A Treasury of Similes, Part P · Part 104 – Part 116
The dutie of Paſtors and Miniſters.
1 AS they which ſhall be ſaued by the Miniſterie of Paſtors, ſhall be their crowne, and ioy in the day of the Lord; and they which ſhall win moſt to righteouſneſſe, ſhall ſhine as the ſtarres for euer: So contrariwiſe, the bloud of ſuch as ſhall periſh, through the negligence of Paſtors, ſhall be required at their hands. Phil. 4.1. Dan. 13.3. Ezech. 3.17. Hebr. 13.17.
2 As he is knowne to be a Taylor, that cutteth out and ſoweth garments: he a Shoe-maker, that maketh ſhoes: he a Phiſition, that imployeth himſelfe in curing of ſickneſſes; and ſo of others: Euen ſo likewiſe is a Paſtor and a Miniſter knowne, in that he preacheth and teacheth the word of God. 1. Tim. 4.16. 1. Pet. 5.2. Mar. 16.15. 2. Tim. 4.1. 1. Cor. 9.6. Math. 28.19, 20. Ier. 1.6. &c. & 3.15.
3 As the Phiſition, who ordeineth a potion, which in ſtead of health, procureth death, is not a Phiſition, but a murtherer: Euen ſo is it with the Paſtors, that do preach lyes, in ſtead of truth. Ezech. 22.27, 28. Iere. 25. toto.
4 As a Houſholder cutteth out bread at meale times to his children: So in like manner, a faithfull Paſtor muſt be apt and fit to teach and preach, that cutting out directly and skilfully the bread of Gods word, ſo as the Church may therewith be nouriſhed and edified. 1. Tim. 3.2. & 2. Tim. 3.16. Tit. 1.9.
5 As the office of the Phiſition cōſiſteth in two points; firſt to preſcribe things meete for the health, and to preuent diſeaſes; and ſecondly, to cure ſuch as fall into any ſickneſſe: So it is the office of the Paſtor, in ſuch ſort to accommodate and apply his doctrine, that it may ſerue to preuent the ſnares and ſtumbling blockes of ſin; as alſo to reproue, redreſſe, and comfort ſuch as are fallen.
6 Like as the curing of the plague, requireth more forcible and violent medicines, then the preuenting therof: Or as it is neceſſary to hauehave more helpe to pull a man out of the water, when he is fallen in, then to hold him from falling in: Euen ſo muſt the Paſtor vſe more ſharpe & vehement admonitions, in the raiſing vp of ſuch as are fallen into ſin, thē in preuenting the fall: neither is he to imploy himſelfe in his function ſlightly, and as it were for a faſhion, but (as S. Paul proteſteth of himſelfe) he muſt be carefull, diligent; and conſtant in preaching & admoniſhing. Act. 20.31.
7 As Phiſitions, albeit when they hauehave tried many receipts for recouery of a ſicke perſon, they perceiue no amendment, yet doo they not deſiſt from vſiting him, and continuing the imployment of their Art, ſo long as there is any hope of life: Or as when a man taketh vponupon him to fell a great Oke, with thirtie or fortie of the firſt blowes, it may ſeeme that he looſeth his labour, becauſe the tree wil not ſtir, but ſtand ſtifly without ſtouping; yet in continuance, it commeth at length downe, and ſo ſheweth the effect of the firſt blowes, conioyned with the laſt: Euen ſo, the like cuſtome are the Paſtors to vſe for the ſoule, as the Phiſition doth for the body, and ſtill to perſeuere in due admonitions, exhortations, and conſultations, in hope that finally God will bleſſe their diligence and conſtancie in this dutie.
8 Euen as Fiſhermen doo often caſt their nets into the Sea, and take nothing, yet are not diſcouraged, but caſt ſo long, vntill they light vppon ſome fiſh: So are Paſtors, the fiſhers of men, patiently & conſtantly to proceed in their duties, in hope that it will bee with them, as it was with S. Peter, who, when hee had taken nothing all the night, yet notwithſtanding ſo much labour loſt, did againe caſt foorth his nets, at the commaundement of Ieſus Chriſt, and tooke a great multitude of fiſhes. Ioh. 21.3. &c.
