A Treasury of Similes, Part T

A Treasury of Similes · Part T

p. 743Thankfulneſſe for Gods graces and benefits.

1 LIke as a Husband louing his wife tenderly, (to make his affection knowne vntounto her, by beſtowing vponupon her many great preſents, of Gold and coſtly Iewels,) is much grieued if ſhee diſſemble the giftes which hee hath beſtowed vppon her, and ſay ſhee hath purchaſed them by her owne money: Euen ſo God can in no wiſe be pleaſed with vsus, if we will conceale, or elſe attribute to our ſelues, the graces which he hath beſtowed vponupon vsus, which he would hauehave to be teſtimonies, tokens, and demonſtrations of the inuiolable louelove and fidelitie, that he beareth vntounto vsus. Deut. 8.1, 2, &c. & 9.1. &c.

2 As a Hare or a Conie, cannot chewe their cud, vnleſſe they hauehave champed it before: Euen ſo, if a man bee preſently Thankfull, after a benefit receiued, ſo ſhall hee be the more able to call it to mind afterwards.

Tale-bearers.

AS wood ſerueth to kindle & keepe fire: Euen ſo Tale-bearers, ſtirre vp, kindle, and nouriſheth ſtrife. Prou. 26.20.

Humane Traditions.

AS the flowers of Lyſimachus are faire to ſee, yet vnſauorie: So humaine Traditions make a faire ſhew, but there is no ſpiritual ſauour, or ſweetneſſe in them.

Time ſeruers.

1 AS the Apple tree, which in the Spring time buds and openeth it ſelfe, ſo that it dooth as it were become white, by reaſon of the bloſſomes; but a ſhower falling vponupon it, many of the bloſſomes are ſhaken off, and the froſt p. 744alſo dooth much more conſume them; afterward, when the fruite beginneth to ſpring foorth, ſome great winde, (much of it being come forth,) falleth downe, and when it waxeth ripe, the Cater-piller commeth, which, with other wormes, gnaweth & ſpoyleth it ſo much, that ſcarce the twentieth part, yea ſcarce the hundreth part; many times remaineth: Euen ſo it commeth to paſſe with the hearers of the Goſpell; in the beginning therof, eueryevery one coueteth to be a Proteſtant, and a good Chriſtian; euerie one liketh of it verie well; and the firſt fruites thereof are very pleaſaunt: but when winde, a ſhower, or tentation commeth, many fall away from it by companies: afterward ſects and ſeditions ariſe, which like vntounto woormes and cankers, gnawe and infect the fruites of the Goſpell, and ſo many falſe opinions ſpring vp, that very fewe doo perſeuere in the true profeſſion thereof. Math. 13.21, 21.

2 As the Reed is tottering, ſhaking, and yeelding eueryevery way with the leaſt winde that bloweth: So likewiſe be all ſuch as are weather-cockly Temporizers, as in their words & deeds be wauering, vncōſtant, ſlippery, changeable, fickle, faint-hearted, and dare not ſtoutly perſiſt in their conceiued opinion, but as (turn-coates) ſay and vnſay, doo, and vndoo. Math. 11.7. Luk. 7.24.

3 Euen as luke-warme water doth annoy the ſtomack ſo farre, that the ſtomack is conſtrained to caſt vp the ſame againe: So thoſe that be Time-ſeruers, and luke-warme profeſſours, are ſo offenſiue vntounto the Lord, that he muſt needs, and will at the laſt, ſpew them out of his mouth. Reue. 3.16.

4 Like as the Hedge-hog hath two holes in his ſide, one toward the South, an other toward the North, now when the ſouthren winde blowes, he ſtops vp that hole, and turnes him Northward; and when the Northren p. 745wind blowes, hee ſtops vp that hole likewiſe, and turnes him againe Southward: Euen ſo ſuch are are al Time-ſeruers and temporizers, they beleeue for a time, as long as the warme Sunne of proſperitie ſhines vponupon them; but as ſoone as any ſtorme of perſecution ariſeth, by and by they hauehave a ſtarting hole to hide themſelues in; they chaunge their Religion, and turne about with the time.

6 As a Top, which alwayes runnes round, and neuer goes forward vnleſſe it be whipt: Or as a Mil-horſe which making many ſteps, turnes about, & is continually found in the ſame place: Or as a doore which riding vppon his hinges all the day long, is neuer a whit nearer at night: So likwiſe Newters and Time-ſeruers, run beſide the marke, by going forward and backward in a Maze. Prou. 26.14. 2. Timo. 3.7.

7 As it was with the Tribe of Ephraim, which was as a Cake vponupon the harth not turned, bakte on the one ſide, & raw on the other ſide: Or as the Laodiceans, who were neither hote nor cold: So is it with all Time-ſeruers & Newters, their Cake is dough, as we ſay, and they hold of both ſides; and as Ambidexters with Ehud, they play with both hands; and as the Sunne in Ezechias time, they goe both forward and backward; running vp and downe, in and out, and yet indeed are neither aboue, nor beneath; neither within, nor without. Oſe. 7.8. Reue. 3.15. Iudg. 3.15. Eſay. 38.8.

8 As an Ennuche, which is a man, and no man: Or as a Pu…neiſe, which is a ſtone, and no ſtone: Or as a Bat, which is a Bird, and no Bird: Or as Fennell, which is a tree, and no tree: Euen ſo ſuch are Time-ſeruers, men-pleaſers, and Newters, which goe backwards and forwardes, who will be ſometimes Chriſtians, and no Chriſtians.

9 As a Weauers ſhettle, which if it goe forward one p. 746way, preſently goeth backward againe as much an other way: Or as a Weauer himſelfe, ſuch a one Penelope was, who woul doo, and vndoo, weauing that in the day time, which ſhee did vnweaue in the night: So in like manner, Time-ſeruers and Newters, build and deſtroy, doo and vndoo, ſay and vnſay; for no man doth more tranſgreſſe, then he that is doubtfull, and vncertaine in Religion, one while putting his foote forward, an other while pulling it backward againe. Iob. 7.6.

Teares.

LIke as when the body receiues a deepe wound, at the firſt, yee ſhal ſee nothing but a white line or dint made in the fleſh, without any bloud; yet ſtay but a while, then comes bloud from the wound in great aboundance: So at the firſt the minde is aſtoniſhed and giues no Teares; but after ſome reſpite and conſideration, Teares follow.

