A Treasury of Similes, Part C · Part 27 – Part 35
Christians.
1 AS wholſome hearbs are in ſome countries growing plentifully, in other ſparingly, ſomewhere in eueryevery high way, otherwhere onelyonly in priuate Gardens, ſomewhere againe they cannot grow at all: So godly Chriſtians are in ſome places many, in other fewe: ſomewhere mewed vp in cloſe houſes, ſomewhere againe not to be found at all.
2 As ſome hearbs will proſper and grow in the Mountaines, ſome in low grounds, ſome in ſhadowie places, ſome in ſunny places, ſome in the corne field, ſome on the drie heath, ſome by the ſalte Sea coaſt, ſome by the ſweete Riuers: So the godly Chriſtians grow vp, ſome in high places, ſome in mean eſtate, ſome where they hauehave defēce, and ſome where they are perſecuted, &c.
3 As the baſtard Narciſſus, or yellow crowbellies, flowreth in Februarie, and is in flower vnderunder the Snowe: So true Chriſtians ſhew forth their zeale, in the coldeſt time and age, as Wickliefe, &c. in Poperie.
4 As Woodrow an hearbe all of a moſt pleaſant ſmell, yet loueth darke ſhadowie places: So many godly Chriſtians of great gifts, louelove to liue obſcurely.
5 As ſome hearbes laſt but a ſmall time, and yet wholeſome hearbes; and vertuous for all that: as Monſotaile, Adders-tongue, &c. So many Chriſtians liue but a while, and die in the flower of their time, and yet good Chriſtians for all that.
6 As Sothernwood will not flower in euerie countrey that it will growe in: So the godly oftentimes profeſſe not, or cannot be ſuffered to profeſſe openly where they hauehave bene called.
7 As Appelles the Painter, much lamented if hee ſhould ſcape but one day wrthout drawing ſome picture or line: So ought a Chriſtian man be ſorie, if that any day ſhould paſſe without ſome good worke or exerciſe.
8 As the care of an euill Chriſtian when he is ſicke, is to deſire to be whole, only to liue and enioy the pleaſures of the world: Euen ſo the deſire of a good Chriſtian, when he is diſeaſed, is to be whole; not ſo much to liue, as to glorifie God, and to reforme his life.
9 Like as Sheepe do know the voice of their owne ſhepheard, and flee from a ſtraunger: Euen ſo godly Chriſtians, acknowledge Chriſt onelyonly their Teacher, and will heare onelyonly thoſe that Preach his word ſoundly, and not credit any other that Preach falſe doctrine, how great in authoritie ſo euer they be; yea though it were an Angel from heauen. Gal. 1.9.9. Iohn. 13.27.
10 As ſheepe followe their owne ſhepheard, whither ſoeuer hee goeth: Euen ſo muſt faithfull Chriſtians follow Chriſt, in life, in perſecution, and in glory, beholding his life as a patterne, to leade their liues by; by ſuffering troubles patiently, ſo often as it ſhall pleaſe God to lay them vponupon them, and ſo afterwards to become partakers of his glory. Math. 11.29. Mat. 20.28. 2. Cor. 8.9. Phil. 2.5.6.7. 2. Timo. 3.12. & 2.11, 12. 1. Pet. 2.21. & 4.1.13. 2. Timo. 2.12. Iam. 5.10.
11 As in Infidels liuing honeſtly, the ſpirit of God bridleth the force of ſinne, and the corrupt nature that it breake not out, as it doth in many other: So alſo in Chriſtians that are indeed godly, the ſame ſpirit not onelyonly repreſſeth the corruption of nature outwardly: but alſo mortifieth it within at the roote, and regenetateth the whole man into a new creature.
12 Like as when a man hath a iourney to go, his minde is to diſpatch it in all haſte, yet when he is in his trauell, he goes but ſlowly, by reaſon of ſome lameneſſe in his ioints: Euen ſo likewiſe many good Chriſtians, who hauehave an earneſt deſire and purpoſe to proceed in vertue and godlynes all their life long, are yet now and then by the meanes of their corrupt nature ſo hindered, that they cannot performe that dutie, ſo fully and exactly, as they purpoſed to hauehave done. Rom. 7.15.23.
