A Treasury of Similes, Part W – Part Z

A Treasury of Similes · Part W – Part Z

p. 795Weakneſſe in the beſt Chriſtians.

AS ſweete Trefoile, looſeth his ſent ſeuen times a day, and receiueth it againe, as long as it is growing, but beeing withered and dried, it keepeth ſtill his ſauour: S the godly, liuing in the body, ſhall often fall, and recouer againe, being dead, ſhall no more fall, but continue in their holineſſe.

Wicked children of godly parents.

1 AS the faire Echium, bringeth forth an euill fauoured ſeede, and that euill fauoured ſeed againe, bringeth foorth a faire Bugloſſe: So ſometime a godly Father, begetteth p. 794an euill child, and a Wicked child; againe ſometimes begetteth a godly Sonne.

2 As the foreskin of the fleſh, remaineth in him, which is begotten of one circumſiſed; and the Chaffe commeth againe with the Corne, though the ſeede bee neuer ſo cleane: So it is in originall ſinne, and in ſinfull children of Religious parents.

The Word of God, how it worketh in men diuerſly.

1 LIke as the materiall Sunne in the Firmament (which being but one, and euer the ſame) yet is in ſome ſort an occaſion of contrarie effectes; for whereas properly it lightneth, and is comfortable to the eyes that bee ſound and cleare, improperly it dimmeth and breedeth annoya…ce to ſuch as are maymed in ſight; againe, wheras it ſoftneth Waxe, it hardneth Clay; and as it procureth a ſweete ſauour from Flowers, ſo it draweth nothing but a ſtinking ſmell from dead carrions: So likewiſe the Word of the Lord beeing preached, it worketh in the godly and the wicked, a contrarie effect; for it lightneth the one, and blindeth the other; it ſoftneth the one, and hardneth the other; it draweth a ſweete fauour from the one, and a vile ſtinke from the other; it maketh ſome better, but ſome others it maketh worſe: it allureth ſome to repentance, but other ſome it cauſeth (through their peruerſe nature) to encreaſe in pride and contumacie. Pſal. 19.8. & 119.105. Eſay. 6.9, 10. Math. 13.13, 14, 15. Act. 28.26, 27. Rom. 11.8. Act. 2.37. Act. 7.51, 54. Phil. 4.18. Hebr. 13.16. Rom. 22.11.

2 Like as water, notwithſtanding it bee but one, and euer the ſame, yet it is in ſome ſort alſo an occaſion of contrarie effects; for beeing the one among fire, it quencheth the ſame, but being caſt into Lime, it ſets it on fire: So in like manner the Word dooth naturally quench the fierie affections in the children of God: but accedentally, inflameth p. 795the fierie diſpoſitions of the children of Sathan. Eſay. 55. 1. Ioh. 4.13. Iere. 44.16.

3 Euen as the Flowers, although they be euer the ſame, yet are they the matter of diuers things and effectes: For whereas they are Honie to the Bees, they become verie poyſon to the venemous Spider: Or as the Honie, which is wholeſome for ſound ſtomackes, is verie hurtfull for thoſe that are ſicke of the Collicke, not through fault of it ſelfe, but of the receiuer: So likewiſe the word of God is wholeſome and profitable to the godly, but otherwayes to the wicked.

4 As the fire which purgeth the Gold, conſumeth the droſſe, which beeing put vntounto Frankencenſe, procureth ſweete perfumes, which are great recreations for men, which yet is preſent death vntounto Swine: So ſurely the Word of God, it worketh like contrarie effectes in the godly & the wicked: For it is Honie to the one, and poyſon to the other: It is verie healthfull for the one, and hurtfull to the other: It purgeth the one, and conſumeth the other: It draweth a ſweet ſauour from the one, but a foule ſtincke from the other: Laſtly, it is a recreation for the one, but a deſtruction to the other. Pſal. 19.10. & 107.20. Tit. 1.9. & 2.8. 1. Timo. 1.9, 10. Ioh. 13.10. & 15.3.

5 As the godly by their obedience, doo feele in the Word the mightie power and wiſedome of God to their ſaluation: So the vngodly by their diſobedience, do finde nothing therin but the inuincible power of God, to their endleſſe damnation. 2. Theſſ. 1.10. 1. Pet. 1.8, 9. 2. Theſſ. 1.7, 8, 9.

6 As the thunder-Bolt (which being caſt foorth from the cloudes,) ſpareth euerie ſuch matter, as ſubmitteth it ſelfe to the force thereof; but breaketh to powder whatſoeuer hard thing ſhall withſtand the ſame: So the Word, p. 796which proceedes from the Lord by the mouth of his Miniſters, dooth neuer returne in vaine, but is either a ſoueraigne ſalue to ſuch as are broken in heart, or otherwiſe, an hammer to daſh in peeces ſuch as are obſtinate in hart. And therefore cannot properly bee accounted the cauſe of ſinne, though by reaſon of mens ſundrie natures, it may in ſome ſort be ſaid to be an occaſion thereof. Eſay. 55.10, 11. Iere. 23.29.

Word of God.

1 EVen as the Gold & Siluer are put to the fire, ſo much the ſurer proofe they hauehave of their goodneſſe and fineneſſe: So the Lords truth, the more exactly it is weyed with ſpirituall examination, ſo much the greater confirmation of credite it receiueth.

2 As Wells, the more they are drawne, the better they are: Euen ſo the Word of God, the more diligently it is handled & vſed, the more plentifull fruit is receiued by it.

3 As we cannot liue without meate and drinke, which God hath ordained for our bodily life: So wee cannot hauehave faith, without the preaching and hearing of the Word of God.

4 As the fiſh called a Carpe, which ſeeing the Net to be caſt into the water, diueth ſuddenly downe to the bottome, and daſheth her head ſo deepe in the mudde, that the compaſſe of the Net ſlippeth ouer her cleane; or at the moſt, doth touch no more then the tippe of her tayle, but take her it cannot: So the moſt kind of men, are of ſo carping a nature, that they no ſooner perceiue the Net of Gods Word to be preached in the Church by their faithfull Miniſter, but foorthwith they begin to diue ſo deepe in the dunge of their owne delights, and to daſhe their minds ſo much in the mucke of worldly trifles, that either the net of Gods Word dooth ſlip ouer them cleane, or at p. 797the moſt, it doth but lightly touch them; yet let them ſhift as they can, they ſhall bee taken one time or other, if they belong vntounto the Lord.

5 As Crowes are then moſt buſieſt to doo hurt, when the Husbandman ſoweth his ſeede, and when the ſame ſeede beginneth to ſprout: Euen ſo Sathan, and his infernall ſpirits, are then moſt careful to ſteale away the ſeed of the Word of God, when it is firſt preached; as alſo when it beginneth to take ſome roote in the hearts of the hearers. Math. 13.4. Mark. 4.4. Luk. 8.5.

6 As Gold, Siluer, and precious ſtones, are not conſumed with materiall fire, but rather are made more pure: Euē ſo the pure Word of God, ſuffereth neither hurt, nor dammage in ſpirituall fire, that is, temptation and perſecution.

7 As wild Campion, Larks-ſpur, Canterburie beles, throwen before Scorpions, taketh away their power to doo harme: So the Word preached ſincerely, dooth ſtrike men with ſuch a terrour, that they dare not doo the euill they intended.

8 As the water of Lilium Conuallium, if it be drunke, reſtoreth ſpeech to him that hath loſt it, by the Apoplexie: So the Word of Chriſt truly receiued, maketh them to ſpeak that could not.

9 As Maiſter-woort where it is ſowne, delighteth the ground: So the Word, where it is faithfully preached, delighteth godly Chriſtians.

10 As Balme Apples called Charentia, taken in wine, are a pleaſant remedie for all paines, as well within the body, as without; & ſo comforteth the ſtrength of ſuch as take it, that no griefe may happen to them: So the Word of God truly preached, & rightly applied, is a preſent remedie for wounded conſciences, and ſo comforteth ſuch to eternall life, &c.

p. 79811 As Sothern-wood taken into the body, driueth out Wormes; and laide among cloathes, killeth Moathes, and vermine: So the Word of God laid truely vp in the heart, killeth and driueth out euill motions.

12 As Echium or Milk-woort drunken, cauſeth plentie of Milke in womens breaſts: So the Word of God well learned of the Miniſter, and rightly diuided & applied of him, yeeldeth plentie of inſtruction, for the hearers and children of God.

13 As a blind man is altogether vnable to iudge rightly of any colour: So hee that is ignorant of the Word of God, is not able to iudge and diſcerne, what is either conſonant or diſſonant vntounto the truth of God.

14 As the pureneſſe of Gold, muſt bee tried foorth by the touchſtone, or furnace; but yet through the induſtrie of thoſe that hauehave skill and experience in both; for otherwiſe, what vſe is there either of the touchſtone or furnace, with ſuch as hauehave no knowledge at all to deale in the ſame: Euen ſo euerie doctrine, is to be tried by the onelyonly rule of the Word; but yet the ſpirit of God muſt direct the action, or elſe the Word of it ſelfe, will but little auaile vsus. 1. Ioh. 4.1, 2.

15 As they that hauehave well ſwept their Chambers, it ſeemeth vntounto them, that they are verie cleane; and yet notwithſtanding, when the Sunne commeth, to enter there by the windowes, they perceiue ſtraightwayes by the beames, an infinite deale of duſt, which the Phyloſophers call moates: Euen ſo oftentimes before we be well inſtructed in the Law of God, if we bee exempted from groſſe and palpable ſinnes, ſuch as are murthers, whoredomes, thefts, &c. we glorie that we are perfect and innocent; but when our conſciences come to be deſcried by the Word of God, and that Ieſus Chriſt, who is the light, hath entred p. 799there by his ſpirit; then he maketh vsus to ſee by his beames, an infinite number of faults, and imperfections, which are hidden in our hearts, as are the Serpents in the hoales. Rom. 7.7.

16 Like as drunkards, who beeing ouer charged with Wine, and meate, hauehave no manner of knowledge or feeling of the caſe wherein they are, nor of any thing elſe; and yet hauing their faces couered, and all to bee rayed with durt, they cannot perceiue it, vntill their Wine bee drenched, and their braine deliuered from thoſe fumes and vapours whereby they were ſo letted, and darkned: So we likewiſe, before we bee regenerate, are in ſuch ſort beſotted with a louelove that we beare to our ſelues, and with a vaine opinion that wee hauehave conceiued of our ſelues; that we know not the filthineſſe and villanies wherewith wee are betrayed; but when as the light of the ſpirit and Word of God begins to breake foorth vntounto vsus, wee come by little and litle, to breake and ſcatter thoſe clouds, which were before our ſenſes, and recouering the viewe of our reaſon, we beginne to awake our ſelues, and diſcouer the pittifull and miſerable eſtate wherein we are.

17 Anacharſis did ſay, that the Athenians vſed money for none other purpoſe, then for numbring, and caſting of account: So there be ſome that vſe the Scriptures and Word of God, onelyonly for table-talke, vaine-glorie, and oſtentation.

18 Like as the light of the Sun, cannot helpe the eyes that bee blind; or a voice which ſoundeth loude, profite deafe eares: Euen ſo, no more can the preaching of the Word of God, or the adminiſtration of the Sacraments, profit our ſoules, except the holy Ghoſt indeede, ioyne his power withall; by the which, onelyonly the eares are prepared, the heart opened, the affections touched, and the p. 800willes diſpoſed and prepared, there by to giuegive an enterance to the outward miniſterie.

19 Like as by the power and bleſſing of God, the fruits of the earth are brought forth, yet by the ordinarie means of planting and ſowing: Euen ſo, although faith bee inwardly wrought in vsus by the operation of the holy ghoſt, yet is the true preaching of the Word of God, the outward ordinarie meanes, whereby the ſame is brought to paſſe; and as needfull is preaching, for the working of faith in vsus, as ploughing planting, and ſowing, is for the bringing foorth of Corne, fruits, and hearbes, out of the earth, for our corporall ſuſtenance. Rom. 10.17. Ioh. 17.20. & 20.31. 1. Cor. 3.5, 6.

20 As ſeede ſowne vppon the graſſe, or greene ſward, doth not yeeld his encreaſe: No more dooth the Word, ſowne in hard and vnprepared hearts.

21 As ſeed is ſown to bring forth fruit: So is the Word of God preached to giuegive encreaſe.

22 As the ſeed, how good ſo euer it bee, bringeth not forth fruit at the ſame inſtant time that it is ſown, but continueth a certaine time in the earth: So is it not conuenient to reſtraine & bind the fruit and vertue of the Word of God, to the ſame houre that it is preached, but the fruit ſhall be ſhewed to the elect, when it pleaſeth God.

23 As when the ſeed is ſowne, men iudge if the Land bee good or bad, by the encreaſe of the fruit that it yeeldeth: Euen ſo by the profit of the hearers, men iudge, whether the Word take effect in them, yea or no.

24 As where great ſtore of Corne and ſeede is, it is a ſigne that our bodies ſhall not die for hunger: Euen ſo where the Word of God is plentifull preached, it is a token that our ſoules ſhall not famiſh.

25 As where good land is, there is great encreaſe: So p. 801in them in whom the Word of God is fruitfull, it will appeare and ſhew forth his fruit, as in Zacheus. Luk. 19.8.

26 As by bread our bodies are nouriſhed and fed: So by the preaching of the Word of God, our ſoules are ſuſteined. Amo. 8.11, 12. Math. 4.4.

27 As good ſeede ſowne in good ground, will bring forth plentiful encreaſe: So will the liuely Word of God, being truly preached amongſt the faithfull.

28 As that land that bringeth foorth fruit, when the deaw of heauen falleth on it, is bleſſed: So thoſe people, which receiue the Word of God in their harts, and bring forth fruit accordingly, ſhall bee bleſſed of the Lord, for it ſhall not returne, nor bee preached in vaine. Hebr. 6.7. Eſa. 55.10, 11. 2. Cor. 2.15, 16.

29 As that man, that is made Executor of his Fathers laſt Will and Teſtament, by the benefit whereof, he looketh to enioy his Fathers Lands and poſſeſſions; if there ſhould bee any hard clauſe, or point in it, hee would no doubt, not only be diligent in ſearching it out by reading, or getting it read, againe, and againe; but alſo by conferring with other more learned then himſelfe, and by hauing the iudgement of the beſt Lawyers: So then, if we in our cauſes and earthly matters (whether we bee olde or young) no hardneſſe can ſtay or hinder vsus, to ſlacke our duties, but rather cauſe vsus to vſe more diligence: Euen ſo ſhould it be, yea ſo would it be, in hearing, learning, and ſearching out the will and Word of our heauenly Father, wherby our hope is to attaine to the poſſeſſion and inheritance of euerlaſting life. And if any part of it ſhould ſeeme hard vntounto vsus, yet that ſhould not cauſe an hardneſſe of heart in vsus, to caſt off the care of the whole, and vtterly to refuſe to heare, read, or learne any part of it. Iohn. 5.39. Act. 17.11.

p. 80230 Like as our bodies are nouriſhed & ſuſtained with carnall and naturall foode: Euen ſo our ſoules are fed and nouriſhed by reading, and hearing the Word of God.