Time.

1 LIke as a treaſure, the more precious it is, the more warily and diligently the owner thereof will ſafely keepe it, and take better heede vntounto it: Euen ſo Time (conſidering nothing is more precious) ſhould warily be vſed, and good care taken, that it be not loſt, without ſome profit gotten.

2 As they are worthie to bee puniſhed, that lewdly ſpend their money, and waſte away their lands, in riote, exceſſe, and prodigalitie: Euen ſo they are much more to be blamed, that either idly, or vngodly ſpent their Time, which is the greateſt treaſure that God giueth. For mony and riches being loſt & waſted, may be recouered againe; but Time vainely ſpent can neuer be recouered againe.

3 As there is no man that looſeth money or any other thing, but ſome gaineth and getteth good by it: But the loſſe of Time turneth to no mans auaile.

p. 7474 As from the Ship, men through their ſwift ſayling, trees and Townes ſeeme as it were to depart: So through the ſwift courſe of Time, firſt childhood departeth, then youth, and ſo at the length old age.

5 As men when they are dead and returned againe to duſt, cannot praiſe God, nor declare his name, nor the great things which hee hath done for them: Euen ſo wee are to take Time, while Time ſerueth, and muſt doo thoſe things whilſt we are aliue, that belong to our callings, for to that end was our life giuen vsus. Eſa. 29.5. Pſal. 30.9.

Time of peace more daungerous then of perſecution.

AS the Sunne and Wind, agreed on a day to prooue their ſeueral ſtrengths, in taking a cloake from a way-fairing man; and in the forenoone, the wind vſed all violence he could to blow off the ſaid cloak; but the more he blew, the more faſt held the traueller his cloake, and gathered it more cloſely about him. At afternoone the Sun ſent forth his pleaſant beames, and by little and litle ſo entered and heated this man, as he cauſed him to yeeld and put off, not only his cloake, but alſo his coate: So likewiſe the allurements of pleaſure are more ſtrong and harder to be reſiſted, then the violence of perſecution. As the example of Dauid declareth, who reſiſteth eaſily many aſſaults, in Time of aduerſitie; but yet fell dangerouſly in Time of proſperitie; ſo that godly men hauehave no leſſe war in Time of peace, then in Time of perſecution; and that there neuer wanteth occaſion of bearing the Croſſe and ſuffering affliction, to him that will accept of the ſame. 2. Sam. 11.

Truth.

1 EVen as the nearer that Gold and Siluer are put to the fire, ſo much the ſurer proof they hauehave of their goodneſſe & finneſſe: So the Lords Truth, the more exactly it is wayed with ſpirituall examination, ſo much the greater p. 748confirmation of credite it receiueth.

2 As the froath of the Sea daſhing vponupon the Rockes, doth againe fall off, when the Rockes are immooueable: So is Truth the vaniſher of all calamities, and cannot bee vtterly oppreſſed.

3 Like as by ſtriking of two flints together, there commeth out fire: So it may be, that ſometimes by contention, the Truth which is hidden in a dark peace, may come to light; which by a peace in naughtineſſe and wickedneſſe, being as it were buried vnderunder the ground, doth not appeare.

Tyrant.

1 LIke as the Serpent Aſpis of Africke, whereas (Plinie ſaith) the male and female goe alway together, and if one of them be ſlaine, the other doth continually followe the ſlear, till he hauehave ſtriken him, although he be in a great aſſembly of people, except he paſſe ouer a ryuer: So a Tyrants Sonne, or the like Tyrant, will neuer ceaſe to ſeeke reuengement, vntil he either deſtroy others, or elſe be deſtroyed himſelfe.

2 As the rinde of the Seale-fiſh, and the gall of Hyena, be effectuall remedies againſt ſundrie ſickneſſes: So God vſeth Tyrants, and wicked men ſometimes, for the correction of vice.

3 As in fiſhing, when the fiſhes bee deceiued with the baite, hauehave the Hookes in their mouths, men draw them, and make them follow, whither ſo euer pleaſe them: Euen ſo God withdraweth mightie Tyrantes, from executing their deuiſes, and from obtaining their enterpriſes.

Threatnings.

AS ſometimes it thundreth, without lightning, which thunder bringeth moſt terrour, but voide of all daunger: So the Threatnings of ſome doo appeare terrible, p. 749yet are they voide of all trouble and hurt Eſay. 37.29.

Trade of life.

1 AS the Oxe is moſt apt for the plough, the Horſe for the carte, and the hound for hunting: So ought men to chuſe that occupation, and Trade of life, wherunto by nature they are moſt apt.

2 As he which hath no houſe of his owne, wandereth here and there: So he which followeth no certaine Trade of life, muſt fooliſhly aſſay many ſorts and chaunces.

Thoughts.

LIke as the Lord requireth an account of euerie idle word: Euen ſo he requireth tribute of wicked luſts & Thoughts, arrayneth them, keepeth a court for them, and ſetteth fines and mercements, vppon the heads of them. Math. 12.36. Rom. 7.7. Iam. 1.15. Math. 9.4.

Temperate.

LIke as it is in vaine to ſhut the outter Gates of a Citie, if but one bee left open, whereat the enemie may enter: So it is not enough to bee Temperate in other things, (that is to hauehave a firme and moderate gouernment of reaſon, againſt vicious affections of the mind) if we ſet open our eares vntounto ribauldrie and filthie talke.

Tongue.

1 AS ryuers be compaſſed with banks, leaſt they ſhould flow ouer: So ought our Tongue to be walled with reaſon, leaſt it ſhould be ouer buſie in babling. Iam. 3.2. &c. 1. Pet. 3.10.

2 As beaſts and birds by mans induſtrie are tame: Euen ſo contrariwiſe the Tongue of man, is ſo vnruely that no man can tame it. Iam. 3.7, 8.

3 As a very little fire kindleth neuer ſo great a heape of matter, apt to be kindled: Euen ſo the Tongue ſetteth the whole courſe of nature on fire, & is kinled it ſelfe of hell. Iam. 3.5, 6.

p. 7504 As a ſharpe Raſour with the leaſt touch that can be, ſhaueth and cutteth: So dooth alſo the Tongue of a miſchieuous lying man. Pſal. 52.2.

