The Power of Godliness, Book 2 · Chapter 5
CHAP. V. Of a second sort of evil Thoughts, viz. Vain and Roving Cogitations. The Effects or Consequences of such Thoughts, with the course to be taken for the prevention thereof. Wherein is a large digression about Meditation, shewing how it may be raised both from the Works and Word of God, from the Book of the Creature, and of the Scriptures.
Question, WHat are a second sort of evil Thoughts that must be avoided?
A. Idle and vain rovings, with excessive thoughts touching the profits and pleasures of this life, which draw the heart from God, and disturb that sweet and heavenly disposition of soul which ought to be in us.
Q. What are the Effects of these Thoughts?
A. First, They hinder much sweet communion with God, and cause the mispending of much good precious time, with the omission of sundry occasions whereby we might enrich our selves with grace and comfort. Secondly, They disturb peace of conscience, and disorder the heart when it should enjoy most entite fellowship with God in Christ. For let the heart runne loose all day, and it will not stand at command in the evening to waite upon God. Thirdly, They coole the heat of the Spirit and pollute the heart with evil: As they come from corruption, so they encrease and strengthen inward corruption; like weeds that fat and make rank the soul to bring forth bad fruit in more abundance. Fourthly, Idle thoughts expose the heart to manifold temptations. Sinne may enter and finde room with more ease, when the door is held open for it by idleness and roving.
Q. Is it not a thing impossible to bring all our Thoughts into subjection, and a bootless labour to attempt any such thing?
A. We must not look to be free from idle thoughts so long as we carry about with us this body of sinne. But as by the grace of God (being of our selves unable to do any thing) we may do all things, so farre forth as shall further us to happiness: so by the gracious assistance of his Spirit, we shall prevaile so far in the government of our thoughts, as to entertain occasions for the quickning and well disposing of them, to avoid the contrary, to be humbled for our by-thoughts, and to be drawn nearer unto God in spirituall worship. Therefore to labour against vaine imaginations is no vaine task: for by diligent and constant endeavour, we shall dissolve the Troops that did assault, and gaine freedom in measure, though farre from perfection. And say we did prevaile nothing for a time, by that holy contention we shall approve our hearts to God, that we allow not the evill, which doth molest continually.
Q What course may be taken to prevent these roving imaginations?
A. First, It is to be remembred that we may lawfully set our thoughts upon the businesses of this life, when the Lord calleth unto them. For the labours of our Vocation are the works of God, wherein he hath ordained us to walk: which being followed with moderation in obedience to his Commandement, do not separate the heart from him, but unite it closer unto him. And even whiles the mind is holily employed about the things of this world, it is virtually lifted up to God and looketh towards him. This Caveat is here added, lest scrupulous consciences should needlesly afflict themselves, as if it were an argument of earthly-mindedness in lawfull manner to mind the duties of their place; or that their case was evill, because they did not constantly set their thoughts upon things above, when they were exercised about the affaires of this life. Secondly, Cast thy business so that God may have his times every day set out unto him, and our own imploiments and occasions, their shares and portions allotted them conveniently. And what time shall be set apart for divine duties, let it be observed constantly, as much as may be, yet without superstition. But withall look unto it, that the constant allowance for good duties, be neither niggardly, nor unseasonable, nor slightly passed over; as if the least care were sufficient, where the greatest is too little: nor must we rest in the daily portion, when necessity or opportunity require or afford more liberality. Thirdly, The heart must be well stored with good matter, whereupon it may exercise it self as occasion is offered.*He must let great purchases alone, that hath nothing to disburse. And that we might with more readiness recall to mind what is treasured up in memory, and know what is fit to be thought upon; it is good to digest it into order and methode, that each thing may offer it self at convenient time, and we be not to seek what to do, when we have opportunity to be doing good. As to make choice of some thing to be thought upon in the morning, that is fit to season the heart all the day after: viz. how we are to hold communion with God, and prepare our selves to walk before him that day without offence; what thankfulness we owe unto him for the comforts of the night, and how to preserve our faith in Christ touching all the promises of grace made in the Word. And for the rest of the day, it is good sometimes to think of our manifold wants and infirmities, the haniousness of sinne, the benefit of Justification, the royalty of Adoption, the power of grace, the practice of repentance, the priviledges of a godly life; the power, truth, mercy, unchangeableness of God, and such like, and that in such order as we have proposed to our selves For many times we know not about what to busie our thoughts, and so give way to idleness: because what we have learned, is not ranged into any methode. Before we enter upon the performance of holy duties, as prayer, praise, &c. let us not be negligent to fasten our cogitations upon somewhat that might quicken devotion, zeal, reverence and attention; as to consider what we are, with whom we have to deale, what wants do oppress us, what liberty we have to ask, what Promises to speed, how we should make our Petitions devotionally, and stirre up our selves to return praise with cheerfulness. So likewise for the Works of God, both of Creation and Government, nature and grace, the observation of them is exceeding profitable to prevent idleness, and to further suddain and setled meditation. Now touching the Works of Creation, we may observe their qualities, use, benefit, and what comparisons are taken from them in the Word of life.
For example, in the World World.comes to be considered the unity, figure, connexion of parts, order, variety, beauty, perfection, circumscription, temporality, and destruction of it: the benefit, delight and comfort that it affoardeth unto man:Psal. 8.1. which gives just cause to admire the goodness, wisdom, power, perfection of God; his love and bounty towards man; and to manifest their folly that dote upon things transitory, forgetting God the maker of them.
In the Firmament Firmament.we may observe that purity, solidity, greatness,Job 37.18. …sal. …36.5. …sal. 148.4. Psal. 19.1. Rom. 1.20. immutability or constancy, roundness, locality, order and efficacy by light and motion: all which things set forth the glory of God, and his singular bounty to the Sonnes of men.