9 As the Husbandmen, when they are diſappointed of their expected harueſt, hauehave not any to recompence their loſſe, but all is gone, both ſeed & labour; but notwithſtanding, the labour of the Miniſter doth not profit with men, in reſpect of their incredulitie, yet hath hee his reward in heauen. Act. 20.26, 27. Ezech. 33.9.
10 Euen as the falſe Prophet, that hauing endeuoured to ſeduce & diuert the faithfull from the truth, but throgh their cōſtancie cannot compaſſe his purpoſe, is notwithſtanding worthie to be puniſhed: So likewiſe the true Paſtors, when they hauehave conſtantly employed themſelues to reduce thoſe that be ſtrayed, into the way of ſaluation; albeit in reſpect of this conſtancy they cannot profit, yet are they worthy their hire, and recompence in the ſight of God. Eſa. 49.4, 5. 2. Cor. 2.15.
11 As the Springs do not ceaſe from giuing forth their waters, or the riuers their ſtreames, albeit no man come to take vp any, or to ſayle vponupon them: So muſt not the Miniſter ceaſe from preaching, admoniſhion and reproouing, albeit in manner, no man make profit of his doctrine and admonition. Eſay. 58.1. Iere. 1.17.
12 Like as when the Apoſtles ſaid vntounto Ieſus Chriſt: Lorde wilt thou that we commaund that fire come downe from heauen, & cōſume theſe Samaritans, that deny thee lodging, as Elias did? He anſwered, Ye wote not of what ſpirit yee are: Euen ſo, there are ſome Miniſters that think to imitate the Prophets, in bitter & ſharpe reprehenſions, but they are not led by the like ſpirit; for they do it either to purchaſe a reputation of zeale, and to be thought ſuch as will ſpare none; or for ſome other peruerſe paſſiō: God (ſaith S. Paul) hath not giuen to vsus the ſpirit of feare, but of power, of louelove, and of ſound mind: thereby ſhewing, that Paſtors truly muſt not feare the appearance of perſons, to diſſemble their ſinnes and offences, but muſt be ſtrengthened by the ſpirite of Chriſt, to diſcouer & open their woundes, that they may be healed: but to this power & boldneſſe, they muſt ioyne on the one ſide, diſcretion, & ſoundneſſe of mind, wherby to be able to yeeld a reaſon of their power and boldneſſe: and on the other ſide ſuch louelove and charitie, that their reprehenſions and threatnings, may proceed from a heart, not prouoked, bitter, or flowing with reuenge: but as hauing compaſſiō on ſuch as do amiſſe, and ſeeking by louelove to reclaime and reduce them, into the way of ſaluation. L…k. 9.54. 1. King. 1.10. 2. Tim. 1.7. Eſay 59.7, 8. Micha. 3.8.
13 Like as if a ſick body, troubled in mind, ſhuld ſpit in the Phiſitions face, yet wold he not be ſo diſpleaſed, as to forſake & giuegive him ouer: Or like as if the nipples of a womans breſt ſhould be ſo ſore, that ſhe could not ſuffer her child without great paine to take them, yet would ſhe endure all, to ſuckle her childe: Euen ſo muſt Paſtors deale with their flocks, though they be wronged & ſlandred for the truths ſake, euē of ſome of their owne people, yet with p…tience they muſt bear it, & ſeek to cure & reduce them, to amendment of life. 2. Tim. 2.24. & 4.2. 2. Cor. 6.4.
14 Euen as when the Phiſition hath preſcribed ſome potion, or other receit, for the cure of his ficke patient, returning the next day, he enquireth of the operation therof, and feeleth his pulſes, that he may learne his diſpoſition, and thereafter order himſelfe: So likewiſe, it is not ynough that the Paſtor preach, reproue, exhort, and comfort his charge, but he muſt alſo ſeeke to vnderſtand how eueryevery member therof is diſpoſed, and what his preaching and catechiſing hath wrought in them. Eze. 3.14. Hebr. 13.17. Act. 20.28.