5 As a Ship though neuer ſo great and huge, is turned about with a verie ſmall Rudder: Euen ſo the Tongue, though it be a ſmall member, oftentimes ouer-ruleth the whole bodie, and ſetteth it out of courſe. Iam. 3.4.

6 As it is vnpoſſible that a Figge-tree ſhould be able to bring forth Oliues, or a Vine Figges: So it cannot be, that that Tongue which is giuen to euil ſpeaking and ſlaundering, ſhould be able to bring foorth any good thing, not defiled with the venim of the Tongue and the heart. Iam. 3.11, 12.

7 As Fire, (Chaffe and Stubble being added vntounto it, or any thing apt to burne,) will burne it cleane vp; yea if Townes, if Cities, yea & the whole world be added therto, it will burne them vp all: So likewiſe, if words be added to the Tongue, then backbiting, ſlaundering, ſwearing, lying, &c. it will at the laſt ſet whole Kingdomes on fire.

Talke.

1 AS the Muſitian with the ſoft ſtriking of ſtrings doth pleaſe vsus: So the Talke that is gentle, dooth ſooner perſwade, then that, which is rigorous and extreame.

2 As the Eaſt wind is accounted neither good for man nor beaſt: Euen ſo Talke, and words that profit not, are not wont to proceed from the wiſe. Iob. 15.2, 3.

3 As the ſauour of ſtinking carrion is noyſom to them that ſmel it: So is the ſpeech of fooles, tedious to wiſe men that heare it.

4 As a Veſſell is knowne by the ſound, whether it be whole or broken; So are men prooued by their ſpeech, whether they be wiſe or fooliſh.

p. 751Two natures in the perſonall vnion of Chriſt.

LIke as in that one perſon of Chriſt, there be Two natures: So there is a dubble will, working, wiſedome, ſtrength, power, vertue, &c. the one heauenly, and not created; the other humane, and created. Luk. 2.52. Mar. 11.13. & 13.32. 1. Iohn 2.1, 17. Iohn 2.25. & 6.64. & 5.20. Heb. 1.9. Iohn 1.33. & 4.6. Heb. 1.3. Iohn 2.19, & 10.18.

Teſtimonie of the ſpirit in the elect.

AS Marchants being deſirous to ſell their wares, are content to let the buyer ſee & handle, and ſometimes alſo taſte of the ſame, thereby to induce them to buy: Euen ſo God Almightie, willing (as it were) to ſell vsus the ioyes of heauen, is content to impart a certaine taſte before hand, to ſuch as he ſeeth are willing to buy; thereby to make them come off roundly with the price, and not to ſticke in paying ſo much as he requireth.

Falſe Teachers.

AS emptie Cloudes, which boaſt of raine, but yet hauehave none, are blowne away with the winde: Euen ſo falſe and vntrue Teachers, who bragge of great things, yet they bring not that which they boaſt off. 2. Pet. 2.17. Hoſe. 13.3. Iude. ver. 12.

Trouble of conſcience.

1 AS the Angel did ſay that ther ſhalbe no more death, neither ſorrow, neither crying, neither ſhal there be any more paine: So after that we are at peace with God, it is moſt true, that there ſhal be no more Trouble of conſcience. Reue. 21.14.

2 As it is a chiefe point of worldly wiſedome, not to tarrie for the vſe of phiſicke, vntill we be deadly ſicke, but to be acquainted with Gods merciful preſeruation to defend vsus from it: So likewiſe it is a chiefe pollicie of a good p. 752Chriſtian, not onelyonly to ſeeke comfort, when the agonie and Trouble of Conſcience is vponupon him, but alſo to vſe all good helpes to meet with it before it comes.

3 Like as we condemne them of folly, who will not as well labour to keep themſelues out of debt, as alſo to pay the debt, when they owe it: So likewiſe, it is a madneſſe not to be circumſpect to auoyd all occaſions, which may bring Trouble of minde or Conſcience vponupon them: As alſo they would be prouident to enter eueryevery good way, which may drawe them out of this Trouble, when they hauehave once entered into it.

Types of truth.

AS the Rauen was a figure of the Lawe of God, which threatned al ſinners: So the floud was a reuengement ſent from Almightie God, vponupon all offenders. Gene. 8.6. &c.

Trinitie.

LIke as if three Kings equall in dignitie, ſhould meete all in one place, being equall alſo in power and maieſtie, if all three ſhould ſit downe, though one be no better then an other, yet one of them muſt needs ſit downe the firſt, and another in the ſecond place, and then the third; but yet we cannot ſay, that he which ſat downe firſt is the chiefeſt: So it is in the Trinitie, though none be greater or aboue another, yet the Father is in the firſt place, not becauſe he is before the Sonne, or the holy Ghoſt, in dignitie or honour; but becauſe hee is the fountaine of the Deitie, the Sonne being from him, and the holy Ghoſt from them both.

2 As light proceeding from the fire, is neuer ſeperated from it, neither is one of them before the other: So it is with Chriſt and his Father.

p. 753Temptation.

LIke as a skilful labourer that riueth wood, who hauing a great knottie Logge or tree to cleaue, hath alſo diuers wedges for the purpoſe, and euerie one bigger then an other, and entreth with the leaſt firſt, and it maketh way and enterance for a bigger; and it againe for the biggeſt of all; and ſo by little and little, the Logge or tree, is cleft into many ſmall peeces, and made fit for the fire: Euen ſo, when Sathan purpoſeth to make a ſpoyle of the graces of God in the ſoule of any, he vſeth ſundrie Temptations & deuiſes for his purpoſe, and euerie one of them differing from an other.

Straunge Tongues edifie not.

AS it were a madnes, or at the leaſt a great folly, for one man in communicating with an other, to ſpeake in a Tongue which the other vnderſtandeth not: Euen ſo, it is much more folly for a man to ſpeake to a multitude, or a whole Congregation, in that ſort or order; and to ſpeake Latine, Greeke, or Hebrew, to the vnlearned multitude at Church. 2. Cor. 14.9, 11, 23.

Truth not to be found with falſe Prophets.

