THis portion of Scripture ( welbeloved in the Lorde ) consisteth of two partes : of a proposition and a confirmation . The proposition in effect importeth thus much , that the knowledge and faith of Christ , if it bee of the right stampe indeede , is never solitary , but alwaies accompanied with the keeping of Gods commandements , whereby , as a tree by the fruit it is discerned : being conteined in these words : Hereby wee are sure that wee knowe him , if wee keepe his commaundementes . He that saith , I knowe him , and keepeth not his commandements , is a lier , and the trueth is not in him . The confirmation standeth vpon two reasons : the one drawne from the effectes , wher it is said , But he that keepeth his word , in him is the loue of God perfect indeede : Hereby we knowe that we are in him ; The other derived from the example of Christ in the clause following : He that faith her remaineth in him , ought even so to walke as hee hath walked . The scope and drift of all , is to beare downe the vanitie of those men , which professing the name of Christ , lived not with standing vnchristianly , to the manifest flaunder and derogation of the same . Wherein as in a glasse or mirrour , by waie of reflection , we may behold the spots of our owne deformity : whose conversation being compared with our profession , is for the most part no more consonant therevnto , then the harsh iars of discord , to the sweet harmony of musique , as if they had made a wager , which should varie most either from other . Touthing the vniting of which division , motion hath bin made , so often , so earnestly , both heere and elsewhere , that it may seeme , but a needeles or booteles office , to solicite the same agame . Howbeit , as the Phisition never ceaseth to minister , till his sicke pacient be wholy recovered : even so it behoveth vs the Lordes Phisitions , daily to applie the most wholesome medicine of Gods word , till the maladie of sin , wherwith mens soules are sore diseased , be throughly healed and recured . But before I come to the particular points , let vs praie &c.

This is the proposition ( as I saide ) & is contrived ( if ye marke ) of an excellent Antithesis . A figure of speech , very familiar with S. John , both in his Gospel and Epistles , not so much for perspicuitie , as vehemencie sake . Hereby we are sure that we know him , that is , by this argument , wee may certainely perswade our selues , that we haue the true knowledg & faith of Christ , if we keepe his commandementes . For the Apostle speaketh not heere of a bart historical knowledge , Iam. 2.19 . which the Divels themselues haue , and are never the neerer : but of that saving knowledge , whereby we are iustified , as the Prophet Esay witnesseth . Esa. 53.11 . But this be amplyfieth , by setting against it , another proposition of the contrarie : Hee that saith I knowe him , and keepeth not his commandements , is a lier , & the trueth is not in him : as if hee had said , the keeping of Gods commandements is an evident token of the true knowledge and faith of Christ , to boast therefore of the one , without having apparent testimony of the other , is but a Thrasonicall brag , a lowde lie voide of trueth . Which accordeth with the premisses on this maner , whereas I saide before , that Christ was given vs of God the father , to be the reconciliation for the sins of the whole world , 1. Ioh. 2.2 . and that we must vse him for our mediatour and advocate with the father , let no man gather therevpon , vers. 1. that it is sufficient to be called a Christian , to learne the stories of the Bible by rote , neither yet to bee partaker of the holy Sacraments instituted by Christ . For besides all this there is an other matter of far greater moment and importance required at our handes , namely , a liuely knowledge of Iesus Christ , which is a worke & influence of the holy Ghost . It graffeth vs wholy into Christ : ravisheth vs with admiration & loue of him , so as we hunger and thirst after nothing more , then to testifie the same to the worlde , by our obedience towards him in keeping his commandements . This carefulnesse to walke in the waie of Gods commandements , who so feeleth effectualy wrought in him , may well ascertaine his conscience , to the vnspeakable ioy and iubily of his soule , that he is indued with the true knowledge and faith of Christ indeede . But otherwise , if he find no inclination , no disposition at all , but rather a backewardenes and repugnancie in himselfe that waie , let him leaue glorying in any such vaine paradise : for he doth but he , & plaie the Hypocrite . And this , as neere a I can vtter , is the true purport and meaning of the Apostles wordes . Wherein are wrapped many very good points of doctrine worth the vnfolding , as well for comfort as instrucion .