In the Light Light.we may consider the purity, clearness, pleasantness, visibility, swiftness in operation, profitableness, beauty, diffusion farre and nigh, and perpetuity of it, that is ever like it self, varieth not,Prov. 15.30. Prov. 4.18. Eccl. 11.7. Job 38.19, 20. languisheth not by the continuall sending forth of vertue. The benefits of light are many and great. It is the Ornament of the World, begetting a real Image of it self. By it all things are made visible: it gives order, time, end, measure and distinction to all corporall things: for without it there is nothing in the world but horrible confusion. Light doth beget, conserve, and adde vigour to all inferiour things, Herbs, Plants, Trees, Fish, Fowle, Beasts and Men. It doth wonderfully temper, mingle, subdue, knit together and contain all elementary bodies according to the Laws prescribed of the chief Work-man. The light causeth vicissitude of day and night, labour and rest, waking and sleep: It directeth in the way, manifesteth things hurtfull and profitable, shutteth up wild Beasts in their dens, and ministreth opportunity to seek nourishment. By the Light Beasts are tamed, wicked men are restrained and shut up in their holes or Caves; all men are furthered to avoid things noysome, and to persue thing healthfull, to behold and consider the things that are, to converse more comfortably together, to measure their actions by certain periods of night and day, and to grow in knowledge and understanding. When the Light appeareth the Herbs revive, Birds sing, Beasts play, and man rejoyceth. In Scripture many things are compared unto Light. God is called Light. Christ our Saviour is called the true Light, 1 Joh. 1.5, 6. 1 Tim. 6.16. Joh. 1 8. & 8.12. & 9.5. Esa. 9 2. & 42.6, 7. & 49.6. & 60.1, 2, 3. Act 26 18. Joh. 12.36. 1 …oh. 2.8. Job 24.13. 2 Cor. 4.6. Mat. 5.16. 2 Cor. 6.14. …sal. 4.7. & 88.17. Psal. 111.4. Isa. 50 10. Mat. 5.14 Joh. 12.36. Eph. 5.8. Phil. 2.15. Prov. 4.18. 1 Thes. 5.5.the Light of the world, the Light shining in darkness, the Light of the Gentiles. Light is taken for the Doctrine of the Gospel, for the true knowledge of the Word of God and Gospel; for the knowledge of the glory of God, for holiness of life. It is also taken for heavenly glory, for the grace of God illuminating the understanding. Christians are called the Light of the world, and the Children of Light. Light is put for prosperity, peace, and favour with God; as the Saints pray, Lord lift up the Light of thy countenance upon us, and we shall be saved. These things minister occasion of singular meditations.
In the Sunne Sunne.heate, light, position or place, greatness, beauty, efficacy,Psal 19.5, 6. Psal. 89.35, 36 But the Sunne it self is not beautifull in comparison of God. Psal. 104, 1. …sal. 96.6. Job 25.5. …sal. 136.8, 9. Psal. 104.19. Rev. 21.23. Isa 60.19, 20. …al. 84.11. Mat. 4.2. Cant. 6.20. Jer 31.35. …sal. 89.35, 36 Mal. 3.6. Amos 8.9. Jer. 15.9. Cant. 1.6. Mat. 13.6. Job 9.7. Psal. 29.5, 6. Psal. 136.7, 8. & 148.3. swiftness of course or motion, and perpetuity, are to be marked. The benefits of the Sunne are exceeding great. It lendeth light to the other Starres, expelleth darkness, inlightneth the earth, maketh day and night, Summer and Winter, tempereth the seasons of the year, refresheth all things, and by its heat stirreth up vitall spirit, produceth, conserveth, ripeneth Herbs, and Fruits, and delighteth both man and beast. In Scripture God is called the Sun of the godly, Christ is the Sun of righteousness. The Church is said to be pure as the Sunne. The constancy of Gods Promise and Covenant is set forth by the continuall course and duration of Sun and Moon. The decay of truth, change of prosperity, and vanishing of all hope of deliverance, is compared to the setting of the Sunne, or the going down of it at noon day. And the persecutions and afflictions of the Saints, is resembled to the scorching heate of the Sunne. Who so shall consider these things, he shall finde just cause to stand astonished at the goodness, power, Majesty of the Lord, and to break forth into the remembrance of his holiness.
The Aire Aire.is subtile, moist, cold, lighter then earth or water, thin, without colour, capable of heate and driness, void of light but apt to receive light, fluid, by which the parts are divided, and give place to other bodies and succeed them with incredible swiftness,Eccl. 1.6. moveable, by which it is diversly tost too and fro of winds and other bodies, sincere in it self but capable of putrefaction, set in the middest betwixt Heaven and Earth. The benefits of the Aire are excellent: It refresheth and cooleth the heart and other members that boyle with heate; it cherisheth native heate without which it would die presently: It tempereth the parching heate of the Sunne, and the exceeding brightness of it, which otherwise would much annoy and hurt the eye. It is the chariot of light, voice, sound, representations which come into the senses: It serves the eye to see, the ear to hear, the nose to smell. It is the minister of motion and breathing, the fosterer of life, the fodder of fire: for when Aire is shut forth, fire is quickly extinguished. Now if we compare the qualities of the Aire, with the use and end why it was made, we cannot but admire the singular providence, admirable wisdom, and great goodness of Almighty God, in fitting all things so exellently for the good of man.Iob 28.25. He fitted the Aire by weight, &c. Had the Aire been light, man could not have taken his rest quietly; had it been thick, it could not have been the instrument of motion, breathing, sight or hearing; had it been coloured, all things would have appeared like unto it: Had it been hot, it would soon have destroyed the native heate, and caused death. Who would not fear thee, O Lord, most High? in wisdom thou hast ordained all thy Works. The Aire that thou hast appointed to give life unto us, thou canst corrupt, that it shall become our bane, destruction and death, if we sinne against thee.