AS Welles drie in the bottome, deceiue them which ſeeke for water in them: So they which looke to learn a Truth at the handes of falſe Prophets, are deceiued of their expectation. Eſay. 12.3. 2. Pet. 2.17.

Trouble and afflictions, doo further vsus to the right knowledge of our ſinnes.

LIke as the hard Copper & Tinne, doo melt in the fire: Euen ſo in Trouble and affliction, our hard, rough, and ſtubborne hearts doo melt, and fall to miſliking and loathing their ſinnes. Gene. 43.18. Numb. 21.7.

p. 754Chriſtians through Trouble and aduerſitie, are made bold and heartie.

AS one that hath ſayled oft vponupon the Sea, and prooued and eſcaped great and dangerous tempeſts, and hath beene ſore toſſed with the fearefull waues, is afterward the more bold & hardie to goe vntounto the Sea, for as much as he hath euer eſcaped wel, and come home ſafely: Euen ſo a Chriſtian man, whome the croſſe hath oft aſſaulted and exerciſed, for as much as he hath alwaies found comfort, ayde, and helpe of God, afterward hee truſteth God, the longer, the more, though the ſame affliction and aduerſitie come againe vntounto him, that he had before. 1. Sam. 11.34, 35, 36. 2. Cor. 1.9, 10, 11.

Troubles and afflictions are meanes to trie vsus withall.

1 LIke as thoſe are the moſt honeſt, and moſt chaſt Matrones, which being ſore tempted, aſſaulted, and prouoked vntounto wickedneſſe, doo neuertheleſſe keepe their ſpouſe faith, towards their Husbands vndefiled: Euen ſo can no man know nor prooue perfectly, how the Church of Chriſt keepeth her ſpouſe and bridgrome Ieſus Chriſt, vntil ſuch time as Antichriſt aſſaulteth and tempteth her, with falſe doctrine, tyrannie and perſecution.

2 As ſuch Trees as hauehave ſtrong and deepe rootes, and ſufficient naturall ſap, no violent heate of the Sunne can hurt or harme them; but ſuch as are felled and cut downe, are ſoone dried vp with the heate of the Sunne; and as the graſſe that is mowne downe doth ſoone wither: Euen ſo likewiſe ſuch faithfull Chriſtians as are rooted in Chriſt Ieſu, cannot Troubles and afflictions hurt, they grow and waxe greene notwithſtanding; but the vnfaithfull do betray themſelues, and ſhew what they are, as ſoone as they ſee any heate of Trouble or perſecution comming.

p. 7553 As with one Flayle, are both the ſtalkes and eares of the Corne beaten, and alſo the corne it ſelfe threſhed and purged out: Euen ſo with one manner of Trouble and affliction, are the faithful purged, and prouoked to pray vntounto God, and to laud and magnifie him; and the vnfaithfull alſo are prouoked to curſe; and ſo are they both tried, prouoked, and knowne. Eſa. 41.15. Amo. 1.3.

4 Like as when the Corne is threſhed, the kernell lieth mixed among the Chaffe, and afterward are they diſſeuered aſunder with the Fanne or wind: Euen ſo the people in the Church, doo firſt heare the preaching of Gods word; but ſome ſtumble, repine, & are offended, and yet they dwell together one with an other; but when they are fanned, and when the wind of Trouble and affliction beginneth once a little to blowe, then it is eaſie to ſunder and to know the one from the other, the faithful from the vnfaithfull.

5 As a rotten and an old weake houſe, ſtandeth a while for a time; but as ſoone as a wind commeth and bloweth, it appeareth vntounto all men how feeble the foundation and ſtay of it was: Euen ſo are there ſuch Chriſtian men, without ground or foundation, which as long as all things go well and proſper with them, they will ſeeme to bee good Chriſtians; but in time of Trouble and perſecution, their diſſimulation is knowne, and breaketh out. Deut. 8.2.

6 Like as proſperitie ſhutteth and bindeth the eyes of men: Euen ſo likewiſe Trouble and aduerſitie doth open them.

7 As the Salue, that remedieth the diſeaſes of the eyes, dooth firſt bite and grieue the eyes, and maketh them to water, but yet afterward the eye ſight is clearer and more ſharpe then it was: Euen ſo Trouble and affliction doo grieue and vexe men wonderfully at the firſt, but afterward p. 756it helpeth and lightneth the eyes of the minde, that it is more reaſonable, wiſe, and circumſpect; for trouble bringeth experience, and experience, bringeth wiſdome.

Trouble and aduerſitie, giueth vsus occaſion to pray vntounto God.

LIke as Water, as long as it floweth, and runneth ouer the euen, plaine, wide, and broad fields, breaketh not out by no violence, but diſpearſeth and ſpreadeth it ſelfe abroad eueryevery where alike: but when it is gathered together by cunning and skill, and conueyed into a narrowe roome, as into a pipe, or cōduit, then it ſpringeth & ſpouteth out an high: Euen ſo the mind of man, as long as it is quiet, idle, and without ſorrow or Trouble, it walketh and wandreth abroad at large, and at libertie: but when it is brought in, reſtrained and driuen to a ſtraight and a narrow iſſue, thorow Trouble and aduerſitie, it breaketh out aloft vntounto God in heauen, with an earneſt, heartie, and a feruent prayer; for grace, aide, and comfort: Wherevpon is a common prouerbe ſprung: Neede and neceſſitie, teacheth men to pray. Eſay. 26.16, 17. 1. Sam. 7.2, 3, 4. 2. Chro. 33.12, 13.

Trouble and aduerſitie, do further vsus to vertue and godlineſſe.

1 AS Water, that is continually ſtanding, how cleare ſo euer it ſeeme, yet it is corrupt and naught; but that water which hath his continuall courſe, the more it ruſheth and ſtrugleth ouer the ſtones and ſandes, the more liuely, fr…ſh, and better it is: Euen ſo a godly man in the time of proſperitie, and abſence of the croſſe, is ſluggiſh, dull, and litherly; but thorow the croſſe and affliction, he is quickened and exerciſed, and increaſed in all goodneſſe.

2 As ruſtie and cankard yron, thorow the File is made p. 757bright and ſmooth: So likewiſe our old ruſtie Adam, hath need of Trouble and aduerſitie, to cleanſe and purge vsus from the cankered ruſt of ſinne.