13 As a candle lighteth eueryevery man in the houſe: So likewiſe ſhould the good behauiour, wiſe dealing, and vpright conuerſation of Chriſtians, ſhine bright before men, that God by them may be glorified. Math. 5.15.16. 1. Pet. 2.12.
14 As Doues are innocent, ſimple, and harmeleſſe: E…en ſo Chriſtians ought to be ſimple and plaine in their callings and behauiour one towards an other; eſpecially ſuch as be profeſſors of the Goſpell.
15 As buildings cannot ſtand except they be borne vp by their foundation: So likewiſe Chriſtians are in an vnſtable ſtate, except they ſtay themſelues vponupon Chriſt. 1. Cor. 3.11.
16 Like as good ground, which when it is tilled and ſowen, bringeth forth fruite plentifully: Euen ſo thoſe which receiue the word preached gladly, beleeue it ſtedfaſtly, and expreſſe it in life accordingly, are good Chriſtians. Math. 13.23.
17 As nothing is iudged fruitfull, but that which bringeth forth fruite plentifully: Euen ſo it is not one or two good things whereby Chriſtians are iudged to be good, vnleſſe they be filled with the fruite of Righteouſneſſe. Phil. 1.11.
18 Like as Vines being let to grow out at large, in ſmall time become wilde and fruitleſse: Euen ſo Chriſtians being giuen ouer of God, to runne whither fleſh and bloud would eaſily be allured, their caſe is deſperate, and their life fruitleſse. Iohn. 15.5.
19 As Vines being proyned and dreſsed in ſuch ſort as their nature requireth, are fruitfull in yeelding both bigger and ſweeter Grapes: ſo godly Chriſtians, the braunches of Chriſt the true Vine, ſo long as they abide in him, ſhall be manured by God the Father, that carefull Huſbandman, that their fruite ſhalbe both in quantitie more aboundant, and in qualitie more pleaſant vntounto him.
20 Like as eueryevery man that trieth maiſtries, whether it be in running, wreſtling, or buffeting, doth with great warineſse and diligence forbeare the meates, pleaſures, and all other things that weaken the powers of the body, or which may abate their nimbleneſse, and either hinder or diſappoint them of the victorie: Euen ſo euerie Chriſtian ſuſtaining a continuall encounter, and wreſtling with the diuell, and their owne ſinfull luſts, and outward enticements, muſt throughout the whole race of their life, abſtain from all things that offend either God, or godly and weake perſons.
21 As the Houſeholder that feareth theeues, will cauſe his houſe to be diligently watched and looked vntounto, leaſt the theefe come vponupon him at vnawares: So likewiſe Chriſtians ſhould be warie and watchful, and be prepared for the comming of our Lord and Sauiour, who will come in an houre wherin we leaſt look for him. Mat. 24.43. Iames. 5.7, 8.
22 As bones in mens body being the ſtronger, beare vp the skinne and fleſh which is the weaker: So likewiſe Chriſtians whom God hath endued with greater ſtrēgth, ſhould learne to beare with many infirmities in others. Rom. 15.1.
23 As a tree bringeth forth firſt leaues, then bloſſomes, and then fruite: So a good Chriſtian ought firſt to bring forth good thoughts, then good ſpeeches, and after a godly life, to the honour of God, the good of his children, and the ſaluation of his owne ſoule.
24 As our Sauiour Chriſt did not breake the bruſed reede, nor quench the ſmoaking ſlaxe, that is, did beare with many infirmities in thoſe which were his Diſciples, leaſt he ſhould breake off, or quench thoſe good things which began to appeare in them: Euen ſo ſuch as are ſound and ſtrong Chriſtians, ought alſo to beare and forbeare, to cheriſh and foſter ſuch good things as they ſhall perceiue to beginne to liue and growe in their weake bretheren. Rom. 15.1. 1. Cor. 9.22. Gal. 6.1, 2.