And first it is not lightly to be passed over , that S. Iohn saith not barely , we think , or we suppose , but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , by this wee are sure , that wee knowe him . A cleare evidence , and strong proofe , that we may haue certain knowledge of our salvation . For salvation being apprehended by faith , as the whole tenor of scripture every where defineth , in that the Apostle heere plainely confesseth , wee may bee sure of our faith , nay setteth downe an infallible note of the certaintie thereof , it cannot be , the faithfull should be vncertaine or doubtfull of their salvation . This doth flatly repeale that dangerous and wicked Cannon of the counsaile of Trent , Sess. 6. c. 9. whereby men are taught alwaies to stagger , and stand in doubt of their salvation , as being impossible for any in this life , to know of a surety that he in particular shall be saved , without by some special priviledge from God , he be made privie therevnto . A faithles doctrine like a shippe in a storme without helme or compasse betwixt the billowes & surges of the sea ? but no marvaile , though the Papistes do thus lesson their schollers alwaies to doubt of their salvation , the ground , the matter and forme as it were , of whose doctrine , is their owne lucre and gaine . For once let this trueth be admitted off , that Christians be by the worde and spirite of Christ assured of their salvation by him : then may they streight , poore men , bid adue , & singe a perpetuall requiem for the soule of their priesthood , their pardons , their trentals , their dirgies their chauntries , their censing , their singing , their ringinge , their masses and praiers for the dead , with whatsoever mercenary trumperie els of like stampe . For bar them of their profit ( the onely butte , the onely white they aime at ) and all these , I warrant you , will quickly lie in the dust ( if that common proverb be not wrongly fathered on them : no pennie no pater noster . ) Againe in that they looke to bee saved by their owne workes , which ( alas ) they cannot but see in their giltie consciences ( howsoever they hoodwinke & blindfold their eys against the light of the truth ) to be spotted & vnpetfect , & such as ar not able to abide the touch of Gods iustice : how can they stand resolute men , but needs must remaine scrupulous and suspicious of salvation , as not knowing , whether they haue desartes enough to serue their turne or no ? Thus doth the spirit of giddines , wherewith the malignant Church is intoxicate and governed , Like the Rat : prodi● seipse S●rez bewraie it selfe even by his owne doctrine .

Secondly commeth to be marked the certaine marke , wherby to discerne the true Christian , from the counterfeit & Hypocrite . True it is that faith maketh a Christian : howbeit , because it doth many times lie hid , and we cannot readily iudge of other mens mindes , wherein faith hath her seat and mansion : therefore the Apostle sheweth , how the faithfull may be descried by an outward marke : & that is the keeping of Gods commandements . Whereby is meant , not that perfect and continuall abiding in all thinges commended and commanded in the lawe , to which condition , Levit. 18.5 . doe this and liue is annexed , ( a burthen to heavie for any wordly wight to beare so long as we are invironed on every side with the infirmities of the flesh : ) Gal. 3.12 . but only that careful studie & indevour , wherewith the faithfull soule is inflamed and set one fire towardes the commandements of God to fulfill them in some good measure , as God shall enable him , whereunto nevertheles , by reason of the corruption of our nature , much imperfection will cleaue , will he , nill hee , when hee hath done the best he can . Neither did S. Iohn faine this marke of his owne head , but learned it of his master Christ . Ioh. 14.23 . For he saith : hee that hath my wordes , and keepeth them , is he that loveth me : vers. 24. And againe as it were doubling his blowe ; he that loveth me not , keepeth not my word : & in another where : ye are my friends if ye doe whatsoever I command you . So when God the father had made solemne proclamation from heaven : Mat. 17.5 . this is my beloved sonne in whome I am well pleased : to admonish vs of our dutie withall , hee adioyneth : heare him : signifying thereby , not the hearing of those thinges , which Christ should giue in charge in his word with our outward eares only , but the expressing & practising of the same in our liues and conversation : for they onely are pronounced blessed of him , Luc. 11.28 which heare the worde of God and keepe it . As therefore that son doth degenerate & is not worthy to beare the name of his father , which studieth not by all meanes possible to obey & please his father : even so no more is he to be esteemed a true Christian , and child of God , which endevoureth not , as much as in him lieth , to approoue himselfe to God the father , by keeping of Christs commandements , wherin only he delighteth . But aboue all , this one thing I would haue escecially noted , as it were with a hand in the margent : that S. Iohn reckoneth for true & faithful Christians , only such , as obserue & keepe the commaundements of Christ . This