L. i*; e.t.

Gen.
Ufe of Marri¬ age.
Marriage mufl not vafihly be entredon*-
Marriage en¬ feebles many.
\Anhoncft fa¬ mily to be ob- favedin Mar riage*
CHAR LIV.
Of lawfullfeciety in Matrimony .
MAtrimony is an undivided and lawfull conjun&ion of Male md Female which was appointed by God, partly to bridle ouriufts, and toihun unlawfull and wandring copulation, and partly for procreation of children. It is, as (befides Saint Paul) Columella relates from the oeconomy of Zenofbon , a Matrimonial conjunction appointed by nature, that not oncly the moft pieafanc but alio the moft profitable courfe of life may be entred upon, and that mankind might not in length of time come to ruine. God would have the male and Female joyned together lawfully, and he blcfted them, fo that by this indiflblubleband there might not be a help wanting to mortal man, wherein befides the defire of be¬ getting the like, they might be united in a mutual conjunction of
their lives and fortunes. .
Wherefore fince the harbour of Marriage is moft fate, and a fait ftation for mankind who is by nature prone exceedingly to pro¬ pagate his like : he (hall not pro vide am iffe for his own tranquil¬ lity, who fhall marryjefpecially when he or fhe is come to mans years, and arc paft their childifti condition. Ycttneydo inconfi- derately,andnot whatis proper forthat age, who marry too foon and unfeafonably, not trying their ftrengch, and examining the force of nature. For there arc fome young people not yet ripe, who either rafhly, or by the inftigationof bauds, or by the provo¬ cation of their Parents, who covet fome great dowry, take upon them this yoke, and I have known fome of them, who before one year was paft, were feeble and weak, and all their vitall moyfture wasexhaufted,fo that I was forced with medicaments to reftore their ftrength that was wafted and funk down. VVherefore let not children, or fuch as are not yet of age, marry to get children, but let every one try his own ftrength, and know well what his back is able to bear. Butwhofoever hath a purpofe to marry, muft chiefly obferve this, that he choofeone robe his companion of life, that is of an honeft ftock, not having fo great a dowry * (chough that is noc to be rejeded) as to have a woman well de- feended, which is honeft, chafte,well-bred, and of good manners.
For a woman, as the Comedian faith, if ihee have good conditions
hath
/
C hap. 5 4. Errours committed in Marriage.
3 79
hath portion enough. That of Alcurnena, in Plautuses a witty faying, Am J} ^ z
which all maids and matrons Should well keep in memory, * ™3'a
/ do not think that to be my dowry which is called a dowry) but ch.ajiity,
modejty , and a felled defire to fear the Gods , to lone my Parents , to agree
with my kindred)toobey my husband , to be bountiful /, and to do good, to
fuch as are good and bonefl. .
Wherefore Parents mud labour carefully, that the frail Sex rrcmflbave of Females, that is ealily overcome, efpecially when a maid cw of maids growsco be marriageable and to be ripj , be not difgraced , ^ alhy% or fuffir any damage in their chadity, but they mud inftru& their Ec([ 7m daughters in vertue, and honourable wayes, and provoke them to lead a Sincere life, and to be of unblameable behaviour. There are fome wicked Parents who give ill example to their daugh¬ ters chadity. For they corrupt them by their leud a&ions at rremuflgive home, and open a gap for them to impudence, drunkennelfe, and nocau(el° boldnefle, whereby they grow to'a cudome by degrees, to lay alide mal st all modefty, and expofe tneir chadity for reward, and are eafily won, or will make no great refidance, againd any crafty man that layes fnares for their Virginity, and they refufe not to be handled kiffed and tickled by them, and they admit their dalliance with¬ out rcfidancc. Arnongd many other errours that are commuted inentringupon matrimony,three things chiefly feem to be blame- Errours com- worthy, out of which arife many inconveniences. Firft that the fitted tartar* greated part of men run headlong and inconsiderately, ‘and with- nage * out any mature deliberation on this courfe of life, and that at fuch years as are not fit for this bufinefie. Again, fome marry too late, and when it is no fit fcafon, and when tneir age is decayed, and Wea^ and old they are old, then they rake this burden upon them. Laltly, that men are not fit people marry unequally, one that is well to one that is d i fea fed , far mamaie' a young man that gapes for a great portion, to fome old woman and this is not agreeing to natural fociety, an old man to a young maid, which cannot altogether be difeommended, nor is it con¬ trary to the date and order of nature , fince many old men are I
green and ludy, andean get children, which old women that are pad childing cannot have. Now as in childhood to think of marriage too foon is rightly difallowed and blamed: fo in old people too tarry to long before they marry. For they that put on this yoke too foon and hadily , and have not their bo- naoiyinmaZ- dics drong and ludy, but want drength, do foon fail, and rfmg. cannot hold out but for a Short time. But fuch as procra- iff* dinate and marry too late , letting the time llip away be¬ fore they enter upon it, lead an unpleafant and erode life, of eife foraetimes they have polluted themlelves with wan¬ dring and unlawfull copulation: for hence it is that there * 1
are every where fo many Pocky, Sickly, didorced, blear-ey’d, crooked, gowty men, with fwoln legs; and if afterwards they chance to marry when they grow weary of that life, they cad themfelves into great troubles and misfortunes.
Bee 2 For
: ,>>
3&o
Of Marriage,
Chap. 5 5,
For when they areexhaufted and out of date, and are grown weak by their former venery, and intemperance, they grow a burden to themfeives, and the hope and defires of their new Bride fail.
Heir, 13.
Unlawful Inf) and copulation.
what befalls, them robo de¬ light .ifymfelves inbofe vemy.
K X.
copulation ■without marri¬ age is a burden to the confei - ms*
J$a (late of life is void of trou¬ ble.
CHAP. LV.
facie ty which cotfffts not within the bounds of Wedlock, is faulty and
is not lawfull Matrimony.