25 Like as men-ſeruants, and maid-ſeruants, attend vponupon their maiſter and miſtreſſe, and yeelde their duties vntounto them, vponupon hope of finding helpe and friendſhip at their hands: euen ſo eueryevery good Chriſtian ought to be diligent and careful to pleaſe God, and to be well content to tarrie his leiſure, for thoſe graces and mercies which he looketh for at his hands. Pſal. 123.2. Math. 8.9.
26 As the child which as yet can vſe no reaſon, is for all that a reaſonable creature: and the man in a ſowne feeles no power of life, and yet he is not dead: So likewiſe the Chriſtian man hath many quames come ouer his heart, and hee falles into many a ſowne, that none almoſt would looke for any more life of Chriſt in him, yet for all that he may be a true Chriſtian.
27 As ſtraungers and trauellers abſtaine in Countreys where they are ſtraungers, from many things which which would hinder them in their voyage: So good Chriſtians in their paſſage through this world, ſhould abſtaine from the luſts of the fleſh, which hinder their ſoules from life euerlaſting. 1. Pet. 2.11.
28 As that vnprofitable ſeruant was greeuouſly puniſhed, who had receiued a talent of his maiſter, and went and digged it in the earth, and hid it: Euen ſo ſuch Chriſtians as hauehave receiued any gifts of God, and doo not employ them to the common vſe, benefite and profit of the Church and people of God, ſhall receiue heauie and grieuous iudgements of God for ſo doing. Math. 25.30.
29 As Theeues and ſuch other malefactors are executed, and ſuffer due puniſhment according to their deſeruings: So all Chriſtians are to take heede that they deſerue not to ſuffer as murtherers, theeues, euill dooers, o… buſie bodyes: but if they ſuffer for a good Conſcience, then they are not to be aſhamed. 1. Pet. 4.15.16.
30 As braunches cannot bring forth fruite, except they abide in the Vine: So likewiſe Chriſtians cannot bring forth fruites of Righteouſneſſe, except they abide in Chriſt. Iohn. 15.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
31 Like as they which runne or wreſtle for the beſt game, do of their owne accord abſtaine from all things, which may either make them ſhort winded, or hinder their lightneſſe, ſtrength, or nimbleneſſe: Euen ſo much more then ought Chriſtians caſt off, and abſtaine from all thoſe things, which may hinder them in the way & courſe of euerlaſting life. 1. Cor. 9.25.
32 As an Owle peepes at the Sunne out of a barne, but dares not come neare it: So likewiſe ſome Chriſtians peepe at Religion, and will not come to it, but ſtand aloofe, pinking and winking, as though they were more afraid of God, then the diuell.
33 Euen as a candle, that it may giuegive light vntounto others, it ſelfe is burned and conſumed: or as ſalt it ſelfe is bruſed and molten, that it may giuegive good ſeaſon, and a ſweete ſauour vntounto meate: So a true Chriſtian, eſpecially one aduanced to dignitie, and placed in authoritie, ſhould ſpare no labour, but euen breake himſelfe with ſtudie and care, and vndergo any paines to do good, to profit many, and to win ſome ſoules to God. Math 5.13.14.
34 Like as in great and ſore diſeaſes, all the beſt remedies that can be deuiſed, are wont to be applied with all ſpeede: Euen ſo the more that Chriſtians ſee wickedneſſe …nd vngodlineſſe to abound, the more ought they to con…ider by what meanes they may be remedied, that ſome may be ſaued among ſo many thouſands, which are …ard-hearted, and enemies to all good warnings.
35 Euen as the children of this world, do witneſſe …hemſelues themſelues to be all one with the world, by …ollowing their worldly luſts, ambition, couetouſneſſe and pleaſures: So in like caſe, Chriſtians ſhew themſelues to be made one with Chriſt by his holy ſpirit, when they follow Chriſt ſteppe by ſteppe, and make his life to ſerue them as a moſt perfect rule to leade theyr life by.