From the Aire let us come to the Cloudes: Cloudes.in them we may behold the wisdom, glory, goodness, and power of the Lord. The Cloudes are heavy, and yet hang above in the Aire without support;Iob 37.12, 16 Esa. 60.8. Iob 38.37. Iob 26.8. & 36.27, 28. Gen. 7.1…, 12. Psal 77.17. Iob 36.22. Iob 38 9. Hab. 3.8. Psal. 104.13. Psal. 104.3 Nah. 1.3. Esa. 19.1. Psal. 18.9, 11. Numb. 9.15. Exo. 13.21. & 40.34. Psal. 99.7. Esa. 4.5. Prov. 25.14. 2 Pet. 2.17. Jud… v. 12. fluid, but runne not abroad. Their motion is swift and various, as they are driven by the winds that blow out of divers Coasts of the world. The use of the Cloudes is great: They are heavenly Bottles hanged on high, to cary and contain the waters, wherewith God is pleased to moisten the earth to make it fruitfull, or to drown it in judgment for the sinnes of men; They are as a Veil covering the light of the Sunne, and defending all inferiour things from the scorching heate; They are the Garments of the Sea, and swadling bands for it. They are called the Chambers of God, the Chariots and Horses of God, the dust of his feet. When the Lord covereth the Heavens with thick Cloudes, he is said to descend, or to come nigh the wicked in judgment. God hath sundry times manifested his presence to his people in a Cloude. False Teachers, and such as make fair promises, but performe nothing, are compared to Cloudes without water. These things minister occasion of good thoughts, and lead us to the meditation of Gods power, goodness, glory, and wise providence, who hath made and doth order all things according to his incomprehensible understanding.
The Raine Raine.is a common and base creature, but a lively notable testimony of Gods liberality, wisdom, and almighty power. In Scripture he is called the Father of the Raine. It is heavy of it self,Psal. 147.8. Iob 37.11, 12, 13. Iob 36.26, 27. Psal. 135.7. & 148.4. Iob 5.10. & 28.26. & 38.26. Deut 11.14 Psal. 65.10. Act 14.17. …am 5 7. Zech. 10.1. Iob 37.5. Iob 38.28. Iob 26.8. Amos 5.8. Psal. 65.10, 11, 12. & 68.9, 10. Lev. 26.4. Esa. 55.10. Ioel 2.23, 24. Esa 30.13. Iam. 5.18. Psal. 104.13, 14. Amos 4.7. 1 King. 8.35. & 17.7, 9. Luk. 4.25. Deut. 28.23, 24. Esa. 5.6. Ier. 14.4. Gen. 7.11, 12. Deut. 32.2. Mic. 2.6. Esa. 55.10 11. Esa 45.8. Mic. 5.7. Psal. 72.6, 7. Psal. 11.6. Mat. 7.26, 27. Ier. 14.22. & 5.24. 1 Reg. 8.35. yet drawn up into the Aire by the heate of the Sunne, where it hangeth in the Cloudes by the appointment of God, untill he command it to descend. It falleth by drops, and is not poured down all at once, lest it should destroy the fruits of the ground, and prove hurtfull to man and beast. Nor is this to be omitted, that it descends more frequent and in greater abundance then Snow or Haile. The Raine-water is more thin, sweeter, hotter, more boyled of the Sunne, and so more wholsome, more availeable for the increase of the fruits of the Earth then any other water whatsoever. The Raine doth moisten the Earth, and make it fruitfull; it causeth Grass, Herbs, Seeds and Plants to grow and increase: but if God withhold the former and latter Raine, the Earth is barren, the Grass withereth, the Fountains drie up, and the Fruits of the Earth die and perish: whence followeth famine and death of men and Cattel. Raine also doth allay immoderate heate, and so preserve the life and health of man and beast: but extream Raine destroyeth the fruits, washeth away the fatness of the earth, breedeth distempers in the body, and many waies afflicteth. The Doctrine of the Gospel is compared to Raine; the blessing of God upon the Just is resembled to the Raine that causeth the Herbs to flourish; the calamities that overwhelm the wicked are shadowed forth by an extream and violent Raine, that throweth down all before it. And by these things we are taught to waite upon God, to walke before him in obedience, and to repent of our sins if we have gone astray.
The Dew Dew.that fals upon the ground in small round drops is an argument of the wisdom, power, and goodness of God, as the restraining of that,Iob 38.28. & 29.19. Prov. 3.20. Gen 2….28. Deut. 33.13, 18. Z…ch. 8.12. 1 Reg. 17.1. Hag. 1.10. is a token of his wrath and displeasure. The Dew is cold and moist, and falleth in great abundance at some times of the year, bedewing the Herbs with small sprinklings as it were with Pearles. It is more effectuall to refresh the Earth, moisten Herbs, and cherish the fruits then any shower; It is profitable not onelyonly to the nourishment of man and beast, but as Physick it is usefull for their health; It ministers matter to Hony, Sugger, Manna, and Pearle. But Beasts, specially Sheep and young Cattel, feeding upon Herbs full of Dew, do catch harme and die. The Lord saith, He would be as the Dew to Israel, to refresh and comfort them. Hos. 14.5. Psal 133.3. Deut. 32.2. Psal. 110.3. Prov. 19.22. Hos. 6.4. Hos. 13.3.The blessing of God upon the Just is resembled to the Dew. The Doctrine of grace is compared to the Dew: the Children of the Church in the time of the Gospel, to the Dew of the morning. The favour of the King is as Dew upon the Grass. The righteousness of the hypocrite like the morning Dew, which soon fadeth.
The Hoare-Frost, Hoare-Frost.which the Lord scattereth as ashes, is an argument of his goodness and severity, the swiftness and efficacy of his Word.Psal. 147.16. For he turneth the Dew into Hoare-Frost, and the Frost into water according to his pleasure. The Hoary-Frost of Heaven, who hath gendered it? Iob 38.29.The use of it is to contain the remaining heate and to repell it into the inner part of the root, that it may lie hid there as balme for the preservation of the Tree. This is the fruit in the proper time or Autumn; behold the goodness of God. But in time extraordinary or unfit, as in Summer and Spring, it is hurtfull to Vines, Corne that beginneth to shute forth the ear, and Trees that bud or blossome. This is the rod of God to correct us for sinne.