S Being that Chrift and his Apoftles deteft unchaftncfle and oh- feene and uniavvfull lufts, and pronounce tbofe to be excluded from thekingdome of God, that pollute themfeives with adultery and whoring? I fee not what colour they can have to defend them¬ feives, who hating matrimony, meditate how they may live freely and loofly without marriage. For there are fome that living without the bounds of matrimony, yet they bind themfelvs to one Millreffe for a time, and this is not feemly,nor can if be done with a quiet and contented mind. They think, as they perfwade them- felvcs, that they feek for the convenience of life, and they will en¬ dure to be married to none, but onely to live with tbofe whom they can forfake and leave when they pleafe. But thefe men oft- times are contained to endure more grievous wrongs and indig¬ nities, from a petulantand imperious Miftris, than he could do from a lawfull and truly married wife. And moreover there is an addition of mifchief,that long cuftorae procures boldneffe, and confidence unto this Sex, that if any man begin to grow weary of them, and would fain be quit of them, it cannot be done but by a tumult. For they will mingle heaven and earth together, when once they hear of a divorce, or when upon any difeontent arifing they fear they (hall be fhut out of dores 5 Thofe Concubines which the Priefts keep in their houfes, to live with them, are examples fufficient; for thefe men are forbid lawfull Matrimony, and arc commanded to lead (ingle lives, which is a thing exceeding hard and laborious for lufty men that are full of natural moyfture. Wherefore theyerre as much as can be, and are wholly deceived in the choice of humane fociety, who fuppofe that they live in peace, who being free from a wife, keep a Concubine in their houfes, or hunt after one abroad to take their pleafure, and whofe company they can enjoy when they pleafe ; when as oft-times be- fides the unquietnefle of their minds, and torture of Confcience, there rifeth more trouble and moleftation by a friend that is fo kept for a time,; and more jealoufy and fufpition, than from a lawfull and faithfull wife, which i^ folemnly marryed to live with us fo long as we live. And though in this eftate as in many more, fweec and fowre are mingled together, fadnefle and joy, bitter and pleafant, cloudy and clear weather, nor are there jarrings wanting inthiscourfeot life., with contentions, quarrels, and affe&ians
of
Chap. 5 6. _ Of Death. _ 38 i
ofjealOufy (as there is no kind of life happy in all things) yet no fault is to be put upon the order of Matrimony. For however ma¬ ny inconvenicncies accompany Matrimonial life, and the fe men are bufied with many cares, great anxieties and difturbanccs in educating and bringing up ol their children, as Same Paul tefti- 2 Cev- fies in providing for cheir families, yet mutual love iweetneth and mitigates all the reft, and the procreation of children according to God? Ordinance ^ Now children arc the delights, and Angular joy c of Matrimony, for conjugal love increafcth and h fettered thereby; thc?Lfurcof and 6n both (ides thereby is these great comfort taken. Bur if con- Marriage. traryxoour will anddehre we chance to have no off-fpring, and wantofchii- that the hope of poflerity is deferred for many years : yet muff We drenmuftbe hold the prom ife made in wedlock, facred, and we muff fo conti- borntment¥ nue between us a mutual fociety of life, that one may bear up ano¬ ther as fruit full Trees planted hard by do uphold the Vine, by *
which it is propped, and as it were marryed, and taking hold of them by its tendrils, it grows very high and fpreads very far. For fl _ as a Vine wanting props and ftayes, falls down upon the earth : fo ay”*ea“f Di Matrimony and houfhold affairs tun to mine, unlefie they be up- Matrimony. held by the mutual fupport of man and wife. But if there be any fault in this focicty, if any diftempers, tumults, quarrels or fofpi- “Z&L. cions arife*, we mutt afcribe them rather to mens aftetudns, and turttobebti- illmanners’than tothis ordinance; For they arc not the vices of md- marriage, but of depraved nature, and of a troublef ome mind, contracted from tht guilt of original fin, upon which all the fault
mutt belaid.
CHAP. LVI.
. i ’ ‘r* V • » . • • ■* . * • / ■ rs
Hotr it maybe obtained, that death may not prove fearful! to a vMan
that naturally fears it.
Since in humane affaits thfcre is nothing firm and conftant, but
all things are tranfitory, frail and uncertain, and the beft things ZoP,n‘% are fubiea to mine, it is not for any man to admire or to love thefc ur\
things too much, and be affefted with them out of meafure; But
father lcrcvery manlift up hismind and thoughts upward to hea¬ ven, and there contemplate things that are folid and eternal. For whoever with a full confidence in God the Father through Jefus Chrift, is lead with certain hope and expiation of immortality, he need not fear any chances that (hall hangover hirh or inconve¬ niences, he hath nocaufeto be frighted with difeafes, calamities and dangers, or with death it felf, which they efpecially fear who
are deftftute of Gods Spirit, and have no true knowledge of God.
For fuch as place theft truft inGod,arc fupportedby his holySpirit, and they ftartd undaunted again!! all adverfities, with a couragious Km. s. mind, and as Saint fad faith, Wt have not received the Spirit of bon;
i fd la 4.
¥
382
Of Death .
Colof. 2-
Cb'rift over, came death.
A fmilefrom fash Tvht) are opprifjedby bonds.
John 1 6,
John i*-.
Chr'i ft is formi¬ dable to Satan .
Comfortable
Jentences,
Pfaltn 1 9. pfalm z6. Pfalm 3. Pfalm r-z.
Job}!*
pfaltn 1 17, Ueb . i3. Jeremiah 17 -
Jeremiah fx- if sounded.
Chap.56*
dage andfear^ but the [pint of adoption, of power and of love , whereby we cry botaf^hba Father . For in this, faith Saint John,is our love madeperfed, chacwe may ha ve confidence in the day of Judg¬ ment. T^ty if no fear tn love , jw/f ft love cafteth out all (ear, for
fear breeds pain or trembling . Wherefore that wc may lTiake off all fear, and not be daunted at death, or any thing elfe chat may make us tremble, Ictus caft all our hope, withes, thoughts, confidence upon our moft bountiful! father through Jefus Chrift, who hath purged us with his own bloud, and hath fee us at liberty from fin and the tyranny of death, blotting.oucand taking away the hand¬ writing which was againft us, whereby we were bound to the De¬ vil, and were indebted to him. The Dutch fay, In hem ghebonden, teghens hem verbondeh, But that Chrift might fupport fearful and fainting minds, and might fhew that all hope and confidence muft be placed in him, he faith. Be of good ckear} / have overcome the world. Now the Prince of this world is Judged, that is, he that brought in death, is driven away by my death, and is condemned to Judgment, andisfpoiled of all power of doing harm 3 The Prince of this World is come and hath found nothing in me. By which comfortable words he {hews that Satan and all his confederates by rcafon of fin in this world, have no power againft Chrift or his members that firmly believe in him, and are engrafted into him : Tnefe laving and comfortable words work thus much upon the m inds of men chat depend upon his help,that (Baking off all feat of death, they fortify themfelves cheerfully againft the greateft tetn- pefts that can arife, and become invincible, and with great confi¬ dence break forth into thefe fayings. My eyes are ftill toward the herd, for he (hall pull my feet out of the fnare. God is my light- and my falvation, wbomfhall I fear ? The Lord is the upholder of my life, of whom fhall I be afraid ? If an army were encamped againft me, my heart fhould not fear, I will not be afraid of thou- fands of people that fhall compafle me about. If war rife againft me, I will truft in him. Though I walk in the middle of the {ha- do vv of death, I will fear no evill becaufe thou art with me, Thoughhe fhould kill me,I will truft in him: that is, ifhelhould fet before me the terrours of death, and I were to lofe my life, yet will I truft in him who by his providence will find a way to pre- ferve me. The Lord is my help, I will not fear what flefh can do untome. And that of Jeremiah , behold they fay, where is the word of the Lord ? let it come. And I was not troubled, follow¬ ing thee my Shepheard, and I defired not the day of man. Lord thou knoweft. That is, I look for help from no other place, but from thee alone, fo that I neither regard nor fear thole who threa¬ ten my deftrudion 5 Be not thou acaufeoffear to me, thou that art my hope in the day of my affli&ion ; let them fear, and let not me be afraid. Saint Paul inflamed with the fame heat of faith* and leaning on Gods prote&ion, confidently pronouncetb, that nothing any where is fo formidable and horrible, that can make
godly
✓
Chap. 56.
Of Death.