15 As at a feaſt, when one that ſitteth at the Table eateth nothing, we vſe to demand whether he be wel or no: Euen ſo, if any of thoſe that are committed to the Paſtors charge, doo not eate of the ſpirituall foode vntounto him offered, by preaching and catechiſing, it is to be feared, … he be craſed, or not well at eaſe, and therefore without delay, the Paſtor is to harken out the cauſe, and diligently to ſee to his cure, and to procure him an appetite.
16 As Ieſus Chriſt requireth that his ſheep ſhould not onelyonly heare his voyce, but alſo follow him: Euen ſo it is the Paſtors dutie to learne, whether his pariſhioners doo follow the doctrine preached vntounto them; and to that end he is to viſit his people, by examining them, whether they be inſtructed in the knowledge of the principall points of doctrine, required to ſaluation; whether they perſeuere in the truth; whether they profit in pureneſſe of life, and holy conuerſation. Act. 15.36.
17 As good Parents hauehave this care & diligence towards their children that go to ſchoole, that they cauſe thē to ſay their leſſons, or looke vponupon their writing, & by ſuch examination, try & ſee whether they profit or no: but finding them to be negligent & faultie, they reproue, admoniſth, and exhort them to their dutie: So in like manner muſt the good and faithfull Paſtors deale with their people; following the example of Saint Paul. 1. Theſſ. 2.18. Act. 20 20. Iere. 23.2.
18 As a carefull ſhepheard ſeeketh his loſt ſheepe; a Surgion bindeth vp the wounds; a Phyſition trieth all medicines for the cure of the ſicke; and a Father ſeeketh al meanes to reclaime his vnthriftie Sonne into the right way: Euen ſo likwiſe are the Miniſters of the word bound to all theſe, and the like duties towards people committed to their charge. Ezech. 34.4.
19 As men ordinarily, & grieuouſly afflicted with ſickneſſe, feeling the ſame, and hauing ſome perſeuerance of death, are then moſt troubled with impatience, miſtruſt, and other temptations & daungerous aſſaults, wherin the diuell practiſeth his vttermoſt endeuours: So hauehave they at that time eſpecial, need of the preſence of their Paſtors, to viſit, to comfort and ſtrengthen their patience and faith: Ezech. 34.2. 2. King. 20.1, 2. &c.
20 Like as Queene Heſter, when ſhee was to ſpeake to King Aſſuerus, for the bodily health of her Nation, prayed vntounto God to giuegive her conuenient words: Euen ſo much rather ought the Paſtor and Preacher, to pray vntounto God, to giuegive him grace to ſpeake well, and truly, when he is to preach the word and doctrine, of the euerlaſting ſaluation of his people. Heſt. 14.3. &c. Ephe. 6.19.
21 As he that is to preach, muſt ſeeke to be heard willingly, and with vnderſtanding and obedience: So muſt he know, that he ſhall the ſooner attaine there…o by prayers vntounto God, for meanes to ſpeake well, and therefore he is to pray both for himſelfe; and for his hearers. Act. 6.4. 1. Sam. 12.19, 23.
22 As the Husbandmans mind and eate, is euer vponupon Tillage, ſowing, and reaping; and the Marriners vppon their ſhips, winds, and hauens: So muſt the thoughtes, minds, and affections of the Miniſters of the word, runne only vponupon the inſtructing, comforting, exhorting, edifying, & vponupon the ſauing of the ſoules of their pariſhioners. Act. 6.2. 2. Timo. 2.4.
23 As God was angrie with Vzzah, and ſlew him, for that he imagined that the Arke of God muſt needes hauehave fallen, had not he ſtretched foorth his hand to hold it vp, which was beyond his calling: Euen ſo the Miniſters of the word, ought to feare, and that iuſtly, leaſt God confound them in their miniſterie, for medling in ciuill cauſes, and vndertaking aboue their callings. 2 Sam. 6.6.
