A Treasury of Similes, Part A

A Treasury of Similes · Part A

p. 1A

Accuſation.

AS fire caſt into the water, is quickly quenched; ſo a falſe Accuſation againſt an honeſt life, is ſoone extinguiſhed.

Aduerſitie.

As a wiſe Pirate and gouernour of a ſhippe, will in a calme and faire weather looke for a ſtorme: euen ſo eueryevery wiſe man, in time of peace and proſperitie, will prepare his mind for Aduerſitie.Pſal. 69.2.Ps 69:2

2 As a man or beaſt that ſuddenly falleth into a deepe quagmire, whereof hee can find no bottome, muſt needs periſh, except there be ſome at hand to draw him out: ſo hee that falleth into extreme Aduerſitie, except God do helpe him out, muſt needes bee therein ouerthrowne and periſh.

3 Euen as in Winter, when it is exceeding cold, and in p. 2Sommer, when too much heate inflameth all things, great thunder and lightnings are ſeldome heard and ſeene, but in the ſpring-time and harueſt when the aire is cleere and calme, then chiefely they burne and ſtrike where they light: So great calamities and bitter troubles, do lie in wait for proſperitie: they ſeeke not after them which in a low and meane eſtate do labour and take paines in heat and cold, and all ſtormes elſe, but thoſe do they moſt ſuddenly wound, ouerthrow and conſume, as it were with fire, which in a calme ſpring-time, and harueſt of proſperitie, are drunken with pride, and too too inſolent with vaine glory of the world, and are ſet vponupon the top of vanitie it ſelfe.

4 As the ſeed is more fruitfull that hath bene couered with ſnow: and the fire burneth faſter, that hath beene preſſed downe with the winde: So are the heartes and ſoules of true Chriſtians bettered by Aduerſitie.

5 As Marriners, who if they be once in the hauen, are the greateſt drunkards, blaſphemers, whore-maiſters & licentious perſons that may be: but if they be vponupon the ſea in any perill and danger of their liues, there was neuer Hermite, no not Paul nor Hilarion ſo holy in words, ſo auſtere in life, and deuout in prayers, as they are. Iona. 1.4, 5: Euen ſo we in like maner, are neuer ſo humble and lowly minded in proſperitie, as we are in Aduerſitie: for if we be well and at our eaſe, wee thinke of nothing but of ſporting and playing: wee ſpend the time in carding and dicing, in dancing and making merrie: wee ſtudie in the morning, what new paſtime we may hauehave all the day following: and we are neuer ſo much afraid of any thing, as that we ſhould want time and health; neuer thinking vponupon the ſhortneſſe of our dayes, and the ſmall time wee hauehave to liue here, ſo long as we are in health and iollitie.

p. 3The chiefe cauſe of Atheiſme.

AS there is ſmall hope to be conceiued of that Patient which being grieuouſly ſicke, will neither feele his diſeaſe, nor beleeue that he is diſtempered, nor abide to heare of phyſicke, or Phyſitions, nor accept of any counſell that ſhould be offered, nor admit any talke or conſultation about his curing: So likewiſe thoſe men, that inordinately louelove the worlde, which bringeth them to hate God, and to conceiue enmitie againſt him; are in more dangerous eſtate then any other, for that they know not their owne danger; but perſwading themſelues to be more wiſe then their neighbours, doe remoue from their cogitations all things whereby their health and ſaluation may be procured. 1. Iohn 2.15, 16.

Gods Anger.

1 AS the courſe of a ſtreame being ſtopt, it gathereth a great damme, and being let ſuddenly goe, it ouerthroweth all in his way: Euen ſo Gods anger, beeing ſtayed a time, the windowes in heauen being opened, it will (ſhortly it is to be feared) powre downe on our heads plentifully, for the manifold ſinnes that raigne in eueryevery eſtate, throughout our whole Land.

2 As the wette wood, although it be long in burning, yet will burne faſter at the laſt: So the Anger of God, although it be long in comming, yet it will come the fiercer at the laſt. Pſal. 51.9. &c.

3 As Water is deepeſt, where it is the ſtilleſt: So where God is moſt ſilent in threatning, and patient in ſparing, there he is moſt inflamed with Anger, and purpoſe of reuenge: & therefore the fewer that the iudgements be that p. 4are powred forth vponupon the wicked in this life, the moe are reſerued in ſtore for them in the life to come.

4 Like as a man liuing in health, wealth, and all manner of pleaſure, ſhould hauehave this of a ſudden made knowne vntounto him, that he is condemned of treaſon committed againſt his Prince and Countrey, and that therefore hee is forthwith to be depriued of life, and of all thoſe pleaſures which hee doth enioy, there beeing no hope of pardon which cannot poſſibly bee procured by himſelfe or any other, it depending wholly in the gracious fauour and free inclination of the Prince, who vſeth to be greatly inflamed with anger againſt all ſuch offenders, and not to ſpare one of a thouſand of them: wee cannot fully conceiue in minde, or expreſſe in word, the greatneſſe of his griefe, ſorrow and feare. Euen ſo, much more grieuous and fearefull a thing it will be, to incurre the diſpleaſure and Anger of God, the loſſe of eternall ioy and happineſſe, togither with thoſe endleſſe paynes which are prepared for the wicked.

Affliction.

1 LIke as if a ſheepe ſtray from his fellowes, the ſhephard ſets his dogge after it, not to deuoure it, but to bring it in againe: euen ſo our heauenly ſhepheard, if any of vsus his ſheepe diſobay him, he ſets his dogge of Affliction after, not to hurt vsus, but to bring vsus home, to conſideration of our dutie towards him: Now his dogges be Pouertie, Baniſhment, Sickneſſe, euill Rulers, Dearth, Death, Warre, loſſe of Goods, or Friends. &c.

2 As a veſſell when it is foule, muſt be ſcoured and cleanſed before any good liquour be put in it: or as hee that would hauehave his ground to be fruitefull, muſt firſt pull vp the weedes before hee ſowe good ſeede: euen p. 5ſo the Lord our good God doth by Afflictions, as it were by ſharpe medicines, and chaſtiſements, purge our bodies, to the end, that our mindes may bring forth her due fruite in feare and reuerence.

3. Like as the Palme-tree,Pſal. 92.12.Ps 92:12 whē there is a great waight laid on it, ſpreadeth and floriſheth the broader: or as a Camomell with treading and walking on it waxes thicker: euen ſo a faithfull Chriſtian, the more Afflliction and perſecution he ſuffereth for his Chriſt, the more is his faith increaſed.

4. Like as the Schoolemaiſter corrects not his ſcholler, nor the father his childe, but for ſome fault, and for their amendment: euen ſo no more doth God ſend his plagues and chaſtiſements vponupon his children, but to put them in remembrance of their diſobedience towards him, & that they ſhould turne to him. But if the lewde ſcholler, or vnthriftie ſonne, do not regard the correction laid vponupon him, nor conſider the greatnes of his fault, nor the diſpleaſure of his father, there is no goodneſſe to be hoped for of him: Euen ſo is it with ſuch as lightly, or elſe not at all, conſider their liues paſt, God his dealing with them, and how euill and vntowardly things hauehave proſpered with them, during the time that they hauehave diſpleaſed God, and bene afflicted. Agge. 1.5.6. Pro. 16.7.17. Deut. 28.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

5. As the aſhes caſt vpō the fire put it not out, but is a mean to preſerue the ſame in the night againſt the morning, which otherwiſe would be conſumed: or as the barrenneſſe of the trees in winter, are a mean to preſerue the roote againſt ſommer, which then will aſcend vp his iuyce into the body and braunches thereof, whereby they are greatly enlarged, and made farre more fruitful then euer they were before: Euen ſo are Afflictions vntounto the children p. 6of God, which do not only keepe them from the barrenneſſe of ſinne, but alſo encreaſe and multiplie them in the life and fruitefulneſſe of Cods holy ſpirit, and exerciſeth them in patience and hope. Rom. 5.3, 4, 5.

6. As Frankencenſe when it is put into the fire, giueth the greater perfume: or as Spice if it be pounned and beaten, ſmelleth the ſweeter: as the Earth, when it is torne vp with the plough, becommeth more fruitefull: the Seed in the ground, after Froſt and Snowe, and winter ſtormes, ſpringeth the rancker: the nigher the Vine is pruned to the ſtock, the greater grape it yeeldeth: the Grape when it is moſt preſſed and beaten, maketh the ſweeteſt Wine, &c. Linnen when it is buckt, and waſht, and wroong, and beaten, is ſo made fairer and whiter: Euen ſo the children of God, receiue great benefite by perſecution; for by it, God waſheth, and ſcowreth, ſchooleth and nourtereth them: that ſo through many tribulations they may enter to their reſt. Pro. 3.11.12. Reue. 3.19.

7. Like as they that go about to make Lyons tame, do vſe to beate little whelpes before them, and to make them to couch, that ſo the Lyons ſeeing, they may do ſo alſo: Euen ſo, oftentimes God chaſteneth and correcteth his deare ſeruants, that thoſe that be ſtifnecked and rebellious, ſhould by their example, learne ſubiection and obedience.

8. Like as a Phiſition, who goeth about to cure his ſicke Patient, doth firſt promiſe him health (by the aſſiſtance & helpe of God) whereby he putteth him in great hope and comfort: afterwards he beginneth to purge, to cleanſe and ſtrengthen, and ſuch like things, which make to the recouering of his health: Euen ſo our good God alſo, when he hath remitted and pardoned our ſinnes, and receiued vsus into the boſome of grace, and promiſed vsus life, p. 7which were before ſicke to death in our ſinnes, doth lay on vsus Afflictions, and ſo doth ſcoure and renue vsus from day to day, in the knowledge and louelove of him, vntil we become ſafe, pure, and renued, which then at the laſt commeth to paſſe, when this mortall body dieth.

9. As the precious ſtone called Amianthon, being caſt into the fire, is made more clearer and purer: So the children of God, being caſt in the fire of troubles and Afflictions, do ſhine more clearer and beautifull.

