ſelfe: So we, for ſo much as our thoughts, our affections, our words, our actions, and generally, our whole life and nature being examined, it ſhall bee found that in vsus there is nothing but vanitie, and the verie matter of death and damnation; and that we neither doo, nor can doo any thing, that may be able to abide the Righteous examination of the iuſtice of God, but onelyonly to flie to him for merciemercy. Math. 7.17, 18. &. 12.33. Pſal. 51.7. & 53.2, 3. Oſe. 2.3. Luk. 15.18. & 18.13, 14. Rom. 3.10, 11, 12.

2 As they that are ſicke of the Dropſie, who by reaſon of the groſeneſſe of their bodies, ſeeme to bee in good eſtate; notwithſtanding they be ful of nothing, but water and euil humors, which in the end are the cauſe of death: Euen ſo ſuch as are arrogant, & preſumptuous, and puffed vp with a vaine conceite of their owne Righteouſneſſe, though they be in great credit & reputation in the world, yet before God their ſtate is miſerable, and abhominable. Luk. 16.15.

3 As Marchants, who praiſe and eſteeme their wares and marchandiſe, more then they are worth; and as olde Images newe gilded ouer, which outwardly hath ſome gliſtering, and ſhew, but within are nothing but duſt and durt; or as counterfeit money, which is naught, how goodly a print ſo euer it hath: Euen ſo all our Righteouſneſſe, vertues, and good workes, when they ſhall be examined and priſed by thoſe which knowe them, as by the ſpirit of God and his word, they are altogether iudged, as p. 622old ragges, torne, tied together, and patched vp againe. Eſa. 64.6. Dan. 9.5. &c. Phil. 3.8.

4 Like as if a man would boaſt of his ſtrength & health, and yet were ſubiect to a thouſand diſeaſes: Or of his knowledge, and yet were ignorant of all good learning: Or of his riches, and yet were indebted, and endaungered to the whole world; would not one mocke him as an Idiote and a foole? Euen ſo wee, as well ſhew our ignoraunce, and what ſlender vnderſtanding we hauehave, when wee will attribute any Righteouſneſſe to our ſelues, and boaſt our ſelues in it, be it neuer ſo little. Iere. 9.23.

5 As the baſeſt Gold, though it bee rayed with ſome durt, is alwayes more precious then the brighteſt Copper or Lead that a man can find. Euen ſo the Righteouſneſſe of a Chriſtian man, though it bee defiled through many infirmities, and imperfections; yet notwithſtanding is more to be eſteemed, then all the Righteouſneſſe of hypocrites and Infidels.

6 As there is no man ſo hard to be healed, as hee that thinketh himſelfe to be hoale: For as much as he alwayes refuſeth counſell of the Phyſition, and will take no remedies, nor keepe any good diet, or gouernement of himſelfe, which ſhould be meete and healthfull for him: Euen ſo likewiſet, here is no man farther off from the Righteouſneſſe of God, then he that hath ſome opinion of himſelfe. For ſuch commonly are obſtinate, and cannot without great difficultie, bee brought from the perſwaſion, which they hauehave conceiued of their owne Righteouſneſſe.

7 As newe Wine, with the ſtrength of the working thereof, will breake old Bouels, ſo that if it ſhould be put into them, it ſhould bee but ſpilt and loſt: Euen ſo they who hauehave placed Righteouſneſſe in the outward p. 623exerciſes of Religion, cannot ſauour, taſte, or receiue the doctrine of Righteouſneſſe, by faith onelyonly in Chriſt. Math. 9.17.

The Righteouſneſſe of Ieſus Chriſt, which is one onelyonly, may be diſtributed to all the faithfull.

1 AS the ſoule of man, is wholly throughout the whole body, and euerie part alike: Euen ſo is the Righteouſneſſe of Ieſus Chriſt, wholly in the body of the whole Church, as the ſoule to giuegive it life, and to mantaine it: So that it is altogether in euerie of the particular members, to make them ſtrong, whole, ſtout, and of courage to doo all their Offices and duties: Or as the voice of a man, which beeing heard of a great many perſons, is in ſuch ſort receiued of euerie one of thē, (prouided that they be attentiue) that the ſame is wholly vnderſtood, without being diuided or ſundred in any reſpect. And as the face of a man, may bee receiued in many Glaſſes, and wholly repreſented to all, without any diuiſion or ſeperation of the ſame.

2 As an old rotten tattered garment, cannot be comely, peeced with newe, whole, and ſound cloath: Euen ſo they that plant and place their Righteouſneſſe in faſting and other externall exerciſes, cannot admit that Righteouſneſſe that commeth onelyonly and wholly by Chriſt. Math. 9.16.

3 As the Iſraelits were forbidden to cloath themſelues with Linnen and Wollen, made in one garment: So likewiſe muſt all true Chriſtians at this day, put vponupon them the Righteouſneſſe of Chriſt Ieſus onelyonly, not mingling it with their owne merits. Deut. 22.11.

4 As the Sunne, when hee riſeth, obſcureth and darkneth the light of the skies, & diſmiſſeth & ſcattereth them: p. 624Euen ſo the Righteouſneſſe of faith, which for Chriſt his ſake is imputed vntounto vsus, doth vanquiſh the darkneſſe, and as it were driueth away the night of the glorie of mens workes.

5 As the ſinne of Adam was the cauſe of condemnation vntounto eternall death: So in like manner the Righteouſneſſe of Chriſt, is the cauſe of iuſtification vntounto eternall life. Rom. 8.1, 2.

Religion.

LIke as in labour or worke, he that begunne laſt, ought with the more diligence to redreſſe his ſlackneſſe, and recompence his late comming: So he which lately began to profeſſe and imbrace Religion, vertue, or godlineſſe, ought with the more feruentneſſe and zeale, to endeuour to attaine the ſame.

Reading of Bookes.

1 AS they which be thirſtie, firſt doo drinke, and at leiſure doo behold the faſhion of the cup, if it bee engrauen, or bee marked: So ought we firſt to Read things that be moſt profitable; then if leiſure will ſerue vsus, wee may note and conſider things elegant and trim.

2 As it is more profitable, oft to dung the ground, then much, and that at one time: So is it more for one vtilitie, to Read with moderatneſſe dayly, then at one time, and that greedily.

3 As a drop of water pearceth a ſtone, not ſo much by his onelyonly ſtrength, as by his often falling: Euen ſo a man ſhall become wiſe and learned, not ſo much by his force, and by himſelfe only, as by his diligent & often Reading.

Riches.

1 AS it is the vſe to cut the wings of Birdes, leaſt they ſhould flie farre, or away: So muſt Riches be take… from ſome away, as from children, and others, leaſt they p. 625ſhould exalt themſelues ouer much in hautineſſe.

2 As the golden bridle, maketh the Horſe neither ſtronger nor ſwifter: So Riches, and coſtly apparrell, doe nothing aduaunce a man in vertue, learning and godlineſſe.

3 Like as we beholding a Rich man and a poore man Painted on a wall, doo neither enioy the one, nor deſpiſe the other, and why? Becauſe they bee but ſhadowes of the ſubſtances: Euen ſo our mindes muſt neuer bee troubled, either for Riches, pouertie, glorie, or ignominie, becauſe they be more fickle and deceitfull, then any ſhadow.

4 As Oyle kindleth the fire, which it ſeemes to quench: Euen ſo Riches come, as though they would make a man contented, and make him more couetous. 1. Timo. 6.6.

5 Like as drinke dooth not quench the thirſt of him; that hath the Dropſie, but maketh him the more thirſtie: So likewiſe, although Riches be good to withſtand need and pouertie, yet they oftentimes, cauſe men to be miſerable, & euer needie; and they that for the moſt part hauehave aboundance of goods and Riches, doo couet and greedily deſire to hauehave more, and ſo ſhew themſelues to be verie needie.

6 Like as they be in great daunger of a woe, and curſe, which doo not giuegive of their owne Riches to thoſe that hauehave need: Euen ſo, in much more daunger bee they, that take from the needie, that which they did poſſeſſe. Habac. 2.9.

7 And if they ſhall goe to Hell, that hauehave not cloathed the naked: Euen ſo, much leſſe ſhall they eſcape Hell, that by oppreſſion, and vnmercifull dealing, hauehave cauſed them to go naked, that were cloathed. Math. 25.41, 42.43.

8 As hee that walketh in the Sunne, careth not whether p. 626the Moone ſhine or no, becauſe hee hath no need of her light: Euen ſo when a man hath found the heauenly Riches, hee careth not for earthly Riches. Pſal. 37.16. 1. Timo. 6.6.

9 As the mad-man deſireth nothing ſo much as to get water, by reaſon of his exceſſiue diſtemperature; yet is there nothing that ſo much tormenteth him; for the only ſight thereof, is able to caſt him into his fit: Euen ſo is it with Riches, eueryevery man longeth for them, yet are they the onelyonly things that encreaſe his longing, trouble his mind, and repleniſh his heart with paſſions. Mar. 10.23, 24, 25.