36 Euen as the Saylers Gnomon, or rule, which is commonly called the Marriners Needle, doth alwayes looke towards the North-poole, and will euer turne towards the ſame, howſoeuer it bee placed; which is maruellous in that inſtrument and Needle whereby the Marriners doo knowe the courſe of the windes: Euen ſo eueryevery Chriſtian man, ought to direct the eyes of his minde, and the wayes of his heart, to Chriſt, who is our North-poole, and that fixed and conſtant North-Starre, whereby wee ought all to bee gouerned; for hee is our hope, and our truſt; hee is all our ſtrength, wherevpon we muſt ſtill relie.
37 Like as the Gnomon dooth euer behold the North-ſtarre, whether it bee cloſed and ſhut vppe in a Coffer of Golde, Siluer, or Woodde, neuer looſing his nature: So a faithfull Chriſtian man, whether hee abound in wealth, or bee pinched with pouertie, whether hee bee of high, or lowe degree in this world, ought continually to hauehave his faith and hope, ſurely built and grounded vppon Chriſt; and to hauehave his heart and minde faſt fixed and ſetled in him; and to follwe him through thicke and thinne, through fire and water, through warres and peace, through hunger and colde, through friendes and foes, through a thouſand perilles and daungers, through the ſurges and waues of enuie, malice, hatred, euill ſpeeches, railing ſentences, contempt of the world, fleſh, and diuell; and euen in death it ſelfe, bee it neuer ſo bitter, cruell and tyranicall, yet neuer to looſe the ſight and viewe of Chriſt, neuer to giuegive ouer our faith, hope, and truſt in him. Can. 8.6. Pſal. 16.8, 9. Heb. 12.2.
38 As all Riuers of waters go into the Sea, becauſe they came out of it, and ſo returne to the place whence they came: So likewiſe eueryevery good Chriſtian ought to go and preaſe towards GOD, with all his heart, ſtrength, and power, becauſe hee came out from him, and was created of him. Hee ought therefore to looke vppon him with the eyes of a ſteadfaſt and conſtant faith, grounded vponupon his word. Eccle. 1.7.
39 Euen as in the midſt of the Sphere, is the Centre, from which all lines beeing drawne, doo tend towards their circumference: So a good Chriſtian man, hath God for his circumference: for whatſoeuer he thinketh, ſpeaketh, or dooth, it tendeth to Chriſt, of whom hee is compaſſed round about. Pſal. 32.10. & 91.4. &c. & 125.2.
40 As ſome Infidels that know not Chriſt but are meere ſtrangers vntounto him, do thinke it better to looſe their liues, then to violate their promiſes and oathes made to their enemies: euen ſo much more Chriſtians in ſuch caſes ought to be true and conſtant. Ezech. 17.18, 19. Ioſu. 9.14.18.
41 Euen as mens hands were made, that the one might helpe the other, and the feete alſo, becauſe they be members of one & the ſame body: So is it the dutie of all Chriſtians, one to ſuccour and to relieue an other in afflictions and troubles, ſeeing the Church of God, is a certaine body whereof wee are members. 1. Cor. 12.26, 27. Ephe. 5.30.
42 As it ſhould be againſt nature, that one foote ſhould hinder or ſmite an other: So, it is very vnreaſonable, and vngodly, that one Chriſtian ſhould not comfort and relieue an other, in their tribulations and wants. Gal. 6.2.
43 Like as if Hearbes watered do ſtil continue drie, we iuſtly ſay they are dead: So likewiſe we cannot aduow or aſſure our ſelues to be Chriſtians, watered with the ſpirit of Chriſt, ſo long as in ſtead of bearing fruite by amendment of life, we continue drie and withered.