10. As the Gold-ſmith putteth his Gold into the fire, not to marre it, but to purge the droſſe out of it: or as the Husbandman, who when his corn is ſomewhat too ranck, either moweth it downe, or elſe eateth it with his ſheepe: and ſo he doth prune his Vines, not to deſtroy them, but to make them bring more aboundant fruite: Euen ſo the Lord doth trie his children, by laying his croſſe vponupon their necks, and purgeth them like Gold in the fire, he cutteth from them many occaſions of euill, that he may bring them to the bearing of greater and more plentifull fruite. Ioh. 16.20. Act. 14.23. 2. Timo. 3.12. 1. Pet. 4.12.13.

11. It fareth with Gods children, as it happeneth to the children of the houſhold. All the while they are yoong and little, they are as the Apoſtle ſaith, ſubiect and vnderunder Tutors and Gouernours, and many times the ſeruants beate them, as though they were their maiſters, and that the children were their ſubiects, becauſe that the time is not yet come, that the Seigniorie of the children ought to bee manifeſted. But when the children are great, they abide heires of the houſe, and the varlets and ſeruants depart, and all the labour of the ſeruants, and that which they hauehave gotten, ſhall continue and abide with them: Euen ſo, we all the while we are in this world, are in this ſtate: for that it doth not yet appeare what wee ſhall bee. p. 8But it is with vsus as it was with Dauid, before the death of Saule. Dauid was annointed and ordained of God, King of Iſraell: yet neuertheleſſe, he could not enioy peaceably his Kingdome, till after the death of Saule: but hee was as the moſt miſerableſt which was in Iſrael, chaſed and perſecuted on euerie ſide: But yet in the ende, he raigned King, maugre his enemies: and all that which Saule and his adherents did vntounto Dauid, was turned to the good and profit of Dauid. 1. King. 2.1. &c. Pſal. 7.1. 1. Sam. 26.1. &c.

12. As a peece of Braſſe being ſtricken with a hammer vponupon the Anuile or ſtythie, breaketh, and withall, maketh a ſharpe and irkſome noiſe: So when an Hypocrite commeth betwixt the Anuile and the hammer of troubles and Affliction, he breaketh with impatiencie, hee murmureth, crieth out, and lamenteth in blaſphemies againſt God.

13. As a peece of Gold being ſmitten with the hāmer on the ſtithie, ſoundeth ſweetly, and is pliable, and may be beaten out in breadth and length as a man would hauehave it: Euen ſo the childe of God in time of perſecution, giueth him thankes, and ſubmitteth himſelfe, laying out his owne heart willingly vnderunder the Lords hand that ſtriketh him.

14. As the Sea if it were not toſt with the windes would ſtinke: Euen ſo the godly man, if hee were not exerciſed with troubles and Afflictions, would bee the worſe.

15. As the Moſſe called Ros-ſolis, though the heate of the Sunne lye vponupon it all the day, yet the hotter the Sunne is vponupon it, the moyſter it is: So the godly in Affliction, &c.

16. As the father doth improperly puniſh his childe for his fault, but properly and chiefly he reſpecteth his amendment, and to hauehave him to leaue his former leaude wayes, and to take a better courſe hereafter: but the childe p. 9for his part, when he is beaten, muſt firſt conſider his fault in ſaying: This correction is for my lewde behauiour: and ſo endeuour to amend, and to doe better afterwards: Euen ſo God, in correcting vsus, doth not properly reſpect our ſinnes, but our reformation, but wee our ſelues muſt find out a proper cauſe, that is, our ſinnes. For although that ſinne is the beginning, euen of all bodily diſeaſes and chaſtiſements, yet it doth not follow, that God alway reſpecteth their ſinnes, whom hee moſt ſharpely puniſheth, as may appeare by the anſwere of Chriſt to his Diſciples. &c. Iohn 9.1, 2.

17 As a painefull and carefull Husbandman, looketh diligently to all points of his buſineſſe, and beſtoweth his induſtrie and labour in each reſpect, as the time and ſeaſon affoordeth, and as the nature and qualitie of eueryevery graine requireth, in hope thereby, to receiue a good encreaſe and plentifull crop: Euen ſo God trieth each way by Afflictions, to draw and bring al men of all ſorts and conditions in this Theatre of the world, to acknowledgement of their duties, and deſire of their ſaluation.

18 Like as the Husbandman, after hee hath plowed vp his land & ſowed it, doth afterward harrow it, and breake the hard clods thereof; and after this, reapeth, thraſheth, fanneth, and ſearceth the chaffe from the corne: and as he cutteth, pruneth and loppeth his trees, and keepeth them vnderunder, leaſt they ſhould grow rugged, or ſpread their boughs too farre out of courſe and order: and finally, as he graffeth, planteth and teacheth his young Sients to be naturalized in another ſtocke then their owne: So likewiſe doth God deale with men in this world, puniſhing and afflicting, ſome with loſſes, hinderances, and other tokens of his hidden iudgement, for the better trial of their patience and conſtancie; ſome (though euill and wicked p. 10perſons) he tollerateth, ſpareth, and (as it were) winketh at, in hope of their conuerſion and amendment. Deut. 8.2, 3. Iudg. 10.13, 15, 16. & 11.31.

Heb. 12 5 6 7, 8, 9, 10.Heb 12:519 As children take patiently correction at their fathers hand, though ſometime it be prepoſterous and otherwiſe then it ſhould be: Euen ſo wee ought to take that croſſe and Affliction patiently, which God layeth vponupon vsus, knowing that hee alwayes doth it for our good and comfort.

1. Pet. 4.12, 13.1 Pet 4:121 Pet 4:1320 As it is a common thing to trie golde and ſiluer by fire: Euen ſo it ſhould not ſeeme ſtrange to the children of God to be tried by Afflictions.

21 Like as there is nothing in heauen that pleaſeth God ſo well, as that honourable obedience that his Saintes do giuegive him in heauen: So there is nothing vponupon the earth ſo acceptable vntounto him, as when his Saintes vponupon earth are readie to ſuffer for his ſake. Phil. 4.5. 2. Tim. 2.3.

Mar. 15.21.Mark 15:2122 As the Iewes led our Sauiour Chriſt to be crucified, they mette one Symon of Cyren, the father of Alexander and Rufus, and vponupon him they layd the Croſſe: So likewiſe if any Affliction be layde vponupon vsus for Ieſus Chriſt his ſake, wee muſt be well contented to carrie the ſame, as Symon of Cyren was to beare the Croſſe. Matthew 16.24.

Mat. 26 37, 38, 67. & 27.46.50. Iob. 2.7, 8, 9.Matt 26:37Matt 26:38Matt 26:67Matt 27:46Matt 27:50Job 2:7Job 2:8Job 2:923 As there were two Croſſes prepared for our Sauiour Chriſt, the one of paſſion, as that woodden and materiall Croſſe, whereon his bodie ſuffered outwardly, the other of compaſſion, whereby his ſoule ſuffered inwardly: So there is prepared a double croſſe for euerie faithfull Chriſtian, the one of the ſoule, the other of the bodie.

24 As good Ieſus was crucified by the bad Iewes: ſo alſo hath God decreed that his children ſhal be afflicted in this world, leaſt they ſhould be damned with this world. 1. Cor. 11.32.

p. 1125 As the Arke of Noah roſe higher and higher by the ſwelling of the waters of the floud:Gen. 7.17.Gen 7:17 Euen ſo the mindes of the righteous are brought neerer and neerer to God by perſecution and Affliction.

26 As blowing ſeemeth to diſperſe the flames and trouble them, but yet maketh them burne more cleare: Euen ſo Affliction though it be grieuous to the fleſh, yet it purgeth it of many ſinnes, and maketh the godly farre more excellent.

27 As there is no compariſon of one little water-drop, to the whole huge Sea, or of one ſmall grayne of duſt to the mountaine Imaus: Euen ſo the light and ſhort afflictions and troubles of this moſt ſhort race, are not worthy to be compared with the great and eternall glory of the life to come. 2. Cor. 4.17.18. Rom. 8.18.

28 As in the fining pot, the goldſmith tryeth the ſiluer:Pro. 17.3. & 27.21.Prov 17:3Prov 27:21 So likewiſe doth God by troubles and affliction trie the hearts of men.

29 As a ſeruant woorking abroad in the hotte Sunne,Iob. 7.2.Job 7:2 longeth for, and is gladde of the coole ſhade: So men in Affliction and miſerie are glad of a litle eaſe.

30 Like as if two children ſhould fight, and a man comming by, ſhould parte them, and after beate the one, and let the other go free; eueryevery man that ſeeth this will ſay, that that child which he beats is his owne ſonne: Euen ſo when God chaſtiſeth vsus,Heb. 12.7.Heb 12:7 hee ſheweth himſelfe vntounto vsus as a father, if we ſubmit our ſelues.

31 As great and mightie fiſhes, are not bred and fedde in ſmall riuers and ſweete waters, but in the ſalt and bitter waters of the Seas: So men that are excellent & very famous by reaſon of the notable and manifold vertues wherewith they bee indued, are not delighted in the p. 12falſe and deceitfull pleaſures of this world, but are nouriſhed, and as it were, ſweetly cheriſhed and brought vp in Chriſt, with very ſowre ſorrowes, and bitter calamities, which they endure, & moſt patiently beare for Gods ſake.

32 As to a valiant Souldiour, nothing is more noble and worthy praiſe, then to carrie the Armour and armes of his Prince: So a true Chriſtian man, eſteemeth nothing of greater valure and more honourable, then to beare the armes and badges of Chriſt his Captaine; that is, to be throughly touched with great croſſes & many Afflictions, and to be well armed with godly patience. Gal. 6.17. 2. Tim. 3.12.

33 As a Phiſitiō doth miniſter to his ſick patients, ſowre and bitter potions to drinke, that ſome hurtfull humor of their bodies may be expelled: So God our heauenly father and Phyſition, willing to cure the maladies, and to ſalue the ſores of our ſoules, doth reach vntounto vsus many times, the cup of Afflictions, troubles and miſeries, that (our ſinnes and iniquities being taken away) we may be reſtored to the former ſaluation of our ſoules.