3 Like as a Knife, though it be neuer ſo ſmooth, if it be not vſed, it waxeth ruſtie; and the ſame ruſt fretteth it, and marreth it: but the more that it is occupied, though it be ſomewhat worne thereby, yet it is the more bright: Euen ſo, although a man hath a good nature and inclination, if hee be not occupied and exerciſed with Trouble and aduerſitie, he waxeth ruſtie, cankard, & rotten: but through the croſſe and tribulation, though the ruſt hauehave wonne ſomewhat of him, being a man, and of himſelfe weak, yet he ſhall thereby be made more bright, cleare and beautifull againe. Leuit. 26.14. &c. Hebr. 12.11.

4 As the ſeede that is caſt into the fielde, muſt ſuffer the winde, rayne, ſnowe, froſt, and all manner of tempeſts, and yet it waxeth, and bringeth foorth fruite: Euen ſo the ſpirituall ſeede, which is the word of God, being receiued of a deuout, and a feruent heart, is not deſtroied thorow Trouble; but bringeth forth right good and profitable fruite.

5 As a Walnut-tree, the more it is beaten, the better it is, and not the worſe: Euen ſo man thorow many ſtripes and muche aduerſitie, turneth from ill, and waxeth good. 1. Pet. 4.12.

6 As there is nothing better for the thick skinne of an Horſe or an Aſſe, then a verie ſharpe whip, to yerke him with: Euen ſo, there is nothing more fit and profitable for our ſtubburne and hautie fleſh, then much ſorrowe and vexation; whereby it may bee ſtirred and pricked forward.

7 As Woollen-cloath muſt be often beaten and bruſhed, leaſt moathes breede in it: Euen ſo ſhall ſpirituall p. 758Moathes and wormes, to wit, wickedneſſe, ſinne, and abhomination, hauehave the leſſe power to breede in vsus, if we be well bruſhed and beaten in time, with Trouble, affliction and aduerſitie. Prou. 20.30.

8 As Fleſh, that commeth freſh out of the ſhambles vnſalted, waxeth ſoone vnſauerie, and wormes breede in it; but the ſalt with his ſharpneſſe, keepeth it ſweete from corruption: Euen ſo doth God caſt and ſprinkle ſalt vponupon vsus, thorow diuers temptations and afflictions, that they may bite and ſeaſon vsus, that wee corrupt not, nor periſhe in ſinne.

9 Like as that body that is alwayes idle, and neuer mooueth, nor hath no exerciſe, is eaſily ſubiect vntounto ſickneſſe and infirmities; but thoſe bodies, that hauehave their exerciſe and labour, are more luſtie and ſound, and can better continue: Euen ſo the ſoule, that is well exerciſed with Trouble and affliction, hath occaſion & cauſe to be beautifull, ſound, and cleare.

10 As Lie the ſharper it is, the cleaner it taketh away al manner of filth out of cloathes: Euen ſo the greater and ſharper our Trouble and aduerſitie is, the more filth and inconuenience it draweth and biteth, from our corrupt and poyſoned nature.

11 As Worme-wood is very good and wholeſome, for a raw and weake ſtomacke, which is of a naughtie digeſtion: Euen ſo bitter Trouble and affliction, is verie wholſome and neceſſarie, for the weak and feeble ſoule.

Trouble and ſorrow doo helpe and further vsus toward the feare and louelove of God.

1 LIke as when a Treſpaſſer is led out to bee headed, hanged, burnt, or otherwiſe to bee puniſhed; other that ſee him, doo learne to feare and to beware of that thing, which brought the offender to his laſt end: Euen ſo p. 759when God ſendeth any plague, either vponupon ſome ſpeciall perſon, or elſe vponupon ſome whole Commonaltie, all other ought ſo to conſider the ſame, as though they themſelues were in the place of the afflicted perſon; as though his Trouble and ſorrow were their owne; that they may the rather feare God, and take heed, that they fall not into the like vengeance of God. 1. Pet. 4.17, 18.

2 As a Dogge that is of a good nature, if his Maiſter ſtrike him, yet he loueth his Maſter notwithſtanding, and fawneth vponupon him: Or as a good child, although his Father or Mother beate him, yet he loueth them neuertheleſſe, and deſireth to hauehave their fauour againe: Euen in like manner are true Chriſtians minded towards their heauenly Father; but ſuch children as bee wicked, and of an euill diſpoſition, when they bee a little ſcourged, they runne away from their Fathers, and murmure againſt them.

Trouble is good and profitable to teach men patience.

1 LIke as men vſe to clip and to cut ſhorter the feathers of Birds, or other foules, when they begin to flie too high, or too farre from them: Euen ſo doth God diminiſh our riches, poſſeſſions, eſtimation, honour, authoritie and power, that we ſhuld not paſſe our bounds, and glorie too much of ſuch gifts.

2 As the body, when it is wearied and conſumed with labour and trauell, deſireth eaſe and reſt that it may lie ſtil: Euen ſo the ſoule, being laden and oppreſſed with Trouble and affliction, is brought to a narrow iſſue, and then it haſteth after reſt & quietneſſe, and nothing vexeth it leſſe then pride. Dan. 3.1. &c. 29. & 4.31. 2. Cor. 12.7.

3 As a peece of yron, or of Siluer, ſtriken or beaten with an hammer, waxeth broader, thinner, ſmoother, and ſofter: Euen ſo the ſtonie and hard hearts of men, thorow p. 760heauineſſe, and aduerſitie, are made more buxom and plyant, that a man may winde them (as a man might ſay) euen round about his finger.

4 As a curſt wilde Colte, hath a Snaffle put into his mouth, that he bite not him that handleth him: Euen ſo the Snaffle of the croſſe and aduerſity, doth let and hinder vsus (being froward, furious, and full of ſpite, malice, and reuengement) that we commit the leſſe wickedneſſe, abhomination, and vncharitableneſſe, in our liues. 2. Chro. 33.1, 2.9.11. &c. Act. 9.2, 3, 4.