31 Like as the crowing of the Cocke, was an occaſion to mooue Peter to repent: Euen ſo the Word preached by faithful Miniſters, is a meanes to bring their hearers to repentance. Math. 26.74, 75.

32 As the Arke was a bleſſing to thoſe that knewe the right vſe thereof, as the Iſraelites did; but it was a curſe, and a plague to the abuſers thereof, the Phyliſtines. 1. Sam. 5.1, 2, 3, 4. &c. Euen ſo is the Word of God a great comfort and bleſſing to thoſe that rightly vſe it, faithfully imbrace it, and rightly practiſe it; but it is a plague and curſe to thoſe that hauehave it, and abuſe it, and do not reforme themſelues by it. 2. Sam. 6.3. &c. 1. Chro. 13.5. Iere. 23.19. Deut. 11.27, 28. 2. Cor. 2.15, 16. Math. 10.14, 15. Hebr. 2.2, 3, 4. Iere. 11.3.

33 As a hungrie man will not refuſe meate, if it bee good and wholeſome, which is offered to him by a child: So ought none to refuſe the Word of God, if it be offered ſound and good, though the preacher thereof be a yong man.

34 As thoſe men that dwel by the ryuer Nilus, are made deafe, by the great and exceeding noyſe of that water: Euen ſo many people at this day, by the plentifull & continuall preaching of the Goſpell, (a lamentable thing to heare) doo waxe dull hearers, wearie of it, and loath it, euen as the people of Iſrael loathed Manna. Mumb. 11.6.

35 Like as yong children that hauehave Ratles when they bee new, and hauehave them firſt, will louelove them very much, and greatly delight in them, ſo that they will not forgoe them, when they eate, or ſucke; yea and they will hauehave them with them in their Cradles; but when they be a litle p. 803olde, they will caſt them away, and care not for them: Euen ſo a great number of people, did make great account of the preaching of the Word, in the time of ignorance, and would go farre and neare to heare it, who now hauing plentie of Sermons, doo loath them, and care not for them, &c.

36 As hunger is a ſigne of good health: So likewiſe to hunger and thirſt after Gods Word, is a notable ſigne of our ſpirituall health and ſafetie. Math. 5.6.

37 As Spices ſmell ſtrongeſt being pounned and beaten, then lying whole in a bagge: Or as Imbers are hotteſt being raked abroad; and meates do nouriſh better being cut and ſhred, then being eaten in gobbeth: Euen ſo the Word of God truely expounded, preached, and rightly diuided, is of greater efficacie and power, then when it is but barely read.

38 As men vſually rubbe the Chaffe from the Corne, and then eate it: So muſt the ſpirituall foode, the Word of God be done withall, if it hauehave any corruption added to it by the preacher.

39 As by wholeſome meates and drinkes, the body is ſtrengthned, and increaſed, and by the wiſe counſell of Phyſitions, the ſickneſſe to be feared, is preuented: So by the word of God, the faith of euerie Chriſtian is encreaſed; and by the admonitions thereof, the daungers to bee feared are auoided, whilſt hee willingly giueth credite to that which is ſpoken.

40 As the materiall ſeede is counted of ſmall eſtimation: So is the Word of God, amongſt the wicked and vngodly. Luk. 8.11. 1. Cor. 1.18.

41 Like as the ſeede hath power to bring forth fruit of it ſelfe: So doth the VVord of God, bring forth that, euen which Kings cannot cauſe to ſpring forth, but by it ſelfe.

p. 80442 As ſeed groweth not in the hand, not being ſowne: So the Word of God, doth not increaſe, except it be preached, publiſhed abroad, and rightly diuided. 2. Timo. 2.15.

43 Like as worldly wiſe men vſe to buy bookes of Statutes, and to hauehave them in their houſes, to read on, that they may know how to auoide daunger of Law: Euen ſo the faithfull do alwayes ſet before them Gods Word, and in all their doings it is their Counſeller, leaſt they ſhould come into daunger of Gods diſpleaſure. Pſal. 119.24.

44 As a ſhower of raine falling vponupon fire, dooth eaſily extinguiſh and quench the flame: Euen ſo the VVord of God, being receiued into our hearts, doth eaſily make all concupiſcence to vaniſh away.

45 As the skill and cunning of the Phyſition, healeth al the infirmities and diſeaſes of the body: So Gods Word onelyonly cureth the ſicke, ſorrowfull, and diſtreſſed ſoule.

46 As a plant by continuall watering, groweth vp at length to a great tree: So a man by continuall watering of Gods Word, doth at laſt grow vp to the full height of vertue and godlineſſe.

47 Like as long as the Phyſition doth appoint the ſicke man what hee ſhall doo, how to diet himſelfe, and what medicines to take, there is hope of life; but if hee forſake him, we looke for preſent death: So, as long as God of his goodneſſe lets his Word be among vsus, there is good hope of his louelove and fauour; but if hee take the ſame away from vsus, then there is no comfort left.

48 As thoſe that build without a good foundation, either the wind or water ſoon ouerthroweth it: Euē ſo they which in matters of faith, ſtay not themſelues vppon the Word, but vponupon the credite of their teachers, ſhall not be able to withſtand the ſubtilties of the Diuill, but are eaſily ouerthrowne. Math. 7.26, 27.

p. 80549 As wheat giueth ſound, good, and ſubſtantial nouriſhment vntounto the body: Euen ſo doth the true Word of God, mightily and wholeſomely nouriſh the ſoule.

50 As a graine of Muſtard ſeede, beeing the leaſt of all ſeeds, and ſowne in the earth, when it groweth vp, ariſeth to a great height, and beareth great braunches, ſo that the foules of heauen may build vponupon the ſhadow of it: Euen ſo the Word of God, and faith beeing not idle, but working, although in outward ſhewe, it ſeeme ſmall and ſlender, yet dooth it by little and little ſpread it ſelfe, and like a faire fruitfull braunched tree, receiue daily ſtrength and encreaſe. Luk. 13.19. & 17.6. Mark 4.31.

51 As the Sun which was made to lighten all things, is moſt light: So the Word which was made to cleare all things, is moſt cleare. Pſal. 119.105. Prou. 8.9. Pſal. 19.7.

52 As a man will be more warie to trie euerie peece of Gold, when he ſees many counterfeit and floriſhing Angels to flie abroad: So when chriſtians ſhall ſee many ſorts of doctrin, crawling daily like Locuſts out of the bottomleſſe pit, they muſt be more diligent to taſte & trie, which is the ſound and ſincere Word. 1. Ioh. 4.1. Iere. 23.28.

53 As the biting and ſharpneſſe of Muſtard, together with his hot and fierie taſte, which is many times ſeene to make the eater thereof to rubbe his noſe, and wring out teares; and which alſo by prouoking of neezing, doth excellently purge the head from rough phlegme, and rheumatike ſubſtance: Euen ſo the Word of God being faithfully preached, and rightly applied, doth pearce the conſcience, ſhake the mind, enkindle & inflame the heart, excite and ſtirre vp, drowſie, faint, and dull minds, to enſue vertue, and performe the duties of pietie; and doth many times force and fetch out teares, of earneſt and heartie repentance. Act. 2.37.

p. 80654 As they that vſe the benefit of the day to trauel and walke in, needeth not to ſtumble & fall at the things that lie in their way, for that they hauehave light to direct them by: So likewiſe, they that direct themſelues in their calling by the light of the Word of God, goe aright and vpright, becauſe God doth guide them. Ioh. 11.9.10.

55 Like as Gods curſe is apparant in that earth, which notwithſtanding, the raine and all the dreſſing that men can vſe, bringeth nothing but weedes, bryers, and brambles: So they that heare the word of God faithfully preached, and continue in ignorance, and proceede in impietie and vngodlineſſe, hauehave manifeſt ſeales of their damnation. Hebr. 6.7, 8.

56 Like as if Corne be ſpilt or ſhed in any cōmon way, the foules preſently fall vponupon it, and deuour it, and ſuffer it not to remaine there any longer: Euen ſo the ſeed of the VVord, when it is preached, and fallen into hard hearts, is by and by taken away of the Diuell and wicked ſpirits, and ſo cannot remaine there, nor bee vnderſtood. Math. 13.19.

57 Euen as a man receiuing the beſt friend that he hath into his houſe, will lodge him in his beſt roome that hee hath: So likewiſe ſhould a Chriſtian lodge Gods VVord, in no worſe place then in his heart. Col. 3.16.

58 As no man knoweth how ſweete Honie is, but hee that taſteth it: So wee cannot vnderſtand the profite of Gods VVord, except we hauehave experience therein. Prou. 24.13, 14.

59 As the ſalt which Eliſhia did caſt into the ſpring of Iericho, was profitable to that land: Euen ſo the Word of God, is as healthſome to mens ſoules. 2. King. 2.21.22.

60 As King Salomon, by continuall exerciſing of himſelfe in wiſedome, did both reſolue the Queene of Saba of p. 807all her hard and curious queſtions, and wrote many parables to inſtruct other men that were to come after him: So likwiſe Chriſtians, by acquainting thēſelues in the Word of God, ſhall be able to ſatisfie both their owne conſciences in matters of Religion, and to teach the ignorant, that which they ought to know. Math. 13.52.

61 As Iacobs ſleeping in the land of Canaan, was a figure of his continuall reſt, and perpetual poſſeſſion of the ſame: So likewiſe the ſtedfaſt ſetling of our ſences in the VVord of God, is an infallible argument of our continuall enioyin thereof. Gene. 28.13. Luk. 10.42.

62 As all the ſheafes in the Harueſt did bow to Ioſephes ſheafe: So muſt all men be controlled and ſubiect to Gods Word. Gene. 37.7.

63 Like as the Sunne dooth not heate all thoſe that it lightneth: Euen ſo the Word of God, dooth ſhewe men what they ought to doo; but not enflamed them with a deſire to performe the ſame; for it is one thing to knowe that we ſhould be wiſe, and an other to be wiſe indeed.

64 As the Iſraelites might not ſow two kinds of ſeedes in one and the ſame ground: Euen ſo the immortall ſeede of Gods VVord, muſt onelyonly bee receiued in the furrowes of our hearts. Deut. 22.9.

65 As raine and Snow falling from heauen, returneth not thither againe, but watereth the earth, and maketh it fruitfull: Euen ſo the Word that commeth out of Gods mouth, ſhall not returne voide, but ſhall accompliſh and bring to paſſe that which God will, & ſhall proſper in that whereunto he ſent it. Eſa. 55.10, 11.

66 As the ſeede once ſowne, whereſoeuer it pleaſeth God to graunt his bleſſing vntounto it, whether the ſower ſleepe or wake, or whatſoeuer he doth, and howſoeuer he is occupied, groweth and encreaſeth, till it come to maturitie p. 808and ripeneſſe: So likewiſe the Word by the miniſterie of God, being ſcattered, where God worketh withall by his holy ſpirit, there it bringeth a great, maruellous, and an vnlooked for encreaſe. Mar. 4.20.

67 As of mortal and corrupt ſeeds, men are firſt borne to this mortall and corruptible life: So muſt wee of the immortall and incorruptible ſeede of the Word, be borne againe to a life immortall, and incorruptible, if wee will liue euer. 1. Pet. 1.23.24.25.

68 As it is impoſſible that Corne ſhould grow or proſper, and come to good, among the buſhes of thornes: So likewiſe is it impoſſible, that the ſeede of the Word preached, ſhould become the ſeede of new birth, to him that continueth full of worldly cares, and is ſnared with the deceitfulneſſe of riches. Math. 13.22. 1. Pet. 1.23.

69 Like as he that is a thirſt, doth greedily and ioyfully receiue a cup of water or beere to quench his thirſt, and to eaſe him for a little time: Euen ſo much more greedily ſhould Chriſtians receiue the VVord, the water of life, whereby the thirſt of their ſoules ſhall be quenched eternally. Math. 10.42. Ioh. 4.14.15.

70 As the Iſraelites in the wilderneſſe, whenſoeuer the cloud, and piller of fire ſtood ſtill, they ſtood ſtill, & when it went, they went: Euen ſo muſt the VVord of God be a piller of fire vntounto vsus, when it commandeth vsus to ſtand, we muſt ſtand ſtill; and whatſoeuer we doo in our calling, we muſt hauehave direction for the ſame out of Gods VVord. Numb. 9.21, 22. Luk. 5.4. 1. Timo. 6.1. &c. Deut. 17.16. &c. Pſal. 119. &c.

71 As children are ſo greedily carried with a deſire of their foode, that when hunger pincheth them, they neither regard leiſure, neceſſitie, nor the willingneſſe of their Mothers, but all excuſes, and buſineſſe ſet apart, ſo ſoone p. 809as they crie for it, they muſt be fed: Euen ſo wee muſt not thinke it enough to deſire the Word, but we muſt be earneſt, and feruent, and importunate in calling and crying for it. 1. Pet. 2.2.

72 As the Lampe burned continually in the Temple, without quenching: Euen ſo the Word of God, muſt continually ſounde in our eares, without intermiſſion. Leuit. 24.2, 3. Act. 2.46. Ioh. 6.27.

73 As Dauid longed for the Well of Bethlehem: So muſt Chriſtians long and languiſh for the Milke of the Word. 2. Sam. 23.15. 1. Pet. 2.2.

74 Like as a vapour or perfume in the ayre, which in ſome mens noſthrils is ſauorie and pleaſant, and doth reuiue them; and others it ſtriketh ſtarke dead: Euen ſo the Word preached by Gods Miniſters, lawfully called by him therunto, hath the ſame power and force in it, which Chriſt himſelfe ſhewed, when he ſpake on earth; for it is the ſauour of life vntounto life, to ſaue thoſe that heare it; Or it is the ſauour of death vntounto death, to thoſe that contemne it. Ioh. 18.4, 5, 6. 2. Cor. 2.16.

75 As it is the vſe of Phyſicke, to cure men of diſeaſes when they are falne into them, ſo alſo to preſerue them from ſickneſſe before it hauehave taken hold of them: Euen ſo it is the power of the Word, to aſſwage the trouble of conſcience, when it dooth once preſſe vsus, as alſo to preuent it before it hath ouertaken vsus.