^odlv minds afraid, or divide them from their love and relyance upon God. For, faith he, I am certainly perfwaded, chat neither death, nor life, nor Angels or invifible fubftances, nor principali¬ ties, nor powers, nor things prefent, northings to come, nor any other creature, can be able cofcparateus from the love of God, which is inChrid Jefus our Lord. So Saint Paul pronoiinceth condantly that he who is engrafeed intoGod the Father by Chrift will ftand unmoved againd all terrours from whence ibevcvtr they may arife, againd: the incurfions and fightings of enemies, againd the horrour of death which either the enemies purpofe to brine, or the law ofnatureor difeafes do bring upon him. Where- fbrefwce nothing is more effectual to take offfear of death from the minds of men, than a firm confidence in Cod, Chrift being our Leader, whereby we conceive a certain hope of a refurrection, and expedation of eternity : let all men make hafteand drive to come to this, letevery one embrace and cbcnYh this having do- drinc,and fix it in their minds, by this let them ftrengchen tnem, felvcs, when the greateft troubles arc at hand. 5 by this let them pacify andquiet their confidence, by meditation hereof, let them wipe off all grief of mind, and difeuffe all fadnefle and forrow that may befall them for death of Parents or Children. To this belongs that excellent confolation of Saint Paul$ wherewith by a certain expedation of a Referred ion and of eternity, he corro¬ borates the Theft ahnians, and he will have them refrain from weeping, not lament for their friends departed, as the Get. tiles do. I wiii rot have you ignorant brethren concerning thefe that are a/leepy (not as dead but a fleep) that you grieve not as thofe who have no hopes of a Refurre8ion,fbr if we believe that Jefui died and rofe again , fo thofe that are afleepfty Iefwtyall God bring with him h Again, when he withdraws the Phtlippians from earthly things, and recalls them to folid things j be faith, Our convention is tn heaven, from whence alfo we look for the Lord leftu Cluip, who jhall transform our vile bodies , and make them like unto hit gtwM body , according to his mighty power w>. ereby he fubdues all things unto bimfelf. By which words Saint Paul perfwades them to comfort and fupporc themfelves in their afdidions, by a love and defife of eternity, and in the confiid of this life, that they Chould fear nothing that might turn them away from a better life, whereunco Chrift hath opened the way for us* by the p >wer of his Refurredion. Wherefore when we come to the lad day of our life, and death is near, which is formidable to all men,unlcfle they rely upon Chr id, or when we think of any fuch thin^in the time of health, or if want, calamity, difeafes, or other miferies of life afflid us, let us refer ail our defires, hope, and wiflics unto Chrid, who by his death hath endured the pu- nifhments due unto us, who hath pardoned all our fins, and is be¬ come propitiation for all our tranfgrefttons , who is our adzocate , as Saint fob' faith, and Mediatour unto God the Father , who is the reconciler of God tomen , and who as Saint Paul{a\x.c\, madehimfelf a redemption and a facrificefor all. In him is appointed falvati- r bn.
Korn, ult,
Saint Pauls confidence dslh maf’e others more bold. Pfalm So.
What can tafe away the fear of death. ,
a Thef. 4.
We mu ft not U* went the dead Mthe 6entilet do.
Death is a fletp'
Phil . h
irherftviti k 'the fear cf death to lie dtp Cuffed .
We mu(l loo^ Upon Chrift. Colof. 5.
1 John i .
1 Tim. a, Efay $ o.
Of Death.
384
Chap. 5 6,
Ephff : i* Cal of. 1.
1.
mb. 4.
fence -mailer between God and man.
Row the mind, mu ft be confir¬ med when death comes.
In chrifl there is a confolaiio tt agdm(l cala¬ mities.
Chrifl is our [acred An¬ chor in a tem-
Pfalm^S.
Epbef. 4. Heb. i3. P (dm *7°
ea,iik,and reiurnbtion. By him wchavc acctfle and an entrance id one ipirit unto the father. By the fjeddwg of his blond we have obtained redemption and reyinffion of our jins. Becanfe it pleafed the father that in him jhould all fulhefje dwells and 10 reconcile all things by him , who hath made peace by his bloud. Since therefore we have an highPricft. as he faith in the Hebrews , who hath entred into hea¬ ven, Jefus-cheSon ofGod, whowasinall points tempted as we are, yet without fin, who is touched with the feeling of our infir- mitics, let us come boldly unto the throne of Grace, that we may find mercy to help in time of need: We being fupported by the defence of fo great a Captain, and compafftfd with his guard, againfl all the monflrous defigns of the devill, which prefently vanifh when the light appears : we fubfift againft fin, death, hell, and are tranfported from the uncertain ftation. of this life, unto our defired harbour, and blefled manfion. And if any mif- fortuneor inconvenience befall a man in the courfe of this life, if any man chance to be caft upon any difficulty of his life, to be prefled with poverty, tortured with difeafes, to be vexed by his enemies, if any deflru&ions or calamities come on , if wick- edneffe abound, and the innocent arc opprefled, and murdered, wholefome and true do&rine be contemned, herefies, and per¬ nicious opinions do fpring up, and that perverfe errours are fow- ed in all places : in fo great a confufion of things let every man look unto Chrift, let him feek for fafety from him, aod rely wholly upon him , and confirm himfelf by him as by a fure Anchor, and let him continually think of that the Prophet David fpeaks ; I beheld the Lordallwaies before me, becaule he is at my right hand, that I ihould not be moved. Jn which words he (hews that he hath his eyes allwaies fixed upon God, and that he d( pends wholly upon him, that he fubfifts onely by him in doubtfull and dangerous matters , that he did not waver, or was carrycd about with every wind of do&rine, but was conftantand liable, and was not moved from the firm confi¬ dence in God, for this reafon onely, that he finds God gracious unto him, and prefent with him in all things. So that he con¬ fidently breaks forth into thefe words. Behold the Lord is my helper, in him have I trufted, and I am helped, and my fiefh hath rejoyced in him, I will confefTe unto him from my whole heart.
CHAP.
Chap. 5 7*
Of Chrijt’s Authority . 385
CHAP. JLVII.
, i , W
Concerning the amplitude , Afajcfty, and porter of the name lejus , which onely we mayrejijl all Alagtcal Charms, and all deceits of the Divelsare to he conquered , 4// mf chiefs or dangers that may
happen to the Soul or body ,
I Said before that Inchantments and Magical Arcs were to be rooted out, and chat no man ought to cxercife what may do mifehief : It remains to fhew by the way, by what force and citicacy, by what words and prayers the minds of men podcfled and affli&ed may be relieved;, and fuch as are entangled by the TbcDevilsm. fnares of thedivels; alfo by whatmeans witchcrafts may be re- ^mics to men, moved, which arc brought upon miferablc men by the waked In- flruments of the divels, whereby their bodies and Souls are tor¬ tured. Thefe indouace themfeives clofely into mens bodies, and offer violence to mans nature, and fpoil it of its faculties, or at lead make a change in them. The evii fpirics mingle themfeives -r y with our food, humours, fpirits, with the ayre and breathy that we ^iwiTwth draw in and breathe out * and they pollute many other things that the humours, as ferve for our ufe, and whereby our health is preferved. Where- contagious di- fore I think I (Tall do fomething worth my pains, if I can fhew by ^bribes’* what means miferable people may be happily freed from thole chains, wherewith they find themfeives entangled and hindred.
For the inconveniences and hurts they fuftain cannot be referred to any natural caufes, nor be cured by the fame remedies that com¬ mon difeafes are. Ifanydifeafe proceed from Gluttony, Venery, wearinefle, cold, heat, iatiety, hunger; eachofchefe is cured by its proper remedies. But fuch difeafes as the di veils bring upon Tkemfchiefs . us, do not in any fort require natural remedies, but fuch as aredi- lhc dtvlls bnn& tine, and fuperceleftial. Some wonder that lo great power is gi- ye referred ven to thedivell and his inflruments to vex and torment men. to natural But God doth partly wink at thofe hurts witches bring upon finfull c£$*prth ye men, and he fuffers them to be affli&ed, and in fo doing ne hath a malice of the fufficientreafonofhisown counfell and providence, and he pare- ly inftigates the t>ivells and their inflruments to rage againft ma- rfh} yfd fitf- ny that have deferved to be fo punifhed, and he ufeth to another fmmto be end their malice to chaftife wicked men. So a lying fpirit was t^te!f-eldbythe fent into the mouths of all the Prophets ; whereby the King Ahab, 3 Kjugs 31. being deceived might go to the battel, wherein prefent deliru6ti' Ahab deceit on was made ready for him. Sometimes God fuffers fome to be vedm hurt to try their patience. So he fuffered lob not onely to lofe all Job his goods, and to be fpoiled of all his eflate, but to be tormented in his body alfo. And this God fuffered to be done, partly to try the conflancy of the man, and that he might Air up other mortal men roendiire evills, leall when trouble comes upon them they fliould revolt from God : and partly to declare his power whereby [b^Devrl/ he comforts and Hayes thofe that tru'd in him, and raifeth fuch as
F f f * are
l%6
Of the power of Chrift,
Chap. 5 7.
be Divcl fits pan {iaful I'so-
ji fimlefrom a city not well - fenced.