34 As he that would mortifie his greateſt ſinnes, muſt beginne to do it with ſmall ſinnes; which, when they are once reformed, a man ſhall be able more eaſily to ouercome his maſter ſinnes: So likewiſe, he that would be able to beare afflictions, and the croſſe of all croſſes, namely, death it ſelfe, muſt firſt of all, learne to beare ſmall croſſes, as ſickneſſes in body, and troubles in mind, with loſſes of goods, and of friends, and of good name: which may fitly be tearmed little deaths, and the beginnings of death it ſelfe; & ſo he muſt firſt of all acquaint himſelfe with theſe little deaths, before he can well be able to beare the great Death of all.

35 Euen as he that hath a Sonne, which is in good and p. 13perfect health, and a ſeruant that is exceeding ſicke, dealeth more roughly and ſeuerely with his ſonne, then with his ſeruant, not becauſe hee loueth his ſeruant more then his ſonne, but becauſe he would (if it might be) reſtore his ſicke ſeruant to his former health: but his ſonne whom he loueth moſt dearely, he reproueth, checketh, taunteth, and correcteth: Euen ſo our louing God ſometimes afflicteth his deare children, whome hee moſt tenderly loueth,Heb. 12.6, 7 Gal. 6.14. 2. Tim. 3.12. Rom. 5.3. Mat. 5.10.Heb 12:6Heb 12:7Gal 6:142 Tim 3:12Rom 5:3Matt 5:10 and doth ſuffer them to be exerciſed with wants, with hunger and cold, with weepings and wailings, with ſighs and ſorrowfull ſobs, with nakedneſſe and want of harbour, with heauineſſe of heart, & vexation of ſoule, with ſickneſſe of bodie, and want of libertie, and with a thouſand other calamities and cares; and in the meane time ſuffereth the wicked and vngodly ones of the world, to want nothing, hee giueth them health, wealth, and libertie, worldly honour and dignitie, and what not? meaning and purpoſing by theſe meanes (if the fault be not in themſelues) to bring them to know, to feare, to honour and to ſerue him, by whoſe prouidence and appointment they hauehave and enioy all thoſe good bleſſings, and ſo be cured and healed of the ſores and ſickneſſe of their ſoules.

36 As the skilfull pearle ſeller, and cunning lapidarie, doth willingly ſuffer the Indian diamond or adamant, to be ſmitten and ſtrooken with great and weightie blowes, becauſe he knoweth well, that the hammer and anuill will ſooner be bruiſed, then the diamond or adamant will be broken: So likewiſe our moſt wiſe God, yea, onelyonly wiſedome it ſelfe, ſuffereth men of excellent vertues, of vnquenchable louelove and charitie, and inuincible conſtancie, to fall into diuers temptations, and great afflictions, and to be plunged deepe into manifold miſeries, becauſe he will hauehave their inward graces to breake out and ſo ſhine before p. 14men, that they ſeeing the conſtancie of his Saints, may glorifie God which is in heauen.

37 As a Mother that waines her childe, layeth wormewood or ſome other bitter thing vponupon her breaſt to make the childe loathe the milke: So likewiſe God makes vsus often feele the miſeries and croſſes of this life, that our louelove and liking might bee turned from this world and fixed in heauen.

38 As rawe fleſh is loathſome to the ſtomacke: ſo is euerie ſinner and vnmortified man loathſome vntounto God, till the Lord by Afflictions mortifie in him the corruptions of his nature, and ſpecially the louelove of this world.

39 As Horſes that are headſtrong, and either keepe not their right pace, or turne out of the way, be rained and kept in with the bridle: So the Lord bringeth vsus backe from our headineſſe by one Affliction, calamitie or other. 1. Cor. 11.32.2. Cor. 1.4.

40 Like as if any ſhrewde childe purpoſe to flie from his ſchoole-maiſter, or refuſeth to keepe the ſchoole diligently, there are meſſengers ſtraightway ſent for him to bring him backe: So likewiſe God dealeth with vsus, who ſendeth his meſſengers, to wit, troubles, the peſtilence, and other diſeaſes, to bring vsus backe to himſelfe. Heb. 12.6.

41 As a Maiſter can in no wiſe be ſaid to hate his ſcholler when he fetcheth him into the ſchoole with his rodde from playing the treuant: euen ſo, no more doth God hate vsus, when he calleth vsus backe from our leaude wayes by his correction. Pſal. 5.4.5.

42 As in a houſe where there are many children the rod is neceſſarie: or as in a Citie ſubiect to diuers diſeaſes, and where there is an euell ayre, Phiſitions are needfull: p. 15So likewiſe in the houſe of God, where there are many childrē enclined to euil, the rod of Affliction is many times more neceſſarie then bread. Pſal. 119.67.71.

43 As a mad man is angrie with the Phiſition, chaſeth him away, and throweth away the medicine: but a wiſe man that is ſicke of a corporall diſeaſe, ſendeth for the Phiſition, taketh drinke at his hand, thanketh him, yea and giueth him a reward: So when God the ſoueraigne Phiſition of our ſoules, viſiteth vsus with Afflictions, and giueth vsus wholeſome medicines, we muſt not be like mad men, reiecting the hand of God, but receiuing the medicine, wee muſt giuegive him thankes, and bleſſe him, after the example of Iob. Iob. 1.21.22.

44 As corne that is ſhut vp and cloſed in the huske, and the chaffe commeth not forth if the eare be not beaten, and ſo tarrieth ſtill in the chaffe if it be not fanned: Euen ſo the like hapneth to the children of God, if they bee not beaten and fanned by tribulations, to be ſeperated from the chaffe of the world, and the pleaſures and impediments that be in it.

45 As the beaſts that go by the way, and ſee on the ſide of them faire fields, aſſaying to go to them, & running vponupon the hedges of thornes, if they feele the ſharpe pricks, they go backe and returne into the way: So likewiſe, whē the children of God go out of the right way to heauen, to go to the fields of this world and of the fleſh, God maketh them to come vponupon the thornes of Afflictions, to the ende, that by their prickings they may turne backe againe. Hoſe. 2.6.

46 As golde, by fire is ſeuered, and parted from droſſe: ſo ſingleneſſe of heart, and true Chriſtian ſimplicitie, is beſt ſeene, and made moſt euident, in troubles and Afflictions: In proſperitie eueryevery man will ſeeme godly, p. 16but Afflictions do drawe out of the heart, whatſoeuer is there, whether it be good or badde. Pſal. 26.2.

47 As the obedience of Chriſt in the croſſe was a gratefull ſacrifice to God: So our obedience in al Afflictions and troubles, pleaſeth God, not for it ſelfe, but in reſpect of faith, whereby it is ſeuered from the puniſhments of the vngodly, is layde vponupon the altar of Chriſt, through touching of whom it is ſanctified, and accepted of God. Iob. 19.25.

48 As myrrhe, notwithſtanding it be ſharpe and bitter, yet it healeth wounds, and preſerueth from putrifaction: So the croſſe and troubles of the Saints, though it be irkeſome to the fleſh, and grieuous, yet it deſtroyeth not, but healeth rather.

49 Like as when a mother willing to weane her child, ſhall ſay vntounto him, night and day: My child, it is time to weane thee, thou art growne great inough, and I am with child, my milke is corrupt, it will make thee ſicke; yet he is ſo fond of the breaſt, that he can not forſake it: but if the mother put wormewood or muſtard vponupon the breaſt, the child ſucking it, and feeling the bitterneſſe, he quite forſaketh it, without ſucking any more: Euen ſo, though Gods Preachers preach vntounto vsus, and exhort vsus to forſake the corrupt milke of the world, and of the fleſh, yet we ſeeme deafe ſtill, and are alwayes backward, vntill God put vponupon theſe curſed teates, the muſtard and worme-wood of afflictions to weane vsus.

50 Like as when we ſee the Carpenters ſtrike with their axes vponupon pieces of wood, to ſquare it or plane it: and Maſons to poliſh ſtones with the ſtrokes of an hammer: wee gather that theſe are ſtones and timber, which the maiſter would imploy to ſome building: Euen ſo let vsus conclude of our ſelues, that if God liſt vp vponupon vsus the axes and hammers p. 17of Afflictions to poliſh vsus: it is a manifeſt and ſure teſtimonie, that he hath choſen vsus to put in the building of his temple; and that ſo we are his children both well beloued and happie. Heb. 12.6. 1. Pet. 4.17.

51 As he that deſpiſeth the word and Sacraments, deſpiſeth them not onelyonly, but the Lord, who is the author of them: Euen ſo he that cannot away with Afflictions and temptations, eyther of body or minde, but counteth them miſerable, and not to be ſuffered, deſpiſeth them not only, but the Lord himſelf, who hath appointed them as means to work in vsus that excellent vertue of patience. Iam. 11.2.3.

52 As the Goldſmith knoweth how much droſſe hee hath, and how much cleane and fine gold, by the trying of it in the fire: Euen ſo we ſhall know what portion of faith the Lorde hath giuen to vsus by Afflictions and troubles, and what droſſe and imperfections remaine in vsus, as infidelitie, which when we know perfectly, we muſt learn by the word of God, and ſo heartily and earneſtly pray him to redreſſe it.

53 As Myrrhe doth keepe mens bodies from corrupting, and preſerueth them from putrifaction, and rottenneſſe: Euen ſo it is moſt true in the children of God, that Afflictions and calamities, taken & borne patiently, do profit & preuaile much to keepe their ſoules from the corruption and canker of greeuous euils. Iohn. 16.20.21. 2. Cor. 1.8. Reue. 7.14.

54 Euen as a bitter potion, is not ſaid to be vnprofitable, nor without hope, when health & ſoundnes doth follow, althogh it be exceeding bitter to him that taketh it: ſo ſharp and pinching Afflictions, troubles and calamities, wherewith the Lord doth exerciſe his children now and then, are not to be counted idle and in vaine, when ſome peace of conſcience, and comfort vntounto our ſoules do follow, that p. 18when the iuſtice of God is ſeene, many may be amended, and the faith and patience of many may be tried. For nothing is more auaileable for the aduancing of the praiſe and commendation of true vertue, then calamitie it ſelfe, taken and borne patiently for Chriſts ſake.

55 As the intangled bird cannot eſcape out of the net that cōpaſſeth her: euē ſo no more can we wind our ſelues out of thoſe Afflictions that God layeth vponupon vsus. Lament. 1.13.