44 As he is not rightly called a rich man, that can tell how and by what meanes a man may be exceeding rich; but hee that hath riches of his owne, and dooth poſſeſſe them: So hee is not a good and right Chriſtian man, that can according to knowledge, diſpute and reaſon of vertue and godlineſſe; and can deſcribe and define of the ſame: but hee that is endued with vertue, and poſſeſſed with true godlineſſe, and doth moſt willingly practiſe the ſame in the whole courſe of his life, both with his friends, and with his foes: that man, and ſuch a woman, is rightly called, and is indeede a true Chriſtian, in whom the Lord hath great delight. 1. Cor. 8.1.
45 As burning candles doo giuegive light vntil they be conſumed: So likewiſe godly Chriſtians muſt bee occupied in doing of good, ſo long as they ſhal liue. Gal. 6.9.10.
46 As vntounto the vngodly man, ſaid God, why doeſt thou Preach my Lawes, and takeſt my couenant in thy mouth, whereas thou hateſt to me reformed, and haſte caſt my words behinde thee? So we may be wel aſſured, that it is not inough for Chriſtians to hauehave the Goſpell in their mouthes, but they muſt expreſſe the truth thereof in their liues: for is not inough to hauehave the name of a Chriſtian, but to be found a Chriſtian indeed.
47 As nature helped not Abrahams owne children, but becauſe they lacked Abrahams workes, they are called Diuels ſonnes: So likewiſe the bare and naked name of a Chriſtian without vertue, is a bare title without veritie; and profiteth not any at all.
48 As the Paſchall Lambe was eaten with ſowre hearbs and vnleauened bread: So the faithful Chriſtian ought to repent him of his euill life paſt, and to giuegive himſelfe to puritie of life. Exod. 12.8.
49 Euen as a man that paſſeth through a ſtrong floud or ſtreame on foote, leaſt he ſtumble and fall downe, ſetteth his eye ſteadily vponupon the firme Land which he mindeth to attaine vntounto, and marketh not the ſwift courſe of the water, and ſo goeth ouer ſafely and is nothing diſmayed: So likewiſe a ſound and good Chriſtian, paſſing the raging waues of preſent troubles, turneth away his ſight, his thought, and all apprehenſion, that he might otherwiſe hauehave of the miſerie of them; and lifting vp his eyes to heauen, beholdeth there with a ſpirituall regard, the ineſtinable treaſures of the heauenly inheritance which hee ſtriueth vntounto, and by this meanes eaſily ſurmounteth all horrour and feare of torments and griefes, which commonly make alterations in mens heads, and caſteth them headlong into deſperation.
50 Euen as eueryevery beaſt that is ſtriken with lightning, turneth his face toward the lightning: So likewiſe if Chriſtians will hauehave regard to God when he pleaſeth them, he will compel them alſo to hauehave an eye to him when hee ſtrikes them. Pſal. 78.34.5.
51 Like as the deawy drops, after great heate doth cheriſh the graſſe: Euen ſo good Chriſtians do bring forth workes of merciemercy, pittie, comfort, and refreſhing, to the people amongſt whom they do liue and are conuerſant. Mica. 5.7.
Common-wealth.
1 AS they which do learne Muſicke at the firſt, doo leeſe, breake, and marre ſundrie Inſtruments, as Gitterns and Lutes: So the Common-wealth ſuſteineth great detriment and loſſe, wherein Magiſtrates rude and vnskilful do rule.
2 As it is a thing moſt hard and daungerous, to roote vp olde trees, and to plant them of new: So without great tumult and vprore, you cannot alter the olde cuſtome and vſage of the Common-wealth.
3 As water mingled with wine, maketh it more moderate: So olde men, ioyned with young men, in the adminiſtration of the Common-wealth, is moſt neceſſarie.
4 Euen as a body without a ſoule, is dead, becauſe it vſeth not the ſinewes, ioynts, nor members: So that Common-wealth, or that Citie, may well and truly be ſaid to be dead, where good Lawes, godly Statutes, and holy Ordinances are not vſed and put in practiſe, which are the ſure binding bands of mans ſocietie, and the principall parts of a Common-wealth.
Common people.