5 Like as when a man hath bene a long ſeaſon healthfull, and without any manner of ſickneſſe, he cannot take ſickneſſe by and by ſo patiently, as he ought to doo: Euen ſo likewiſe, hee that neuer felt any affliction or aduerſitie, whenſoeuer any happen vntounto him, hee is ſore vexed with impatientneſſe; but aduerſitie teacheth men patience, and practiſeth them therein. Rom. 5.3, 4.

6 As men eate diuers things by morſels, which if they ſhould eate whole, would choak them: So by diuers daies wee ſuffer Troubles, which if they ſhould all come together, they would make an end of vsus in one day.

Trouble maketh men temperate.

AS the Phyſition, when he perceiueth that his patient will eate ouermuch, and will waxe too fat, he meaſureth and reſtraineth him, and by breaking ſomwhat from him, hee reſtoreth him to his health againe, and ſo ſaueth him: Euen ſo, when wee doo ſhamefully miſuſe Wine, Corne, bread, and drinke, and other giftes and creatures of God, to maintaine drunkenneſſe, ſurfetting, exceſſe and riot, then dooth God puniſh vsus with hunger, dearth, penurie, and with other plagues, that we ſhould learne therby, to bee temperate and to keepe meaſure, and to vſe his benefits thankfully.

p. 761Trouble teacheth men to contemne the world.

1 LIke as he that taketh a iourney in hand, and goeth into a ſtraunge Countrie, when hee commeth into a pleaſant Towne, where he meeteth merie companie and good companions, peraduenture he ſpendeth away the time, and tarrieth too long among them, and ſo forgetteth his houſhold and things at home; but if one hard miſchaunce after an other happen vntounto him, then he maketh the more haſte home again to his wife & children, where he hath more reſt & quietneſſe: Euen ſo, when theſe tranſitorie things, as riches, health, beautie, honour and dignitie, happen vntounto vsus, if we wil once gape vponupon them, and delight ſo much in them, that we doo the leſſe regard and eſteeme the heauenly life; then will God make the way rough & crabbed vntounto vsus here in this life, that we ſhould not take and eſteeme this tranſitorie life in this world, for our right naturall Countrie, towards the which wee take our iourney. Pſal. 137.1. &c.

2 As a man muſt ſomtimes ſpurre his Horſe, although he be a good and quicke Horſe, that ſo hee may goe and runne the faſter and ſpeedier: Euen ſo we cannot goe forward in our vocation and calling, ſo ſpeedily, nor ſo wel as we ought to do, except we be prickt forward with ſharpe ſpurres and ſcourges.

3 Like as when the Maiſter ſtriketh his ſlouthfull, dull, and ſleepie ſeruant, then he laboureth the more diligently, and is more profitable vntounto him: Euen ſo we all for the moſt part of vsus, hauehave the nature of ſuch ſlouthfull and ſluggiſh ſeruants; which will doo nothing well, except we be driuen by compulſion, and euen whipped and beaten vntounto it.

4 As thoſe be euill ſeruants, which will doo nothing, vnleſſe a man bee euer vppon their bones with a cudgell, p. 762yea, and then wil doo nothing well neither; yet notwithſtanding, muſt a man neuer ceaſe driuing and forcing of them, vntil ſuch time as they begin to amend, and to ſerue willingly, & with a good hart: Euen ſo although no compelled ſeruice, that is violently wroong out of a man, doth pleaſe God, yet the continuall inuring and exerciſing in goodneſſe, may make it at length ſo pleaſant and delectable vntounto vsus, that we ſhall hauehave delight therein.

Troubles and aduerſities, is a furtherance to eternall life.

1 LIke as the Corne is firſt threſhed, Fanned, and rid from the Chaffe, and then laide vp and reſerued in the Garner: Euen ſo godly Chriſtians vponupon earth, are beaten, miſhandled, euill intreated, whereby they are purged and rid of many wild & light maners, and ſo are brought into the euerlaſting Barne of the kingdome of heauen.

2 As no man can triumph or be crowned, except hee hath foughten, and warred manfully, which cannot bee without great daunger, labour and trauel: Euen ſo can no man attaine to the crowne of eternall life, except he hath firſt ſuffered much Trouble, ſorrow, & aduerſitie. 1. Cor. 9.24, 25. 2. Timo. 1.8. 2. Timo. 4.7, 8. 1. Pet. 5.1. Iam. 1.12.

3 As the man that is ſicke, muſt receiue the purgation and medicine, how ſower or bitter ſo euer it be, that hee may the ſooner recouer his health againe, and not die: Euen ſo when we ſuffer the hand of God, to rule and order vsus, being content and patient therewith, although it ſmarteth and grieueth vsus, yet it ſhall profit and helpe vsus, to euerlaſting health and ſoundneſſe. Math. 5.4, 10. & 7.13, 14. Luk. 6.21.

Ordinarie meanes to auoide Trouble, are not to bee condemned or refuſed.

1 LIke as a Shipmaiſter, being vponupon the water, and foreſeeing a tempeſt to bee at hand, calleth vppon Gods p. 763ayde and helpe, and yet for all that, hee hath a ſure eye to the ſterne, to rule that as hanſomely and cunningly as he can: Euen ſo in like manner of neceſſities, and perils, it is lawfull, and men ought alſo to vſe all manner of honeſt and conuenient meanes; as Phyſicke and medicines, in ſickneſſe; labour and trauel with the ſweate of our browes in pouertie; the power and authoritie of the Magiſtrate in wrong, iniurie, debate, and diſſention; battell array againſt the enemies of our Countrie, and ſuch like; ſo that no man build nor truſt in any manner of thing, ſauing in the very liuing God onelyonly, which can helpe, deliuer and remedie all things, without any middle or meane, if there were none at all. Act. 27.10. &c.

2 As weake, tender and diſeaſed eyes, are refreſhed and quickned, with greene and freſhe pleaſant colours: Euen ſo, cumbred and Troubled minds are wonderfully refreſhed, receiued, and reſtored to ſtrength, through ſeemely, honeſt, and meaſurable myrth and paſtime; as by hearing of inſtruments of Muſicke, by walking abroad, by altering and chaunging of the ayre, and by going out of ſuch places as bee obſcure and darke, into ſuch as bee verie lightſome; and eſpecially for a man in his Trouble, to viſite his ſpeciall friends, or to bee viſited of them.