The Devil pro - vo\cs a man to all mifebief.
Gen. 4.
1 Kings 3r*
Math. 17.
The Devil is driven off by truft in God.
'Saint Peter in-
firuftsusa- gainflihe Ds~ t'il.
s Vet. u
1 John U
Hf confidence in Cbrifl we ?nufl drive away the de - vills*
mb. K hU things are attributed un¬ to Cbrifl*
arc quite down, reftoiing them to their former dignities. But the reafon is different in thole vulgar operations, of fuch as are pof- ieffed by the D evil, or are. tortured by him in any part of their bodies. Fora greac part of thofc people arcftupid,and know not God, upon whom, as he inftrumcnrs,and ready tor him, he exer- cifeth his tyranny. So Satan affaults idle people,Idolaters,Su per¬ fidious, in w'hole minds he rather lodges, than in thofe that know God, and are fupported by truft in him 5 for he is rather afraid of thefe, and is fearlull to plant any engines againft them, becaufe he knows that ail his endeavours and attempts againft fuch who {land upon their guards, and truft in God, are too weak, and fhall be fruftrate andcome co nothing. For, as Forts and Towns that have no walls, ditches or Trenches to defend them, nor guards of Souldiers to keep them, are eafily furprifed : fodull and fluggifh minds that have no favingnor heavenly dodtrine to lupport them, and are ftrengthned by no truft in God, are more expofed to the wiles of the divcll, and fooneft yeiid to him. But ftnee Satans chiefeft end is to abolilh the glory of God, and to draw men from Salvation,and to foilicite them to revolt, he doth not ceale to af- fauk him, both within and without, and fometimes he troubles the body, Sometimes the Soul, and iometimes both, to work their deftrudtion. Judas Jfcariot , belides Cain^ and King Saul , affords us an example, who when the Divcl had driven his mind to defpera- tion and diftruft, he caufed him ;o'hang himfelf, being weary of his life, and he made his bo . y rcpreachfull by being hanged. And though Satan the greater; enemy of mankind hath a tbou- find wayes andArts to do mi fchdefjy et by one effcdfual means that is ready at hand, is he chiefly driven away & conquered,namely by folid faith, & certain confidence in God the Father by Chrift. Met een vafl gheloove , ende een goedt betrowen op Godt> Alfo the Apo- file Peter fhewsthat by this means wc ought to fight againft the fnares of that Tyrant, againft his frauds, impoftures, deceits, fub- tilties, rage, cruelty, namely, byfobriety and vigilancy, garded and defended by Faith. For fo he warns fuch as are fecure. Be fober and watchful /, bee aufe your adverfary the Devillgoes about like to a roaring Lyon peeking whom he may devour , whom refijt conflantly in the faith . For this (faith Saint John) is the viBory which conquers the world , even your faith. For the truft whereby we rely on Chrift, and wholly commit our felves to fuch a Prote&or, gets us the Vi¬ ctory againft the Di vels, and the Princes of this world, fo that we can win and carry from him, being caft under us, rich fpoils. When therefore we would do any thing againft this adverfary, and would refill his charms and witchcrafts (the Dutch call that Toverye) or would caft ill fpirits out of mens mind : it muft be done by confidence in Jefus Chrift, contemning all old wives fu- perftition, and hcathenifh vanity, and other Magical execrations. For God by his Son who is the brightneffe of his glory, and ex- prefte Image of his perfon, doth dp all things in all men, ruling all things by the word of his power. He hath merited this prero¬ gative
3§7
Chap, 5 7. Of Chnjt’i Authority .
gative by his fingular obedience, humility and meckncfie toward the Father. For when he was in the form of God, that is, like and Philip. equal unto him, he thought it no robbery to be equal with God, but Chrift is eqitaH he humbled himfdf, and took upon him the form of a fervanc, be- mth GocL ing made obedient unto death, even che death of the Croffe, fo ig¬ nominious and execrable, wherefore God hath highly exalted him, and hath given him a name above every name, that at the name of Jefus every knee fhould bow, both of things in heaven, things on earth, and things under the earth, and all tongues iTiould a c- knowlcdgand conic fie that jefus Chrift is the Lord to the glory 7 he amplitude of God the Father, upon whom redounds all the glory of the Son, ofthenanteof and fo of the Father to the Son. If therefore any man purpofech fef14*- to go about any bufinefle., to eafe minds affli&ed, or difpoflefle ^ndontby\he devills out of mens bodies, let him attempt to do it by calling on name of chrift. God the Father in confidence of the name of Chrift : For fo lhall he obtain all his defires, and lhall not fail of what he fecks for.
By the force and po wer of this Majeftical name (foa man do not doubt and diftruft Gods promifes) difeafes abate, affe&ions a;, i perturbations of the mind are allayed, tempefts and Seas are cal¬ med, thedivells, as Chrift promifed, when he was toafeend into heaven, fly away? poyfons grow dull, ferpents are cliarmed and Jiikindofdl - growharmlefle, the clouds of the mind are difpelled, tear and ter- feafes are dr* reur, and horrour of death arc difeufled, all ill thoughts are ilpated and vanilh away, the mind obtains a quiet and peaceable confidence, fo that nothing can come which may make us afraid, becaufe God the Father through Chrift Jefus fupports us by his fpirit; Wherefore we muft raife up our minds unto the living God by theConduft of his Son,and whatfoever thou determined to go about, remember to do it in the vertue of that wondcrlull name Jefus. Tor to him is given all power in heaven and in earth , and Math. *9: there is no other name given under heaven wherein we may look \6f for falvation, which is fo terrible to wicked men and to devils, but to thofethat truft in him, is he power, and Wifedome, Salvation, ar. 4.
Life, and Refurre&ion. He, even Jefus Chrift, is appointed by God to be the judge ofthe quick and the dead, he is the faithful! ty6' ' Witneffe and Prince of the kings of the earth, who loved us and wafhed us from our fins in his own bloud. To him, as the Apo- flle Peter faith, in the Ads ofthe Apoftles, all the Prophets give Attiu; teftimony, that every one who believeth in him might receive re- niifiion of fins through his name. This is life eternal, which Te- 7ohnt7\ ftimony Chrift aferibes to the Father, that they may know thee Siffion If £ to be the oncly true God, and whom thouhaftefent Jefus Chrift, unto whom is referred, and from whom is derived all the force of divinity and all the Wifedome and Vertue of God may be aferibed A unto him.
Since therefore this name is fo renowned and Sacred, and of fo great Majefty and power : we muft be exceeding careful! that weufeitnot in vain, or upon light refpe&s, and irreverently, as thofe ridiculous exorcifts did, who when they ftrovfc with certain jfaiii
F f f 2 rices,
;88
£b ri(l if the Head of the Church.
Chap.57.