toucheth to the quicke al those that imagine Christianity to be placed in the observing of humane traditions : nay stifly contend with tooth & naile not some peece , but the very perfecion , & as it were quintessence therof to consist therin . As for example ; the Frāciscan Friet must no remedy be reputed holier than the rest , because he followes the rule of S. Francis . The Dominican , he preferreth himselfe before the Franciscan , and all other Christians : for that he professeth the rule of S. Dominike : & so of the rest of those irregular orders . But it is the rule of Christ , that maketh a Christian : and therefore we must either hold our selues satisfied with it ; or els shewe that S. S. Francis , Dominicke and other such like patrons of theirs , haue found out somwhat that is more holy & perfect , than that which was delivered and established by Christ : which once to thinke or speake were horrible blasphemie . Verely as no man will take him to be a right English-man borne , who refuseth to liue after the lawes , statutes & constitutions of England : so is not he to be deemed a true Christian , who to choose embraceth the hests of men before the commandements of Christ . Our savior himselfe is plaine & perentory in this behalfe : Mat. 15.9 in vain do men worship me , teaching doctrins that ar but the traditions of men : vers. 13. & eury plant which my hevenly father hath not planted , 1. Cor. 1.12 . shal be rooted vp . S. Paul sharpely rebuketh those which said I hold of Paul , 3.3 . I of Apollos , I of Cephas : and condemneth the Corinthians as carnall : for that by those names they were severed & sundred as it were into so many sortes & sects of professions . But we ( alas ) at this daie are growne to such madnes , that we magnifie & extoll them for holy-ones : we applaud & admire , yea and adore them , as the onely perfect men of the world , who disdaining and despising the name of Christians , made vnto vs expresly lawfull and honourable by the worde of God , doe call themselues Franciscans , Dominicans , Bernardines , Benedictines , Augustines and I cannot tell what , rather then Christians . But howsoever they vaunt themselues of their perfection , Miles gloviosus . like the glorious souldier in the comedye of his imaginarie valour , and swell like Esops toade , till they burst againe with the proude titles of Angelical , Seraphicall , and Cherubinical : yet by the verdit of S. Iohn , or rather of the holy Ghost , in despight of all Monkish Friers and Frierly Monkes , they onely are indeede , and are to be accounted true Christians , which applie themselues wholy to the observing & keeping of Christs commandements .

But some man may aske what those commandements which import vs so greatly to be kept , are ? for if he harken to the prelates of the Romish Church and popish religion they will tel him , they are none other , but the same which they both practise themselues , & prescribe vnto others to be done . But to be resolved aright of this doubt , he must in no wise be carried away with ours or theirs , yea or nay : but holde him selfe sure to the word of Christ , sounding in the scriptures . For Christ Iesus , as S. Paul beareth record , being yester day , and to day , Heb. 13. ● . and the same for ever : it is a cleare case , that all such thinges , as Christ hath appointed heretofore to be kept , doe & shall remaine in ful force , even to the worlds end . And seeing he is the wisedome of God the father : 1. Cor. 1.24 . and the father gaue the spirite vnto him not by measure , Ioh. 3.34 . but in such abundance , as we all partake grace of his fulnesse : can the perfection of Christs commandements be doubted-off , but the perfection of God himselfe , & of the holy ghost , must needs bee called into question therwithall ? furthermore in that God , in the old Testament , gaue such a law , as might neither be added-to , Deut. 4. ● . nor taken-from , without attaint of high treason against the Highest , as the holy Ghost in sundry places affirmeth : is it likely , I appeale and report me to your own consciences , that our estate vnder the Gospell , in the time of reformation , should be in worse case then theirs , & so vncertaine that it should neede every day , new additions to be supplied , new peeces of traditions to be patched , to be cobled & clowted thervnto Besides it is apparent , that Christ gaue not so much liberty , no not to his Apostles , to obtrude and thrust vpon the Church , whatsoever seemed good vnto them : but he restrained their commission with this limitation : goe gather me disciples out of all nations , Math. 28.19 . teching them to obserue whatsoever I command you . 20. Wher vpon S. Paul grew so precise , that he doubted not , to denounce anathema against him whomsoever , Gal. ● . 8 . though in degree of an Angell , that should presume , to announce any other Gospel , then what himselfe , & his fellow Apostles had preached and published before . But it shall bee needefull . I speake something of these commandements , which be they . For though they bee almost infinite , being severallye consydered in themselues : yet for plainenesse and shortenesse sake , they may be all raunged , and as it were marshalled into three generall rankes .