10 As thoſe things which agree not with our nature, and hauehave no proportion with it, as fire, ſulphure, and ſuch other things, if wee ſhould eate them, would not onelyonly not profit vsus, but would alſo hurt and kill vsus: So the deceiptfull Riches of this world, too much deſired and ſought for; the pompe of honour, vaine glorie, and ſuch like; after the which very many do runne too too earneſtly, doo not onelyonly not nouriſh the ſoules of men to eternal life, nor mitigate and appeaſe the wicked luſts of the ſame, but alſo doo bring vponupon them euerlaſting woe, with vtter and endleſſe deſtruction.

11 As hee that walketh in the raine, ſhall hardly eſcape wetting; or he that trauelleth in the whole Sunne, eſchew heate; So is it almoſt vnpoſſible for a Rich man to auoyde vice and corruption by his riches. Pſal. 62.10. 1. Tim. 6.17.

12 As Bucephalus, the Horſe of Alexander the great, ſo long as he was naked, would ſuffer any man to back him; but if he were once furniſhed with the royall Saddle, Bridle, and other furniture, hee grew ſo proud, that no man might ride him but the King: Euen ſo many, who in their pouertie were modeſt, humble and vertuous, by encreaſe of wealth, hauehave chaunged their vertues into vice.

p. 62713 As thoſe mountaines that containe mynes of Gold and Siluer, are otherwiſe barren: So they that hauehave Riches, and vaynes of Gold and Siluer, are for the moſt part in their hearts, made vnprofitable to the ſeruice of God and man. 1. Timo. 6.17, 18, 19.

14 As Muſicall inſtruments, are to no vſe to him that cannot play vppon them: So are Riches vnprofitable to him, that cannot vſe them rightly.

15 As a Horſe, is of no vſe without the bridle: So are Riches without reaſon.

16 As faire Tapiſtrie, couereth foule and broken walls: Euen ſo Riches may well make a man more honourable in the ſight of the world. Math. 6.19.

17 As Riuers and flouds, although they be moſt ſweet and pleaſant, yet when they run, and enter into the Sea, they are moſt bitter; keeping their right and due courſe, they yeeld pure and wholeſome water, but once mingled with the Sea, they are as it were poyſoned with bitternes: Euen ſo the wealth and Riches of this world, although in the courſe of this life, they doo highly delight ſome men, which hauehave them in poſſeſſion, neuertheleſſe, when they come to the Sea of death, whither all flouds and Riches at the length ſhal come, they ſeeme to be dolefull, ſower, bitter, intollerable, and as it were, poyſon it ſelfe.

18 As Riches be vntounto the vngodly and wicked, hinderances of vertues: So contrariwiſe, Riches, are to the faithfull ſeruants of God, helps & furtherances of many good things, godly actions, and very charitable workes: So that Riches of themſelues are not euill; for godly men do poſſeſſe their Riches, bee they neuer ſo ample & infinite, and are not poſſeſſed of their wealth and goods; becauſe their Riches are drudges to them, and not they to their riches.

19 Like as Gold is tryed with a touchſtone: Euen p. 628ſo is man tried by hauing Gold and much Riches, which moſt eaſily bewrayeth what manner of man one is.

20 As Feathers doo lift vp, and carrie on high, the foules and birds of the ayre: So Riches and dignities of this world, are wont to extoll & carrie men into the ayre and clouds of vanitie.

21 Euen as Corne laid vp and kept in a Barne, Garner, or other place, doth not increaſe; yea many times is eaten, and conſumed of Weuels, and other vermine, but being caſt into the ground, doth bring forth plentifull fruit, and great increaſe, and is very profitable for the owner: So Riches, as Gold, mony, & other Iewels, laid vp in Cheſts, and kept in Coffers, are oftentimes in daunger of looſing, by theeues, that may breake through and ſteale them; or by fire that may conſume them; but beeing diſperſed and ſcattered among the poore & needy Saints of God, they bring foorth fruit an hundreth fold; and are very profitable, both to the giuer, and to the receiuer; diſcharging a good conſcience in the one, and comforting the diſtreſſed body and mind of the other.

22 As pits and lakes of ſpring water, being ſtopped and polluted with mire, mud, or other foule & filthie matter, if they bee ſcoured and drawne out, will flow with water that is pleaſant, ſweete, and wholeſome, but ſuffered & let alone, are corrupted, and doo ſtinke: So Riches & worldly ſubſtance, if they be diſtributed vntounto the poore, & tranſlated from them that hauehave too much, to thoſe that are needle; and hauing nothing, they do greatly increaſe and multiplie; for a very little, is great Riches to him that hath nothing; and to him that did beſtow them, they are inſtruments, and meanes of Gods bleſſing; but being Coffered, and lying ſtill, ſo that the poore needie creatures are not releeued with them, they are vnprofitable; and will breed p. 629the ſtinch of hell, and endleſſe woe, to thoſe that ſo doo keepe them. Pſal. 41.1. & 112.9.

23 As the Licoure in the pot, profiteth not to it ſelfe, but them that draw and drinke therof: So worldly goods and Riches, oft profiteth not the keeper and owner thereof, but other that come after.

24 As they that are ſwolne with the Dropſie, who a far off ſeeme fat, and to bee in good liking, by reaſon of the aboundance of the humors in their bodies, though that for this cauſe they be ſoare and daungerouſly diſeaſed: So do we iudge by the outward appearance, that Riches are verie pleaſant, and ſuch as louelove and hauehave them, very happie; though that for the moſt part, there be nothing more vile and filthie in their houſes, then themſelues.

25 Euen as a Gold ring, doth not ſo ſoone touch a goutie or diſeaſed finger, but that preſently it cauſeth great & intollerable griefe: So likewiſe Riches, honours, pleaſures & profit of this world, do nothing elſe but moleſt & trouble our minds, either with ambition or couetouſneſſe.

26 As an Ape or Munket, is tied and tethered to his clogge: So likewiſe Riches of themſelues, doo encumber and entangle mens minds.

Reaſon.

AS if the Sunne were not, all our life ſhould bee led in night and darkneſſe: So if Reaſon were not, all our other ſences were no better then bruite beaſtes.

Repentance requireth confeſsion.

1 AS the beginning of health, is the feeling and perceiuing of the ſickneſſe: So the beginning of Repentance, is to acknowledge the offence.

2 As they are moſt hardly healed, which in their ſickeneſſe be void of all reaſon: So hard it is for thē to repent & amend, who will not acknowledge their owne ſinne and wickedneſſe.

p. 6303 Like as when a man is ſicke, the fiſt ſtep to health, is to know his diſeaſe: Euen ſo to true Repentance, and ſaluation, the firſt ſtep is, to know the damnation due for our ſinnes.

Rich men are to liue godly, as well as the poore.

AS God alloweth the Rich man, nothing more to miſvſe, or miſpend, then he doth the poore man; for as he hath the ſame Baptiſme, Faith, Lord, God, and Father in heauen with him; and hopeth for the ſame kingdome, that the poore man doth: Euen ſo hath he the ſame Law giuen him to liue after, and by the ſame ſhall be iudged, as well as the poore.

To Relieue the poore.

1 AS he that gathereth vp the Queenes rents, if he beſtow them not in that good manner that he is appointed, but waſteth & ſpendeth them ryotouſly howſoeuer, ſhal be ſure to ſuffer due puniſhment for his ſo doing: Euen ſo likewiſe, he to whom God hath giuen riches and great wealth, for the reliefe of his poore brethren, if he neglect them, and ſpend his goods laſciuiouſly, on his backe or belly, or otherwayes, God wil puniſh him moſt ſeuerely, at the day of his account. Luk. 16.1, 2, &c.

2 As the cloudes that are full, powre out raine: Euen ſo the rich that hauehave abundance, ought to diſtribute.

Reading of the Word.

1 LIke as the buſie Bee, when as ſhee flieth into ſome faire and pleaſant Garden, and lighteth ſometimes here, and ſometimes there, as it falleth out, ſucketh out ſome ſweetneſſe out of eueryevery flower and hearbe, whereon ſhe ſitteth: Euen ſo a Chriſtian, looking into the volume of the ſacred ſcriptures, and reading ſometimes this p. 631parcell thereof, ſometimes that, ſhall receiue by euerie booke therein, ſome comfort and profite; as will cauſe him to preferre the ſame, before the honie, and the honie combe. 1. Timo. 4.13, 14.15, 16. Pſal. 19.8, 9, 10, & 119.72, 103, 104.

2 As the vſe of meates is not ſufficient to the nouriſhment of mans bodie, except they be dreſſed and prepared: Euen ſo the hearing of the word of God read, is not ſufficient to bring men to ſound knowledge, and ſaluation, except the ſame be preached, and rightly diuided. Amos 8.11.

Reprobate and vngodly men, often in greateſt proſperitie.