56 Like as a man that hath two ſonnes, the one an earneſt louer of vertue, ſtrong in body, and of a mightie courage: the other depraued, and of crooked diſpoſition, enclined to effeminate pleaſures & wanton delights, weak in body, and of litle or no courage: the firſt he ſendeth out to wars, and doth aduenture him in perils and dangers of all ſorts, that he may exerciſe & acquaint him with the labors, troubles & toiles of the world: the other he cockereth, and maketh too much of him, hee ſuffereth him to hauehave all things at his will, he is kept at home, and (as it were) dandled vponupon his mothers lap: but at the laſt, he that in all his affaires and dangerous aduentures, did in euerie point quite himſelfe like a man of great valor and noble courage, receiued togither with great praiſe, and deſerued honour, a moſt high and noble reward: but hee that was pampered and cockered at home, had neither praiſe, reward, nor honor: Euen ſo our heauenly father doth lead men that are ſtrōg and conſtant in faith, through diuers and ſundrie perils and dangers, & doth draw them as it were with his owne hand, throgh bitter anguiſhes, great perplexities, and narrow ſleights of calamities, miſeries, and temptations, and doth continually exerciſe them with fearefull combats, againſt the enemies of their ſoules, and through many and great labours, infinite ſturdie ſtormes and bitter blaſts p. 19doth ſtrengthen and confirme them, in vertue and godlyneſſe: but the fraile and wicked men of the world, & ſuch as are meere naturall, without any delight or comfort in his word, and are no whit ſeaſoned nor cheared with the dewes of his grace, and his moſt bleſſed ſpirit, he permitteth them to be in great proſperitie, and to hauehave all things at their will and pleaſure, without ſmarting, ſighing, ſobing, and groning, for want or lack of any thing, that their hearts can deuiſe or deſire: but at the length in the end of the day, they that hauehave ſtriuen hard, and fought manfully, and hauehave in battell ouercome the fleſh, the world, and the diuell, ſhall be receiued into endleſſe ſaluation, euerlaſting life, & eternal glorie: & they which hauehave laid downe their heads, and ſlept in the boſomes of worldly pleaſures, and hauehave ſlumbred in foule and filthy idleneſſe, neuer caring, nor thinking, what will follow, nor remembring the dreadfull day of iudgement, when the wicked ſhall heare their damnation denounced by Chriſt, they then ſhall bee vtterly condemned, reprobated, and caſt into euerlaſting and endleſſe miſeries. Then ſhall moſt plainely bee ſeene and felt, the loſſe that fleſhly pleaſures bring, and the profit of Afflictions, and croſſes carried and borne for our Sauiour Chriſt his ſake.

57 As Wheate or other corne and graine, laid vp and kept in a garner, ſeller or chamber, if it be not ſtirred and dreſſed with a ſhouel or fan, will be full of corruption, loſe the ſweete ſauour, wax vnwholeſome for mans body, and will be conſumed of weeuelles: Or as apparell orgarments being laid cloſe vp in a preſſe, or other place, if they bee not much ſhaken, beaten, and toſſed, will be eaten and ſpoyled with moathes: Euen ſo Chriſtians, if they be not tried with temptatious, & throghly exerciſed p. 20with calamities & miſeries, wil be very quickly mōſtrouſly corrupted, and wil grow to be ſo rotten in all maner of ſin and iniquitie, that they will ſhrinke & fall quite from the Lord: but being wel proued, canuaſed and throghly tried, with many croſſes, afflictions, & troubles, one following in the necke of an other, they become the firmer, ſtronger, and more conſtant, in the faith, fear, and louelove of …od, and ſo manfully fighting, & couragiouſly ouercomming the aduerſaries and enemies of their ſoules, they ſhall at the length be crowned with an euerlaſting crowne of eternall glorie. 2. Timo. 2.3.5. 1. Cor. 10.13.

58 As a father giueth vntounto his ſonne whom hee loueth dearely, a breaſt-plate or ſtomacher, verie coſtly, and curiouſly wrought, of ſilke, ſiluer, or gold, to weare vnderſome other garment, doth ſuffer his vppermoſt garment, as doublet or coate, to be pinkt and cut in diuers places, that the vnderunder coſtly worke may outwardly appeare and be ſeene of all: Euen ſo our heauenly Father, a God of compaſſion & merciemercy, yea the God of all comfort, doth ſometimes ſuffer that man whom he moſt dearely loueth, to be wounded of the wicked, and to be ſmitten with calamities and miſeries, to the end that the precious and golden breaſt-plate of patience, wherewith the Lord hath inwardly endued him, ſhould outwardly appeare, and bee ſeene of all. Reue. 3.19. Math. 5.10.11. Rom. 3.4.5.

59. As the waters which were very bitter in Marah, after that the wood was throwne thereinto,Exo. 15.25.Exod 15:25 became ſweete: So there can no croſse or Affliction happen to the Saints of God in this life, but it becommeth moſt pleaſant, if the wood of the croſse of Chriſt be added as aſauce, but if that be taken away, the waters become bitter and vnſauourie, that is, euerie trouble is verie ſower and intollerable, vnles p. 21it be tempered as it were with the Croſſe of Chriſt.

60 As the buſh that Moſes ſawe,Exod. 3.23.Exod 3:23 was not conſumed with fire: So neither do the weapons or crueltie of enemies conſume Chriſtians, although they be mightily beſet round about of the wicked.

61 Like as when trees be hewen downe, much moe impes do ſpring vp, then the boughes were that were cut off: So now after the ſlaughter of many godly men, moe did runne vntounto the Goſpel, and that day by day, then euer did; yea, and the blood of the ſlaine bodies was a certaine watering of the new plantes ſpringing vp in the Church: So that a Martyr in ſuffering, doth not ſuffer for himſelfe alone, but alſo for eueryevery man. For himſelfe he ſuffereth to be crowned: for eueryevery man hee ſuffereth, to giuegive them an example: for himſelfe to his reſt: for eueryevery man to their welfare.

62 As the intangled fowle can not eſcape or wind him ſelfe out of the net that compaſſeth him: Euen ſo no more can we winde our ſelues out of thoſe Afflictions that God layeth vponupon vsus. Lamen. 1.13.

63 As the fluttering of the ſnared bird holdeth her faſter then before: So likewiſe our ſtrugling and murmuring againſt God in our Afflictions, auayleth vsus nothing at all; but rather we muſt take patiently whatſoeuer hee doth lay vponupon vsus, and ſeeke vntounto him alone for releaſe by earneſt prayer, who onelyonly can deliuer vsus.

64 As the grapes can not flie from the treader of the wine preſſe: Euen ſo no more can wee eſcape Gods hand in puniſhing and afflicting of vsus. Lamen. 1.15, 16. becauſe there is no place to flie from his preſence. Pſal. 139.7, 8.

65 Like as ſalte preſerueth fleſh that it do not putrifie, and the drawing plaiſter ſearcheth and purgeth that part of the bodie, which is ſore, leaſt through corrupt matter it p. 22pine away: Or as the hote iron, being put thereunto, burneth out and conſumeth whatſoeuer ſhould hinder the recouerie thereof: So likewiſe doth Affliction and tribulation (leaſt wee ſhould waxe rotten in the filthineſſe of ſinne) draw vsus backe from the renuing of ſinne, taketh away the delight of reſting in euill, quencheth the fire of luſt, and eaſily plucketh out of a good heart, whatſoeuer is an impediment to the good health of the minde.

Euen as by long boyling of gold, which is throwne into the fornace, any other corrupt thing mixed therewith, is tried out, and taken from it: Like ſo, through affliction and aduerſitie, both the delight we hauehave in creatures, the flattering we make of our ſelues, the confidence wee hauehave in men, and whatſoeuer elſe is not pure, vaniſheth away, and is put from vsus: and the minde thereby wholy bent vponupon God, of whom it wayteth to obtayne a quietneſſe.

66 As the couragious horſe, ſhewes by his prauncing, and all other tokens of fierceneſſe, how vnwillingly he abideth his rider, yea, he throwes him off, if hee can, and yet neuertheleſſe is brought vnderunder, will he or no: and as the gentler horſe, more quietly ſuffers his rider, turnes what way ſoeuer he appointes him, and lets himſelfe be tamed: Euen ſo the wicked, when God doth trie them with affliction and miſerie, with penſiueneſſe and with aduerſitie, they ſpurne againſt it, although they nothing preuaile: and being impatient of their misfortune, make reſiſtance all that euer they can: but the godly ſorte ſtoope to God, ſuffer them ſelues to be ruled, and with all humbleneſſe of minde, yeelde to the will of God: through which it comes to paſſe, that as the one ſorte reapes no fruite through their impatience; ſo the other by their ſufferaunce, depart with exceeding great profite and commoditie.

p. 2367 As one and the ſame Sunne hardeneth myre, and yet melteth waxe: Euen ſo in a manner doth Affliction make good men become the better, and euill men the worſe.

68 Like as the Muſition ſtraineth his ſtrings, and yet he breaketh none of them, but maketh thereby a ſweeter melodie and better concord: So God through affliction and trouble, deſtroyes not thoſe which be his owne, but makes them better, and more plyable vntounto the fruition and enioying of the life to come.

69 As the Maſon heweth out ſtones, which he maketh fitte for building of his houſe, graues them and ſquares them, before he lay and ioyne them to the building: Euen ſo through Affliction, doth God turne, trie, exerciſe, and prepare before hand, his elect, with whom, as with liuely ſtones, he purpoſeth to build the habitation of God: hee ſiftes them, as corne with a fanne, winnowes them from the chaffe, and puts them aſide into his cheſt, before he lay them vp in his heauenly barne.

70 As the ſeede of the harueſt, which is couered with froſt, increaſeth more fruitfully: and as the flame with blowing is kept vnderunder, to the intent it may increaſe and be made greater: So doth God through affliction, trouble, and aduerſitie, more vehemently rauiſh our mindes, ſtirs them vp, and increaſes them, with a longing for him.