God deliuereth from Trouble in due ſeaſon.

LIke as God ſeeth the Trouble and affliction of his Church, how it is vexed: Euen ſo hath hee appointed a iuſt time, how long hee will ſuffer the wicked to take their pleaſure, and how farre they ſhall goe and attempt; and when that is expired, no longer nor no further can they goe. Iere. 25.1. vntounto 15. & 29.10. Pſal. 46.1. &c. Math. 28.20.

p. 764God helpeth and comforteth ſuch as are in Trouble, by his word and ſpirit.

1 LIke as a Captaine in warre; giueth his Souldiers that are vnderunder him, a great courage, by ſpeaking manfully and comfortably vntounto them: Euen ſo God will hauehave his word dayly to bee publiſhed and proclaimed abroad to thoſe that are in Trouble, to the ende to encourage his Souldiers, that fight vnderunder his banner. Math. 18.20.

2 As in Winter, the trees although they ſeeme, not only vnfruitfull, but alſo vtterly dead; yet the Sunne with his comming, (when the winter hath taken her leaue,) doth ſo mollifie, reſolue, and warme, both the earth it ſelfe, and the trees, that they bud out againe, waxe greene, & bring foorth fruit: Euen ſo when the faithfull are eſteemed, and ſeeme as though they were depriued and deſtitute of all helpe, and as it were vtterly forſaken in time of Trouble; yet dooth the heauenly ſpirit of God, lighten, warme, and ſtrengthen their hearts to all goodneſſe.

God ſometime mittigateth Troubles, that wee may the more eaſily ouercome them.

1 AS a Captaine giueth ſometime his Souldiers libertie to take their reſt, eaſe, and paſtime, that they may ſomewhat refreſhe themſelues, and afterward fight the more manfully and freſhly: Euen ſo our ſpirituall Captaine, graunteth ofttimes vntounto his Children, a certaine recreation, eaſe and reſt, whereby they may refreſhe and reuiue themſelues, that they may afterwarde handle themſelues the more valiantly in their ſpirituall affaires.

2 Like as a man of warre, hath a luſt and a courage to fight, hauing diuers valiant ſeruants about him, which will ſuffer him to take no wrong: Euen ſo the holy Angels, doo compaſſe about and defend vsus, that in all manner p. 765of Trouble and affliction, wee are bolde and able to ſtand and continue it valiantly. Pſal. 34.7. &c. 2. King. 6.17. &c. & 19.35.

3 Like as a ſicke perſon, although hee doubt nothing of the faithfulneſſe, honeſtie, and tenderneſſe of his Phyſition or Surgion towards him, yet for al that, deſireth him to handle his wound, and to dreſſe him eaſily, and tenderly, as is poſſible for him: Euen ſo in like manner may wee call vponupon God, that if it bee not againſt his honour & glorie, hee will vouchſafe to giuegive ſome mittigation and eaſement of our paine; and ſpecially wee muſt deſire of him, to graunt vsus ſtrength that we faint not, nor bee ouercome with the feare or greatneſſe of our ſorrow and griefe, by reaſon of our great Troubles, whereby we might forſake him, and fall into ſome wickedneſſe. Pſal. 50.15. & 91.15. Iohn. 14.13.

Patience in Trouble verie needfull.

1 AS a Lambe or a ſheepe is led vntounto the ſlaughter, and neuer crieth, nor openeth the mouth, but ſuffereth and abideth it patiently and meekly: Euen ſo ought the children of God, when they are accurſed and reuiled, not to curſe or reuile againe; when they are ſmitten, not to ſmite againe, but to ſuffer all manner of ſmart and paine; and not once to bleare, or to open their mouths againſt it. Eſa. 53.7. Iere. 11.19. Math. 5.10, 11.

2 Like as they that are ſicke and diſtreſſed, and diſeaſed, can be content to ſuffer and abide any of their members of their bodie to be cut off, and to bee burnt, ſo that they may bee any thing relieued and eaſed thereby, of their great ſmart, and continuall paine, (which is yet but tranſitorie) and to bee made whole and ſound againe: Euen ſo ought we gladly and willingly to ſuffer our Lord God, and to bee ſtill and quiet, when hee ſendeth vsus p. 766aduerſitie, whereby we may be relieued and diſcharged of eternall paine, and obtain health, bliſſe, and ſaluation for our ſoules.

3 As a good Captaine leadeth and ordereth his army, according as the occaſion requireth: Euen ſo, a vertuous man behaueth himſelfe patiently & well, in Trouble and aduerſitie, and maketh the beſt of it.

4 Like as a Marchant man, maketh faire voyages and great iournies, and ventureth bodie and goods, and nothing is too hard and ſower for him, only for worldly and tranſitory gaine and lucre; and yet his hope is vncertain, whether he ſhall gaine or looſe; and though he gaineth neuer ſo much, yet he bringeth home nothing but fraile and tranſitorie goods, which ſhall hauehave an ende: So we likewiſe hauehave a long voyage to make, euen from earth to heauen; and therefore we ſhould be as well content, as prompt, glad, and willing, to ſuffer all maner of perils and daungers, that may happen by the way; ſeeing that we ſhall hauehave an infallible and ſure hope of eternall & euerlaſting riches, for Ieſus Chriſt ſake.

5 Like as when a man of an high and noble birth, is contemned and miſhandled, in a ſtraunge land, where he is not knowne, it grieueth him nothing ſo much, as if the like ſhould happen vntounto him at home in his owne natural Country: Euen ſo our naturall Country is in heauen, vponupon earth we are but ſtraungers and Pilgrimes, therefore we ought the rather to ſuffer all things patiently here, only that we may hauehave reſt, among the inhabitants in our right eternall Land and Country. Hebr. 13.14. Phil. 3.20. 1. Pet. 1.3, 4, 5.

6 As a man of warre, preparing himſelfe with all manner of things appertaining to warfare, though his enimies be neuer ſo ſtrong, yet he forgetteth al feare, & neuer once p. 767thinketh vponupon the ſtroakes and wounds, but onelyonly vponupon the victory and tryumph, and goeth his way and fighteth manfully like a giant, againſt his enemies, only for worldly glory and lucre: Euen ſo it would redound to the great ſlaunder and ſhame of Chriſtians; if they for the honour, glorie, and pleaſure of God, ſhould not as promptly, willingly, and manfully, fight againſt their ghoſtly enemies, for higher, and greater tryumph, lucre, and commoditie, though they ſhould endure many Troubles, and great aduerſitie.