AS the Butcher will ſuffer thoſe beaſts, which he appoints to be killed, to goe where they liſt in his beſt paſtors, and to breake his hedges, that in ſo dooing, the ſooner they be fatte, the ſooner he may kill them: Euen ſo the Lord lets reprobate and vngodly men (whom he loues not in his Sonne Chriſt,) take their pleaſure, corrects them not for their amendment; but lets them worke their iuſt condemnation, in giuing them vp to their owne luſts, and into a reprobate ſence; as he did Pharao, Saul, Iudas, Herod, Antiochus, Nero, &c.

Deferring of Repentance.

1 LIke as if a malefactor for his puniſhment, ſhould be appointed to carry eueryevery day a ſticke of wood to an heape, to burne him twentie yeares after: Euen ſo men, by deferring Repentance, do treaſure and heape vp wrath againſt the day of wrath. Rom. 2.4.5.

2 The longer a man goes and continues in his ſickeneſſe without any Phyſicke, the harder is the p. 632recouerie: Euen ſo, the more the time is prolonged, the harder it is to repent. For where the diuel dwels long, he will hardly be remoued.

3 As the caſe is dangerous if a man fall into the relapſe of an ague, or any other ſtrong diſeaſe, it may peraduenture coſt him his life, and the recouerie will be verie hard: Euen ſo it is verie daungerous, after Repentance for ſome greeuous ſinne, to fall into the ſame againe, and come to Kepentance the ſecond time. Iohn 5.14. Luk. 11.26.

Reſurrection of our bodies.

1 LIke as the bodie of Chriſt, which he tooke in the virgines wombe, was by his Almightie power, raiſed vp againe, immortall and glorious, all infirmities that it was ſubiect vntounto, being cleane put away, and taken off: Euen ſo theſe mortall bodies of ours, euen the ſame, that we tooke of the ſubſtance of our ſinfull and mortall mothers, ſhall at the day of the generall reſurrection of all fleſh, be raiſed vp againe, according to the mightie working of the Lord, whereby hee is of power to ſubdue all things vntounto himſelfe. Eſa. 66.24. Eze. 37.1. &c. Dan. 12.2. Math. 25.41. Ioh. 5.29. Ioh. 19.25. Iohn. 11.25. 1. Cor. 15.1. &c. 2. Cor. 5.10. 1. Theſſ. 4.13. &c.

2 As Swallowes, Wormes, and Flies, which hauehave lyen dead in the winter ſeaſon, in the ſpring, by vertue of the Sunnes heat, reuiue again: So likewiſe men fall in ſounes and traunſes, being for a time, without breath or ſhewe of life, and yet afterward come againe, and ſo is the Reſurrection.

Remitting of treſpaſſes.

LIke as if we ſee one eate or drinke a great deale, we ſay he was hungrie, or thirſtie, becauſe we ſee him eate o… drinke ſo much, or ſo greedily: So doo we ſay, that one is hotte, becauſe we ſee him ſweate; yet do we not ſay, … p. 633his eating, or drinking, is the conditionall cauſe, of his hunger or thirſt, nor yet the ſweate the cauſe of his heate; but contrariwiſe, we ſay, hunger, thirſt, and heate, are the cauſes of eating, drinking and ſweate: Euen ſo the turning from iniquitie, and Remitting of treſpaſſes, are not the cauſes of the forgiueneſſe of our ſinnes, but the fruits thereof, and tryall of our eſtate. Ezech. 18.21. Math. 6.24.

Reading of Authours.

1 EVen as amongſt healthfull and medicinable hearbs, there ſpringeth forth ſome weedes vnprofitable and venemous, but the hearbes meete for medicines, the wiſe Phyſition onelyonly doth gather: So in Reading of Authors, although there be ſome things contained, being not only vnprofitable, but alſo wicked; yet it is the part of good ſtudents not to neglect them, but rather to collect ſuch ſentences and doctrine as may be profitable for them.

2 As daſtard and cowardly Dogs, doo barke at home at the skin of the wilde beaſt, but in hunting they will not come neare the ſame: So ſome ſtudent will piuiſhly prate of things vaine and fooliſh, leauing the effect of learning vnlaboured for.

Reprobate.

1 LIke as a man vponupon a Racke, crieth and roreth out for very paine, yet cannot deſire his tormentor to eaſe him of his paine: Euen ſo the Reprobate, when he repenteth, he cannot come vntounto God, and ſeeke vntounto him; hee hath no power, no not ſo much as once to deſire to giuegive one little ſob for the remiſſion of his ſinnes; if hee would giuegive all the world, hee cannot ſo much as giuegive one rap at Gods merciemercy gate, that hee may open to him. Math. 7.7. Gene. 4.4. 1. Sam. 31.4. Math. 27.5.

2 Like as if a man, that hauing made to himſelfe a great burden to carrie, ſhould aſſay it on his backe, and for that p. 634it ſat and lay vneaſily, and preſſed him much, ſhould caſt it downe againe, and put a great deale more vntounto it, and then beginne to lift it againe; but when hee felt it more heauie then before, hee ſhould fall into a great rage, and adde twiſe as much more to it, thereby to make it lighter: Euen ſo doo the children of this world, who finding it ſomewhat loathſome and vnpleaſant, to reſiſt one or two vices in the beginning, doo deferre their conuerſion and Repentance, and doo adde twentie or fortie moe vntounto them, thinking to find the matter more eaſie afterward.

3 Like as a man hauing taſted a good peece of Wine, making ſhew as if hee would buy it, vnderſtanding the price, and not willing to giuegive ſo much, leaueth if there, without buying or drinking of it any more: Euen ſo the Reprobate, hauing taſted the heauenly good things, finding them good, and prayſing them exceedingly, after they vnderſtand the price, that is, that they muſt renounce themſelues, and beare the Croſſe of Chriſt, to goe to take poſſeſſion of the kingdome of heauen, which hath purchaſed for them with his precious bloud, they will none of it at this price, and ſo renounce theſe good things without drinking, or enioying them. Hebr. 6.4.

4 As thoſe that hauehave their ſtomackes charged with euill humours, ceaſe not to eate ſometimes for all that, yea and to finde taſte in ſome good meates, but are conſtrained after (through the euill diſpoſition of their ſtomacke) to caſt it vp againe, and to vomit: So ſome Reprobates, hauing with in them an euill conſcience, may well taſte the good heauenly giftes, but this euill conſcience, not being able to agree with the true and ſure faith of the heart, ſtoppeth, that theſe giftes take no roote to fructifie to ſaluation, ſo that finally they caſt it off, or let it wither and come to nothing: On the contrary, thoſe who p. 635hauehave faith, are aſſured, that though the graces of the holy Ghoſt are often weake in them, and like fire couered with aſhes, and trees in the Winter, yet can it neuer come to nought nor die; but rather they recouer ſtrength at the laſt, whereby they are certaine to bee, and to continue the children of God, and heyres of euerlaſting life.

5 As thoſe whome God hath choſen before all times, in time hee calleth, and that of purpoſe to Chriſt Ieſus his Sonne; and whome thus hee calleth, he iuſtifieth; and that more and more, vntill that fleſh, and the corrupt affections thereof beeing mortified, they attaine to their glorie: So by the contrarie, bee the Reprobate, either left altogether in blindneſſe, neuer called to the light and knowledge of Gods free merciemercy; or if they be called, they either doo condemne it, or elſe ſuddenly fall from the ſame; and ſo abiding in their corruption, do ſtill heape ſinne vppon ſinne; till at the laſt, their meaſure being full, God executeth his moſt iuſt iudgement, againſt their continuall rebellion.

6 Like as the aſſured truſt of the merciemercy of God promiſed for Chriſtes ſake, which followeth ſtraightway the hatred of vice and ſinne, with full intent and purpoſe to liue after the will of God, wh…rein ſo long as a man dooth remaine and continue, hee may bee ſure that hee is the elect childe of God: Euen ſo the louelove to liue vngodly, to wallow in all kinde of vice, and to lie ſtill in impuritie of life, declareth to him that is ſuch a one, for that ſame ſeaſon, that hee is nothing elſe then a Reprobate, the child of wrath, curſed of God, hardned as was Pharao.

p. 636Reading of Scripture or word.

AS hee which knoweth his letters perfectly, and can ſpell, cannot but Read if he be diligent; and as hee which hath cleare eyes without impediment or let, and walketh thereto in the light, and open day, cannot but ſee, if he attend and take heed: Euen ſo a man hauing the profeſſion of his Baptiſme onelyonly written in his heart, and feeling it ſealed vp in his conſcience by the holy Ghoſt, cannot but vnderſtand the Reading of the Scripture, becauſe hee exerciſeth himſelfe therein; comparing one place with an other, and marking the manner of ſpeech; and asking heere and there, the meaning of a ſentence, of them that be better exerciſed then himſelfe; for he feeleth in his hart, and hath a ſenſible experience of that inwardly, which the ſpirit of God hath deliuered in the Scriptures: So that he findeth his owne feeling, as a good commentarie vntounto him.