The Lord gives his Snow Snow.like wool; He saith to the Snow, be thou on the earth. This is the work of God alone:Psal. 147.16. Iob 37.6. Iob 8.22. Lam. 4.7. Esa. 1.18. In Armenia Snow fa…leth somewhat red. Keck. Physic. lib. 6. cap. 9. for man cannot enter into the Treasures of the Snow. The Snow is pure and white, and descendeth in light flakes: it is softer then Haile, but melteth not so soon. It moisteneth the earth slowly and by degrees, as it sucketh in the milk of Snow; As a garment of wool warmes the body of man, so this woolly garment of the earth doth cherish its inward heat, and preserve the vitall spirit of Seeds that they be not killed with cold. And by its lightness and purity it doth leaven and purify the earth. In Summer the Lord refresheth the earth with raine, and in the Winter he clothes it with a garment of Snow. Thus he preserves all things when he seemeth to consume them. This Work of God setteth forth his glory,Psal. 148.8. and affords great matter of praise.
Let us a little consider of the Haile; Haile.Who hath looked into the treasures of the Haile, Iob 38.22, 23.which the Lord hath reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of Battell and War? Surely the Lord is wonderfull in this, as in all his Works. The forming of the Haile, the divers shapes and figures, the impetuous manner of descending, is it not wonderfull and terrible? Haile-stones are the Bullets of the Lord of Hosts,Exo. 9.17, 18, 19 Psal. 78.47, 48 & 105.32, 33. Iosh. 10.11. Hag. 2.17. Apoc. 8.7. & 11.19. & 16.12. Esa. 28.17. Ezek. 13.1…, 13. ordained for the execution of his just Judgment, hurting the Fruits, Trees, Beasts and men themselves: whereby such as daube with untempered morter, may learn that their work shall not stand.
The Winds Wind.are Witnesses, Chariots and Stewards of God. Witnesses, for they shew that there is a God Almighty,Ier. 10.13. & 51.16. Psal. 135.7. Mat. 8.27. Amos 4.13. Ecc. 11.5. Ioh. 3.…. who bringeth the Winds out of his Treasures, raiseth and stilleth them at pleasure. Who can bind up the Wind in his den, or cause it to blow upon the earth? none, but the mighty Lord. The Wind is invisible, but strong and mighty, discovering it self by sound and effects; but we know not whence it cometh, nor whither it goeth. They are the Chariots of God: for he is said to ride upon the Clouds, and the Winds are as wings added to them.Psal. 104.3. Psal. 18.11. 1 Reg. 18.45. Gen. 8.1, 2, 3. They are the Stewards of God, because they dispence his benefits and judgments. The Winds with their wafts do move and alter the Aire; gather Cloudes and dissolve them, cause raine and make fair wether, purge the Aire and Water by motion that they putrify not, and so become perillous to man and beast. Further, as they are instruments of much good to man, so are they meanes of many evils, because of sinne. For they bring raine, cause diseases,Iob 1.19. Exo. 10.13. Psal. 48.7. Ion. 1.4. Mat. 8.26. Ier. 22 22. Psal. 55.8. Ier. 18.17. Ezek. 5.12. & 13.13. Prov. 1.27. Esa. 41.16. & 57.13. Psal. 1.4. Iob 21.17, 18. Ezek. 1.4. Amos 4.13. Ioh. 3.8. Eccl. 11.5. Iob 6.26. & 15.2. Hos. 12.2. Iob 7.7. Prov. 11.29. Iam. 1.6. Eph. 4.14. Mat. 7.27. rent Trees, overthrow Houses, break Ships, eate up the green Pastures, blast the Corne, &c. Whence the wrath of God is compared to a Windy storm or Tempest, and the destruction of the wicked to a Whirle-wind. The consideration hereof doth admonish us to praise the Lord for his goodness, and to return unto him by true repentance, if we have gone astray. The work of the Spirit in our regeneration is compared to the way of the Wind: so is the work of God, which he is about to do. Vaine words are called words of Wind: vaine hope is resembled to the Wind. The life of man is a Wind. He that troubleth his house [saith Solomon] shall inherit the Wind. The wavering, halting, unsetled man, that is tossed too and fro with every temptation, occasion or blast of vaine Doctrine, is said to be blown up and down with the Wind: Whereby we are taught to build surely upon the Rock Christ Jesus.
Thunder Thunder.and Lightning is the terrible voice of God, which with vehemency of the crack, swiftness of motion, large excussion of fire,Iob 28.26. & 37.1, …, …, 4. Psa…. 11.6. & 18.13. Psal. 97.3, 4. & 144.6. & 104.7. Psal. 29.1, 2, &c. Psal. 29.4. Iob 37.2, 3. and strangness of effects suddainly following, doth terrifie man and beast, yea, make the Mountains to leap, and the Hills to quake for fear. Thunder is most vehement, exceeding the noise of many waters, swift, most potent, and full of Majesty. The Effects of Thunder and Lightning are both profitable, and hurtfull. They are profitable, that they purge the aire from poysonous and gross vapours, they prepare the womb of the earth to nourish the Seeds better, they make the earth fruitfull as they are accompanied with showers which shut the Pores of the earth, that the spirits of Fruits do not breath forth, and the Seed wither; or as the Lightning with its hot and subtile spirit, doth open the passages of the earth tied together, and so cause the Seed almost choaked, to bring forth increase. Their hurtfull Effects are many: they drie up tender herbs, offend the sight, infect the body with noxious vapours, corrupt Wine and Beer. Strange things are reported of the Lightning; as that it hath burnt the Vessel when the Wine hath not runne out; it hath melted a Sword and not hurt the sheath; and silver and gold hath been molten by it, the Purse not touched: It hath burnt the hair upon mans body, not hurting the skin or any other member; and the like of his garments, shooes, girdle, &c. The Mother being safe, Infants do oft perish in the womb by Lightning. Some by Lightning are brought to madness.Psal. 29.1, 2. Exo. 9.23. Exo. 19.16. 1 Sam. 12.18, 19, 20. Esa. 29.6. 1 Sam. 2.10. It hath consumed man inwardly, without any visible or apparent hurt outwardly. These things call upon us to praise and extoll the great and glorious Name of the Lord our God. When it thundereth, then God doth speak and warne, that we acknowledge our impotency and uprighteousness, and ascribe unto him power and Majesty, trusting in his defence, who is able to subdue all our enemies, and flying unto him by hearty prayer, and true repentance.