7 Like as when a man playeth at the Tables, he cannot alwayes caſt what hee would hauehave; but whatſoeuer he hath caſt, he muſt make the beſt of it: So likewiſe whatſoeuer things happen in our life, contrary to our will, we muſt with courage and conſtant faith, take and turne all Troubles and aduerſities to the beſt, and neuer diſpaire.

8 Like as when a litle child, that can ſcarcely go, chanceth to ſtumble vponupon a ſtone, he falleth downe by and by in the ſame place, and there lieth ſtil weeping and crying, til ſome bodie take him vp: So contrariwiſe, Chriſtians who hauehave reaſon and vnderſtanding, muſt vſe and indeuour themſelues, that whatſoeuer Troubles, ſickneſſe, or inconuenience ſoeuer happeneth vntounto them, yet by and by (ſo farre as is poſſible) to labour to heale, eaſe, and remedie it.

9 As a vertuous Childe wil not forſake his father in his need or Trouble; nor an honeſt and louing wife, her huſband or ſpouſe; nor yet a faithfull ſeruant his maiſter: So much leſſe ſhould a godly Chriſtian, forſake or deny God his Father, or Chriſt his ſpouſe, and heauenly Lord and maiſter, in Trouble and aduerſitie.

10 Like as worldlings and carnall men, fornicators, p. 768whoremongers, and murtherers, care neither for ſhame, nor for any thing elſe; and ſpare no labour or trauell, ſo they may bring to paſſe their wicked luſt and deſire; and yet oftentimes they miſſe of it: Euen ſo much more a faithfull Chriſtian ought to be conſtant, earneſt, painfull, and patient in honeſt and good things, though yet he bee letted, and greatly hindered, by many Troubles, & much aduerſitie.

LoueLove towards God, worketh patience in Trouble.

1 AS Iacob ſerued ſeuen yeares for the damſel Rahel, and by reaſon of the heartie louelove that hee bareth vntounto her, the time was but ſhort vntounto him; and the dayes that he ſerued for, ſeemed but a ſhort ſpace: Euen ſo whoſoeuer loueth God, will beare and take patiently whatſoeeuer Troubles God ſhall lay vppon him, and whatſoeuer hee ſuffereth for Gods ſake, it ſhall bee eaſie vntounto him. Gene. 29.18.

2 Like as a Souldier, (firſt for feare of priſoning, and of the ſhamefull death which hee ſhould ſuffer, if the battell ſhould be loſt; and againe in hope of the great reward and excellent honour and renowme, if the victorie goe on his ſide) will fight the more boldly and luſtily: Euen ſo eueryevery true Chriſtian is ſtirred and prouoked to more faithfulneſſe and patience in Trouble, when hee conſidereth the exceeding profit and commodity of patience; and againe the greate hurt and diſcommoditie of impatience in Trouble.

No Tranſubſtantiation in the Sacrament.

AS Bread and drinke by natural nouriſhment, be changed into a mans body, & yet the body is not changed, but is the ſame that it was before: So although the Bread and Wine, bee Sacramentally chaunged into Chriſtes bodie, yet his body is the ſame, and in the ſame place that p. 769it was before, that is to ſay in heauen, without any alteration, or chaunge of the ſame.

Tyrants.

AS the wings of Eagles, with their ſtripe or blow, doo mar the wings and breake the feathers of other birds: Euen ſo the mightie and great men of the world, with their Tyrannicall crueltie, and moſt helliſh impietie, were wont to drawe to deſtruction, and to drag to death the weaker ſort, and ſuch as are innocent, and tender the glorie and praiſe of God. 2. King. 21.16. Math. 23.37. Act. 7. 52. Hebr. 11.37.

Thankfulneſſe for benefits receiued.

AS it is againſt good manners, for a man to mourne at the Marriage of his friend: Euen ſo it is againſt dutie, for men not to reioyce with Thankeſgiuing, when they by euident teſtimonies, perceiue the fauour of God towards them, in coupling them to himſelfe. Math. 9.15. & 12.49, 50.

We are Gods Temple.

1 AS Baltaſar King of Babylon, by vſing the veſſels belonging to the houſe of God in a banquet, and drinking in them, with their Princes and Concubines, did prophane them, and was for the ſame ſoone, after rewarded, (for the ſame night hee loſt both his kingdome and life:) Euen ſo ſurely, they that ſhall abandon, not the veſſels, but the Temple it ſelfe, and not a Temple of ſtone and of wood, but euen their bodies and ſoules, that are made the liuely Temples of the liuing God, to prophane and filthie vſes of the world and the fleſh, in lieu of dedicating the whole to the holy ſeruice of God, who is with them, do moſt filthily prophane the Temple of God, and ſo can expect no other then a moſt horrible vengeance and puniſhment. 1. Cor. 3.17. & 2.6.14. &c.

p. 7702 Like as when a King maketh his entrie into a Towne or Cittie, hee findeth thoſe ſtreetes where he is to paſſe, made cleane, and his Palace hanged: Euen ſo much more ought we, whom God hath choſen to be his Temple, and to make his entrie into vsus, to be with vsus, and to dwell with vsus, to purifie and clenſe from all filthineſſe and vncleaneneſſe, and to adorne the place of his habitation, with all vertue and liuelineſſe.

3 As they that weare long garments, when they come to foule wayes, doo tucke and gird them vp, leaſt they ſhould load them with mire, by dragging them through the ſame: So we, whoſe minds and affection doo ſo bend to the earth, that they doo euen traile thereupon, walking through this world full of mire and corruption, muſt tuck them vp towardes heauen, leaſt they ſhould touch ſuch daungerous & damnable mire, from the which we ought wholly to retire and ſeperate our ſelues, that we may bee made holy Temples to the Lord. 1. Pet. 1.13, 14. Leuit. 11.44. & 10.2. 2. Timo. 2.21.

Temperance.

AS a man cannot be Temperate, if he bee not prudent: So no man can be ſtrong or valiant, if he be not Temperate.