Reſurrection.

1 AS a cunning Gold ſmith, knoweth what difference is betwixt a peece of earth, digged out of a Golde myne, and other common earth; but aske an ignoraunt man, and hee will ſay there is no difference at all betwixt them: Euen ſo at the day of iudgement, God will knowe the duſt of mens bodies, from common duſt, which men cannot diſcerne.

2 Like as if a Gardiner, mingle diuers ſeedes together, and caſt them into the ground, yet they will not bee confounded one with an other; but eueryevery ſeed will hauehave his proper hearbe: Euen ſo the bodies of men, although they bee mingled together, yet euerie body ſhall receiue his owne fleſh at the generall day of iudgement.

3 Like as ſeed caſt into the earth, during the cold, and p. 637ſtormes of winter, ſmally appeareth, or not at all; but as ſoone as the Spring commeth, it ſprouteth foorth and flouriſheth, growing more and more vntill the Harueſt come, and then it recompenceth the Husband mans labour with plentiful encreaſe: Euen ſo our bodies (though they fall as ſee…e into the ground) are not neglected of God, who regardeth the ſmalleſt graine and vileſt ſeede, but ſhall one day bring them out of the graues, where they were laid, in a far better caſe then they were before.

4 As in winter time by the nipping Froſt, the trees looſe their leaues, and the graſſe withereth, but at the Spring, they both receiue that which they before ſeemed to hauehave loſt: So likewiſe, though men die, each in his order, now one and then an other, yet they periſhe not, but ſhall liue againe at the laſt day, when the euerlaſting Spring ſhall bee, without either Autumne or Winter.

5 As God giueth life vntounto the Infant, incloſed in the Mothers wombe, and maintaine the ſame after a ſecret and wounderfull manner, vntill the tenth monethmonth, when it can be there r…ained no longer, but muſt bee brought foorth into the world: Euen ſo God, in whoſe hand is life and death, keepeth vsus aliue in the middeſt of death; & the bodies which were caſt into the earth, at the ſound of the laſt vnknowne trumpe (liuing vntill then, after a wonderfull ſort) ſhall ariſe, at which time the graues, and eueryevery place wher our bodies died, ſhal yeeld vp the dead, that were in them, when as they ſhall truely liue, and that for euer.

6 As the Aſhes in the night time, ſo couereth the fire, that no ſparke thereof, nor any light appeareth in the houſe, but yet it may eaſily be kindled & reuiued by drie ſtraw, or a ſmall match: Euen ſo our life that cannot die, p. 638lieth as a ſleepe in our mortified bodies, which God in his good time, by his mightie word and power, can and will awake.

7 Like as in ſleepe (which is as deaths kinſman) no part doth his dutie, the eyes ſee not, the eare heareth nothing, wee can neither feele nor walke, but euerie member is as dead, ouerwhelmed with ſleepe, when as in the meane time, the mind liueth & euer moueth, and the next morning approaching, rayſeth vp the body, when as euerie member and part, performeth his wonted worke, and more liuely refreſhed by ſleepe: Euen ſo, though our carcaſes being in terred, ſeeme to bee depriued of all ſence and moouing, yet they periſh not; but when the laſt and euerlaſting morning ſhall ariſe vponupon them, at the end of the world, they ſhall riſe againe, and the earth ſhall yeeld them far more glorious, when as God hath purged away the corruption and filthineſſe of them, as by the meanes of ſleepe.

8 As in the Lawe, the offering of the firſt fruites, and all the fruites of the earth were ſanctified: So alſo by Chriſt, the firſt fruites of them that ſleepe, the promiſe of the ryſing againe of our bodies, to life euerlaſting, is to vsus confirmed and aſſured. Exod. 23.16. & 34.26. Leuit. 23.10. Deut. 26.2. &c. 1. Cor. 15.20. Colloſſ. 1.18. Reue. 1.6.

9 Like as it would make glad the heart of a lame man, or cripple, to heare that all his limmes ſhould bee reſtored againe perfectly, as they were at the firſt: Or as it would greatly reioyce the heart of a poore naked begger, to heare that hee ſhould bee cloathed, with moſt precious garments of Silke and Gold! Euen ſo much more, ought all Chriſtians to bee ioyfull and glad, to p. 639heare that they ſhall be reſtored to all integritie of bodie and ſoule, at the general Reſurrection, and ſo be cloathed with moſt perfect & pure innocencie of life, for euer and euer.

10 As Hearbes, dead in winter, flouriſh againe by the raine, in the ſpring time: So the dead Corpes that lye in the duſt, ſhall riſe vp to ioy, when they ſhal feele the deaw of Gods grace. Eſay 26.19.

11 As the ſame ſeede in ſubſtaunce, that is ſowne, ſpringeth againe, yet altered in forme and faſhion: Euen ſo our bodies, ſhall riſe againe, the ſame in ſubſtaunce, but maruellouſly altered in qualities. 1. Cor. 5.37, 38.

12 As our bodies, except they conſume, riſe not again, yet altered in forme and faſhion: Euen ſo our bodies ſhal riſe againe the ſame in ſubſtance, but maruellouſly altered in qualitie.

13 As often as we riſe from ſleepe, hauing our wearie limmes refreſhed, and as it were reuiued, ſo that we feele our ſelues in better caſe and abilitie to do any manner of thing, then before: Euen ſo we ſhould often remember, that death vntounto the godly, is but a reſting of their wearie bodies and bones, till they riſe againe, exceedingly bettered by immortalitie and glorie; and therefore termed by the name of ſleepe. 1. Theſ. 4.13, 14.

14 So bright and ſo glorious as one ſtarre appeareth aboue an other: So much ſhall the ſtate and condition of our bodies, at their Reſurrection, excell the ſtate and condition, that they are now in, during this time of immortalitie. 1. Cor. 15.41.

15 Like as the Husbandman taketh no thought, nor ſorrow for the ſeede that is caſt into the earth, becauſe p. 640he hath a ſure truſt and hope, that it ſhall come again with a plentifull and an exceeding recompence: Euen ſo the faithful, are not ſo vnmeaſurably heauy and ſorrowful for the death of their faithfull friends, as the heathen and vnfaithfull are, which hauehave no hope or beliefe of the Reſurrection. Reue. 14.13. 1. Theſ. 4.13, 14.

16 Like as if impotent and miſerable men, as experience ſheweth, can by art, euen of aſhes, make the moſt curious workemanſhip of glaſſe: Euen ſo we may in reaſon thinke, that the omnipotent and euerliuing God, is able to raiſe mens bodies out of the duſt.

17 As the Goldſmith by his Art, can ſunder diuers mettals one from an other; and ſome men out of one mettall can draw another: Euen ſo, much more may we think it poſſible for the Almightie God, to raiſe mens bodies being dead, and turned into duſt, and mingled with the bodies of beaſts and other creatures, or one mans bodie with another.

18 As the cloud tooke vp the very true bodie of the Lord, yea euen the whole perfect Chriſt: So likewiſe ſhal all godly perſons bee taken vp into the aire to meete the Lorde their God, that they may liue with Chriſt their Lord and head, for euermore. Act. 1.9. 1. Theſ. 4.17.

19 Like as the roote giueth all vertue and ſappe vntounto the tree: Euen ſo is the matter of the Reſurrection of the dead thorow Chriſt, the chiefeſt, greateſt, and true principall point of the word and affaires of God. Eſa. 26.19. 1. Pet. 4.6.

20 As the wicked & vnbeleeuers, hauehave in this life with their bodies, taken their owne pleaſures, ioy, and delight: Euen ſo in the life to come, at the Reſurrectiō of the dead, they ſhal be plagued and puniſhed with euerlaſting paine & torment, in the ſame bodies. Mat. 25.41. &c. 2. Cor. 5.10. Act. 24.15. Ioh. 5.29.

p. 64121 Like as when the Corne is caſt into the ground, it ſeemeth to bee loſt, for it rots and waſteth in the ground, but afterwards it ſpringeth faire: 1. Cor. 15.36, 37. So when the body hath beene corrupted, it tarrieth the time appointed by God, to come out of the earth, and to be altogether perfect.

22 As the Corne, by meanes of the ſeed taketh againe a new ſhape, and that more fayrer: So the faithfull which dieth and goeth to reſt with the ſeede of Ieſus Chriſt, which is the ſpirit of God, is rayſed againe by the ſame ſpirit, which rayſeth the Sonne of God from death.

23 Like as Chriſt roſe againe in the ſelfe-ſame body in which he ſuffered: So we alſo ſhall riſe againe in the ſelfe-ſame fleſh, which we carrie about with vsus.

24 Euen as Chriſt after his Reſurrection, had an other glorie much greater then he had before: So we ſhall bee farre otherwiſe after our Reſurrection, and ſo renued into a more glorious ſtate.