76 As it profiteth nothing, to graffe a plant, if with a whirle wind or ſtorme, it bee pulled vp by the rootes, before it beare fruit: So the Word of God, being preached, heard, and laide vp in our minds, ſhall doo vsus no good, if before it bring forth fruit, with ſome bluſtering blaſts, and ſturdie ſtorme of temptations, it ſhall be rooted out of our hearts. Pſal. 1.2.

p. 81077 Euen as a twig or braunch, taken from a very good and fruitfull tree, and graffed into the trunke or ſtocke of ſome wilde tree, as a Crab, Thorne, or ſuch like, dooth drawe the ſtocke or trunke, to the nature of the twig or braunch, that now it beareth other leaues, and other fruit then it was wont to doo: So the Word of God, wel planted, and ſurely graffed in our barren hearts, by preaching and Catechiſing, doth draw vsus, and conuert vsus vntounto, and into it ſelf, and cauſeth vsus to beare other goodly leaues, of holy and godly Words; and other moſt pleaſaunt and wholeſome fruits of vnfained vertues and graces; but by the way, we muſt needes crop and cut off, the boughes of our olde ſinnes, that Chriſt may be graffed in vsus, and then no doubt our fruit ſhall bee ſuch, as God, for his Sonnes ſake, wil accept and take in good part at our hands.

78 As men are wont & accuſtomed, to make account of precious things, and not to caſt them at randome, but to keepe them ſafe vnderunder locke and key: Euen thus ſafely and ſurely muſt the Word of God, when it is heard and preached, bee kept in our hearts, if we will euer come by true wiſedome. Pſal. 119.11. Luk. 2.19. Heb. 2.1. Iam. 1.21.

79 Euen as we cannot feele the fauour and taſte of any meate, vnleſſe we chaw the ſame: So alſo wee neuer feele any fruit of Gods Word, vnleſſe the ſame abide in vsus, and we doo as it were chaw and ruminate the ſame.

79 As the Sun at ſometime of the yeare, in ſome place, dooth afford his ſhine and light vntounto the people, and yet dooth little or nothing warme them: So the knowledge and vnderſtanding of the Word, and will of God preached, dooth not by and by worke an hungring and thirſting, to lead a vertuous and godly life, in all thoſe whom it hath inſtructed, and moſt perfectly taught, what they ſhould doo, and how they ought to liue. They receiue p. 811knowledge and vnderſtanding from it, but they refuſe the grace, and denie the power of it.

80 As the Iewes, which crucified the Sonne of God, euen Ieſus Chriſt, were conuerted, by hearing Peter preach but one Sermon: But we are worſe then they, who hauehave heard many hundreds of Sermons, and yet are (many of vsus) neuer touched with any remorſe of conſcience, nor moued to any ſerious or true repentance. Act. 2.37, 38, 39.

81 Like as we ſee Crowes, and other foules follow the heeles of the ſower, to picke vp and deuour ſuch graine, and Corne, as doo lie vncouered: So in like manner, doo the Diuels come like greedie foules, into the aſſemblies wher the Word of God is preached, to take it away from the hearts of the people, that it may not growe there. Math. 13.4.

82 As a Purgation made for the body, many times worketh not his operation, by reaſon of the ill temperature of the body, or elſe of the region, that too much, by reaſon of her, draweth humours of man, into the exteriour parts of the body: So likewiſe the Word of God, powred into the eares, and vnderſtanding of man, worketh not many times his operation, in cleanſing the ſoule from the humours and corruption of ſinne, by reaſon of the ill temperature, and diſpoſition of the perſons, that vſeth to read and heare the Scripture.

83 As the child before he is borne into the world, abideth in the Mothers wombe, and taketh all nouriſhment of her: So we muſt learn what God is, within the bounds of his Word; not at rouers, vntill he mercifully deliuered vsus from this bondage, and out of the dungeon of the body, and graunt vsus to behold him face to face.

84 As playſters, except they bee applied in order and time, and be laid vponupon the wound, though they be neuer p. 812ſo good, yet they cannot heale: Euen ſo it is with the Word of God, and the parts of it, which except they bee vſed in order, and time conuenient, will not humble and receiue vsus, as their vertue is.

85 Like as the red Sea, was a ſafe paſſage for the Iſraelites comming out of Egypt, and a drowning to the Egyptians: Or as the fire of Babylon, hurt not the three children caſt into the Ouen, but yet burnt the Miniſters which caſt them in: Or as the Lyon ſaued Daniell aliue, but quickly did deuour his accuſers: Euen ſo ſuch is the nature of the VVord of God, that as it is a condemnation to the wicked, ſo it is the power of God vntounto ſaluation, to all thoſe which beleeue the ſame. Exod. 14. toto. Dan. 3.21, 25. Dan. 6.22, 24. Rom. 6.16.

86 As there was in the Arke the tables of the Law, the pot of Manna, and Aarons rod: So in the Word of God, there are Commandements, mercies for the faithfull, and iudgements for the impenitent and vnfaithfull.

87 Euen as ſalt is good, both for the keeping of dead fleſh from corruption, and for the healing and purging of that which is aliue: So the Word is profitable for them that be dead in treſpaſſes and ſinnes, to make them aliue; and for them that bee aliue in Chriſt, to heale and purge them of ſinne.

88 Like as the Sunne ſhining on the earth, is not polluted or hurt thereby, but rather cleanſeth all things: So the holy Word of God, is not polluted by a ſinfull body, but purifieth it.

89 As Honie through the ſickneſſe and heate of a Feuer, dooth make the bitter things that are taken into the mouth, to ſeeme ſtraunge and worſe then they are indeed: So Gods VVord, beeing digeſted and receiued into our ſoules, dooth make vsus more abhorre the bitterneſſe p. 813of ſinne, luſt, vanities, &c.

90 As we make great account of our Charters, whereby we hold our earthly liberties; yea we gladly read them and acquaint our ſelues with them: So likewiſe we ought to make more account of the Word of God, which is the Law of ſpirituall libertie. Iam. 2.16.

91 As Mariners vſe by the ſtarres, to direct their courſes on the Sea: So muſt wee make Gods Word a ſtarre, to direct vsus to Chriſt.

92 As wee account much of Rings, Iewels, or ſuch like things, which are left vsus of parents and friends, beeing dead: So muſt we account, & make much of Gods Word left vsus by Chriſt.

93 As the Sunne ſhining vponupon filthy ſinckes, dunghils and puddles, draweth out loathſome ſmells, yet it ſelfe is pure and not defiled with them: Euen ſo the VVord of God, which though it draw ſinne and wickedneſſe from ſinfull men, yet it ſelfe is pure and holy. Pſal. 12.6. & 19.8.

94 As we may ſee many mens faces, but not know their minds, except wee conferre long with them: So it is with the VVord of God, if we onelyonly barely, and careleſly read it, and doo not earneſtly meditate in it, and ſtudiouſly ſearch it.

95 Euen as the naturall man, conceiued of naturall ſeede, is nouriſhed with bloud in his Mother wombe, and fed afterward with Milke when hee is once borne, as all creatures are nouriſhed with that, whereof they are engendred: So in like manner, the regenerate man conceiued, and begotten of the incorruptible ſeed of the Word of God, is nouriſhed & foſtered by it, receiuing the ſame ſimply and purely, without any mixture, and hotch potch of any other mans inuentions with it.

p. 814Wicked.

1 AS the third ſort of Canterburie belles, beeing planted in Gardens, proſper ouermuch, for it dooth ſpread abroad and multiply, that it hurteth other hearbs, and will not eaſily bee weeded out or ouercome: Euen ſo the Wicked in the Church.

2 As if one and the ſame wormewood, the common wormewoood is hote in the firſt degree, Sea wormwood hote in the ſecond, and yet both wormwood: So among the Wicked, ſome leſſe hote in profeſſion, ſome more, and yet both Wicked; ſome leſſe cruell, ſome more cruell, and yet both vngodly, &c.

3 As the wilde Boores and Swine, which are wont to eate and deſtroy other Wheate and Corne, will ſeldome feede vponupon Triticum Romanorum, or bearded wheate, becauſe of the prickie beards, which doo them hurt: So the VVicked, which liue by deuouring and oppreſſing other the Children of God, will ſeldome aſſault them, which can hurt them.

4 Polimanie held in the hand, keepeth a man from beeing ſtung or hurt, with any Scorpion; but the more vertues a man hath, the ſooner the VVicked will vexe him, therefore are worſe then Scorpions.

5 As the great Raifort or mountaine Radiſh, being planted neare the Vine, cauſeth it to ſtarue, and wither away: So the VVicked, beeing too neare the godly, make them to decay and fall away.

6 As the Salamander that is euer in the fire, and neuer conſumeth: So be the ſouls of the reprobate and vngodly men, euer dying in hell, and yet neuer dead.

7 As water lighting vppon a hard ſtone, falleth away, becauſe there is no entrie open into the ſtone: So the p. 815VVicked, doo with their hardneſſe of heart driue backe the grace of God, that it cannot pearce into them.

8 As the flint ſtone are made of ſuch matter, that neither water can moyſten them, nor fire can melt them: Euen ſo the VVicked and obſtinate, are ſo ſtonie hearted, that neither the heauenly deaw of the ſweete promiſes of the Goſpell, or the feare or furious threatnings of the law, can mollifie their hearts. Ezech. 3.9.

9 As long as a ſicke man can walke and ſtand, there is ſome hope that he will recouer and amend; but if he muſt needes lie downe, then there is little hope of his health: Euen ſo a man that walketh in the counſell of the VVicked, or ſtandeth in the way of ſinners, there may be ſome hope of him; but if hee once ſit downe in the Chaire or ſeate of the ſcornfull, then there is no hope at all of his repentance. Pſal. 1.1.

10 As the diſeaſe of a Canker, infecteth alwayes the next part vntounto it, vntill it hauehave runne through and infected the whole body: Euen ſo the VVicked, neuer ceaſe, vntil they hauehave drawne them all ſuch as keepe them companie. 1. King. 11.3, 4, 5. Deut. 7.3, 4. Iudg. 16.16, 17, 18.

11 As fire is of this nature & qualitie, that it will burne vp whole houſes and faire places, euen with a ſparke, if it be letten alone, which otherwiſe might bee put out with ones finger: Euen ſo the VVicked, yea but one Wicked member in a Towne if he bee ſuffered, will at length doo much hurt to the whole Towne, &c.

12 As that Mother cannot but be greatly afflicted, who hauing many children weeping and crying at once for meate, and ſhe not hauing ſufficient, or none at all to giuegive them: Euen ſo the VVicked man, beeing greedily called vppon without ceaſing, but almoſt infinite paſſions, to yeeld to their deſires, muſt needes be vexed and pitifully p. 816tormented, eſpecially being notable to ſatisfie any one of the leaſt of their petitions.

13 Like as the ſtone of Sycila, the which the more it is beaten, the harder it waxeth: Euen ſo the VVicked, the more that the terrours and threatnings of Gods iudgements are denounced againſt them, the more hard harted they bee.

14 As the Graue alwayes craueth for more, and is neuer ſatisfied: Euen ſo ſuch is the vnſatiableneſſe of the throates of the Wicked. Rom. 3.13.

15 As the Milner doth muffle and blindfold his horſe, that draweth his malt Mill, whereby the horſe ſuppoſing that he goeth right forward, is deceiued, for that hee turneth round: Or as the Faulconer, doth put hoods vponupon the heads of his Haukes, that ſo they may ſit the quietter on his arme: Euen ſo Sathan muffleth and hoodwinketh the Wicked, by ignorance, and by the delights, pleaſures, & vaine inticements of the world, that ſo he may poſſeſſe them the quietter, to their vtter ouerthrow.

16 As the Adder is by nature enclined, and deſirous to ſting and hurt with his poyſon whome ſo euer hee may: Euen ſo all the counſels of the Wicked, tend to the encreaſe of wickedneſſe and miſchiefe. Pſal. 58.4.5. & 83.5.

17 As the poyſonfull nature of an Adder, can by no means be redreſſed, no not by enchauntment, for he ſtoppeth his eares againſt the charmer: Euen ſo there is no hope of the conuerſion of obſtinate Wicked ones, who ſtubburnely refuſe to heare, all wholeſome doctrine and good counſell, that proceedeth out of the word. Act. 7.57.

18 As the Axe is in the hands of the hewers, or workemen: Euen ſo the Wicked, whoſe miſerie and ſeruice, the Lord vſeth to deſtroy, and to plague others, are alſo in the hand of God. Eſa. 10.15.

p. 81719 As men throwe away their tooles, when they are worne and broken: Euen ſo God, when he hath finiſhed his worke, then he caſteth away the Wicked, whom onelyonly he vſeth as inſtruments of his wrath. Eſay. 12.

20 As Anakins or Giants, were driuen out of the land of Canaan for their ſinnes: So the Wicked, when their ſinnes are ripe, cannot auoide Gods plagues. Deut. 2.9, 10.

21 As a Bow bent with an arrowe, readie ſet in it, to ſhoote to any thing: Euen ſo are the deuiſes of the Wicked againſt the godly. Pſal. 37.14.

22 As he whoſe Bow breaketh in drawing, miſſeth his marke: Euen ſo the enterpriſes and endeuors of the Wicked, euen then when they thir… …o deſtroy the godly, are broken and come to naught. …al. 37.15.

23 As we ſee the fire-brands ends burning, which very ſhortly are cleane burnt out, or eaſily quenched out: Euen ſo the deuiſes, attempts, and threatnings of Wicked men, when God doth not eſtabliſh and ratifie their counſels, come to naught.

24 As young wilde Bulls, are ſtrong and luſtie to doo hurt: Euen ſo is the rage of malicious Wicked men, in perſecuting the godly. Pſal. 22.12.

25 As trees that are vnprofitable, and bring foorth no good fruit, are to be cut down, and caſt into the fire: Euen ſo the Wicked and obſtinate, that perſeuere in their malicious blindneſſe, and indurate diſobedience, deſerue ſeuere puniſhment. Math. 3.10. & 7.19. Luk. 3.9. Iud. ver. 12.

26 As Chaffe is blowne abroad with the wind, & ſcattered: Euen ſo ſuch is the ſtate of the Wicked, when God bloweth vppon them, with the breath of his diſpleaſure. Iob. 21.18. Pſal. 1.4. Pſal. 35.5. Eſa. 17.13.

27 Like as fire conſumeth Chaffe and ſtubble: So likewiſe p. 818God ſhall make the Wicked, ouerthrow, deſtroy, and bring to nought their owne deuiſes. Math. 3.12. Eſay. 33.11.