24 Euen as the Souldier that is enrowled to ſerue in the warres, ſo ſoone as he heareth the Drumme, muſt forſake wife and children, houſe, ſhop, and all other affaires, that nothing may hinder, or withdraw him from the ſeruice of his Captaine: So much more ought the Paſtors, whom the ſoueraigne King hath inrowled, for the ſpirituall warfare, and the holy miniſterie of the word, keepe themſelues from all ciuill and politicke affaires, and ſuch as belong not to their vocation, to the ende they may wholly ſerue and pleaſe Ieſus Chriſt.
25 As a Brooke ſufficient to driue a Mill, or carrie a boate, being cut into many ditches, will not be able to do either: Euen ſo the Paſtor that medleth with many occupations, and much worldly buſineſſe, is verie vnprofitable for any.
26 As in a darke Euening, one goeth before with a Torch or Linathorne, for others to follow: So the life and conuerſation of the Paſtors, ought to bee as a burning Torch, to guid others in the way of ſaluation, & life euerlaſting 1. Timo. 4.12. Tit. 2.7. 1. Pet. 5.3. Math. 5.1…, 16.
27 As faith without workes are dead: Euen ſo the doctrine of Miniſters is of no force, wher it is not accompanied with holineſſe of life. Iam. 2.17.
28 As Wormes doo vſuall breede in fat Cheeſe: Euen ſo Miniſters, that in moſt plentie hauehave receiued the grates of God, are moſt ſubiect to ambition. 2. Cor. 12.7. Luk. 22.24, 25. Math. 23.12.
29 As when one of our eyes turneth aſide, the other turneth the ſame way: Euen ſo all the conſultations, affections, and deedes of Paſtors, ought ioyntly, and in a holy harmonie, to tend to one ſelfe end, euen to the glorie of God, and edification of his Church.
30 As they that ioyntly doo beare the Maſt of a Ship, or any other great peece of timber vponupon their ſhoulders, doo imploy themſelues in a ioynt labour, and all tend to one ſelfe thing: So the Paſtors ought to bee ioyned and vnited in the affaires of the Church of Chriſt, that happily they may aduance and finiſh their worke, to his glorie.
Bayer Morning and Euening, needfull to bee vſed in families.
1 AS the Morning and Euening, is a fit and conuenient time, for ſutors to attend vppon great men; and as the Morning was a fit and a conuenient time to gather Manna: Euen ſo the Morning and Euening, is a fit and a conuenient time, for Chriſtian houſholders, to become ſuters vntounto the great Maieſtie of God, for the ſpirituall Manna, the foode of their ſoules; as alſo for neceſſaries for their bodies. Gene. 28.18. Exod. 16.21.
2 As Moſes was commaunded to come vp to Sinai, with the two tables of the law, earely in the Morning: Euen ſo are we commanded to appeare before God in our chambers, earely in the Morning before wee goe abroad, hauing the two Teſtaments of God in our hands; learning how to honour his maieſtie in the one, and how to vſe our brethren charitably in the other, both which are the two principall duties of euerie Chriſtian. Exod. 34.1, 2. Pſal. 5.3.
Spirituall Pouertie.