71 Like as if a ſheepe runne from his fellowes, the ſhepheard ſets his dog after it, not to deuoure it, or hurt it, but to bring it in againe: So our heauenly Shepheard, if any of vsus his ſheepe diſobey him, he ſets dis dog of affliction after vsus, as pouertie, ſickeneſſe, euill rulers, dearth, death, warre, loſſe of goods, or friends, &c. not to hurt vsus, but to bring vsus home to a right conſideration of our duetie towardes this our heauenly father and moſt kinde Shepheard.

p. 2472 Euen as Chriſt (whome in Baptiſme wee put on) was baptized with the Croſſe: So wee alſo, as long as we remaine in this world, muſt prepare our ſelues to the croſſe and aduerſities.

73 Euen as the conſcience aſſenteth to the Law, reprouing ſinne: So alſo by the Croſſe, wee are admoniſhed to repent, that we may be ſaued.

74 As the goldſmith intending to make pretious and excellent veſsels fit for the vſe of great Kings, doth caſt his golde into the fire, that ſo it may become pure from all droſse; So before that the faithfull can be veſſels of honour, fit for the ſeruice of God in the Kingdome of heauen, they muſt be caſt into the furnace of Affliction, and there be weaned from the vaine delights and pleaſures of ſinne, yea tryed to be ſound in the profeſſion of the faith, and corrected for their former miſdemeanour.

75 As a tree which although it be remoued out of one place vntounto another, yet floriſheth: ſo the Afflictions of the godly, turneth to their profit.

Admonition or wholeſome preceptes.

1 AS vntounto him that is diſeaſed with the Kinges Euill, hony is vnpleaſant and bitter, when as vntounto others the ſame is very ſweete: So good and profitable admonition and wholeſome preceptes to godly men are moſt delectable, whereas vntounto thoſe that are corrupted with affections, they be altogether ſharpe and vnſauorie.

Anger.

1 AS continuall ſhogging doth much bruiſe and ſhake the body: So dayly anger doth wound and marre the mind. Pro. 16.32.

2 As a childe for want of experience, ſeeking with a p. 25ſword to annoy others, woundeth himſelfe: So Anger that intendeth to endammage others, is moſt hurtful to it ſelfe.

3 Like as according to the mind of Hipocrates, that ſickeneſſe is moſt perillous, wherein the ſicke man altereth his countenaunce and hew: So likewiſe there is no diſeaſe of the minde more miſchieuous then Anger, for it altereth the voyce and going of man, that hee ſeemeth ſometimes ſtrange & vnlike to himſelfe. Pro. 14.17. Ephe. 4.31. Col. 3.8.

4 As the Marriners perceiuing tempeſt at hande, do with ankers faſten their ſhippe: So before the tempeſt of immoderate Anger do inuade vsus, wee ought with reaſon to ſtabliſh and faſten our minde. 1. Cor. 13.5.

5 Like as if a man blow a ſparke, hee doth many times make a great ſtarre-fire; but contrariwiſe if hee ſpitte on it, he quencheth it cleane out: Euen ſo if one ſpeake proude boaſting wordes to his enemie, he ſhall incenſe and prouoke him to wrath, but if hee intreat him kindly with faire ſpeeches, hee then ſhall pacifie his Anger before it breake out. Mat. 5.22. Rom. 12.19. Pro. 15.1, 18. Eph. 4.26, 26. Col. 3.8.

6 Like as if a man ioyne fire to fire, he maketh the flame the greater: Euen ſo if a man thinke to ſuppreſſe another mans Anger by being angrie himſelfe, hee ſhall both looſe his labour, and rather encreaſe the other mans Anger.

7 As vineger corrupteth a veſſell if it be long in it: So Anger doth corrupt the heart, if it continue in it.

8 Like as we abhorre drunkards, for that ſo long as they are drunken, they are without ſence and vnderſtanding, differing nothing from bruit beaſts, but in ſhape & portraiture onelyonly: So in like maner for the ſame cauſe muſt we flie this cholerick paſſion of Anger, which like a hot & feruent feuer ſo troubleth our minds, that ſo long as we are poſſeſſed therewith, we can not vnderſtand, much leſſe ſpeake any thing that ſauoureth of reaſon.

p. 269 As we account him a madde and a furious man, that would ſet fire on his owne houſe: Euen ſo may we thinke of him that ſetteth his owne heart on fire, & burneth himſelfe through anger, malice, and reuenge.

10 As vineger ſpoyleth the veſſell wherein it is kept: So doth Anger and choller marre him in whom it aboundeth.

11 As eueryevery one abhorreth a wrangling and contentious perſon: and as eueryevery one looketh carefully to fire for feare of harme: So likewiſe we ſhould take heed of this chollericke paſſion of Anger, which is as a daungerous flaming fire, waſting and conſuming whatſoeuer it toucheth, and cannot be quenched but with great difficultie, beeing once but a litle kindled.

12 As fire when it is couered with aſhes, yet it is not quenched: Euen ſo Anger or choller, though it be diſſembled, couered or retayned in the heart a while, yet it is not ſo quenched, but it hatcheth hatred, which by litle & litle ſo conuerteth himſelfe into his ſubſtance, as in ſhort time it becommeth vnſeperable from his nature.

13 Like as if wee hauehave but one child, wee are loth hee ſhould be gouerned by a foole: So likewiſe we muſt conſider that when we ſuffer our ſelues to be tranſported by Anger and choller, we commit our ſelues as it were to be ruled by a furious perſon.

14 Like as when our enemie inuadeth vsus, we ſeeke to repulſe and driue him backe by all meanes poſſible, leaſt he ſhould ſet footing in our territories & land, and neſtle himſelfe neere vsus; and if he be entred, we are carefull ſo to impeach and remoue him, that he fortifie not himſelfe: Euen ſo in like manner wee muſt make ſuch bulwarks about our heartes, that Anger and choller may no way enter: but if it happen that it once entreth, and lyeth ſecretly in the corners of our breaſts, and that it ſurpriſe & ſet vponupon vsus on the ſudden, or maketh way by force, we muſt forthwith deuiſe p. 27all the wayes we can to expell it, as ſoone as we may.

15 If we hauehave eaten poyſon, we ſeeke forthwith to vomite it vp againe with all ſpeed, and if we be fallen into any diſeaſe, we vſe the meanes we can to prouide a remedie: So likewiſe when wee feele any vnruly motions of Anger or choller, & the fiery flames thereof be once kindled in our hearts, wee muſt be carefull to repreſſe and coole them, as we would be to quench the fire in our houſes. Ephe. 4.26.

16 As wind in the bodie puffeth it vp and maketh it to ſwell and ſeeme great: Euen ſo Anger puffeth vp a man and maketh him ſo proud and arrogant, that he thinketh no deuice ſo good as his owne, neither will he take any counſell of himſelfe, during the heate of his fiery paſſion, nor yet receyue any at other mens handes.

17 As they who ſeeing their houſes on fire, vnderſtand not what is ſaid vntounto them, by reaſon of the noyſe about thē, & the troubleſome cogitations of their owne mindes: Euen ſo angrie & peeuiſh perſons are ſo ſenceleſſe & void of reaſon, that they will not hearken to any good aduice or counſell: ſo that if one ſpeake gently vntounto them, they do not regard it: if hee reproue them roughly, they are the more exaſperated, and become more wilfull.

18 As many medicines do litle profit if they be not applied after the fitte be ended: So can we not comprehend any reaſon, if with the tumultuous and troubleſome motions of Anger, our mindes be moleſted and vexed.

19 As we vſe to deale with fire, which with great earneſt endeuour we ſeeke to quench, when as it firſt beginneth to kindle, not expecting or tarrying til it hath takē the beames and rafters of the houſe, or any ſolide matter, whereby it may be encreaſed and ſtrengthened: So in like manner we muſt not ſtay til we burne & flame with Anger, but as ſoone as euer wee feele our ſelues diſpoſed thereunto, and that the pulſe of our heartes beginnes to beate more quicke p. 28then is conuenient, for a right & wholeſome temperature.

20 As Plato hauing taken his man in a great fault, was of a ſudden exceedingly mooued, and hauing gotten a cudgell as though he would hauehave beaten him, notwithſtanding deſiſted, and vſed no further puniſhment: one of his friends ſtanding by him, and ſeeing this thing, demanded of him, why he had gotten ſuch a cudgel? to whom he anſwered, that he had prouided it to correct and chaſtiſe his owne Anger, which ſeemed to rebell againſt him, & would no longer be ruled by reaſon: In like maner ſhould we do, when as we are troubled with this paſſion of Anger, & get either a knife or a ſword to cut the throat of it, when it beginneth, and as it were in his infancy: for we may eaſily at the firſt oppoſe our ſelues againſt it, as againſt a tyrant, and not permit it to hauehave rule ouer vsus, but if wee ſuffer it to encreaſe and to fortifie it ſelfe, it will by litle and litle ouerrule vsus, and at length become inuincible.

21 As they who hauehave the falling ſickeneſſe, to the ende that other ſhould not ſee them fall groueling, & lie foming at the mouth, ſhewing a moſt ſtrange and gaſtfull countenance, do withdraw themſelues from all company: Euen ſo we ſhould get out ſelues out of all company, that ſo we might the more eaſily tame this furious paſſion of Anger, that ſo at length we might attaine ſuch a moderation and conſtancie of mind, that it can not be altered with any occaſion whatſoeuer.

22 Like as the Thebanes thought at the firſt that the Lacedemonians were inuincible, & therefore durſt not meddle with them, but after that they had ouercome them once or twice, thē they thought they were able to conquere them, and that in ſet battails: So in like manner if wee once take heart & thinke that we are able (being wel armed with reaſon) to meete anger in the field & ouercome it, we ſhal not p. 29need to encounter this enemie twiſe, for he will not be ſo hardie as appeare the ſecond time, or if he do, it wil be to his vtter ouerthrow and confuſion.

23 As the couetous man thinketh, that if he once obteineth that he deſireth, he will then reſt contented: ſo we thinke and imagine, that if we hauehave vttered our Anger, our mindes are ſatisfied: but as the deſire of the one is nothing aſſwaged by the poſſeſſion and encreaſe of riches which he deſireth, but rather augmenteth more then it was before: So likewiſe the poyſoned ſtomacke of the other, is nothing eaſed by outragious and furious ſpeeches, but rather they become more froward and peruerſe.