Saint John. AH, 0»
All glory u gi¬ ven to chrift- Colof. 1. Heb.i.
rites, and words conceived for gain and often titi on to drive forth the evill fpirit in the name of jefus, by vertue whereof Saint Taul wrought fo many miracles* by this abufe they fall in¬ to great danger, and their admiration, or rather ridiculous pra- Tbe ex or rifts ft'ice was very hurtfull unto them. For he that was poflefted wounded. with the Devil leaped forth upon them, and cruelly tore them, fo that they were forced to lave thenrilelves by flight. There rhe exo,ci(ls of c ajf0 i'nour memory force Popifh Priefts, who having no
fmnijhid mtb faith in the name of Chrift, nor any iaruSicy ot life, attempted foolijloand idle to do the like* but they were fo mocked and made afhamed by the dottme. evq fpirit, that they were forced to depart with quaking and leave the bulinefTe undone. Yet if any man would go about to do any fuch matter, and to eaft forth Divels out of mens bodies ; let him Ybcmcieof imitate the example of Saint Peter and Saint Iohtry who ufed no St. Peter and ambitious words, yet raifed up the lame man thus, In the name of lefus Chrift of Nazareth^lrfe and walk * and he prfently (his legs and ankle bones receiving flrengh) leapt up and food on bis feet , and wal¬ ked^ and entred into the 1 emple with them , leaping , and walkings and prayfingCjod. y •„ .m!,
Since therefore ]efusChrift theoncly Son of God is equal and cocternal with the Father, in whom alfo are hidden all me trea- lures of Wifedome and knowledge ruling all things by the word of his power : it is fir, that placing ail our confidence on God by Jefus Chrift, by his vertue and defence we fhould refift Satan, fin and hell,andall other enemies of mankind. For great and excellent is the flrength and force which God hath fet forth in C hr iff, as SainiTaul faith, when he raifed him from the dead, and madehim to fit at his right hand in heavenly places, above all power, principality, and dominion, and above all that is named not oneiy in this world but in that alfo which is to come. And he hath put all things under his feet, and he hath made him the chrift h lead of head overall, that is the Church which is his body, the fulnefte c hiftd^h a of him, who filleth all things in all men* that is, Chrift is he things ina.il by whom God filleth and accomplilhcth and perfebfeth all things
nua' in all men, efpecially in thofe who truft in him, and as the ^ A po¬
ttle Paul faith, are fealed by the holy fpirit of promife, which is the ear reft and pledge of our inheritance, for the redemption of the poflefiion that is acquired and purchafed for us to the praife of his glory. Wherefore Saint Paul who was accuftomed toin- numerabk combats, and w3s forced to endure many aflaulcs, per-
fwadcs all men, that wbenfoever any dangers are at hand, or death is threatned, or Satan makes war againft our mind, they muft re- lift and ftand out againft all thefe with an undaunted and refolute courage. For fo he animates and upholds the Ephefians: Finally yyiy brethren-) farewell j ft and f aft in the Loyd , and in the power of h is might. Put on the whole armour of Cod , that you may ft and again ft the wiles of the Devil * For we wrefile not againft flejh and bloud, that is, frail and dying men, though fometimes they are troublefomc
enough, but avdinft principalities and powers^ again f the rulers of the
a • 4 / d /irk nett e
Ephef, 1,
Chrift [upper- tetb us in out afftidions. Epbcf. 6.
I
Chap.57.
Of CbriJVs Authority .
3 *9
darkneffe of this world againft fpiritual wckedneftes in high places. In which fullnefle of words and plentifullnefleof fentenccs, and al- fo by an elegant metaphor taken from the conflict and alfault of an enemy, Tie thews that the Devils and their fervants do work and frame their ftratagems, and iubtile praClifes with wondcrfnil fraud againft all chofe chat are Chrifts, and have given up their names unto him.
Wherefore fince our enemies are fo formidable, and fo well acquainted with lpiritual wickcd^cfle, he {hews by the way what weapons wc mult ufe to refift them with. Take, faith he, the whole armour of G od ( by an example taken from chofe who are well- ar¬ med to go to battel, and hand in readindle) that you may be able to refift your adverfary the devill , and when you have done aU, and en¬ ded the bufi.neffe, to Hand like to thole who are not put to flight, and compelled to turn their backs. Stand therefore having your loyns girt about with the girdle of truth, and having on the Br eft-plate of righteoufnefje, and your feet flood that you may be ready provided to the preparation of the Gofpel of peace : And above all, taking the fjjield of faith, wherewith you jhall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wick¬ ed, and take the helmet of Salvation, and the f word of the fpirit which U the word of God : to which he adds as a fupply of auxiliary forces, prayers and lupplications in the fpirit, which prevail fo far as 10 gain us the victory, that God in lbdoubtfuliaconbiCl:,asit were a dubious event in war,may (as Saint Peter faith, who treats upon the fame argument)reftore,{trengthen,confirm5and fuppert his af¬ flicted ones, who are near inclining unto ruine. And finceofold theauthority o{ Pythagoras wasoffuch efteem amongft his Schol¬ ars, and his doCtrine lo much reverenced, that it was held for an Oracle,and fpoken as it were by Apollo, that they would presently to perfwade belief (as if it were wickednefl'e to deny it) objcCt, dvjif’iiptt. He fa id it •, it is but juft, and the reafon of our falvation requires it, that we fhould give to Chrift the fame honour and re¬ verence, and in aflertinghis coCtrine, and cftablifhing the profef- flon of faith, fay to thofe that are deaf to his words, Believe it to be true, for Chrift our Saviour hath fpoken it.
For his doCtrine is not mans doCtrinc, not weak, not cold, but it is lively, quick, faving, effectual, divine, and that brings fe¬ licity untoman, which it is lit we fhould aSk for from Chrift only, who is the fountain of all Wifedomc and goodneffe, and in whom dwelleth the f ullnefle of the Godhead bodily, in whom we are made perfect. By him, as Saint Paul faith, God the Father hath plucked us forth from the power of darkneffe, and hath tranflated us into the Kingdome of his dear Son, by whom we have redemp¬ tion in his bloud, and remilfionofour fins, who is the Image of the inviflble God, and the fitft born of every creature ; forbynim all things were created, which arc in heaven and in earth, whether they be vifible, or inviflble, thrones , dominions , principalities, powers. All things were made for him, and by him, and he is before all, and by him all things fdbfift. And he is the head of the
body
A (imile from the wdufhy of Soutdiers .
The weapons of Chriflian war* far .
Ephsf
s
Prayer is arm a going the De~ vill.
* Pet. 3,
An argument, from Chrifts authority . i
wemufl objtcl Chrift hath faid it.
Chrifts doSrine exceeds alt Wif- dome.
C olof z.
C olof. 1,
God hathgh'0 out all things ih Chrift ,
39° Of the Vertue of Hear fa and pretiow Stones. Chap. 5 8*
body which is the Church, the beginning and firlt born from the dead, that he fhould be the chief rn all things, holding the Prin¬ cipality. Becaufe it plcafed the Father that in him ihouldall full- nefle dwell ,and to reconcile all things to himfclf by him, and to make peace by the bloud of his Crofle.