The first comprehendeth all such , as concerne our faith . Amongst which , that leades the ring , whereby wee are bounde , to beleeue in God alone , according as is put downe formost in the Decalogge , Iet . 17.5 . or ten commandements : For cursed be the man that trusteth in man , and maketh flesh his arme . Next this marcheth that which pointeth-out Christ : in affiance of whose merites and intercession , wee may boldely repose our trust and confidence in GOD . For except a man bringe Christ with him , to bee his spoakes-man , in vaine is hee sent vnto GOD , to treate for mercye : whilst the testimonye of his owne conscience will accuse and convict him , to be both a sinner & the child of wrath . And that we must beleeue in Christ , he himself doth vs to wit , wher he saith : this is the wil of God that sent me , Ioh. 7 . 4● . that evere one which seeth the son & beleveth in him should haue life everlasting . Also where he inviteth those that be weary & loaden to come vnto him to be disburdned & refreshed : Math. 11.28 . & the thirsty , to repaire vnto him , & drinko . Ioh. 7.37 . But because faith is no vaine opinion , conceaved by the perswasion of man , but a solid & sounde apprehension of the things , which are exhibited in Christ : it shall not be amisse , if wee consider a little , what the scripture doth report as concerning Christ . For vnlesse we doe acknowledge him , to be such a one , as hee is there purtrayed and depainted to be , wee can never fulfill the commandementes of faith , but shall runne headlonge , against the perilous rockes of mis-beleefe , to the everlastinge hazard and shipwracke of our souls . For to forge any thing of Christ that he is not , is as horrible , as to saie there is no Christ .

Whatsoeuer therefore is registred in scripture of Christ , either it toucheth his person or his office .

The person of Christ is one : & therfore in no wise to be devided . Wherein are ioiued two distinct natures : the one of the selfe-same eternity , maiestie & substance with God the Father ; the other in the time prefixed , taken of the Virgin Marie . Both these I say , be conioyned in one person , but not confounded . For the Deity remaineth whole , & is not stained with any spot of humane infirmity : neither is the humanitie swallowed-vp with the glory of the divine maiesty . But as he is perfect God : so is he likewise perfect man , consisting of a true humane body & reasonable soule . This may be avoued by many manifest testimonies of holy writte . For the olde Prophets in regarde of the divine nature of Christ , Esai . 7.6 . call him wonderfull , Zach. 13.9 . the everlasting Father , Ier. 23.6 . coequall with God , eternal , yea and which more is , the Lord and God himselfe : Esai . 11.1.53.2 . but having respect to his manhoode , they name him a branch , a graffe of the roote of Iesse , David , the sonne of David , the last and least amongst men . Ioh. 1.1 . In the gospel likewise , there is expresse mention made of the Godhead of Christ ; in the beginning was the worde , Vers. 14. and the worde was with God , and that word was God : but the same Changelist in the same place intimating his humane nature saith further ; 10 30. and that woorde was made flesh : not by making exchaunge of his divinity , but by taking our humanitye into him : For by way of exposition hee addeth ; and dwelt amonge vs . So CHRIST himselfe , 8.58 . speaking in the person of the sonne of GOD , sayeth ; I and the father are one : 14.28 . and before Abraham was , I am : but in the person of man hee sayeth ; the Father is greater then I. Much might heere bee alleadged for further proofe of this pointe , if neede required . But let it suffice vs , that it is a speciall commaundemente of CHRIST , necessary to bee beleeued of every true Christian man , that Jesus Christ , in one person , is very GOD , and very man : * * This figure of speech , is called of some , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : of Damascene , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : but commonly , communicatio idiomatum : a communicating