25 As the Sun and the Moone being of one ſubſtance, differ in dignitie and excellencie: So likewiſe in the Reſurrection, our bodies ſhall hauehave more excellent qualities, then they hauehave now.

Regeneration.

1 As there is need of no Lawe, to compell the bodie to eate or drinke, to digeſt, to ſleepe, to goe, to ſtand, to fit, and to doo their workes of nature, for it is readie to doo them of it owne nature, when the caſe ſo requireth, and when it is meete, without all reſpect, either of reward, or puniſhment; and may not vnfitly be ſaid, as concerning theſe things, not to be vnderunder a Law, notwithſtanding thereupon nothing leſſe followeth, then that it doth therefore abſtaine from ſuch workes, vntounto which in deed, it ſo much more applieth it ſelfe, as they are leſſe commaunded, p. 642and are more naturall vntounto it: Euen ſo after the ſame ſort, altogether dooth the godly man behaue himſelfe, concerning the workes of godlineſſe, he is carried to the doing of them, by that his newe nature of the ſpirit, albeit there were no Law at all; and all, both hope of reward, and feare of puniſhment, were away. 1. Timo. 1.9. Reue. 6.14.

2 Like as if a man hauehave all his mind ſet vponupon drinking and gulling in of Wine and ſtrong drinke, hauing little delight nor pleaſure in any thing elſe; it argues a carnall mind, and vnregenerate, becauſe it effectes the things of the fleſh; and ſo of the reſt: Euen ſo on the contrarie, hee that hath his mind affected with a deſire to doo the wil of God, in practiſing the workes of charitie and Religion, he I ſay, hath a ſpirituall and a renewed heart, and is Regenerate by the holy Ghoſt. Rom. 8.14. Gal. 5.17.

3 As God in the beginning created vsus after his owne Image: So alſo muſt hee Regenerate vsus according to the ſame, which he doth by the holy Ghoſt, the third perſon in Trinitie, one and the ſame euerlaſting God, together with the Father and the Sonne. Iohn. 3.5. Math. 16.17. Ioh. 8.36. & 15.5.

4 As a liuing body, although naturally it bee the ſubiect of ſenſe, yet ſome one part of it may bee benummed and ſenſeleſſe: So the ſoule of one Regenerate, hath in it, at leaſt the beginnings and ſeeds of all graces, howſoeuer ſome of them at ſometimes doo not worke or appeare: Whereas a carnall man is altogether deſtitute, yea vncapable of them.

5 Euen as we know that the trees hauehave heate and life in their rootes, in the middeſt of the coldeſt and ſharpeſt winter; yea as many beaſtes lie all the winter long in holes of the earth, without eating, drinking, ſtirring, or hauing p. 643any iotte of heate, ſenſe or life, in any of their outward parts; and yet there is a remnant of life, and of heate lurking in the heart, which being in Summer ſtirred vp, doth reuiue the beaſt, ſo that it is able to goe or runne vp and downe, and to performe all naturall actions, in the manner as it did before: So likewiſe a totall decreaſe, or an vtter decay of holineſſe, as whereby nothing is left, cannot happen to any one who is truely Regenerate, who in the greateſt extremitie and depth of his fal, retaineth ſome reliques of Gods ſpirit and of grace receiued; yea ſome life of faith, whereby he liueth to God in Chriſt; howſoeuer he be to the eyes of all men, and euen in his owne conſcience a dead rotten ſtocke.

6 Euen as a man being ſodenly taken with the plague, or any infectious ſickneſſe, ſayeth, he knoweth not how it happeneth, onelyonly hee ſeeth the effects of it: Euen ſo the action of Regeneration, in it ſelfe is ſecret and vnknown, but manifeſt in the effects which follow of it.

Regeneration not without ſinne.

LIke as the Iſraelites, ſuffered the Iebuſites to dwell amongſt them, to their great harme: Euen ſo ſinne remaineth in our mortall bodies, conquered in deed, that it dooth not raigne ouer thoſe that ſerue the Lord; yet not cleane taken away, but left for our exerciſes, who hauing our mortall enemie dwelling in vsus, ſhould fight againſt ſinne, vnderunder the banner of faith in Chriſt Ieſus, who onelyonly hath, can, and will continually defend his people, ſubdue their enemies, and giuegive his children the victorie.

Repentance.

AS a priſoner will ſtriue to get out of priſon, by all kind of means he can, thogh he grate off ſome of his fleſh: Euen ſo a man that is out of the fauour of God, muſt trie p. 644by all kind of wayes that he can, that if hee cannot come to Gods fauour by one way, he may yet by an other. Pſal. 51.1. &c.

The Redemption of Christ vniuerſall.

1 AS the Sunne is the generall giuer of light to the whole world, though there bee many which doo receiue no light at all of it: Or as there was among the Iewes, vppon the yeare of Iubylee, a generall deliuerie of all bond men, although many abode ſtill in their bondage, and refuſed the grace of their deliuerie: Euen ſo the Redemption of mankind by Chriſt, is auaileable for all, although reprobate and wicked men (for want of the grace of God) doo not receiue the ſame; yet there is no reaſon that it ſhould leeſe his title and glorie of vniuerſall Redemption, becauſe of the children of perdition, ſeeing that it is ready for all men, and all be called vntounto it. 1. Tim. 2.6. Col. 1.13, 14. 1. Pet. 1.18. Tit. 2.14.

2 As they who beeing taken in warre, are wont either to be ſlaine, or to bee condemned vntounto perpetuall bondage, except they bee redeemed and ranſommed: Euen ſo, ſuch were wee all, being taken priſoners of the diuell; who had vsus body and ſoule in his owne power, from whoſe kingdome and tyrannie, Chriſt hath moſt mercifully Redeemed vsus. Rom. 14.8. 1. Cor. 3.22. Phil. 1.21. 1. Pet. 1.18, 19, & 2.9.

No Reaſon for a man to find fault with an other, that is more faultie himſelfe.

1 AS it is againſt Reaſon, that a blind man ſhould take vopn him to lead an other man, that ſees better then himſelfe: Euen ſo it is an vnreaſonable and impudent thing, for any man to offer to pull out a Moate out of his neighbours eye, when there is more need, that his neighbour ſhould ſay vntounto him; nay rather ſuffer me to pull out p. 645the beame, that is in your eye. Math. 7.5. Pſal. 50.16, 17.

2 As it is a very vſuall thing with the Papiſts, to condemne it for a great fault in Proteſtants, to leaue off any of their popiſh ceremonies: When as they account it no fault in themſelues, to cut off and defraud them of the Cup, in the miniſtration of the Lords ſupper, which is commaunded to bee taken and dunken of all, by Chriſt our Sauiour himſelfe. Math. 26.27.

3 As they crie out againſt vsus, for not ſubſcribing and reproouing in all points, to their writings and determinations: When as they themſelues refuſe to ſubſcribe and allowe vniuerſally to the word of God, adding and …king from it at their pleaſure. Deut. 4.2. & 12.32. Prou. 30.6. Reue. 22.18, 19.

4 Like as it is too too common in all ſorts of men, that hauehave great beames in their owne eyes, wherof they make no conſcience; yet will ſeeme maruellous curious and carefull, in drawing out Motes out of the eyes of others: Euen ſo, hee that of all the reſt in the Pariſh, is the moſt worſt obſeruer, either of Gods Law, or his Princes, hee will bee moſt readie to find fault, and to quarrell with the painefull and faithfull Miniſters, for omitting the leaſt …ite or ceremonie, (as though hee of all others, were the moſt deſirous, that the Queenes proceedings ſhould exactly be followed) whereas in verie deed, hee could find in his heart, rather to hauehave Poperie fully eſtabliſhed.

Rebukes.

AS Phyſions with their bitter drugs, do mingle ſweete ſpices, that the ſicke patient may the more willingly receiue them: So ought bitter Rebukes to bee mingled with gentle admonitions, that the offender might be the better brought to amendment.

p. 646Righteouſneſſe peace, &c.

AS the earth being fertile and fruitfull, and beautified with the gallant verdure of freſh floures, and greene hearbes, is an argument of the bountifull goodneſſe of God towards vsus: Euen ſo, Righteouſneſſe, peace, tranquilitie, and other vertues, wherewith the minde & ſoule of man is garniſhed, declare the exceeding great goodneſſe, and louelove of God towards mankind. Eſay. 61.10. Gal. 5.22.

Rich men.

1 AS the fierceſt lightning dooth flaſh vponupon the higheſt Towers; the faireſt Oakes come ſooneſt to the fire, and the fatteſt Oxen are firſt knocked downe: Euen ſo, they which hauehave the moſt money, are ſubiect to the moſt miſeries.

2 As pouertie puniſheth the poore man: So the Rich cannot reſt for feare of robbing. Preac.

3 As the goutie man, the more he walketh abroad, the better is his health: Euen ſo, the more the Rich man diſtributeth abroad, the more he ſhall inherite. Luk. 19.9. Gal. 6.10.