Since therefore God the Father hath fo largely and abundantly powred forth all things upon Chriif : let us drive and haden to come to this moft plentiiull and overflowing fountain, and with full affurance let us be bold to ask and hope for all things from The force of him, and try to accomplilh what we dclire. If we wiil put the Talth‘ devils to bight, cure difeafes, efcape dangers, kill venemous beads , make all poyfons to be harmlefle, remove Mountains from their places : you mud know that ail thefe things are tobedonc by the vertuc and power of jefus Chrid, and by firm confidence in him. For Chrid promifeth to him that believes, that all things ihould be plain, open, and cade; which he teftifkd i*. t0 Difciples in his lad Sermon before he afeended into Hea¬ ven, when he faith, Go ye into all the World and Preach the Gof- pel to every Creature , He that believetb and is Baptized fhall be faved , but he that believeth not jhall be condemned . Now thefe figns fhall follow thofe that believe; In my name fhall they cafl cut Devills ^ They [hail fpeak with new Tongues, They fhaJl kill Serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it fhall not hurt them, They (ball lay their hands upon the lick, and they fhall recover ^ that is, they fhall be well fo foon as they are touched.
All thefe things (hall be ever ready wherefoever the progrcfle and profit of the Gofpel (hall require a miracle. But in the Souls Miracles thefe miracles arc allwaies wrought by the Miniders of the Go- the fpej^ when they drive filthy vices out of mens minds, when by the effectual force of the fpirit and wholefome doctrine they cure the difeafes of mens Souls, when they free the heart from cove- teoufnefle, hatred, wrath, lud, calumny, backbiting, and other venemous affections, and adorn it with divine gifts.
CHAP. L V 1 1 1.
whether hear fa and pretiow flones have any force to drive away Devil iy
and to put to flight things hurtfull .
plants profita¬ ble far many things.
J e-welt have a fieret virtue.
T Hough plants have principally that ufe and thofe forces given them by theAuthour of nature, that they fervefor nutriment and Phyfiek for mens bodies : yet in anticne wruings forae plants are honoured, for that they refid witchcraft, and drive away all charms and fafeinations whatfoever. Thefe are called Amulets and remedies againft witchcrafts, becaufe they drive away from man ail hurtfull things. This vertue is J • aferibed
Chap. 58. Of 1 be vertue of Pretiom foxes.
alcribed to Jewels and precious (tones alio, which they have not from their hrft qualities, tfiat is, their -temperament of near, cold, moyfture,dfindIe$ bueby afpecifique vertue, and hidden quality and iecret property : the caule whereof cannot at all be ex¬ plained. •
So the Loadftone draws iron coir, Jer, and Amber draw chaff and ft raws, theSapbir which is of a blew heavenly colour defends chafticy. The jacinth and Chryfolitc worn upon the ring-finger, refift the Plague. The Emrauld and Pralius being green ftones, refreffieth the Heart. Ef ratios, that is a blew coloured ftonc, com¬ monly called a Turcois, preftrvesa man from falling down, and from ruine^ or, it any fuch thing happen, it keeps the body from hurr. Corall bound to the neck takes off turbulent dreams, and allays the nightly fears of Children. The Carbuncle and ilone called Sardius, commonly called the Ccrncel, having this' name from the red berry of the Tree called the Cornel-Tree, makes a mans heart merry, and his countenance lively, diffufing chebloud intothebody. So other Jewels have other venues, and drive away Hobgoblins, Witches, Night-marcs, and other evil 1 fpirits, if we will believe the Monuments of the Antients. So strafe difia- amongft hearbs there are fome that refift difeafes, which have fes driven a-i much affinity with the vexations and tortures of the Devils. As yo*ybJt}* Melancholly,Frezy, Madtieffe, Epilepfic, and moft cruel difeafes °^lan‘s' that befall maids and widows from the affection of the Matrix, or when their courfes are long before they come, or they (lay long unmarried. For by thefe fumes and black thick vapours their mind is fo affeded that they feem to be tormented by fome hurtf all fpirit,'and they are perfwaded that the Devil poffefleth their minds, and drives them to conceive many abfurd imaginations. Againft this evil, firft opening a vein in the ankle, it is good to apply fuch wholefome plants that can free them from thefe accidents, as are Mugwort,Savory,wild Marjoram3wiId Thyme,PenniroyaI,Origa- num,Ciary. But amongft hearbs which relieve afflided minds, and keep them free from venemous vapours, that offend the brain, or from the Devil, or an imagination that fome have of him j are Rue, Squils, (of the juice whereof there is made both an Oxymel, and V inegar) Mafterworr, Angelica, (which is akind of Ferula or Laferpitium) Alyflbn or Rubia Minor (which cures the Madnefle of Dogs, and fuch as are bit by them, which difeafe is not much different from theirs who rage and are tormented by the Devil)
Rofemary purgeth houfes, and a branch of this hung at the en¬ trance of howfes drives away devills and contagions of the Plague, as alfo Ricinus, commonly called Palma Chrifti, becaufe the leaves are like a hand opened wide. So Coral, Piony, Miffeltoe, contrary tods drive away the falling fickncffe, either hung about the neck, or E!*lcM' drank with Wine; Some of thefe, if any man think they may be given to drive away devills ; let heathenifh fuperftition, and va¬ nity be laid afide, let there be no foolifh prayers,and ftrange words ufed, whereby fuch as profeflEMagical Arts are ufe to c fifed their
Incatf*
4-
Of the Vertue of H earls ar.d preticw Slopes. ' Chap. 5 8
cations $ if there be any force in plants, as we find by experience fhenlpch there is5 you mud remember they had it from God. For all Mc- from&od. dicaments and hearbs that are applycd to mens bodies, become cffcdlual, not from them (elves, but by the biefFingof Cod, and To they procure feme fafe operation.
Wherefore if thou determine to do any thing by the help of hearbs, trufi not fo much to hearbs as unto God. For fo in cu¬ ring of difeafes you fhall come to a happy end with good fuccefle, otherwife all your endeavours are vain $ and the Artiff fails of the event, when there is no thought of God from whom all things have their being and tfft&s, and we do not rely upon him.
why kJh Afa Hence it was that ^fa king of Judah , when he was affli&ed Jxjw'i w*lh fharp pains in his feet, and asked no Counfel cf God,
zebron. i«. but onely trufted to the Phyficians, found no help by all their fomentations, but died, as the Hificry faith, of the Gowt in his Joynts; God doth not forbid to ufe the Phyfitians afli- ftance, butonely that we fhould not rely on them too much, and not to regard him who makes men whole, and whofe gift P{alm3, jt js tbat all things become effectual. Yet they do fuperftitiouf- ly, and they attempt a thing not far frem Idolauy, who apply hearbs that are confecrated with feme fained prayers, to cure witchcrafts, or go about to conjure aw ay difeafes by them. So they prepare Fern gathered in the Summer Solftice, pulled up in a tempeftuous night, Rue, Trifoly, Vervain againfi Magicail iropoftures, and thus they gull the rude and ignorant people and dazel their eyes, that they may cheat them of feme moneys, and wipe their nofes of what they have. Yet thofe vain Artifts , never grow rich,
H!>arhm& Studious Reader I thought fit to infert thefe things to this argu- ^ went, that fo every man may abftain from Magical inthamments, dmrnnts. and obferve from whom we ought to ask aid again if difeafes too, and how (defpifing heathen ifhfuperftition) wc may ufe rea¬ dy and obvious remedies, which God hath given us abundantly of his munificence.
CHAP.
Chap.59«
Jehovah is a jingular name of God .
393
CHAP. LIX.