Let us come down to the Water: Water.It is a cold, fluid and moist body, inclining to a round figure, greater then the earth if we respect naturall extensibility, but lesser then it if we consider profundity, lighter then the earth, without colour, thicker and more solid then the aire, of perpetuall motion, apt to receive divers qualities,Iob 26.10. Psal. 104.6, 9. and for the good of the whole gathered together into certain chanels of the earth. The Water is the great Miracle of the world, if we consider its motion, variety, place, and qualification for the sundry uses whereunto it is appointed. It is moved continually, but the naturall cause of it unknown;Psal. 104.2…. the variety of things that are bred in the Waters are innummerable; The Water hath concavities in the earth, but is not properly sustained of it, as being lighter; It is ordained to be a receptable for the Fish, and matter for their nourishment; and accordingly it is fitted, being more thin and subtile then the earth, else they could not move therein, but not so subtile as the aire, for else it could not be matter of food, nor fit for their swimming. Who knoweth not the profit of the Water? whereby the earth is moistned, which otherwise would be unfit to bring forth fruit: It washeth away the filth of the body, cooleth against the heat of the Sunne; refresheth when we are tortured with thirst; profiteth both in Summer and Winter, sick and whole, night and day. It is the Seed of Minerals and Metals, Gold, Silver, Brass, Lead, Pearle and precious Stones. For as the Fruits of the earth have their roots and seeds in the earth, but their perfection and ripeness they obtain in the aire: so the Fruits of the Water have their seeds and roots in the Water, but obtain their perfection and ripeness in the earth. Oh, the incomprehensible wisdom and goodness of God!Psal. 104.6, 7, 8, 9. How clearly doth it shine in this world? Who can shut his eyes so close, as not to see, it is his mercy that the Water doth not overflow and drown us; or that it is made serviceable for our use? The trunck or body of this Water gathered together into one place, is called Sea; and the Fountains or Rivers dispersed through the earth, are as boughes or branches of it. The Sea is great and spacious,Psal. 104.25. swelling in some parts above the earth, but keeping it self within limits or bounds prescribed by the providence of God; not rising with the Waters that flow into it from the Rivers,Eccl. 1.7. not decreasing notwithstanding the abundance of Waters it sendeth forth to refresh the earth, Herbs, Plants, and for the use of man and beast. The saltness of the Sea is both wonderfull a…d profitable for the more fit habitation of Fishes,Psal. 104.26. who are delighted with saltness, and that it might the better carry the heavy burdens of Ships, and be more commodious for sailing. The course of the Sunne is admirable, so is the ebbing and flowing of the Sea. O Lord, thou hast not left thy self without witness, Job 38.8, 9, 10in that thou hast bounded in the proud waves of the Sea by the Sands upon the shore, saying, hither shalt thou go, but no further. Jer. 5.22. Esa. 50.2.Who would not fear thee, O Lord of Hosts, and tremble at thy presence, who hast placed the Sand for the bound of the Sea, by a perpetuall decree that it cannot pass it. If the raging Sea be obedient to thy Word, how stubborn shall man shew himself if he be disobedient? The Fountains and Rivers, that are as branches of the Sea, are fresh, sweet and more pure: and may fitly be called the milk of things vegetable. And it is admirable to think, that Waters should continually issue from the Sea by cavites and veines into all parts of the world, and in passage should lose their saltness. How exellent are thy works, O Lord? How great is thy goodness towards the Sonnes of men? Thou art the Father of the Family,Psal. 104.10, 11, 12. Esa. 28.25. that providest liberally for every living thing. Thou sendest the Springs into the vallies, which runne among the hills. They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild Asses quench their thirst. By them the Fowles of the Heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches. Who can comprehend the benefits and comforts, that the Streams and Fountains do afford to man and beast?Psal. 42.1. Apoc. 22.1. Ezek. 47.12. Esa. 12.1, 2, 3. Jer. 2.13. Who knoweth the cause of their perpetuall flowing? O my God, I will praise thy goodness as long as I live. What are the Rivers of Water to the thirsty Plants or chased Hart, that is thy favour, thy grace, and the word of comfort to the thirsty soul: Oh, satisfie me with thy favour, refresh me with the Waters that flow from thy Sanctuary.
Ice Ice.is water in substance, differing from it onelyonly in manner, viz. in congelation:Job 38.29, 30. but God must be acknowledged the Author of it. Out of whose womb came the Ice. The Ice as a stone or bright Christal, doth sometimes cover the face of the deep, and grow to that hardness and strength, that it is able to bear loden Waines.Psal 147.17. Is not this a great work of God to be had in remembance? He casteth forth his Ice like morsels.