LIke as if a King ſhould hauehave a certaine houſe, faſt lockt and cloſe ſhut vp, full of Gold, precious ſtones, and coſtly Iewels, and would promiſe al thoſe treaſures to one that ſhould open the ſame; and wold offer vntounto thee two keyes, one of pure Gold, hanging at a coſtly ſtring, made of ſilke and golden threades, but that would not open the ſame locke, that thou mighteſt goe into the houſe; and the other of yron, ruſtie and ill fauoured to ſee too, hanging at a thong of Leather, or whipcord, the which notwithſtanding, would open the doore, and let thee in; and & thou mighteſt chooſe which of theſe keyes thou wouldeſt; it were no doubt, better, & more profitable for thee, to chooſe the old ruſtie yron key, then the key of Golde. The golden one in deed is more precious, but what auaileth that, when it will not open the doore, and bring thee to the treaſures: The yron one is the viler, but yet it is the better: Euen ſo, ſuch a King is our God, and ſuch an houſe is that heauenly habitation of his Saints, wherein are ineſtimable treaſures, endleſſe ioyes, and vnſpeakable good things, which are worthier, and more excellent, then man is able to expreſſe. 2. Cor. 2.9. All which heauenly treaſures, God hath promiſed, to all them that ſhall enter into his holy hill, or houſe of Saints. The golden key, which the moſt part of this world do chooſe, and truſt too, that they may enter into heauen, is worldly wealth, and aboundance of riches, ioyned with couetouſneſſe, which will neuer open the Lords houſe, where are kept his celeſtiall, and ineſtimable treaſures; but that key, doth open a foule and vile houſe of this world, which is full of all filthineſſe & abhominations. The yron key, is ſpiritual Pouertie; againſt the which, the kingdome of heauen is neuer ſhut, but ſtandeth euer wide open to all them, that bring with them that key. Math. 5.3. Therfore let vsus make no account of the golden key, but let vsus for Chriſt, and his kingdome, forſake and diſpoſe the deceitfull riches of this world, which are deſired and ſought for, farre and neare, by Sea and land, with daungers and loſſe, of the bodies and ſoules of many thouſands; as though men could bribe God for their ſinnes, and purchaſe heauen, with their worldly trifles; and let vsus without murmuring and grudging, with all patience of heart and mind, beare and imbrace Pouertie, and al thoſe croſſes and afflictions, which vntounto the world ſeeme bitter and intollerable; of which kind, very many doo happen in the life of men. Let vsus earneſtly ſeeke after the riches of the Lords kingdome, and euerlaſting life, for they be ſtable and permanent; and let vsus not ſet our hearts and affections on this world, for it waxeth old, and rotten, it ſtaggereth, is ruinous, and ready to fall. Iob. 21.13. Prou. 11.4.
Poſteritie degenerating.
EVen as thicke and blacke cloudes, doo obſcure and darken the bright and glittering ſtarres: So degenerating Poſterities, and ſuch as bee polluted and blemiſhed with treacherie and iniquitie, doo diſhonour their aunceſtors, and doo extinguiſh the cleare light of their noble vertues, and doo put vppon them the vgly darkſomneſſe of their owne vices; that although they be noble men by birth and diſcent, yet they fall into obliuion, and by little and little are quite forgotten.
Outward Profeſſors, are often hypocrites.
EVen as many men, are much delighted with Muſicke, and will moſt gladly heare Muſitions, make ſongs of the noble acts, and ſingular vertues of many men, but neuer care to imitate one vertue of a thouſand, which they heare with prayſes, extolled vntounto the skies: So very many men in theſe our dayes, are outwardly very forward to heare Sermons, and the word preached, and as Ananias, will bee willingly, to ſee too, at ſome coſt to maintaine Preachers, and all is (in many) but meere hypocriſie, to pleaſe their owne humours, with ſtraunge and new matter, with ſome Logicke, Rethoricke, and brauerie of wordes, which they looke for, without any purpoſe, to frame their liues, after ſuch doctrine as the Preacher deliuereth.
Gods merciemercy in his Promiſes.
1 LIke as if I owe to a Creditor, vponupon a very formall bill a hundred pounds, he will not (to the end to enduce me to pay the ſame) faithfully Promiſe to giuegive me tenne times ſo much more; yet thus dooth God deale with vsus, who is ſo wonderfull in his goodneſſe, that hee vouchſafeth to Promiſe vsus ſo many benefites, if wee amend our liues, that is to ſay, if we performe the thing whereto wee are alreadie bound.
2 If he that is free, bindeth himſelfe to ſerue an other, then it is reaſon that his Maiſter ſhuld Promiſe him ſome wages, and reward for his ſeruice: But wee are not free, but alreadie bound to ſerue our God, yet doth hee Promiſe vsus great benefits, if we imploy our ſelues faithfully in his ſeruice, by amending our liues.