24 As fine gold doth ſuffer it ſelfe to be tried in the furnace ſixe or ſeuen times, and yet the heate of the fire doth neuer chaunge his nature or colour: Or as good corne is firſt threſhed with the ſtaile, and then winnowed in the winde, and yet is neither broken with the one, nor carried away with the other: Euen ſo we ſhould ſuffer our ſelues to be tried by iniuries, oppreſſions, and other hard dealing, and yet not by impatiencie through Anger or Choller, chaunge our nature, or yet our colour, or be carried away to any inconuenience.

25. As trees planted by running brookes, doth endure both winter and ſommer, whom the firſt hurteth not by his froſts & cold, nor the ſecond by his heat and drought: Or as ſheep that be thorne euerie yeare, and in the end be led to the ſlaughter, and ſuffer their throats to be cut, without gaineſaying: or as incenſe doth permit it ſelfe to bee caſt into the fire: Euen ſo ſhould we through patience, being free from Anger, ſuffer our ſelues to be wrong & hardly dealt withall, that ſo we may the more manifeſt the faith which God hath giuen vsus.

26. As the ſhip that is well made, and ſufficiently trimmed, p. 30neither the mightie windes, raging waues, or ſtormie tempeſts doth make it to leake: Or as the Palme tree, which though it be mightily loaden, yet neuer bendeth: or as our Sauiour Chriſt was whipped, mocked and crowned with thornes, yea and crucified too, & yet prayed fo… his enemies, who did him all this harme: Euen ſo in like manner if we be once armed with this corſlet of proofe, (I meane patience) not onelyonly words and iniuries, which are but as the points of the thornes, ſhould not pierce vsus to be angrie: but alſo the ſharpe arrowes of Sathan, his Lances and Pikes ſhould neuer be able to touch or moue vsus to the quicke. Pſal. 129.2, 3, 4.

27 As in eſchewing euill, wee follow that which is good: and contrariwiſe in running after vice, wee ſlee from vertue: So likewiſe in …ſtraunging our ſelues from pittie and clemencie, wee by and by ſhake hands with Anger, which is alwayes attended on by ſpite and enuie.

Ambition.

1 AS wormes engender ſooner in ſoft and te… der wood, then in other that is more hard and knottie: and likewiſe as moathes doo breede ſooner in fine wooll then in courſe flocks: Euen ſo Ambition ſooner aſſaulteth an excellent and rare man in all kinde of vertue, then an other which is not ſo vertuous. 3. Iohn. 9. Mar. 9.34. Math. 20.20. Iudg. 9.5. Pſal. 30.6.7.

2 As thoſe that tugge at the Ore in the Gallie, a man would iudge them ſeeing their maner of doing, and how they ſtretch their armes forward, that they would go on and ſaile forthright, when with all their might they enforce p. 31themſelues to draw backwards: Euen ſo ſome beeing Ambitious and vaineglorious, will yet neuertheleſſe perſwade, that they hauehave nothing in greater deteſtation then Ambition and vaineglorie, when there is not any thing whereof they are more deſirous and greedie. Such in times paſt were the Phariſies; as are yet at this day many that hunt for liuings and preferments, who hauehave their hearts ſwolne and puffed vp with Ambition, which they cloake and colour vnderunder the vizard and outward ſhewe of humilitie.

Theſe may be fitly reſembled to Antisthenes, who on a time walked in the common place at Athens, with a cloake all torne and tattered, to the end that euerie one beholding him ſo poorely apparelled, might iudge that he did it through humilitie, and not for lack of goods, becauſe hee was a man well eſteemed, and of good reputation.

But Socrates hauing diſcouered by the readineſſe of his good vnderſtanding and iudgement, the Hypocriſie of this Philoſopher, ſaid aloude, that he ſaw his Ambition through the holes of his cloake. Diogenes alſo entering on a time into Plato his chamber, and ſeeing his bedde verie finely made (becauſe beeing of a ciuill and Gentlemanlike nature, hee was neate and hanſome in his moueables, apparell, and geſtures; and to bee ſhort, in all his conuerſation) hee went and wallowed himſelfe like a Swine vponupon it, ſaying that hee trampled downe Platoes pride: but Plato anſwered readily, that this was done with greater pride. For all is not gold that gliſtereth, as is commonly ſaid.

3. As Icarus, who taking vponupon him to flie with wings made of wax, when he came neare the Sunne his wings p. 32melted with the heate thereof, and ſo he fell into the ſea, which of his name is yet called the Icarian ſea: Euen ſo the Ambitious, the higher they riſe in glorie, the more they approach the heate of Gods wrath, and ſo do melt and fall into the gulfe of eternall confuſion. Act. 12.21. 1. Pet. 5.5.

4 As he that is condemned to be hanged, hath no liking of the Ladder, becauſe he knoweth that the higher hee climbeth, the nearer he is to his death, and therfore could be content the ladder ſhould be either broken or burned, if he might hauehave his deſire: Euen ſo ought wee to deteſt Ambition and pride, and endeauour to denie and mortifie the ſame, as knowing that to deſire greatneſſe, is to deſire miſhap, and that pride and arrogancie is the higheſt ſtep where-from man is caſt headlong into vtter ruine. Math. 23.12. 2. Sam. 18.9. 2. King. 11.1.15.

5 As a man hath no cauſe to boaſt of his wickedneſſe and miſerie: So in his vertues, doth his Ambition & pride grow, take encreaſe and nouriſhment, cauſing him many times the more vertue he is endued with, the more to be proud.

6 As poiſon put into good and wholeſome meate, maketh it mortall: ſo Ambition and pride taking occaſion of Gods graces to boaſt it ſelf, doth by ſuch ſacriledge, turne vsus vntounto deſtruction.

7 As the Peacocke ſo full of faire feathers, hauing only two foule feet, ſtanding proudly in the circle and contemplation of his bewtiful traines, ſo ſoone as he ſeeth his feet, which he thinketh to be foule, ſtraight humbleth himſelf, and abateth and ſeeketh to hide his feathers: euen ſo much more ought euerie good Chriſtian by the feeling ſight, and apprehenſion of many his foule ſinnes and vices, and corrupt and peruerſe paſſions that raigne in him, to humble himſelfe, and to abate his Ambition and pride, ingendered p. 33of a few feathers, which hauehave onelyonly ſome ſmall beginning and appearance of bewtie.

8 As the more directly that the Sunne lieth vponupon vsus, the leſſe is the ſhadowe of our bodie, as at noone wee may ſee by experience, and a little before and after: Euen ſo the leſſe that we arrogate and ambitiouſly boaſt of our ſelues, the greater gifts and graces of God are wee endued withall. 1. Cor. 4.7.

9 Like as men would laugh at a poore man, if hauing precious garments lent him to act and play the part of ſome honourable perſonage vponupon a ſtage, when the play were at an ende he ſhould keepe them as his owne, and bragge vp and downe in them: Euen ſo, ſuch are they to whom God imparteth his gifts and graces, when in lieu of yeelding the praiſe and glorie of the ſame to him that is the author and giuer of them, they ambitiouſly aſſume and take it to themſelues.

10 As a tree the higher it is, the greater force the winde hath of it, and euerie little blaſt will bee puffing at it, ſo that the ſooner and greater is the fall thereof: So the Ambitious man, the higher he climeth, the greater is his fall.

Of ſumptuouſneſſe and exceſſe in Apparell.

1 AS thoſe that build faire Sepulchers for their dead corps, whereas it ſhould be a warning to them that they muſt die, and therevpon cauſe them to reiect all Ambition, pride and vanitie, yet thereof they take occaſion to vaunt and boaſt: So likewiſe whereas our garments ſhould be a continuall memorie of ſinne, to humble vsus, yet we, as if we would euen ſpite God do procure ſumptuous and gorgious Apparell, to teſtifie our Ambition and pride.

p. 342 As a Theefe by lawe burned in the forehead for theft, ought ſo oft as he looketh in a glaſſe and perceiueth the skarre thereof, to thinke vponupon and deteſt his inclination to that vice: So our garments being as the skarre in the forehead of our firſt parents, and our ſelues for their Ambition, in that they ſought to be like vntounto God, ſhould by the onelyonly ſight of them, put vsus in minde to renounce all pride and Ambition. Gene. 3.7.21. Eſay. 3.18.

3 As euerie ſeede bringeth forth hearbes or fruite according to his kinde: as Lettice ſeed, Lettice: Thiſtle ſeede, Thiſtles: Euen ſo, if the heart be humble and modeſt, the garment for the body will be euen ſo: but if the heart be proud and Ambitious, it will ſhew forth ſome kinde of exceſſe and pride in Apparell, notwithſtanding whatſoeuer lawes to the contrarie.

4 As the body being of more valew then the garment, we will ſell or pawne forth the garment, for to feede the body: Euen ſo ought we to leaue all affection to bewtifie our bodies, the better to tend to the adorning of our ſoules. 1. Pet. 3.3.4.5. 1. Timo. 2.9.

5 Like as if wee dwell in a borrowed houſe, looking weekely when we muſt depart, we will neuer trouble our ſelues with any coſt, or fitting of it, as we would do if we were ſure to remaine in it all the dayes of our liues: Euen ſo, for ſo much as the body is but a houſe lent vntounto the ſoule, from whence it looketh daily to depart, there is no reaſon then why we ſhould be ſo carefull to cloathe this body with braue and coſtly Apparell, which ſhortly muſt rot and periſh, and ſo to neglect the ſoule which is immortall.

6 As men commonly do care to be more honeſtly apparrelled, when they are to meete at ſome banquet or p. 35marriage, or to come before ſome honorable perſonages, then ordinarily when they company with inferiours: Euen ſo in like manner wee, as concerning our bodies, doo accompanie with men like vntounto our ſelues: but as concerning our ſoule, with God and his Angels, to whom it is lifted vp now by faith, but at death really: therefore, it is repugnant to all order and reaſon, to care more for the bewtifying of the body with ſumptuous Apparell, then adorning of the ſoule.