The Earth Earth.is the lowest Element, cold, drie, thick, heavy, placed in the Center of the World, unmoveable, the receptable of heavenly influence, round, that on every side it might receive the influence of the Heavens, making one Globe with the water,2 Pet. 3.5. Psal. 136.6. standing in the water full of hidden quickning seed, tempering the moistness of the aire and water in bodies with its driness and solidity; the glory of God, his eternall power, wisdom, and goodness do shine clearly in the qualities,Psal. 115.16. situation and use of this body great and massy. It is firme and solid, that might be commodious for the habitation of men and beasts: for otherwise the bruit creatures could not walk, feed and lie, nor man with safety plant, travell and build upon it. It is heavy and great, yet hangeth in the middest of the world, as the Center, being underproped with no pillers, or naturall foundations. It is the powerfull Word of God that hath fastened the Pillers of the Earth,Job 38.4, 5, 6. Psal. 24.1, 2. Job 26.7. Psal. 93.1. Psal. 104.5. Esa. 42.5. Psal. 119.90. Esa. 48.13. and laid the corner Stone thereof. It is round, yet immoveable; in figure apt to move, but cannot be moved of the water. This is the work of God, and it is marvellous in our eyes. It is seated lowest, that it might receive the influence of the Heavens, and other creatures might lend their help for the preservation and bringing forth of all things requisite for the use of all living creatures. Oh, the admirable frame of the Earth; as in the body of man there be Veines and Arteries, humours and marrow: so in the Earth, there be Veines and Concavities by which waters are conveyed from the Sea to all parts of the Land; there be humours and marrow, which is the vitall spirit and seed of things that grow upon it, or be fostered in the bowels thereof. The outward face of it may seem dark, ha…d, dead, drie and cold, but it is a most fertile Mother, best, most patient, unwearied, most constant, most faithfull, most liberall, alwaies bearing in her womb, and in her armes. What shall we say of the benefit of the Earth? It is the seat of men, it receives, nourisheth and sustaineth them when they are born and brought forth; It takes them into her lap when they die and return unto the dust. It is the storehouse of plenty, the Garden of delights, the shop of Medicines; It is prodigall of all good things, fruitfull, even to pleasure and delight. It bringeth forth and nourisheth infinite variety of yearly fruits, of divers kinds, colours, forms, tast, qualities and operations;Psal. 104.24. and these not for necessity onelyonly, but to please and delight the senses. The Earth, O Lord, is full of thy goodness. This first Leafe sheweth, what plenty of good matter might be gathered out of this large Volume of the Creatures: but it is infinite to prosecute each particular in this order: I will therefore briefly note by some particulars mentioned in Scripture, how use may be made of every thing in Heaven and Earth, and of whatsoever doth befall us. Thou canst not abide t… look upon the Sunne:Iob 37.10.22. how should we comprehend the reverend Majesty of God?
Good men are resembled to Trees Trees.planted by the Rivers of water, whose leafe never fadeth, and that bring forth seasonable fruit in their kind: Psal. 1.3. Jer. 17.8. Psal. 92.8, 12. Mic. 7.4. Isa. 10.27. Jude v. 12.The ungodly are likened to bryars and brambles, to the barren Fig-tree, to Trees twice dead and plucked up by the root, whose end is to be burned.
The Grass, Grass.Herbs and Flowers which quickly wither, or are cut down before the evening, represent the shortness and vanity of mans life, and all outward glory.Esa. 40.6. 1 Pet. 1.24.
The good GroundGood Ground. that receiveth the seed, and bringeth forth ripe fruit, is an Image of the good Hearer, that hideth the Word in an honest and good heart, and yeeldeth perfect fruit with patience.Luk. 8.15. Mat. 13.19. Mat. 13.20, 21 The high-way side shadoweth forth the Hearer that understandeth not the Word, giveth it no entertainment; the Corne upon the house top that withereth before Harvest, resembleth the temporary Believer, that rejoyceth in the truth for a time, but starteth aside in persecution, or is choaked afterwards with the carnall pleasures or profits of this world.
Our Saviour compareth the Doctrine of the Gospel to LeavenLeaven. that leaveneth the whole lump, and seasoneth it to be fit for use:Mar. 4.31, 32. and the Word of his Kingdom to the graine of mustard seed, that being cast into the earth doth grow and increase, till it become a great Tree.
The wicked are likened to the Chaffe,Chaffe. that is scattered too and fro upon the face of the earth, driven with the wind, and at length cast into the fire:Psal. 1.4. Psal. 35.5, 6. Amos 9.9. the godly to the graine full of sap, that cannot be blown away, and is carefully laid up for use.
The Church is likened to a Barn-Floor,Barn-floor. wherein there is both Chaffe and Wheat, light and good Corne mingled together, till it be sifted with the sive, or fanned with the fanne:Mat. 3.12. The Doctrine of the Gospel Discipline carefully exercised, and afflictions sent of God, are compared to the sive or fanne, whereby the good and bad are seperated one from another.
The cursed GroundCursed Ground. that drinketh in the former and latter raine, but bringeth forth nothing but bryars and brambles, is a representation of their condition that live under the meanes of grace,Heb. 6.8. but walk after the flesh and lusts of their own hearts.
The knowledge that the OxOx. taketh to his Owner, and the Asse to his Masters Crib,Isa. 1.3. is an admonition to us to look up to the Lord from whom every good and perfect gift cometh, and in thankfull obedience to acknowledge his love.
The StorkStork. in the Heavens knoweth her appointed time, and the Turtle, and the Crane,Jer. 8.7. and the Swallow observe the times of their coming; whereby we are instructed to observe the Judgment of the Lord, and the day of our visitation.
As the EagleEagle. stirreth up her nest; fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings,Deut. 32.11, 12. Exo. 19.4. taketh them, beareth them on her wings: So the Lord preserveth his people, and leadeth them in safety notwithstanding all that rise up against them.
By the meekness of the poor Sheep,Sheep. not bleating when his fleece is taken away,Joh …0.27. Isa 53.7. or his throat cut, we are taught to be patient in all wrongs, afflictions, and disgraces of this world.
As the HenH…n. gathereth her Chickens under her wings, so doth the Lord defend and shadow them that put their trust in him.M… 23 37.
The provident AntAn . gathering her meat in Summer, doth call upon us to redeem the time,Pr…v. 6 6, 7, 8. & 30 25. and observe the opportunity offered for the gaining of things temporall and spirituall.
The Hill-RatsH…ll-Rat make their houses in the Rocks, and so deliver themselves from dangers that beset them:Prov. 30.26. thereby we are taught, to work our selves by a lively faith into the impregnable Rock Christ Jesus, and to fly unto him as our strong Tower of defence.