4 Like as a Riuer when it goeth by an emptie place, it will not paſſe vntill he hath filled that emptie place; and then it goeth forward to another emptie place and filleth it, and ſo to an other emptie place, and filleth it; alwayes filling the places which are emptie: So likewiſe ſhould Rich men, fill the poore; the full ſhould fill the hungrie; they which abound, ſhould fill them, which want; for the rich, are but Gods Amners, and their riches are committed to them of God, to diſtribute, and doo good, as God doth himſelfe.

p. 647No Reſiſtance againſt God.

LIke as the Eagle when ſhe hath taken her praye, ſtandeth with her winges ſpread ouer it: Euen ſo, thoſe whom the Lord raiſeth vp to conquere any Country and to deſtroy it, ſpread themſelues all ouer it, ſo that there is no hope in reſiſting, nor refuge in running away. Iere. 48.4…. Lamen. 4.19.

Repentant.

1 AS the Lilly dooth flouriſh and ſpring in the field or Garden: So God dooth make the Repentant man, whoſe ſinnes he forgiueth and pardoneth, to grow & floriſh. Hoſe. 14.6.

2 As it is often needfull for the preſeruation of the bodily life, that the patient be by detractiō of blood, brought to a ſwowne, and ſo euen to deaths doore: So likewiſe, it is needfull for the ſpirituall life of the ſoule, that the Repentant be by ſorrow and feare caſt downe, euen to the gates of hell, as one forlorne, and being in a moſt wretched eſtate. 2. Cor. 7.8.

3 As the wiſe man exhorteth the good husband to be ſowing his ſeed, at all houres, times, and ſeaſons, becauſe he knoweth not whether this or that wil proſper: So likewiſe, a Repentant muſt take all occaſions of hearing gods word, for that he knoweth not but that God will euen at that time which he would beſtow on worldly profites or pleaſures, beſtow his vnſpeakable bleſſing of regeneration vponupon him. Eccleſi. 11.6.

4 As that Offendant is liker to obtaine mercy at the hands of his Prince, who ſtandeth at his very gates in his preſence, attending when he wil becken or call vntounto him, then he who hauing addreſſed himſelfe to come before the King, keepeth himſelfe aloofe off, far out of his ſight: Euen ſo, it is liker that God will behold that Repentant p. 648with the eye of mercy, who is in his preſence, hearkeneth to his voice, and attendeth his pleaſure, then him who is out of his ſight, and employed about other matters.

Rich men.

1 AS it is impoſſible for a Cammell to goe through the eye of a Needle: So alſo is it impoſſible for ſuch a Rich man to enter into the kingdome of heauen, who is poſſeſſed of his poſſeſſions, for he hath made his Gold his God, though hee doo not ſo thinke nor perſwade himſelfe. Mar. 10.24, 25.

2 As thoſe Fiſher-men, which when they had ſped well, did go and burne incenſe, and offer ſacrifice to their Nettes, in ſtead of praiſing God, who had bleſſed their endeuours: So likewiſe ſome prophane Rich men, doo aſcribe their wealth and other bleſſings of this life, to the outward meanes and inſtruments, whereby they hauehave gotten thoſe things, forgetting wholly, that God is the onelyonly authour and giuen thereof. Habba. 1.16. Pſal. 127.1. &c. Iam. 1.17.

3 Like as if a Cable be vntwiſted, and drawen into ſmal threedes, it may be drawen through the eye of a Needle: So likewiſe he that is Rich, if he denie himſelfe, abaſe himſelfe, and lay aſide all confidence in himſelfe, in his riches and honor, and be as it were, made ſmall as a twine thrid, and with Ioſeph the good Senator, become the Diſciple of Chriſt, hee may enter into the kingdome of heauen. Math. 19.24. Luke 29.50.51. Ioh. 19.36.

4. As Sheepe that goe in fat paſtures, come ſooner to the ſlaughter-houſe, then thoſe which are kept vponupon the bare Common: So likewiſe Riche men, which are pampered with the wealth of this world, ſooner forſake God, and therefore are ſooner forſaken of God, then others. Rom. 9.22. Eccles. 9.1.

p. 6495 As that is not alwayes a good horſe, which hath his bridle and Sadle adorned with gold: So alſo may not that Rich man be accoūted bleſſed, who hath rich atire, ſumptuous buildings, and coſtly moueables.

6 Euen as a Flie, comming to a platterfull of ſweete and pleaſant honie, if ſhee thruſt not her ſelfe altogether into it, but onelyonly touch and taſte it, with her mouth, and take no more then is neceſſarie and needfull, ſhee may ſafely goe away, and flie to an other place; but if ſhee wallow, and tumble in the Honie, then is ſhee limed, and taken in it; and whiles ſhee is not able to flie away, ſhe doth there looſe her life: Euen ſo, if a man, of all his Riches, take onelyonly ſo much as may ſuſtaine him, and honeſtly maintaine his eſtate, beſtowing the reſt well and Chriſtianly, his Riches then cannot hold him backe, nor barre him out of the kingdome of heauen; but if couetouſneſſe ſhall bewitch him, and ſtill pricke him forward, to ſcrape together more and more, and ſhall make him euen vnſatiable, then they take him, and holde him, and ſo belime the wings of his mind, that he cannot once in all his life, hauehave one flight towards the kingdome of heauen; and thus being in thraldome and bondage to wicked Mammon, the ende of his pleaſures in this world, is the beginning of his ſorrowes in the world to come.

7 As Aeſopes Dogge, who hauing a peece of meate in his mouth, and eſpying the ſhaddow therof in the water, thinking it had beene an other peece of fleſh, ſnatched at it, and through his greedie deſire, loſt that, which before hee had: Euen ſo Rich men, who might peaceably and quietly enioy the goods they hauehave, and with pleaſure the fruites of their labours, by their couetous humour they depriue themſelues wholly thereof; and ſetting before their eyes, a fraudulent and deceitfull hope of things that p. 650ſeeme to bee good, forget for the moſt part, thoſe things that are good indeed.

8 Like as when we ſee a man that drinketh continually, & yet cannot ſlake his thirſt, we coniecture forthwith that he is diſtempered, & that he hath more need to be purged, and his body to be cleanſed from corrupt humours, then to giuegive him more drinke: Euen ſo the great deſire of Rich men, which alwayes eateth, which hath ſo monſtrous a bellie, and vnſatiable, like vntounto the graue, doth euidently declare that the mind is very ſicke; and therefore to recouer it ſelfe, it muſt be firſt purged and cleanſed of the paſſion that tormenteth it; this being done, the diſeaſe would continually ceaſe.

9 As it is hard for a Periwincle in the Sea to ſwimme, or for a Snayle vponupon the land to creepe, while they beare their houſes vppon their backes: Euen ſo it is hard for a Rich man that truſteth in his Riches, with all his bigge bunches of wealth vppon his backe, to goe through the needles eye, and to enter into the kingdome of heauen. Mark. 10.25.

10 As the Moone, when ſhee is at the full, is fartheſt from the Sunne, of whom ſhee hath her light: So likewiſe many Rich men, who doo flowe on eueryevery ſide, with the goods and Riches of this world, do euen then in the middeſt of their wealth, withdrawe themſelues fartheſt from God, from whom themſelues, and all their treaſures, and whatſoeuer, hauehave their being. Luk. 8.14. Act. 17.28.

11 As the Moone is not eclipſed, nor looſeth any light, but when it is at the ful: Euen ſo ſome Rich men are wont, then thiefly to bee eclipſed and darkned, concerning the louelove of God and their neighbours, when they be full of Riches, and abound with worldly wealth.

p. 651A Remnant reſerued.

AS in the time of gathering of Oliues, a few berries eſcape here and there vngathered: So when God doth bring generall deſtruction vponupon any land, for the impietie of the people therein, and for the contempt of his word, and ordinances, a fewe here and there ſhall eſcape. Eſay. 17.6. & 24.13.

Reprobate are in perpetuall remembrance.

AS the letters carued in ſtone or other hard mettalles, with tooles of yron and ſteele, are wont to be ſet vp, for a perpetuall memorie, of that which men will hauehave remembred: So God neuer putteth out of memorie, the froward ſinnes of obſtinate and wicked men. Iere. 17.1.

The Regiſter of our ſaluation.

AS the Penne of man ſerueth to commit to writing, thoſe things, whereof hee would hauehave the remembrance continued: So the holy Ghoſt Regiſtreth in the hearts of the children of God, thoſe things, which God ſeeth neceſſarie for their ſaluation, to bee recorded of them. 2. Cor. 3.3.

Renued holineſſe.

AS in the natural birth of man, his body commeth into the world, not ſo great and ſtrong as afterward it becōmeth, but litle, weake, and impotent: So in the ſpirituall birth of Regeneration, the ſoule of man is not in the firſt momēt, indued with perfection, but with a ſmal meaſure of Renued holineſſe, from the which it is to grow, and go on forward to a perfect eſtate.