or mutuall entercourse of properties : whenas that is vouched of one , which is proper to another . both those natures being in such sorte vnited and knit togither , that the properties of either , doe abide sound , though by reason of the Hypostaticall coniunction and vnion betwixte them , it commeth oft to passe , that that is attributed vnto whole Christ , which properly belongeth but to one of the natures only . Which caution , if we giue not good heede vnto , in reading holy scripture , we may soone run contrarie , ere we be aware , with Arrius , Evion , Marcion , Valentinus , Nestorius and others , who , through ouersight in that point , intangled themselues with many grosse heresies , to the great annoyance of the Church , and their owne vtter destruction . The informatton of this doctrine is very behoofeful , for the corroborating and strengthning of our weake faith . For so much as otherwise , Christ could not haue atchieued that wonderful exploit of our redemption , had he not bin , both God & man . Man ; to make satisfaction for man , that had offended : God ; to ouercome death , the due stipend of sin , whom no meere man , of him selfe ▪ was able to surprise .

The office of Christ , is implied in his names . For if that saying of the Poet be found daily verified in a number : conveniunt fatis nomina saepe suis : mens names oft proue sutable & correspondent to their fortune and destinie : the same ought especially to take place , in the son of God , so long longed & looked-for . The name ( Jesus ) is an Hebrew word , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and expresseth his office , in a more general signification , for it soundeth as much , Mat. 1.21 . as a Saviour , according to the true etymologie thereof , giuen by the Angell . Christ , is a Greeke word , and doth more specially notifie his maner of sauing vs . For whom the Grecians terme Christ , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Hebrewes call Messias , and is as much in Latine , as vuctus , in English , annointed . Now of old , by the ordinance and appointment of God , 1. King 1 . 3● Kings and Priestes were wont to be annointed , Exod. 30.30 . whom to haue bin types and shadowes of Christ , then to come , cannot be gainesayed : and so answerably vnto that figure , was our sauiour called Christ , that is , annointed . Not that he was annointed with materiall oile , but as it is in the Psalme , Psal. 45.7 . with the oile of gladnes : that is , with the giftes and graces of Gods holy spirit , aboue all other his brethren , the sonnes of men : being consecrate thereby , to take vpon him the office , both of the chiefe and eternal priest-hood , and prince-hood of Gods people . In witnes and token whereof , John Baptist saw the holy Ghost , Math. 3.1 . in a visible forme descending and lighting on him . In beleeuing then , and professing the son of God , to be Christ , we acknowledge and confesse him , to be both king and priest of Gods people , that is to say , of the whole Church . And therefore except wee will make of him an image without life , we must agnise in him accordingly the duties , aswell of the one , as of the other . The priests office in time past , was to teach the people , and to instruct them in the lawe of God , as also to pray , and offer sacrifice for them . These things , are al fully performed by Christ in every part , for hee did not only teach the people , when he was conversant vpon earth ; but still doth to this day , whilst hee revealeth and maketh his wil known to the Church by his ministers , and by his spirite quickeneth the same in the heartes of men . Nay Christ is to bee holden , for the only and singular doctour and schoole-master of the Church . 1. Cor. 1.7 . For ministers doe but execute the externall function onlye , which though it be done , neuer so exquisitely , neuer so in printe , as they say : yet if Gods spirite , doe not inwardely concurre therewithall , it availeth no more , then if a candle bee set before a blinde man , though neuer so bright , or a tale tolde to a deafe man , though neuer so lowde and shrill . J●epist . Jo●●● . tract. 