The SpiderSpider. taketh hold with her hands, and is in Kings Palaces: whereby we are taught to be industrious and diligent,Prov. 30.28. not slothful in our Vocations; to be expert Artificers and exact workmen, not unskilfull slubberers in our Trades. And from the three last mentioned examples we are instructed, that though we be weak in our selves, we should not fear to set upon hard and difficult things, if we be called thereunto; for industry and skill can effect great things, and overcome manyfold impediments. The Spider plies her web in Kings Palaces, where are many comers and goers; and is not ashamed in respect of the pomp and Majesty of the presence, nor drawn aside to look after them that pass too and fro, nor dismaied though her work come to nought and be swept away: by which example we may receive instruction, not to be terrified from the works of our calling by any presence.
The LocustsLocust. have no King, yet go they forth all by Bands: whereby we are admonished,Prov. 30.27. that needfull and good services are to be performed, though we be not urged thereunto by compulsion, nor forced by the command of authority; and that association and concord is very usefull, and of great validity, in every state publique and private.
As the PatridgePatridge. sitteth on egges, and hatcheth them not: so he that getteth riches and not by right,Ier. 17.11. shall leave them in the middest of his daies, and at his end shall be a fool.
The HorsleachHorsleach. that crieth, give, give, representeth the nature of the covetous that is never satisfied.Prov. 30.15.
The SerpentSerpent. is wise to save his head; and the Dove innocent and harmeless without gall:Mat. …0.16. whereby we are admonished to be discreet without fraude, and innocent without folly.
Ma…. 3.12. 1 Thes 5.19. Ioh 4.4. Psa. 66.10. 1 …et. 1.7. Esa 48.10. Zech. …3 9. Esa. 27.4.The Spirit of God is resembled to FireFire. that enlighteneth darkness, purgeth dross, melteth Iron, and warmeth the cold stone: It is also compared to living waters, that refresh, quicken, make fruitfull, and spring continually. Afflictions to the godly, are as Fire to Gold, which it purifieth and refineth: but the wrath of God to the wicked, is as Fire to thornes, stubble, dross, drie wood, which are easily consumed.
The continuall disquietness of the Sea,Sea. setteth forth the restless state of theIsa. 57.20, 21. wicked, that boile inwardly with lusts, and are tortured with an evill conscience. Many profound and deep mysteries of Divinity are notably pourtraited to our sight by earthly similitudes.
The helpless condition of a poor InfantInfant. new born, whose navell is not cut, that is not washed with water, nor salted with salt,Ezek. 16.6. may put us in mind of our misery by nature, who are defiled with sinne, and dead in trespasses.
Our spirituall incorporation, conjunction and growing up in Christ, is shadowed by the union of the VinesVine. and branches, of the head and members,Joh. ….…. Eph. 1.21. & 4.16. & 5.…, 32. of the foundation and building, and of man and wife in one matrimoniall body. The branch draweth sap from the Vine; so do we suck grace from Christ: the branch abiding in the Vine beareth good fruits; so shall we if we abide in Christ.
The thirsty ground drinketh in the raine; the new born BabeBabe. desires the sincere milk of the Word, that he may grow thereby: so must we desire, drink in,1 Pet. 2.2. digest, and keep the sincere milk of the Word, that we may encrease and thrive in spirituall things.
The seedSeed. that is not quickened except it die,1 Cor. 15.36. is a similidude of the resurrection of our bodies, that shall be raised again, though they be turned into the dust.
The Lord is compared to a Nurse,Nurse. a Father, a Shepherd, a Vine dresser,Esa. 49 15. Hos. 11.3. Esa. 48.4. or Husbandman. The Nurse cannot forget her sucking Babe, taketh it by the armes, teacheth it to go: so dealeth the Lord with them that be his people, whom he hath chosen to be his treasure. Fathers correct their Children in love, for their amendment; they draw them with the cords of love and kindness;Psal. 113.13. Luk. 15.15, 16, &c. Mat. 6. they provide things necessary for them according to ability; they rejoyce in their return, if they have gone astray: in all these things the Lord sheweth himself to be a most kind Father to all that fear before him.
ShepherdsShepherd. lead their Flocks to green Pastures, put the tender Lambs into their bosome, drive the great with young softly, watch them by night,Psal. 23.2. Io. 10.1. Esa. 40.11. Psal. 121.4, 5. Luk. 15.4. Io. …5.2, 3. that they be not devoured with wild Beasts, and seek the strayed Sheep till they have found him: in all these things the Lord sheweth himself to be the good Shepherd, that careth for his Flock. The Husbandman will hedg and plant his Vineyard, manure and prune his Vines that they might bring forth sweet Grapes in greater plenty: this setteth forth the manner how the Lord dealeth with his pleasant Plants.
ChildrenChildren. delight in their Parents, runne to them for what they need, trust in their providence, be content to live at their finding,Psal. 13….1, 2. Ps. …0.12, 13. desire to behold their smiling countenance, if at any time they frown upon them; whereby we are admonished to rejoyce in God, to trust in his mercy, to desire his favour, and freely to resigne our selves to live at his finding.
Lukewarme waterLukewarme water. is noysome to the stomack, and meat half rosted unsavory to the tast: no better the service of a lukewarme Christian before God.Rev. ….16.
Holiness is resembled to a Garment;Garments, faith to a Shield, hope to an Helmet, sincerity to a Girdle, righteousness to a Breast-plate,Col. 3.12. Rom. 13.13. Eph. 4.23, 24. Eph. 6.14, 15, 16. the Word of truth to a Sword, the preparation of the Gospel of peace to Shoos: when we put on our apparell, and gird them to our loynes, that they may sit close and be for use, we are put in mind of that spirituall Raiment which must be put on and worn continually.
The loathsome course of them that turn to sin again after profession of amendment, is likened to the returning of the Sow that was washed,Swine. 2 …et. 2.22. Prov. 26.11. to wallow in the mire, and of the Dog to his vomit.