Of the Majefty and Power of the Supveam Deity , and how various appel¬ lations the one Efjence of God diftinguijhed into three Perfons , hath : by the contemplation whereof the mind of man receives comfort and tranquillity, and conceives the high eft confidence in Godi
BEcaufe that excellent and Almighty Power , God, and chat eternal Mind is free from all mortall concretion, and is immenfe filling all places, governing all things, and ruling them by his power : for thefe reafons that one God is dittinguifhed by many names,by reafon of the vertues and excellency of his works, and he is illuftrated by many famous titles, both amongft the Hebrewes and other Nations that had any knowledg of a God. So in the holy Scripture he is called, Iehovah , £7, Elohim , ^Aoionai-, Emanuel , whereof every one fignifies a peculiar power and ver- tue, and aferibes great force unto God, which he exercifeth upon inferiour creatures. Whence when he propounds the precepts of the Jaw to be carefully obferved by the Jews, that the more authority and adoration might be given to them.I am,faith he, Je - hovah, thy God that brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the houfe of bondage. Thou \ha\t have no other Gods but me. By fomoft facred and wonderfull Name, he challengeth to himtell the Empire and dominion over all things. For fince that he is tnfc Fountain and original of all the world, and isonely independent, he gives force to all things that have their depcndance upon him, Wherefore it is fitting that all mortall men fhould obey his Em¬ pire and commands, and be fubje for no help from any other but from him, or turn to any creature from him, who alone fubfifts from eternity. Whom the He¬ brews call Jehovah, the Greeks *AvJ3 the Latines Exiftentem, the Lower Dutch Eeneeuwich goddeltck wefen , therefore the appella¬ tion of the divine EfTence is denominated from many things.From his firft force and power of exifting, from his eternity, magnifi¬ cence, ma jetty, rule. Empire, to which all arefubjeft, and where¬ by hegoverns all tnings created, and rules them by his fupream providence. Alfo God hath a name given him from his placable goodnefle, mercy, clemency, which he ufeth towards men who when chry are afHi&ed and paft hopes feek for his help. For the Hebrew word El, fignifies Gods mercy joy ned with his Jufticc, whereby he fupportsand defends the godly, and punifbeth the wicked, and by putting them in fear, recalls them from their wickedneffe. From light, whereby he difpclls darknette and mitts of errours from our minds, and illuftrates dark underttan- dings with the light and knowledge of himfelf and his truth. So Chr ift faid, / am the light of the worlds he that folio ws me walks not in
Ggg . dark -
The nature af God k infer a* table .
John
God hath ma 3 ny names.
Exod. to: Veut. 19. Jehovah is d lingular name of God*
God hath d. name given him from tbs
C
* y y V'A
Hofeah jj* Joel i. Nahum a,1
V>
Nahum %l Hofea ix. John 1.
394
Several Names of G O D.
Chap. 59
Jerem, 3. Malachi J. Jerem. 1. Efay 61.
darkneffe. From fire whereby he inflames tne Godly and makes
them burn with the love of his divine nature, and inftru mind with faving and lively dc&rine. Em he confumes the ad- verfariesand fuch as have no reverence nor fear toward God, and he brings them to nothing, as the fire doth flubble, and dry iueh; Wherelore Mofes and Paul perfwade men that God is to be wor- Deut. 4. (flipped religioufly, that he may accept our fervice. For, laith he, our God is a confirming fires whetefore let every man carry Hoje^: himfelfhumbly toward God. Alfo God hath his name from his
Tbe Dutch call goodneffe and munificence, thathe ufeth toward his, which he till not differ to be oppreffed with the want of any thing, or to faint for necelfity ; but he doth bountifully provide them with all things, and gives them abundantly all things neccffary for their uie, both external goods with tranquillity and peace of mind. Front his piety and Fatherly afft&ion, with which he embraceth his,
and provides for their fafety and welfare, is he called a Father.
So faith God in Ieremiah , thou fhalc call me father, and (halt nos
leave off to follow me. . . c a
Again, I am become a father to Ifrael, and fphratm is my tint born, and I will lead them by the Rivers of waters into the mhi way, and they (hall not (tumble, that is, they fhall tread in my (tens, they (hall accompany me, and they (hall red in my plealure, and I will keep ihimfafe in all their wayes, that no evill may happen unto them, and no injury misfortune or ca a- mity may befall them. But Efay mentions fpecious and glorious titles, which God the Father attributes to Chnft, whereby every man may know what out Saviour Child hath done for us, by his Birth, Death, Refurrc&ion and Afcenfion into Heaven. For fo the Prophet explains Ohrids magnificency, iplendour, glory, honour, power, greatnefle, none of which but redounds to our be¬ nefit and commodity. A Son is torn tow, andto « Son is given and the oo-vernment flsall he put upon Ins (houlder, and hts name J hall be called mnderfull, (founfellour , the Mighty Cod, the Sverlafung Father,
the ’Prince of peace. . .
Innumerable and infinite are the names that may be given to this iromenfe Majedy, and which God attributes alfo to himtelt. So he calls himfclf a Phyfitian becaule he heals Soul and body, and cures all vices in man be they outward or inward. A Shep- heard, becaufe with the greated care and vtgtlancy he fees to his fiock, and gathers together his fcattered (heep, and he feeds and rdri flieth them with the wholefome food of his Word. So Chrid calls himfclf a fruitfull Vine, and his Father a husband¬ man, and us branches engralted into this Vine, which he cleanicth and lopsoffall unfruitful boughs, that is, all fuperfluous defires, that they bring forth more fruit; but thofe that he finds to be ^ fmUfm a barren, bearing no yearly fruit fby which metaphor he points at
r/m. thofc wbobring forth no fruits of faith) he condemns tothe fire as
unprofitable branches, that are dry and without any fap in them.
Efay 9°
p/bat fynifies
Emanuel. Jerem. J.
Hofea 7* Efay 5- Math. 9- Efay 40. John x o. Pfal. 78. 1 Pet. 1. John i*;.
395
Chap. 5 9.
Gods Power , Juft ice, Merc y, &C.
Sainc PauIslKo ufccn the like metaphor, taken from care and in- duftry ufed in husbandry and archne&ure. For the jars and con- tefts being extinguifhed and ended whereby the Corinthians difa- greedamongft chcmfclves, and were puffed up by reafon of their teachers? one againft another ; as we fee it falls out even in our dayes, headmonifheth them all? that if they had learned any fa¬ ying knowledge, they ihould not attribute that to their minifters but unto God who is the Authour of every good gift. We, faith he, are fellow-helpers, and as it were hired labourers 5 we do Gods bufinefle, and we approve our induftry unto turn, and we labour for him. You arc Gods husbandry ? and as it were the ground? which we make the .more fruufull? by lowing it with wholefome do&rine. You are the building and ftru&ure thatrifeth to Gods glory.
Moreover what concerns the Majefty and greatneffc of God? no¬ thing can be thought on to be fo fublime? Magnificent? illuftrious? excellent to be defired, and fingular? that may not juftly be refer- ed to the divine effcnce, and be accommodated thereunto. His Wifdome, whereby he governs all things? whereby he defends this world? and preferves it by his infcrutable counfel and pro¬ vidence, cannot be comprehended, is inexplicable, infinite, fo that the order and feries of fo great matters muff needs draw all men to admire the Artificer, and to love Him. His fortitude, ftrength and power whereby he caffs down his enemies? and fup- porcs thofe which aregodly is inexpugnable? and invincible. For there is nothing but muff yeild to his omnipotence, and no Tow¬ ers, Bulwarks or Forts, be they never fo ftrong, that can refiff his force. His Judgments and juftice, whereby he diffributes to every one what belongs to him, and rewards men according to their works? and as they have deferved? are right, holy, fmcere, lawfuJI, and moft equall 3 fo that no man, whole judgement is not depraved, can juftly fpeak againft them. His Mercy, Clemen¬ cy, Placablenefle, which every Prophet hath at large? and mag¬ nificently fee forth, is immenfe, and over all his works. For all thofc that fear his Juftice? fly unio his mercy as a place of refuge and fafeguard.