The Renued happineſſe of man.

EVen as when Saule turned his backe to goe awaye from Samuel, God chaunged him, and gaue him an other hart, and made him an other man: 1. Sam. 10.9. Euen ſo doth God, by changing the minds & wills of his elect, p. 652ſo ſecretly, as that they themſelues know not which way it is done; make them new men, and prepare them for his euerlaſting kingdome.

A Remnant ſaued.

1 AS a number of things ſhould yearely decay, & come to nought, except ſeeds of them were ſaued, whereof they are by ſowing renued: Euen ſo the people that beare Gods name vponupon earth, ſhould in the day of viſitation of their ſinnes be cleane and vtterly deſtroyed, as Sodom and Gomorrah, but that God ſpareth ſome Remnant to bee as it were a ſeed, for the encreaſing of his Church and people againe. Rom. 9.29.

2 As great and mightie vapors, with the force and power of the Sunne, are taken and lifted vp from the earth; and do ſeeke after the Sunne, by whoſe ſtrength and vertue they are carried vp on high, and growing into clouds, doo euen follow the Sunne: So there is a Remnant, and a little flocke of Chriſtes, that in a true and vnfained, and ſincere louelove of God, are lifted vp from the louelove of the world, and from all earthly, and fleſhly affections, ſo far as is poſſible, for a man in this life to bee, and doo ſeeke the Lord and his kingdome, in the ſingleneſſe of their hearts; and thinking the time of their abode heere, in this vale of all miſeries, too too long, they dayly ſigh and grone, for a diſſolution, & the comming of Chriſt, to iudge the quick and the dead. Eſa. 60.8, 9.

The portion of Reprobates.

LIke as of the ſhreddings of the Vine, cōmeth no profit, neither can they ſerue for any other vſe, but for the fire: So thoſe whome God cutteth and caſteth off from his Church, can ſerue for no other end, but for Hell fire. Ezech. 15.2. &c.

p. 653Reading is not preaching.

1 AS the ſmell or ſight of meate, doth good to the hungrie man, but it will not feede him, except he taſte of it: So by Reading of the Scriptures, men may hauehave ſome feeling & ſmell of Religion, but they ſhall neuer throughly taſte of it, without preaching.

2 As meate that is rawe and fat, may bee called good, but it is not to bee eaten, before it bee made ready and dreſſed: So are the Scriptures Reade, good, holy, and pure, but not ſufficient foode for the people, without preaching.

3 As is a whole Loafe ſet or caſt before children, which want ſtrength to cut it: Euen ſo is Reading without preaching, which indeed is a right cutting and diuiding of the bread of life, that euerie one may hauehave his ſeuerall portion. 1. Timo. 2.15.

4 Like as if one ſhoulde offer good treaſures to his friend, but yet ſuch as were hid, ſhut vp, and faſt locked, and could not bee come by, in thus dooing, hee ſhould mocke his friend: Euen ſo bare Reading without preaching, is bare feeding; becauſe preaching is an opening of the treaſures, to the ioy of Gods children.

5 As fire couered with aſhes, dooth little or nothing heate, or profit them that ſtand by it: Euen ſo bare Reading, is ſmally auaileable to the people, without preaching; which preaching, is an explaining and a diſcouering of hard and darke points.

Like as if the Husbandman, ſhould caſt whole ſtrikes and buſhels of Corne on his land together on heapes, he ſhould both looſe his labour and his ſeede: Euen ſo that Miniſter, that only Readeth the Scriptures in the Church and preacheth not, dooth looſe his labour, and deceiueth his auditorie.

p. 6547 As that Fiſher catcheth no fiſh, who ſhuffleth his Nettes on heapes, and not opening them: Euen ſo that Miniſter, that contenteth himſelfe, with the ſimple reading of the Scriptures in the Congregation, winneth no ſoules to God.

Refuſing the meanes.

1 AS we ſee many men at ſome times, not ſo much grieued for the ſickneſſe it ſelfe, as for that they hauehave willingly neglected the meanes, which might hauehave preſerued their health: or elſe for that they hauehave abuſed the phiſick that might hauehave reſtored their health to them againe: Euen ſo in like manner it fareth with thoſe, who hauehave either vnreuerently refuſed the meanes, which ſhould hauehave kept their ſoule from ſurfetting, or elſe vnthankfully hauehave abuſed thoſe helpes, which might hauehave recouered them againe.

2 As a riche man is ſometimes humbled, for not giuing money to the poore, which he might hauehave done: So likewiſe, ſome are much grieued, for not vſing their good gifts to the benefite of Gods Church; ſo alſo others are troubled for abuſing their gifts to the hurt of Gods Church.

The Reſurrection, a wofull day to the vnrepentant.

1 IF a man were bidden to goe to bedde, that after he had ſlept, and was riſen againe, he might goe to execution, it would make his heart to ake within him: yet this, yea a thouſand folde worſe is the ſtate of all impenitent ſinners; they muſt ſleepe in the graue for a while, and then riſe againe; that a ſecond death may be inflicted vponupon them, in bodie and ſoule; which p. 655is the ſuffering of the full wrath of God, both in bodie and ſoule, eternally. Ioh. 5.29.

2 Like as when a Traueller comes into an Inne, hauing but a penny in his purſe, who ſitting downe, calles for all ſtore of prouiſion and dainties, whoſe behauiour and doing, may be thought in the iudgement of all men, to be fooliſh and madde; becauſe hee ſpendes ſo freely, and hath no regarde to the reckoning which muſt follow: Euen ſo much more fooliſh and madde, is the practiſe of euerie man that liueth in his ſinnes, and bathing himſelfe in his pleaſures in this world; neuer bethinketh howe hee ſhall meete God at the laſt day of iudgement, and there make a reckoning for all his doings.

A Reward.

1 AS a Reward is giuen to a workeman, after his worke is done: So euerlaſting life is giuen vntounto the faithfull, after the trauailes and miſeries of this life ended. Rom. 6.23.

2 As hee which runneth a race, muſt continue and runne to the end, and then be crowned: Euen ſo muſt we continue to walke in good workes vntounto the ende, and then receiue our Rewarde, eternall life. 2. Timo. 4.8.

Reall preſence.

1 LIke as when a word is vttered, the ſound comes to the eare: and at the ſame inſtant, the thing ſignified, comes to the mind: and thus by relation, the word and the thing ſpoken of, are both preſent together: Euen ſo at the Lordes Table, Bread and Wine muſt not be conſidered barely, as ſubſtances and creatures, but as outwarde ſignes, in relation to the bodie and blood of Chriſt: and this relation, ariſing from the verie p. 656inſtitution of the Sacrament, ſtands in this, that when the elements of bread and wine are preſent to the hand and mouth of the receiuer; at the verie ſame time, the bodie and blood of Chriſt are preſented to the minde: thus and no otherwiſe, is Chriſt truly preſent with the ſignes.

2 As one Candle is lighted by an other, and one torch or candle light, is conueyed to twentie candles: Euen ſo the inherent righteouſneſſe of eueryevery beleeuer, is deriued from the ſtore-houſe of righteouſneſſe, which is in the manhood of Chriſt: for the righteouſneſſe of al the members, is but the fruite thereof; euen as the naturall corruption in all mankinde, is but a fruite of that originall ſinne which was in Adam.

Remiſsion of ſinne.

AS it is meete and needfull, that the inferiour ſeeke to the ſuperiour; the begger to him that is rich and liberall; the ſicke man to the Phyſition; the offendant, to the mercifull Prince: So it is the dutie of man, to ſeek for Remiſſion of ſinne, for ſpiritual life, health, and wealth, at the hands of God, the onelyonly giuer of all good things. Amo. 5.6 Math. 6.5. & 11.28.

Riches and dignities, make wicked men worſe.

AS great Flouds, and ſwelling Riuers, when they ouerflow their chanels, and do break through their banks by reaſon of their raging & violent ſtreams, and ſo ſpread and runne abroad, cannot fill and couer the fielde with water, but they hurt corne and graſſe, or what ſo elſe is in their way: So, great Riches, mightie powers, and high dignities, when they grow and encreaſe in wicked & vngodly men, doo not ſpread abroad, and runne ouer the fields, and limits of Common-wealths, but they do much harme: to wit, they polle and pill away, the riches & ſubſtance, of the ſilly weake, and poore men; they fill they… p. 657purſes, with the bloud of innocents; they build their houſes, and eſtabliſh their dignities, vponupon the diſgrace, and the oppreſſion of the Saints and ſeruants of God; and whatſoeuer is in their way, & to their liking, they carrie it with them, by hooke or crooke, by right or wrong; they care not who weepe, ſo they laugh; who be emptie, ſo they be full; who be vndone, ſo they be aduaunced: Here hence come ſlaughters, and murthers; thus are many brought into great calamities, and miſeries: But they that doo theſe things to others, do hurt themſelues moſt; for whiles they hurt others in their bodies, goods, or names, they kill their owne ſoules.