28 As the mad Dogge rageth, and if he be able, biteth euerie one that hee meeteth with: Euen ſo is the rage of Wicked men of might, towards them that they can bring vnderunder their power. Pſal. 22.20.

29 As Dogges, when by vomiting they hauehave cleared their ſtomackes, of ſuch matter as afore lay there vndigeſted, doo preſently returne to it, and deuour it againe: So likewiſe fareth it with a foole, that ſeemeth ſorrowfull for his folly, and with a Wicked man, that faineth repentance, and conuerſion▪ the one delighteth ſtill in folly, and the other returnet… …ine to his filthineſſe. Prou. 26.11. 2. Pet. 2.22.

30 As in fining of mettall, the droſſe is ſeperated from other mettalls: Euen ſo God will ſeperate the Wicked of the earth, from the godly, and them that feare him. Pſal. 119.119. Eſa. 1.22.

31 As droſſe is ſeperated from Siluer, by melting it in the fire: Euen ſo the VVicked ſhall periſhe, by the fire of Gods wrath. Ezech. 22.19, 20, 21, 22.

32 As fire quickly conſumeth drie ſtubble and ſtraw: So the wrath of God kindleth as fire, and conſumeth the VVicked for contemning his word, and for the wickedneſſe of their inuentions. Eſa. 5.24. Iere. 4.4. & 5.14. Gene. 19.24. Leuit. 10.2. Numb. 11.1. & 16.35.

33 As the fruit cannot be good, except the tree be firſt good: Euen ſo from the euill hart of a VVicked man, nothing that is good in the eyes and ſight of God, can proceede. Math. 12.33, 35.

34 As the graſſe on the houſe top, which for lacke of roote, withereth afore it can grow vp to bee mowed, or to p. 819any other good vſe: Euen ſo the Wicked, though they flouriſh like the greene hearbe, yet quickly ſhall they bee cut downe and wither away. Pſal. 37.1, 2.

35 As the Mill if it goe emptie; or the filthie Hog, if he be not ſatisfied with meate, make an vnpleaſant and odious noyſe: So the Wicked (if the Lord in euerie thing ſatisfie not their deſire) doo moſt wickedly murmure, and blaſpheme his prouidence.

36 As his ſight is verie bad, that can diſcerne nothing but black; his taſte verie ill, that can feele reliſh of nothing but ſharpe things; as ſmelling is farre out of frame that ſauoreth nothing, but that which ſtinketh: So likewiſe his mind is moſt Wicked, and his tongue moſt diuelliſh, that can conceiue of his brother, and report nothing but that which is bad and diſcommendable in him.

37 As a darke and dimme light, which a man cannot diſcerne any thing by, nor vſe to his benefit, but is readie ſo ſoone as it is ſtirred to goe quite out: So is the proſperitie of the Wicked. Iob. 18.6.

38 As Lyons rage and roare, when they ſeeke after their pray: Euen ſo doo Wicked men, when they ſeeke to deſtroy them that feare God. Pſal. 7.2.

39 As a raging Lyon, ſpoyleth and deuoureth all that he can catch or come by: So the Lord deuoreth the Wicked that fall from him, and exerciſeth all manner of crueltie vponupon them. Ezech. 19.5, 6, 7, 8.

40 As Moathes eate garments, and Wormes wooll: So the Wicked ſhall be fretted away and conſumed. Hoſ. 5.2. Math. 6.19. Iam. 5.2.

41 As the Net craftily laid, encloſeth a number of fiſh: So the VVicked by their priuie deuiſes, ſeeke to catch and drawe into their daunger, the godly. Ezech. 12.13. Pſal. 31.4.

p. 82042 As men treade durt vnderunder their feete in the ſtreets: Euen ſo God ſhall cauſe the VVicked to bee trampled on, that riſe vp againſt him, and his elect children. Pſal. 18.42.

43 As in an Ouen or fornace, the fire doth quickly conſume the wood, which is put therein: Euen ſo the VVicked, in the day wherein God will ſhew foorth his anger, ſhall quickly be conſumed. Pſal. 21.9. Mal. 4.1.

44 As Ruſhes and other greene things, that commonly growe in watrie places, if in hote weather they want moyſture, doo quickly conſume, wither, and come to nought: Euen ſo the wayes of the VVicked, and the hope of the hypocrite, ſhall periſh. Iob. 8.11, 12, 13.

45 As the Sea when it rageth, the waters thereof caſt vp durt & myre: So the VVicked in their outragiouſneſſe, ſhew abroad their filth. Eſa. 57.20.

46 As ſmoake vaniſheth and commeth to nothing: So the VVicked and vngodly periſh at the preſence of God. Pſal. 68.2.

47 As a Snaile melteth and conſumeth to ſlime and earth: So ſhal God conſume the Wicked, and bring them to nought. Pſal. 58.8.

48 As we ſee diuers beaſts, vermine, and foules, eſcape out of ſundrie ſnares, and engines, and yet in the end, to he trapped in one or other: So in like maner, ſome VVicked, doo at times ſeeme to eſcape the heauie iudgements of God, yet in the end they ſhall be ſnarled. Iere. 48.44.

49 As Swine though they bee waſhed neuer ſo cleane, yet ſo ſoone as they can find a myrie plat, they wil wallow & tumble themſelues in it againe: So what paines ſo euer is beſtowed, to reduce & reclaime the VVicked and vngodly from their impietie, they will ſhortly pollute and defile themſelues againe. 2. Pet. 2.22.

p. 82150 As fire made of Thornes, burneth fiercely for the time, and keepeth a great noyſe and crackling, but yet is ſpeedily burnt out and conſumed: So the attempts of the Wicked, are for the time violent, and daungerous, but God in his good time, dooth with ſpeed extinguiſh and quench them. Pſal. 118.12. Nah. 1.10.

51 Like as men are wont to hew downe the trees, that are either vnfruitfull, or elſe bring foorth bad fruit, and make firewood of them: So God in his good time, will root out of his Church, all Wicked men, and throw them into eternall fire. Ezech. 31.3. Luk. 13.6, 7.

52 As a Wall when it beginneth to bow, or is ſhaken, will ſhortly fall: Euen ſo ruinous is the ſtate of the Wicked, howſoeuer it ſeeme to be. Pſal. 62.3.

53 As Wax melteth at the heat of the fire: So likewiſe the VVicked, periſh at the preſence of God. Pſal. 68.2. Micha. 1.4.

54 As the Spiders web is now whole, and ſtraightwaies broken, almoſt for the leaſt thing that may happen: So the expectation of the Wicked, faileth and deceiueth them. Eſay. 59.5.

55 As of Spiders webbes, no man can make cloath to cloath him: So the Wicked, who bend their wits to conceiue miſchiefe, and whoſe whole labour is to bring forth iniquitie, ſhall not reape profit by their deuiſes & paines. Iob. 8.14.

56 Like as the widdow that is in extreame griefe, for the loſſe of her Husband and of her children, becauſe ſhee is now deſtitute of all helpe and comfort: Euen ſo ſuch griefe and affliction, will God bring vppon the Wicked; who when they flouriſh and are in proſperitie, are proud and vnmercifull. Eſay. 47.8, 9.

p. 82257 As a litle Image, thogh it be ſet vponupon an high mountaine, is notwithſtanding a little one ſtil; and on the otherſide, if Coloſſus that huge and mightie Image, bee placed in a verie low valley, yet looſeth not his bigneſſe: Euen ſo a Wicked and curſed man, that is fraught with ſundrie vices, though hee flouriſh in honour and riches, yet is he but a ſeely meane man: and on the other ſide, a man that is vertuous and godly wiſe, although hee be in extreame pouertie, & beggerly eſtate, yet out of doubt he is a great man, and to be highly accounted of.

58 As men mad & franticke, are wont to teare & rent themſelues: So Wicked and vngodly men, inflict vponupon themſelues, moſt deadly and incurable wounds; yea they be moſt wilfull murtherers of their ſoules and bodies.

59 As Waxe melteth at the heate of the fire: Euen ſo do the Wicked periſh at the face and countenance of the Lord. Pſal. 68.2. & 80.16.

60 As the Sea, although it receiueth an vnſpeakeable multitude of flouds and riuers, which doo runne into it, yet neuer runneth ouer; neither is ſo ful, that it wil receiue no more: So euill and Wicked men, are neuer ſatisfied with malice, enuie, and hatred, neither make they any end of their treacheries, ſinnes and iniquities: but with the goades of ſome, they are ſtirred vp, and pricked forward, to commit others worſe and more deteſtable then the firſt.

61 Like as if a King redeeming a poore bondman, whome his Maiſter diuerſly tormented, ſhould beſides ſo fauour and honour him, as to adopt him for his child; it might well bee accounted a franticke or ſenceleſſe part in this bond-man, to forſake ſuch honour and preferment, and to returne to liue vnderunder the tyrannie and thraldome p. 823of his cruel Maiſter: Euen ſo ſuch are they, who being deliuered from the tyrannie & crueltie of Sathan, and made kings in Ieſus Chriſt, doo giuegive themſelues to the luſts and pleaſures of the fleſhe, and the allurements of the world, therby returning themſelues into the wretched bondage of the diuell, to abide eternally vnderunder his tyrannous Dominion.

62 Like as if a man departing from London towards Yorke, & yet giueth out, that he will take his way through Ireland, and euerie man will ſcorne him as a foole, or take pittie of him, as if hee were a ſenceleſſe perſon, that goeth farre amiſſe: Euen ſo is it with him, who taking no courſe to amend his life, but continuing in offending God, doth neuertheleſſe ſay and vphold, that hee will goe to heauen; euerie man may iudge him to bee ſenceleſſe and greatly out of the way, becauſe hee taketh the contrarie courſe, which leadeth to Hell.

63 As a continuall rayne, dropping vppon a Rocke of ſtone, maketh it yet neuer the ſofter: So nothing can make the heart of a Wicked man to relent.

64 As a wheele tilts vp behind, and ſhootes downe before: So the Wicked are forward to all badneſſe, & backward to all goodneſſe. Pſal. 82.13.

65 As the death of Chriſt, was not efficient to ſaue the Wicked: So the ſinne of the VVicked, was not ſufficient to condemne Chriſt. Zacha. 13.6.

66 As the theef impriſoned, wiſheth the iudgmēt ſeate ouerturned, the Lawe with his Princes and power dead, and the day of his execution neuer to come: Euen ſo doo the VVicked Caterpillers of the world, men careleſſe of godlineſſe, and hardned in heart, whoſe conſciences doo accuſe them guiltie, and fearing Gods iudgement, they deſire rather that he were not at all, then that hee ſhould p. 824come to giuegive them the reward of ſinne, eternall death, the aſſured ſtipend to all VVicked actions and thoughts. Rom. 6.23.

67 As the Tyger, when hee heares the ſound of a Taber, or Drumme, ſtraightway runneth mad, and teareth himſelfe in peeces: So the VVicked, when he heareth the ſound of the charmer, charme hee neuer ſo wiſely, dooth not as the Tyger teare himſelfe, but hee rents and teares the Lord in peeces.

68 As the ſheepe and Kine are put into fat paſtures, to bee prepared for the ſhambles: So likewiſe the Wicked, the more wealth, eaſe and proſperitie that they receiue and enioy, the nearer and heauier is their deſtruction.

69 As the Oxe that is ſtall fed, waxeth fat, and the fatter he is, the nearer hee is to the day of ſlaughter: So it fareth with the Wicked worldlings, which neuer come vnderunder the croſſe or affliction, and whoſe neckes could neuer abide the yoke of the word of God, they are ſet vp a fatting for the butcher of Hell, and made readie againſt the day of ſlaughter, which is the day of iudgement, when all theſe outward, common and general bleſſings, ſhall tende to their greater condemnation. Iob. 22.7. &c. Pſal. 73.5, 7. &c.

70 As euerie thing that a godly man dooth, is not by and by to bee allowed off: So is not euerie thing that a Wicked man doth, alwayes to be miſliked.

The Word of God the foode of the ſoule.

1 LIke as the body is ſuſtained and nouriſhed, with materiall bread, becauſe it is materiall it ſelfe: So is the ſoule nouriſhed with ſpirituall bread, which is the Word of God, becauſe it is ſpirituall.

2 As the body will faint and decay, if it bee not from time to time, refreſhed with bodily ſuſtenance: Euen ſo p. 852the ſoule waxeth feeble and weake towards God, vnleſſe the ſame be often and continually cheariſhed, refreſhed and kept vp, with the Word of God, the onelyonly foode of the ſoule. Deut. 8.3. Math. 4.4.

3 As the ſoule being a diuine, ſpirituall, and immortall ſubſtance, dooth farre excell the body, which is nothing elſe but duſt, earth and aſhes: Euen ſo the ſacred and eternall foode, and aſſured ſaluation of the ſoule, ought to be acquired and ſought for, with farre greater care & more earneſt ſtudie, zeale, louelove, deſire, and affection, then the health and welfare of the body. Ioh. 6.26, 27.

4 As the raine watereth the fieldes, and maketh them fruitfull, and cauſeth Corne to grow, and giueth ſtrength vntounto the ſame, and garniſheth and beautifieth, all godly plants, with aboundance of moſt pleaſant fruites: Euen ſo the VVord of God and doctrine of Chriſt, bedeaweth and moyſteneth the children of God, and feedeth and nouriſheth their ſoules to euerlaſting life; and cauſeth them to bring forth very excellent vertues, and moſt rich and plentifull fruits and effectes of a true Chriſtian faith. Eſa. 55.10. Hebr. 6.8. Ezech. 34.26.

5 As no man may entertaine and conſerue the life which hee receiued by meanes of his ſoule, by the foode and nouriſhment which an other dooth take, nor by that which an other eateth and drinke…h, but onelyonly by that which hee himſelfe doth take, and by meates and drinkes which hee receiueth in his owne perſon: So likewiſe is it of the nouriſhment of the faith of euerie man, by the VVord of God, for the entertainment and conſeruation of the ſpirituall life.

Wiſedome to be vſed in reprehending an other.

LIke as it is not enough for the Phyſition or Surgion, to know the wound, the maladie, and ſoare diſeaſe, and p. 826to tell the patient therof, preſcribing him the names of the ſimples, that hee muſt take for the curing therof; but they had need to preſcribe him the manner of the compounding them, and quantitie of each one, which they would hauehave him to take, with diuers other circumſtances; or elſe it is like, that the receipt will doo more hurt then good: Euen ſo is it in ſpying of beames or motes, that is, of faults and ſinnes committed by other; yet it is not enough to know the fault, and tell the partie of it, and what is good for it, but in the adminiſtration of that which is good, great Wiſedome is to be ſhewed. Math. 7.4, 5. & 18.15.16. &c. 1. Timo. 5.20.