AS they which frequent and haunt the ſchoole of defence, do liue, ſtriue, contend, and fight one with an other: So of the Common-people, one loueth, the other ſpoileth each other.
Careleſſe men, who forbeare to do well, becauſe others will not do ſo.
1 LIke as if an Houſholder hauing many ſeruants, and much worke for them abroade in the Countrey, ſhould giuegive them a generall commaundement to worke faithfully together in their common buſineſſe, and that ſome of thoſe ſeruants would in their Maiſters abſence bee idle and loyter: yet the reſt of the ſeruants ought not to bee idle, becauſe the other will in no wiſe conſent vntounto them in the performance of that their appointed taske: So likewiſe thoſe careleſſe Chriſtians, who in a carnall ſecuritie neglecting the charge of the Lord, and imagining a delay in his comming, ſhall begin to eate and drinke with the drunkards, and to be drunken themſelues, and ſo in playing the loyterers together, they ſhall iuſtly deſerue to bee plagued together; for as they hauehave ſinned together, ſo ſhall they receiue their portion together. Math. 24.45.46. &c. & 25.1. &c. Luke. 12.45, 46, 47.
Careleſſe and negligent in good things.
1 AS Tiberius the Emperour, who being deſirous to hauehave canonized Chriſt, among the number of Saints, thought it expedient firſt to hauehave therein the conſent of the Senate; but while hee wayted for their conſent, Chriſt was vncanonized, whereas Tiberius might very well hauehave done it himſelfe: So it is with Careleſſe Chriſtians, which in a matter ſo manifeſt, will yet waight for others conſent, to the hazard of their owne ſaluation, and diſcouerie alſo of their obſtinate folly.
2 Like as if many conſenting togither to play the good fellowes (as they call it) had played the vnthrifts, and ſo hadde conſumed their portions, and inheritance, and were thereby become the moſt …eggerly Banquerouts on earth, and heerevppon …he Prince being moued with pittie, ſhould ſay to one of …hem, if thou wilt now forſake the company of that vnthriftie aſſembly, and attend wholely vponupon my pleaſure, and become more honeſt and thriftie hereafter, I wil freely beſtowe ſuch a Lordſhip vponupon thee: If heerevpon this man ſhould ſay to the Prince: I wil none of your gift, vnleſſe theſe my companions ſhal giuegive their conſent to the ſame: in thus doing he ſhould ſhewe himſelfe a wilful and an vnwiſe man: Euen ſo is the caſe of al Chriſtians, wee are all become prodigall children, wee hauehave all runne aſtray; we hauehave waſted our portions, and are become vtterly deſtitute of all goodneſſe; the Lord notwithſtanding in his word, doth freely offer vntounto vsus a Kingdome, ſo that we wil forſake this peruerſe and froward generation, with whom we are linckt, as in a curſed communitie. Shal therefore any good Chriſtian who feeleth the want, and findeth a deſire in himſelfe of the profered poſſeſſion, withhold himſelfe from the ſame, for that other his former companions wil not graunt their conſent? we hope no. And therefore ſuch as are wiſe and feare God, wil not prolong to turne vntounto him by true and vnfained repentance, vntil ſuch time as all both tagge and ragge, ſhal conſent to the ſame, for feareaMat. 25.10. the gate be ſhut: but rather wil ſay with Ioſhua, bIoſu. 24.15.If it ſeeme euill in your eyes, &c. Aſſuring themſelues, that if there be butcGen. 6.18. eight ſoules in the whole world, one familydIoſu. 24.15. in a Tribe, one houſholdeGen. 19.15. in a Citie, yea but two menfNom. 14.24.30. Ioſu. 14.6. among many thouſands: when God ſhall begin to viſit the diſobedience of the wicked, and to hurle them headlong to hell: then ſuch as harken diligently to his voyce, ſhall begPſal. 36.8. &. 91.4.7. ſafe vnderunder his wings, his faithfulneſſe and truth ſhall be their ſhield and buckler.
Charitie.