As the ClayClay. is in the hand of the Potter, so are we in the hand of God, who hath power to frame us to honour or dishonour, according to his own pleasure.Isa. 45.…. Ier. 19.11. Isa. 30.14. Rom. 9.20. The Potsheard cannot say to the Potter, why hast thou made me thus; nor is it for man to dispute with his Maker. Children grow as in age, strength, and stature, so in wisdom and discretion, forgoing their childish conditions: so should we grow from grace to grace,1 Pet. 3.18. renouncing those vanities that we formerly delighted in.
Corporall HungerHunger. and thirst after the supply of things neccessary for the maintenance of this life,Matth. 5.6. Isa 55.1. Jo. … 37. 1 Cor. 14.1. doth minde us of our duty to thirst spiritually after the true bread and water of life, after sound righteousness and true holiness.
Our readiness to give good GiftsGifts. to our Children when they crave them, should bring to remembrance the readiness of our heavenly Father, to give his Spirit to them that aske it.Luk. 11.13. Matth. 7.11.
Washing.Sinne is the stain and filthiness of the soul, which must be washed away with the bloud and Spirit of Christ:Isa. 1.16. Iam 4 8. Ier. 4.14. 2 Cor. 7.1. When we wash our hands, rub our garments, clense our vessels, we should remember it is our duty to make clean the inside of the cup or platter, to purge and purifie the heart and conscience.
The creatures are subject to vanitySubjection to vanity. for the sinne of man, and thereby we should be put in minde of our transgression: If the earth give not her encrease, the fruits be smitten,Rom. 8.20. our horse stumble or fall under us, we must consider how we have dealt undutifully with God, and turned aside from his Commandements
Sinne is a spirituall sleepSleep. or slumber: as we rouse up our selves from bodily drousiness when we have any speciall occasions,Matth. 25.5. Eph. 5.14. so should we at all times watch against sinne and the occasions of it.
StrangersStra…gers. are carefull to walk inoffensively, love not to be long absent from home,2 Pet. 2.1…. and patiently bear many things not so agreeable to their mindes: whereby Christians should be admonished, that it is their duty to haste towards Heaven, live unblameably, and possess their souls in patience.
The courage of the Lyon,Lyon. which turneth not away from any; and the valour of the Horse,Prov. 30.30. Iob 39.20, 21, 22, 23. that rusheth valiantly into the battell, as it setteth forth the goodness and power of God, who hath given such gifts unto his creatures; so doth it teach us to be couragious for the truth, and to go forward with undaunted resolution in the wayes of godliness.
Wisdom in ordering earthly business. Isa. 63.13, 14. Esa. 28.26, 27, 28, 29.Wise men leade their Horses or Cattell gently down steep hills or descents, lest they should stumble or catch harm: so doth the Lord lead his children in their dangers. The Husbandman observes his times and seasons to plow and sow, orders all his grain according to the nature of it: so hath the Lord his times for mercy and judgment, and he dealeth will all men according to their state and condition, as may be most for the glory of his name, and the comfort of his servants.Prov. 18.10. In times of warre or great peril, men plant themselves in the strongest Castles or places of defence; so should we run unto the Lord our rock and high Tower of defence. The diseased seek to the Physician, the wounded to the Surgeon;Esa 53.5. Mat. 8.16, 17. so must the distressed conscience to Christ Jesus the spirituall Physician of the soul. Clyents, that cannot speak for themselves, nor lay forth their own Cause, are glad to entertain Advocates, to make known their sutes and procure them favour: what a priviledg is this, that all the elect have Christ Jesus to be their Advocate and Intercessour?1 Ioh. 2 2. The Merchant is diligent to take his opportunities to buy and sell;Eph. 5.15. Gal. 6.9, 10. so is the Husbandman to plow and reap: which mindeth us of our duty to repent and do good whilst the season lasteth. Men dig for silver and gold; in receiving summes of money, they are wary not to take slips for current Coyn:Prov. 2.1, 2, 3. 1 Thes. .22. 1 Ioh. 4.1. so must Christians cry for wisdome, search for knowledg, and try the spirits that they be not deluded with errour. He that disburseth money upon Lands, will look to it that he be not deceived in the tenure: In our spirituall purchase,Lam. 3 40. we must be circumspect not to embrace a shadow for the substance.
The Providence of GodProvidence of God. in causing it to rain upon the desart where no man dwelleth, in feeding the young Ravens, in satisfying the Lyons whelps, and clothing the Lillies of the field,…sal. 147.9. Iob 38.29.40, 41. Mat. 6.20.27 28. 2 Sam. 17.14 Esa. 19.11, 13. Job 12.17. 19.23. doth teach us to trust in the Lord for food and raiment, casting off excessive and distrustfull care. The manner of Gods administration also doth minister infinite occasion and variety of good meditations; if we do observe how he doth forbear the wicked, correct his children; destroy the ungodly, deliver them that trust in his mercy; confound the devices of the crafty, set at liberty the simple and him that hath none to help him. But when should I make an end, if I stand to rehearse particulars; these may suffice to shew how we may raise matter of good meditation from the works of God, yea from every thing we go about, or that doth befall us. I will not stand to rip up that treasury of matter that is to be found in the word of life, the holy Scriptures: without question from the Works and Word of God, a man, if he will be industrious, may abundantly furnish himself. Fourthly, Diligent conscionable reading the holy Scriptures and other holy books, is a speciall means to prevent rovings: for it furnisheth the heart with good matter, helpeth the memory, quickneth the affection, and kindleth the desire of good. Fifthly, Pray God earnestly to keep and direct our thoughts. We are not able to turn our eyes from vanity, nor to keep the door of our lips, much less to order our cogitations, without his speciall grace. Sixthly, We must hold our thoughts to things above, though it be painfull at the first. The greater strangers we be to good thoughts, the more tedious it is to keep our hearts unto them: but custome makes that easie and delightsome, which at first was harsh and difficult.