Whoredome.

1 LIke as a fire beeing kindled in a Citie, if the winde blow vehemently, ſtayeth not in the burning of one houſe or two, but ſpreadeth farre and wide, and draweth a great deſtruction with it: So likewiſe Whoredome, being once kindled, ſtayeth not in one man, but inuadeth and ſpreadeth ouer all parts of the Citie. Prou. 6.27. &c. Iob. 31.9. 2. Sam. 12.19. & 16.22. Heb. 13.4. Mal. 3.5.

2 As not onelyonly hee that killeth with the hand, but alſo hee that expreſſeth by token or word, the malice of his heart, is before God guiltie of murther: So in like maner, not onelyonly hee which committeth vncleanneſſe in deed, but he alſo that doth ſolicite a woman by ſignes & words, is taken to bee guiltie, either of Adulterie, or inceſt, or of deflouring, or of Whoredome, although the worke it ſelfe follow not.

3 Like as he is before God a plaine theefe, that hath a purpoſe to ſteale, though hee ſteale neuer a halfe-pennie; becauſe he is not ſtayed from it by will, but either by feare of puniſhment, or by ſome other meanes: Euen ſo hee cannot be excuſed from Adulterie, which in purpoſe and p. 827endeuour is inclined to the worke of Adulterie, either in his eyes, hands, geſture of body, and filthie communication. Prou. 5.3. &c. 1. Cor. 6.10. Deut. 23.17, 18. Pphe. 5.3, 5. 1. Cor. 10.8. Reue. 21.8. 1. Cor. 6.15, 16, 17.

Will of God not curiouſly to be ſearched into.

LIke as a ſeruant muſt not enter into the ſearching of thoſe things, which bee moſt ſecret points of his Maiſters will, which doo not belong vntounto his knowledge, but rather muſt marke with all the diligence hee can, to know what his will is towardes him, and to imploy himſelfe wholly thereunto: Euen ſo, it is not our parts to ſearch the ſecrets of Gods Will, which doo not belong vntounto vsus, but rather to prooue and vnderſtand what the Will of God is towards vsus. Deut. 29.29. Iohn. 6.39, 40. 1. Timo. 2.4. 1. Theſſ. 4.3. Rom. 12.2. Math. 7.21.

Weakneſſe of iudgement.

1 AS there is a certaine Weakneſſe of the ſight, which cauſeth the patient to thinke that hee ſeeth ſtrawes, when hee ſeeth none: So there is a certaine Weakneſſe of iudgement, which maketh men thinke they ſpie faultes, when they doo not.

2 As they which hauehave the Tenaſme of body, often goe about to auoide the filth of the body, but cannot: So many hauehave a Tenaſme of ſoule, who labour often to caſt out their euill, and cannot.

A Word ſpoken not recalled.

AS it is not eaſie to take againe the Bird, that wee ſuffer to flie out of our hands: So is it moſt vneaſie, to call againe a Word once pronounced and ſpoken.

Woman.

1 LIke as the kicking of a Mule, is oftentimes with wine letted: So contrariwiſe, the malapert ſawcineſſe of a Woman, is with wine prouoked.

p. 8282 Like as a man that is ſtung with Bees, will thereupon forſake the Honnie: Euen ſo ſuch is a Wife, that being offended with the manners of her Husband, doth therefore forſake him.

3 As none dooth feele and perceiue ſo well, on what place the ſhoe dooth wring him, as the wearer: So none doth know ſo well the ouerthwartneſſe of his Wife, as he that is married vntounto her.

4 As the Bird of Egypt, which when ſhe is old, purgeth al the filthie humors of her body with ſpices of Araby, and ſendeth forth of her mouth a woundrous ſweete breath: Euen ſo a Woman, when ſhee is paſt bearing of children, then ſhould ſhee ſauour and breath all heauenly things, ſo that ſhe neither doo nor ſay any thing, that is not religious and godly, and that may bee an example for the yonger Women to follow. Tit. 2.3, 4.

5 As a veſſell, the weaker it is, the more it is to be fauored and ſpared, if wee will hauehave it to continue: Euen ſo a Woman, becauſe of her infirmities, is much to bee borne withall. 1. Pet. 3.7.

6 As the perfect Gold which is of a pure ſubſtance, ſooner receiueth anye forme then the ſturdie Steele, which is a groſſe and maſſie mettall: So Womens effeminate minds, are more ſubiect to ſuddaine affection, and are ſooner fettered with the ſnares of fancie, then the hard hearts of men.

Warre.

AS the Temple of Diana at Epheſus, beeing in twentie yeares by all the people of Aſia, and by ſo many Princes builded, ſhould in one night be fiered by the vile harlot Heroſtratus: Euen ſo great Cities by Warre, are eaſily ouerthrowne, but not ſo ſoone to bee builded againe. Eſay. 19.2.

p. 829Chuſing of a Wife.

LIke as he that will plant any thing well, doth firſt conſider the nature of the ground, in the which he intendeth to plant: Euen ſo much more, hee that entendeth to marrie, ſhould hauehave reſpect to the condition of that woman, out of whom he deſireth to plant children, the fruit of honeſtie, and godlineſſe.

Will of a regenerate man.

AS a man that hath one legge ſound, the other lame, who in euerie ſtep which he makes, doth not wholly hault, or wholly goe vpright, but partly goe vpright, and partly hault: Or like a man in a boate on the water, who goeth vpward, becauſe he is carried vpward by the veſſel; and at the ſame time goes downward, becauſe he walkes downeward in the ſame veſſell at the ſame inſtant: Euen ſo the Will of a man regenerate, partly willeth, and partly nilleth, that which is euill, becauſe it is partly regenerate, and partly vnregenerate.

Worldly wiſe men.

LIke as a woman, who hauing ſo much worke to doo, that ſhee could not tel where to begin, ſat her downe, and left all vndone: Euen ſo Worldly wiſe men, who ſeeing many things out of order, both in Church and Common-wealth, and ſo little hope of any redreſſe or reformation thereof, that they cannot tell which, or what to correct, or amend firſt, and therefore they leaue ſinne vnpuniſhed, and let men doo what they liſt.

Workes follow faith in euerie good Chriſtian.

AS in materiall buildings, after the foundation is laid, ther remaineth the greateſt labor, time, coſt, cunning & diligence, to be beſtowed vponupon the framing & furniſhing of other parts, that muſt enſue: Euen ſo the heauenly edifice or building of our ſoule, hauehave laide on the foundation, p. 830& ground of true belief, the reſt of all our life, time, labour, & ſtudies, is to be imployed in the perfecting of our life and actions; as it were in raiſing vp the wals, and other parts of our ſpirituall building, by the exerciſe of all vertues, and diligent obſeruatiō of Gods commandements; without the which, it will be to no more purpoſe for vsus to bragge of our faith or knowledge in the ſcriptures, or to ſay that we hauehave faith, and looke to bee ſaued as well as other men, then it will be to purpoſe, to hauehave a foundation without a building vponupon it. Iam. 2.26. Mat. 3.8.

Wickedneſſe, and the fruites thereof.

1 AS the godly when they die, leaue not onelyonly behinde them, a good name and fame vntounto themſelues, but alſo to their kindred: Euen ſo contrariwiſe, the wicked and vngodly, when they die, leaue not onelyonly a reproach and ſhame to themſelues, but alſo to their kindred. Math. 11.39.

2 Like as when Grapes be full ripe, and readie for the preſſe, then we know that vintage is at hand: So likewiſe when VVickedneſſe aboundeth, Gods vengeance cannot be farre of. Ioel. 3.13.

Wife.

AS the gliſtering beames of the Sunne when it ariſeth, decketh the heauen: So the vertuous diſpoſitions of a good VVife, adorneth the houſe.

The Workes of the world, declare God the workeman thereof.

1 AS a priſoner in a dungeon, may eaſily by a litle beam that ſhineth in at a chinke, conceiue there is a Sun, from whence that beame deſcendeth: Or as a Trauayler in the wilderneſſe, that falleth vppon ſome Channell or Brooke, may aſcend by the ſame, to the VVell or Fountaine: Euen ſo, he that beholdeth & conſidereth the wonderfull p. 831VVorkes of the world, may therby conceiue alſo, the wonderfull Artificer or workeman, that made them.

2 Like as if a man do paſſe by ſea, into ſome forraine, ſtraunge, or ſauadge Countrey, where nothing elſe but birds and beaſts do appeare; yet if hee ſhould eſpie ſome exquiſite building, or other worke of Art and reaſon in the place, hee would preſently aſſure himſelfe, that ſome men dwelt, or had bene in that Countrey, for that ſuch things could not be done by beaſts or vnreaſonable creatures: Euen ſo, if we caſt our eyes in the view and conſideration of the heauens, with the Sunne, Moone, Starres, and the reſt of the creatures of this world, we may then eaſily iudge, that there is a God that hath made all theſe; and ſo from time preſerueth the ſame. Pſal. 19.1. Iob. 38.4. &c.

3 As in a Quiar, or company of ſingers, when the foreman hath giuen the firſt tune or note, there cnſueth preſently a ſweete harmony, and conſent of all other voyces, both great and ſmall, ſharpe and meane: So likewiſe God in the creation of this world, hauing giuen once the firſt puſh or motiō to the higheſt heauen, called the firſt moueable, there enſueth vponupon the ſame, al other motions of heauens, Planets, Elements, and other bodies, in moſt admirable order, concord, and congruitie; for conſeruatiō and gouernment of the world.

4 Like as if a man that ſtood a farre off vponupon a Mountaine, ſhould ſee in a fielde vnderunder him, a great, huge, and maine Armie of ſouldiers, moſt excellent wel appointed, eache one in order agreeing with other, diuided into Rankes, Squadrons, Companies, and Offices; ſubordinat the one to the other by degrees, and yet all rending one way; all their faces bent vponupon one place; all mouing, marching, & turning together; all endeuoring with all cheerfulneſſe, p. 832towards the performance of one common ſeruice, by mutuall aſſiſtance, without diſſention, or clamour; he that ſhould ſee this, as he could not but imagine ſome generall high Captaine to be among theſe ſouldiers, whom all obeyed, and from whoſe ſupreame commaundement and order, this moſt excellent ſubornation, agreement, and vnion, proceeded: Euen ſo much more, vponupon conſideration of the former coherence, conſent, and miraculous ſubornation of creatures among themſelues, in their operations, muſt we inferre, that they hauehave ſome generall commaunder ouer them all, by whoſe ſupreame diſpoſition, each creature hath his charge, and peculiar taske appointed, which he muſt performe, for the common and vniuerſall ſeruice of the whole.

Workes good.

1 LIke as when we mingle water with wine, in a Cup, or in a Glaſſe, that which is powred in there, is called wine, though water be mingled with it; and albeit there be more water then wine, yet that which is the more principall, and moſt precious part of all, beareth the name: Euen ſo the good Workes which we doo by the grace of God, be it that they hauehave a great many ſpottes and imperfections, as they proceede from vsus, yet for all that, they hold alwayes the name and reputation of him, who is the principall author.

2 As ſweete water iſſuing out of a pure Fountaine, is by a filthy channel made corrupt: So likewiſe Workes of Grace, euen the beſt of them are mixt Workes, partly holie, and partly ſinfull; whereby it is euident to a man that hath but common ſenſe, that they are not anſwerable to the righteouſneſſe of the Lawe; and that therfore they p. 833can neither merite life, nor any way iuſtifie a man before God. Phil. 2.13. Luk. 17.10. Eſay. 64.6. Rom. 3.20. Gal. 2.…6. Ephe. 2.8, 9. Tit. 3.5.

3 As it is of neceſſitie that the tree be made good, before ſhe bring foorth good fruite, and therefore the fruite maketh not the tree good, but is rather the ſign of a good tree: Euen ſo it followeth, that Workes doo not iuſtifie, becauſe they are done of thoſe, which before were made righteous through Grace. So that a good Woorke maketh not a good man, but a good man maketh a good Worke. Math. 7.17, 18. & 12.33.

4 Like as bond men and ſlaues, who were in ſuch ſtate in old time, & ſo in bondage to their Maiſters, that thogh they laboured & toyled neuer ſo much, yet they got nothing for themſelues, but were held and kept vnderunder the bondage of their Maiſters, with all their labours, their force, and diligence, yea euen vntounto bloud: Euen ſo, foraſmuch as both our ſelues, and all that we hauehave, belong to God by right, and hee poſſeſſeth vsus as ſlaues, and bondmen, therefore what ſeruice ſoeuer we endeuour to doo him, it is certaine that he can owe nothing vntounto vsus. Iob. 9 3, 15, 20. Pſal. 143.2. & 16.2, 3.

5 As it hath bene ſometimes ſaid, and truly reported of the Athenians, namely, that they knew what was meet to do, but they wholly neglected to do the ſame: Euen ſo, many Chriſtians know what is meete and right to doo, but yet for the moſt part, wholly neglect to do the ſame. Luk. 12.47. Iam. 4.17.

6 Like as the Lord (according to his iuſtice and truth) hath threatened terrible puniſhments to wicked and impenitent ſinners: Euen ſo, contrariwiſe he hath promiſed rewards to them that do good Workes, and worke righteouſneſſe. Mat. 5.16. Rom. 13.9. & 1. Cor. 15.58. Ephe. 2.10. Phil. 4.8. Tit. 2.12. & 3.8.

p. 8347 Like as if a man ſhould ſay, the Vine is made more fruitfull by bearing grapes; or that the internall light of the Sunne, is augmented by the externall emiſſion of the beames: So likewiſe, for a man to ſay that inherent righteouſneſſe is by good Workes, namely, the fruites of righteouſneſſe, augmenteth; ſo to to ſay, is not onelyonly erronious, but alſo ridiculous.

8 Like as if a rich man, not conſtrained, but of his own good will, ſhould adopt one to be his ſonne, whome hee knoweth not, and to whom he oweth nothing, and ſhuld appoint him to be the heire of all his landes and goods; and certaine yeares after that he hath beſtowed this benefit vponupon him, he ſhould lay vponupon him a lawe, to do this or that; he cannot now ſay, that he hath deſerued this benefit by his owne works, ſeeing that many yeares before, he asking nothing, had receiued the ſame freely, and of meere fauour: So God could not reſpect our Works and deſerts, going before righteouſneſſe; for the promiſe and the gift of the holie Ghoſt, was 430. yeares before the Lawe. Gal. 3.16, 17.