1 AS the fire in all workehouſes is the Inſtrument of all Artes, and the meanes to make things well liked of amongſt men: So in the life of man, nothing is well done without louelove and Charitie. 1 Cor. 13.1. &c.
2 As Gold doth excell all mettalls, is rare and deare, and more faire and durable: Euen ſo Charitie dooth excell all vertues, and ceaſeth not, but is permanent. 1. Cor. 13.13.
3 As the body without the ſoule enioyeth no life: So all other vertues without Charitie, are colde and fruiteleſſe.
Correction.
1 AS ſalues at the beginning do ſmart, and yet at the length do heale the wound: So the Correction of the Father or Schoolemaiſter, though it ſeeme rigorous and ſharpe, yet it ſaueth the childe from the ſincke of vices and vanities. Pro. 13.24. & 19.18. & 22.15. & 23.13.
2 As the skilful Phiſition wil not giuegive his ſtrong and bitter pill before his preparatiue, leaſt the working of it ſhould be hindered by the ſtubborne and indurate obſtructions: Euen ſo the wiſe parent in curing his ſonnes vices, muſt not ſtrike before he hath reprehended or premoniſhed; leaſt he be too much caſt downe and diſcouraged, or waxe obſtinate. Pro. 13.24. & 22.15.
3 As Phiſitions, Surgions, and Apothecaries, are neceſſarie in a Towne for the cure of ſickneſſe and bodily wounds: Euen ſo are roddes and chaſtiſement for the Correction of the corruptions of the ſoule. Pro. 19.18. & 23.18. & 29.15.17.
4 Like as Plants reaſonably watered do take heart and grow, but too much moiſture dooth drowne and choke them: Euen ſo is it with the mindes of children: moderate exerciſe and labour, aduanceth them to goodneſſe; but too much Correction and oppreſſion, dulleth and ſpoileth them. Col. 3.21.
5 As we vſe to ſlack the ſtrings of our bowes and lutes, to make them the ſtiffer, and to hold the better, when wee liſt to ſhoote or play: So likewiſe it is needfull that Parents and Schoolemaiſters ſhould require no more o… their children and ſchollers, then they are able to doo, leaſt they diſcourage them, and make them to hate their ſtudie, or any other thing whereto they would bring them.
6 Like as if wee ſhould ſee a madde man runne vntounto a ſteepe daungerous place, it were much better to ſtay him, and cauſe him to bee bounde, and to bee corrected, then to let him goe and breake his necke: Euen ſo it is in correcting and puniſhing of offenders and wicked liuers.
7 As doctrine is colde without reprehenſion: So are threatnings without Correction. Zepha. 3.1, 2.
Perſecution a meanes to enlarge the Church.
1 EVen as the Palme-tree, the more it is laden and preſſed downe, the more it groweth, and ſtretcheth out, or ſpreadeth his boughs in length and breadth: So likewiſe the Church, the more ſhe is perſecuted and afflicted, the more force, courage, and liuelineſſe, ſhee taketh to her ſelfe. Pſal. 92.12. Act. 4.3, 4. & 11.19.20, 21. Phil. 1.12, 13, 14.
2 Like as Roſes and Lillies are accuſtomed to flouriſh and to encreaſe among thornes: So this is a common thing to the Church, to flouriſh and to encreaſe in the middeſt of Perſecutions. Exod. 1.12.
3 As he that bindeth fire in his Napking, doth not extinguiſh the ſame fire, but burneth his Napking, and ſo the fire is made greater: Euen ſo they which perſecute the godly, do only make them more famous, and bring themſelues to deſtruction.
Christ the Redeemer of mankinde.
1 LIke as the Sunne is ſaid to be a generall light to eueryevery thing, although there bee that receiue no light at all at it: Euen ſo Chriſt is called the light of the world, although a great number hauehave no part of the grace of his light, yet his Redemption is vniuerſall, becauſe it is ſo appointed vntounto all men, that without it, none is, nor can be redeemed. Iohn. 8.12. & 9.5. 1. Timo. 2.6.