3. As Saint Austine saieth very well : thinke not that one man learneth any thing of another : wee may warne by the sounde of our voyce , but if hee , who teacheth the hearte , bee not within , vaine is the noise made without . Neither did hee onlie pray for his , whilst hee liued in the flesh , but euen now appeareth before the face of the Father , to play the advocate and intercessour for vs : hauing offered a sacrifice , not such a one , as was accustomed in the old law , but euen himselfe , his owne body and bloode , which being slaughtered on the altar of the crosse , hath not only taken away the guilte of sinne , and penaltie due vnto the same , but also purchased the fauour of his Father towardes vs . Howbeit the manner of CHRISTS priesthoode , and theirs in the olde Testamente , is somewhat different . For the Leviticall priests , being but mortall men , subiect to death , they needed newe successours , to bee substituted in their roomes , euer as they deceased : but CHRIST , in that hee is immortall , and death hath nowe no more stroake over him , hee wanteth no successour , as no Vicar neither , as who is both able and willing enough of himselfe , to discharge that function , which was assigned and allotted vnto him of the Father ; For vnto him it was saide : Psal. 110.4 thou art a priest for euer , after the order of Melchisedec . Heb. 7.17.10.4 . Againe in that the bloode of Oxen and Goates , was not of value sufficient , to ransome the sins of the whole world : & al those swarmes of sacrifices , vsed in ancient time , were nothing but figures of that graund-sacrifice , to be offered on the crosse ; they were oft to be renued : 9.25 . But Christ once offered , entred not into that holy places made with hands , but into very heauen , there to appear in the sight of God for vs : not that he should offer himselfe often , but by the one oblation once offered , hath obtained for our sins , plenary deliuerance , full and compleate redemption . Who so then wil keepe the commandements of Christ , appertaining vnto faith , he must constantly beleeue , that Iesus Christ , is the only true , chiefe & euerlasting priest of Gods Church : who onlie hath the wordes of eternall life : who only maketh intercession for vs to the father : who by the only sacrifice of his body & blood , once offered , & neuer to be reiterated or repeated again , hath purged the sins of the whole world . Now a word or two of his kingdome .

The duty of a king standeth chiefely , in preseruing the people committed to his charge , in safety & publique peace . For better performance whereof , hee must make good Lawes , & cause them to be put in execution : he must be vigilant and watchfull for their well-fare : cherish the good : chastise malefactours : minister true iustice : see euerie man haue his owne : yea and if neede bee , shielde and defende his subiectes by force of Armes against all vniust violence and tyrannicall vsurpation . But in Christ not one of all those qualities , is wanting , if wee consider what the Scripture giueth-out of him . For he sought the good and tranquillitie of his people so earnestly , that hee thoughte not his owne precious hearte-bloode too deare , to spende it , for the furtheraunce and procuremente thereof . Hee made lawes not onelie availeable for this life , but for the life to come : the same hee vpholdeth maugre all aduersarie power , heaping benefites and blessinges vppon such as obey , but plagues and punishmentes vppon transgressours diuerse and sundry waies . Neither lacketh hee weapons , where with to establish his owne kingdome , and to subdue his enemies . Heretofore hee discomfited Sathan , the captaine general of al impiety and wickednes : puld-out the sting of sinne , that it can no more mortallie wounde vs : vanquished the graue : daunted the power of death : queld and crusht in pieces the gates of hell . And still hee incounters daily by his woorde , against Anti-Christ and all his imps and adherentes , the tyrauntes and wicked ones of this worlde : them hee