9 As it is impoſſible to ſeperate waſhing from water, and burning from fire, and good fruites from a good tree: Euen ſo vnpoſſible it is, to ſeperate good Workes from a true and a liuely faith. Iam. 2.22.

10 As Marchants or Chapmen, doo oftentimes priſe and eſteeme their wares & marchandiſe more then they be worth: Euen ſo do we of our doings, vertues and good Works: but when they are examined and priſed, by thoſe which know them, as by the Spirite of God and his Prophets, they are altogither iudged as old ragges, torne, tied togither, and patched vp againe.

11 As old Images new gilded ouer, which outwardly hath ſome gliſtering & ſhew, but within, are nothing but p. 835duſt and durt: Or as counterfeit mony, which is of ill and naughty mettal, how good a print ſoeuer it hauehave: Euen ſo is the good that we do, and al the righteouſneſſe & vertue which is in vsus, is nothing but ſhame & reproch. Rom. 10.3.

12 As the Temple ſanctified the Golde that was vponupon it, but was not ſanctified by the Gold; or as the Altar ſanctified the offering that was vponupon it, but was not ſanctified by the offering: Euen ſo good VVorkes do not beautifie a Chriſtian man in the Lorde, but the man in the Lorde, doth beautifie the VVorkes. Mat. 23.17, 19. Reu. 14.15.

13 As the Apple is not the cauſe of the Apple tree, but a fruite of it: Euen ſo good VVorkes are not the cauſe of our ſaluation, but a ſigne, and a fruite of the ſame. Math. 7.17.

14 As Caterpillers ſometimes and blaſting, do fret and annoy the branches, that the ſap cannot hauehave his courſe, and ſo the fruite faileth, which ſeemed faire to the eye: So rancour and diſpleaſure, diuiſion, ſchiſme and ſeperation among men; being no leſſe then noyſome windes and Caterpillers to our Chriſtian faith; eate vp, and drie away many times, the ſappe or iuice of louelove and charitie, whereby the expected fruite of good VVorkes, is withered in the braunches.

15 As ſauoury water cannot come from a ſtinking puddle, or ſweete fruite from a ſower roote: Euen ſo, no more can any good VVorke come from an vnregenerate man, from a corrupt & ſinfull ſoule; who although he giuegive his bodie to the fire, for the profeſſion and maintenance of the trueth; and all his goods to the poore, in a tender compaſſion of their miſerie, yet he being deſtitute of faith, louelove, and the reſt of the parts of regeneration, dooth not by theſe workes pleaſe God, or fulfill his Lawe.

p. 83616 As the channel which is polluted and defiled, doth pollute and defile the water, that is without defilement in the fountaine: Euen ſo the mind and will of man, defiled by the remnant of ſinne, defile the Workes, which as they come from Chriſt, are vndefiled.

17 As in fire there is both heate and light, yet doo wee not ſay that the light dooth burne, but the heate: So in a man iuſtified, there is both faith, and good Workes, inſeperably, yet dooth not good Workes iuſtifie, but faith o…ely.

18 As one Torch doth giuegive more light carried before, then foure borne behinde: So likewiſe our good Worke or deed done, in life time and perfect health, is more welcome vntounto God, then fortie after death.

19 As the greene leaues outwardly, ſheweth that the tree is not drie inwardly: So the good Workes openly, teſtifie the zeale of heart inwardly.

Wiſe men.

1 AS the olde naturall Phyloſophers doo ſay, that the Sunne feedeth on the ſalt water, and that the Moone taketh her foode vppon the ſweete water: Euen ſo Wiſe men do ſeeke things bitter, ſo as they be profitable, when fooles onelyonly paſſe for things pleaſant and delightfull.

2 As the Bee out of the moſt bitter things, doth gather moſt ſweet Honie: So a Wiſe man, out of things hard and vnpleaſant, picketh gaine and vtilitie.

3 Like as Alexander, did cauſe Bucephalus his Horſe, being olde, to be carried on other horſes to the battaile, that he might be freſh for the fight: So ought graue, olde, and Wiſe men, be ſpared from labour, that their good counſel might be onelyonly regarded, and had in neceſſities.

p. 837Wits.

1 AS the veſſell with a narrowe mouth, of a long time may not bee filled, but then at the length, it holdeth the liquour more furer: So Wits that be dull in receiuing learning, wil moſt ſtedfaſtly remember the ſame, once obtained.

2 Like as too great a noyſe hurteth the eare: Or as too much meat annoyeth the ſtomack: Or as heauie burdens hurt the bearers of them, Or as too much raine doth more hurt then good to the ground: Euen ſo weake Wits, and weake conſciences, may ſoone bee oppreſſed, with ouer hard queſtions.

Wiſedome.

1 AS that veſſel can neuer be filled, which alwayes powreth foorth and leaketh: So may hee neuer receiue Wiſedome, which continually ſpeaketh, and at no time harkneth. Prou. 17.27. Iam. 1.19.

2 As the Aſſe Colt, which of all other beaſtes is counthe verieſt dullard, yet bringeth more Wit and abilitie to helpe it ſelfe, then a young infant: Euen ſo whatſoeuer Wiſedome or vertue men hauehave now, they brought it not with them into this world, but hauehave it afterwards by the gift and free liberalitie of God. Iam. 1.17.

3 As the Palme tree ſpreadeth his boughs and braunches ſo wide, and giueth ſuch pleaſaunt ſhaddowes, that Xerxes the King of Perſia, tooke ſingular delight to ſit vnderunder it, whole dayes together: So likewiſe Wiſdome, comming out of the mouth of the moſt high, with heauenly comfort protecteth, ſhadoweth, recreateth & defendeth al thoſe that commit themſelues vnderunder the ſhadowes thereof, from all harme and daunger. Pſal. 17.8. Lamen. 4.20.

4 As Honie is good, and the Honie combe ſweete vntounto the mouth: So alſo is the knowledge of Wiſedome vntounto the ſoule. Prou. 24.13, 14.

p. 8385 As earthly wiſedome is corrupted with affections: Euen ſo heauenly Wiſdome is pure, vndefiled, and not polluted with affections. Iam. 3.17.

6 As earthly wiſedome is deſirous of contention: So contrariwiſe, heauenly Wiſedome is peaceable; that is, diligent, to make peace and quietneſſe among men.

7 As earthly wiſedome is rigorous and cruell: So heauenly VViſedome is gentle, and giueth place to rigour.

8 As earthly wiſedome will yeeld to no man: So heauenly VViſedome is tractable, and doth eaſily obey him that commaundeth thoſe things, that be good and right.

8 As earthly wiſedome is vnmercifull: So heauenly VViſedome is mercifull, and full of good fruits.

9 As earthly wiſedome doth accept perſons, omitting the cauſe: So heauenly VViſedome, dooth in no caſe regard the perſons, but the cauſes.

10 As earthly wiſedome hath hypocriſie ioyned with it: So heauenly VViſedome, is voide of all hypocriſie.

11 As the ſweete ſhowers of raine, fal downe from the high hills and mountaines, and ſo they abide barren; but they reſt and ſinke into the low valleyes, and make them fruitfull: Euen ſo the deawes of true VViſedome, dooth not reſt vponupon the proud, hautie, and ſcornefull, but vponupon the meeke, lowly, and humble. Eſay. 57.15. & 66.2. Math. 11.25. Luk. 1.51. 1. Pet. 5.51.

12 As hee that is humble, and hath denied himſelfe, is fitteſt for the receiuing of wiſedome: Euen ſo there is no greater hinderance to the attaining of VViſedome, then the pride of mans heart, and carnal VViſedome. Rom. 8.7.

13 As in daungerous ſayling, the ſterne is not committed to him which excelleth in riches and nobilitie, but to him which is expert in the skill and cunning of Nauigation: So likewiſe it behoueth not, to commit and deliuer p. 839vntounto him a princely gouernement (which is richer and more honourable then other) but to him which doth excell other in VViſedome, policie, and fidelitie.

14 As reaſon is the difference, which diſtinguiſheth a man from a beaſt: So VViſedome is the perfect index, which ſheweth how farre one man excelleth an other.

15 Like as a hand is no part of a man, except it can doo the office of a hand: So is VViſedome no part of VViſedome, vnleſſe it be imployed as it ſhould be.

Word of God.

1 AS an ill ſtomacke, what good meate ſo euer it receiueth, it turneth it into ill humours; and the Spider gathereth poyſon to the ſame flowers, that the Bee gathereth Honie: So in the VVord of God, and his bleſſed Lawes, which he ordaineth for our health and ſaluation, ill men gather death and damnation, through their owne wickedneſſe, and no fault in the Law, nor Law maker.

2 Like as no Burgeſſe of a Citie, that hath care of his Corporation, but would bee glad to know, how in times paſt, the world went with his Corporation, that thereby hee may vnderſtand the better how to behaue himſelfe therein, as occaſion ſhall ſerue; and not onelyonly would deſire to know the Lawes of the ſame, but alſo, what examples hauehave any way beene giuen, touching the ſame: Euen ſo, it becommeth much more Chriſtians, that are Citizens of the Church of Chriſt, and hauehave a communitie in that body, to knowe, not onelyonly the Lawes of this Citie, (which is the Word of God) but alſo, what hath befallen, either good or bad, and euerie accident; whereupon, experience may ariſe by example, and wiſedome thereof, to be put in vſe accordingly.

3 As men in the night becauſe of the darkeneſſe, vſe Lanthorne and lights, that they may ſee their way: Euen p. 840ſo we ought in this blind, darke, and ignoraunt world, to vſe the Word of God, as a Lanthorne vntounto our feete, and a light to our ſteps, that we may walke in thoſe wayes that God hath prouided for vsus to walke in. Pſalm. 119.105. Iohn. 1.9.

4 As Almightie God, by his moſt mightie word and his holy ſpirit, and infinite power, brought foorth all creatures in the beginning, and euer ſithens hath preſerued them: Euen ſo by the ſame Word and power, he worketh in vsus, from time to time, this maruellous ſpiritual generation, and wonderfull ſpirituall nouriſhment and feeding, which is wrought onelyonly by God, and is comprehended and receiued of vsus by faith.

The Word muſt be rightly diuided.

OFtentimes wee ſee that one mans ſtomacke, taketh harme of that meate whereof an other taketh profit; and that which helpeth one ſicke man, hurteth an other: Euen ſo doth the Word of God not rightly preached; and therfore to Preach merciemercy where iudgement ought to be taught, and to Preach onelyonly the Law, where the Goſpell ſhould be taught, is not good.

The World lieth in ſinne.

AS a poſſeſſed or mad man, is not therefore free from the ſnares of the Diuell, or well in his minde, becauſe hee hath his hands and his feete bound, and can doo no hurt: Euen ſo the World, although it bee bridled by the Law, from outward wickedneſſe and miſchiefe, yet is it not therefore righteous, but ſtill continueth wicked; yea this reſtraint ſheweth plainely, that the World is wicked and outragious, ſtirred vp, and enforced to all wickedneſſe by his prince the Diuell; for otherwiſe it need not to be bridled by Lawes, that it ſhould not ſinne.

p. 841The true Worſhip of God.

EVen as a man might ſay vntounto his wife, of one that is not a verie man; for as much as he is not a man, hee is not meete for marriage, and therefore not to be matched with thee as thy Husband; and if hee be a very man indeed, yet thou maiſt not ioyne him with me; for I am thy Husband onelyonly: So likewiſe if any be a counterfeit God, euen therfore he is not to be Worſhipped, nor to be matched, with the true God, becauſe he is counterfeit; if any ſeeme to bee the true God, yet we may not Worſhip him, which profeſſe one true God, and that one alone. Exod. 20.2, 3. Deut. 5.6, 7.

Our beſt Workes ſtayned.

1 AS pure water put into filthie veſſelles, is corrupted therby: Or as cleare running water, paſſing through filthie channells gathereth filthineſſe: Euen ſo the pure graces of God, ſo ſoone as they entered into vsus, are ſtained by the corruption of our nature.

2 Like as there is a greater force in ſinne, to pollute holy things, then in holy things to ſanctifie polluted things: Or as the whole part of a mans body, touching the ſoare part, cannot heale it; but rather is in danger to be infected by it: Euen ſo it followeth neceſſarily, that the beſt Works in man are wholly corrupted; ſo that if the Lord ſhould ſtraightly examine them, no man can anſwere for one of a thouſand. Agge. 2.13. Iob. 9.2, 3.

Our Weakneſſe to pleaſe God.

LIke as if a man beeing hyred to doo a dayes worke, ſhould deceitfully worke but with one hand, and ſo diſappoint his Maiſter of the Worke, which ſhould hauehave beene wrought with both hands: Euen ſo, whereas God craueth in euerie action, all our wiſedome, wit, will, memorie, p. 842vnderſtanding, and affection, wholly to concurre together, we ſcarcely giuegive him a part of all.

Wiſedome and ſtrength to be ioyned.

LIke as a Tree that the wind hath ſhaken looſe at the roote, the higher and greater that it is, the ſooner it is ouerthrowne: Euen ſo a Souldier, the ſtronger that he is, wanting Wiſdome, the ſooner he is ouerthrown; for courage and ſtrength, without Wiſdome, is fooliſh raſhneſſe; and Wiſedome without courage and ſtrength, is fearefull cowardlineſſe; ioyne them together, and they make a perfect Souldier.

The Will is in ſtead of the fact before God.

LIke as he is not to bee accounted healthfull, which though hee doo appeare whole in the outward parts, yet hath ſome euill diſeaſe with in his ſtomacke, either in his Liuer, or in his Lights, or in ſome other place: Euen ſo, he cannot bee taken for a iuſt and righteous man (if God be iudge) which although he do not outwardly vſe whordome, ſteale, nor kill, yet dooth in his heart deſire other mens wiues, ſeruants, &c. or any other goods, and wiſheth that he were dead, or hanged, whō he hateth. Exod. 20.17.

Good Workes, but yet failing in the manner of doing.

AS the Elders of the Iewes, who comming to our Sauiour Chriſt, in the behalfe of the Centurion, for his ſicke ſeruaunt, beſought him inſtantly (as though they might not be denied) and they tell him that the Centurion is worthie of ſo much fauor, as that forſooth the Lord Ieſus ſhould come to him & heale his ſeruant; for proofe whereof, they alleadge two ſtrong reaſons; one is, hee loueth our nation; an other is, he hath built vsus a Synagogue: Euen ſo plead the Papiſts, we are worthie (O Lord) of thy fauour, we hauehave deſerued ſo much at thy hands: Or ſuch a p. 843one that is now dead, hath deſerued ſo much, as that thou ſhouldeſt receiue his ſoule; for he loued vsus well while hee liued; he was an honeſt man, hee made vsus good cheare, he kept a good houſe, he filled our bellies, & our purſes too; beſides this, he hath built vsus a ſtately Synagogue, goodly Churches, and Chappels of eaſe; hee mended our highwayes, hee erected ſuch a Colledge, ſuch an Hoſpitall; therefore Lord, thou muſt of neceſſitie receiue his ſoule into thy kingdome, or elſe thou doeſt him wrong. Luk. 7.3, 4, 5. Math. 7.21, 22.