This removes d iff ruff, and defperation from fearfull minds. With this the Holy Ghoft, the Comforter, fupports thofc that fl.p and fall 5 and by putting into them hope and confidence to &tain Salvation, he drives them to the throne of Grace (which nercy the Dutch call it Remit ende quiit fchelding van mifdaet) that fhey may obtain it. So that nothing can be imputed unto them, or make them guilty of death. When Taul had made trial of this? he became an Apoftle from a perfecutor. So he fupports the doubtfuil and wavering minds of men, and provokes them to feek for Gods mercy by his own notable example; Whereas, faith he, Iwasfirfta pcrfecutour, blafphemous, and injurious, I obtained mercy, becaufe I did it ignorantly through unbelief,
Ggg 2 that
1 Cor. 3.
A fimle front auhitefture.
The A po filet 1 vere Gods Minified,
Cod is an aifo- lute example of venue . .
. \ w *
Gods wifdome, Pf 31.31.1°?+
Ephef. 1.
Godsfortitudt
power.
Pf. 17. 61, Efay 25. Proverbs 8, Luke z,
Gods fufiice. F/.7 8. 47.84.
Pf. X6.it, ] 149. 84.
Gods mercy U a refuge for firmer s,
Pfal.31.SC, V Goloj.i.
Heb. 4.
1 Tim. 1.
Paul magnifies Gods mercy , fob. 16.
3 9*
The Infniteneffe of Gods Mercy.
Chap.59
that is, wanting faith, and being ignorant oi Gods count'd, for he thought when he persecuted the Chriftians that he did God good fervice.
Sa.hu Paul pro- Now that every man may rake care of his Salvation, and all
nfJmiuo* may know that fins are purged by Chrifts bloud, for fo many as Gods men), believe in him, Paul pronounceth with an alteration and firm aflertion, that this isa faithfull faying and worthy of all men to be accepted that Jefus Chrift came into the world to fave tinners, whereof lam chief. But 1 therefore obtained mercy, that Jefus Chrift might firft fhew in me all long buffering, for a pattern to them who ihould hereafter believe in him to life everlafting, that isinhopeand cxpe&ation of his heavenly kingdome. Which benefit finceitmuftbe onely referred unto our heavenly Father* and it is not meet to deprive him of his due praife and glory, he concludes thus : To the King Imrftortal , Invijtble, to the onely wife God, be aferibed all Glory and Honour loth now and forever. Amtn . zFct.r. . rpeter alfo by reafon of the Myftcry of Redemption, gives the ^nitllyTxtou' like praife unto God, and the Father of our Lord Jefus Chrift, Gods mxey, pyho according to his abundant mercy hath regenerated m unto a lively Tit. 3. hope, by the nfng of Jefm Chrift from the dead , unto an Inheritance Immortal, Unde fled, and Uncorruptible, laid up for min the heavens, that is, for the love of us. For after that the gentlenejje and love of god our Saviour appeared unto m, not by works of righteoufnej] e that we had done , but according to his mercy he f a Jed m, by the wdjhtng of rege¬ neration, and renewing of the Holy Ghof , which he jhed on us abundant * ly, through Ief us Chri four Saviour, that being jufified by his grace , wt jhould be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life . This is a ( faithfull faying, and every man ought to fix it in his mind. Since therefore ihe love and inclination of God is fo great unto mankind, fo great is his favour and mercy, that befides the ufe and commodity of all things, he hath alfo given his onely beloved Son to Redeem us, that by the death and Refurrc&ion of Chrift we might obtain favour and Reconciliation 3 It is but juft, and all mvetrii }e equity and gratitude for fo great a benefit requires it of us, that to God, every man fhould place his hope and confidence in God, and ex- Faitb is'ador- toj bim wjcb tbc bigheft prayfes, and ftrive to approve his lifeun- ntd by work*. io ^ . and tQ pjeafc him by faith, not that which is vain and con¬ ceited, but which is compaffed about, and garded by works of charity, denying all ungodlinefle and carnal lufts, to confecntc riL himfelf unto God, and to live foberly, juftiy and godly in this pn-
fent world looking for that b Idled hope, and appearing of tie glory of our great God, and our Saviour jefus Chrift, who gave himfelf for us, to redeem us from all iniquities, and to purific un. to himfelf a peculiar people zealous of good works. For by this Rom. si way of ordering our lives, by the affiftance of the Spirit our Com¬ forter, peace and fecurity Chall be maintained in our minds, and all trembling and fear of death being caft away, we (hall find an entrance into immortality, and thofc blefted manfions, Chrift
being
Of D.'atb.
397
i
being our leader.
for death is noc the dtftrudion of our bodies
but the renewing of them, not the annihilation of Nature, but the paftage to a better life, and the gate and firfl entrance into the heavenly City, and the way to eternity. And of the certainty hereof no man ought to doubt, or to diftruft Gods promifes, fince the truth it felf chat cannot lye, will faithfully perform what he hath promifed. For God is truth ; bur every man is a iyar, that Godisfaitbfutt is, God deceives no man, nor mocks him, or fruftrateshim of his "this p romifes . hope and expedationj he is none of chofe vain boaftersor idle pro-- mile- makers, as men are, who break their Covenants, and rend afunder ail bargains and agreements, and that find out fomc fub- tilcwaiesto elude and to tree thcmlelves from what they leriouf- ly promifed : but he is ft able, firm, conftant, and will with the greaceft aft’urance and fidelity make good all his promifes, and what he faid,he will do, he will perform. But every man is a Lyar, that is, falfe, trivial, idle, light, flippery, intonftant, un- irbatls meant faithfuil, changeable, doubtful!, wavering, diverfe, fraudulent, bymanh&M* vain, captious, uncertain, and who will fay one thing fitting, and another when he ftands up, fo that no man can fafely put any con¬ fidence in him. But thefc crimes are far from the majefty of God, for no humane paflionsfall upon him. Wherefore we mud chiefly depend upon him in full aflurance, all our withes hopes and defires muft be tranfported unto him, whether dangers or ca¬ lamities, or death and ourlaft contlid come upon us. For ail things \^e fly grow more tolerable by reafonof his favour and prefence, and be untoCtd. they never fo bitter and fowrc, they are thereby made fweet. The fear of death is fhaken off by our truft in him, and all trembling and fear is driven out of our minds. For the love of him we dc- fp fe and regard not the delights and Batterings of this World.
By his help and atfiftance we endure all fuch miferies and calami¬ ties that compaffe us in every moment. By a folid hope and ex- pedation of eternity, and being fupported by him, we joyfully leave the Prifon of this world, and we are carried on to thofe blefTed habitations, Chrift: being our Condudour. But it will trouble us the lefte to forfake the fociety of our bodies here, and to leave our ftation of this life, and our laft conflid with death .makes us lefte forrowfull and doubtfull (wherein almoft diftruft and defperation are ready to lay hold of us) becaufe we are cer¬ tain that Chrift by his merits hath obtained redemption and fa¬ vour for us. For Jefus Chrift who is the Mcdiatour between God chrifh nefm- ■ and man, hath reconciled us to his Father, and wafhed away all ^aionjulhfla. our fins by his own bloud, and by the power of his Refurredion hath juftified us. For Chrift was delivered for our fins, as Saint John iv Paul faith, and was raifed again for our Juftification. So that by Chrifts Refurredion as by a pledge we are confirmed, and are con¬ fident that we fhall be fa ved, and be raifed again by his power.
For he,as the Apoftle teftifies, fhall transform our vile bodies and philips, make them like unto his glorious body, according to his mighty
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