killeth with the breath of his mouth ; yea and many times bringeth most horrible iudgementes vppon them : whilest stripping them naked out of all their authority , pompe , riches , honoures and possessions ; hee cl●●theth them with miserie , contempt and shame : whilest scattering their counselles ; defeating their purposes ; frustrating and disappointing all their plottes and practises ; hee tangleth them in the snares they had layed to entrappe others with all : and like an arrowe shotte against a brasen wall , reboundeth their mischieuous imaginations backe againe vpon their owne heades . Examples heereof are rife , & every where to be seene . For what one kingdome can there instance be giuē-off , what one , in al the world , whose laws , priviledges , swaie , maiestie & dominton haue indured so many ages , as wee see the kingdome and Church of Christ hath stood & florished inviolably ? The famous Monarchie of Assiria , which was founded by the first tyrantes of the worlde , the Empier of the Grecians and Persians , ( at whose beck whilome the whole world stowped , at whose frowne they trembled and quaked ) what trowe yee nowe , is become of them ? are they not cleane subverted ? are not the very foundations of them vtterly razed , turned topsie turvie , vp-side downe ? & what an ecclips , hath befalled vnto Rome for all the insolent crackes , which haue bin made of her , halfe an eye may see . To say nothing of other puissant kingdomes , which sometime shone in exceeding glory , but now quite extinct & scarce remembred . Only the kingdome , and Church of Christ continueth safe and sounde , & though it hath bene maligned & assaulted sore from time to time , by mighty & malicious aduersaries , yet hath it ever bene so protected & garded by Christ at al assaies , that it never miscarried : but the more fierce and fierye , the more furious and outragious the enemye was bent against it , the more it still abounded in strength and glorye . In which respect the state thereof was verye significantlye represented vnto Abraham in Genesis , Gen. 15.17 by a fire-brande flaming in the middest of a smoking furnace : Exod. 3.2 . and in Exodus by the bush which Moses sawe burninge but consumed not away . And for the same resemblance hath bene likened , sometimes to Cammomile , which the more it is pressed-downe and trampled-on , the faster it groweth , and spreadeth farther , and smelleth sweeter : sometimes to the palme tree , which the more it is loaden , the more it mounteth vnder the burthen : sometime to a vine , Just. M●●● de verit . Christ religi ● onis tom. 2● pag. 224. lin ● 14. which the more it is cutte , drest and pruned , the more fruitfull it waxeth : sometimes to roses and lilies which sprout and florish even amonge sharpe thornes . So true an oracle is that , not of Apollo of Delphos , but of the holye Ghost : that the gates of Hell canne never prevaile against the Kingdome and Church of Christ . And this accounte must wee make of Christ , if wee will beleeue in him , accordinge to his commaundementes . Wherevnto must bee referred whatsoever the scripture delivereth of him , and teacheth him to be the whole and sole saviour of the worlde . So that they doe violate and breake the chiefe commandement of Christ , who beleeue otherwise either of his person , or of his office , then he hath disclosed and taught in his worde . They likewise offend , that professe they carry such an opinion of Christ in those respects , as the trueth requireth : but not contenting themselues with him alone , doe ascribe part of their salvation to their owne workes , or other creatures , as if he without them , were insufficient to worke the feate . For as there is but one God , who will be worshiped by him selfe alone ▪ so is there but one mediatour betweene God and man , 1. Tim. 2.5 . even Iesus Christ , our true Immanuel , who is so ielous of his glory , Esai . 42.8 . that he cannot brooke , that any other person , or thing whatsoever , should be ioyned patent with him in the same . And thus much of the first ranke , or band of Christs commandements .