7 Like as if a Taylor, when he hath made a garment a great deale too long and large, being reproued, ſhall hauehave no excuſe but that he had too much ſtuffe: but this ſhift will not be accepted, for they would tell him, that he ſhould hauehave made the garment after the meaſure of the body, but not according to the quantitie of the ſtuffe. Euen ſo they that hauehave plentie of goods, and do not imploy them after the meaſure of their vocation, and as beſeemeth the profeſſion of a reformed Religion, but waſteth them in ſuperfluitie and exceſſe, do expoſe and ſet themſelues to the skorne and greeuous reprehenſion both of God and his Angels. Luk. 16.1.2. Sopho. 1.8.

Application of Gods word.

1 AS Phiſitions do heale diuers diſeaſes with diuers things as neceſſitie requireth: So the word of God muſt be rightly applied according to the qualitie of the ſinnes of the people.

2 As a carefull and skilfull Surgion, who hauing Patients that are diſeaſed with ſundry greeuous woundes and ſores, and hauing prouided drawing Plaiſters and Coraſiues for the ſame, dooth not commit them to his Patients, that they ſhould lay and p. 36applie them to their ſores and wounds, leaſt they ſhould withdraw and keepe backe the ſame plaiſters from their ſores and wounds, and ſo ſeek to free themſelues from the ſmart and griefe which would enſue and follow vponupon the laying to of the ſaid plaiſters and coraſiues to their feſtered ſores and wounds; and therefore he wil not truſt them therewith, but doth himſelfe both lay and apply the ſame plaiſters and coraſiues to their ſores, and will himſelfe cut out the corrupt and rotten fleſh that groweth in their wounds: Euen ſo it is not inough that a Preacher ſhould deliuer vntounto his Auditors and Pariſhioners, a general doctrine, and ſo leaue the application thereof to themſelues, for (as it is commonly ſaid) that that which is ſpoken to all, is ſpoken to none: but hee ought ſo to applie his doctrine, that euerie one of his hearers may hauehave his portion, and thereby well perceiue, that it is ſpoken to them. As the Prophets and Apoſtles hauehave done. 2. Sam. 12.7. Act. 13.38.39. & 14.15. &c. & 26.19. &c.

3 As it is not poſſible that we can feede vponupon meate, except it be applied to our mouthes: Euen ſo much leſſe is it poſſible, that our ſoules can be fedde and nouriſhed with the word of GOD, except it bee skilfully applied thereto.

4 Like as if the foode and meate bee applyed to any other part but to the mouth, the Application ſerueth not: Euen ſo it is in ſpirituall things: if they be not applied to the right parts, and to the right diſeaſes, the Application may do them more harme then good. 2. Tim. 2.15.

p. 37Armies or hoſtes of men.

AS a mightie tempeſt and ſtorme of great haile ſtones, where they fall, do beate downe and deſtroy all the fruites of the earth: Euen ſo, the Armies and hoſtes of men, which God ſtirreth vp to plague any people withall, do beare downe and deſtroy all before them.

Allegories.

AS they are much deceiued, which thinke that the ſtories in the Scripture do ſignifie no other thing but that which was done: So likewiſe they are too raſh and bold, that would draw all things to Allegories.

Adams diſobedience.

1 AS a Phyſition being in good health, doth know diſeaſes onelyonly by ſpeculation, but when he is ſicke he doth better know them, becauſe he doth both know them and feele them: Euen ſo Adam, although he knew before what obedience and diſobedience was, yet after the eating of the fruite, he did not onelyonly know but alſo felt what ill came by diſobedience, and therefore his tree is called The tree of knowledge of good and euill: not becauſe it giueth ſuch knowledge of it ſelfe, but it is ſo called ab euentu, euen as the tree of life is called the tree of life ab effectu: that is (as ſome Diuines write) that the fruite of this tree did conſerue the integritie of mans health, and the radicall moiſture that he ſhould neuer be ſtriken with age, with wrinckles, with hore haires, nor with any corruption, but ſhould hauehave remained in perpetuall young age: Other there be, whoſe iudgement is counted more true, that it is called the tree of life, not becauſe it gaue p. 38life vntounto man wherewith hee was indued afore, but that it ſhould be a Symbole, and a memoriall of life taken of God.

Affliction is profitable.

1 AS the little Bee gathereth the moſt ſweeteſt hony out of the moſt bitter bloomes and flowers: Euen ſo men of wiſdome and vnderſtanding, receiue much vtilitie and fruite of the preſent ſorrow and Affliction. Gen. 37.39.41. Chapt.

2 Like as the holy Scripture attributeth a certaine rewarde vntounto our good woorkes, which woorkes, notwithſtanding it is not wee that woorke them, but the Lorde, which vſeth vsus as inſtruments of his: Euen ſo is the croſſe an inſtrument of God, whereby hee ſubdueth our fleſh, keepeth vsus in the ſchoole of correction, and forceth vsus, as it were by violence, from euill to goodneſſe.

3 As all the raine that falleth into the Sea, maketh it not the freſher: So all the afflictions that befall and happen the godly, maketh them not worſe but better.

4 Euen as a father, knowing that meere wine is not wholeſome for his childe, mingleth it with water: So the Lord ſeeing that continuall proſperitie is not good for vsus, mingleth it with affliction, croſſes and aduerſitie.

5 Like as they which are delighted with hawking, if they louelove any Hawke more then the other, do as well hood and leaſe her, leaſt ſhee ſhould flie away from them, as feede her, that ſhe may liue: Euen ſo the Lord, as hee doth beſtow bleſſinges vponupon his children: ſo he doth alſo lay affliction on them, leaſt they being puffed vp with pride, ſhould forſake him, and depart from him.

p. 396 As lightning is a glorie to the heauen, but hurteth the earth: So Afflictions are good for the diuine and chriſtian Soule, though they bee very troubleſome to the bodie.

7 As litle children accuſtomably do deſire ſweet meats which do annoy and hurt them, and loathe and abhorre bitter thinges that would do them good: Euen ſo ſome Chriſtians and Goſpellers (ſuch is their weakeneſſe and fooliſhneſſe) do purſue and hunt after pleaſure, eaſe, idleneſſe, and proſperitie: and ſhunne and flie from affliction, croſſes, and perſecutions, then the which nothing is more requiſite, neceſſarie, and profitable for the confirmation of a Chriſtian life; for it is that ſoueraigne tryed Treacle, that quencheth the deadly poyſon of ſelfe-louelove, worldly pleaſure, fleſhly felicitie, and carnall ſecuritie.

8 As it is not onelyonly the propertie of the plough to roote vp all bryars, brambles, thyſtles, thornes and weedes out of the arrable lande, but alſo to prepare and make the ſame apt and fitte to receiue the pure ſeede into it, when it ſhall be ſowen vponupon it: So likewiſe it is the nature and qualitie of affliction, not onelyonly to roote out of the earthly hearte of man, all the weedes of concupiſcence, and worldly delightes: but alſo to prepare and make ready his heart and ſoule to receiue the wholeſome and moſt ſeaſonable ſeed of Chriſts doctrine, when it is by his faithfull Miniſters preached.

9 As the hard hammer beateth off the rotten and cankered ruſt from the iron: So in like maner the croſſe and affliction, beateth off the rotten ruſt of couetouſnes, whoredome, drunkenneſſe, extortion, vncleanneſſe, licentiouſneſſe, gluttony, wrath, ſtrife, ſedition, ſects, malice, & ſuch p. 40other like wa…ward vices from the excellent anker of a chriſtian faith, preparing the ſame to all good exerciſes, which other wayes would conſume away.

10 As the flaming fornace purifieth the good golde in burning and waſting away all the droſse thereof: So affliction burneth and conſumeth the drowſie droſse of mans deceiueable luſtes: for by it the world is crucified vntounto vsus, and we vntounto the world, and by it we are made like vntounto the image of the ſonne of God.

11 As the proyning knife wherewith the rotten, dry, and withered branches are cut away: Euen ſo by affliction the putrified branches and vices of the tree and vine of a chriſtian life are done away, which by continuance would vtterly waſte, and make the ſame vnfruitfull: ſo that by it our faith is increaſed, our patience exerciſed, and our hope augmented.

12 As the ſauorie ſalt conſumeth away the corruption from the vnſauorie meate: Euen ſo affliction conſumeth and purgeth away the corruption of Chriſtians, in ſeaſoning their liues to all profitable vſes, for by it wee are knowne both within and without, to our ſelues, and to other men.

13 Like as the Phyſition is neceſſary vntounto the ſicke: or the biting coraſiue vntounto the feſtered ſore: or the ſharpe lancere vntounto the mollified matter: So likewiſe without all cō pariſon, the croſſe and Affliction is more neceſsary vntounto a Chriſtian; For by it the ſickeneſſe of ſinne is remoued, the fleſhly luſtes cured, and the ſuperfluous humours of earthly pleaſures are cut away.

14 Euen as no man euer ſawe the head go into a place one way, and the members another way, vnles they were diuided and cut off: So in like manner Ieſus Chriſt our head, entered into the Kingdome of his father by ignominie, p. 41reproofe, ſhame, ſlaunder, rayling, perſecution, Affliction and the Croſſe, and therefore we his members (if we continue the members of his bodie) muſt enter in by the ſame way and none other. Matth. 10.24.25. Iohn. 15.18.19.20.

15 As the fiery buſh that Moſes ſaw in the mount Oreb, Exo. 3.2, 3.Exod 3:2Exod 3:3which buſh for all that it was on a flaming fire, yet did it not conſume: Or as the ſhining worme, that beeing caſt into the fire, doth not periſh nor conſume, but contrariwiſe is thereby purged from filth, & more beautifull then if it were waſhed with all the water of the world: Euen ſo ſuch Chriſtians as are caſt into the fire of Affliction, are not conſumed, but purged, tryed, and purified.

16 As the child is glad when the father ſmileth vponupon him, and ſpeaketh comfortably vntounto him, although hee beats him: So let vsus be glad and reioyce, when our heauenly Father doth ſmile vponupon vsus, in giuing vsus the aſſurance of his louelove, although he doth afflict vsus.

17 As the Phyſition, or Surgion, bindeth him faſt that is vexed with a frenzie, ſtirs him vp that is troubled with the diſeaſe of Lytharge, putteth them both to vexation, and yet loueth them both: being not onelyonly deſirous to reſtore health vntounto them both, but alſo applies very diligently his whole Arte and ſtudie in curing of theſe thinges: Euen ſo God, although he be ſometime ſharpe and ſeuere in afflicting and puniſhing his, yet doth hee moſt louingly, by ſuch meanes procure ſaluation vntounto his elect.