Preaching killeth ſinne.
AS the Walles of Iericho did fall downe flat, at the ſound of the Trumpets, and the ſhouts of the people: Euen ſo ſinne and wickedneſſe, will fall flat downe, and decay in the people, when Miniſters ſhall faithfully and carefully execute their office, by diligent preaching and Catechiſing. Ioſu. 6.20. Eſay. 58.1. Hoſe. 5.8.
Proſperitie argueth not a man to hee ſaued, and contrariwiſe, &c.
AS Haukes of the beſt kind, whiles they liue are highly eſteemed, and much made off, and are daintily fed, and tenderly looked vntounto, and are carried vponupon the fiſtes of great and mightie men; but when they be dead, they are throwne out vponupon the dunghill; and on the other ſide, the Partridge, when ſhee liueth, is troubled, afflicted, and purſued of all; euerie Carter and Ploughman, is readie to fall vponupon her, to do her violence, and to kill her; but when ſhee is dead, ſhee is brought to the tables of Princes, and is very honourably ſet before them: So very many that in this life, are counted very famous, and notable men, and do lead their liues, in great Proſperitie & worldly wealth, and hauehave all things at their wills and pleaſures; when they remooue hence, and depart this life, they ſhall be hurled vponupon that moſt foule and filthie dunghill of hell, to bee tormented in the ſtinch and abhomination for euer. But others which in this life are encumbred, tormented, and afflicted with diuers and ſundrie calamities, and euen for their vertues ſake, are hated of the wicked, and contemned of the world; when they ſhall depart out of this life, they ſhall bee brought and preſented before the Lord with great honour, and placed with the King of heauen, in euerlaſting glorie, that is full of honour, and full of vnſpeakable ioyes.
2 As the skilfull Phyſition dooth giuegive to a patient, of whoſe recouerie he diſpaireth, all things that hee requireth; but he denieth many things to him, of whoſe health hee hath good hope: So God many times beſtoweth his bleſſings of worldly things vponupon the reprobate, when hee (for diuers reſpects) refuſeth to giuegive them to the godly.
The Paſsion of Chriſt to be reuerenced.
AS he which reioyceth when an other hath killed the kings Sonne, is conuinced alſo to bee partaker of the treaſon: So he which is glad off, & doth not ſpeake reuerently of Chriſts Paſſion, is guiltie of it.
Long eſcaping of Puniſhment, a hinderance that many doo not repent.
AS an old Theefe that hath ſtolen a long time, and eſcapeth both priſon and gallowes, is animated and encouraged more boldly to proceed in his wickedneſſe, thinking hee ſhall ſo alwayes eſcape: So many filthie and looſe liuers goe forward in their abhominations, without repentance, thinking that becauſe God doth not incontinently puniſh them, and ſhew ſome manifeſt iudgement and ſigne of his wrath vponupon them, therefore they ſhall be acquited for altogether. Whereas contrariwiſe, if God ſhould by and by ſtrike them downe, as ſoone as they had ſinned, by thundering vponupon one, and lightning vponupon an other, and raining fire and brimſtone vppon the third, it would make them afraid.
Preachers muſt be faultleſſe.
AS when the Prieſtes did offer, they did eſpecially prouide, that their ſacrifice ſhould hauehave no ſpot on it, leaſt it ſhould not be acceptable to God: So the Preachers of the word, muſt hauehave a ſpeciall care that there bee no blots in their liues, or Sermons.
Prophets.
AS wee looking on thoſe things, which are before our eyes, doo ſee them no otherwiſe then they are: So the Prophets did foreſee things to come, as though they were preſent, and as they were in deed.
Philoſophie.
AS the earth, heauen, and ayre, and ſuch like, are not therefore to be contemned, becauſe ſome hauehave abuſed them, and worſhipped them as Gods: So Philoſophie is not to be deſpiſed, though it hauehave errors in it, but what profit ſoeuer can be gathered out of it, the ſame is to bee applied to the vſe of our life.