The second ranke is of those , which belong to the service of God , or externall religion . For albeit the true service of God be spirituall and standeth principally in the Canons & rules of faith before specified : yet God like a merciful father , tendring the infirmity of vs his children , aloweth certaine outward rites , for the better exercising of our inward religion & faith . And therein he hath set vs boundes & limites , which wee may not passe ; least following the current , the tide & streame of our owne wisedome , we should devise any kinde of worshippe in the serving of him , which though it seeme never so devout and holy in our owne eies ( as we are given over-much to be enamoured with our owne inventions and good intentions , Est quique sibi Suffenus● Catul Cacus amor sui : Horat. Ovid. Met. lib. 3 fab. 6. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : Naz. as Narcissus fel in loue with his owne shadowe : ) yet can it not stand with the nature & glory of God . The Iewes , they had many many ceremonies prescribed them , & well : for the more diversely the promised Messias , was decyfered and figured out vnto them , the better it was for them , both to kindle their devotion , and to confirme their faith . But nowe since the body it selfe , is come in place , which was the end of the lawe , all those heapes of ceremonies are vanished , and of right abrogated & abolished : and all thinges , whereby , either our faith is to be holpen , or our devotion to be furthered , doe consist in a fewe chiefe pointes . Amongst which we may afforde Church assemblies , the first roome , by vertue of Christs promise : Mat. 18 . 2● . where two or three be gathered togither in my name there am I in the midst of them . But it skilleth not , howe oft we flocke & flowe togither , except the thinges be donne , when we meete , for which we ought to assemble togither in the name of Christ ( for otherwise goates vse to hearde togither as well as sheepe . ) Here then commeth , in the ministerie of the worde , which Christ would haue , both sincerely preached , & attentiuely heard with faith : insomuch that he maketh the hearinge of the woorde , aspeciall badge and cognisance , Joh. 8.47 . to knowe his servants by , Luc. 10.42 . and highly commendeth Marye for that whiles Martha cumbred her selfe aboute much serving : she sate at Iesus feete & hard him preach . To this study of the worde , wee must ioyne fervent and heartye prayer : For the heavenly wisedome is given to none but such , Jac. 1.5 . as seeke & sue for the same at the hands of the father of lights by faithful praier . We must make our petitions then vnto God , & not vnto creatures , and that in a liuely faith , which banisheth all misdoubte of Gods good will towards vs , & assureth vs of his presence . These praiers , whether they be private or publique , how sweete a savour , howe fragrant a smell they yeelde in the nose-thrilles of the Lord , wee may esteeme by his vehemente and often callinge on vs , Psal. 50.14 . to vse them : protesting , hee setteth more by the invocation of his name , then by all other externall service what soever . And for our better direction in praying , wee must learne , as to subiect & submit our selues in all things , to the wil & pleasure of God : so to craue to be heard in all that we aske only in the name , & by the mediation of Jesus Christ . For being of our selues by nature corrupt and sinners , wee are not in case , to prescribe vnto God , what he should do for vs ; no nor without our mediator Christ Jesus , so much as to dare to present or prostrate our selues before the throne of his divine maiesty : as Christ himself giveth to vnderstand , informing vs , Ioh. 16.23 . both to pray in his name , Math. 6.10 . & in our praiers to say thy will be don in earth , as it is in heaven , These things at attended and waited-on , with the right vse & administration of the sacraments , to wit , Baptisme & the Lords supper , where we must be wonderfull circusispecte , that they be neither profaned through irreverence or contempt , nor polluted with superstition : remembringe , howe carefull Saint Paul was to reforme such abuses , 1. Cor. 11.23 as had crept into them amonge the Corinthians , according to the precise patterne of Christes originall institution , not daring for his life to swarue one heares breadth from it . These , these bee the pointes , wherein the outwarde service of God , doth in a manner consist : viz. holye and Christian assemblies , the preaching of the woord , prayers and sacramentes . All which as they were at first simply ordayned by CHRIST : so were they duetifully receaved , and faithfullye observed of the primatiue Church , without alteration or depravation . They that diligently addict & giue themselues vnto these things , bee they , that followe the commandementes of Christ , and by their so dooinge evidentlye declare , that they haue the true knoweledge and faith of Christ in them . But such as setting them aside , broach newe ceremonies of their owne brueing ; abandon the Church ; 01 contemne the worde of God ; embrace the inventions of men ; direct their prayers vnto creatures , or in them vse the mediation of others to the father besides Christ : pervert the right vse of the Sacraments ; and to all these adde images , aulters , newe consecrations ; yea and coyne newe Sacraments too : these cannot iustly be saide , to keepe the commandementes of Christe , in asmuch as the thinges which they vse , were never authorised by Christ : being indeede but birdes , as the saying is , of their owne hatching , fancies of their owne devising , without ground and warrant of the worde , the onely authenticall rule of our religion , and infallible pole-starre for our direcion , in the service of God .