By the written Word of God, things amiſſe are diſcerned.

LIke as a man that hath neuer ſo good eyes (yet if hee bee in a deepe darkneſſe) cannot for all the goodneſſe of his eyes, know and diſcerne his owne Father, ſtanding directly before him; much leſſe a beame or a mote in his eye, vntill ſuch time as he hath light to diſcerne him withall: Euen ſo, though we bee neuer ſo well and ſharpe ſighted, are we able to diſcerne a beame or mote in the Churches eye, without the helpe of the light of the Word. Pſal. 119.105. Ephe. 5.13. Math. 7.3, 4, 5. 2. King. 22.1. &c. & 29.1, 2, &c.

Not two Wills in God.

AS the ſight of the eyes, when they are dazeled & diſturbed, doo imagine and ſuppoſe that there bee two candles burning, when ther is but one: Euen ſo our mind when it looketh vppon the Will of God, ſuppoſeth that there bee two Wills in God, one ſecret, and an other reuealed; which is a thing farre diſagreeing from the nature of God.

The Wiſedome of God.

AS the Lord is Almightie, and able to deliuer his children and Church from the wicked, and willing to do it: Euen ſo dooth hee know the wayes and meanes, moſt p. 844perfectly & readily, how to doo it at al times, according to to his will and pleaſure. 2. Pet. 2.9.

Wrath of God.

1 AS all good neighbours will haſtely run to the quenching of a daungerous fire: So likewiſe all Chriſtians ought to make ſpeed, to pacifie the Wrath of God, when they perceiue the ſame to wax hotte againſt them. Pſal. 2.12.

2 As the water of mightie flouds, doo with great violence & rage flow, and cannot be ſtopped: So the Wrath of God commeth vponupon the wicked, who peruert all lawes and all Religion. Hoſe. 5.10.

The Workes of Gods miniſterie ineuitable.

LIke as it is to no purpoſe, to ſeeke to take by force a Citie ſo well fenced and manned as it may be: So likwiſe vaine are the attempts of them, that oppoſe themſelues to Gods Miniſters, to hinder them, from dooing that, for which God hath ſent them. Iere. 1.18, 19.

Gods Word the ſalue for our ſoules.

AS thoſe parts which are within vsus, hauehave moſt need of carefull keeping, becauſe the inward diſeaſe is moſt daungerous: Euen ſo the holy Ghoſt, hath allotted vntounto our inward infection, the moſt ſoueraigne and all ſufficient ſalue, his Word. Pſal. 147.3. Math. 8.8. Mark. 1.40.

Will of God.

1 AS the Potter in tempering his clay, if he cannot make and frame it according to his mind, at length he will daſh it in peeces: So God created man, not that he ſhould doo his owne Will, but Gods Will; and therefore whoſoeuer he bee, that followeth the luſtes of his owne wicked heart, and wil not be brought to be conformable to Gods Will, but continues rebellious ſtill, the Lord in his wrath will confound them eternally.

p. 8452 Like as if a man hauehave a trade, and other men come into his ſhoppe, and vſe ſuch inſtruments as bee there to a wrong ende; though they were their owne, yet it would grieue him to ſee it: So God created all things for his own vſe, and for the accompliſhing of his Will; but rebellious man, conformes himſelfe to the Diuils Will, and thereby no doubt he grieuouſly offendeth God.

Good Workes vncontrollable.

AS no man can accuſe the Potter, for making of the ſame lumpe of Clay a drinking Pot, and a Chamber pot: So likewiſe none ought to quarrell, or find fault with their Creator, whoſe Workmanſhip they are, framed at his good pleaſure and will. Rom. 9.21.

Mans Weakneſſe to doo any thing for himſelfe.

AS it is with young children, who when they are firſt taught to goe, can ſtand no longer then they are holden vp by the hand: Or as it is with thoſe that learne to ſwim, who as ſoone as they are left to themſelues, ſinke to the bottome: Euen ſo likewiſe is it with vsus, when God taketh his helpe from vsus, and ceaſeth to defend and relieue vsus, or elſe to take charge of vsus, or to doo any thing at all for vsus, and ſo leaueth vsus to our ſelues, we then languiſh, and ſo faint & fall downe to our vtter vndoing; yet wee perceiue not this, vntil we be exerciſed with affliction. 2. Sam. 24.17.

Vngodly Warriours.

1 AS they that powre on Oyle, and caſt on dry ſtraw vponupon a fire, do not quench the flame, but miniſter matter for it to burne more ragingly: So likewiſe ſinnes being the cauſe of warres, and inflaming the wrath of God, the vngodly Warriours doo euen increaſe & continue them, and make them more fierce and raging; For where the Captaines in warre be irreligious, giuen to drunkenneſſe, whoredomes, riot, and horrible ſwearing; it is wonderfull p. 846to behold the ſoule enormities, and monſtrous abhominations which the common Souldiers commit.

2 As the King and the kingdome, are not beholden to thoſe men which liue in vngodly wayes, although they ſeeme to doo great ſeruice to the Common-wealth, in as much as they be of thoſe that prouoke the wrath of God, and thereby put the ſtate euen of both King and kingdome in hazard: So are they not the ſafer, but in more daunger, through thoſe hardie Warriours, which ſinne ſo grieuouſly.

The World.

1 AS a wraſtler imbracing him, whom he ſtriueth in the wraſtling place, for victorie, lifteth him vp the higher, that with the greater force hee may hurle him againſt the ground: So this World dooth extoll vsus, that with throwing vsus downe headlong it may hurt vsus, and that we may fall from the top of deceitfull and tranſitorie glorie, downe to the bottome, of moſt certaine and perpetuall ignominie.

2 As the Sea floweth and ebbeth, and all the waues thereof, at the length fall into the earth: So the World is neuer quiet; it extolleth ſome, and caſteth downe others; but all the vanities of it, are ended in the graue. 1. Ioh. 5.19.

3 As the Sea doth caſt to ſhore, ſhell fiſhes of all ſortes, weedes and many other things, and not long after dooth ſup vp, receiue, and deuour, & caſt into the depth the ſame againe: Euen ſo, this World doth now thruſt vsus out of fauour, and by and by receiueth vsus againe; and when wee thinke our ſelues to be vponupon a very ſafe ſhore, and that we hauehave leiſure and time to reſt vsus, and to meditate vppon ſome worthie and excellent things; euen then wee finde our ſelues deceiued, and are toſſed among the waues of infinite troubles; and are ſwallowed vp of innumerable p. 847calamities, becauſe many things that we neuer thought of, hauehave preuented vsus, and the flickerings & falſe promiſes of this couſoning Worlde, hauehave deceiued our hope, and diſappointed our expectation.

33 As a Childe will louelove his Nurſe, for the Dugs ſake, though ſhe be an whore: Euen ſo, many men louelove this preſent World, for the vain pleaſures and carnal delights of the ſame, though indeed the World be a verie ſtrumpet.

34 Euen as the Eagle is carried vp on high, and falleth not vponupon the ground, but to ſeek his neceſſary foode, and hauing caught his praie, by and by flieth vp againe, and maketh no abode below on the earth: So we ought to hauehave our mindes occupied in heauen, and all ſuperfluous care of worldly things laide apart; with the eyes of our mindes & faith, to behold our God, and in the quietneſſe and ſtaidneſſe of our ſoules, reſt our ſelues vponupon his grace, without hauing more to do with this VVorld, then in our ſeuerall callings, to ſeeke lawfully thoſe neceſſaries onelyonly, which may ſerue for the preſentation of life.

35 As a Staffe made of a Reede, is hollow and emptie: So the confidence & truſt which we put in the VVorld, is vaine, and will deceiue vsus. Eſa. 31.1. & 36.6.

35 As we ſee ſometimes in the aire, a Cloude, hauing the figure and likeneſſe of a tall and mightie man, which by and by is ſpred abroad, and repreſenteth huge & high Towers: but in the turning of an hand, being taken with a blaſt of winde, it is diſſolued and vaniſheth away: Euen ſuch is the truſt, that we put in this tranſitorie VVorld; it ſetteth before vsus, in the conceit of our imagination, that we ſhall be great men, and that we ſhall be very famous, and attaine to great dignitie; it dooth promiſe vntounto vsus, mountains of Gold, and huge & loftie Towers of honor p. 848and renowme: but all theſe things are Towers builded in the aire, and Caſtles made of winde, and grounded vponupon vanitie, which are diſſolued and diſpearſed moſt ſodainly. 1. Ioh. 2.15. 1. Cor. 7.31. Iam. 4.14.

The Word of God, the onelyonly weapon to ouercome the world, &c.

AS that man, that will giuegive an onſet, & encounter with an enemie, or wil defend and keep himſelf vnwounded at his handes, hath neede of a ſword in his hand, to ſmite the enemie withall, and to repell his violence: So, who ſoeuer will tryumph, and carrie away the victorie, ouer this world, fleſh, & diuel, muſt hold faſt in his hand; that is, in his maners, conuerſation, and the whole courſe of his life, the Word of God, which is called the ſword of the ſpirit, and is ſharper then any two edged ſword. Ephe. 6.17. Deut. 6.1, 2. &c. Prou. 6.20, 21.

It is in the Will of God to forſake his creature.

LIke as it is in the power and libertie of a man to kill an Oxe or a Sheepe for his vſe, to hunt and kill the Hare and Partrige for his pleaſure: Euen ſo much more without iniuſtice, may it be in the Will and libertie of God the Creator, to refuſe & forſake his creature, for his glorie.

Mot inough to know Gods Word, but we muſt be doers of it.

EVen as a Bird doth not flie with one wing alone, but with twaine: So it is not inough, that we know much of the Lordes Word and will, but we muſt doo it alſo: It will not ſuffice vsus at the latter day, that we hauehave bene great profeſſors of the Goſpell, and are deeply learned, if alſo we hauehave not bin inflamed, with a louelove to God aboue p. 849all things, and hauehave not loued our brethren as our ſelues. Iam. 1.22. Pſal. 128.1.

Not to be wearie of Well doing.

1 AS the Sunne dooth not leaue ſhining, and ſending forth his bright beames, although a cloud will ſomtimes darken his light: Euen ſo, we muſt not giuegive ouer to exerciſe godlineſſe, and to doo Well, euen towards them that bee our enemies, and will hate and perſecute vsus; and the better we doo, the worſe they will deale with vsus. Gal. 6.9. Math. 5.44.

2 As the Nut and Oliue trees, although they be beaten with rods, yet bring foorth moſt plentifull fruites: So we muſt not bee wearie of Well doing, nor caſt the exerciſe and practiſe of godlineſſe behind vsus, but rather more willingly and feruently proceed and goe on in the ſame, although the friends of this world ſhal braule and rate at vsus.

Workes of hypocrites.

1 AS in a Glaſſe, although there appeare a certaine ſimilitude, yet it is falſe, in as much as thoſe things are repreſented in the Glaſſe on the left hand, which are indeed on the right, & thoſe that are on the right hand, are ſhewed to be on the left; and by this meanes, there is a counterfeiting of the truth: Euen ſo in the Workes of hypocrites, although there bee a faire ſhew outwardly in the ſight of men, yet it is falſe, for that thoſe things which are vngodly & wicked, are counted holy and true. Iam. 1.23, 24.

2 As the ſtrong bitterneſſe of the Allow tree, taketh away the ſweetneſſe of the ſweeteſt Honie: So euil Works, deſtroy and take away the praiſe of good deeds.

Gods Word is true.

AS the Sunne ceaſeth not to giuegive light and brightneſſe, although ſome man ſhutteth his eyes, that he may not ſee it, nor be lightned therewith: Or as meate ceaſeth not p. 850to be good and nouriſhing, although it be receiued without profit of a ſtomacke euill diſpoſed: So likewiſe, if many vnwilling to beleeue that the will of God is ſuch, as he hath declared by his Word, reiecting (by their incredulitie) the grace which God offereth them; this their incredulitie, ought not to make any good Chriſtian, to cal into doubt the truth of God, and the teſtimonie of his good will towards him. Math. 9.29.

Good Workes make vsus not pure in Gods ſight.

1 LIke as if an Aſſe, were trimmed and decked in a Lyons skinne, and would needs be a Lyon, yet his long eares, beeing alwayes vpward, ſhould eaſily deſcrie and bewray him: Euen ſo, if we adorne, garniſh, and ſet forth our ſelues, with glorious beautiful Works neuer ſo much, ſo that no man can ſay but that wee are vtterly innocent, and inculpable in diuers and many points; yet notwithſtanding, we hauehave filthie, vncleane, and wicked hearts, full of ſecuritie and neglect of God, altogether giuen to the louelove of our ſelues, and to all manner of diſſoluteneſſe.

2 As a Schoolemaiſter will take in good part, the diligence that his Schollers can doo, and if hee ſee them put their good wills thereto, hee will beare with their faults, and teach them their leſſons; but to the ſtubburn and froward, hee will ſhewe no gentleneſſe, but caſt them off: So likewiſe God (with thoſe whom he hath choſen in Chriſt before the world was made) will beare with their infirmities, and winke at their litle faults, teach them to doo better, and praiſe their well doings, and gently correct their faults; but his enemies and outcaſts, becauſe whatſoeuer they doo is hypocriſie, hee loues them not, but euen their prayer is turned to ſinne, and whatſoeuer they doo is defiled, becauſe they be not graffed and choſen in Chriſt Ieſus. Gen. 4. Tit. 1.15. Rom. 14.23.

p. 851Wicked men take parts together againſt their Miniſters, and godly men.

AS there was ſuch affinitie and alliance betwixt Hypocrates Twins, that when the one wept, the other wept alſo; when the one laughed, the other laughed; and when the one was touched, the other was touched; ones ioy was an others ioy; and ones griefe, was an others griefe: Euen ſo is it with the Wicked and reprobate impes of the Diuell, if the Miniſter ſpeake againſt one, (ſay they) hee ſpeaketh againſt all; touch one, touch all; ſo wiſe they are in their generatiō, as they wil not ſay; The Preacher ſpake againſt me, but he ſpake againſt ſuch a one.

Worldly minded men.