Our Religion is not new.

AS a man in trauelling, calleth it a new way, which hee neuer went before, though the way it ſelfe be of long continuance and knowne of olde: Euen ſo may this our way and doctrine bee well called a new Religion, not as though it were not before Poperie, which the Papiſts count ſo old, and is not; but becauſe that men through the the miſtie clouds of their errors and abuſes, neither ſo generally, nor ſo perfectly did knowe, or traced it before. Act. 17.18.

Where Religion is not, there is no wiſedome.

1 AS the one eye of the body, is ſo aſſiſting to the other, for the making perfect of our ſight together, that hauing the vſe of both, we attaine thereunto; and otherwiſe the one being blinded, the light of the other, is ſomewhat dimmed & ſhadowed, & perhaps in the end fadeth away, and leaueth vsus altogether in darkneſſe: Euen ſo ſtandeth the caſe betweene Religion & wiſdome (the lights of the mind) being linked & placed together in the mind of mā, as the eyes thereof, to giuegive light to his whole vnderſtanding; ſo that no wiſedome is to bee allowed without true p. 658Religion, & where Religion is not, there is no wiſedome.

2 As we account him rather blind, or blinking, then otherwiſe, that ſhall ſay he hath eyes ſound, pure & perfect, and yet in the open day, wil neuer ſhew vſe of them in the preſence of men, but continually be wimpled, and weare a veyle, ſo that no man can perceiue whether he do ſee or no: Euen ſo wiſedome is no wiſedome, and not to be accounted off in any, ſo long as it is diſſembled, and not employed, that other men may ſee good proofe thereof; for that Religion is no Religion, that ſheweth not it ſelfe by his plentifull fruites; ſo that what choyſe ſoeuer they that ſeeme wiſeſt or holieſt, make of Religion, doing it ſo as other men ſhall not be able to diſcerne it in them, nor to be witneſſes thereof, they are indeed to be eſteemed neither wiſe nor Religious.

3 As the Sunne, which hath his Globe, his light, & his heate, is ſo conioyned, and whereſoeuer the one ſhineth, the other cannot but warme: Or as the ſoule & body, are ſo compact in one, that the body cannot but perform the pleaſures of the ſame: Euen ſo in whom ſo euer true righteouſneſſe in Chriſt is, in him alſo ther cannot but be true Religion, the true feare of God, & holineſſe of life, which is the ſingular ſeruing of God, in the inward deſire of hart vnfainedly. Luk. 1.6. Pſal. 116.10. Act. 4.20. Iere. 20.9.

Rage.

AS Fire being kindled but with a ſmall ſparke, worketh otentimes great hurt and dammage, becauſe the fierceneſſe thereof, was not at the firſt abated: So anger being harbored in the heart, breaketh foorth oftentimes into much crueltie.

Riches oftentimes draw men to extreame daunger.

1 AS among a flocke of ſheepe, the Wolfe chuſeth out alwayes the beſt and the fatteſt; and the Eagle likewiſe p. 659taketh the fatteſt Gooſe in the field: Euen ſo do thoſe men that liue of ruine & ſpoyle, when as they are minded to forrage and purloyne for themſelues, they ſearch out the richeſt and beſt houſes, and thoſe fields, wherein there is the greateſt ſtore of Corne.

2 As we do with ſpunges, which wee ſqueeſe & ſtraine with out hands, to make them yeeld vsus that water, which they hauehave before ſoaked vp: So alſo Princes & great men, when they hauehave giuen their ſeruants the meanes to waxe wealthie, and that they hauehave taken great paine to enrich themſelues by a litle at once, then afore they be aware vponupon the ſuddaine, they laye hold vponupon them, and ſpoyle them of that they hauehave gathered.

Riches make couetous and prodigall men euill ſpoken off.

1 AS we ſee that Flies will ſtay no longer in a kitchen, then there is greace to nouriſh them: So flatterers, and claw backes, foole and bauds, which are vſually in the houſes of prodigall men, as ſoone as his wealth begins to diminiſh, & that he waxeth poore, they wil then ſtraightway giuegive them ouer; yea if hee be euill ſpoken of in their cōpanies, the ſame men, as wel as others, wil gretly blame him, for that he waſted his goods ſo riotouſly & ſo foliſhly.

2 Like as men doo with ſprings, which ſo long as they yeeld water, ſo long they are haunted, but when they bee once drie, there is no further reckoning made of them: So flatterers & brainleſſe perſons, whoſe tongues are as light as their mindes, ſuch as for a morfell of bread, or a meales meate, will praiſe or diſpraiſe whom you will; if the partie fall into pouertie by prodigalitie, they will then caſt him off, and make no account of him.

Some Repent to hauehave eaten too much.

AS many Repent that they hauehave ſpoken too much, but few that they hauehave bene too ſilent: So likwiſe it is true p. 660that many Repent themſelues, that they hauehave eaten too much, but no man ſorroweth for his temperance and ſobrietie.

Sinne in all men.

1 AS wee ſee thoſe riuers, which ſpring out of little Wells, are of the ſame nature, that the head & ſpring is, wherof they come, though they runne two or three hundreth miles off, through diuers countries: Or as thoſe Crabs, are ſower and bitter this day, which grow on the Crabtree, which is a hundreth or two hundreth yeares olde, becauſe the firſt roote and plant was ſower and bitter: So likewiſe wee all be Sinfull that bee borne of Adam, and ſower and bitter as hee was; becauſe he the firſt tree was ſuch a one, and the ſpring whereof we came, was corrupt and filthie. 1. Cor. 15.21, 22. Hebr. 7.9, 10. Rom. 5.12.

2 As there is no Bread without Branne, no Corne without Chaffe, no Garden without weedes, no Wine without Lees; no Gold without droſſe: So there is no wight that liueth, hath liued, or ſhall liue, onelyonly man, without Sinne.

Sinne how daungerous a thing it is.

1 AS it skilleth not whether the ſhippe ſinke, by ſipping and leaking in of the water in a long time, or whether it bee ouerwhelmed by ſurges at once: Euen ſo, whither little Sinnes, or great ſinnes worke our deſtruction, it is all one; therefore we muſt auoide and eſchue, not only great ſinnes, but little ſinnes alſo.

2 Like as if a Father ſhould bee ſicke of ſuch a diſeaſe, p. 661that nothing would heale him, but the heart bloud of his owne child; hee would preſently iudge his owne caſe to be daungerous; and would alſo vow, if euer he recouered, to vſe all meanes whereby he might auoid that diſeaſe: So likewiſe, ſeeing nothing could cure the deadly wound of our Sinne, but a playſter made of the heart bloud of Chriſt; it muſt make vsus acknowledge our pittifull caſe, and the hainouſneſſe of the leaſt of our ſinnes, and ſtirre vsus vp to newneſſe of life. 2. Cor. 5.19.

Saluation onelyonly in the Church.

1 AS Sothern-wood, will grow no where but in Gardens, where it is planted: So the godly wil not grow any where, but in the Church, and body of Chriſt, where they are engraffed.

2 Euen as it was neceſſarie, that they which ſhould be ſaued from the floud, ſhould be in the Arke: So likewiſe all they that will be ſaued from the floud of Gods wrath, muſt of neceſſitie bee in Chriſt, and ſo in the Church. Gene. 7.1. &c.

Sacrament of the Supper, compared with the Paſchall Lambe.

1 AS the Paſchal Lamb was inſtituted & eaten the night before the children of Iſrael were deliuered out of Egypt: So likewiſe was the Supper of the Lord, inſtituted and eaten the night before wee were deliuered from our ſinnes. Exod. 12.1. &c. 1. Cor. 11.24, 25. &c.

2 As the Paſchall Lambe was a very Lambe indeed: Euen ſo the Sacrament is very Bread and Wine indeed.

3 As the Paſchall Lambe was called the Lords paſſeouer, or paſſing by of the Lord, which deſtroyed the power of Pharao, & deliuered him: So the Sacrament is called the body and bloud of the Lord, which deſtroyeth the power of the diuell, and deliuereth vsus.

p. 6624 As the Children of Iſrael were but once deliuered from Egypt, notwithſtanding they did take eueryevery yeare a Lambe, to keepe the deed in perpetuall remembrance: Euen ſo Chriſt our Sauiour, bought and redeemed vsus but once for all, although the Sacrament thereof be often diſtributed and broken among vsus, to keepe the benefite in perpetuall memorie.

5 As many as did eate the Paſchall Lambe in faith, and beleeued Gods word, as touching theyr deliueraunce from Egypt, were as ſure of the ſame thorowe faith, as they were ſure of the Lambe by eating of it: So as manye as doo eate of the bodie and blood of Chriſt by faith, and beleeue Gods word, as touching theyr deliueraunce from Sinne, Death, Hell, and damnation, are as ſure of theyr deliueraunce thorow faith, as they are ſure of the bread by eating of it. &c.