Adulterie.

1 LIke as Tumblers ſeates are called trickes, but it may be by their ſport (as it ſometimes falleth out) they may breake their neckes: Euen ſo Adultrie, fornication, p. 42and ſuch filthineſſe, howſoeuer it be counted a tricke of youth: yet it is ſuch a tricke as they may thereby (without repentance) condemne themſelues.

2 As a man before God killeth his neighbour, if hee hate him, yea if he do not louelove him, and of louelove keepe himſelfe both from doing hurt, and alſo bee ready and prepared to helpe his brother at his neede: Euen ſo the conſent of the heart, with all other meanes that follow thereof, be as well Adulterie before God, as the deede it ſelfe. Matth. 5.27.

Adams fall came not to paſſe without the decree and ordinance of God.

1 AS a man may giuegive a litle child ſome ſmal ſtripe with a rod, without the parents appointment, which notwithſtanding they wold peraduenture diſſemble & winke at: but none dare vndertake to cut him of the ſtone, or to cut off any limbe, without the fathers good will and authoritie: Euen ſo, the greater that the importance of Adams tranſgreſſion was, in that it tended to deſtroy and ouerthrow ſo excellent a worke of God, namely, man, created to his image, the more are we to beleeue, that it was neuer done without his counſel or decree. 1. Sam. 2.6. Amo. 3.6. Iere. Lam. 3.38. Pſal. 104. & 105. &. 106. & 107. & 136. toto.

2 As a Sparrow falleth not to the ground without the will of God:Mat. 10.29Matt 10:29 Euen ſo Adam, being ſo excellent a creature, created after the Image of God, could not take ſo horrible a fall without his prouidence and decree. Act. 4.27.28. & 2.23.

Amendment of life neceſſarie.

1 LIke as if a Marchant ſeemeth willing to truſt an other that is readie to be banquerout with all his p. 43goods, one warning will be inough to reclaime him, ye ſhall not need to pray him to beware, or to alleadge many reaſons to withhold him, the onelyonly feare of apprehenſion of the loſse of all his goods, will be a reaſon and exhortation ſufficient: Euen ſo then, when Ieſus Chriſt ſaith; Be ye better aduiſed, that is amend: and note, that by offending God, and ſo taking the way to hell, we endaunger our ſelues, yea wee doo euen aſsure our ſelues to looſe both bodies and ſoules for euer: It is therefore meere madneſſe and vngratefull rage, to continue and not to be wiſer and better aduiſed, that we may conuert to God, and by amendment preſerue our bodies and ſoules vntounto life euerlaſting Math. 3.2. & 4.7.

2 As litle children are nurſed vp, to the end they may grow great and waxe ſtrong, and it were a wonder to ſee a childe continue as litle and weake as at the birth: Euen ſo, if we who being members of the Church of Chriſt, and conſequently, entred into the path that leadeth to the Kingdome of heauen, and daily do receiue the foode of Gods word and Sacraments, ſhould not encreaſe in faith, working in louelove, and Amendment of life, it were a great ingratitude and vnexcuſable obſtinacie, which ſhould not eſcape vnpuniſhed, to ſtand ſtill in the way, and not to go forward.

Aduerſitie ought to make vsus more faithfull and godly.

1 LIke as the more one forceth to take away a ſtaffe which I hold in my hand while I am awake; ſo much more the faſter I ſhut it in, and hold it the harder, that it may not bee taken away from mee: Euen ſo the more the diuell endeuoureth to take faith from vsus p. 44by tribulations, ſo much the more do wee meditate on the promiſes of God to holde it faſt: and the more hee thruſteth at vsus, to ouercome vsus, ſo much the more ſtrongly wee leane vponupon the ſtaffe of Faith, to ouercome his aſsaults.

The Aduerſitie of the faithfull is not aboue their patience that God giueth.

AS the Lord our moſt good and mercifull father, doth according to his infinite wiſedome and endleſſe compaſſion, prepare his people vntounto himſelfe, trying what they will beare for his names ſake: Euen ſo hee doth not aſſay them aboue that he makes them able to beare; but armes them beyond the thoughtes of the heart of man, till he ſend them full deliueraunce of all euill and troubles.

Aduerſitie bridleth our wicked appetites, and maketh vsus more obedient.

1 AS wilde and fierce horſes, are woont to be broken with the hardneſſe of the bridle, and ſharpneſſe of the bit: So our vntamed luſts, and vnbridled appetites, are hampered, and brought within the compaſſe of reaſon, with the bridle of Aduerſitie, troubles, ſorrowes, and afflictions.

2 Euen as the Grape, that it may yeeld wine, is brought to the preſſe, that it may be throughly preſſed: ſo man is brought to calamitie, that being preſſed with ſorrowes, and exerciſed with afflictions, he may bring forth the ſweete and pleaſant liquor of obedience and vertue, and p. 45ſo be aduanced to true Chriſtianitie, which is the greateſt and higheſt dignitie in the world. Miſeries, penuries, and tribulations, do for the moſt part, keepe vnderunder and ſtay our vnruly luſts, and daungerous deſires, and are meanes that we lift vp our hearts and mindes vntounto God, and that we be ſtrengthened and confirmed, in true pietie and vnfained godlineſſe: And on the other ſide, proſperitie, worldly wealth, dignitie and honours, are oftentimes meanes to hinder vsus in holy exerciſes, and to puffe vsus vp with pride and vaine-glorie, and to draw vsus to diſloyaltie and rebellion againſt God. Numb. 21.6.7. 2. Chro. 33.11.12. Nehem. 9.27.

Aduerſitie bettereth the godly, but maketh the wicked worſe.

1 EVen as full wheate in the eare, falleth out with the leaſt motion of the ſheafe: that which is ſomewhat ſhrunke more hardly leaueth the huske: but that which is altogether ſhrunke, will rather go to the Chaffe, then go out of the eare: So a ſincere hearted Chriſtian, with the leaſt Affliction, leaueth his ſinne, and flyeth to God; the weaker Chriſtian more hardly doth the ſame: but the Apoſtata will rather burne with vnquenchable fire, then forſake his beloued ſinne, that ſo hee may turne to God.

How a man may be aſſured of his Adoption.

1 LIke as fire is knowne to be no painted, but a true fire, by two notes, by heate, and by the flame: now if the caſe fall out that the fire want a flame, it is ſtill knowne to be fire by the heate: Eeen ſo there bee two witneſſes of our Adoption, Gods ſpirit, and our ſpirit: now if it fall out that a man want the principall, p. 46which is the ſpirit of Adoption, hee muſt then hauehave recourſe to the ſecond witneſſe, and ſearch out in himſelfe the ſignes and tokens of the ſanctification of his owne ſpirit, by which he may certainly aſſure himſelfe of his Adoption, as he may know fire to be fire by the heate, though it want a flame.

2 Like as when the Angell ſhewed vntounto the Shepheards the natiuitie of Ieſus Chriſt, ſaying, I ſhewe vntounto you great ioy, that this day is borne to you a Sauiour in the Citie of Dauid, which is Chriſt the Lord; hee addeth, you ſhall hauehave theſe ſignes, ye ſhall finde the childe wrapped in ſwadling cloathes, and laid in a maunger: now if theſe Shepheards (beeing come to Bethelem) hadde founde the holy Virgine in an honourable Pallace, and the Childe in a magnificall and royall cradle, they might hauehave had iuſt occaſion to doubt of the tidings of the Angell, this eſtate not agreeing with the ſigne that he had giuen: but hauing found the Childe in poore eſtate in a maunger, as the Angell had foretold, they were confirmed to beleeue that it was the Meſsias: Euen ſo, God hauing reuealed vntounto vsus by his word, that he hath choſen vsus to be his children, hauing ſealed it in vsus by the teſtimonie and effects of the vnction of the holy Ghoſt, and hauing alſo giuen vsus the markes in this, that hee hath made vsus the members of his Church: hee hath foretold, and hath giuen one ſigne more of our Adoption, that wee ſhall bee reproached and perſecuted: if then the world did make much of vsus, loued and honoured vsus, wee might after ſome ſort, doubt of the word of God, and of our election and Adoption: but ſeeing the accompliſhment of that, that was foretold vsus, wee ought to bee ſo much p. 47the more confirmed in this aſſurance, that wee are not of the world, but appertaine vntounto our good GOD. Iohn. 15.19.

3 Like as if we aske the way to go to any place, and that one tell vsus (for a ſigne of the right way) that it is at the beginning dyrtie, and afterwards full of hills, wee will leaue the other wayes, which ſeeme ſtraight, drie, faire, and eaſie: and finding in that way which wee take, dyrt and hills foretold and giuen vsus for a ſigne, wee will bee ſo much the more confirmed, that wee are in the right way: So the holy Ghoſt hauing foretold, that through many tribulations wee muſt enter into the Kingdome of heauen, and that the way leading to eternall life is narrow and difficult: if wee finde the way of the Goſpell narrow and full of troubles, let vsus acknowledge that wee are in the right way to the Kingdome of heauen, and that we ought therefore to be ſo much the more confirmed in aſſurance, that we are the Adopted children of God. Act. 14.22. Math. 7.13.

Of the inward markes of our Adoption.

1 AS to the blinde and deafe the opening of their eyes and eares is needfull, clearely to ſee and heare the voyce of him that ſpeaketh: Euen ſo we being of our owne nature both blinde and deafe as touching vnderſtanding, the holy Spirit is hee, that openeth our eyes and eares to comprehend the reuelation of our Adoption, and to feele in our hearts the aſſurance of it, engendering in vsus Faith, which is as it were the hand, by which wee apprehend this great benefite: whereof alſo the fruites and effects, as well of the p. 48holy Ghoſt dwelling in vsus, as of the faith that is in vsus, are the principall and moſt aſſured markes to giuegive vsus knowledge of our Adoption. Rom. 8.16. 1. Iohn. 3.24. & 4.13. Rom. 5.1. Ephe. 1.13.