LIke as a man that looketh on a Towne, platted in foure leaues of Paper, he ſhall ſomewhat diſcerne the order of the ſtreetes and houſes thereof, but afterward if he ſhall lay downe in the like quantitie of Paper, the whole prouince wherein that Citie ſtandeth, and the ſame will not ſhew ſo great as a mans naile: and laſtly, if hee ſhall repreſent the whole world in as much Paper, hee ſhall then ſee neither houſe nor Towne, yea ſcarcely the whole Prouince; perhaps hee may find the names of the Realmes, and ſee their extent in the breadth of two or three nayles; and looking from heauen, the whole world w…l not ſeeme ſo much: Euen ſo then, it is a great folly, or rather a madneſſe, for thoſe that are ſtraungers vppon earth, and burgeſſes of heauen, diuerſly and by ſundrie meanes to offend God, for the getting of a ſmall portion of earth, which is as nothing; wherein they reſemble Eſau, who for a peece of bread and a meſſe of pottage, ſold his birthright. Gene. 25.34. Hebr. 12.16.

p. 852The true Worſhip of God.

1 EVen as a foule and ſtinking Viall, infecteth the pure and good Ointment which is put into it: Euen ſo the Worſhip of God, if it be placed in a foule hart, it wil ſoone corrupt, and ſhortly turne into flat Idolatrie, and wicked diſſembling. 1. Cor. 5.7.

2 As a litle Leauen leaueneth a whole lumpe: Euen ſo a little vngodlineſſe and worldly affections, ſowreth the whole maſſe of Gods Worſhip and ſeruice, and maketh it vnpleaſant vntounto him. 1. Cor. 5.6.

3 As the true God is to be worſhipped alone: So is he to be Worſhipped in truth, as he himſelfe, and not as man inuenteth. Exod. 26.1. &c. 2. Chro. 3.1. &c. Leuit. 10.2.

We ought to put in practiſe the Word of God.

1 AS Medicines doo miniſter health to none but thoſe that take them, whoſe nature alſo is ſtrong, and wel prepared to receiue their operations: So it is requiſit that they which heare and read the Word of God, ſhould receiue and apply it to themſelues, and pray vntounto God to prepare them, and by his holie ſpirite ſo to diſpoſe their hearts, that the doctrine & exhortations may worke their operation in them. Ephe. 3.20, 21, 22, 23, 24. Iam. 1.22.

2 Like as they that hauehave learned the Art of ſowing, of Cord-wainerie, or Draperie, and ſo forth, yet are not reputed Taylors, Cord-wainers, or Drapers, vnleſſe they do in act execute thoſe Sciences, which is indeed the purpoſe of their Apprentiſhip: Euen ſo, let vsus neuer looke to be true and ſound Chriſtians, or Gods children, notwithſtanding wee hauehave learned the Word of God, and the manner thereof, vnleſſe we alſo performe the workes of Chriſtians, & of the children of God. Lu. 11.28. Rom. 2.13.

3 As when wee hauehave trimmed and ſhorne our heades and beards, before we come forth, we looke in the Glaſſe p. 853whether it be well: Euen ſo much rather ought we, after we hauehave heard the Sermon, the end whereof tendeth to amend our liues; immediately to looke vponupon and peruſe our ſoules, to the end to ſee whether our corruptions and vices being cut downe and mortified, the ſame be cleare and pure in the ſight of God.

4 As Hearbes prepared by Art doo heale the bodie: So likewiſe the Word of God rightly applied, doth cure a ſicke ſoule.

The Word of God ought to be carefully ſearched into.

AS they which doo digge mettals out of the earth, doo not contemne nor deſpiſe the leaſt gobbets and peeces that they eſpie, but take all, but eſpecially, if they finde by digging a veine of Gold, they leaue no way vnſought; but with all care & diligence they looke about them, and doo dig the Gold and earth together, and moſt diligently doo ſaue and keepe the ſame: Euen ſo ought wee to deale in the holy Word of God, wee muſt paſſe ouer nothing therein lightly, nor deſpiſe one Word, of al the ſacred and diuine Scriptures, but eagerly and earneſtly, to doo our beſt and greateſt endeuours, yea and to call, and to crie moſt mightily to the Lord, to aide, aſſiſt, and enable vsus to dig out of the ſame VVord, whatſoeuer is requiſite & neceſſarie for the ſaluation of our ſoules, and eternall life.

The Workes of the three perſons be vnſeperable.

AS Reaſon cannot diſcern good & euil, truth falſhood, plainneſſe and craft, and ſophiſtication, without either will or memorie; neither Will chuſeth what him liketh, without the other; nor memorie remembreth not things gone, without reaſon and will; Theſe actions and VVorkes, which are ſaid properly to belong onelyonly to memorie, and onelyonly to reaſon and will, in very deede are done by the workmanſhip of all three: So the Father, the p. 854Sonne, and the holy Ghoſt, worke all things vnſeperably; not that each of them is vnable to Worke by himſelfe, but that they all three are one God, one ſpirit, one nature; as reaſon, will, memorie, are one ſoule. Ioh. 5.17, 19.

Mans Wiſedome often erreth.

AS in a fruitfull & fertile ground, among many wholeſome, and very medicinable hearbes, ſome that bee daungerous and ful of poyſon doo grow: So the wits and Wiſedome of men, together, with ſome profitable and wholeſome counſels and admonitions, doo bring foorth perilous and peſtilent errors, and are therfore with Wiſedome and great diſcretion to be regarded, euen as hearbs are to be gathered and vſed.

Wit.

1 AS a Bee is oftentimes hurt with his owne Honie: So is Wit not ſildome plagued with his owne conceit.

2 As emptie veſſells make the loudeſt ſound: So men of leaſt Wit, are the greateſt bablers.

Spirituall Warfaire.

1 AS men may hauehave an ende of bodily warre, either by making peace with their enemie, by flying far from him, or by ouercomming in fight: But in the ſpirituall Warfaire, wee cannot lawfully make any peace or agreement with our enemies, the Diuell, the world, & the fleſh; but in ſo doing, it would be our ouerthrow and deſtruction: for they be euen ſo many traytors, and irreconciliable murderers; yea it would bee worſe for vsus, then for the ſheepe to make peace with the Wolfe; neither can we flie, and ſo get from theſe enemies; for the Diuell will follow vsus into all places, who hath a whole armie of Souldiers within vsus, euen our affections and couetous luſts, that we beare about vsus.

2 As God in olde time commaunded Ioſua that hee p. 855ſhould not feare the Cananites, and aſſured him that hee would bee with him; and that by ouercomming them, he would bring his people into the land of promiſe: So likewiſe wee muſt giuegive eare vntounto God, that calleth vsus to this ſpirituall battell, with aſſurance that he will ſtand with vsus, and in vsus; to the end that couragiouſly fighting vnderunder his banner againſt our enemies, that labour to turne vsus backe, and to recoyle, wee may finally by his grace and power, obtaine full and perfect victorie; and ſo ending his bleſſed voyage, attaine to the fruition of the heauenly and Citie, and our true countrey, that wee may liue with him in glorie for euer.

Gods Wiſedome may be knowne by the ordering of his creatures.

AS when thou ſeeſt a great and godly Citie, conſiſting of many and ſundry ſorts of men, ſome of great reputation, and very many of ſmall eſtimation; ſome exceeding rich, and infinite others extreamely poore; ſome in their freſh and flouriſhing youth, and ſome crooked with olde age; where all theſe, though among themſelues they be diuers and ſundrie, do liue in great concord, and agree well together, and are kept all within the bounds and limits of good and godly diſcipline, thou wilt by and by iudge, that the Prince or gouernour of the ſame, is iuſt, and very mightie and wiſe, though thou ſeeſt him not: Euen ſo, in the huge greatneſſe of this world, and the agreement and well hanging together of the things contained in the ſame, though differing in their natures, and the apt and fit placing of the whole, it cannot bee, but that thou wilt preſently conceiue in thy mind, that there is, a great, a wiſe, and mightie Creator, and preſeruer of theſe things. For not onelyonly the mightie workes of God in this great world, that is in man himſelfe (for ſo he is called of ſome) p. 856doo teach vsus the wonderfull knowledge of God.

Gods Word the more it is ſearched, the ſweeter it is.

AS precious Iewels, made of moſt pure Gold, wrought cunningly and curiouſly, with great workmanſhip, the nearer thou ſhalt come vntounto them, and the more ſtedfaſtly and clearely thou ſhalt behold them, the finer, the brauer, and more excellent thou ſhalt iudge them: Euen ſo, as thou ſhalt come nearer in vnderſtanding and knowledge, vntounto the ſecrets and miſteries of God, contained in his written Word, & with the greater puritie of mind, the more ſtrength of faith, and the brighter light of the grace of God, thou ſhalt looke into them, the profounder, the deeper, the more diuine and heauenly; yea and the more comfortable to thy ſoule, will they ſeeme and appeare vntounto thee euerie day: In ſo much that thou wilt iudge thy ſelfe, to hauehave beene little better then blind, and to hauehave ſeene nothing, as thou ought, in the myſteries of the diuine Word. Pſal. 119.18.

Wicked men die miſerably.

1 EVen as thoſe Birdes, and ſoules, which fall to the ground, to take the foulers baites, are taken themſelues: So likewiſe thoſe men, which doo relie vppon the ſuggeſtions, and inchauntments of the Diuell, world, and fleſh, and are taken in their traps, doo die a moſt miſerable, and as it may well be called, an immortall death.

2 As there is neuer a man, that beareth the name of a Chriſtian, but he will confeſſe that his great Grandfather Adam, was expulſed, and thruſt out of Paradiſe, for eating one Apple, forbidden him by the Lord, vppon paine of death; and yet the ſame man, that with open mouth, will make that confeſſion, will euerie day eate ſeuen Apples, as bitter, and as ſtraightly forbidden as that, that is, offend God ſeuen times as much as that, and yet he will thinke to p. 857eſcape better cheape, and eaſier, then his Graund-father did that eate but one; that is, offended God but once; but the eater of ſeuen, ſhall finde the way into euerlaſting life; as hard, yea harder to enter, as the way into Paradiſe was to his Graund-father being once thruſt out, vnleſſe hee ſpeedily, earneſtly, and truly repent him, and giuegive ouer the eating of ſuch fruits, as the Lord hath forbidden him.

3 Like as no water will ſticke, nor abide vponupon Leapers, by reaſon of the fouleneſſe and greaſie matter of their Leproſie: Euen ſo ſuch Leapers and farre worſe are we, vponupon whom no deawes, nor any droppes of the grace and word of God, will cleaue, abide, and continue.

Ouerweening Wittes deſpiſe Gods wiſedome.

LIke as the Iewes ſaid to him that was borne blinde; Thou art wholly borne in ſinne, and doeſt thou teach vsus? Iohn. 9.34. So likewiſe a number think themſelues too wiſe, too learned, too politicke, and too cunning to bee taught, or controlled of God, or his word; who ſay in their heart with Pharao, Who is the Lord, that I ſhould heare his voyce? &c.

Why the Workes of Chriſtians are called ſacrifices.

1 AS the Sacrifices of the old Iewes were commanded from heauen to the Prieſts, were choſen, applied, ſanctified, and accepted: So in our Sacrifices, it is neceſſary that there be a commaundement, a choiſe, an application, a ſanctification, and that they be accepted of God.

2 As in old time it was not lawfull to offer a Sowe, or any vncleane beaſt, by the lawe, but onelyonly ſuch as were cleane, according to the lawe: So the Workes that Chriſtians ſhould offer, muſt not be vnclean; that is, either forbidden by the word of God, or hypocriticall, or ſuperſtitious, but ſuch as God commaundeth.

3 Like as the cleane Lambe which ſhould be offered, p. 858was ſeperated from the reſt of the flocke: So by faith our Workes are to be ſeperated from the like Workes of prophane people.

4 As the ceremoniall ſacrifice was applied to the Altar by the hand of the Prieſt laid there-vponupon: So likewiſe our Workes ſhall be applied to the Altar through Chriſt, by whoſe handling they are ſanctified.

5 Euen as thoſe old ſacrifices were conſumed with fire from heauen, and ſanctified: So in like maner our ſacrifices through the merite of Chriſt, inflamed by the holie Ghoſt, are ſanctified with fire from heauen, and are accepted through Chriſt.

6 As Chriſt maketh our obedience gratefull, and deſerueth that our obedience both in the Croſſe, and alſo in the lawe of ſacrifice, is commended: So our ſacrifices pleaſe not, in reſpect of any excellencie of merite, but through Chriſt, in whom God wayeth our Workes, that he may accept them as worthie ſacrifices.

7 As the faultie ſacrifice of the old people, which came to the Altar through errour, and touched the Altar, was not chaunged for a better, but was taken as purged, and holie, by reaſon it had touched the holie place: So our Woorkes, albeit they be verie faultie, yet become they cleane, and apt for holie ſacrifice; and acceptable to God through touching our Altar Chriſt, who through faith is touched.

8 As in the earthly Ieruſalem, there was onelyonly but one Altar for ſacrifices: So likewiſe in the heauenly, there is but one, vponupon which we do offer, when we depend vponupon the merite of Chriſt, that our Sacrifice may be holie, and acceptable vntounto God.

p. 859Youth commeth not againe after old age.

1 AS after Winter commeth Sommer: but after olde age come … Youth againe.

2 As the Cipres-tree, the more it is watered, the more it withereth, and the oftner it is lopped, the ſooner it dieth: ſo vnbridleth Youth, the more it is by graue aduice counſelled, or due corrections controlled, the ſooner it falleth to confuſion.

Youth flexible to good or bad.

1 AS water on …e ground wil follow the tracing of the finger put in…o it, and leading it: So yoong yeares are flexible, and ea…ie to b… drawne to either part good or bad.

2 As the Acanth… bred in the Thiſtle, feedeth on the Thiſtle, and the Graſh … bred in the graſſe, lieth in the graſſe: So in like manner, …o …th bred and brought vp in ſinne, will lie in it, and … be drawne from it.

Zeale…

AS Zeale muſt erect our diſcretion, that we we run not too ſlowly: So diſcretion muſt direct our Zeale, that we runne not too faſt.

2 As all Zeale without diſcretion, is an offering without an eye, which was by God forbidden. Leuit. 22.22. So likewiſe all blinde Zeale, is a blinde offering, which God will neuer accept.

p. 8603 As Minerua is ſaid to put a golden bridle vponupon Pegaſus, that hee ſhould not flie too faſt: So in like ſort, our Chriſtian diſcretion, muſt put a golden bridle vponupon Pegaſus, that is our earneſt Zeale, leaſt if our Zeale be vnbrideled, it make vsus runne out of courſe.

FINIS.